Crashing Waves (6 page)

"Great you're making friends with her now. What's next…you didn't…Rory, tell me you didn't let her in your house."

Rory couldn't stop laughing at Martie's ridiculous behavior.

"No, I didn't invite her inside. We talked briefly and that's it."

"So what exactly did you talk about?"  

"Not much, she's a lifelong fan and a diehard surfer. She wants me to teach her everything I know and train her to join the pro tour. That's why she's been so adamant about talking to me."

"What the fuck?"

"I know, weird huh?"

"Well you're not actually considering it, are you?"

"No, of course not. Martie, a little common sense would be good here. If I don't surf anymore, what the hell makes you think I'm going to devote my time to teaching and training someone? I'm about to begin traveling every week for upcoming events. I don't have the time or the energy, and I sure as hell don't want anything to do with my past. I explained to her that I'm in the business end of things now and history is history and it's going to stay history for a reason."

"What if she doesn't give up?"

"Yeah well, I already know she won't," Rory sighed.

Martie looked at all of the framed magazine covers and articles on Rory's wall. She'd graced the cover of a magazine at least thirty times and had had numerous articles written about her. Martie missed that side of Rory, the passionate, yet overtly dangerous wild side.
This girl is just like you Rory, and you don't even see it. Unfortunately, she knows how to push your buttons and eventually she'll go beyond the tough skin you hide under. I can't let her hurt you; she doesn't know anything about the terrible pain you've forced yourself to forget about.

"Earth to Martie, hello?"

"What!"

"You zoned out on me, girl. I was about to slap you or something."

"Has she tried to contact you anymore here at the office?"

"As a matter of fact, she emailed me this morning."

"Surely you're not going to respond, right?"

"I don't know, I feel bad for her. I mean there is no way I can do what she's asking of me, but I can at least try to maybe help her find someone who's willing to teach and train her."

"Yeah, well, as long as it's not you. Look, be careful, Rory. You don't know much about this girl."
Besides, she's not going to work with anyone else, it's you she chose and she's not going to stop until she gets what she wants. Your fire burned that deep, a long time ago. Unfortunately, it burned out way too soon.
 

"I need to go over a few things with the snow team about Aspen. We still haven't gotten anywhere with the riders that are under contract, unless you want to buy out their contracts."

"No, we're not in that position. I actually took a look at Adler Troy's contract, but it's pretty cut and dry and they want millions to release her. So, I guess we will see how things shake down while I'm there. Who knows, maybe we will get lucky."

"Yeah, she's the top dog. They're not going to let her go for free, that's for sure. Hey, if you don't mind, I'm going to take off early today. I have a doctor's appointment. Damn yearly check up shit," Martie huffed.

"Aw poor Martie has to get poked by a mean ol' gyno. Why don't you just tell them you're a lesbian? That would make it so much easier, on both of you."

"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."

"Great, thank you."

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.