Free This Time for Real by Yahrah St. John

time.
    â€œWell, I have to go,” Malik replied, walking backward. “Tons to do to make sure tonight goes off without a hitch.”
    Peyton sighed as she watched him walk away. She wanted to explain to Malik why she’d run, but he wasn’t giving her the chance. She was going to have to create an opportunity.
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    As Peyton served spaghetti and meatballs to the homeless, her mind wandered to Kendra as she looked at her volunteer students. She had hoped that Kendra would have the fortitude to volunteer despite her boyfriend’s lack of support, but she’d been wrong. Kendra was a no-show.
    She was heading back to the kitchen to refill the empty foil pan with more spaghetti, when she caught Malik staring, but then he immediately looked away. Peyton wondered if she’d imagined the whole thing. As she filled the pan, Peyton vowed to tell Malik about her past, whether he liked it or not.
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    Malik sighed. Peyton had caught him staring. He couldn’t resist watching her. She’d piled her shoulder-length hair on top of her head and out of her face, and didn’t seem to mind that she was wearing her fashionable clothes underneath a stained apron. She’d pitched in on a moment’s notice and hadn’t hesitated to make marinara sauce or cut up onions.
    Malik supposed that’s what he liked about her, her willingness to give. He’d wanted to reach out to her tonight, but he didn’t want to get rejected again.
    On the other side of the room, Theresa caught Peyton glancing in Malik’s direction as she placed garlic bread on several patrons’ plates. “You know, all you have to do is talk to him.” She bumped Peyton with her hip. “He doesn’t bite.”
    Peyton laughed. “Are you sure about that?”
    â€œPositive. Go ahead.” Theresa pushed Peyton away. “I’ve got this covered.”
    â€œThanks,” Peyton replied. She caught Malik as he came back inside after throwing out the garbage. “Hey.”
    â€œHey yourself. Great job on the spaghetti sauce.” He’d seen several men wiping their plates with their garlic bread. “You’re a hit with the locals.”
    â€œThanks, but I didn’t do too much, except doctor up the bottled stuff,” Peyton admitted. “Listen, can you help in the pantry for a minute? There’s a can I can’t reach.”
    â€œSure.” Malik followed behind her and flicked on the light in the closet. “Which one?”
    She pointed quickly to an unknown can. “The one on the top.” Just as she fibbed, they both heard the door shut behind them. “What was that?” Peyton asked.
    Malik walked over and turned the handle. They were locked in.
    On the opposite side, Theresa smiled at her handiwork. Malik and Peyton needed some help in the communication department. Some time alone in a confined space might do the trick.
    â€œDid you do this on purpose?” Malik asked, whirling around.
    â€œWhy in Heaven’s name would I do that?” Peyton argued.
    Malik reached up and pulled down a can of salmon. “Did you really need a can of pink salmon?”
    Peyton couldn’t resist bursting into laughter. “No, I suppose not, but you’ve been avoiding me all night. Make that all week. I had to resort to devious measures.”
    â€œAfter you ran off the other night, I thought that’s what you wanted,” Malik replied, eyeing her suspiciously.
    â€œNo, it’s not.” Peyton came forward and took Malik’s large hand in her small one. “You were right. I was scared of what’s happening between us.”
    â€œWhy? I thought we’d connected.”
    â€œWe did.” Peyton lowered her head. “But there’s a lot you don’t know about me, Malik.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œI was married.”
    Malik used his index finger and tilted her chin upward to look at him. “I hope by the