Page 28 of I Think He Knows?

She laughs. “Bye.”

I drop my phone on the bed next to me and let out a deep exhale. I had such a good time with Cam tonight, and in just a few hours he’ll be here to pick me up. Maybe things are finally moving forward for us, and I’m ready for whatever comes my way.

* * *

“Wow, should I be offended that you told your sister about your date before me?” Eliza teases.

“I’m sorry,” I exclaim. “Kara kept calling, and I just wanted to get her off my back. You know how she is.”

“I know,” she says with a laugh. “I’m just kidding.”

“Anyway, Cam is picking me up for Ariel’s stupid escape room activity today,” I tell her. “I wonder if I can convince him to skip out on it.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can convince him.”

“Very funny,” I say.

“Okay, you better call me after your outing – before you call Kara,” she demands.

“I promise.”

“Hold on one second,” she exclaims.

“Serena, is it time for me to step in and help?” a deep voice asks.

“Hey, Mason.”

“Hey, girl,” he says. “I just walked in, but did I just hear you’re going to use your charms to get the coach to cooperate?”

I giggle. “It wasn’t my idea. That was your girlfriend.”

“Isn’t she amazing?”

“She’s pretty great.”

“Speaking of Eliza, I want to talk to you about her birthday,” Mason whispers.

“Okay. Let’s chat soon.”

After we’re off the phone, I continue folding the massive pile of laundry I’ve been avoiding. As I fold, I zone out. Naturally I’m thinking about Cam—I don’t want to worry about what could happen. I want to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, starting with today. I know people are going to talk when we show up together, but I don’t care. I’m assuming Cam doesn’t care either since he offered to pick me up. If we do this, I have to be prepared for all the possibilities. Even when doubts creep into my mind I push them aside. I could’ve given up a long time ago, but something inside has stopped me. My gut has rarely steered me wrong.

After finishing my laundry, I jump in the shower. I’m practically giddy as time gets closer to Cam’s arrival. My plan is to have fun and not worry about anything other than escaping whatever Ariel has planned for us. I throw on a pair of jeans, a black tank top, a light pink cardigan, and sneakers. Then pull my hair up into a high ponytail and tie a cute scarf around it.

I hear the doorbell just as I’m spritzing perfume on my wrists. My heart does a flip at the thought of seeing Cam on the other side of the door. I stop myself from sprinting to answer it and remain calm. Admittedly it’s a bit embarrassing that he makes me feel like a giddy teenager going on her first date. I’m a grown woman, with a career and bills. I probably shouldn’t be acting like this, right?

When I open the door, a flood of emotions flow through me. Coach Cam is at my house to pick me up—it’s been a long time coming to get to this point. He’s wearing jeans, a blue T-shirt, and a baseball cap. His familiar grin lights up his face, seeing it makes all my worries vanish.

“Are we really doing this?” he asks. “I’m genuinely concerned for my safety.”

I giggle as I hold the door open for him. “Come on in.”

He steps inside and looks around.

“Your house is exactly as I pictured it would be,” he says.

“Really? Is that a good thing?”

“Yes. It’s bright and welcoming—just like you.”

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