The Click Trilogy (51 page)

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Authors: Lisa Becker

BOOK: The Click Trilogy
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Cc: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Once again, I agree with Shelley.

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 11:40 AM

To: Ashley Gordon

Cc: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Not sure what is worse.  Having our dear friend heartbroken, or seeing you two agreeing with each other so much.

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 11:45 AM

To: Renee Greene

Cc: Ashley Gordon

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

It's definitely worse that we are agreeing with each other.  The apocalypse might be near.

 

From: Ashley Gordon – July 29, 2013 – 11:51 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Cc: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

I'd like to think that Nick has helped Shelley mellow out a bit.

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 11:53 AM

To: Ashley Gordon

Cc: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

If anything, he's brought out the even wilder side of me.

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 11:59 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Cc: Ashley Gordon

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Okay, okay.  That's enough, Shelley.  We don't need to hear about your and Nick's exploits.  Oh, who am I kidding? Ashley doesn't want to hear about your and Nick's exploits.   But I really, REALLY do.

 

And we'll all be together in a few weeks for Shelley to share too much and Ashley to cringe.  YIPPEE!

 

From: Ashley Gordon – July 29, 2013 – 12:05 PM

To: Renee Greene

Cc: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

And now I agree with Renee.  Maybe it's just me.  Maybe Siobhan has made me more agreeable.  Keep me posted and let me know if there's anything we can do for Mark.

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:07 PM

To: Ashley Gordon

Cc: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Will do!

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:16 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

She thinks Siobhan has made her more agreeable?  Maybe more delusional, but definitely not more agreeable.  I can't say, do or purchase anything right.

 

I sent her a darling baby doll that I found at a boutique in Belltown, which is definitely the trendy part of Seattle.  She responded with a “thank you but in the future, please refrain from buying Siobhan gifts that perpetuate gender stereotypes.”

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:22 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Good to know.  Even though it's months away, I'm already thinking through ideas for her first birthday and thought of buying her a play kitchen.  Don't want to get scolded for making Siobhan think she has to perform in the kitchen.  Also, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for remembering to remove Ashley's email address from your reply.  I really didn't have the energy to deal with another friendship crisis.

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:26 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Of course you are thinking through a gift months in advance.  You're such a thoughtful girl and great gift giver.

 

Most of the world's famous chefs are men, aren't they?  And yes, I believe I've learned my lesson and now check everything before I hit "send."

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:31 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

You're right (and before you say, as usual, let me add), as usual.  I will get her the kitchen and let her know I hope she aspires to be like the world's famous (male) chefs.

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:37 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Well, I'm going to get her a drum set or maybe an accordion.  I've read that learning to play a musical instrument can help kids improve their math skills.  I'll be sure to put that in the card.  The fact that it's noisy and quite possibly a large annoyance for Ashley is just an added bonus.  Consider it friendly payback.

 

From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:41 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

I love it!  And I love you!  MISS YOU TONS! Can't wait to see you!!!

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:43 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly

Of course you do, Sweetie.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:37 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Crappy

Tough break, Finlay.  You deserve better.  A lot better.  Hang in there.

 

From: Mark Finlay – July 29, 2013 – 12:38 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Crappy

Thanks, Shelley.  I know you never liked her.

 

From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:40 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Crappy

No, never did.  But I know you did and I just want you to be happy.  Sorry she turned out to be as bad as I thought.

 

Chapter 4 – Seattle Bound

From: Renee Greene – August 2, 2013 – 9:54 PM

To: Ashley Gordon

Cc: Shelley Manning

Subject: Land of Oz

I am so excited we are headed to the Emerald City, my pretties.

 

From: Ashley Gordon – August 3, 2013 – 1:12 AM

To: Renee Greene

Cc: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Land of Oz

Sounds great.  So looking forward to this getaway.  I feel like I haven't had any fun in a long time.

 

Even if it means hanging out with Shelley, it should be fun.  (Just kidding!)

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:02 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

And just who is Ashley in this Oz-themed scenario?  The one without a brain or a heart?  Or are you suggesting she has a broom?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:04 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Oh, you're the wicked one, for sure!

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:08 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

I wish you were the one with courage and would just tell her to stop her futile attempts at put-down humor.  It just comes across as sad.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:12 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Behave now.  I'm used to her and her ways.  As much as it sometimes becomes a bitter pill to swallow, she's a dear, dear friend and she's going through a rough time right now.  She needs our support.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:16 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Who am I?  Her Auntie Em?  I'll be supportive when monkeys fly.  So, what's the scoop on your flight?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:20 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Ha-larious!  We are on Alaska Airlines and get in at 8:02.  I can hardly stand it.  I'm so excited to see you.  My pre-flight jitters are being replaced with sheer giddiness at the prospect of hanging out with you.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:28 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

I do have that effect on people and not just those who don't like to fly.  Okay, I will pick you up curbside.  Text me when you land and I'll hop in the car.  At that time of day, it won't take more than 15 minutes for me to get to the airport from our place.  I'm assuming you are checking bags, no?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:33 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Of course I'm checking a bag.  I need a lot of stuff including multiple products for my hair.  That Seattle weather is so unpredictable and I don't know what kind of anti-frizz or straightening help will be needed.  Here's hoping both the weather and my hair cooperate!

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:37 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz

Traveling with Ashley, that's a smart idea.  Let's hope she cooperates too.  Okay,  Sweetie.  Gotta run.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

Chapter 5 – Fall Out

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 9:00 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Checking in

Are you okay?

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:32 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

No.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 10:34 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Checking in

Are you mad at me?  Do you want to talk?

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:35 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

No.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 10:36 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Checking in

Are you sure?

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:37 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

No.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 10:38 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Checking in

Really?

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:41 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

I'm not mad at you, Renee.  You're a good friend and did the right thing.  I'm just not ready to talk right now.  I hope you understand.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 10:42 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Checking in

Okay.  Just know that I'm totally here for you.

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:43 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

I know.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 5, 2013 – 10:43 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Checking in

Now leave me alone, right?  ;)

 

From: Mark Finlay – August 5, 2013 – 10:44 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Checking in

I'll call you soon.  Just give me some time.

 

From: cassidy – August 6, 2013 – 1:02 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: im sorry!

im sorry.  so so sorry.  can we talk, please.  i dont want to loose you over this. dont throw what we have away.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:10 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Finlay update

He's miserable.  And I'm miserable.  And not just because I haven't spoken to you in so long.  Too busy with your new beau or Amber to email or call?  At least I get to see you soon.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:11 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

So, you think Finlay's mad at you?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:12 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Of course I do!  He says no but we've barely spoken these past 10 days.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:15 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Renee, you've got to give the guy a break.  He just found out that his fiancé cheated on him….and in a really public way.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:18 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

I know.  But why, WHY, did I have to be the one to see that photo in US Weekly?  Why, WHY, did I have to be the one to tell him that Cassidy was caught kissing another man on set? Why?  WHY?

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:19 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

That'll teach you to get a pedicure.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:21 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

It really will.  Every time I look at my toes, I feel pangs of guilt.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:23 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Seriously, Renee, it's not your fault.  Isn't it better for him to find out now that Cassidy is a lying, cheating whore rather than when they are married?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:24 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Whoa!  Have a strong feeling about this?

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:26 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Absolutely!  You mess with the bull and you get the horns.  Right?  Just bad timing though.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:29 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

That's an understatement. A few months before his wedding and my best friend finds out - from me, no less - that he's being cuckolded.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:31 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Oh Renee, why do you have to make everything sound so dirty?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:34 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

I thought you would like that.  But seriously, I just feel awful for Mark and don't know what I can do to make things better.  And I know this has forever altered our friendship.  He'll never look at me the same way again.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:42 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Sweetie, this is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to him.  I know what you are thinking, "Oh, thanks a lot, Shelley.  As if I didn't already feel awful enough…"

 

This isn't about you!  It's like he's dealing with a death right now.  The death of the woman he loved and thought he knew.  He's grieving for the life he thought he was going to have and all of the plans he had made in his head.  So give him some time and space.  When he's ready for your sympathy, he'll let you know.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:43 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

You're right.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:44 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

As usual.  What about the ring?  Did he take the ring back?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:45 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Oh, that's a good question.  I didn't even ask about that.  I sure hope so.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:45 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Me too!

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:47 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Not only is it a gorgeous, expensive ring, but he spent countless hours researching all about diamonds to pick the perfect one.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:48 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Of course he did.  How Finlay of him.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:52 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Hey now.  The boy likes to be thorough and I think it's lovely that he spent so much time and consideration finding the perfect ring to symbolize their love for each other.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 9:54 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Perfect until she turned out to be a lying sack of shit.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 9:55 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Mother bear protects her cubs, doesn't she?

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 10:00 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

You bet, Sweetie.  I didn't like that twit from day one with her fake Southern charm and toned triceps.  You don't want to fuck with my friend unless you want to endure my wrath.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 6, 2013 – 10:02 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Finlay update

I'll find out and keep you posted.  What else is new with you?  I miss talking with you.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 6, 2013 – 10:06 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Finlay update

Everything’s fine.  Wish I could talk more but I've got to run.  I'll see you soon and we'll have plenty of time to catch up. Mwah! Mwah!

 

From: Renee Greene – August 8, 2013 – 11:02 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Celebrity Madness

I know how you HATE celebrities, so prepare yourselves for another wild but true story from the annals of Renee Greene's surreal life.  Our client Halloturn just signed a deal with Natalie Franklin, the R&B singer, to be a spokesperson for their diabetes medication.

 

It's well known she has type 2 diabetes.  Her "people" just sent over her "green room" requirements for an upcoming appearance we are booking for her on the Today Show to talk about diabetes management and childhood obesity.

 

Read on for true, unedited, unembellished excerpts from her green room needs.  "4.  Gel pens: one blue, two black, one red  12.  Six bottles of Evian chilled and six bottles at room temperature  19.  2 "squeezy" bottles clear honey (not organic) 23.  NO WHITE FLOWERS!  There shall be NO WHITE FLOWERS!"

She's crazy, no?

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 8, 2013 – 11:38 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

NuttyNat (what I will be calling her now) is not only crazy but stupid.  Evian?  I NEVER drink Evian.  Do you know what Evian spells backwards?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 8, 2013 – 11:40 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

OMG!  I'm busting a gut right now.  Naive!  Naive!  That is SO funny.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 8, 2013 – 11:46 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

Yep.  Naive.  I feel like a sucker anytime I pop one open.  I'm sure there is some guy in Kenosha kicking up his heels as he fills them up with tap water, slaps on a high-end looking label and racks up the dough.  I'm surprised that with your marketing prowess, you never noticed that before.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 8, 2013 – 11:47 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

Now I'm feeling naive.

 

From: Shelley Manning – August 8, 2013 – 11:48 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

HA-LARIOUS!  And what's with the white flowers?

 

From: Renee Greene – August 8, 2013 – 11:49 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Celebrity Madness

No idea.  But you can bet I'm going to find out.

 

From: Renee Greene – August 8, 2013 – 1:32 PM

To: Shelley Manning

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