"What's up, Rory? I figured you were sitting on the floor under your desk, since I haven't heard a peep out of you for um…" She looked down at the silver watch on her right wrist. "It's been almost five hours. Wow, I'm amazed. Honestly, I didn't think…"
"Oh shut up, Martie. I'm just as busy as you are, if not busier, so I don't want to hear your shit. I actually came down here to check out a suspicious notion, and sure enough I was right. How long have you been talking to her, and I don't mean just now?"
"Rory, you know someone has to keep your mother in the loop of your life because you sure as hell don't. If it wasn't for me, she'd have no idea what kind of life her only child was leading, except for what your Uncle Mick tells her or she reads in a magazine. Besides, I needed to tell her you weren't going to the Roxy Pro."
"I don't care to hear the poor pitiful me excuses. It's over Martie. It's been over for four damn years. I've moved on with my life and I wish the rest of you would too. I'm sure she would've noticed that I wasn't there eventually."
"Come on, she's all you have. How long do you plan on shutting her out?"
As long as it hurts, or until the pain stops, whichever comes first! Rory started to speak, but stopped before the words left her mouth. Instead they faded off into her thoughts. Martie stood up and walked around the desk towards Rory. She knew she wouldn't get through to her, not today, but she'd keep her promise to Angel and continued trying to reach deep inside, past the pain, to the part of Rory she knew still existed; the part of her that died four years ago on the beach.
"Have you heard from Carl? Did he get anything out of that girl from this morning?" Martie asked.
"No I guess not, Carl hasn't called me. What about Lisa, did she find out what she was here for?"
"Nope, the girl took off before Lisa could speak to her. I don't like the smell of this, Rory. Be careful. Who knows who she is or what her motive is for that matter. I don't think she'll be back, but then again she'd been trying for two weeks to get in here and see you. On the lighter side, maybe she has a crush on you. That would be quite funny. I can see it in the next issue of Surf's Up Magazine. 'Rory Eden, retired pro surfer and head of Eden Boards, Inc. the largest surf and snow board design and manufacturing company in the world, is stalked by a love struck teenage girl with a crush.' Man, would that be hilarious!" Martie laughed.
"Laugh it up, mate, I swear. Besides you're probably the one with a crush and as oblivious as I am, I made you my vice president. Go figure!"
"Oh please, woman! You'd know it if I had a crush. Anyway, been there, done that. Don't get me wrong, it was great and I will always love you, but you're way too enigmatic for me. I don't know whether you're coming or going half of the time. Hey, don't you have work to do or something? Can't you see I'm busy here? What happened to 'chop-chop' and 'we have work to do people'?"
Rory laughed at Martie's attempt at blowing right past the discussion of their brief attempt as a couple.
"Fine, I get your point. We lasted all of about two months, but I do believe you were the cause of the break-up. Something about not dating your mates and I was too much like a sister or something along those lines," Rory teased.
Martie's deep brown eyes grew as big as baseballs as she started towards Rory with her hands clenched.
"Okay, I get the hint!" Rory laughed backing away from her friend. "Do me a favor, next time you talk to Angel, tell her I'm too busy to talk. I'd prefer it if you didn't talk to my mum at all, but since you never do what I say or suggest, make sure it's known that I don't want to speak to her," she said seriously, before leaving the room.
~ ~ ~
It was eight o'clock by the time Rory's midnight blue Audi rolled through the iron gates of her property. She parked the car in the garage and walked into her house. She stopped inside the study to turn on her laptop, before strolling up the stairs and into her lavish bedroom with a balcony and an ocean view. She walked into her closet, stripping off her company shirt and chino style pants and tossing them into the overflowing basket full of dirty clothes. She put on a white t-shirt, then slipped a canary yellow polo shirt over it and pulled on a pair of khaki colored cargo pants. She stopped momentarily, looking at herself in the mirror before exiting her room.
Rory walked through the open doorway of her study and sat in the leather chair behind the desk, bumping the wireless mouse next to the laptop to turn off the screensaver. Her personal computer had the same program as the one in her office, so she was able to continue working when she was at home. Rory yawned softly as she ran her fingers through her short blond hair. She logged into her office software and her inbox flashed three new messages. She walked into the living room in search of her iPod when she heard the doorbell on the gate ring. She pressed the call button on the intercom thinking it was Martie trying to redeem herself, even though she knew the code to get in.
"I thought we handled this at the office?" Rory said.
"Rory, I'm sorry for the mess I caused at your company today. If you'd just give me a chance, I only want to talk to you for a minute."
Rory jumped back from the intercom, wondering whether she should call the cops or go out there and confront the girl. This girl has balls, I'll give her that. Sneaking into my office and now showing up at my home.
"Look, mate… I really don't have time to speak to you. I can set up an appointment with one of my representatives if you'd like, but I don't handle the recruiting. I'm sorry."
"I would really rather speak directly to you. It won't take long, I promise."
Rory heard another voice in the background as the girl was speaking.
The young blond at the gate turned to her friend who was standing next to her.
"Damn it, Lori, if you don't shut up you're going to blow this for me."
"Look, Austin, you almost got us arrested this morning and now you're really in deep. If she calls the cops, this is stalking and harassment and probably ten other fucking things. Let's get the hell out of here. I don't like this."
"You're such a pussy. Come on we're not going to jail. She's not Cruella De-Ville and besides we're not doing anything wrong. I'm just trying to speak to her."
Neither of them realized that Austin had been holding the intercom button throughout their entire conversation, until Rory came back on the other end.
"Uh… Austin…is that your name? I think you'd better listen to your mate. You were thrown out of my office building and now you're trying to enter my property. If I call the police you will more than likely get arrested for stalking. Look, if you really want to be seen that badly, call my office in the morning and ask to speak to Lisa Keaton. She's one of my surfing reps, I'm assuming you're a surfer right?"
"Yes, uh we both are, but I'd much rather talk to you. I'm not good with the whole corporate ladder thing."
"I can see that, but unfortunately that's the way I work. My reps handle everything until it comes to signing someone, then they see me. If I personally spoke to everyone that thought they deserved a sponsorship, it would take up the rest of my life, and I have a company to run. Now, I’d appreciate it if you'd please remove yourselves from my property and if you're as serious as you seem to be, call my office and speak to Lisa. I'm sure she can help you out. Goodnight."
Rory stood by the intercom, waiting until she no longer heard noise from the two girls, before going back to the study.
~ ~ ~
Rory reached down for her cell phone when she noticed Martie's BMW in the company parking garage. The phone rang before she could dial out.
"Hey, it's Martie. I received an interesting email this morning from Lisa Keaton. I think you should see it."
"I was just about to call you. I'm proud of you, Martie. You've made it to work before me two days this week. I'm impressed."
"This is serious, Rory. That girl that snuck in here yesterday won't give up. Apparently, she sent an email to the company and requested a meeting with Lisa and she also would like a personal meeting with you."
"She did what! Oh my God, Rory! Did you call the cops?" Martie screeched, pacing the floor in the hall waiting for the elevator to stop. One hand was holding her cell phone against her ear and the other was in the pocket of her black pants suit.
"No, I didn't call the cops. Geez, Martie, don't be so paranoid."
"Paranoid! Excuse me. You had a stalker show up at your house in the middle of the night. What am I suppose to think? You didn't let her in the gate did you?"
"No, of course not. I called down to the intercom and told her to speak with Lisa in the morning if she wanted to be looked at by our company because I don't deal directly with prospects. The odd part is, she wasn't alone. I guess the other girl had been with her at the office too."
"I don't like—" Martie was cut off by the elevator opening.
Rory was standing there grinning. Her light colored hair and baby blue eyes stood out in contrast to her bronzed skin. If anyone noticed her impeccable good looks when she was around them, they ignored it. Martie knew firsthand what that was like. She'd had her chance with Rory and chose to be her best friend instead. In her own words, it was safer to love her and have her in her life forever as a best friend than to have her as a lover and lose her to someone or something else down the road.
"I think you can hang up now, Martie, unless of course, I'm imagining you standing there with your jaw on the floor."
Martie grabbed Rory's hand, urging her past Alex and through the door of her office. Once inside, she closed the door and spun around. Rory put her briefcase on the floor and sat down in her chair with hands folded neatly in front of her on the desk.
"How can you sit there looking so calm and smug? I don't get you, I swear I don't. Personally, I would've called the cops and had the damn kid arrested for stalking. What happens when she comes back, as you and I both know she will?"
"Well, if she comes back, I guess I'll have to handle it, now won't I. Honestly, I think it's over with. I explained the way things work last night and she contacted Lisa afterwards, so as far as I can see, it's over with."
"Ok, fine, don't come crawling to me when she kicks your door in or jumps in your car at a red light or some stupid shit like that."
Rory sat back laughing. "Get real, Martie. I seriously doubt anything like that will happen."
Martie shook her head, walking out of the office. She stopped in the hallway, turning back towards the closed door. Damn it, Rory. You don't see it and it's right in front of you. This girl is wild and reckless just like you were, not too long ago. You've pushed that part of your life and that side of you so far away, that you don't even remember it anymore. The fire in your eyes burned out four years ago.
Rory picked up her phone, dialing an extension as Martie shut the door. "Hello Lisa, it's Rory," she said when the bubbly woman answered.
"Hello, Rory. How may I help you?"
"A girl contacted you last night or this morning requesting a meeting, correct?"
"Yes ma'am she did. I received an email from her this morning. I've never heard of her though, so I don't think—"
"Martie spoke with me briefly about it. Can you please forward the email to my inbox when you get a chance?"
"Uh, yes ma'am. I'll send it to you right now."
"Thanks, Lisa. By the way, how are things coming along down there?"
"Great, we should have the new prototype board ready to test while you're in Aspen."
"That's awesome! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it. I talked to Jacob Nettles and Calvin Whittle yesterday about the Roxy Pro in Australia."
"We should have a large portion of the riders on our boards at Roxy."
"Sounds great, Lisa. Oh, one other thing before I forget. If this girl contacts you again, forward the emails to me instead of Martie please."
"Sure, no problem."
"Great, thanks. Have a nice afternoon."
Rory hung up and waited a few minutes before checking her inbox and clicking on the forwarded message.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Meeting w/ Rory Eden about Surfing
Lisa Keaton,
My name is Austin Tinsley. I'm trying to meet with Rory Eden. I have something to discuss with her that is personal. It's not just about a surfing sponsorship. I was told to contact you. If you could please forward my information to Rory that would be greatly appreciated. My phone number is 454-8001, and my email address is [email protected]. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Austin C. Tinsley
Rory wondered what exactly it was she wanted to discuss so badly. Personal? What the hell can you possibly want with me? Bloody hell, I don't have time to be a role model or whatever it is she wants.
~ ~ ~
Before she knew it, it was lunch time and today of all days, Rory decided to join Martie for lunch down at the small café on the corner. Martie parker her black BMW next to the curb and both women walked through the glass doors, sitting at the first available table. An older waitress with a bad dye job came over to them.
"Good afternoon ladies, what can I get for you?"
Martie was the first to answer since she frequently ate at the restaurant. "I'll have a cup of the cream of chicken and mushroom soup, a small garden salad, and water."
"Ok and for you ma'am?" she asked Rory.
"I'll have a cup of the broccoli cheese soup, half of a turkey club, and water also."
The waitress walked away and Martie leaned forward in her seat.
"So what brought your ass out of the office today? You never leave for lunch. I wasn't sure if I should call the newspaper or something!"
"Oh, I don't know. I got tired of staring at my office walls I guess. Why, does it bother you that I wanted to have lunch? You always ask and I always say no. So, I thought what the hell, I'll go today."
"I see. Any word from the kid?"
"No, I told you it was over."
"Uh huh, I'll believe it when I see it. You can't trust people like that."
The waitress returned with their food and both women ate with a passion. One thing that they'd definitely had in common was eating. Both women could put away some food without their bodies ever showing it. They blamed it on having a high metabolism from being athletes for so many years.
"I guess we'd better get back. I have so much to get done this week. Alex said she has all of your travel information ready. I wish I was going with you to this one. Aspen is such a beautiful place."
"Yeah, I'm sure I'll enjoy it."
"Hey, what are you doing for New Year's? Any big dates I should know about?"
"Actually, I do have a date this year." Rory smiled and started laughing when Martie's face scrunched up in shock. "A date with the TV, that is."
"Come on, Rory. It's a weekend this year, so you have no excuses about having to get up early to go into the office. You're coming out with me here in L.A. since we don't have shit in Long Beach. Remind me again why we both bought houses out there."
"Beach, duh!" Rory put major emphasis on the word beach as she smiled at Martie.
"Yeah, you're right I couldn't possibly live inland. We'll pick you up around seven Saturday night."
"We?"
"Yeah, me and the black stretched limo."
"I see, and where are we going? I've been invited to so many New Year's parties. I wouldn't know where to begin."
Both women tossed cash on the table to cover the bill, continuing their conversation as they stood up. Neither of them noticed Austin walking by on the sidewalk as they exited the café. Austin immediately noticed Rory and she quickly moved towards her. Martie saw the girl approaching before Rory and instantaneously reached for her cell phone to call the police.
"Excuse me, Rory. I'm the one that was at your house last night as well as in your office building," she said, pulling her dark aviator sunglasses off.
Rory studied the young girl for a moment. She was shorter than Rory by a couple of inches and definitely in shape. Sun-kissed skin stood out next to the white t-shirt that clung to her in the right places and she wore shorts that hung slightly off her hips. She had long, naturally wavy, dark blond hair that was pulled back up off her neck in a clip, accentuating her beautiful gray eyes. Rory couldn't peel her eyes away. She heard Martie talking and turned to see another girl, about an inch taller with a similar build, with short dark hair and brown eyes.
"Martie, hang up the phone. There's no need to call the cops."
Martie didn't hesitate as she moved towards the girls, still holding her phone.
"Look, I suggest you both stay as far away as you can from Rory. She doesn't handle whatever it is you're looking for. You've contacted a representative from our company and that's as far as you need to go. If you're seen anywhere near our building or Rory's private residence again, I will personally make sure you both go to jail for stalking. Do you understand me? I'm dead serious. This is not a game anymore."
"I'm sorry if we upset anyone, we were just trying to speak to Rory. We're not stalking anyone."
"Excuse me! You snuck into our building and you—"
"Okay, Martie, I think they get the point. There's no need to scare the hell out of them. Come on I have a meeting in an hour."
Both women walked briskly towards the BMW. Rory turned back towards the girls as she was getting into the car.
"Listen, mate, I understand where you're coming from. Unfortunately, I can't help you. I'm not the person you need to be speaking with. Please understand how my company works." I wish I could help you, but I'm sorry, I can't.
Chapter Three
Rory walked out of her bedroom wearing black pants, a white button down blouse with a light gray V-neck sweater over it and black Doc Marten's. She sat on the couch in her living room watching a New Year's Eve Celebration show on the TV. Ten minutes later, she heard the bell ring for the gate. She grabbed her leather jacket and walked outside, locking the door before turning around. The driver, who was dressed in a tuxedo, had the door opened, waiting for her as she walked down the driveway.
Crashing Waves Page 3
