Page 29 of Smitty

“You sure?”

“Yeah.”

My arm was still trembling where the man had grabbed me, but I did my best to ignore it. For a moment, I thought he would just turn and leave, but he didn’t. Instead, he said, “You probably shouldn’t be out here alone.”

“You’re probably right,” I scoffed.

The alley light flickered back on, and I finally got a good look at him. He had shaggy blond hair, a hint of a beard, and beautiful blue eyes that looked so very tired. He was wearing a baseball cap with a leather coat that wasn’t nearly thick enough for this kind of weather, and his boots had seen better days.

“You staying at the shelter?”

“No.” I shook my head. “I volunteer here a few days a week.”

“That’s cool.”

“What about you?” I crossed my arms and tried not to shiver. “Are you looking for a place to stay for the night?”

“Maybe.” He looked down at the ground as he admitted, “Been staying out in my truck some, but I’m thinking it’s a bit too cold for that tonight.”

“You’re right about that.” I knew we were slammed, and there was a strong probability that all the shelters were, too. I hated the thought of him being out on the streets on a night like this, so I said, “We’re pretty packed tonight, but I think I can find a spot for you.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah, I owe you one for helping me out like you did.” I gave him a warm smile. “I’m just returning the favor.”

I slipped him through the back door and led him down the hall to one of the storage rooms. It wasn’t much, but there was a cot and a couple of blankets. And it was warm. That alone would get him through the night.

I sat with him for a while, and we talked for a bit. He explained that he’d left home a few months back and was trying to find some steady work. He seemed so genuine and kind, and I could tell it had meant a great deal to him that I’d helped him out. I had a feeling no one had been kind to him for quite some time, and that made me want to help him even more.

The carousel began to slow, and just like that, I was suddenly pulled back into the present. Anslee clapped and smiled, and the cheerful music became distorted as the ride coasted to a stop. Ryan leaned in and lifted Anslee from my arms as he announced, “Our girl liked the carousel, didn’t you?”

She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. “I think our girl is tired.”

“I think you might be right.”

I slipped off the horse and followed them to the exit. Once we were through the gate, Ryan settled Anslee on his hip and asked, “You okay?”

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know. You just seem a little off.”

“I’m fine.”

He gave me one of his looks. I wasn’t surprised. Ryan knew me well enough to know when something was bothering me. It was one of the things I’d always appreciated about him, but tonight, it felt invasive. “I’m just tired.”

We started walking through the crowd, weaving around families and teenagers carrying the prizes they’d won and oversized corn dogs. The crowd hadn’t bothered me earlier, but now, I was feeling a bit claustrophobic.

It didn’t help matters when Ryan pushed, “That guy have something to do with it?”

“What guy?”

“The one you were talking to earlier.”

“Um, no… He’s just someone I used to know.”

I knew he heard it.

The lie. The hesitation. The emotion I couldn't quite hide.