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The Click Trilogy

Page 18

by Lisa Becker


  He confided that he’s been with 9 women and had two serious relationships as follows:

  - Sex with two girls in high school – one the night of the prom. Two flings in college including a one night stand after a sorority formal.

  - One serious girlfriend in college that ended when they both went off to grad school. She’s now a married dermatology resident in Brooklyn and they are still friends.

  - A short-lived relationship with a performance artist in the village, which he says still gives him nightmares.

  - One serious relationship with a woman named Katarina that he used to work with. He thought she could be the one and then he found out she was cheating on him. So, he got a job transfer to the LA branch, but still had to deal with her. So, he quit and found another job.

  - A little fling in LA with some chick he met at work. But, he knew they just weren’t right for each other and didn’t want to make the same mistake of being involved with someone at work and have it turn out badly.

  - And me!

  Actually, not a bad little run for him, huh?

  From: Shelley Manning – October 16, 2011 – 12:05 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: DETAILS, PLEASE

  Very respectable numbers…for an amateur. Ha! Just kidding. So glad things are going well. So, when do I get to meet him/judge him/mock him?

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 12:06 PM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: DETAILS, PLEASE

  Soon enough, my friend. Soon enough.

  From: Fly12271@easymailusa.com – October 16, 2011 – 12:10 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Long time, no talk

  Hi Renee. Hope you are doing well. We just wrapped up our tour and I’m heading to LA for a while. I know last time we spoke, you decided it would be best to just be “friends.” And I totally get it. But, I also don’t give up that easily. Maybe we could have dinner and talk. I hope to hear from you soon.

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 1:45 PM

  To: Fly12271@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Jason, so great to hear from you. Congrats on finishing the tour. I imagine you are exhausted. So, what opportunity is bringing you to LA? Working on a cool project or collaboration? I would love to get caught up. Give me a call when you’re in town.

  From: Fly12271@easymailusa.com – October 16, 2011 – 2:09 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Actually, not to freak you out or anything, but what’s bringing me to LA is you. Since I have the chance to be in the same place for a while before we start work on a new album in Austin, I thought we might take our “just friends” and see if we could make it “friendlier.”

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 2:15 PM

  To: Fly12271@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Wow! That’s so sweet. I don’t really know what to say. Well, I do know what to say. I should tell you that I have been seeing someone for the past couple of months and things are going really well. You would really like him. He’s a great guy. Maybe we could all meet up for dinner.

  From: Fly12271@easymailusa.com – October 16, 2011 – 2:22 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Of course you met someone and of course things are going well. I guess it was just wishful thinking on my part. And as much as I would like to see you, I don’t really want to meet the “great guy” you’re seeing.

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 2:25 PM

  To: Fly12271@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Of course. I’m sorry. I’m just not very good at this stuff.

  From: Fly12271@easymailusa.com – October 16, 2011 – 2:28 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  No worries. I hope he makes you happy. You deserve it.

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 2:30 PM

  To: Fly12271@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: Long time, no talk

  Thanks Jason. Good luck to you too.

  From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2011 – 2:32 PM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  WHY AREN’T YOU ANSWERING YOUR PHONE?!?!?

  OMG! You will NEVER believe who just emailed me. Never, never, ever!

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 8:56 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Sorry. Rest of the weekend got CRAZY. Friday was a major company meeting, followed by a company dinner, followed by a company guy that lasted until the wee hours of this morning. From now on, he will be known as Marathon Man. Anyway, I’m curious to know who emailed you. Queen Elizabeth? Elton John? Justin Beiber? Who, damit, who?

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 9:17 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Jason!

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 9:18 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Jason….???

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 9:19 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Kite! Jason Kite just emailed me.

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 9:19 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Whoa!

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 9:22 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Yeah, and get this. He is thinking of coming to LA for a “while” because of me.

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 9:24 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Really?!? Things are getting VERY interesting! What did you say?

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 9:31 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Well, what could I say? I mean things with Ethan are still in the “new” stage, but they are going great. I don’t want to do anything to mess that up. But I must say it sure was flattering to have a talented, famous and totally hot rock star want to move to LA for little ol’ me. So, I told him that I was seeing someone and he wished me luck and happiness.

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 9:35 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Disbelief…Total Disbelief!

  Well, good for you. Not many ladies get to say they turned down a rock star. Not that you’re that petty. But I am. ;)

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 9:58 AM

  To: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  About to hop on a marathon conference call with the client from hell but wanted to let you know what I have in my hot little hands. Two tickets to the hottest show in town starring the original Broadway cast including one Kristin Chenowith. Now granted, it’s a Sunday matinee. But they are orchestra center. That’s how I roll! Don’t ask me how I got them. Involved a little bribery and a lot of groveling. But nothing illegal. Will pick you up at 1:00. The show starts at 2:00. Hurrah!

  From: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com – October 17, 2011 – 10:41 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  Crap! I just tried you, but you're on a call. This Sunday is the Buckeyes game and some of the guys are coming over. I didn't realize you were getting tickets for this weekend. Are you totally pissed? Do you want me to cancel my plans?

  From: Renee Greene – October
17, 2011 – 10:45 AM

  To: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  I'm not pissed. Just bummed out. No, don't cancel on your buddies. I'll take my best friend.

  From: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com – October 17, 2011 – 10:48 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  You are amazing! Talk with you later.

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 10:53 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Fwd: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  Guess you're in. Pick you up at 1:00?

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 11:51 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  Excellent. And how do you really feel?

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 11:58 AM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  Totally bummed. Of course I’m glad you and I will get to see the show. But, honestly plagued by self doubt. Is this a sign he doesn't want to see me anymore? Is this a Matt-style blow off all over again? Should I be offended he would rather hang out with his friends than with me? And why hasn’t he introduced me to his friends yet?

  From: Shelley Manning – October 17, 2011 – 12:07 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  Well, why haven’t you introduced him to us yet? What’s good for the goose, sweetie. And don’t be so paranoid. It’s a guy thing. Sundays in the fall = football and beer. Don’t read too much into it.

  From: Renee Greene – October 17, 2011 – 12:15 PM

  To: Shelley Manning

  Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Little Bribery/Lotta Groveling

  You’re right. I’m letting my mind get the best of me. And a week from Saturday night we are all going out for dinner for Mark’s birthday. So you will meet him then. Hurrah!

  From: Renee Greene – October 19, 2010 – 4:42 PM

  To: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com

  Subject: Great to see you!

  Greg Gordon! I can’t believe it. What an amazing coincidence running into you at Excel Paint today. In the four years that I’ve worked on the account and been there countless time for meetings, I can’t believe we haven’t bumped into each other before. So you’re a scientist. Fantastic! As you saw, I’m a public relations director who works on Excel among other accounts. After college, I ended up moving cross country to work for a major PR firm in New York and then returned to LA to be near my family about four years ago. I’m dating a wonderful guy and having a great time hanging with friends and enjoying all of the fun Los Angeles has to offer. Hope you are finding much happiness and success.

  From: Renee Greene – October 19, 2010 – 4:44 PM

  To: Ashley Price

  Subject: Blast from the past

  So, I’m at a meeting at Excel Paint this morning and I bumped into…drum roll, please…Greg Gordon! Can you believe it?

  From: Ashley Price – October 19, 2010 – 4:45 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Blast from the past

  Who?

  From: Renee Greene – October 19, 2010 – 4:47 PM

  To: Ashley Price

  Subject: Re: Blast from the past

  Greg Gordon. We went to junior high and high school with him. He was a science wiz, which is fitting because now he’s a scientist for Excel Paint.

  From: Ashley Price – October 19, 2010 – 6:56 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Blast from the past

  I can’t put a finger on it. Let me check the yearbook. Oh yeah, I kind of remember him. So he’s a scientist. I didn’t realize you needed scientists to make paint.

  From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2010 – 9:02 AM

  To: Ashley Price

  Subject: Re: Blast from the past

  Oh yeah, it’s very scientific and has to do with nanotechnology. I don’t understand it all, but apparently it’s big business.

  From: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com – October 20, 2010 – 9:16 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Great to see you!

  Great seeing you yesterday, Renee. You haven’t changed a bit since junior high. Can you believe that’s how long we’ve known each other?!

  Yes, I’m a molecular chemist at Excel and have been here since graduating from college.

  Speaking of which, I should inform you that my mom no longer sends me shoes in the mail. I still remember that day when you laughed uncontrollably when I opened the shoe box in the dorms! Nice to catch up with you ,and take care.

  From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2010 – 10:03 AM

  To: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com

  Subject: Re: Great to see you!

  I have no recollection of this alleged “shoes by mail” mocking incident. Isn’t it funny what we remember…and forget? But, since you so vividly recall it, it must be true. So, I must offer my sincerest apologies to you. I can’t even IMAGINE why that would have been wildly funny.

  From: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com – October 20, 2010 – 10:32 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Great to see you!

  I do remember it vividly because you could not stop laughing. And then you told me that – unbeknownst to me – running around junior high and high school was one of your friends – Ashley – who completely despised me for being a “mama’s boy” and would mock me behind my back. I found it so surprising that someone I remember seeing for years but never really exchanged words with could hate me so much. Not that I’m harboring any ill will. I just remember the day because it was so shocking.

  From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2010 – 10:57 AM

  To: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com

  Subject: Re: Great to see you!

  I’m horrified to read your email. I can’t believe I was so mean. Some good-natured ribbing about shoes by mail is one thing. Heck! You were ahead of the curve: I love getting shoes in the mail. These days, Zappos rocks! But I can’t believe I told you that Ashley hated you. I’m sincerely sorry, not only that she was cruel but that I told you about it. I had a pretty miserable childhood school experience (not that I'm using that as an excuse.) But in my adult years, I've prided myself on having been - for the most part - nice to other people. Now I find out I was just as bad. How awful. Well, perhaps next time I’m at Excel, I can buy you a cup of coffee – but only with a Zappos gift card in tow.

  From: Greg_Gordon@excelpaint19875x.com – October 20, 2010 – 11:26 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: Great to see you!

  Seriously, don’t worry about it. You know that crap about what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger? Well, let’s just say, it works. But I would be happy to grab a coffee with you next time you’re at Excel. No gift card needed. Be well.

  From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2010 – 11:38 AM

  To: Ashley Price

  Subject: We suck!!!

  So I’ve been emailing a bit with Greg and apparently we were awful – just awful – to him growing up. You hated him for being a mama’s boy and made fun of him behind his back and I told him all about it while we were in college.

  Ugh! I feel sick to my stomach. After surviving “Mean April” in grade school, I really prided myself on being a nice person because I understood how cruel kids could be. Now I find out I was just as much of a bitch.

  From: Ashley Price – October 20, 2010 – 12:12 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: We suck!!!

  You aren’t a bitch! Kids can sometimes be cruel and we were kids. But honestly, I doubt you were anything but the lovely, wonderfully nice person you are today. Knowing you as I do, this will probably eat away at you for days. You can beat yourself up over lunch at Mel’s. See you
tomorrow at noon.

  From: Renee Greene – October 21, 2010 – 2:45 PM

  To: Ashley Price

  Subject: Re: We suck!!!

  Thanks for our talk at lunch. I do feel a bit better about things. It was a long time ago and I wasn’t the mature adult I am today. Okay, so I’m not all that “mature,” but at least I am a good person and do my best to treat others nicely. Thanks for letting me work through it all. I feel like I should be paying you for a therapy session.

  From: Ashley Price – October 22, 2010 – 10:05 AM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: Re: We suck!!!

  Consider ourselves even. Plenty of times, a heart-to-heart with you has helped me as well. Believe me.

  From: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com – October 23, 2011 – 2:38 PM

  To: Renee Greene

  Subject: You are Amazing!!!!!

  You are still at the show, but I needed to tell you right away: YOU ARE AMAZING! When the buzzer rang and the guys heard it was you, they started grumbling about the “clingy girl who couldn't let me have ONE day with my friends.” But after I returned from downstairs with your homemade cookies (which, by the way, were even better than advertised) and explained that you wouldn’t even come up to say a quick hello because you didn’t want to interrupt our fun, I was dubbed the luckiest SOB on the planet and you were crowned the coolest chick ever.

  From: Renee Greene – October 23, 2011 – 4:07 PM

  To: PBCupLover@easymailusa.com

  Subject: Re: You are Amazing!!!!!

 

 

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