[Boating: Hugh and Atticus]
Was hot in the mornings. Had no clue when this summer would end, but to Atticus it felt a good 10-15 degrees hotter than summer in 1999. Could have been imagining that, but he'd read enough about global warming to think it wasn't all in his head, despite some truly insane sources seeming to think global warming didn't exist. Thought things were less complicated in 1999. They'd believed the world was going to end with every computer failing at midnight on the 31st, but that hadn't been the type of threat this weather thing was. Wasn't going to even think about politics.
Point was, it was hot. Dressed cool, and got the boat out on the water early. Liked those first moments of sunlight off the lake's calm surface. Was romantic, in a literary way. One day, he'd manage to pen something. Not today, though. The breeze was nice, and Atticus adjusted his sail setting for the wind, pointing the boat into it. Jib was secured to boom. Tack to mainsail. Used the motor briefly, just to get himself going in the right direction, then made for the dock.
Saw the shape of a man there as he neared. Wasn't sure what he was expecting from Hugh From The Forums, but looked like a normal guy. Was expecting someone with a heartache etched face, but just saw a guy with travel mugs, waving and smiling. Good beginning. Guided the boat up against the side of the dock, then moved quickly to secure the lines to the cleats. "Morning. One of those for me?" Reached a hand out for a mug, so that Hugh would have a hand free for balance as he climbed on.