Page 30 of I Think He Knows?

A few seconds later, the door opens and Lilly Winters walks in. Out of the corner of my eye I see all the color drain from Cam’s face.

“Hey, everyone. I’m so sorry I’m late.”

Lilly is wearing a pair of black shiny leggings and a black belted tunic. She looks both chic and ironically appropriate for the day’s activity. Suddenly I feel extremely drab next to her.

Jess flashes me a concerned look when Lilly makes a beeline for Cam. Maybe this is it—the moment of truth when I’ll finally learn about the connection Cam and Lilly have with one another.

“Cam. What are you doing here?” she asks, her voice smooth and velvety.

He shrugs. “Same thing you are.”

“Hi, Lilly, I’m Jess Davidson. We met the other day.”

Lilly smiles and nods. “Yes. I remember meeting you. I’m still trying to learn everyone’s names. I told Ms. Lewis to quiz me in a few weeks.”

She turns to me.

“And you are?—”

“Serena Black, kindergarten.”

I feel like I’m on a game show or a pageant giving an introduction.

“Oh, yes. Nice to see you again.”

“Lilly, I’m so glad you made it,” Ariel calls. “Welcome to your first official Eastern Lake activity.”

She smiles. “Thanks. I’m so excited. I love escape rooms. Have you ever done one?”

I shake my head. “No, first time.”

“I have,” Jess says. “But it looked a lot different than this place.”

Cam has been very quiet since Lilly arrived.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” she says before sauntering off to join Ariel and the others.

Cam has a blank expression on his face.

“Are you alright?” I ask.

He nods slowly. “Just fine.”

Clearly, he’s not ready to talk about what’s on his mind.

A man with spiked platinum blond hair comes out and introduces himself as Eddie. He begins talking about our important adventure. He’s very theatrical and obviously takes his job very seriously. I find myself listening intently to his instructions. Before beginning we must sign a liability waiver. I’ve never been to one of these activities, but I’m assuming it’s standard procedure.

After everyone signs the waivers, we follow Eddie down one of the long dark hallways. Dramatic music fills the air, and I’m beginning to understand why this place is famous. They’ve done an excellent job selling the whole menacing experience.

“Are you ready?” I whisper to Cam as we walk.

“I think so. You?”

His hands are in his pockets, and he’s completely shut down. If we weren’t surrounded by our co-workers, I’d ask him about Lilly.

“Your adventure begins through this door,” Eddie whispers. We all pile inside another dimly lit room. “Watch the screen for details about your first mission. And good luck.”

He pulls the door shut, and there’s a loud noise I’m guessing is a lock. And that’s it for Eddie. We’re now officially on our own.

---