Page 70 of I Think He Knows?

“Anytime.”

“I’ll be at the dessert table,” Mason says rubbing his hands together. “We’re here to help the school, right?”

“Yes, go ahead and spend your money on those baked goods,” I tell him. “I could use some new stuff for my classroom.

“Oh, I intend to.” Mason kisses Eliza and then runs off to find the desserts.

“I love seeing you two like this,” I tell her after he leaves.

Eliza’s face turns red. “It’s crazy.”

“By the way, I reminded him he better make your birthday special.”

She laughs. “Thanks. Did he tell you what he’s getting me?”

“Mason isn’t going to tell me anything. He knows you’ll ask me and then I’ll cave and blab it.”

This is only partly true, but I’m not revealing his big plans.

“Good point,” she says. “So you don’t know anything?”

Suddenly, I notice Lilly and the two women walking in our direction. I lean in and whisper in Eliza’s ear. “Lilly is right over there, in the leather pants.”

She quickly turns around not being the least bit subtle. “Hmm…isn’t she a bit overdressed? It’s an elementary school event.”

“You should see what she wears to school,” I tell her. “Every day she comes in looking like she just got off a private jet. Some days it’s over the top.

“Hello, Serena,” Lilly calls, waving at me.

“Crap,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Hi, Lilly.”

“Mom, Michelle, this is Serena Black, one of our excellent kindergarten teachers. We have the best staff here at our school.”

I smile warmly at the women. After all, one of them is Cam’s mother and the other is her best friend. I want to make a good first impression, even if she doesn’t know I’m dating her son.

“It’s nice to meet you. Welcome to Eastern Lake Elementary,” I exclaim.

Cam’s mother is very pretty. She has dewy skin, short brown hair, and the same colored eyes as Cam’s. Lilly’s mother is attractive too and looks about ten years younger than Cam’s mom due to some noticeable fillers and expensive makeup. My guess is Lilly will look just like her in the future.

“Kindergarten? Wow, you must have a lot of energy,” Mrs. Winters exclaims.

“Yes, I just did an observation in her classroom,” Lilly says before I have a chance to answer. “Her students are so precious.”

I glance at Eliza and realize I haven’t introduced her.

“I’m sorry. This is my best friend, Eliza,” I say.

Eliza says hello as she continues to subtly size Lilly up.

“Aww…how long have you two been best friends?” Cam’s mom asks.

Eliza and I look at each other. “Over ten years.”

“Oh, you’re just starting out,” she says. “Kathleen and I have been best friends for about thirty years now.” They high five each other and then bump their hips together.

I force a smile. They even have their own bestie handshake—these families have quite a bond.

---