"I have told him. He's just a dirty old man and likes to crack jokes while he's working, if you get my drift."
"Yeah well have a good time. I'll see you in the morning."
"Sure, I so look forward to this every year. Oh and Rory…be careful, if not for me, then for yourself. It's been a long time since you've opened up to anyone. I don't want to see you get hurt. I do care about you, you know."
"I know, I know. It's not like I'm sleeping with her. She's just a baby. I promise not to get in over my head. You know me better than anyone, so you definitely know there's not a Sheila's chance of growing a donger that I'll work with her, much less get close to her."
Martie laughed at Rory's Aussie slang. That was definitely one thing she really missed. Rory used to bounce between American English and Australian English when she spoke. Most of the Aussie slang had worn off since she lived her live permanently in California.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd think it was your Uncle Mick talking just now. My God, Rory, you sounded just like him and no I don't think any women I know are planning on growing a penis as far as I know, so I guess there's no chance that you'll be training her then."
"That would be correct." Rory grinned.
"Well that's good to hear. I'm headed out of here. Have a good rest of your day. I'll see you bright and early, if I can walk."
"Ha-ha, bye."
After Martie shut the door, Rory put her glasses on and went back to her paperwork. When she was finally ready to call it a night and go home, she decided to respond to the email that had been on the back of her mind all day.
TO: [email protected]
FROM: [email protected]
Subject: Still thinking…no!
Miss Tinsley,
As I'm sure you're aware, money is not an option. If it were that easy, I would've already discussed this with you. However, at this moment, my schedule is completely booked up and I no longer have anything to do with surfing besides business. Therefore, these both justify my original answer, which is no. I do not see any reason at this time to reconsider. I'm glad you're not looking for arms and legs, since I don't have any extras to spare. As for my brain…I'm sorry but my corporation needs it more than I do. In spite of my lack of availability to assist you, I'm willing to aid you in finding someone with the time and capability to put forth the effort to instruct and prepare you to follow your goals.
Sincerely,
R. Eden
"Well this should set you straight, Miss Tinsley." Rory pressed send and turned off the computer.
~ ~ ~
Three nights later, a Yanni CD played on the outside speakers of the pool deck as Rory stood in the sand between the dunes behind her house, slowly moving through the relaxing motions of her favorite form of Tai Chi. The combination of New Age Inspirational music and ocean waves crashing ashore, helped calm her mind as the Tai Chi routines worked together to relax her body. She found this to be the most peaceful form of self meditation, next to surfing. Back when she had surfed everyday from sunrise to sunset, she'd always found the time for her Tai Chi meditations. In her opinion, this was the best way to clear the human mind. She'd always had her best thoughts during this time. Rory knew in the back of her mind that the waves still called out to her as she stood there in the sand, meditating and exercising. When she had given up her gifted art and love of surfing, she'd sworn to herself that she'd never leave her second art, Tai Chi, for this was the only thing she had left. This was the one thing in her life that couldn't betray her.
Rory went inside after the CD ended, heading straight up the stairs, tossing her sweaty clothes on the way to the shower. She stood under the hot spray cascading from the double showerheads, rinsing the salt from her skin, before soaping off and washing her hair. When she finished, she pulled on an old t-shirt with a surfing logo on it and black cotton warm-up pants and went down to the study, turning on her laptop. Her inbox from the office had mail in it, as usual. She scanned the names until she found the one she knew would be there. She wasn't exactly sure why the young surfer intrigued her, maybe it was because she reminded her of herself. Or, maybe it was simple because Austin Tinsley stirred something in her that she had thought was dead and gone. Clicking on the name staring back at her, she sat back in her leather chair and sighed.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: thinking too hard
Rory,
I would never want to interfere with your corporation. I do know you're a very busy woman. I am, however, asking for a little bit of your spare time. Not a business deal, but more of a friendly agreement. I'd like to get to know you and let you get to know me. Then, maybe you'll understand a little more about where I'm coming from. In the least, please take the time to watch me surf. If you don't like what you see, and you think I stink, well then, I'll forget all about ever asking you for anything. I won't make a fool out of you. That I can promise. I think this a pretty agreeable compromise. Yes?
Sincerely,
A.C. Tinsley
"Damn you're hardheaded. You think you've won, but the game hasn't even begun," Rory said, shaking her head. I'll reply later, why not make you sweat a little?!
~ ~ ~
Rory arrived at the office earlier than normal on Friday morning. There were three weeks until the X Games in Aspen and one week away from the Roxy Pro qualifying event in Victoria, Australia. Shockingly, Martie was already in her office. Alex, who was usually the first person from the administration floor to enter the office, wasn't even in the building yet. Rory walked straight into her office and turned on her computer. Before she had a chance to open her inbox, Martie burst through the doors.
"Good Morning sunshine!"
"What's up, Martie? This isn't like you?"
"What's that supposed to mean? Grouch! I can't be in a good mood? Besides, it's Friday."
"Yeah, I know it's Friday. I leave for Aspen in three weeks."
"Speaking of events, who do you want to send to Australia for the Roxy Pro next weekend?"
"I don't care. I left it up to you. It's only a qualifier, so we just need to represent our company. I believe Lisa has a list of our riders that will attend. I know she handles all of our US events, but she knows who'll be there. I met with Katie Phillips, she's our newest rider. Leann Strong is her rep. They were here last week talking with Ian about the new board she's riding."
"Five seven, medium-short brown hair. I met her a few weeks ago. Very cute!"
"My God, Martie, she's like eighteen. Plus, I would bet you my bank account that she's straight."
Martie laughed with an ear to ear smile. "Okay, so I can't take her out on the town with me, she's still legal, and I prefer the straight ones."
"New subject please."
"Hey, didn't we send Greg Underwood to Hawaii last month?"
"Yeah. I was thinking, go ahead and send Leann to the Roxy Pro. That way she can rep the company as well as Kelsey. I believe this girl's going to give Stacey Holbritton a run for her title this season. I think we should go ahead and let Leann handled all of the women's events. Send Greg to everything else. Make sure Lisa covers all of our events here in the states though."
"That sounds good. I'll meet with them this morning and make sure everyone is up to speed on the changes."
"Great, oh and one more thing, Martie, stop chasing our riders. I'm waiting for the day I receive a letter from an attorney regarding you and you're cradle robbing! Dating young straight girls is going to bite you in the ass one day!"
Martie walked away laughing.
Rory realized it was nearly eight and Alex should've arrived. She pressed the button on the intercom.
"Yes, Rory?"
"Good Morning, Alex. When you get a minute, I need to go over my travel arrangements with you. Also, I've made some changes to our traveling representatives. I need to go over that with you as well."
"Yes ma'am. I'll be there in ten minutes."
Alex walked into the office and sat down in front of Rory's desk. They briefly discussed the changes in the schedules, and then quickly talked about the flight and hotel arrangements for Rory's trip to Aspen.
~ ~ ~
Rory closed the program file she was working on, leaning back in her desk chair. Looking down at the watch on her wrist, she was surprised to see what time it was. Damn, where has this day gone? It's after six. I guess this is as good a time as any. She clicked on her outbox to send an email.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: answer is still no
Miss Tinsley,
In the corporate world, there is no such thing as 'spare-time'. I spend the majority of my time traveling, as I'm sure you're well aware of. However, you do drive a hard bargain with your 'friendly agreement'. I usually don't see our riders surf or snowboard until after they're already signed with us. I have representatives that watch the trials and preliminaries, and they make the decision to sign the riders that impress them with natural talent and ability. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but unfortunately, it's all I have to offer you at this time. I'm not on much of a personal level with many of my riders. No offense, I can tell you're a very nice person and I'm sure you're a great surfer. This is simply the way I run my company. I would be very happy to hear that one of my reps has signed you with us. I can definitely see that happening. You have the determination to take you to the top.
Sincerely,
R. Eden
After she sent the email, Rory turned off the computer and locked up her office on her way out. She stopped to say goodnight to Carl before she walking over to the parking garage.
~ ~ ~
Rory noticed the light blinking, indicating a message on the phone as she walked into her home office. Ignoring it, she went upstairs to her bedroom and changed into a white t-shirt with a sports bra underneath and black warm-up pants. After a few light stretches, she went methodically through her Tai Chi routine and then took a long jog down the beach, running as fast as she could on the return back to her house.
She still felt uneasy about the email she had sent to Austin and couldn't get it off her mind as she stood in the shower. Even after reading over it twice, she realized she had come off a little harsh, but she'd had to be honest with the girl. After finishing her shower, she dressed in a t-shirt and shorts, remembering the message on the machine as she made her way back downstairs.
"Hey, it's Martie. I figured you'd be home by now, it's after nine. Damn you work way too much. I was just calling to see if you were watching ESPN. They were talking about the Roxy qualifier that's coming up and mentioned the company. Nothing major, I was just wondering if you were watching, but silly me, you don't have time for television. You're probably out running on the beach or something else less appealing. I'll see you in the morning. Have a good night."
Rory laughed and erased the message. Martie, I don't know what's more surprising, the fact that I was working late or the fact you're actually home watching TV. You must be looking for a new cradle to prey on.
Rory stared at her laptop. She had a feeling there was an email awaiting her, but she wasn't sure if she wanted to see it. Sighing, she sat down and turned the computer on. Austin's name was highlighted at the top of her inbox as the most recent incoming message.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: not a contract
Rory,
I know how your company works. I talked to Lisa Keaton as you suggested, however, I do not want Miss Keaton's attention or her acceptance. As I told you in a previous conversation, I admire you. I have always been a huge fan of yours and I'm deeply inspired by you and your surfing style. I want to be your protégé so to speak. It's your personal approval that I'm looking for, not your company's endorsement. I hope this helps to clear up any confusion about my request.
Sincerely,
A.C. Tinsley
What the hell am I going to do with you? I'm deeply flattered, but…oh, Austin, you poor girl, I'm washed up. There's nothing I could teach that you probably don't already know. You have more drive and ambition than anyone I have ever seen. You deserve a chance, and if this is your only way, well I guess I don't know how else to help you. Rory thought as she clicked the reply button.
To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: not an agreement either
Miss Tinsley,
Be at Redondo Beach at medium tide tomorrow morning. Meet me in front of Charthouse Restaurant. I'm sure you've surfed there before. That spot has large lefts breaking off the north side of the harbor. We should be able to get in and out before the local crowd gathers. The waters running around fifty seven degrees this time of year, make sure you have your skins with you. I'll give you an hour to show me what you've got. I'm not committing or agreeing to anything. I'm merely going to watch you surf. THAT'S IT! DON'T GET ANY WILD IDEAS!
Sincerely,
R. Eden
Don't get your hopes up kid. I'm a has been. Unimportant history in the books. You're looking for something that just isn't there anymore. I hate to do this, but it's the only way you'll understand what I'm saying to you.
Chapter Five
"Where the hell are you going, Austin?" Lori questioned her best friend as she watched her race around their apartment gathering miscellaneous items.
"Surfing, of course! Why?"
"It doesn't look like it to me. Besides, we never made plans to go out today. Did you hear something that I didn't?"
Austin laughed at her skeptical friend. "I'm meeting Rory Eden this morning."
"No way? Why didn't you tell me? Wait, you lying ass, she doesn't want anything to do with you. Remember I was there…twice. You're lucky she didn't have us arrested."
"Yeah yeah, it's fine if you don't believe me. I was going alone anyway."
"Good, I'll see you on the twelve o'clock news tonight in jail for stalking her, and by the way, don't bother calling me to bail your ass out either. I have to pay the rent this week."
"Joke all you want." Austin grabbed her surf board and tossed her backpack over her shoulder. "I'm not sure when I'll be home, we're meeting in Redondo. Wish me luck!"
~ ~ ~
Rory's Audi screeched to a halt in the first parking space of the empty lot. She pushed the button to put up the convertible top and climbed out, noticing a red SUV pulling into the lot with a surfboard on the roof rack.
Austin got out of the truck, walking over to Rory. She was dressed in black board shorts, with a white and black rash guard shirt and black flip flops. Rory was wearing tan colored cargo pants and a white hooded t-shirt with her company logo on the back in blue and flip flops as well.
"You're late," Rory said, taking in the sight of the beautiful young blond as she removed her board shorts, showing off the black string bikini bottoms that barely covered her ass, before she stepped into her wetsuit. Damn…don't look, Rory. She's way too young. You're turning into Martie.
"Rory, I'm very sorry. My roommate had the truck and I had to wait for her to come home."
"Well, let's get this over with." Rory walked down the stairs and onto the sand. Austin followed with her board under her left arm. They stopped a little ways away from the parking lot. The beach was completely empty, except for a few seagulls and two men surfing off in the distance. Rory watched the line-up of waves as Austin waxed her board.
"It looks like the first two lines of the set are mushy. Try dropping on the third, it has the best lip," Rory said, giving a bit of advice before sitting down on a beach towel.
"Thanks." Austin watched the set and immediately picked up on Rory's observation. She grabbed her board and headed out into the waves.
~ ~ ~
Rory watched Austin drop on her first wave, noticed right away that Austin surfed goofy-foot, with her left
foot in the back and her right foot leading, just as she had done.
Austin floated on top of the wave lip, performing a few tail-slides, carving through the water, before getting pitched off her board when she'd tried to do a top-turn. Damn it, Austin, get over these nerves already. You're going to flop on your ass in front of her. Austin chided herself as she concentrated on the set, choosing the third wave again. This time, she got her bearings, patting down the nerves and ripping the wave. She started with a three-sixty, followed by a few left and right carves, and then a tail-slide into a nose-grab aerial that landed backwards. Then, she spun around in a cut-back motion with a hand drag that went into a left carve and finally a stall as she pitched herself off the board. Rory sat on the beach amazed at the raw talent of the young woman. She undoubtedly had skill and style, but her technique and unique characteristics were what set her apart and those would most definitely need some cleaning up.
Austin looked like a drowned rat as she washed ashore with her board. Rory didn't budge from where she was sitting until Austin walked over to her, standing her board up in the sand.
"So, what did you think?"
"Well, Miss Tinsley…" Rory started.
"Please, call me Austin."
Rory's eye brows turned in as she almost lost her train of thought. "Okay fine, Austin, I do believe you have a very interesting form and it's definitely original. You're certainly talented, but even with the best there is still always room for improvement. You have a natural ability. That in itself is a great quality. You simply need to work on your technique and what makes you worthy of high judging scores. Basically, you have it—you just need to clean it up. You have old habits and those are the hardest to break."
Crashing Waves Page 5
