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“I don’t think I’ve seen Wally before.”Kevin continued with his gentle speaking.

“Wally…” I cleared my throat.“His old owner didn’t walk him.He only ever went into the backyard.So this walking thing is new to him.”And to me.

“Really?He’s great on the leash.”Kevin’s enthusiasm couldn’t be overstated.“He’s not pulling or anything.”

“Jordan’s good.”Because he was.

“And Phillip is great with applying that training.”Jeremy glanced my way.“Oh, jeez, Kevin, we didn’t even introduce you properly.This is Phillip.He’s new in town.”

“Welcome.”Kevin grinned.“I like having new people in town.They always have a story.Do you have a story?”

I chalked up his casualness with me to the fact Jeremy had clearly vetted me.Because he should be careful around strangers.I might not be a good guy.

Hank hadn’t been a good guy.

And no one had warned me.

Babe in the woods.An expression I’d learned.I’d learned many things—most of them too late.

“Phillip’s shy.”

Jeremy’s words jolted me.

What…?Oh, right.Kevin’s question.

“My story’s pretty boring.I went from Oregon to LA, spent a few years there, and…” I swallowed.“Things didn’t go well.”

“I’m from Ohio.Things weren’t always great there, but my mom’s there, and she’s not so bad.Just…” He squinted.“I prefer Gaynor Beach.”

Ohio?I’d prefer Gaynor Beach as well.“Everyone here has been really friendly.”I glanced at Jeremy.“Especially my neighbors.”

“Oh, that’s cool.I’ve lived in two houses here, and I loved both.Really, though, I prefer checking out the marine life out by the old lighthouse.And down by the old pier.Oh, maybe we can go out there.”He pointed.

I squinted.

“Sometime, sure, if we’re in the area.”Jeremy nudged me.“That would be a lovely drive over, and then we can walk up and down that side of the beach.”

Because walking there would likely kill me…and probably Wally as well.That being said, we were hanging in so far.“Right.Sounds great.”

“Oh, hey!”Kevin waved frantically.“My dads.They must’ve finished up work early.”He nearly vibrated with excitement, and Zelda clearly perked up at his enthusiasm.

Wally glanced at me as if asking,what’s all the fuss about?Should I get excited too?

I lowered my hand in a gesture I hoped conveyedstay calm.We hadn’t learned anything like that from Jordan yesterday.Possibly because the odds of Wally getting excited about anything were slim.He just…went with the flow.

“Hey, back.”The larger of the two men chuckled.“Have you made new friends?”

Jeremy stuck out his hand.“I’m Jeremy.Kevin and I have conversed quite a few times.Zelda and I are good friends.Usually in the early morning when I’m out for my run.”

“I’m Joe.”He shook Jeremy’s hand.

“I’m, uh, Phillip.”I held out my hand.

He grasped it firmly.But not too tight.

I was grateful.

Then he eyed Kevin and raised an eyebrow.No question the two were related—what with their matching noses and hair, although Kevin was wiry where Joe was solid.