The Click Trilogy
Page 49
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 1:43 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
I do want to be with her during these formative years, but at the same time, I need more.
From: Renee Greene – October 7, 2013 – 1:46 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Are you up?
Is there some way to find an outlet for yourself that doesn't involve going back to work? You were always complaining about how stressful it was and that nobody worked as hard as you did or appreciated your contributions.
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 1:48 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
Well, motherhood is certainly stressful, I'm working hard and not feeling all that appreciated. At least I would get paid.
From: Renee Greene – October 7, 2013 – 1:52 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Are you up?
It's probably hard to see it now, but I'm sure that Siobhan is going to love that you were home with her, teaching her, caring for her, etc. And I know Greg is appreciative of all you do for the family.
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 1:54 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
Don't tell Shelley (or Greg) but I'm still taking the meds the doctor prescribed after Siobhan was born.
From: Renee Greene – October 7, 2013 – 1:59 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Are you up?
There's nothing wrong with needing some help dealing with all of the massive changes going on in your life and body. You don't need to keep secrets from Greg. From Shelley, I understand. But not Greg. He's your husband. He should know if things are hard for you. And I'm not convinced that going back to work is the solution. I think you need to fully embrace motherhood.
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 2:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
I fully embrace motherhood daily…actually several times a day with the breastfeeding.
From: Renee Greene – October 7, 2013 – 2:08 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Are you up?
Ha. That was funny. What I mean is that you need to accept that this is your life now. No more complaining. No more whining. No more wishing it was different. I don't mean to get all "tough love" on you, but that's what you need. THIS IS YOUR LIFE.
And honestly, Ashley, you are damn lucky to have it. You know I love you, but you've got to snap out of this funk and realize how good you have things. You have a husband that loves and adores you. You have a beautiful, healthy baby that is cute as a button and sweet as pie. You don't have to work and endure the stress of the corporate world. You GET to stay home and mold a young mind, bond with your child, etc.
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 2:11 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
If we're talking "tough love" here then you're the one who should stop complaining and whining. All you've done for the past few days is host a pity party of one over a lost job.
From: Renee Greene – October 7, 2013 – 2:15 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Are you up?
You're kidding me, right? I'm not allowed a few days to feel sorry for myself to have been forced out of a job that I loved and that I was really good at. You're comparing that to you not dealing with the fact that there is a little girl who needs you and loves you?
From: Ashley Gordon – October 7, 2013 – 2:17 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Are you up?
Well, that little girl needs to be burped now. So I need to go.
From: Renee Greene – October 8, 2013 – 10:08 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: I'm sorry
I know I left you a voicemail, but I wanted to say again that I'm sorry. I was out of line yesterday. Between the stress and the sleeplessness, I said some things I shouldn't have. Forgive me. Let's talk.
From: Ashley Gordon – October 8, 2013 – 11:21 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: I'm sorry
I'm sorry too. I'll call you later.
From: Renee Greene – October 9, 2013 – 9:27 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Can we talk here?
I'm doing my best Joan Rivers impersonation. Can we talk here? Ashley and I got in a huge fight the other day and I'm just feeling…lost.
From: Renee Greene – October 11, 2013 – 9:48 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Where's the love?
I'm freaking out and you haven't emailed me back in two days. Are you there? Or are you too busy hanging out with Amber to support your best friend in her time of need?
From: Shelley Manning – October 12, 2013 – 9:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
It's only nine in the morning and I've already received 3 missed calls and 2 emails from you. I'm going to need more coffee.
From: Renee Greene – October 12, 2013 – 9:09 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Maybe you and Amber could go grab a cup, since you seem to be so fond of spending time with her these days.
From: Shelley Manning – October 12, 2013 – 9:13 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Relax, will ya? Jeez. I don't email or call for two days and suddenly I'm on your shit list.
From: Renee Greene – October 12, 2013 – 9:17 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
As you would say, "damn straight." I'm totally lost and need you and you can't be bothered to call me back. I suppose Amber is your new best friend now and you're too busy with her to care what happens to me.
From: Shelley Manning – October 12, 2013 – 9:20 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Give me a break, Renee. Can we continue this conversation another time…say never?!?!
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 10:13 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Hey. I thought I would be the first to reach out. I know how hard it is for you to apologize, so I'm being the bigger person here by saying that I forgive you.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 10:15 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Forgive me? Forget you! If anyone should be apologizing, it's you!
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 10:19 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Are you serious? I've already lost my job (and my identity for that matter) and you're making me feel bad for being upset that I'm losing you, too?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 10:23 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
You're not losing me! I am here for you and I always have and always will be. But honestly, Sweetie, I cannot continue to bear the weight of your world on my remarkably supple shoulders.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 10:27 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
I'm not asking you to be my world. I just would hope that when I need you, you're there for me and not off gallivanting with your new buddy Amber. And lately, I don't feel like you've been there for me.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 10:35 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
You're the most together person I know. You don't need me. You can manage on your own. If anyone's life is a struggle right now, it's me.
Do you think it was easy to pick up and move thousands of miles away (for a man, no less!) to a place where I knew no one, have no workplace, no friends, no support?
I need to focus on building a life here and I need your support for once. I need you to stop making me feel guilty for trying to be happy here. I need you to stop feeling so insecure about a new friend I've made. And I need the time to move on a bit. I want to be there for you, but if I'm always solving your problems, I won't solve my own and move on.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 2:43 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Radio silence! Don't you have anything to say?
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:02 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
I'm so sorry, Shel. You've never mentioned that anything has been difficult. I just assumed you were fine.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:12 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Well, I'm not. It's been really hard and hearing you bitch and moan all of the time over shit that is so easily resolved, just doesn't help matters.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:14 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Why haven't you said anything to me about this before?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:16 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Not everyone wears their heart (and every emotion they have) on their sleeve.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:18 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Oh, Shel! I've been an awful and selfish friend. I'm sorry. So, so sorry. What can I do for you?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:21 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
You're not awful and you're not selfish. Just be understanding when I don't call you back right away with the perfect advice for your crisis de jour.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:22 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
I can do that. What else?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:23 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
That's it. Just cut me some slack, okay?
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:23 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
I will. Again, I'm so sorry.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:24 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Okay. Stop apologizing.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:25 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Is Nick aware that all is not blissful on your end?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:28 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
He is. Even though I'm not a complainer, he can sense when days are rough. He's being supportive about things and introducing me to friends, encouraging me to get out more and meet people, etc.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:29 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
That’s good!
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:32 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Listen, I have to run. I'm taking a yoga class and it starts in 30. But I will call you when I'm back and we can talk through your identity crisis.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:33 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Yoga?
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:36 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Yeah, yeah. I know. I've always mocked those pretzels for their bendable poses. But I'm finding it relaxing and it seems to be a good way to make some new friends up here.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:38 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Okay, Gumby. But no need to call – unless you just want to chat or talk about you. I'm going to address this on my own.
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:40 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Gumby?!? If that wasn't so damn funny, I would be offended. Gumby it is.
From: Renee Greene – October 14, 2013 – 3:41 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Enjoy!
From: Shelley Manning – October 14, 2013 – 3:31 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Where's the love?
Talk soon, sweetie. Mwah! Mwah!
From: Shelley Manning – October 16, 2013 – 4:25 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Smooth like velvet!
Sweetie, my sincerest thanks. You didn't need to do that. But I'm oh-so-glad that you did. Might need to hit yoga a few extra times to work off the calories, but that taste of home was well worth it.
From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2013 – 4:31 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Smooth like velvet!
I'm so glad the cupcakes – my effort to "smooth" things over – arrived safely to you. I figured if you are missing home and I can't fly up to see you, then red velvet goodness would be the next best thing.
From: Shelley Manning – October 16, 2013 – 4:34 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Smooth like velvet!
It is a close second, for sure. Thanks again! How are you doing today? Feeling better?
From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2013 – 4:42 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Smooth like velvet!
I've decided to embrace the identity crisis. So for Ethan's work Halloween party, that's what I'm going as – an identity crisis. I'm going to wear nametags with 50 different names all over my body.
From: Shelley Manning – October 16, 2013 – 4:44 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Smooth like velvet!
Ha-larious! Gotta run. Hitting the yoga studio again. Will try calling you later.
From: Renee Greene – October 16, 2013 – 4:45 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Smooth like velvet!
Okay, Gumby. Bend away. ;)
From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2013 – 11:31 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
How is yoga going?
From: Shelley Manning – October 20, 2013 – 11:34 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
While I'm grateful for this morning's class which reminded me to take care of myself and BREATHE, I seem to forget that lesson soon after leaving the mat.
From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2013 – 11:37 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
Things are better when they are allowed to breathe. Have a glass of red wine and prove me right.
From: Shelley Manning – October 20, 2013 – 11:38 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
Namaste!
From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2013 – 11:38 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject:
Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
What does that even mean?
From: Shelley Manning – October 20, 2013 – 11:39 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
I bow to the spirit within you.
From: Renee Greene – October 20, 2013 – 11:43 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
Aha! Well, I appreciate that you are bowing down to me like the goddess I am. (Boy, that's something you would say!) And knowing you, you'll be bowing down to some "spirits" soon.
From: Shelley Manning – October 20, 2013 – 11:44 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Gumby a go-go or Gumby a no-no?
Indeed!
From: Shelley Manning – October 22, 2013 – 9:04 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Tell the truth
I'm sure Renee has filled you in on all of our recent "discussions." She's now being super chipper and overly concerned about me and my life. Tell the truth, how is she doing?
From: PBCupLover – October 22, 2013 – 10:31 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Tell the truth
Honestly, not great. She really defined herself with that job for a long time and now she's not really sure who she is. She could use some cheering up, for sure. I know you've got a lot on your plate and are focusing on yourself – as you should be. But if you've got the chance, check in with her. I know she'll appreciate it.
From: Shelley Manning – October 22, 2013 – 10:33 AM
To: PBCupLover
Subject: Re: Tell the truth