Page 8 of I Think He Knows?

“What are you doing?” she asks urgently.

“I just sat down on the couch, and I don’t plan on moving from this spot until it’s time to go to bed. I might even sleep here—I haven’t decided yet.”

“Well, change your plans.”

I groan. “Why?”

“Because I need a night out.”

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Yes, I’m delirious, but I’m also in need of some adult interaction.”

I sigh.

“Please,” she begs. “Just appetizers and maybe a glass of wine.”

I look down at my cozy couch and sigh. “Fine.”

“Yay, I owe you.”

“And don’t forget it.”

After we end the call, I immediately get up. If I don’t get moving, I’ll never make it out of the house. I drag myself to the bathroom to wash my face and bring myself back to life. Despite being tired, a casual evening out with my friend is probably a great ending to my week.

* * *

Well, I should’ve known it wouldn’t just be Jess and I having a quiet girls’ night out. Not even five minutes after I arrive, we’re joined by three other teachers from the school, including Ariel. Of course they sit at the table next to us.

“Did you invite the whole staff?” I whisper to Jess.

She shakes her head. “No. Kelsey messaged me and asked what I was doing. I told her we were meeting for appetizers and drinks.”

“And then she told Ariel, and here we are,” I say knowingly.

“That’s usually how it happens,” she says with an unbothered shrug.

“So you could’ve gone out with them and left me on my couch,” I say, picking up my menu.

She rolls her eyes. “I guess, but you needed to get out tonight too. You’re too young to spend your Friday nights home alone.”

I giggle. “I like my relaxing Friday nights. You seem to forget we’re surrounded by nonstop little voices all week long.”

“Oh, I haven’t forgotten,” she insists. “That’s why we’re here to unwind. Now let’s talk about Cam…and Leo.”

I raise my eyebrows. “Is that why you dragged me out—to talk about Leo? This could’ve been a phone conversation or a text or an email.”

“Yeah, but that’s not as fun.” She waves to the server, who finally appears with two glasses and a pitcher of water.

“Hello, ladies, what can I get you?”

Jess looks at the menu and then starts ordering appetizers—coconut shrimp, goat cheese flatbread, chicken skewers, and ahi tartare. She’s such a foodie and apparently hasn’t eaten for days.

After she finishes ordering, the server looks at me.

“Um, I’ll have the chopped salad,” I say. “And a glass of sangria.”

“Oh, me too,” Jess chimes in.

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