Page 60 of I Think He Knows?

“There’s Ms. Black,” Lilly announces. “She made it to school today after all.”

Really? What does that mean?

Good morning, friends,” I say cheerfully. “Ms. Black was super sleepy this morning and accidentally turned off her alarm.”

I fumble for the key to my room.

“Thanks for sitting with my students,” I say to Lilly.

“No problem,” she says. “We all have rough mornings.”

Hmm…even Lilly? She comes into school every morning looking like she just stepped out of a professional stylist’s office.

“Yep.” I accidently drop my keys, and she leans down to pick them up.

“Do you need some help getting settled this morning?”

“I’m fine, thank you though,” I reply.

I quickly open the door, turn on the lights, and deposit my stuff in my office. I usually make sure my room is ready for the day, but it’s not happening this morning.

When I return to the hall to get my students, Lilly is still there, and so is Cam. He gives me a curious smile.

“Good morning, Coach,” I say in my most professional tone.

“Morning, Ms. Black.”

This is a bit strange. Obviously, he came to my room to see me, and I’m sure he didn’t expect to find Lilly here.

“Coach Cam, are we going to run today?” Liam asks. Bless this boy for interrupting the awkward moment.

“Do you want to run, buddy?” Cam asks him.

“Yes. I love running.” He jumps to his feet and runs in place.

“Friends, can you say thank you to Ms. Winters for spending this time with you?”

The students say thank you in unison.

“You’re very welcome,” Lilly says.

I instruct them to go inside and do their morning routine. I hold up my hand and each of my students gives me a high five as they walk inside the classroom.

“I’m sure you have a lot of work to do, Lilly,” Cam says flatly. “Celebrate Our School week is the busiest of the year.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “And I’m sure you have to get to the gym, Coach.”

He gives a nod. “I’m on my way after I have a quick word with Ms. Black.”

I press my lips together to keep from smiling.

“Thanks again, Lilly,” I say. That’s my way of letting her know she can leave.

“I’m happy to help anytime,” she says before taking off down the hall.

“Why was she here?” Cam asks after she’s gone.

I tell him about being late and her waiting with my students.

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