Page 4 of I Think He Knows?

“Okay, I should get back to the mess,” I say.

“I’m sorry,” he exclaims. “I got a phone call I didn’t expect.”

I shake my head. “It’s totally fine. We’ll talk later and plan dinner.”

“Absolutely.”

As I make my way back to my classroom, I try to tone down my silly grin. Things have been moving slow with Coach Cam, and even though it’s frustrating, I know timing is everything. I just need to continue to be patient.

Chapter Two

I’ll never forget the day I decided to be a teacher. My mom’s best friend, who’s also my godmother, taught second grade for many years. She’d share stories, and I’ll never forget the passion she had for her career. At the same time, as much as she loved teaching, she never sugarcoated the hard days. The great thing is her experiences of making a difference in a child’s life were touching, and those seemed to outweigh the difficult moments.

One evening she was at my parents’ house for dinner, and at that time everyone was very curious about what my future plans included. I was in college but still hadn’t settled on my major. Eva asked me if I’d ever considered teaching. In that moment I had so much clarity. I always loved children and what better way to impact future generations than to become a teacher? That was the day I made the decision, and I believe it was the right move for my life. I guess I owe it all to her for inspiring me in finding my true calling. Isn’t there a saying that if you love what you do, you won’t work a day in your life? Or something like that.

When I get home from work, I kick off my shoes and sit down on the couch with a loud exhale. I don’t have the energy to attempt to make dinner, but I need to eat something, so after a few minutes I get up and go to the kitchen.

I stand in front of the refrigerator for what feels like an eternity. I finally decide to make a mini charcuterie plate because it won’t require an extensive amount of effort. I carry my plate back to the couch and flip on the TV. I just started watching Gilmore Girls for the first time ever, and I’m hooked. For some reason this shocks people. Who knew the show had such a massive loyal following even years after its heyday? Halfway through the episode I begin to zone out, and it doesn’t take me long to doze off.

I open my eyes to Lorelai Gilmore delivering a very detailed monologue. After glancing at the time, I realize I’ve been asleep for over an hour. This is a normal occurrence at the end of a day chasing after my little angels. I reach for my phone and find Eliza’s number to give her the update on my bold conversation with Coach Cam.

“I was just thinking about you,” she answers.

“I’ve been asleep for an hour,” I mumble.

“Ah, one of those days?”

“Yes, but more importantly, guess who asked Coach Cam to dinner?”

“Ms. Wilcox?”

I scowl. “Very funny. Please don’t put that into the universe.”

She giggles.

I tell her about my conversation with Jess and my visit to Cam’s office.

“I’m proud of you,” she exclaims. “It’s good you’re taking matters into your own hands. I don’t think I’ve ever met a man who moves as slow as Coach Cam. There’s no way he can deny the chemistry the two of you share, so I’m baffled by his pace.”

I chew on my bottom lip. I’ve thought the same thing many times.

“You can have chemistry with someone and not be interested in them,” I remind her. Ugh. Just the thought feels like a punch in the gut.

“That’s true.” She pauses. “Is that what’s in your head right now? Because if so, you need to stop the negative thinking immediately.”

I smile to myself. Eliza is in the process of becoming a life coach, so she’s all about positive thinking, and I appreciate this. I highly recommend finding a best friend who’s a life coach.

“When did we switch places? I feel like I used to give you the same advice.”

She laughs. “I don’t know. I guess your influence finally worked on me.”

“It’s about time,” I say. “And you’re right, Coach Cam and I have a connection. I just need to focus on that and push all the doubts out of my mind.”

“See, you don’t need me,” she says. “You’ve got this.”

I wish I was as confident as she is. I’ve tried to move on from Cam several times, but for some reason I can’t bring myself to give up on him yet.

“Now that you’ve asked him to dinner—you need to follow up,” she demands. “Text him tomorrow, or you could accidentally on purpose run into him at school.”

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