Free Crashing Waves by Graysen Morgen Page A

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: [email protected]
    From: [email protected]
    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 taxied 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