Crashing Waves Page 6

  Austin wasn't sure whether or not she should be happy or take that as being shot down. "So, Rory, what exactly are you saying?"

  Rory smiled. "I'm sorry. I lost you with all the jargon. The business woman in me seems to lead my thoughts these days. It's been a while since I watched someone with raw talent like you have. You looked good out there, mate. I could definitely see you entering competitions and winning. You just need to work on a few things. With some major, as well as, minor adjustments, you'll come out with a very nice style. I don’t think I have ever seen anyone ride as loosely as you do, yet still manage to control most of the wave. If you learn to master that, you'll be unstoppable," Rory said, smiling again.

  Austin's face lit up with excitement. Hearing someone as well-known as the woman standing in front of her, say those words to her, meant everything. Rory was an admirable and remarkable woman in Austin's eyes. No matter how hard Austin tried to remember that this was a professional meeting, her heart skipped a few beats staring into the light blue eyes looking back at her. Lori if you could be here right now you'd swear I was dreaming. Somebody pinch me!

  "So this means you'll do it, right?"

  "Do what?" Rory looked confused.

  "Train me of course. We had a deal."

  "I-uh, well it's like this, Miss Tinsley…"

  "Austin."

  "Huh?"

  "My name is Austin."

  "Yes, uh...Austin, look I really don't have the time to devote to you. You really need some guidance and instruction. For one, I haven't been in the water in years and I just…" She let out a small sigh. "I just can't see myself being the one to do this for you. I'm sorry. I will do everything in my power to find you the best trainer."

  The huge smile on Austin's face disappeared as quickly as it had arrived.

  "I don't want anyone else. Rory, I sought you out purposely. I've told you before, I don't care about your company. This has nothing to do with me riding for Eden Boards. You're a very reputable woman in this industry. I admire and respect you greatly. I came to you because I believe you're the one that can help me. Don't give up so easily, please." I have a connection to you that I know you feel too. Damn it, I know I'm not making this up.

  "Austin, I agreed to come here and watch you, and I did that. I even threw in my advice and opinions. You have to realize I don't surf anymore. I run my company now. Like I said, you're a talented young woman and I can see you going far with the correct guidance. I can do my best to help you with that, but only in the ways that I can help you."

  The morning crowd began filling up the beach around them as both women headed up to the parking lot. Austin put her board away and slipped her tank top back on. Rory was glad she didn't have to fight herself to look elsewhere, instead of at the very nice-looking hard body in front of her that Austin had covered up.

  "I'll email you as soon as I find out some information for you. I'll toss around a few names and see what I can come up with. Trust me, Austin, this is the best way that I can help you."

  Rory walked around to the driver's side of her Audi and unlocked the door.

  "Rory…"

  "Yes?"

  "Thank you for…uh…for this today. I really appreciate it."

  "You're very welcome, Austin Tinsley. I look forward to reading about you when you do go pro and hopefully I'll see you sign with my company. Have a nice weekend." Rory got in her car and put the top down as she backed out of her parking space. The little blue sports car was gone before Austin could even start her SUV.

  ~ ~ ~

  Austin walked into her apartment, setting her surfboard down in the corner next to Lori's as she looked around for her scrupulous roommate, who was nowhere to be seen. Wonder where she went. Hmm…oh well, it's not like you're going to believe me anyway, Lori. Just as Austin rounded the corner to the kitchen, Lori ran directly into her.

  "Ouch!" Lori yelped as she crashed into her friend.

  "Oh my God you scared me. What the hell are you doing?" Austin said, just as surprised to see her.

  "I'm eating lunch. What the hell are you doing? I thought you went surfing?"

  "I did. I left early to beat the locals. I looked around for you, but I figured you'd left when I didn't see you."

  "I was in the kitchen the whole time. Want a sandwich?"

  "Uh, no thanks."

  "How was Redondo this morning? The surf report said it was up but you know their version of up."

  "Actually, it wasn't too bad, north swell with about four, maybe five foot waves, past the break. The water was a little warmer than I expected. I had a few nice rides before the local rats took over. Rory wasn't too happy about me getting there late, but…"

  "Excuse me. You honestly don't think I believe that she met you there, right?"

  "Of course, I know you don't believe me, but I'm serious. Why would I make that up? Anyway, like I was saying, she gave me some advice and said I have a nice style. She also told me she'll set me up with someone who can train me. We argued about that and then she left."

  "Why did you argue with her? Maybe you should listen to her, Austin. You know she hasn't surfed since in years. She sits at a desk all day. Why in the hell would she come out of retirement to train you?"

  Austin felt her eyebrows furl together. "Damn it, Lori, we've discussed this a hundred times. I'm not in the mood to argue with you right now."

  ~ ~ ~

  Rory ran upstairs to change into shorts and a t-shirt when she arrived home. Come on, Rory, be truthful to yourself for once. You can't give into this girl. Not now, not ever. It's not fair to her, she doesn't understand and she probably never will. Let it go, she'll make it on her own.

  "What the bloody hell have you stepped in now, Rory? I think you're damn mind's gone walk about!" she sighed as she thought about her professional intentions versus the evasive actions she had taken during the past month with Austin. She sat on the couch in the den downstairs, staring at the flat screen TV. An hour later, she was asleep with a re-run of The Simpson's playing across from her.

  ~ ~ ~

  Monday morning came up quicker than Rory had expected. She sat at her desk debating whether or not she should bother checking her inbox. Most of it was business as usual, except for the one from Austin, which of course she was reluctant to open. Martie stopped in her office quickly before they went into their meeting with the Snow Team. Rory minimized the mail window on the computer.

  "Hey what's up?" Rory asked.

  "Not much, when are you leaving for Aspen?"

  "I'm not sure, ask Alex. She usually gives me my itinerary a few days before I travel. Why?"

  "Just wondering. I'm planning on going to La Jolla that weekend, unless you have something you need me to do."

  "No, I can't think of anything. Tell your mom I said hey. I wish I could go with you. I haven't seen her in over a year."

  "I will. She asked if you were coming with me. She knows better though."

  "Yeah, well my days of surfing until I passed out in the sand are over. We'd better go. I'd hate to be late for my own meeting."

  ~ ~ ~

  Rory waited until Wednesday to read the email from Austin. She anticipated the worst, but hoped Austin would understand the reasoning behind her decision. She sighed as she sat back, putting her glasses on so she could read the screen. She still hated wearing them, but if the only repercussion she'd suffered from her traumatic accident were vision problems, then she was damn lucky.

  To: R_Eden@EdenBoardsInc.com

  From: ECSurfergrl@Media.net

  Subject: Redondo

  Rory,

  I'd just like to thank you for the time you spent with me at Redondo Beach this weekend. I really appreciate all of the advice that you gave me. Although, I'm not looking forward to learning from someone other than you, I can see where you're very busy. I'll do my best to try and learn some helpful tips from someone who is willing to take the time to train me. So, if you wouldn't mind passing my name off to a good trainer that won
't cost me an arm and a leg, I'd be very thankful. Once again, thank you for all of your help and I look forward to being sponsored by your company in the future and possibly seeing you again soon.

  Sincerely,

  A.C. Tinsley

  Rory was so shocked she had to read the paragraph twice. She took her glasses off, laying them on the desk. What changed? I don't get it, Austin. One day you're begging me to train you and the next day you all of a sudden come to the realization that I don't have the time. This just doesn't make sense. What the hell? Still stunned, Rory put her glasses back on and clicked on the reply button.

  To: ECSurfergrl@Media.net

  From: R_Eden@EdenBoardsInc.com

  Subject: okay

  Miss Tinsley,

  First off, you're welcome. I'm glad I could be of some help to you. As for a trainer, I'll have to go through a few lists to see who's available. I know you want to get started so I'll do what I can. I have to go to Aspen in two weeks, so I might not have someone for you until I get back. As I said before, I believe you are very talented and have one of the most unique styles that I've ever seen. I want to make sure you get the best training and advice. Don't worry about the money, I'll make sure it's something you can afford and if not, I'm sure I know someone who owes me a personal favor or two. I do have one question though, just out of curiosity, what made you change your mind so drastically?

  Sincerely,

  R. Eden

  After she clicked send, she shut down her computer and rubbed the left side of her head, feeling the four inch scar above the throbbing ache as she pressed the intercom button.

  "Alex?"

  "Yes, Rory."

  "I don't have any meetings for the rest of the afternoon, am I correct?"

  "Yes Ma'am."

  "Good. Hold all of my calls and reroute anything important to Martie's office."

  "Yes Ma'am. Are you feeling okay, Rory?"

  Rory laughed slightly. "Yes, Alex, I'm fine. I just have a few things I need to take care of this afternoon so I won't be returning to the office."

  "Sure thing. Have a nice afternoon."

  "You too."

  Rory dialed Martie's extension and picked up the receiver when she answered.

  "Hey, it's Rory."

  "What's up?"

  "I have a few things I need to do this afternoon, so I'm taking off."

  "What! You have never left this building before dark. Are you feeling okay?"

  "You sound like Alex. Yes, I'm fine. I just need to get out of here today. It's really nothing, I swear to you."

  "I don't know. You're acting funny, Rory."

  "Martie, you know me better than anyone. Therefore you should be happy when I'm stressed out and decide take some time for myself. Plus, I have some errands to run. I routed all of my important calls to you. I'll see you in the morning."

  "Alright, call me later if you want."

  "Okay, have a good afternoon."

  "Yeah, you too." Martie hung up the phone knowing damn good and well something was up with her best friend, but getting Rory to talk about anything was like trying to pull teeth from a grizzly bear.

  ~ ~ ~

  Rory ran into Carl, the security guard, as she entered her office building the next day. She felt refreshed after using the extra time off the day before to rest and relax. She'd taken half of a pain pill to stop the agonizing headache and had swum a few laps in her pool to ease the tension in her shoulders. She'd fallen asleep early, and awoke just before her alarm the next morning.

  "Hello, Carl."

  "Happy Friday the thirteenth, Rory."

  Rory's eyebrows cringed together as she walked away. She'd heard the same line reiterated from the receptionist in the lobby as she came through the front door. What the hell is with these people? It's just another bloody day. Get over it! Rory stepped into the elevator and the doors opened on her floor with Alex standing in front of them.

  "If you say something about the date today, I'm going to fire you," Rory said, squeezing past her and walking briskly down the hall.

  Once inside of her office, Rory shut the door and let out a long breath. Don't check it, today of all days. Come on you don't have the best of luck as it is. You finally get her to realize you don't have the time or the desire to train her, but now you can't seem to hand her over to anyone else. Bloody hell, Eden, you can't have your cake and eat it too! Everyone is already on tour. So, either you train the girl or give her to some crony who couldn't give two shits about her or her career. No matter what, you still have to check your email…shit. She wasn't sure why she was so drawn to Austin or cared so much about her career. Hell, if it had been anyone else, she never would've replied to the first email and probably would have had the person arrested for stalking her by now, but the enigmatic young woman had weaseled her way into Rory's mind and now she couldn't get her out if it. She was astounded by the fact that she actually looked forward to the emails from Austin. "What the hell am I doing?" she said to the empty office as the intercom on her desk buzzed.

  "What?" Rory asked.

  "Really? That's you how you answer your intercom?" Martie teased.

  "What the hell do you want?" Rory growled.

  Martie laughed.

  "Cut the shit, Cruz!"

  "Yikes! Grouch! Happy Friday the thir—"

  "Don't you dare say it! I swear I'll go through this phone."

  "Who pissed in your corn flakes this morning?"

  "No one. I'm just sick of hearing that fucking phrase. Got it?"

  "Yeah."

  "Good, now what is that you want?"

  "I had forgotten to tell you that Leann Strong left this past Wednesday for Australia. She's going to be there for the Roxy Pro Saturday and Sunday and she's flying back Monday. I scheduled a post meeting with her for Wednesday at nine."

  "Sounds good."

  "That's all I needed." she paused. "Hey, Rory, get your head out of the sand. You've been acting really strange this week. I'm around if you need to talk without snapping someone's head off."

  "Martie, I'm fine. I just have a lot going on. I find the Friday the thirteenth crap ridiculous and it irritated me with everyone saying it this morning."

  Rory spun around in her chair, looking through the floor to ceiling window and down at the busy streets of Los Angeles. Just check it, Rory. You know it's going to drive you nuts if you don't. She couldn't take the suspense any longer, so she opened the email from Austin.

  To: R_Eden@EdenBoardsInc.com

  From: ECSurfergrl@Media.net

  Subject: thank you

  Rory,

  Once again, thank you kindly for everything you have done for me. I know that you're very busy, and I'm grateful that you're taking the time out of your busy schedule to find me not only the best trainer, but also a personal friend of yours. I appreciate it more than you know. As for your curiosity, I have never given up on you training me, and I never will. But, for me to get anywhere in this sport, I have to start somewhere. Unfortunately for both us, you're too busy with your company, so I have to go with option number two. Rory, if I had my choice, it is, as it always will be, you. I've told you before. I'm not just a fan. You're my inspiration and I admire you. Your connection with the waves is something so rare that it will probably never be seen again. I only hope to feel a tiny part of that connection in my own surfing. It made you one of the greatest surfers in history.

  I hope you enjoy your trip to Aspen. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you when you return. Please email me or call me at 454-8001 when you have found me a trainer. Again, thank you for everything.

  Sincerely,

  A.C. Tinsley

  Rory read the email and pushed her chair out from under the desk. "Damn it, Eden, why the hell is this bothering you so much? You don't want to train her, yet you don't want anyone else to either." You had better think fast because you're running out of excuses.

  ~ ~ ~

  The plane touched down on snow covered ground and t
axied to its designated terminal. Rory was one of the first passengers off the jet. She headed straight for the baggage claim area, pulling her coat a little tighter around her. She hadn't been to the snow in years and the near zero temperature outside the airport made it balmy inside. Fifteen minutes later, her bag finally came around to where she was standing. Rory grabbed the black suitcase and headed for the car rental area at the front of the terminal. She was quickly escorted out of the line by one of the airport staff.

  "Can I help you?" she asked.

  "Are you Rory Eden?"

  "Yes. Why?"

  "You're car is waiting right out front for you," the man said, point out the window.

  "Thank you."

  Rory turned around and wheeled her suitcase towards the automatic doors. She saw the large black Cadillac Escalade SUV parked alongside the curb. She walked towards the vehicle and a tall, very well-built, handsome young man, with tan skin and jet black hair stepped in front of her. He was wearing a black suit with a black necktie and didn't look anywhere near as cold as she was.

  "Rory?"

  "Yes."

  "My name's Byron. I'll be your driver as well as your security during your stay in Aspen. It's nice to meet you." The Hollywood-looking guy offered his hand and Rory shook it briefly. She was still in shock and trying to figure out exactly what he meant by security. She was freezing and at that point she wouldn't have cared if he was a serial killer. She got into the warm vehicle, pointing the heater vents directly at her.

  "We should be going. I know you're very busy. The hotel concierge has given me your week long schedule," he said as he slid into the driver's seat.

  Rory sat back as the car drove off toward the hotel. Security or not, she was glad she had a driver for the next few days. She'd never driven on snow and wasn't about to start now. Security? What the hell is that supposed to mean? I don't need a personal body guard… Alex. You're trying to make me fire you, aren't you?"