The Click Trilogy
Page 58
From: Renee Greene – February 24, 2014 – 10:21 AM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Yes! Yes! Yes! Sounds like a ton of fun. Ethan and I are in.
From: Mark Finlay – February 24, 2014 – 11:02 AM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Sounds like a fun time. Count me in. I'll probably drive so let me know if anyone needs a ride from the airport.
From: Ashley Gordon – February 24, 2014 – 12:32 PM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
I can't imagine exposing Siobhan to the elements of Las Vegas – the smoke, the scantily clad bimbos, the booze, the gambling, etc. Let me see if I can get Greg's parents to watch her for the weekend so we can come. I'll let you know later today.
From: Shelley Manning – February 24, 2014 – 1:45 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
What is she talking about? The smoke, booze, gambling, etc. Those are the best parts of Vegas. And if there are going to be any scantily clad bimbos there, I better be one of them, right? But I suppose you don't want a baby around all of that. Good thing I'm all woman!
From: Renee Greene – February 24, 2014 – 1:49 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
You're "all" something alright. And I can't wait to see you (and see you do some things in Vegas that should stay there but certainly won't).
From: Shelley Manning – February 24, 2014 – 1:51 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Count on it, Sweetie. Mwah! Mwah!
From: Ashley Gordon – February 24, 2014 – 8:32 PM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Greg's parents are able to watch Siobhan so count us in, too.
From: Shelley Manning – February 25, 2014 – 9:08 AM
To: Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Excellent. Some of Nick's friends are also flying in for the weekend, so there will be a big group of us for some Vegas fun. The weather is expected to be hot, so you might not want to wear skin, let alone clothes. ;) Be sure to pack a swimsuit.
We are staying at the Bellagio, but feel free to book wherever you want. Maybe we could all have dinner on Friday. Why don't I go ahead and make a reservation at Le Cirque at the Bellagio for 8:00 on Friday night? See you then.
From: Renee Greene – February 25, 2014 – 9:11 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Yes! Yes! Yes! So excited. I really need this bit of escape. This is going to be fun, fun, fun!
From: Ashley Gordon – February 25, 2014 – 10:03 AM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Le Cirque. That's French food, right?
From: Shelley Manning – February 25, 2014 – 10:05 AM
To: Ashley Gordon, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Yes, Ashley. It's French. They have a lovely menu and I'm confident you will find something you like.
From: Ashley Gordon – February 25, 2014 – 10:06 AM
To: Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene, Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
I always do my best to be flexible.
From: Shelley Manning – February 25, 2014 – 10:10 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Flexible? She's killing me! I just hope for Greg's sake she's not so rigid in the sack. And I mean that both figuratively and literally.
From: Renee Greene – February 25, 2014 – 10:11 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Now you're killing me…with laughter.
From: Shelley Manning – February 25, 2014 – 10:14 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: What happens in Vegas could happen to us
Just doing my part to raise your spirits before we lift the spirits in multiple toasts in Vegas. Gotta run. Mwah! Mwah!
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:32 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Shopping like your sister
Hey, there. I've decided to go "shopping" like your sister does. You know, sifting through your closet asking if you still wear something or whether she can have it. But you'll get off easy with me. I just want to borrow. What size is that little black dress with the pink satin bow? I want to borrow it in Vegas.
From: Renee Greene – March 4, 2014 – 11:34 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
I don't know.
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:35 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
You don't know the size or you don't know if I can borrow it?
From: Renee Greene – March 4, 2014 – 11:36 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
I don't know the size.
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:37 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
Are you at home? Can you run and check?
From: Renee Greene – March 4, 2014 – 11:37 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
I don't know.
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:38 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
You don't know if you are at home?
From: Renee Greene – March 4, 2014 – 11:41 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
I am at home. I just don't know the size. In a fit of paranoia, self loathing and frosting-induced psychosis, I cut all of the size tags out of all of my clothes. Don't judge!
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:42 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
Renee!
From: Renee Greene – March 4, 2014 – 11:42 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
I know.
From: Shelley Manning – March 4, 2014 – 11:43 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Shopping like your sister
Well, at least you finally know something. Just bring it with you. Gotta run. Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 22 – Revelations
From: Ashley Gordon – March 9, 2014 – 2:59 PM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning
Subject: From the mouths of babes
Siobhan just said her first word. It was mama. I've never cried so hard from happiness in my life.
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:06 PM
To: Ashley Gordon, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
WHAT? Her first words weren't Auntie Renee rocks! For shame, my sweet angel. For shame! Otherwise, how exciting!
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:14 PM
To: Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
Really? I would have thought her first words would have been "Shelley's ass is sublime." Not only is it true, but I've been whispering that to her over and over every time I see her. You would think it would be part of her vernacular by now.
From: Ashley Gordon – March 9, 2014 – 3:20 PM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
I'm going to ignore that, Shelley. Just know I'll be keeping my eye on you next time you're around her…if I let you around her again.
And Renee, as much as you are an amazing aunt, little Siobhan clearly knows what's best for her. Despite all of Greg's "da-da" "da-da"s, she said mama first. And it was the most amazing thing I've ever heard. It really hit me. I'm her mommy.
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:25 PM
To: Ashley Gordon, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
I know she said "mama" first and that's great. But now you've got to teach Siobhan to say "dada" and call for dada when she needs or wants something – especially in the middle of the night. As she gets older and grows more vocal (and demanding, as kids do), you'll want her calling for Daddy to do things for her, not Mommy. ;)
From: Ashley Gordon – March 9, 2014 – 3:31 PM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
I think I would have agreed with you yesterday. But for some reason, I don't mind if she calls for me and asks me to do things for her. That's what I should be doing. That's what I'm here for? All of this time I've been looking for something to give me a greater purpose when the greatest purpose I could have is being “mama.”
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:34 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Oh, barf!
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:37 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Knock it off. This is like a therapy breakthrough for her. You haven't been around to see her spiral a bit out of control. She's been really lost. I think this is a watershed moment for her.
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:40 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Shouldn't she have had that watershed moment when she had the kid – not like more than a year later?
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:44 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
I'm just glad she's having it. It seems to have taken her a while to get the hang of this mommy thing, but I've really never heard her sound so happy and hopeful. So be nice! No, be more than nice. Be supportive. Genuinely supportive.
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:45 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Fine! But only for Siobhan's sake.
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:47 PM
To: Ashley Gordon, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
It's wonderful to see you feeling so hopeful and happy. I hope this is just the start of amazing things for you and your family.
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:48 PM
To: Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
Ditto.
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:48 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Don't exert yourself too much there.
From: Shelley Manning – March 9, 2014 – 3:52 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
What? You said it so eloquently, there was really nothing for me to do but agree. Perhaps the problem isn't me being supportive enough, but you stealing all of the thunder.
From: Renee Greene – March 9, 2014 – 3:53 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: From the mouths of babes
Yeah, that's it.
From: Ashley Gordon – March 9, 2014 – 3:55 PM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: From the mouths of babes
Thanks, ladies. I'm going to try and video chat with my folks so they can see her say it, too. I'll talk with you soon.
From: Renee Greene – March 16, 2014 – 2:30 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Thrilled for you!
It was so great having lunch with you and my sweet angel, Siobhan, today. Not only do I always enjoy spending time with the two of you at Mel's, but it was wonderful to see you looking so happy. It's been a long time since I've seen that genuine, joyous smile on your face. I've missed it and am so glad that it's back.
From: Ashley Gordon – March 16, 2014 – 2:42 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
Thanks, Renee. Not only for saying those nice things but for being the kind of friend I've needed and don't always deserve. Knowing you've been here to stick by me, support me, encourage me, and put up with me has meant the world.
From: Renee Greene – March 16, 2014 – 2:44 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
Of course. We're friends for life. I'm just so happy to see you so happy.
From: Ashley Gordon – March 16, 2014 – 2:48 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
I'm almost off the meds. I weaned myself this past week, due to be completely off in two more. I'm feeling great. And I was glad to see you closer to your normal self, too.
From: Renee Greene – March 16, 2014 – 2:54 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
That's fantastic. I knew it would just be a matter of time before you were feeling good. And yes, I'm doing my best to focus on positive things like work and the wedding. Not that I'm trying to forget my dad or distract myself from thinking about him. I'm just doing what I know he would want me to do: be happy and enjoy life.
From: Ashley Gordon – March 16, 2014 – 2:56 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
I very much want to be the friend you need and merit.
From: Renee Greene – March 16, 2014 – 3:00 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Thrilled for you!
You are, Ashley. Like I said, friends for life. I've got to run. I have a few client things I've got to get done today. Again, I'm so happy you are doing well. We'll talk soon.
From: Shelley Manning – March 20, 2014 – 11:41 AM
To: Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Mark Finlay, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Viva Las Vegas!
We're all set to see you tomorrow night at Le Cirque at the Bellagio at 8:00. It's an upscale restaurant, so plan to dress accordingly. That means no flip flops, Finlay. And Ethan can't wear anything emblazoned with the Ohio State Buckeyes logo. I'm confident that Renee and Ashley will be appropriately dressed.
From: Mark Finlay – March 20, 2014 – 11:45 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
Just because I am a computer programmer and live by the beach doesn't mean I don't know how to dress for the nightlife scene. I will find something black.
From: PBCupLover – March 20, 2014 – 11:48 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
Damn! I had my Buckeye slippers and sweatshirt all packed and ready to go.
From: Renee Greene – March 20, 2014 – 11:49 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
/> YES! Thank you for that!
From: Shelley Manning – March 20, 2014 – 11:53 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
No problem. I've been around him enough to know that there is no dress code that he can't force his Buckeye gear into.
From: Renee Greene – March 20, 2014 – 11:57 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
So true. Regarding me, you want me to dress "appropriately." Does this mean you know Ashley and I will be wearing something suitable for a nice restaurant or that we will be wearing something typically-suited to a night on the town in Vegas, which means something "inappropriate"?
From: Shelley Manning – March 20, 2014 – 12:02 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
Ha! I definitely mean that you will be wearing something suitable for a nice restaurant. I don't see you flaunting a leather bustier, sky high heels or other accoutrements you find when prowling the streets, drunk, at 3:00 am. I would PAY MONEY to see Ashley like that. Think we can slip her a mickey and watch her do unthinkable things in Vegas, which would later serve as fabulous blackmail fodder?
From: Renee Greene – March 20, 2014 – 12:06 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
Accoutrements? Who are you?!? Hearing you bust out these fancy words just throws me for a loop. And while I too would pay money to see Ashley thrown for a loop, I don't want to get thrown in jail for drugging one of my best friends.
From: Shelley Manning – March 20, 2014 – 12:10 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Viva Las Vegas!
I hear what you're saying. We can just keep plying her with alcohol. Last time I saw her, she was a massive complainer about how Siobhan has cramped her – what she thinks passes for – style. Maybe she'll just cut loose on her own.