by Lisa Becker
From: Renee Greene – May 6, 2014 – 10:12 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Have you thought about asking Mark? As I'm sure you know, he loves animals, especially his dog Finneus. I'm sure he would be happy to help care for your furry friend.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 10:16 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
I was going to ask him, but I didn't want to level jump on our relationship. I figured if I was being too bold, better to do it with you than with him.
From: Renee Greene – May 6, 2014 – 10:18 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Good thinking. But seriously, I don't think he would mind at all.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 10:19 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
If you think I should…
From: Renee Greene – May 6, 2014 – 10:20 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Yes!
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 10:20 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Okay. I'll tell him you suggested it. Is that okay?
From: Renee Greene – May 6, 2014 – 10:21 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Yes! And have fun with Ethan. A finance symposium on institutional investors sounds sooooo fun.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 10:23 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
It sounds awful, doesn't it? Thank goodness for Happy Hour.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 10:25 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Big favor
Hey, there. How's everything going? Are we still on for dinner on Saturday?
From: Mark Finlay – May 6, 2014 – 11:02 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Big favor
Hey. Yes, dinner is still on for Saturday. Is having dinner with you considered a favor? If so, am I doing you one or are you doing me one?
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 11:08 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Big favor
Oops. I meant to ask you a favor. If you're not cool with it, it's okay. I had asked Renee but she's not available. She suggested I ask you. I'm going to be in San Diego on Thursday night for work and my dog, Ms. PacMan, has been really sick. Instead of boarding her, I was hoping to find someone to feed her Thursday/Friday.
From: Mark Finlay – May 6, 2014 – 11:11 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Big favor
You asked Renee to watch your dog? That's hilarious. She is NOT a dog person – or pet person – for that matter.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 11:14 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Big favor
Yeah, I kind of figured that out based on her hilarious email response. She thought you might be willing to do that favor for me. If it's too much to ask, just say so. I don't want you to feel weird.
From: Mark Finlay – May 6, 2014 – 11:17 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Big favor
I'd be happy to help with Ms. PacMan. Why don't I swing by your office on Wednesday – take you to lunch – and you can give me the details and a key?
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 11:18 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Big favor
That would be great. Thanks.
From: Mark Finlay – May 6, 2014 – 11:18 AM
To: Marnie Glass
Subject: Re: Big favor
Okay. I'll see you then.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 11:20 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Mark's going to watch Ms. PacMan for me. Thanks for giving me
the confidence to ask him.
From: Marnie Glass – May 6, 2014 – 11:21 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Too soon?
Squee!
Chapter 26 – Workplace Fun
From: Shelley Manning – May 7, 2014 – 10:01 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Save the date
Sweetie, save June 7 for your bachelorette party. We'll pick you up around 7. Don't plan on being home anytime specific (we are staying at a swanky boutique hotel that night) or having any early morning (or perhaps even early afternoon) plans the next day. That's all you get. Don't ask for more details.
From: Renee Greene – May 7, 2014 – 10:10 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Save the date
I beg of you, please, please, please do not make me wear a penis hat or bride sash. Other than that, I will reluctantly put myself in your hands.
From: Shelley Manning – May 7, 2014 – 10:13 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Save the date
I can't make any promises. Just know you're going to have fun. While these will be memories for a lifetime, I'm not sure you'll remember anything. Can't wait!
From: Renee Greene – May 7, 2014 – 10:15 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Save the date
I'm a little scared. Anything you can tell me?
From: Ashley Gordon – May 7, 2014 – 11:21 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Save the date
I've been sworn to secrecy. As much as I would like to help you out, the penalty for revealing any details is too severe.
From: Renee Greene – May 10, 2014 – 8:02 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Small World Story Alert!
Small world story alert: My friend Stephanie, the one with the cute coffee shop in the valley, asked me if I could give her a hand today. One of her best employees had to take an emergency leave due to a burst appendix and she was short staffed. Although I've never worked as a waitress before, I figured I could handle the task for a day.
I'm doing my thing when I approach a new customer seated in my station. (Don't you love how I've got the lingo down?) It's the lead singer for Luke's Crossing - Luke Cross.
I got so flustered and started blabbering on and on about how I was just talking about wanting to work with him and his band and that this is just such a coincidence. He quickly excused himself to go to the restroom and never came back. I think I spooked him. I'm sure it will be awkward when I see him on Wednesday at our meeting.
From: Shelley Manning – May 10, 2014 – 9:32 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
That is indeed a small world story. You must have really come across as quite the loon if he ran off and never returned. Ha-larious! Yes, can't wait to hear what transpires next week.
From: Renee Greene – May 10, 2014 – 9:38 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Yeah, as I replay this all in my head, I really sounded like an idiot. When I told Ethan, he just shook his head and walked away.
From: Shelley Manning – May 10, 2014 – 9:41 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Keep me posted, Sweetie. Going now to get some beauty rest – not that I need it. Mwah! Mwah!
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 12:32 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
We had our meeting with Luke's Crossing today. It was either a totally awkward conversation or happy reunion. Which do you think?
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 12:33 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Sma
ll World Story Alert!
Totally awkward conversation.
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 12:34 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Circle gets the square.
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 12:34 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
What happened?
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 12:41 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
So Luke and his manager walk in. The client introduces himself and they start shaking hands. Luke walks over to me and this is what happened.
Luke: Hi. Luke Cross.
Me: I'm Renee Greene.
Luke: Nice to meet you.
Me: We've actually met before.
Luke: We have? I don't remember meeting you before. Where did we meet?
Me: Saturday.
Luke: Saturday? I didn't have any meetings on Saturday. I didn't even leave the house on Saturday, well except to grab something at a local coffee shop.
Me: Exactly.
Luke: The only person I talked to was some crazy waitress who was going on and on about wanting to do a project with me. That chick was nuts. So I left.
Me: Right.
Luke: You're the crazy waitress?
Me: Yep. Well sort of.
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 12:45 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
I would say it's hard to believe this shit happens to you, but time and time again you've proven to me how easily these things indeed happen to you. So did he slip out of this meeting?
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 12:47 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
No. Thankfully he let me explain that I was just helping out a friend and that I hope he doesn't hold that experience against me. Luke's manager seemed more concerned that Luke calling me "crazy" was going to impact us making a deal.
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 1:00 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
And will it? Will being called crazy – to your face – unlike when we do it behind your back – be a deal breaker for you?
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 1:02 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
You call me crazy behind my back? Who else does?
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 1:04 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
All the time. And all of us do, especially Ethan.
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 1:09 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Hrmph! Well, it's neither a deal breaker with our friendship nor with this hotel opening deal. I'm not sure I can say the same for Ethan. I am his betrothed after all. He's supposed to be supporting me, not bad mouthing me behind my back.
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 1:13 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
You should definitely call him out on that. And then let me be privy to how that conversation goes down. All of this is quite entertaining.
From: Renee Greene – May 14, 2014 – 1:14 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Ha! Ha! I really am crazy, aren't I?
From: Shelley Manning – May 14, 2014 – 1:17 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Small World Story Alert!
Yes, Sweetie, but that's why we love you so much – including your betrothed. Talk with you later. See you in a few days for your bridal shower. Mwah! Mwah!
Chapter 27 – Giving Thanks
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 9:09 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thank you ladies SO much for throwing me such a lovely bridal shower. It was so elegant and the food was delicious. I also appreciate you not having any of those silly games, like see how well we know each other or bridal bingo. You are two of the best girlfriends a gal could have. I love you both!
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 9:13 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Fess Up!
C'mon. Fess up. I know it was you. It HAD to be you. Who else would give me a black lace and silk body stocking and whip for my bridal shower. And signing the card "Cozette" was truly inspired.
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 10:00 AM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Our pleasure. Happy to return the favor. Can't wait to throw you a baby shower next. Is nine months from now too soon?
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 10:03 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I'm not sure we'll be having kids that quickly, but hope there are some sweet little angels in our future.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 10:05 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
What?!? You don't think Ethan and you know each other well enough? The boy knows the name of your middle school for god's sake.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 10:09 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fess Up!
Sweetie, it wasn't me. I swear it wasn't. Believe me, if I had wanted to give you those things, I would have proudly signed my name. I'm afraid you'll have to look elsewhere.
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 10:14 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fess Up!
Well, if it wasn't you then it must have been my Aunt Noreen. I always knew there was a dirty bird lurking in that frail little body of hers.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 10:16 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
Well? What do you have to say for yourself?
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 11:59 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
Whatever do you mean?
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 12:04 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
Drop the sweet and innocent act, Ash. I know it was you. It wasn't hard to track down the purchaser from the store receipt.
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 12:08 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
Don't tell Renee, okay? It's been sort of fun watching her try to figure out if it was her Aunt Noreen.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 12:12 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
So it was you. HA! I was just bluffing. But, I KNEW it! Well done, young lady. Well done.
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 12:14 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
I thought you would like that.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 12:16 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
Sorry now that I didn't have a bridal shower myself.
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 12:17 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
I figured you already had that stuff.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 12:19 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess U
p!
I do, but a girl always likes to get something new.
From: Ashley Gordon – May 18, 2014 – 12:20 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fess Up!
LOL!
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 1:13 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
He only knows where I went to middle school because it's one of the security question hints for our bank account. Otherwise, I think he couldn't care less.
From: Shelley Manning – May 18, 2014 – 2:39 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
LOL! Regardless of the reasons why or how, he does know you and despite it all, he loves you and wants to marry you.
From: Renee Greene – May 18, 2014 – 3:32 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
I must have fooled him good. ;)
From: Renee Greene – May 24, 2014 – 7:28 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Rockin' a tux?
Ethan told me that you were wiling to walk me down the aisle and could totally rock a tux. I know you look hot in basic black among other things…or nothing at all, apparently…but I made a decision about this. I decided to have my mom walk me down the aisle and to carry a photo of my dad so he could be there with me. We'll have a seat empty at the front for him in spirit.