Kat watched Adam struggle but as she sat up to help, she noticed a young man running up the beach, chasing the gang of kids back toward them. They all ran past laughing as the boy, now looking more like Adams age, steered the toddlers away from the waters edge. He then ran right up, grabbed Adams hat and put it on his own head. He sat down beside Adam, looked him in the eyes and said,

“Hi, I’m Gord.” He then grabbed Adams hand and shook it.

“I saw your success with that little gang of marauders, so I thought I’d send them back for a little more.”

Adam smiled. “I’m … Adam,” he said.

“Those kids are crazy you know. Have you seen them running through the neighborhood. They’re jumping people’s fences, and playing with everyone’s dogs, it’s total chaos wherever they go.” Gord took the hat off and put it down beside Adam. “I don’t know how you manage to keep them under control so much of the time,” Gord joked.

“A … steady hand,” Adam answered, while waving his hand in front of himself. He laughed as soon as Gord started laughing. Gord held his hand out and Adam fist bumped him enthusiastically. They both laughed as Gord stood up. He turned to Kat with a half wave and a smile and was gone. Kat smiled too, as Gord ran off down the beach.

“Do you know him,” she asked Adam?

“He’s new here,” Adam answered. “Army brat, …lives with his mom.”
“I like him,” she said flatly.