Page 75 of I Think He Knows?

“It all looks delicious.” Lilly’s mother says, coming up beside me. Hmm…I have a feeling she’s not interested in the food.

“Yes. I want a little of everything.”

“Serena, right?” she asks.

“Yes.”

She places her hands in prayer position. “Serena, you seem like a very sweet girl, so I feel the need to give you some helpful advice. I’d hate for you to get hurt.”

Wait. Is she really doing what I think she’s doing?

“I’m not sure what you mean?”

She leans her head to the side. “Oh, honey, I was in the hospital room when Cam was born.”

Why is she telling me this? Is she that desperate to remind me how connected their families are?

“I’ve watched girls like you come and go in and out of Cam’s life over the years,” she continues. “It never lasts.”

I purse my lips. “Mrs. Winters, I appreciate your advice, but my personal life isn’t your concern.”

“Anything having to do with Cam is my concern,” she retorts. “He’s like a son to me.”

“That’s great,” I say, trying to keep my cool. Meanwhile I can feel my blood pressure rising.

“I’ve seen that look you have in your eyes before,” she adds. “It’s not going to end well for you.”

Holy crap. Lilly Winters’ mother is basically warning me to stay away from Cam. This conversation was not on my bingo card for today.

“Thanks for your input,” I say, forcing a smile as I turn to walk away. “Have a nice evening.”

This conversation is headed in a bad direction, so I get away as fast as I can. I hurry to my classroom because I should be safe there.

When I sit down at my desk, a wave of exhaustion washes over me. I put my face in my hands as I replay the last few hours in my mind. I can’t believe that just happened. Did Lilly ask her mom to talk to me, or did she take it upon herself to meddle in Cam’s personal life? The whole situation is wild, especially because Cam and I just barely started seeing each other.

I knew Lilly would be an obstacle as soon as she started working at our school, but now there are families involved. I’m probably getting ahead of myself, but if Cam and I get more serious, I’ll have to deal with those people on a regular basis. Will Lilly always be around? Whoa, I’m really in my head right now.

I pick up my phone and send Eliza a text telling her about Mrs. Winters approaching me. Ugh. I can’t stress myself out over something that might not happen. Cam and I will cross that bridge if we get to it.

My phone buzzes, and I see Jess’s number on my screen.

Where are you? Did you leave?

I type a reply. No. In my classroom.

My phone buzzes again. Be right there.

A few minutes later the door opens, and Jess practically floats into my room. She has a swoony grin on her face, which can only mean things went well with Leo.

“You look happy,” I say.

“Leo asked if I wanted to hang out tonight,” she shrieks as she excitedly dances around in a circle.

“Of course he did,” I say knowingly.

She gives me all the details of their conversation, barely stopping to take a breath.

“Oh, and I got some information about Lilly,” she says finally.

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