One Mistake(3)

“What are you doing?” I asked.

William looked at me comically and said, “It should be pretty obvious, but I’m getting dressed.”

“Why?” I still didn’t comprehend. “The shelter is only a few blocks away. I can walk. You don’t have to take me.”

“I’m not taking you.” He had finished with the shirt and was pulling on a gray sweater. “I’m going with you.”

“No, you’re not.” I hadn’t meant the words to come out so harsh, but William’s head snapped up. “I’m sorry. I just mean, you don’t have to feel obligated to go. Really. You should stay here. I’ll be back in a few hours.”

“I don’t feel obligated,” he said with anger in his voice. “I don’t do things out of obligation. I want to go with you.”

I didn’t want to argue with William. It was wonderful that he wanted to go, but the shelter was a sacred place. Most of the women and children didn’t trust men. I didn’t know how to explain it to William without offending him. “And I want you to go, William. But you might not be comfortable there.”

“You don’t have to worry about my comfort. I’m sure I can handle it.” William’s eyes flashed at me.

“I’m sure you can,” I agreed, and lowered my voice. “But they might not be able to handle you.”

Understanding passed over William’s face. “I see.”

“These people have been through a lot of bad stuff and they don’t exactly trust men.” I shrugged helplessly. “I can’t blame them for that. I know it’s unfair, and that you aren’t like those men, but they don’t know that.”

“I get it.” William smiled tightly. “I wouldn’t be welcome there. Rightfully so.”

“No, it’s not right.” I frowned, wishing there was a solution. William was a good man and he wanted to help. Surely he would be the best possible example for these kids that didn’t have a positive male influence in their lives.

“You should come,” I decided. “If anyone is uncomfortable, you can always leave. But if you want to, you should come.”

William tilted his head uncertainly. “Are you sure?”

I nodded confidently. “Yes. I’m sure. Put on your coat.”

“Give me two seconds,” William said, grabbing his phone from the nightstand. “I just need to make a quick call.”

While William was on the phone, I pulled on a coat and scarf and stepped outside. The sun was reflecting off the blanket of snow and I had to squint until my eyes adjusted to the light. The air was fresh and crisp as I sucked it in, and then let it out in a slow puff.

“It’s a beautiful day,” William said as he locked the door behind us. He took my cold hand in his and it began to warm instantly.

We stepped out onto the unblemished snow covering the sidewalk and began to make our way as carefully as possible. All of William’s neighbors were still inside, warm and dry.

“I hate snow,” I said when my feet slid out from under me for the third time. William kept me on my feet.

“You really need to learn how to walk without falling,” he said with a laugh. He wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pressed his cold lips to my cheek. “Not that I mind saving you.”

I leaned into him, reveling in his warmth and steadiness. “You may end up regretting you said that. I need a lot of saving.”

He didn’t respond and we continued on in relative silence. Our steps made loud crunching noises as we traversed through the snow. The shelter was only four blocks from William’s place so it didn’t take us long to reach it. It had been converted from an old school and despite being in an affluent neighborhood, it was fairly rundown.

“Don’t worry,” I said when William hesitated outside the door. I pulled him forward. “It’s much nicer inside.”

The volunteer staff went to a lot of trouble to make the inside of the shelter has homey and welcoming as possible. The furniture was all second-hand, but clean. We were alone in the foyer and William helped me out of my coat.

“How is this place funded?” William asked as I hung our coats in the closet.

“There are a few female business owners in town that do most of the funding. A couple of churches also help out, and we hold fundraisers, too. It’s a group effort.” I reached for his hand. “Come one. I’ll give you a tour.”

I led him around the first floor and pointed out the living area, kitchen, dining room and playroom. One of the volunteers must have recently cleaned because all of the toys were put away for once. A few of the shelter’s residents milled about and they all eyed William suspiciously. For his part, William went above and beyond to be as charming as possible. Fortunately, it played to his strengths.