The Click Trilogy
Page 53
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:06 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Nah. I need a break from her. She's a bit of a snob and I can only take her in doses.
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:07 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Do tell!
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:12 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Yeah, I figured you'd want the scoop, Sweetie. Last week she asked me to come to a high-end cooking supply store. She wanted to buy a $500 kitchen knife. She decided to buy the $200 one and said if it works really well, then she would upgrade to the $500 version. I asked why she would upgrade to a $500 knife if the $200 is working "really well." She just looked at me as if she didn't understand the question.
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:13 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Hmmm.
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:13 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Holding your tongue, I see.
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:18 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Honestly, I just don't know what to say. Sorry it's not the friendship you were hoping for. And I mean that in all sincerity. I just want you to be happy.
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:22 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
We're still friends and will continue to be. It's just that the role of "best friend" is already taken…by you.
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:23 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Squee!
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:25 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
What about you? Any big plans this weekend?
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:31 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Just plugging away on Eureka. I have a design session with a graphic designer friend from Carr who is helping me with a logo and website. He's hoping that Eureka will grow and that we'll need to hire him full time. I'm hoping that's the case, too.
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:34 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Good luck, Sweetie. I have no doubt everyone will soon "discover" – my play on Eureka! – that you are a force to be reckoned with. Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 16 – Holiday Cheer
From: Renee Greene – December 16, 2013 – 10:04 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Checking In
Hey there. Just checking in to see how you are doing. If I haven’t told you lately, I want you to know how much you are loved.
From: Mark Finlay – December 16, 2013 – 10:08 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Checking in
Thanks, Renee. It has been tough but you and Ethan have been great about keeping my spirits up.
From: Renee Greene – December 16, 2013 – 10:09 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Checking in
Is there anything we can do for you?
From: Mark Finlay – December 16, 2013 – 10:13 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Checking in
No. I think I've gained about 10 pounds between all of the dinners and batches of your world-class chocolate chip cookies. I've got to get back into shape if I'm ever going to start dating again.
From: Renee Greene – December 16, 2013 – 10:16 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Checking in
That's the first time I've heard you talk about that. Are you ready to start dating again?
From: Mark Finlay – December 16, 2013 – 10:20 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Checking in
I don't think so. But I'm hoping that I will at some point. I do want to meet someone and have a family. I'm still just feeling kind of bruised by all the stuff that went down with Cass.
From: Renee Greene – December 16, 2013 – 10:25 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Checking in
I can understand that. We won't pressure you and ply you with food either. Just let us know what we can do for you. You're so very special to us and we just want you to be happy. Let's talk next week and figure out plans for dinner. Oh, there I go again. ;)
From: Renee Greene – December 24, 2013 – 4:13 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Ho! Ho! Ho!
Hey, Shel. Just wanted to wish you and Nick a very Merry Christmas. Ethan and I are doing the traditional Jewish Christmas celebration: Bamboo Garden take-out. The manager told me they pull in about $25,000 that one day. Crazy, huh? Anyway, I hope you guys have fun with Nick's family. I hope Santa can find you there. XO
From: Shelley Manning – December 24, 2013 – 4:19 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
Who you calling a ho?!? Yes, Nick and I are on our way to Portland for a quick visit with his folks. I'm not worried about Santa finding me. In fact, Nick and I decided to just be naughty this year and save Santa the trip. It was delicious fun.
From: Renee Greene – December 24, 2013 – 4:21 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
And you wonder why I'm calling you a ho!
From: Shelley Manning – December 24, 2013 – 4:24 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
Ha-larious! Well, you do know which is my favorite reindeer. Vixen, of course.
From: Renee Greene – December 24, 2013 – 4:25 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
Now that's hilarious!
From: Shelley Manning – December 24, 2013 – 4:26 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
I know. It's not fair that I get to be so awesome in so many ways.
From: Renee Greene – December 24, 2013 – 4:28 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
True. What you lack in humility, you more than make up for in sheer awesomeness. Enjoy your trip.
From: Shelley Manning – December 24, 2013 – 4:29 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Ho! Ho! Ho!
Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 17 – Crappy New Year
From: PBCupLover – January 2, 2014 – 7:02 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon, Mark Finlay
Subject: Crappy new year!
Hey, guys. Sorry for the impersonal nature of this email given what I have to share, but I know Renee hasn't reached out because she doesn't want to burden you. But I thought you should know ASAP. Her dad had a stroke last night and is on life support at Cedars. It's not looking good and they are waiting for her sister to fly in so they can make some decisions. They don't want cell phones used because it interferes with the equipment and disrupts other patients. So email is best. Visitation is limited so don't rush over thinking you'll be able to see her. I know she would welcome hearing from you. I'll keep you posted.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 9:31 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Crappy new year!
OMG! Ethan filled us in. I'm SO SORRY, Sweetie. I'm here for you. What do you need? What can I do? And why didn't you call me last night?
From: Renee Greene – January 2,
2014 – 9:41 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Hey. Thanks for your note. To answer your questions: (1) I need my dad to wake up! (2) There's nothing you can do, although I appreciate your offer. And (3) I didn't call last night because it was 3:00 am and I didn't want to trouble you.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 9:50 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Trouble me?!? Are you kidding! This is precisely the time when you are supposed to call me, regardless of the time. You've called me at 2 in the morning because you're worried what to wear on a New Year's Eve, three weeks away. And you didn't think this warranted picking up the phone?!?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 9:53 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Perhaps I swung too far the other way on the pendulum?
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 9:54 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
You think?!?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 9:55 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Okay, okay. I'm sorry.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 9:56 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Do you want me to hop on a plane?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:01 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
You're so sweet, but that's okay. My sister is on her way and then we need to see what the doctors say. I'm hopeful Dad will open his eyes any minute now and ask when his tee time is.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:04 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
I hope for that, too. In the meantime, let me know if I can do anything. I know you have Ethan there, but I can fly down on a moment's notice.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:09 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Thanks, Shel. I'm so grateful for your friendship and support. And while I've always been certain that this sensitive, caring and – frankly – appropriate side of you existed, I could use a good laugh right about now.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:15 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
That I can do! Prepare yourself for something completely and unabashedly inappropriate. Cinderella's Fairy Godmother comes along and tells poor Cindy that she will help her. She waves her wand and does all of her magical shit transforming Cindy into the literal Belle of the Ball.
However, it comes with a hitch. If she doesn't leave by midnight, her lady parts (I would have used a more primitive term, but I know how you don't like that) will turn into a pumpkin. Good so far, no?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:17 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Oh my. This may be more than I bargained for. But, please continue.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:21 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Cindy hits the ball and has a great time. The clock strikes midnight but there's no sign of her. The clock strikes 12:30 and still, no Cindy. The clock gongs 1:00 and Cindy is still no where to be found. This continues until 2:30 am when Cindy comes strolling in with a VERY satisfied look on her face. Eager to hear the end?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:23 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Actually, I am quite eager and excited for the conclusion.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:26 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Excited because you think my email joke telling sucks or because I'm doing such a great job building suspense that you can hardly sit still?
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:27 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
A little bit of both. Go on. What happens next?
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:32 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Well, as I said, Cindy comes strolling in with a quite satisfied look on her face. The Fairy Godmother says, "My dear! I guess you met your Prince Charming?" Cindy replies, "No, but I bumped into Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater."
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:33 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Oh no you didn't!
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:33 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
C'mon! That was damn funny.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:35 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Yes, that was indeed funny. Quite dirty but funny. I should have expected nothing less from you.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:37 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Now don't go telling that joke to Ethan and taking credit for it. I know how you operate.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:39 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Oh, I don't think I could tell that joke to Ethan or anyone else for that matter.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:41 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
True. You don't have the timing and comic genius that I truly embody.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:43 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Thank goodness you have a bit of humility, too.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:45 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Indeed. Okay, Sweetie. You hang in there. Keep me posted and let me know if you need anything.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:47 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
He's going to wake up. He has to. I didn't get to say goodbye. So he just has to.
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:48 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Anytime. Anything. I'm here.
From: Renee Greene – January 2, 2014 – 10:49 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Thanks, Shel. I love you!
From: Shelley Manning – January 2, 2014 – 10:50 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Crappy new year!
Go be with him, Sweetie. Ethan will keep us posted.
From: Mark Finlay – January 2, 2014 – 11:22 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon, PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
I'm on my way! I know I probably won't be able to sit with Renee and you, but I want to be there. Have you guys even eaten anything since yesterday?
From: PBCupLover – January 2, 2014 – 11:25 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
Actually, we're starving. At least I am. Some lunch would be awesome.
Fro
m: Mark Finlay – January 2, 2014 – 11:28 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon, PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
I'll swing by Bamboo Garden on my way.
From: PBCupLover – January 2, 2014 – 11:30 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
Thanks, Mark. You're the best.
From: Ashley Gordon – January 2, 2014 – 12:06 PM
To: Shelley Manning, Mark Finlay, PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
Oh, no! Poor Herb. He's been like a second father to me. I want to be there, but the ICU is no place for a baby. When Greg gets home from work tonight, I will come over and I can bring dinner. Give Renee and her mom a big hug for me.
From: PBCupLover – January 2, 2014 – 12:08 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Crappy new year!
Thanks, Ashley. See you tonight.
From: Shelley Manning – January 4, 2014 – 9:23 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Update please!
Ahem…
From: PBCupLover – January 4, 2014 – 9:28 AM
To: Shelley Manning,
Cc: Ashley Gordon, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Update please!
There's no change yet. Renee's sister is here and they are waiting for the doctor to come in and talk with them. I'll keep you posted. Thanks, Ashley and Mark, for coming over. It meant a lot to Renee to have you stop by.
From: Ashley Gordon – January 4, 2014 – 9:31 AM
To: PBCupLover
Cc: Shelley Manning, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Update please!
Now I have a babysitter on stand by. Just say the word and I'll be there.