Page 33 of I Think He Knows?

“There will be many more opportunities,” Ariel says. “You’re an Eagle now.”

Lilly beams. “Thank you for saying that. It’s hard being the new girl.”

Cam continues tapping away on his phone, obviously more interested in it than the conversation we’re having.

“Thanks again for inviting us, Ariel,” I say and then wave to everyone else. Jess and I walk outside, with Cam trailing behind.

“We’re free,” Jess squeals as soon as we step out into the world. “That might be one of the darkest places I’ve ever been. It was so depressing.”

“I think they make it that way on purpose,” Cam says.

“For sure,” I agree.

“Okay, so we’re meeting up with Leo in a half hour,” Cam says. “Do you want to ride with us, Jess?”

She immediately shakes her head.

“I’ll take my car. That way we don’t have to come back here.” She points to the creepy building from which we just escaped.

We agree to meet at the restaurant, and then Cam and I return to his car.

“Well, that was an interesting day,” I say. I think escape rooms are a one and done for me. At least I can cross it off my bucket list now.”

He clears his throat. “Serena, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”

My heart starts to race. He’s not wasting any time. I’m guessing this is about Lilly.

“Um, okay.”

“The things is, Lilly and I have known each other a long time,” he starts. “I’m sure you picked up on the awkwardness between us.”

I nod. “A little.”

“Anyway, so we’ve known each other since we were kids.” He pauses. “And we used to be engaged.”

Suddenly, I feel like all the air has been sucked out of my body. Engaged? To be married. Whoa. That’s bigger news than them just knowing each other or being in a previous relationship.

“Oh wow.” I try to decide what else to say. “How long ago was this?”

“It’s been a few years,” he says. “We broke up before I came to Eastern Lake.”

Thoughts are swirling through my mind as I try to process this news.

“You probably have some questions,” he says.

“A few.”

He laughs nervously. “Ask away.”

“Did she tell you she was coming to work at our school?”

He sighs. “She reached out to me about a month ago and told me she was interviewing for the AP position.”

Hmm…of all the schools she could apply to, she came to the same school as her ex-fiancé. Why would someone do that?

“Did you end your relationship on good terms?” I ask.

He shifts in his seat. “She officially called off the engagement—but I was planning on doing the same. It was the right decision because neither of us were ready.”

---