Page 18 of I Think He Knows?

“We really do.” I pause. “But like you and Mason, the timing has to be right.”

“Absolutely.”

I exhale and pick up my plate. I already feel better after a few minutes of talking to Eliza. Regardless, I’m not going to let this situation interfere with the friendship Cam and I have been building. And if he and Lilly were together, they aren’t anymore. If I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s that things work out the way they’re supposed too.

“I’m going to give you the same advice you’ve given me many times over the years,” Eliza says. “Relax and let things happen.”

“That’s good advice.”

“Yes. You were the one who helped me realize Dean and I weren’t a good match.”

“Oh yeah, you haven’t mentioned Dean and Caitlin in a while,” I say. “Are they still blissfully engaged?”

Dean is Eliza’s ex-boyfriend, and Caitlin is her cousin. Yep, it was a whole ordeal that caused some waves through Eliza’s tightknit family. Thankfully Mason was there to be a great support to her, and that led to them admitting their feelings for one another.

“As far as I know,” she says with a nonchalant shrug. “They weren’t at my grandmother’s dinner last month.”

Eliza’s grandmother is a true matriarch and hosts a big dinner once a month. It’s an open invitation for anyone who wants to attend. You could invite the cashier at Target, and they would be welcomed with open arms.

“They did finally send a save the date once Caitlin realized she wasn’t getting in with Carlie King’s company.” A wicked smile spreads across her face.

Carlie King is a famous wedding planner who had offered to plan Eliza and Mason’s wedding after Mason convinced his entire company he and Eliza were engaged.

To this day, I don’t think he ever told anyone the truth, but an official engagement is inevitable, it’s just a matter of time.

“Can I please be there when you tell her Carlie is planning your wedding?” I beg. “I don’t want to miss that moment.”

She throws her head back in laughter. “Sure. We’ll make the big announcement at my grandmother’s dinner.”

“Perfect. I’m there.” I hold up my hand. “Wait, is there an announcement to make?”

She shakes her head. “Nope.”

“Okay, because I was going to be really upset that you’ve been here all night and didn’t tell me.”

Eliza’s jaw drops open. “You know better than that, Serena. You’ll be the first person I call if it happens.”

“If? Ha—you mean, when.”

Eliza gives a noncommittal shrug. “I’m not stressing about it. You know Mason can’t be rushed.”

This is true. Mason has always been a big coward when it comes to commitment because his father has been married like five times or something like that. I lost count a while ago.

“You know, maybe Coach Cam has the same fears Mason did,” she suggests. “All the more reason to be patient and give him the space he needs.”

I sigh. “Okay, I’ll hang in there until he gives me a reason not to, especially if there’s a chance I’ll be as happy as you are with Mason.”

Eliza beams. “You got this.”

* * *

I’m getting my classroom ready for the day when the door opens and in walks Ms. Lewis and our new assistant principal.

I freeze for a few seconds as different thoughts race through my mind. Does Lilly know about Cam and I having dinner? Did Ms. Wilcox blab about our battle for Cam’s affections? Maybe this is just a professional visit.

“Good morning, Serena,” Ms. Lewis announces. She’s wearing her standard black slacks and flowy blouse. I’ve never actually seen her wear anything else. I imagine her closet is a blend of slacks and blouses in every color and print ever made. Lilly on the other hand is wearing a stunning maxi dress with gold flats. Once again, she looks like she stepped off the runway. I wonder if she’s planning to dress like a Bloomingdales’ mannequin on the daily.

“We’re making formal introductions today,” she continues. “This is Lilly Winters, our new assistant principal. Lilly, this is Serena Black, one of our star kindergarten teachers.”

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