Read Online This Time for Real by Yahrah St. John - Free Book Online Page B

she left.
    Peyton threw the pen in her hand across the room, frustrated that now one of her most promising students was going to miss out on a great opportunity.
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    â€œGuess who’s here?” Theresa poked her head inside Malik’s office.
    Malik shrugged. “I don’t know, who?”
    â€œPeyton Sawyer and her students. Denise arranged for them to help out in the day care and Headstart programs, as well as tutoring and homework assistance in our afterschool programs.”
    â€œSounds great,” Malik replied. “And what did Dr. Sawyer choose?”
    â€œMentoring,” Theresa replied. “She wants to encourage African-American and Latina women and help out with the college preparatory program.”
    â€œSounds right up her alley.”
    â€œSure does. You should stop by and say hello,” Theresa urged.
    â€œNow really isn’t a good time,” Malik replied.
    Theresa didn’t understand. “All right.” Malik had been so excited when Peyton had asked him to dinner last week, Theresa was sure they were headed in the right direction. What could have gone wrong?
    Malik rose to his feet, grabbed his folder and rushed out the room before Theresa could say another word.
    Once he found out her schedule, Malik continued avoiding Peyton for the rest of the week. He was walking back to his office on Friday afternoon after checking in with the center’s business manager, Greg Burns, on the particulars for the homeless dinner that evening when he ran smack dab into the object of his desire in the hallway.
    â€œPeyton,” Malik gasped as she grabbed ahold of him to steady herself.
    When she glanced up, he captured her eyes with his and Peyton’s heart jolted and her pulse pounded. “Malik.” She nodded when he released her. Peyton had wondered when she would run into the elusive director. “How are you?” She felt foolish for running off last week like a scared school girl.
    â€œGood. And you?”
    â€œFine.” Peyton watched Malik with a keenly observant eye, but she could read nothing from his expression. “I saw the article in Manhattan Weekly, congratulations.”
    â€œThanks.” Malik smiled. “I’m hoping it will help draw some sponsors.”
    â€œI’m sure it will,” Peyton said, smiling.
    â€œOkay, well I guess I’ll see you later.” Malik tried to make a fast getaway, but Peyton placed her hand on his forearm.
    She felt the impulse to explain that she’d suffered a terrible tragedy and had been scared of forging ahead. Maybe, just maybe, she could try with him. “Malik, can we talk?” Peyton asked. She didn’t realize she was still holding his arm until he glanced down. So she let go.
    â€œUm, now isn’t a good time, Peyton.”
    â€œYou can’t spare five minutes for a friend?”
    â€œIs that what we are?” Malik looked deep into her eyes. The feelings she evoked in him and the kiss they’d shared had been far from friendly.
    Peyton was about to respond when Theresa came bounding down the hall. “There you are!” Theresa exclaimed, out of breath.
    â€œWere you looking for me?” Malik asked.
    Theresa glanced at the couple. She could cut the tension between them with a knife. “No, for Peyton,” she responded. “We’re shorthanded for servers tonight for our dinner for the homeless and I was hoping she’d be willing to help out. That’s if you don’t have any plans for the evening?” Theresa looked hopefully up at Peyton, who was several inches taller than she.
    â€œSure.” Peyton smiled. “I don’t have any plans.” She glanced in Malik’s direction, but his face was stone. Was he happy or upset that she would be staying?
    â€œGreat, you’re a lifesaver,” Theresa said. “Carry on.” She waved and nearly skipped away. She had stepped in just in the nick of