Page 20 of I Think He Knows?

And within seconds our class discussion shifts to animals. I’ve learned to embrace this when it happens and quickly redirect.

I clap my hands three times, and the students follow with three claps.

“Very quickly, we will go around the room and tell our friends which animal is our favorite.”

The next few minutes are filled with deep thought and brief discussion.

“You can’t say dinosaur,” Avery exclaims.

“Yes, I can,” Billy snaps.

I clap three times again to get their attention, and thankfully it works. Sometimes this tactic isn’t successful.

When it’s time for recess, I sit at the staff table and carefully watch my students as they get their wiggles out.

I glance over to the open field and notice Coach Cam with his class.

I smile when I hear the kids laughing and cheering. Honestly, not only is Cam very physically attractive, but he truly loves his job and genuinely cares about the students.

All at once the kids start cheering Coach Cam’s name repeatedly. He raises his arms and continues to hype them up. Meanwhile, watching this scene unfold is making me like him even more than I already do.

One thing is for sure—Cam is a good one. and I can’t wait for Friday night.

Chapter Six

It really doesn’t matter what I wear to dinner with Cam. I could show up in old pajamas and a face mask, and it probably wouldn’t phase him. He’s seen me looking my worst, including with peanut butter in my hair and chocolate milk soaked into my clothes. At the same time, it’s nice to get dressed up for a change and not worry about thirty-four little hands and random messes.

I finally decide on a pair of black flared jeans and a white bodysuit. Fun fact—I almost never wear white. Kindergarten teachers don’t wear white, at least I don’t. In my personal experience it’s a magnet for disaster, so I’m really going out on a limb here.

I add a few loose waves to my hair and put on more makeup than my usual concealer, mascara, and lip gloss routine.

I hear my phone buzzing, and a tiny wave of panic washes over me. I don’t want to look at the screen just in case it’s Cam cancelling again.

Ugh, what’s wrong with me? It’s not like me to be so negative, and I really don’t like the feeling.

I’m relieved to see my sister Kara’s number and a message about getting together soon. My sister is two and a half years older than me, and we weren’t ever close growing up. This was mostly because we’re different people, and honestly, she was kind mean to me. Kara was always super popular and knew everyone, whereas I stuck to a smaller group of friends.

Things began to shift as we got older, and since having my nephew, she’s a different person. Motherhood really changed her for the better, and I’m happy we have a good relationship now.

I’d love to meet up soon and see my sweet little Gavin. I’m sure he misses his Auntie Serena. I’m his favorite person.

My nephew Gavin is probably my favorite human and has everyone in our family wrapped around his tiny finger. It’s amazing how much joy and love that little boy has brought to our family.

My phone buzzes again. Let’s do it. How are you? How’s school? How are the kiddos?

I tap my chin with my fingernail as I contemplate telling her about my plans with Cam. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve mentioned him.

School is fine. Kiddos are fine. I’m good—getting ready to have dinner with Cam.

I hit send and wait for her to respond. My phone buzzes almost immediately.

Um, what? Why did you wait so long to tell me? It’s about time he asked you out. I need details.

This makes me smile. I remember a time when Kara wouldn’t have cared one bit about my personal life, and she made it obvious. I’m still getting used to this new relationship we’ve formed, but it’s nice.

I invited him to dinner. No details yet, stay tuned.

Not even five seconds go by before my phone buzzes again.

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