The Click Trilogy (66 page)

Read The Click Trilogy Online

Authors: Lisa Becker

BOOK: The Click Trilogy
3.21Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 9:25 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

Moist panties?  That was my answer for favorite word.  Ha-larious!  THANK YOU (I know you love hearing that) for the embellishments on the responses.  Definitely puts things into more perspective for me.  Time for my responses.  Are you sitting down?

 

From: Renee Greene – January 22, 2014 – 9:29 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

I am sitting down.  And I’ve got a cold drink of water on hand in case I need to douse the flames of the heat rising inside of my loins from your tawdry responses.

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 9:31 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

LOL!  You need to start writing cheesy romance novels.  Perhaps that should be your new career.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 22, 2014 – 9:34 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

I will give it some thought if my own agency doesn't work out or I smother Skinny Skye out of sheer jealousy and end up in jail with lots of time on my blood-stained hands to write.  For now, I need your answers, please.

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 9:45 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

  • What is your favorite word?  Pleasure.
  • What is your least favorite word?  Intolerance.
  • What turns you on?   Experimentation.
  • What turns you off?   Monotony.
  • What sound or noise do you love?  Screams of ecstasy.
  • What sound or noise do you hate?  Morning alarm clock.
  • What is your favorite curse word?   Cocksucker!
  • What profession other than your own would like to attempt?  Sex phone operator   .
  • What profession would you not like to do?  Preschool teacher.
  • If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?  Yeah, right, like I'm going to Heaven.  Ha-Larious!  But, I suppose miracles do happen.  If that's the case, I expect God to say, "Shake that heavenly ass on in."

 

From: Renee Greene – January 22, 2014 – 9:50 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

Somehow I doubt that God is using the phrase "heavenly ass" but otherwise, the answers are pretty spot on to what I had anticipated.

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 9:52 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

Oh, no.  Am I becoming too predictable?  As we've just established, I think monotony is a turn off.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 22, 2014 – 9:54 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

You're not predictable.  Your sexiness and sassiness are just anticipated because I know you so well.

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 9:56 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

Works for me.  Okay, I'm going to run.  This heavenly ass is going to get some beauty rest, not that I need it.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 22, 2014 – 9:58 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

If you need beauty rest, I need to hibernate.  Just kidding!  Don't go all "pep talk" on me.

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 22, 2014 – 10:00 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: James Lipton Questionnaire

Good one.  And thank you for sparing me the pep talk.  I'm definitely too tired for that tonight.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

From: Shelley Manning – January 28, 2014 – 7:24 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Happy birthday Sweetie

Wanted to be the first (well perhaps the second, since you literally wake up to Ethan) person to wish you a happy birthday, Sweetie.  I hope you take some time to enjoy and celebrate yourself today.  I'll call you later.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 8:12 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Happy birthday Sweetie

Thanks, Shel.  You are actually #3.  My mom called a few minutes ago and of course I got a big kiss – and a lovely diamond tear drop necklace – from Ethan.

 

I have a TON of work I need to get done today in order to be up and running for Alistra on 2/1.  Will call you tonight on our way to dinner.  Thanks for thinking of me.

 

From: Mark Finlay – January 28, 2014 – 10:31 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Happy Bday

Happy Bday, Renee.  I know these past few weeks have been tough, but I hope you find a bit of happiness today.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 10:35 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Happy Bday

Thanks, Mark.  I appreciate you thinking of me.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 1:12 PM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Need a pep talk

Hi, Babe.  I tried you at work but you didn't answer.  You're probably on a conference call – as usual.  I could use a pep talk when you get a chance.  Can you call me when you're free.  Thanks!

 

From: PBCupLover – January 28, 2014 – 1:23 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

I am on a conference call.  What's wrong?

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 1:31 PM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

I'm just having a rough day.  I sent Skye out to pick up some more printer ink so I could have some time alone.  I was trying to figure out how to set up the account payable/receivable software and it wasn't working.  I was growing increasingly frustrated.  Then it made me think about calling my dad for help.  He loved this kind of stuff.  I've never met anyone else who would read books on C-DOS programming...for fun.  And then it hit me like a thunderbolt – he's gone.

 

From: PBCupLover – January 28, 2014 – 1:38 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

I can't imagine what you're going through.  I haven't lost a parent.  I hate to say this, but I think you're going to have a lot of days like this when you're going about doing your daily stuff and something will remind you of him.   There's no getting around it.  It just sucks.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 1:43 PM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

It does suck!  And once it hits me, the water works start.  And you know once I start crying – a real good cry – it's hard for me to stop.  I'm having a hard time typing right now because I'm in the throws of heaving sobs.

 

From: PBCupLover – January 28, 2014 – 1:50 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

Calm down.  Take a few deep breaths.  I can't bring your dad back or help you overcome the sadness you're feeling right now.  But I can set up your software for you and teach you how to use it.  I am a CFO of a publicly-traded company, after all.

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 1:52 PM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

Okay.  Okay.  Deep breaths.  Skye just walked in.  I've got to get it together.

 

From: PBCupLover – January 28, 2014 – 1:59 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Need a pep talk

Babe, you're doing great.  Wipe away the tears, take a few more deep breaths and put the software aside.  I'll help you tonight after your bday dinner and we'll get it all figured out.  I love you.  Hang in there.

 

From: Ashley Gordon – January 28, 2014 – 7:29 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Happy birthday

Sorry I wasn't able to connect with you by phone today.  I left you a voicemail but your machine was making some weird beeps.  I just wanted to make sure you know that I've been thinking about you today.  Hope you're having a great birthday and congrats on Eureka!

 

From: Renee Greene – January 28, 2014 – 8:43 PM

To: Ashley Gordon

Subject: Re:  Happy birthday

Thanks, Ash!  I did get your voicemail.  I'm having trouble with the machine and need to get a new one before I officially open for business in a few days from the new Eureka offices.  Sorry I’ve been too busy to stay in touch, starting up the new business and all.  And sorry we weren't able to celebrate together this year.  We'll talk soon and make some plans.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 5, 2014 – 9:43 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Burn fat…fast!

I just read an article about the best 7 foods to burn fat.  I've listed each below with my take on how to integrate them into my diet.  Whadaya think?

  • Oats – put 'em in a cookie with some chocolate and butterscotch chips.
  • Eggs – need them for said cookies above.
  • Apples – one word – Strudel!
  • Garlic – garlic knots!  So doughy and yummy.
  • Green Tea – Bamboo makes that amazing green tea ice cream.  After a big helping of mu shu chicken, vegetable fried rice and some eggrolls, it's nice to cool off the palate.
  • Tomatoes – Make 'em green and fried and I'm in.  Not only a good movie, but a tasty treat.
  • Dark Chocolate – done.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 5, 2014 – 10:02 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

You already know what I'm going to say.  And you should be thankful you didn't send this to Ashley too, because I'm quite certain we both know what she would say.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 5, 2014 – 10:05 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

Yeah, I know.  I was just daydreaming.  With only 5 months to the day away from my wedding, I know I can't be eating garlic knots and ice cream.  I guess I was hoping you would take pity on me and give me permission to indulge.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 5, 2014 – 10:11 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

As supportive of a friend as I am, I cannot in good conscience allow you to eat fried green tomatoes and streudel in a fantasy-induced attempt to fit into your wedding gown.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 5, 2014 – 10:14 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

Nuts!  Too bad those aren't on the fat-burning list.  I could eat them straight from the jar.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 5, 2014 – 10:17 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

You're nuts!  I give you permission to eat one ounce of dark chocolate after you complete a Curves workout.  Go give those old biddies something to grumble about.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 5, 2014 – 10:20 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

Thanks, Shel.  I appreciate you tossing me a bone.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 5, 2014 – 10:22 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Burn fat…fast!

Just don't let that bone be the inside of a big steak.  Lean meats only, Sweetie.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

Chapter 19 – Funny Valentine

From: Renee Greene – February 11, 2014 – 12:01 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Blue Party?

Hi there.  Don't know if you have any plans for Valentine's Day this year.  But Ethan mentioned our Blue Parties to his boss who LOVED the idea and is throwing a big Valentine's Day bash.

 

Although we explained that the party was for people who are single, Ethan and I have to go.  I'm still feeling unbearably blue about my dad's passing, and quite frankly, I'm not really in a party mood these days.  But again, my presence is mandated.  Thought you might like to come and hang out with me.

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 11, 2014 – 12:59 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

Not sure I'm really in a party mood these days either.  It's been a real crummy couple of months, hasn't it?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 11, 2014 – 1:06 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

Yeah, it's been rough all around.  But misery loves company, right?  Come with me.  There will be plenty of great food and booze.  William may be young and impulsive, but he sure knows how to have a good time.  Shelley won't be there, so there's no chance of a repeat of your embarrassing escapades from a few years past.  Ethan and I will pick you up at 9:00?

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 11, 2014 – 1:08 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

You had to bring that up, didn't you?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 11, 2014 – 1:10 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

Yes.  Figured you could use a little laugh.  Okay, so you're not laughing.  Perhaps I figured I could use a little laugh.  Say yes!

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 11, 2014 – 1:10 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

Okay.  Yes.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 11, 2014 – 1:11 PM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party?

Yippee!

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 13, 2014 – 9:01 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Sweet Valentine's Day

I wanted to wish you a happy early Valentine's Day and give you permission to indulge that sweet tooth of yours for one day.  I read that it's good to occasionally completely blow your diet because it shocks your body and causes you to burn everything off.

Don't know if it's true, but I'm using that as my excuse to indulge in whatever chocolately goodness Nick brings home.  And if it happens to be melted all over his body, so much the better.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 13, 2014 – 9:06 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Sweet Valentine's Day

I'm laughing and crying at the same time.  Laughing so hard because you are hilarious.  I'm sure whatever Nick brings home, you will find a way to turn it into something sexual.  Actually, knowing Nick, it will probably be sexual to begin with.  ;)  I doubt you two will have trouble burning off all of those extra calories.

 

Crying because I had plans with my dad tomorrow.  A while back, I bought us two tickets for a special walking tour of 6 bakeries and candy shops around Beverly Hills.  They basically take you to each, telling you the history of various shops and then you get to enjoy tastings at each.  I figured this would be a fun way for us to spend some time together.  And honestly, did he really need another golf shirt?

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 13, 2014 – 9:11 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Sweet Valentine's Day

I'm sorry, Sweetie.  Didn't mean to bring up a sore subject.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 13, 2014 – 9:16 AM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Sweet Valentine's Day

I won't make a comment about you being sore the next day.  Oh, did I say that out loud?  ;)  I appreciate knowing you are thinking about me.  I decided not to go on the chocolate tour.  It didn't seem right.  Sadly, I need to put on a happy face anyway and a blue dress because Ethan's boss is hosting a Blue Party.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 13, 2014 – 9:11 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Sweet Valentine's Day

Well, hang in there, Sweetie.  I know things have been rough but you are loved – on Valentine's Day and always.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 14, 2014 – 3:30 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

Ha! Ha!  Figured you could use a laugh.  There are NO videos attached to this email, but I figured you would get a kick out of thinking that I missed dear old "cassidy" and had become interested in cat videos.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 14, 2014 – 3:34 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

OMG!  I am cracking up.  I saw the subject line and just about fell out of my chair.  If I had been drinking water, I would have taken a sit-com spit take.  That is just what I needed to brighten my day.  Not the cat videos, but you mocking the cat videos.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 14, 2014 – 3:38 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

Are you saying you spit rather than swallow?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 14, 2014 – 3:42 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

Holy cow!  You did not just type that?!?

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 14, 2014 – 3:46 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

Oh, but I did.  I figured you could really use a good laugh.  I know it's been a rough six weeks.  How are you holding up – between the sad of your dad and the stress of the new agency?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 14, 2014 – 3:52 PM

To: Shelley Manning

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

I cannot stop giggling like a school girl over how incredibly dirty you are!  I've had my ups and downs.  But honestly this new agency is giving me such a sense of purpose and so much to look forward to that it's hard not to feel hopeful.  I'm hoping to take all of the lessons I learned from my Dad and put them not only toward this business but all of my relationships.

 

From: Shelley Manning – February 14, 2014 – 3:57 PM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Fwd: Valentine's Day Cat Videos

Wherever he is, I'm sure he's smiling and shooting under par.  Let me know if you need anything, Sweetie.  Mwah! Mwah!

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 8:12 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Blue Party Fun?

Did you have fun at the party Friday night? I saw you talking with Marnie from Ethan's department. She's seems really cute and sweet. Ethan says she's really down to earth, has a fun, quirky sense of humor and can totally rock a spreadsheet. Is it too early for us to fix you up with someone?

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 17, 2014 – 9:32 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

I don't know. What's the protocol here Miss Manners?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:39 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

Well, it's not like you're a widower for gosh sakes. You just had a bad break up. I think a four month recovery period (notice I didn't say mourning!) is respectable and appropriate. More importantly, do you feel ready to go on a date?

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 17, 2014 – 9:40 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

I don't know.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:42 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

Why not go for it? You've got to get back out there sometime and she seems nice and normal.

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 17, 2014 – 9:44 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

If she's so great, maybe I shouldn't go out with her.  It never works out with the rebound girl.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:46 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

It's not like you have to marry the girl.  Just go on a date with her.  It's time for you to spend time someone nice and normal.

 

From: Mark Finlay – February 17, 2014 – 9:50 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

Yeah, Cass wasn't nice or normal, was she?  Marnie did seem pretty cool. But she's small. I mean really, really tiny – at least compared to me. How tall is she anyway?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:51 AM

To: Mark Finlay

Subject: Re: Blue Party Fun?

I will find out!

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:51 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Quick Q

How tall is Marnie in your office?

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 9:52 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

Why?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:52 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

Just wondering.

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 9:53 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

I don't know.  She's really short.

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:53 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

I know she's petite.  But I want to know specifically how tall she is.  Can you ask her?

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 9:54 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

You want me to ask her how tall she is?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:54 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

Yes.  Please.

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 9:56 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

I'm not asking her how tall she is.  That's awkward.  I don't really understand why you need to know.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 9:58 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

I want to know because I want to fix her up with Mark and he wants to know.

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 10:00 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

Renee!  Are you sure that's a wise idea?  Maybe you should just let him move on when he's ready.

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 10:02 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

I already spoke with him and his hesitation is her height.  I need to rule out the "she's too short for me" excuse.  So please go ask her.

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 10:04 AM

To: Renee Greene

Subject: Re: Quick Q

What do I say to her when she asks me why?

 

From: Renee Greene – February 17, 2014 – 10:05 AM

To: PBCupLover

Subject: Re: Quick Q

Why do you think she'll ask you why?

 

From: PBCupLover – February 17, 2014 – 10:06 AM

Other books

Hunters' Game by Denyse Bridger
Sunwing by Kenneth Oppel
Dark Passions by Jeff Gelb
Reclaimed by Terri Anne Browning
The Switch by Lynsay Sands
July (Calendar Girl #7) by Audrey Carlan
El gran Dios Pan by Arthur Machen