Page 5 of I Think He Knows?

“I could do that.” I pause. “By the way, my friend Jess was asking about Leo. I mentioned it to Cam. It’s possible they’ll go out with us at some point. Would that bother you?”

She grows quiet for a few seconds. The subject of Leo is still a bit sensitive. I know she feels bad about how the situation unfolded, but she had already given her heart to Mason without realizing it.

“Jess is great,” she exclaims. “And so is Leo. They would probably have a lot of fun together.”

She’s right. And maybe Cam and I can be a catalyst in them connecting with one another.

“What did Cam say about that?” she asks.

“He said Leo has been wallowing, and it’s time for him to get back into the dating game.”

“Oh.”

“It’s not your fault,” I remind her. “You only went out with him one time before you and Mason sorted out your feelings and got together.”

“I know,” she says. “But I still feel bad about hurting Leo.”

“It’s already been a few months. He’ll be okay,” I assure her. “And maybe Jess is the woman he’s been searching for all his life.”

Eliza laughs. “You’re such a hopeless romantic.”

“Yeah, it’s probably my downfall. I keep hoping for a magical love story to unfold for Cam and me.”

“There’s nothing wrong with hoping for that,” she says. “And if you can learn anything from Mason and me, it’s that we both had to be ready. It took us ten years to finally end up together.”

I sigh. “That’s true. Although I’m not planning on waiting for Cam for ten years. I want to have a family someday.”

We talk for a few more minutes and make plans to meet at our favorite restaurant. After I’m off the phone, I don’t get up right away. I replay my conversation and remember each time I’ve attempted moving on, I’m drawn right back in Cam’s direction. It’s like there’s something in the universe that keeps me in his orbit.

Maybe what Eliza said about us both being ready is true. It’s possible it hasn’t been right for us until this point. I’ve always given one hundred percent to everything I want, and that includes relationships. If Cam and I are meant to be—it’ll happen.

I finally change into my pajamas and start working on some lesson plans. The life of a teacher never stops, and through it all, I’m loving every second of it.

* * *

When I arrive at school, I stop in the staff lounge to grab a coffee. Our awesome PTA donated a fancy machine to us, so now we can indulge in the good stuff every day. There’s no better gift since most of our staff survives on a combination of caffeine and adrenaline. I walk into the lounge and find Ms. Wilcox emptying a packet of sweetener into her cup. I pause as I contemplate making a run for it. I might be able to get through my day without any caffeine. Hmm…nope.

“Good morning, Britney,” I say cheerfully. I place my Mary Poppins bag on a chair. This is the name Eliza has given my bag because of its size and the number of items it holds. Of course I haven’t crammed any mirrors or plants inside it, but it’s still massive and extremely efficient given most of my life is spent trapsing between my house and the school.

Britney glances over her shoulder and scowls. She doesn’t even attempt to pretend anymore.

“Good morning,” she replies coldly.

I let out a low sigh. This is how most of our interactions go these days. I’ve realized she always seems friendlier with me when other people are present, but I know it isn’t sincere.

“Your dress is really cute,” I say. She’s wearing a baby doll style pink dress with sparkly designer sneakers. Naturally she always looks perfect, but unlike me, she doesn’t spend her days wrangling seventeen little ones. Or have regular run-ins with peanut butter.

“Thanks.”

She picks up her cup, walks past me and out of the lounge without another word.

And that’s the extent of our conversation. It’s unfortunate we’re interested in the same man because if it weren’t for Coach Cam, we’d probably be friends. She’s actually a very nice person—when she likes you.

Admittedly I understand her animosity toward me. I’ve felt the same waves of jealousy seeing Cam and her deep in conversation. Being that we all work together, interaction is inevitable, and since Britney sits in the front office, she talks to everyone.

Our principal, Ms. Lewis, is big on positive relationships among our staff. She doesn’t have unrealistic expectations, but she makes it known we need to do our best to coexist since we spend so much time at Eastern Lake Elementary. We are supposed to be a family—but even families have drama occasionally. She wouldn’t be happy to hear there is drama because two of her staff are crushing on the PE coach. Although I’m sure she knows. Cam made quite an impression when he joined our staff. And he’s so nice, which of course makes him even more attractive in addition to his dashingly good looks.

As I make my coffee, I mentally prepare myself for my busy, fun-filled day. My job is nonstop, which makes the hours fly by, and before I know it, I’ll be sending my little angels home.

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