Surviving The Aftermath (Book 1): The Dead Linger by Liz Roberts

getting ticked that he was acting so immature and pouting.
    “It’s not that.” He told her.
    “Then tell me what it is?” She now demanded, irritated that this had gone on this far.
    “I . . .” He started and stopped. Running his hand through his hair, she was still continuing to look at him, waiting for an answer.
    He chuckled. “I’m stupid ok. I thought maybe something might happen . . . between you and I.” He said in a soft tone with a hint of embarrassment. “But when I saw you talking to Mike, it was clear. And I apologize for acting so stupid and huffy.” Sitting there in silence, Jack didn’t want to look over, he feared he’d see some form of pity from Meghan. Slowly she put her hand on his shoulder, Jack looked over at her, ready for rejection.
    “What would make you think anything was going on between Mike and me?”
    “Well, he was leaning.”
    “What?” She asked incredulously. “Leaning? I’ve never heard of this before.”
    “Guys lean, he was close to you, implying an intimacy between you guys.” Wow that was the last thing she expected Jack to say.
    “Mike and I are just friends.” She said.
    “Really?”
    “Yeah.” Meghan scooted closer to Jack and started to lean in on him.
    “What are you doing?” He asked.
    “I’m leaning.” Meghan could see the wheels in his head spinning fast, she leaned farther forward and kissed him. It was just something innocent and quick, she stared at Jack waiting for some sort of reaction. Not totally sure what else to do, Jack leaned forward and kissed her.
     
    Jill was finishing up loading lumber for a new project in to the bed of a truck when Vikki startled her.
    “Oh! You scared me!” She put her hand on her chest.
    “Sorry Jill. I just wanted to talk to you quick. I know you’ve been assigned to some inventory jobs with Cindi, I was just curious, have you noticed anything strange with her?” She was very concerned and couldn’t hide it.
    “Actually she hasn’t shown up the last couple of times we were scheduled to work together.”
    “Wait. What?” Jill was suddenly uncomfortable, and felt like she was ratting the girl out. But she really liked Vikki, she’d been nice to her since the day she arrived, she wasn’t going to cover for Cindi. Maybe a little motherly discipline would do her good.
    “Yeah, she’ll either not show up at all or take off after I get there.” She had another bit of info, but she wasn’t sure if she should divulge or not. “And . .” She started and stopped. Vikki was waiting. “I’ve noticed Tyler seems to be lurking around a lot.” That’s all Vikki needed to hear. She was wondering about those two. She turned to walk away and stopped.
    “Hey what’s going on with you and Casey, did you guys have a fight or something?” Jill blushed immediately.
    “Why, what have you heard?”
    “Oh nothing, but I just noticed you guys aren’t even talking.” She smiled at Jill. “And I’m not blind, I can see what’s happening between you guys.” She just continued smiling. Jill bent to finish her work and avoid eye contact with Vikki. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
    “Come on Jill, I’m a woman, I know things. You can talk to me.” Jill stood and paused.
    “I don’t know what’s going on. I thought one thing, but I guess I was wrong.” She took another pause. “He just doesn’t share things with me and it gets frustrating.” Another pause. “I guess I’ve just been away from human interaction too long. I don’t remember how the girl and guy dynamics work anymore.” Vikki put her arm around her.
    “Oh no honey, he’d just been through a rough time like most, he just hasn’t had anybody to share stuff with. You know?” Jill kind of did. She shrugged and thanked Vikki.
    “You come talk to me anytime, I’ll always listen.”
     
    Mid-day was usually pretty full of hustle and bustle. Oscar was up in his usual posted area on the roof. Him and his crew had been