Page 69 of I Think He Knows?

“Yes, definitely.” Eliza says, wrapping her hands around Mason’s arm. I know she’s trying to remind him he has nothing to worry about. Of course she shouldn’t need to do that because Mason is her soul mate.

He gives a nonchalant shrug. “It’s fine. Eliza chose me, not Leo.”

“Yes, I did,” she says kissing him, and then leaning her head against his shoulder.

“Ugh, you know I love you guys, but remember we’re at an elementary school.”

Of course Cam and I were just making out in my classroom earlier today, but I don’t say this out loud.

“Now what are we going to do about the coach?” Mason asks. “I still think I should have a talk with him. It’s long overdue.”

“No you shouldn’t,” I insist. “Anyway, Jess and Leo have my food, and I need to eat something.”

“We’ll come with you and say hi,” Eliza says. “Let’s just get the awkwardness out of the way so we can have a good time.”

Eliza and Mason follow me back to where Jess and Leo are eating.

“Look who I found,” I exclaim as if it’s the highlight of the day.

I hold my breath as Eliza, Mason, and Leo greet each other.

“Good to see you again, Leo,” Mason says holding out his hand.

Leo stands up and shakes it. So far so good.

“And you remember my friend Jess,” I say.

Jess waves to them.

Just when I think there’s going to be an uncomfortable silence, Mason asks how the tacos are. That’s the great thing about him, he can carry on a conversation with anyone, even in awkward situations. We all chat for a few minutes before Eliza and Mason get in line to order food.

“Sorry about that,” I say to Leo.

He waves his hand. “Nothing to be sorry about. It’s nice to see them.”

At least Eliza and Mason’s arrival has been the perfect distraction to keep me from thinking about Cam and Lilly’s family reunion.

I glance over and notice Cam and Lilly are no longer with their parents. I look around but don’t see either of them anywhere. Maybe Ms. Lewis has recruited them to help with something.

“Serena, why don’t you eat?” Jess asks.

“Oh yes, these tacos look delish,” I say. “Thanks again, Leo.”

I listen while Jess gives Leo a play-by-play of who’s who on our staff and the PTA. I’m trying not to think about Cam and his parents. Eliza and Mason sit at a nearby table, so after I finish eating, I excuse myself to join them. I doubt Leo and Jess will miss me. They seem to be having a lovely lunch together.

“Are you okay?” Eliza asks as soon as I sit down.

I sigh. “Yes. I’m used to waiting on Cam.”

Mason scowls and shakes his head. “This is unacceptable.”

I touch Mason’s arm. “It’s okay.”

“Do you know where he is?” Eliza asks.

“No, but I’m sure he’s helping our principal,” I tell them. “I’ll talk to him later.”

“So, when do we get to see your classroom?” Eliza asks, shifting the subject from Cam.

---