Page 32 of I Think He Knows?

“That was exhilarating,” Lilly exclaims as soon as we return to the lobby.

“It was,” Ariel agrees. “Who wants to get a drink to celebrate?”

I glance at Cam. I’m guessing he’s not interested in hanging out with the rest of the crew, which is fine with me. He’s typing on his phone, hopefully keeping his promise to Jess.

“I can’t. I’m meeting a friend for dinner,” Cam says. Jess lets out a low gasp when she realizes he’s referring to Leo.

“Sorry, I already have plans,” Jess says, trying to hide her excitement.

“Me too,” I chime in.

Ariel frowns. “Boo.”

“Thanks for organizing this, Ariel,” I say. “It was a lot of fun.”

Everyone agrees.

While Ariel and the others chat about where to go, I turn to Cam.

“Are you sure you don’t want to join them?”

“I’m sure, plus Leo is meeting us at The Whimsical Fork.”

Ohhh, I’ve always wanted to try that place.

“Coach Cam, you are officially my favorite,” Jess gushes.

“You just scored major points,” I tell him.

“I’m going to recommend you for staff member of the year,” Jess adds.

Cam snorts. “I don’t think it works that way.”

I giggle. “Please let me be there when you tell Lewis you’re recommending him because he’s playing matchmaker for you.”

“That’s not the only reason,” Jess declares. “Coach Cam is everyone’s favorite at Eastern Lake, right?”

She has a wicked gleam in her eye.

“My kiddos do adore him,” I agree. I know she was referring to me, but I glossed over her comment.

“Okay, we’re heading to a place called the Rusty Dragon Pub,” Ariel says moving next to me. “Are you sure you can’t join us? One drink?”

“Sorry, I don’t want to leave my friend waiting,” Cam says quickly.

Ariel turns to me and Jess. “And what about you two?”

I’ve never heard of the Rusty Dragon, and after this questionable escape room, I’m not interested in visiting another random spot Ariel suggests.

“We already made plans,” Jess says, speaking for both of us. “Next time for sure.”

Ariel doesn’t ask any questions, so we all conveniently leave out the fact we’re going to dinner together.

Lilly walks up beside Ariel.

“It’s too bad you all can’t come with us,” she says. “I was hoping to chat and get to know you better.”

I’m assuming she’s talking to Jess and me given she already knows Cam.

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