Page 14 of I Think He Knows?

“Thank you, Ms. Lewis. I’m so humbled to be the newest member of the Eastern Lake Elementary family.”

Wow. So Cam used to be with her? It’s no big deal—the past is the past, right?

I tune out what Ms. Winters is rambling on about and casually look around. I finally see Cam standing in the back of the auditorium, leaning against the wall. That’s his usual spot during these staff meetings.

“Is he here?” Jess whispers. Obviously, she knows I was looking for Cam.

“Yes, in the back.” Out of the corner of my eye, I can see Ms. Wilcox scowling. I have no doubt she’s less than thrilled about another woman showing up with a connection to Cam. It’s not ideal, but I’m not going to let it consume me. Cam and I are making progress, and we’re having dinner on Friday. Just because he dated this woman doesn’t mean anything now. I proceed to zone out as Lilly Winters continues talking. I’m not listening to a word she’s saying, so if it’s important I’ll have Jess give me a condensed version. After what feels like hours, Ms. Lewis begins talking again.

“Ms. Winters will be a great addition to our staff. She will help to continue our school traditions, foster success of our students, lead the staff and add new ideas to our beloved Eastern Lake.”

Everyone applauds before Ms. Lewis continues talking about Celebrate Our School.

Jess lets out a dramatic sigh and leans over to me. “I should probably put together something for this event. I never wait this long.”

“Same,” I say as I glance back to where Cam had been standing, but he’s already gone. Ugh, this is silly—I’m probably worried over nothing.

“Are you okay?” Jess asks.

“Of course,” I reply. “We should get together one evening this week and brainstorm some ideas for the event.”

She nods. “That would be great.”

As I make my way to my classroom, I give myself a pep talk. My priority is my career and my students. Whether or not things work out with Cam can’t affect what I’m here to do. I’ve always been of the belief that everything works out the way it’s supposed to. If I hold onto that, then it will all work out in the end.

* * *

“I had that first,” Ella screams.

“No, mine,” Ben says, pulling the book away from Ella.

I squat down between the children.

“Are we using our inside voices?” I ask softly.

The kids glare at each other, but neither loosens their grip on the book.

“I was looking at that book,” Ella tells me.

“I want it,” Ben whines.

I gently remove the book from both their little hands and open it to the first page.

“I have a super fun idea,” I exclaim. “What if you looked at the book together? You can take turns flipping the pages. Ella, you flip the first page, and then it’s Ben’s turn. Sharing is always the best way, and when you share…”

“You care,” Ella announces proudly. She sits next to Ben on the reading carpet, so I cautiously hand them the book and wait to see what they do. Thankfully they take my suggestion—crisis averted, for now. Of course it doesn’t always work out this way, and many situations include tears and all the dramatics. And this is how I spend a lot of my days, redirecting kids.

I’ve always loved children. I was the first to volunteer my babysitting services at family events or parties. When the other kids my age were hanging out together—I wanted to hold the babies or read stories with the toddlers.

Overall it’s been a good day, aside from the usual instances that occur in a class of little ones. I’ve been so busy I haven’t even given much thought to our new assistant principal and her alleged past relationship with Cam. I don’t know their history, and honestly, it’s doesn’t matter because Cam and I aren’t officially a couple. At this point we’re co-workers and friends who enjoy spending time together. His relationship history is not of any importance and has no bearing on our situation now.

I shake my head to try to refocus my thoughts. Sometimes I wonder if I’m wasting my time. I think he knows how I feel about him, and he doesn’t distance himself. That must mean something—and maybe he feels the same spark I do? There have been so many times I’ve tried to forget about Cam, but something inside me tells me not to give up on him.

As soon as I get my last little angel on the bus, Jess walks over to me.

“I wish every day could be like today,” she says. “My kids were so good.”

I smile. “I love days like that. They remind me how much I enjoy what we do.”

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