Authors: Lisa Becker
The Click Trilogy (23 page)
From: Shelley Manning – October 25, 2011 – 1:28 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Re: Spoooooky!
Oops. Didn’t mean to hit “reply to all” on that one. Oh well.
From: Ashley Price – October 25, 2011 – 2:22 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Spoooooky!
Hate to sound judgmental, but not surprising at all. Maybe I should go as Shelley for Halloween. I could just jump anything that walks by. ;)
From: Renee Greene – October 25, 2011 – 2:25 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: Spoooooky!
Between you and me, we could all use a little Shelley in us.
From: Ashley Price – October 25, 2011 – 2:28 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Spoooooky!
Well, Mark’s had a little Shelley in him and how’d that work out for him? Oh! Did I really just say that?
From: Renee Greene– October 25, 2011 – 2:31 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: Spoooooky!
Yes you did, you saucy little minx, you.
From: Renee Greene – November 2, 2011 – 9:15 AM
To: Shelley Manning, Ashley Price
Subject: Lunch Reminder
Just a reminder that we are meeting at Mel’s today. See you ladies later.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 9:57 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: FUCK!
Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck! I gave Ethan the key to my apartment and you would have thought I gave him a million dollars. He was so cute and sweet and said he was so happy things were going so well. We had a wonderful night and were planning to head over to John O’Lakes for breakfast. I hopped into the shower and when I got out, the key was on the counter, he was nowhere to be found and there was a blinking light on my answering machine.
The message said, “Hi Rene. It’s me, Jason. I’m in LA now and wanted to give you a call after we emailed. I know there’s this other guy involved, but I was hoping we could still meet for a drink or dinner or something and talk about us. So, give me a call. You have the number.”
Fuck! I’ve tried him like 10 times and he won’t pick up the phone. What do I do? What do I do?
Why aren’t you home?!?!?!
From: Shelley Manning – November 5, 2011 –
11:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: FUCK!
Oy! Sorry. Have been hanging out with a friend. A female friend. Yes, believe it or not, I have female friends AND other friends besides you. I’m leaving in 30 and will call you from the car.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 –
11:05 AM
Subject: Please Call Me!!!
We need to talk. Please call me.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 5:30 PM
Subject: Please Read Me!!!
Okay if you won’t talk to me, at least read this and give me a chance to explain. Before we met, I went on ONE date with this guy named Jason. He kind of has this crazy lifestyle where he travels a lot and we decided that it would be better to just stay friends than to try a long distance thing. He emailed a few days ago that he was going to be in LA for a while and wanted to try and pick back up where we had originally started. I told him that I had met a WONDERFUL guy and was TOTALLY HAPPY so thanks anyway. I haven’t spoken to him since. I would never cheat on you. Please call me. I would hate for this to end over some silly misunderstanding.
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 5:42 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
After everything I told you about Katarina, I can’t believe you wouldn’t tell me that some old boyfriend wanted to get back together with you. This will never work if I can’t trust you.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 5:45 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
He wasn’t an ex-boyfriend. We went on ONE date. And, we didn’t even sleep together. I just didn’t think it was important.
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 5:46 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Not important? Maybe we have different ideas about what’s important in a relationship.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 5:48 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Okay. You’re right. I should have told you. I just didn’t want you to get weirded out.
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 5:50 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Weirded out? Why do I feel like there’s something you aren’t telling me?
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Well, I met him backstage in the VIP area of a client event. Everyone was being really snobby to the lowly PR person working there, but he was really nice, chatting away and then asked for my card. He called me. We had one date. He was going away for a while for work and that was it.
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 5:55 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
So, that’s the WHOLE story?
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 5:57 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
His name is Jason Kite and he’s the bassist for Marsh 7.
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 5:59 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
The
Jason Kite? Jason Kite wants to start up a relationship with you?
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 6:02 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
What? You don’t think a cool rock star would like an average girl like me?
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 6:07 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Renee, you’re
anything
but average! (You’re a supermodel, after all!) It doesn’t surprise me at all. I guess I’m just a bit blown away that with a choice between me and a famous musician, you would want to be with a lowly financial analyst.
From: Renee Greene – November 5, 2011 – 6:09 PM
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
Well, I do choose you! If you will still have me. Otherwise, I’ve got a call to return. ;)
From: [email protected] – November 5, 2011 – 6:11 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Please Read Me!!!
The only call you make better be to me. In fact, I’m dialing you now…
From: Renee Greene – November 6, 2011 – 8:25 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: All is well!
Crisis averted! Whew! I’m telling you, for a minute there, I thought it was over. O-V-E-R. Over! But we talked and things are cool now.
From: Shelley Manning – November 7, 2011 – 7:58 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: All is well!
Did you at least have some awesome make-up sex?
From: Renee Greene – November 7, 2011 – 8:26 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: All is well!
Only you, Shelley, would ask that. Only you. And the answer is yes. :)
Chapter 9 – It’s A Small World After All
From: Mark Finlay – November 8, 2011 – 8:26 AM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning, Ashley Price
Subject: Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!
Okay, so the plan is to meet a Henri's at 9:00 sharp for my birthday. I’ve reserved the private room, so it should be perfect. I’m really glad the three of you will be there. Below is the link to the evite that I sent to everyone else.
From: Renee Greene – November 8, 2011 – 9:42 AM
To: Mark Finlay, Shelley Manning, Ashley Price
Subject: Re: Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!
Can’t wait to celebrate with you Saturday night, Mark!!! And you are finally going to meet Ethan. YEAH! I think you guys are going to really like him. At least I hope so. I've told him how important it is for me that all of you approve. He’s wonderful. He’s smart, witty and a ton of fun. I’m telling you, I could just lie in bed, in his arms, all morning. (Sorry if that’s a bit TMI for you, Mark.) I know this is going to sound crazy, but I’ve fallen in love with him. I can’t believe I’m saying that out loud – well, typing it out loud– well, you know what I mean. Can’t wait. See you guys at Henri's at 9:00.
From: Shelley Manning – November 8, 2011 – 10:07 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Bribes
Getting in good with me will be critical for his future success with you. Please advise him that some of my favorite bribes include chocolate truffles, diamonds and, of course, good ol' hard currency. If he's really up for the challenge, he'll have to cough up the goods.
From: Renee Greene – November 8, 2011 – 10:42 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Bribes
Whew....you are a tough cookie! Though before he starts bribing you with diamonds, he better throw some of them my way first!!!!!! Not that I'm the original "material girl" or anything (really, no need to call me Madonna) but geez, I ain't above it either. Tee Hee!
From: Renee Greene – November 10, 2011 – 2:14 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Say what?!?
You and Greg Gordon!?! How and when did that happen? Details, please.
From: Ashley Price – November 10, 2011 – 3:18 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Say what?!?
I really took our discussion about me unfairly judging you with the online dating to heart. (Good to know I’m actually listening, right?)
Well, anyway, after you emailed and explained how terrible I was to him in school, I felt really badly. So I called Excel, got his email address and sent an apology. The apology turned into coffee, which turned into dinner, which turned into breakfast. (DON’T, I REPEAT, DON’T TELL SHELLEY!) From there, we just started seeing each other regularly and things are going really well. I didn’t want to say anything this early and risk jinxing things. How did you find out?
From: Renee Greene – November 10, 2011 – 4:07 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: Say what?!?
I saw the two of you conoodling together over pasta primavera at Max Stanton’s. I was in such a state of shock, I didn’t come over to say hello. But, I must say I’m very happy for you. Love certainly works in strange ways, don’t you think?
From: Ashley Price – November 10, 2011 – 4:08 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Say what?!?
Indeed! We will see you at Mark’s party on Saturday.
From: Mark Finlay – November 12, 2011 – 8:26 AM
To: Renee Greene, Shelley Manning, Ashley Price
Subject: Re: Celebrate Good Times, C'mon!
See you peeps tonight. Okay, clearly I cannot get away with saying “peeps.” Sounds ridiculous. Let me try it again. See you lovely ladies tonight.
From: [email protected] – November 12, 2011 – 10:02 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Trying to reach you
I've been trying to call you. I'm certain you're home. Please pick up the phone or call me back. I need to talk with you.
From: Ashley Price – November 12, 2011 – 11:14 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: I’m worried
Renee. I've been calling and calling. But you haven't returned my call. I'm getting worried. Will you call me!
From: Shelley Manning – November 12, 2011 – 11:45 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Let’s Talk
Renee. I've left you like a gazillion messages. Pick up the phone. We need to talk.
From: [email protected] – November 13, 2011 – 12:20 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: COPS!
Okay. I've just come home after 20 minutes of pounding on your front door. I would have pounded longer but your neighbors looked like they were going to call the cops.
Let's just say if they did, YOU would be my one phone call from jail. Please, call me!
From: Shelley Manning – November 13, 2011 – 4:00 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: CALL ME!!!
Renee. You are being ridiculous. CALL ME!
From: Shelley Manning – November 13, 2011 – 7:43 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: C’Mon!
Pick up the goddam phone, Renee!!!
From: Mark Finlay – November 13, 2011 – 9:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: You okay?
Hi. Are you okay? You seemed kind of upset last night and then I didn't see you before you left. Wanted to make sure you got home okay.
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 10:45 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: You okay?
Hi Mark. Sorry I had to run out of your birthday celebration. I hope you had a great evening.
From: Shelley Manning – November 13, 2011 – 10:47 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: RIDICULOUS! CALL ME!
Renee Michele Greene! We have been friends too long for you to stay angry at me. And you like Ethan too much to let this come between you. It’s not that big of a deal. I’ve left like a gazillion messages for you. We need to talk. CALL ME!!!!!
From: Mark Finlay – November 13, 2011 – 10:48 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: You okay?
It was great fun. But, what happened to you? You were upset. Is everything okay?
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 10:51 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: You okay?
Oh, I've probably just lost my best friend and the greatest man I've ever met. But other than that, everything is just peachy.
From: Mark Finlay – November 13, 2011 – 10:55 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: You okay?
What happened? You and Ethan seemed so happy. Did he hurt you? Do I need to go and kick his ass? (I knew you needed a good laugh!)
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 11:06 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: You okay?
Tee Hee! That was actually hilarious. I haven't smiled in more than a day. So thank you. No, Ethan didn't do anything. He's wonderful and I'm just a horrible, horrible person. You know what, I really just don't feel like talking about this right now. Listen, I will call you later. I just need some time alone, okay?
From: Mark Finlay– November 13, 2011 – 11:15 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: You okay?
Of course. But I could easily see how happy Ethan has made you. And, not to get all mushy on you, but that’s the kind of relationship I really want to find. I figure if I put half as much energy into finding a girlfriend as I do writing code, I should be able to find the right one. So, that’s my goal for my 30th year. A birthday present from you to me and from me to me.
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 11:17 AM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: You okay?
You’re great, Mark. I know if you try, you’ll find what you’re looking for. I’ll call you later.
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 11:19 AM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: I'm worried
Sorry. I didn't mean for you to worry. I just really don't want to talk on the phone. I can't believe this. I just can't believe this. Of all the men out there, why does Ethan have to be the Cuddler? Why? Why can't I for once, just once, be happy?
From: Ashley Price – November 13, 2011 – 11:25 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: I'm worried
Why does it surprise you that Ethan and Shelley slept together? She’s slept with half of Los Angeles! She hooked up with
Mark
! You just said you were in love with this man. You can’t let this ruin a great relationship. It’s not easy to meet someone in this lifetime, and I should know. You've been blessed to meet someone you really could have a future with. Just call him and sort it out.
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 11:42 AM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: I'm worried
But, he’s the Cuddler. We made fun of him! I made fun of him. How do I look at him, hold him, kiss him, be with him when I know how horrible I've been? I thought I felt bad about Greg Gordon. This is 100 times worse!
I'm a bad, bad person. And how do I see him and Shelley without picturing them together? I’m just…oh I don’t know. I’m just so guilty, confused, hurt, angry, depressed. I just need time to sort this thing out.
From: Ashley Price – November 13, 2011 – 12:25 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: I'm worried
Far be it for me to judge, but if you want my advice, I say GET OVER YOURSELF. You are not a bad person. Okay, so you were being a little petty – haven't we all at some point or another? But you have met a wonderful man who is crazy about you. You need to call him, tell him you are sorry and move on. As for Shelley, I can't believe this has never happened to you before. Never once, not even in college, did she make a move on someone you liked or did you two go out with someone in common? She's never been my favorite person in the world, as I'm sure you've guessed by now. But, I must admit, she has been a good friend to you as long as I've known her. I think you need to get past this.
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 12:38 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: I'm worried
No. We did have a big fight sophomore year. I really liked this guy named Brad who lived upstairs from us. He had curly blond hair and woke up every morning at 5:30 to go surfing. He would come home just as I was getting up to have breakfast before my 8:00 class. He'd walk by all moist and sandy. We flirted a lot, but nothing had ever happened.
Well, that Halloween we decided to throw a rockin' costume party. I came as a devil and she dressed as an angel. (Ha! Talk about role reversal.) Anyway, I went into the store room to get some more toilet paper and saw them making out. I was FURIOUS.
She claimed to be really drunk and didn't realize that he was the guy in the George Bush mask. But, I kind of suspected that she did really know and just wanted to prove that she could get anyone, even someone that I liked. But she apologized and said it would never happen again. I forgave her, and up until now, there's never been another issue.
From: Ashley Price – November 13, 2011 – 12:47 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: I'm worried
Well, you forgave her once. And this time, she didn't even know you were going to meet Ethan six months later. So, why can't you forgive her now?
From: Renee Greene – November 13, 2011 – 12:55 PM
To: Ashley Price
Subject: Re: I'm worried
I suppose because with Brad, it was no big deal. Yeah, I liked him and we flirted. But really, it was not going anywhere serious. But with Ethan, I see myself with him. Getting married. Having babies. Growing old. I see it all. And the thought that I'll have to look at him and picture the two of them together for the rest of my life may just be too much to bear. And, knowing how horrible I've been to him, even though he didn’t know it…well, I just can't stand it and what it says about me.