I have a new “boyfriend.”

A while back I twittered about “Tai Chi Guy” and twittered about “Tai Chi Guy”. So amused was I.

Well, the afternoon after I was with Sam, I went out to the beach with my kid and there was “Tai Chi Guy” again. As before he had his two sons with him. My kid immediately befriended the boys and ran off playing on the beach. I smiled at “Tai Chi Guy” and he came over and sat next to me.

When our kids started playing on the water, “Tai Chi Guy” and I moved closer to them. The waves can get very strong, and the undertow even stronger. Strongest, though, is a child’s stubborn will to be independent, so I kept myself close but not suffocating. At some point my kid got knocked over and pounded into the sand by a big wave. I grabbed hold of a hand as my wee one sputtered. “Tai Chi Guy” and I shared a look of concern and humor and understanding and recognition that was beyond words.

The five of us played on the beach till dusk. The next day I saw them on the beach again. My kid stayed at home with her father. It was just me and my dog. He was examining a string of dried grass when I waved at him. I sat beside “Tai Chi Guy” and got to know him more. They are Russian. His wife works for a genetic company. He takes care of the two sons.

At night I told Jay all about him. “You and your collection of nerdy guys,” he teased, then warned, “Don’t incur the wrath of a Russian genetic physicist!”