The Click Trilogy
Page 43
From: Shelley Manning – July 27, 2013 – 5:02 PM
To: PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon, Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Even if Finlay got screwed over big time because she screwed someone else, I'm not sure we want to get involved.
From: Shelley Manning – July 27, 2013 – 5:03 PM
To: PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon, Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Oh hell, you're all right. Disregard my last email. He needs to know. Okay, I'll tell him, although I can't guarantee I'll be as gentle as you will, Renee.
From: Ashley Gordon – July 27, 2013 – 5:10 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Don't let Shelley tell him. The guy's going to be heartbroken enough.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:11 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
You think he's heartbroken over Shelley?
From: Ashley Gordon – July 27, 2013 – 5:14 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Renee! Give it a rest already. Shelley is with Nick. Mark loves Cassidy - at least right now he does. There is nothing going on between Mark and Shelley, nor will there ever be.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:17 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
You're right. You're right. On both counts. Shelley and Mark together is just a crazy pipe dream of mine. And I can't let her break the news. I need to do it.
From: PBCupLover – July 27, 2013 – 5:23 PM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Babe, you need to tell him. I'll do it with you. See if he's free tomorrow and we'll go together.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:26 PM
To: PBCupLover, Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Thank you! I don't think I can bear the thought of telling him alone. I'll email him now.
From: Shelley Manning – July 27, 2013 – 5:32 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Don't forget to email me all of the juicy details after.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:34 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Shelley! You wicked, wicked girl.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:45 PM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Hey, Mark. Wanted to see if you were free tomorrow night? Can we grab a drink or dinner or something?
From: Mark Finlay – July 27, 2013 – 5:52 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Cass is busy on set this week but I could meet up. Where did you have in mind?
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 5:59 PM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Actually, why don’t I swing by your place with some takeout? I'm going to be near Bamboo Garden. I'll get your usual. How about seven?
From: Mark Finlay – July 27, 2013 – 6:02 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Bamboo Garden. My favorite. You know me so well. Sounds perfect. See you then.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 6:04 PM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Okay, we're set to take Bamboo Garden over to Mark's tomorrow around seven. I think Gift-Wrapped Chicken might help ease the pain.
From: PBCupLover – July 27, 2013 – 6:10 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
While I'm sure it's not the "gift" he's looking for, it is the best thing for him.
From: Renee Greene – July 27, 2013 – 6:11 PM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Yeah, I'm afraid it will be the gift that keeps on giving…and not in a good way.
From: PBCupLover – July 27, 2013 – 6:13 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Major conundrum
Hold strong. I'll see you home later tonight.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 8:52 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Finlay's Folly
Well…
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 9:37 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
It was AWFUL! Ethan was going to go with me but of course got stuck at work. His stupid boss William said he needed his help on something. Of course I'm sure it was something totally non-work related, like checking out new cell phones or looking at pictures of hot chicks on his Facebook page.
Anyway, I started off making small talk and then told him I had something hard to tell him. His first response was, "Is everything okay with Ethan?" Little did he know! I told him that there was something he needed to know and that this was really hard for me to share.
Then, I pulled out the magazine. He sort of stared at it for a while. After a few blinks, he threw it across the room then ran to the bathroom and threw up in the toilet. From there it was just a jumble of tears and rants.
I didn't even know what to do or say, so I just let him let it all out. After about 30 minutes he asked me to leave. Thankfully Ethan was home by the time I got there and was a shoulder for me to cry on.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 10:12 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Oh, Sweetie. I'm sure that was hard on you and even harder on Finlay. And as much as I feel badly for him to be cheated on, I must say, "Death to Finnady!" So glad to have that whack job out of our lives. Good riddance, I say. Good riddance!
From: Ashley Gordon – July 29, 2013 – 11:04 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Cc: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
I agree with Shelley. Shocking, I know. But I think we are all better off without her, especially Mark. He deserves better.
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 11:08 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
It was just so hard to see him so hurt. I wish I could take it all back. Damn toes!
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 11:17 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Damn toes?
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 11:19 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
If I hadn't gotten that pedicure because of my unladylike, hoof-like digits, I never would have seen that photo and never would have had to break Mark's heart.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 11:24 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
You didn't break his heart, Sweetie. That whore did. Better for him to find out now than after he married her.
From: Ashley Gordon – July 29, 2013 – 11:32 AM
To: Shelley Manning
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: Shel
ley 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 straig
htening 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.