Tides

Chapter 41 - New Begin

DYLAN

Ross reads the newspaper while nibbling on toast and I enjoy my second cup of coffee. Anthony left already to help Hayden bring supplies from the Beach Club to the tent. He is the perfect guest; quiet, clean and keeps his things organized. When I woke up, I found him cooking breakfast for the three of us. He even left two small servings of fruit in the fridge for later.

I turn on my laptop to check the Rip Curl blog. I can't get enough of the news regarding the surfing festival. Derek and his team do an excellent job with their limited resources and I want to help them.

Dax and I gave a heads-up of the plans to Valentina. She helped us to compile their expenses and where they can use the cash to expand their operation. Now I need to convince Derek to accept our proposal. I would love to have them in my portfolio.

I open the blog, and feel a mix of excitement, embarrassment and surprise as I read the top entry. It's an article about Puka written by Valentina and Derek.

"No shit! Ross, did you know about this?" I point at the screen.

Ross' eyebrows shoot up in surprise as he reads the entry. The article begins with compliments about their excellent performance of yesterday, which has them on the first spot in the standing. It features a short replay of the events with quotes from their participants.

"The reputation of this humble blog is being tarnished by the popular brand with accusations of favoritism towards Kalani," Ross reads. "Instead of wasting their time on irrelevant finger-pointing, the board should keep a close eye on their training staff and lower management. It's confirmed by reliable sources that drugs flowed freely during Puka's pre-festival party. One of their competitors is on probation for doping, and another participant had to compete in the quarter-finals after suffering an ankle injury which was cleverly disguised with surfing booties. Goodness, this is a kiss and a slap to the face in one go."

"What will happen now? Will they get in trouble?" I ask.

"Nah, they won't. They are telling the truth. Other people in the press area knew about the guy with the injury. Puka's trainers made him issue a statement saying he was okay to continue, but we knew it was bullshit. The guy was in obvious pain. As for the guy on probation, they brought him as an additional replacement. I think little will happen with him. Now, what will happen for sure is that the injured surfer will be substituted. Everyone knows now. I guess this will be bad luck for them; probably their substitutes are not that good. This festival is more of a commercial showcase for the brands than a regular competition. At least that is what Derek told me."

"Oh, so it isn't for real," I feel disappointed.

"Don't get upset, baby. This is a real competition, there are large cash prizes involved, and the organization is official. The difference is that now the teams represent the brands when usually it's about individual surfers, who are sponsored, doing their best during a heat to wow the judges," he caresses my cheek. "You are also a brand, well Kalani is, so you fit perfectly in this competition."

"I'm nervous for today. I envy Anthony plenty. He is just enjoying himself and doesn't have to think about performing."

"You don't need to be nervous. Your set was splendid, and you should be very proud. Derek told me that many professionals can't do a 360, and you dared to do it."

I smile at his words. I saw a chance and tried it, but wasn't sure if it would work. When I landed behind the wave and was still standing, I panicked for a second before realizing I wasn't done. I finished the ride with a very unskilled cutback, but I didn't fall.

"I will head to the beach. Are you coming as well?" I ask.

"I have a meeting at the magazine first, and I'll be back on time for the competition," he says. I kiss his lips softly and get dressed.