Page 43 of I Think He Knows?

I’m already starting to feel better after talking to Eliza. We’ve always had the ability to calm each other down when we’re worried or stressed about something. That’s what best friends are for.

“Anyway, Cam went out of his way to put my mind at ease,” I tell her. “Even Jess noticed at dinner.”

The thought of Jess reminds me I need to tell Eliza about Leo joining us.

“By the way, I saw Leo tonight. He met us for dinner.”

“Oh, how’s he doing?” Eliza asks. I know she still feels bad about the situation, even though she didn’t intentionally mean to hurt Leo.

“He’s good.” I tell her. “Jess and he seemed to really hit it off.”

“That’s great,” she exclaims, relief in her voice.

“Eliza, you don’t need to feel bad about that situation anymore,” I remind her.

“I know, and I don’t,” she says. “I wish Leo the best.”

“He will have no problem finding the right person, when she comes along.”

“Absolutely.” She exclaims. “And Jess is so nice, I’m glad they had a good time together.”

We chat for a few more minutes, and then I get off the phone. My sister will have to wait to hear about my day because all I want to do is get into my bed and sleep for many hours.

As I drift off to sleep, I replay the events of the weekend. I had an amazing time with Cam at dinner on Friday. I want to focus on that and not let all the other things and people ruin it.

Cam told me he wants to spend time with me, and I feel the same way. This should be enough for now, so I’m going to push all the doubts out of my head. Things are finally happening for us, and I’m ready for it. I haven’t let anyone stand in my way yet, and I intend to keep it that way.

* * *

Everyone at Eastern Lake Elementary is all abuzz about the Celebrate Our School event, and I still haven’t decided on a class project. The event is in less than two weeks, so I need to come up with something fast. In years past I’ve put more time and attention into creating the perfect presentation. I’ve really dropped the ball this year, which isn’t like me. I don’t know what my problem is.

I love Jess’s handprint idea. It’s easy and fun for the kids. I wish I had come up with it first.

“Good morning, Serena,” a voice calls.

I look up to see Lilly standing next to me. She’s wearing a bright blue and green maxi dress that looks almost too fancy for a day at an elementary school. It would be more suited for a day on a yacht or a cabana at a five-star resort.

“Good morning,” I say. “Sorry, I was daydreaming.”

She smiles. “I understand, it happens to all of us on Monday morning. Did you have a nice weekend?”

“Yes. How was yours?”

She proceeds to make herself a cup of coffee. “It was lovely, and I had so much fun at the escape room. I think it’s great that the staff gets together outside of work. I’ve never had that at my previous schools.”

“Oh, well, Ariel is always planning something.”

“That’s what she told me,” Lilly says. “I’ve heard she’s quite daring. I love that. We all need people in our lives who force us out of our comfort zone.”

I nod thoughtfully. “I should probably head to my classroom and prep for my students. There’s never a dull moment in kindergarten.”

“Have a great day,” she says. “Please reach out if you need anything.”

“Thanks.”

Different thoughts swirl through my brain as I walk to my classroom. I know it’s Lilly’s job, but why do I feel like she’s about to micromanage me? Our previous AP didn’t do anything, which might be the reason she’s been replaced. Anyway, I’m probably reading too much into it because of Lilly’s connection to Cam.

I sit at my computer and scroll through my inbox. I respond to a few parent emails, and then I search class project ideas.

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