Jerry Kool and Korkie Reefer stood outside their beaten-up Kombi, parked above Kalk Bay reef. Korkie looked like something was bugging him. Jerry started pulling out the papers and green stuff, getting ready to roll something interesting.
“I don’t believe what’s happening,” said Korkie. “All these stinking rich people buying up properties in Kalk Bay. What do you think, hey? What the hell’s going on here?”
“Well, it’s not stuff I stress about,” said Jerry. “Hey man, I’ve got a cool posie right here to catch the reef. That’s all I need.”
“Yeah but what happens when some filthy rich bastard buys the block you’re in?” Korkie eyed the slim thing taking shape in Jerry’s hands.
“I doubt that’s gonna happen. The place is a shambles.” Jerry licked the edge of the paper and sealed it shut.
“Check, check, check that out!” Korkie’s voice shot up.
“Where? What you on about?” Jerry rummaged for matches, impatient to light up his skyf.
“Over there, man. That blonde—she’s suiting up. Maybe we’ll see some action.”
“Don’t make it obvious, man. Look but don’t let her catch you.”
A long-haired blonde was stepping into her wetsuit, towel wrapped around her waist. Below, the reef peeled a perfect left like it always did.
“You think it won’t happen to you,” said Korkie, eyes still fixed. “But just wait. Some rich prick will buy up your block just for bragging rights. Trash it. Rebuild. Then bugger off overseas and leave it empty all winter.”
“Want a hit?” Jerry passed the spiff.
Korkie took a long pull and blew out a thick stream in front of the car park. His wetsuit hung low on his hips, no shirt, just salt and sun. “You’re not listening to me, man. It’s gonna happen to you.”
“It’s cool, man. Everything’s cool. You dig this stuff? I know what you’re saying. But it’s so lekka staying here. Waves every day. I’m living the dream, man.”
“I heard a whole block got sold the other day. People there are moaning like mad—they’re getting booted. This rich bastard doesn’t care. Haven’t you seen? They’ve already started renovations.”
“I heard about it. But man, Kalk Bay’s gone green. Look around—every corner’s got someone selling good shit.”
“What pisses me off is all these Birkenstock beautiful people. They’ve turned Kalk Bay into some kind of lifestyle thing. Dalebrook’s more crowded than the reef now. You got women and men walking up and down with their little satchels. What’s the big attraction? Coffee shops? Man, it just doesn’t make sense.”
“We’ll have to see, hey.” Jerry zipped his wetsuit. “I’m going in. Paddle out to that blonde and find out what she’s doing tonight.”
“See you in the water, man.” Korkie grabbed his board and ran after him, board under arm.
