Shelley Manning
Cc: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
I'd like to think that Nick has helped Shelley mellow out a bit.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 11:53 AM
To: Ashley Gordon
Cc: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
If anything, he's brought out the even wilder side of me.
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 11:59 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Cc: Ashley Gordon
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Okay, okay. That's enough, Shelley. We don't need to hear about your and Nick's exploits. Oh, who am I kidding? Ashley doesn't want to hear about your and Nick's exploits. But I really, REALLY do. And we'll all be together in a few weeks for Shelley to share too much and Ashley to cringe. YIPPEE!
From: Ashley Gordon – July 29, 2013 – 12:05 PM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
And now I agree with Renee. Maybe it's just me. Maybe Siobhan has made me more agreeable. Keep me posted and let me know if there's anything we can do for Mark.
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:07 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Will do!
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:16 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
She thinks Siobhan has made her more agreeable? Maybe more delusional, but definitely not more agreeable. I can't say, do or purchase anything right.
I sent her a darling baby doll that I found at a boutique in Belltown, which is definitely the trendy part of Seattle. She responded with a “thank you but in the future, please refrain from buying Siobhan gifts that perpetuate gender stereotypes.”
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:22 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Good to know. Even though it's months away, I'm already thinking through ideas for her first birthday and thought of buying her a play kitchen. Don't want to get scolded for making Siobhan think she has to perform in the kitchen. Also, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for remembering to remove Ashley's email address from your reply. I really didn't have the energy to deal with another friendship crisis.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:26 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Of course you are thinking through a gift months in advance. You're such a thoughtful girl and great gift giver.
Most of the world's famous chefs are men, aren't they? And yes, I believe I've learned my lesson and now check everything before I hit "send."
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:31 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
You're right (and before you say, as usual, let me add), as usual. I will get her the kitchen and let her know I hope she aspires to be like the world's famous (male) chefs.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:37 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Well, I'm going to get her a drum set or maybe an accordion. I've read that learning to play a musical instrument can help kids improve their math skills. I'll be sure to put that in the card. The fact that it's noisy and quite possibly a large annoyance for Ashley is just an added bonus. Consider it friendly payback.
From: Renee Greene – July 29, 2013 – 12:41 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
I love it! And I love you! MISS YOU TONS! Can't wait to see you!!!
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:43 PM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Finlay's Folly
Of course you do, Sweetie. Mwah! Mwah!
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:37 PM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Crappy
Tough break, Finlay. You deserve better. A lot better. Hang in there.
From: Mark Finlay – July 29, 2013 – 12:38 PM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Crappy
Thanks, Shelley. I know you never liked her.
From: Shelley Manning – July 29, 2013 – 12:40 PM
To: Mark Finlay
Subject: Re: Crappy
No, never did. But I know you did and I just want you to be happy. Sorry she turned out to be as bad as I thought.
CHAPTER 4: SEATTLE BOUND
From: Renee Greene – August 2, 2013 – 9:54 PM
To: Ashley Gordon
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Land of Oz
I am so excited we are headed to the Emerald City, my pretties.
From: Ashley Gordon – August 3, 2013 – 1:12 AM
To: Renee Greene
Cc: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Land of Oz
Sounds great. So looking forward to this getaway. I feel like I haven't had any fun in a long time. Even if it means hanging out with Shelley, it should be fun. (Just kidding!)
From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:02 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz
And just who is Ashley in this Oz-themed scenario? The one without a brain or a heart? Or are you suggesting she has a broom?
From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:04 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz
Oh, you're the wicked one, for sure!
From: Shelley Manning – August 3, 2013 – 9:08 AM
To: Renee Greene
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz
I wish you were the one with courage and would just tell her to stop her futile attempts at put-down humor. It just comes across as sad.
From: Renee Greene – August 3, 2013 – 9:12 AM
To: Shelley Manning
Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Land of Oz
Behave now. I'm used