Page 2 of I Think He Knows?

“Nope. I haven’t even thought about it.”

She nods. “Me neither.”

Celebrate Our School is one of the biggest events of the year. It’s like an open house but much more elaborate. Each teacher puts together a presentation, artwork, or showcases work and activities our students have been working on throughout the year. There’s a scheduled meet-and-greet time in our classrooms, and then we have a chance to enjoy the other activities with the families and staff. There are performances, games, music, and food trucks. Our community gets involved, and it’s truly a celebration full of school spirit and pep. Go Eagles.

“Is it bad that I’m secretly hoping Mrs. Wallingford doesn’t show up?” Jess asks, gritting her teeth.

Mrs. Wallingford is one of the difficult parents Jess is dealing with this year. There’s usually at least one, but this woman is relentless. She sends emails to Jess multiple times a day, late at night and on the weekends. She’s also a member of the mom-fia which consists of a small clique of mothers connected to the PTA. Thankfully most of the parents are fantastic, and we’re very appreciative of how much the PTA does for our school. Mrs. Wallingford just brings a lot of unnecessary drama, but because she volunteers so much time, no one wants to rock the boat.

“Ha. I doubt your bestie Mrs. Wallingford will be skipping the biggest event of the year,” I tell her. “World peace is more likely.”

“Thanks for the encouragement,” she says with a scowl.

“Sorry.”

“I guess I need to get back to work. I have a huge mess waiting for me in my classroom.

She hops up off the carpet and leaves me alone once again with my thoughts and my glitter. I don’t move for a few minutes.

Jess is probably right about me taking more initiative with Coach Cam. Since we’re friends, I can easily ask him to hang out without throwing myself at him like Ms. Wilcox does.

Britney Wilcox is the receptionist here and has made it more than obvious she’s also interested in Cam. She and I were friends at one point, but she hasn’t said much to me since she found out Cam and I were spending time together outside of work. I’m basically public enemy number one now. I don’t foresee that changing until she meets someone else who holds her interest.

I finally drag myself off the carpet and go to the restroom to assess my appearance.

Whoa. As I expected, it’s not a pretty picture.

I really should start doing before-and-after photos, in the mornings before work and in the afternoons. Of course some days are better than others—but today isn’t one of those. My blonde hair is messy, and despite my best efforts to minimize my exposure, it has peanut butter smeared in it. And there are a few specks of glitter on my right cheek.

I sigh. Honestly, Coach Cam has probably seen me look worse. Maybe I should take my friend’s advice and seize the day, peanut butter and all.

I grab my keys and head to Coach Cam’s office.

* * *

“Knock knock,” I call.

Cam turns around in his chair, a smile lighting up his face. He’s so dreamy—dark brown hair, warm brown eyes, and one of those infectious smiles that makes you feel weak in the knees.

“Hey. We survived another day in the trenches,” he says, waving me inside.

I nod and hold up the pieces of my hair that are still matted together.

“Barely. Peanut butter,” I say proudly.

He chuckles. “Well, it could always be worse.”

“Oh, definitely.”

I sit down on the edge of the chair next to his desk.

“So, Jess just stopped by my classroom and was asking about Leo.”

His eyes grow wide. “Really? My friend Leo? Interesting.”

Interesting? Hmm…that’s all he has to say?

“I thought the same thing,” I say. “Anyway, I told her I’d ask you about him. So, is he seeing anyone? This is me, showing up for my friend.”

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