Page 31 of I Think He Knows?

“Okay, team, let’s work together and make our escape,” Ariel announces.

A person appears on the screen explaining our mission. Ariel and Lilly start discussing the clues, then Ariel proceeds to give us tasks.

I’ve never been a fan of small spaces, but this room suddenly feels super tiny.

“Cam, Jess—lets work together,” Lilly says.

“You go ahead. I’ll take the next task,” Cam replies.

Lilly purses her lips but doesn’t reply.

“Okay, Lilly, we’ve got this,” Jess says linking her arm with Lilly’s.

I owe Jess big time for taking one for the team. I’m sure she’ll use it to her advantage in getting Cam to invite Leo to dinner. Very smart move on her part.

Fortunately, Lilly is perfectly happy to team up with Jess.

I stand back with Cam and watch the others race to accomplish the first leg of the mission by completing riddles and solving a puzzle.

“We probably need to make a contribution, or they may not let us leave,” I tease.

He nods. “Good point.”

“And that’s how you do it,” Lilly announces, after a loud siren goes off. She bows and waves like she’s won an Academy Award.

We continue through the challenge, each mission becoming increasingly more difficult and creepier. I plan to leave a raving review online about Mystery Manor: The Ultimate Challenge because this concept is brilliant.

Cam and I work together on solving a few of the mysteries. He doesn’t even look at Lilly, but I catch her shooting a few glances at him. There’s no doubt they share some history, and I’m assuming it’s not all positive since Cam seems visibly bothered by her presence.

I have every intention of asking him about it when we’re alone.

“This is kind of fun,” Jess says, sounding surprised.

I smile. “Don’t tell Ariel. She’ll be planning all our social activities for years to come. Before you know it, we’ll be tricked into getting the eagle tattoos.”

“Yikes. You’re right,” Jess agrees. “Ariel is skilled in the art of persuasion. That’s probably why her class is so good. She’s secretly a mastermind.”

I laugh.

“How are you doing?” Jess whispers, moving closer to me. “Has he said anything about—?” She motions toward Lilly who’s working with the others to solve a puzzle. Cam has even joined the group.

“Not a word,” I say. “I’m asking him about it after we leave.”

“You should.”

“Serena, Jess, we need all hands on deck,” Ariel scolds.

“Yes, sir,” I say sarcastically.

Jess and I rejoin the group. The sooner we escape this place—the better.

Chapter Eight

It’ll probably be a long time before I attempt an escape room again. I’m adding it to the list of activities that just aren’t for me. Burpees and anything associated with the Kardashians are also on that list.

After an hour and a half of puzzles and tasks, we finally escape. I was admittedly concerned more than once because the experience was so convincing—like we were really trapped.

“We made it,” Jess shouts as we race down the hall. She throws a glance at Cam, reminding him he promised to reach out to Leo.

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