by Lisa Becker
From: Renee Greene – November 25, 2013 – 12:08 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Ready for my "Close" up
You're right. She's right. Okay, I need to stop focusing on this stuff and start focusing on finding a job. My goal is to have full employment by the new year.
From: Ashley Gordon – November 25, 2013 – 12:12 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Ready for my "Close" up
I think that's a great goal, Renee. Just keep in mind that the holiday period is a tough time to try and get hired. Between office closures and vacations, it might take a bit longer. Just being realistic.
From: Renee Greene – November 25, 2013 – 12:14 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Ready for my "Close" up
That's a good point. I'm going to be optimistic and ambitious. It's the hopeful me.
From: Ashley Gordon – November 25, 2013 – 12:15 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Ready for my "Close" up
Well, then I hope it works out for you.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 9:54 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Let's get physical?
Totally forgot to ask you earlier…so how's the workout queen doing? Did you go through with it?
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:08 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
So good to hear from you. I've missed you! I did indeed join a gym. I've been every day for a week. I've also been eating leftover Halloween candy every day, so I'm likely at a zero or negative balance here. Or would that be a positive balance, since I'm not losing weight? I'm just talking out loud to myself.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:10 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
So what kind of workouts are you doing? Cross fit? Zumba? Pole dancing?
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:11 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Pole dancing?
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:16 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Yes, that is a legitimate form of exercise. It's only skanky when you're covered in glitter (as opposed to glistened sweat) and letting strange men jam dollar bills in your g-string.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:17 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
No, I am NOT doing pole dancing.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:18 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
I think you should try it. Ethan might enjoy.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:18 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Never you mind what Ethan would enjoy.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:19 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
So, what are you doing?
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:19 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Promise not to laugh?
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:26 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
I know we've not seen each other in a while, but surely you haven't forgotten my personality. I cannot and will not promise not to laugh and what I anticipate to be a hilarious story uttered from your lips/typed from your fingertips. So spill!
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:26 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
I joined Curves.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:27 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Curves? The gym for old ladies?
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:28 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
It's not for old ladies. It's for women. And I am a woman.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:28 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Okay. So you joined Curves.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:29 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
You're laughing, aren't you?
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:29 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Why would you think that?
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:30 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Because I know you. You're laughing. Stop laughing.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:30 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
I am not laughing (anymore). Go on.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:35 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
So I joined Curves (I'll pause and allow you one more minor chuckle). And it's great for me. First, it's only about a half hour workout, which is about as much as my body and attention span can handle.
Second, I can do the entire workout without sweating buckets or feeling like I'm going to vomit afterward. Yet I still feel as though I'm getting a workout.
Finally, and this is truly the best part. Despite the extra 10 pounds saddled on my thighs and belly, I am the YOUNGEST, THINNEST and HOTTEST woman there.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:37 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
So in other words, you are the "Skinny Skye" of Curves.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:39 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
I hadn't thought of it that way, but I suppose you are right.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:43 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Damn straight I am! Just think of it. Those old hags are grumbling and moaning when you walk in. Cursing you and your slim physique. They're saying, "She must be a supermodel" and they're right.
From: Renee Greene – November 27, 2013 – 10:49 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Well, if my ego wasn't completely inflated before, it sure is now. Thank you for that little boost. Everyone can use a pick me up like that one day or another. I could just kiss you.
From: Shelley Manning – November 27, 2013 – 10:51 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Let's get physical
Get in line! I've got to go. Happy Thanksgiving! Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 15 – New Opportunities
From: [email protected] – December 3, 2013 – 9:04 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Let's Talk About Alistra
Renee: I'm sorry it has taken me so long to reach out to you. We heard about your departure from the Carr Agency and the reasons behind it. I must say, I'm so impressed that you would be willing to quit a job because you don't feel as though you can - in good conscience - represent a company you don't believe in. Thankfully, you are a believer in safe sex, which hopefully has made it easier to promote our brand of prophylactics.
When we hired
Carr, we really were hiring you. Your passion and experience is exactly what we were looking for in the person to lead our outsourced marketing efforts. We would like to continue working with you.
Our contract with Carr ends this month. If you have already taken a position at another agency, we'd like to come in and meet with you to discuss moving our business to your new employer. Give me a call when you get a chance and we can discuss further.
From: Renee Greene – December 3, 2013 – 9:10 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Let's Talk About Alistra
Kevin: Thank you so much for getting in touch with me. I'm incredibly flattered that you have such faith and confidence in me. I will give you a call tomorrow and would love to discuss a working arrangement. Thanks again.
From: Renee Greene – December 3, 2013 – 9:13 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
Holy cow! See below. Alistra Corporation is going to leave Carr and come with me when I get hired at a new agency.
From: Mark Finlay – December 3, 2013 – 10:12 AM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
Forget the "new agency." It doesn't get better than this, Renee. Start your own business! You have the seed money to buy any equipment you need. You can work from home to start. You already have a client (!) and you can hire Skye.
From: Shelley Manning – December 3, 2013 – 10:38 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
Hate to admit it, but Finlay is right. It really doesn't get more obvious than this.
From: Renee Greene – December 3, 2013 – 10:40 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
You think I could do it? Start my own firm?
From: Shelley Manning – December 3, 2013 – 10:42 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
Why not!? How hard could it be if an idiot like Neil was running an office?
From: Renee Greene – December 3, 2013 – 10:44 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
The billables from Alistra would probably cover Skye's salary and subsidize mine.
From: PBCupLover – December 3, 2013 – 10:51 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Let's Talk About Alistra
Go for it!
From: [email protected] – December 5, 2013 – 10:34 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Thank you
Kevin: Thank you again for your time on the phone yesterday. I realize this arrangement is not exactly what you had in mind, but I assure you, I will do my very best work on your behalf. We can officially start our 6-month contract on February 1. I'll send something over for you to review shortly.
From: Renee Greene – December 5, 2013 – 10:50 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Job offer
Great news, Skye. I'm in a position to offer you a position. I've decided to start my own agency and I would love to have you part of my team. We'll be working out of my spare bedroom and living room until we get a few clients on board and can afford office space. But we do have one account. I can offer you the same salary you were making at Carr plus all of the cupcakes that you can eat. You would start January 6.
From: [email protected] – December 5, 2013 – 1:32 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Job offer
That sounds great, Renee. I'm in. Thank you! And if we ever need any temps, I can hook us up. Have a great Christmas and New Years. So stoked to get started.
From: Renee Greene – December 5, 2013 – 1:36 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Job offer
Glad you're stoked, Skye. Best to you over the holidays as well. I'll see you soon.
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 10:56 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: My baby
Super psyched about my new agency. Thank you all for your support. I never imagined I would take on such a challenge and so appreciate knowing you are all here with your special talents including Mark with his spreadsheet prowess, Ethan with his financial wizardry and Shelley with her HR knowledge. I love you guys. Now, I just need to give this baby a name. Any thoughts?
From: Ashley Gordon – December 10, 2013 – 11:08 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene
Subject: Re: My Baby
I just glanced at your email and thought at first you were pregnant. But I suppose starting your own company is going to be a bit painful like childbirth. I'm sure you'll be great. And now for my name suggestion…Supernova because your ideas are out of this world.
From: Mark Finlay – December 10, 2013 – 11:32 AM
To: Ashley Gordon, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Glue PR because your ideas really stick.
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 11:35 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Hey, now. I'm not looking for puns. I'm looking for real ideas.
From: PBCupLover – December 10, 2013 – 11:38 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
You're not pregnant, are you? J/K What about Langer5 which is what my mom used to stich into my clothes when I went to sleepaway camp. My last name and the fact I was the 5th kid. It sounds very esoteric. I think it works.
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 11:41 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
All of your siblings are girls. You didn't wear their clothes, did you?
From: PBCupLover – December 10, 2013 – 11:42 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Renee Greene, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
No! I did not wear girls' clothes...very often.
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 11:45 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Ha! Ha! There is still so much more I need to learn about you. But no, Langer5 is out. Anyone else?
From: Ashley Gordon – December 10, 2013 – 12:02 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Renee Greene
Subject: Re: My Baby
What about using your name? Perhaps Greene PR?
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 12:13 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
No. I always felt that was so self serving and egotistical. I really don't want my name on doors across the world as my agency grows into an international powerhouse. I may not be egotistical, but I can dream. I want people to realize they found a gem by hiring us. You know, give them an "aha" moment when they discover how much we can help them.
From: Shelley Manning – December 10, 2013 – 2:02 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Eureka!
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 2:04 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Eureka? That's brilliant.
From: Shelley Manni
ng – December 10, 2013 – 2:05 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Renee Greene, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
I know.
From: Renee Greene – December 10, 2013 – 2:09 PM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, PBCupLover, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: My Baby
Eureka PR it is. Now on to creating a logo, website, business cards and more all within a few weeks. Hurrah!
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 3:54 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: What up buttercup?
So any big plans this weekend?
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 3:58 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
I'm just going to hang out on my own this weekend. Nick is in Singapore on business.
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 3:59 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
What? Not hanging out with Amber?
From: Shelley Manning – December 12, 2013 – 4:01 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm in your voice?
From: Renee Greene – December 12, 2013 – 4:04 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: What up buttercup?
Even over the computer, you do know me well. Seriously, though, not hanging with Amber this weekend at all?