Page 23 of I Think He Knows?

“Didn’t you like the filet?” he asks.

“Yes.”

“Okay, let’s trade.”

“Cam, I’m not taking your food.”

“You’re not taking it, I’m offering it to you.”

Truth be told, the filet is so much better than the chicken, but I’m not telling him that.

“The chicken is good,” I reiterate.

Cam cuts his filet in half and puts the other piece on my plate. “It is, but I can tell by your expression you like this better.”

“Cam—I feel bad,” I say. “I’m giving you some of this chicken.”

“Fine. If that makes you happy.”

“It does.”

He smiles and proceeds to eat his food.

While we continue our meal and chatting, I can’t help but think about how great this evening is going. Cam and I never have any difficulty finding things to talk about, and it always feels so natural when we’re hanging out together. Tonight is no exception, especially because we’ve reached the point of sharing our food. I know people who have been married for decades who refuse to share food, so this is just another time Cam checks all the boxes.

Despite what feels like the perfect evening, one thing keeps creeping into my mind, and that’s the subject of Lilly Winters. I remind myself that just because there are rumors of a prior relationship doesn’t mean they’re true. I know from experience to not believe everything you hear at Eastern Lake Elementary.

And if the rumor is true, that doesn’t mean I need to know all the details.

When I finally can’t eat anymore, I lean back in my chair. “That was so yummy. Thank you for the filet,” I say. “That might be the best steak I’ve ever had.”

He gives a nod. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Our eyes lock again, and I know I’m not imagining this vibe between us.

“Dessert?” he asks, shifting around in his seat.

I groan. “I wish.”

“Maybe later?” he asks. “Unless you’re in a hurry to get home?”

I shake my head. “Nope, it’s not a school night.”

“Good. Then let’s continue our evening.”

“I’d like that,” I tell him—my voice cracking slightly. I’ll gladly spend every second I can with Cam outside of school.

After leaving the restaurant, we walk and talk, our conversation never lagging.

“So after all these years, your two best friends decide they want to be together?” he asks. “Did you ever suspect it might happen?”

I give a thoughtful look. “No, but now that they are together it makes complete sense. It’s the strangest thing, like it was always supposed to be this way.”

“That’s nice,” he says. “You’re a good friend, Serena.”

Ugh. I hope he’s referring to Eliza and Mason and not himself.

“Thanks,” I say. “Truthfully Eliza has always been an even better friend to me. She’s just that person you can always count on when you need someone. Whenever I message her requesting a pizza and sugar night, she’ll drop whatever she’s doing to hang with me.

---