Page 46 of I Think He Knows?

I take a few more bites of my salad and then close the container.

“My little ones should be done soon,” I tell her.

She smiles. “I’ll be doing class evaluations beginning next week, so watch for the email. Please don’t prepare anything. It’s just another way for me to see our instructional staff in action. I want to observe everyone in their element. The best way to do that is to be tossed right into the middle of a typical day.”

She waves her arms around dramatically. Lilly is very animated and has a big personality. I have a feeling a lot of changes are in store for Eastern Lake Elementary, and Lilly is going to be front and center.

Chapter Eleven

“I can’t believe how big he is,” I wail, giving my nephew a gentle hug.

Kara’s face falls. “I know. I feel like he changes a little every day. It goes so fast—I had no idea until I became a mother.”

“It’s been less than a month since I saw you,” I say to him in the most awful attempt at baby talk. “You can’t do this to Auntie Serena.”

Gavin tries to wiggle himself free from my grasp. I place him down so he can toddle off to play with his toys.

“I haven’t heard from you,” Kara says. “I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting to hear about your day date with the coach.”

I giggle. “Well, I haven’t heard from you either, so you couldn’t have been that curious.”

She nods. “Well, between my work and being a mom, my days fly by. Unfortunately, your personal life has slipped from the top of my priority list.”

“Thank goodness,” I exclaim. “That’s music to my ears.”

Kara hands me a water bottle and sits on the couch next to me while Gavin plays on the floor near us.

“There isn’t much to update you on,” I say. “Other than Cam’s former fiancé joining the staff at the school.”

Kara gives me a confused look. “What?”

“Her name is Lilly, she’s our new assistant principal. She’s stunning and vivacious.”

“Lilly?” she repeats. “Did she know Cam worked there when she applied?”

“She did.”

Kara grows quiet for a few seconds.

“Are you trying to do the math?” I ask. “I can see the wheels turning in your head.”

She nods. “I’m trying. Walk me through it.”

I explain about Lilly ending their engagement and their parents’ close relationship. Then her taking the job at Eastern Lake. It’s all cut and dry.

“I still don’t get it,” Kara exclaims after I give her all the details.

“In her defense, our school is the best,” I say. “For that reason, I don’t blame her for joining our staff.”

“How do they interact with each other?” she asks. “Is it awkward?”

I shrug. “Lilly doesn’t seem to think so. She acts amused by it. Cam is more bothered by her being there.”

“I’m sure he is,” Kara says.

“Cam told me she was at dinner with his parents the night he canceled on me,” I continue. “They invited her to celebrate the new job.”

“And their parents are besties?” Kara confirms.

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