Page 81 of I Think He Knows?

“Mason, you know Eliza. She’s doesn’t care about the attention and the fuss. She will be so happy she probably won’t even care about her birthday. Or it will be the best birthday she’s ever had.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“Okay, so just continue with your plan. It’ll be amazing, I know it.”

“Thanks, Serena. How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“Did you finally hang out with the coach last night?”

His question causes all the events from yesterday to flood my mind.

“Yes, we went out after the event. I also learned I’m a natural at throwing an axe.”

“Really?” he says. “Should the coach be worried?”

I laugh. “No.”

“So everything’s good then?”

“Yeah,” I say unconvincingly.

“Serena?”

“Mason?”

He’s quiet for a few seconds. “You know how long it took me to realize everything I want was right there in front of me. I was terrified to allow myself to make a commitment for fear I might turn out like my dad.”

“I know.”

“What I’m saying is, if you really believe the coach is the guy for you, don’t give up on him.”

Wow. When did Mason become the voice of reason when it comes to relationships? Being with Eliza has really helped him to grow.

“I thought you weren’t a fan of the coach,” I tease.

“I’m a fan of anyone who makes you happy,” he replies. “Because nobody deserves happiness more than you.”

Tears begin to fill my eyes. “Thanks, Mace.”

“Eliza and I will support you every step of the way,” he says. “Just like you’ve done for us.”

“That means a lot.”

“Have you invited the coach to the party?”

“Not yet,” I say. “You’ll be nice if I bring him, right?”

“Of course,” he exclaims. Hmm…this could go either way. Although I think Mason’s attention will be on other things after he proposes to his soul mate. He’ll be oblivious to Cam being in attendance.

After we’re off the phone, I drag myself out of bed to make some coffee.

The day after Celebrate Our School kind of feels like the day after Christmas. You put in so much time and preparation for one day, and then it’s over. It’s a bittersweet feeling, both sad and a relief.

I curl up on the couch with a blanket and my coffee and scroll through my social media. Many of the staff members and parents posted pictures from the event and tagged our school. I continue to scroll until I come to a photo that makes my heart sink. It’s a picture of Cam, Lilly, and their parents—they are all smiles. It’s frame worthy, and the caption thanks staff members’ families for showing up for our school. I stare at it for a few seconds as different thoughts swirl around in my head. Something about this picture makes me feel so unsettled. Cam said he’s moved on, but is he just lying to himself? Unfortunately, Lilly’s mother’s words keep replaying in my mind. I’ve worked with Cam for a while, and as far as I know he hasn’t had a serious girlfriend. Maybe what she said is true.

Ugh. This is exactly what Lilly wants. She wants me to doubt Cam and keep my distance from him. That’s why she always seems to be around.

---