Page 49 of I Think He Knows?

“I love it,” I squeal. “And so will Eliza.”

“I hope so,” he says nervously. “I really want it to be unforgettable.”

Poor Mason. I know he’s worried about doing this right. This is a huge step for him, considering he’s been terrified of serious commitment. He’s the guy who claimed he’d be a lifelong bachelor and the coolest uncle to all our kids.

“Don’t worry, it will be,” I assure him. “And you know Eliza would be ecstatic no matter how you propose. She doesn’t need all the grand gestures.”

“I know. That’s just one of the many things I love about her.”

Tears prick my eyes as I feel all the emotions thinking about my best friends finding their happily ever after.

“I’m so happy for you both,” I tell him, my voice shaking slightly.

“No, stop, Serena,” he begs. “No tears. I can’t handle the crying—especially you.”

“They are happy tears,” I moan.

“What’s going on with you?” he asks, trying to shift the subject. “What’s up with the coach? Eliza said things are moving right along. Does that mean I don’t need to have that long discussion with him? I was getting ready to talk some sense into him. This dragging his feet is getting ridiculous.”

“Nope. I have it under control.”

“Good, make sure you bring him to Eliza’s party,” Mason says.

Hmm…I hadn’t even thought about that. I guess I could invite him to come along. He’s met Eliza on a few occasions.

“Okay.”

We talk for a few more minutes, and then he tells me he’ll send the information for the invitation as soon as we get off the phone. It’s obvious how important this party is to him, and I’m going to do everything I can to help make it memorable for Eliza and him.

When I get home, I quickly change and get to work on the invite. It’s crazy to think the guy who started out as our friendly neighbor is going to be Eliza’s husband—and it took ten years for them to get together. It’s a good reminder for me that the best things take time.

* * *

Should I get a new outfit for Celebrate Our School?

I giggle as I reread the message from Cam. I quickly type a response.

Of course. Everyone is coming to see you anyway.

My text conversations with Cam are becoming more frequent, and I’m loving every second of it. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen much of each other this week because I’ve been spending my lunch periods in my classroom. I’ve been so busy prepping for the big event. In addition to working on the students’ projects, I’ve been cleaning out and organizing my classroom. It’s always amazing to me how quickly things can pile up if I don’t stay on top of them. Add in all my normal daily tasks and there’s still so much I want to do. We’re days away from the event now. This is what happens when I wait until the last minute. I really need to get myself together.

Admittedly, I’ve also been avoiding the staff lounge so I don’t have to have a front row seat to the Lilly show. That’s what Jess calls it. She was at lunch the other day, and Lilly was talking about her last school and all the things she did to improve it. I laughed when Jess said Lilly likes Lilly a lot. It’s funny because it’s true.

My phone buzzes again.

Not everyone is coming to see me. Some people are coming for the food trucks.

I giggle. This is probably the most Cam and I have communicated via text. Of course we both go long spans of not responding throughout the day while we’re doing our jobs. In kindergarten and PE you need to be present or else mayhem can easily ensue.

I place my phone down on my desk and continue working on my lesson plans before it’s time to pick up my students from lunch.

I’m back in the zone when the door to my classroom opens. I look up to see Lilly. She’s wearing gray flared jeans and a black sweater. Honestly, she looks like she should be on the streets of Manhattan, not in a kindergarten classroom.

“Hi, Serena, I was hoping I could observe your class this afternoon?” she asks cheerfully. Ugh. I knew this day was coming, so why do I suddenly feel self-conscious? Our principal has been in my classroom many times, and I never gave it a second thought. For some reason this feels different.

“Sure,” I say. “I’m picking up my students in a few minutes.”

“Wonderful. I’m looking forward to seeing you in action. I have no doubt you’ll live up to your stellar reputation,” she exclaims.

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