Looking For Ward 3/11-3/14
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
March 11 2007
Subject: Owen again
Chloe,
I’ve been thinking about our conversation ever since we got off the phone yesterday. I agree with you that Owen ought to tell you what he knows, but I can’t really give you any tips on how to get him to do that. He can be a hard nut to crack. He’s never really cared about being liked, but if he likes someone than he’ll go to great lengths to make that person happy. I think it has to do with how badly his dad used to treat his mom; he’ll do anything not to turn into his father.
Anyway, believe it or not, he likes you. I know he doesn’t always show it, but he does. Don’t believe me?
Several years ago, when Owen and I were still living together – and you and Ward weren’t together at all - we were going to have a party, and I really wanted to invite both of you. Owen said no, it has to be one or the other. I thought that was an immature attitude, and told him so. Owen got all bent out of shape, how dare I call him immature! He just didn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable; couldn’t I see that he was just looking out for everyone’s feelings?
I said, “Owen, don’t you think their feelings will be hurt if we don’t invite both of them? How do we get around that? We just invite them both, and let them know there is a possibility that the other one will be there.”
But he kept saying no, that wouldn’t work.
Finally, after much argument, I lost my temper and just cried, “Well then we just won’t have a party at all!”
The next day Owen told me he had an idea – we could have two parties, and invite each of you to one of them. I said, “Isn’t it sort of ridiculous to have two parties, just to save them from a little bit of awkwardness, embarrassment, or hurt feelings?”
And Owen simply said, “No.”
So we had two parties. I thought it was pretty silly, until I began to think of all the other times Owen has gone out of his way to avoid conflict. I realized he does it a lot, although it may not seem like it because he comes off as being kind of abrasive. But his dad’s main source of entertainment is making other people feel uncomfortable; I noticed this whenever I went to their house for holidays. He liked to tease and embarrass Owen and his brother a lot, but he really picked on Owen’s mother. And if ever there was a mama’s boy, it’s Owen. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. More than anything, he is intensely loyal, and if you do something to offend someone he cares about then it takes a really long time for him to forgive you. (Which as you know, is why we broke up!)
I hope that helps. Hang in there.
Love,
Bethany
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: randy_langley@yahoo.com
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: Insurance again
You never answered my e-mail. What do you want to do about adding Owen on?
Dad
To: randy_langley@yahoo.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: Re: Insurance again
Hi Dad.
Sorry I didn’t get back to you. Ward is being kind of weird about the insurance thing. Chalk it up to masculine pride. Let me talk to him about it more and I’ll get back to you. There’s plenty of time.
Love,
Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: call me Veronica Mars
Bethany –
Thanks for the lowdown on Owen. I guess I feel a little better.
But I’m not going to try and contact him. I’ve decided to smoke out the whole Ward mystery on my own. The first thing I did was go to the club where he works. I went this morning, and this blonde tootsie was working at the personal trainer desk. Her nametag read “Mandy”. Wouldn’t you know she would be named Mandy? Our conversation went something like this:
Mandy – Hello. Are you here to set up an appointment for personal training?
Me – Um, actually, I just have a question.
Mandy – Sure, how can I help?
Me – Well, I’m looking for Ward, who works here. Have you heard from him at all?
Mandy – Gosh, no! He hasn’t been in for like, forever… (she looks through the appointment book) and he doesn’t have any clients scheduled for the next few weeks.
Me – Did he quit?
Mandy – Um, I don’t know. We sort of just work on like, a freelance sort of basis? He only gets paid if he has clients.
Me – Yeah, but surely if he was bailing for good he would have let someone know.
Mandy – Yeah… I don’t know. I only started about a week before he took off. But Janey might know something, she and Ward are pretty tight.
Me – Who’s Janey?
Mandy – Our yoga instructor.
Me – Does she take individual appointments?
Long story short, I’ve signed up for an hour long consultation with “Janey” who I guess is really “tight” with Ward, but whom he has never mentioned! Of course I’m wondering if this is the chick that Owen said Ward was “involved” with. I never got the idea Ward was cheating on me. But if he was, I’ll crucify them both. And get this – Janey’s standard rate for an hour long session is $85! She’d better have some good info for me! Hopefully Mandy won’t mention that I was in looking for Ward. I’d rather not have her know that I’m engaged to him… so I signed up for my session under the code name of “Zoe”. Pretty clever, huh?
The session is tonight, after I close the store. Then I really need to work on my jewelry.
Oh, and our hand-made party favors arrived today. They’re little bags of pastel colored mints tied with ribbons that were supposed to say, “Chloe and Ward, March 31 2007”. Only I have to send them back because they say, “Chloe and Word”. Can you believe it? Some people are so incompetent. So do you think I should get a refund or have them replaced? I wish I knew what to do. I’m going to kill Ward for this.
-Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 12 2007
Subject: All bent out of shape
Bethany –
So I show up for my yoga session, and the first thing Janey says to me is, “Oh hi! You must be Ward’s girlfriend. I always thought you were named Chloe, not Zoe.” She says this to me with this peaceful superior type grin, like she is above being embarrassed or uncomfortable about anything. She has long brown hair in twin braids, is super tan (but not fake, orange tan), and she’s wearing these yoga pants and midriff-barring sports top that shows off her perfect figure. In other words, I hate her instantly.
She goes on to tell me that Ward showed her a picture of me, and Mandy had mentioned that I was in looking for Ward, so she of course put two and two together. Then she says, “Let’s grab a yoga pad and do some stretching out.”
I follow her lead and soon we’re facing each other on the floor. She says, “Now Mandy made it clear to you that my clients are all pretty experienced in yoga, right?”
I’m like, “Sure.”
“Great!” she says. “Then let’s do a real workout! I hope you’re ready to have some fun.”
We have the studio to ourselves. She turns on this Enya-type music, and pretty soon she’s leading me through various positions like “down dog” and “worshiping the sun”. Only she assumes I know what these positions mean when she barks them out. I try to pretend that I do, and take a guess at how I should move or stand. But if I get it wrong, and most of the time I do, she shoves me into the correct position. I’m on my back with my legs over my head, trying to touch my toes to the floor, when Janey comes over and stands above me.
“You’re doing great, Zoe. Ward never told me how good you are at yoga.”
“Yeah?” I say with a gasp. “Well, Ward didn’t know I do yoga, that’s why.”
“It sounds like you and Ward keep a lot from each other.”
With as much dignity as possible, I manage to get my ass out of the air and onto the floor.
“Zoe,” she says, her voice matching the new-age music in its tone, “We’re not done yet. You need to stretch out your entire your body in order to become centered.”
I stand up and face her. “Come off it, Janey. You and I both know I’m not here for the yoga.”
She smiles. “You’re hoping I can tell you where Ward is.”
I gulp. I am reminded of the time in Jr. High when Missy Braxton stole my underwear while I was taking a shower after gym class. I had to beg her afterwards to let me know where it was. Then I remembered – I’m not some poor, wet Jr. High girl wrapped in a towel. I’m me, and this is too important to give into weakness.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’m worried about him. For some reason Mandy seems to think you might know something. So maybe you could pretend to be a nice person for a minute or two and help me out?”
“Why didn’t you just call me? Signing up for a yoga session is an awfully expensive way of going about this. And what’s with the fake name?”
“I thought you’d be more forthcoming if you didn’t know who I was.”
“Why? Why would I care? It’s not like Ward and I are involved or anything.”
“That’s not what I was suggesting.”
“Yeah, right.” She laughs, and goes to turn off the music and undims the lights. She stands by the door, as if to indicate it’s time for both of us to leave. “Ward is a great guy, and anything he told me is confidential. If I were you, I’d be more worried about myself than Ward.”
“Thanks for the advice. Do you know where he is, or not?”
Janey just gives me one more of her ethereal smiles, says “Don’t forget to pay on your way out,” and walks away.
What a tart! This is not the end of this, let me tell you. She obviously knows something, and why she’s not willling to fess up is beyond me. But there are 19 days left to my wedding. I’m going to get whatever it is out her. Soon.
I have my methods.
Tomorrow I have to confirm with the caterers. Wednesday I go in for my final dress fitting. My shower is in less than two weeks.
I think I’m losing my mind.
Love,
Chloe
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: lois_langley@yahoo.com
Date: March 13th
Subject: Mints
Hon,
I’ve thought about it, and I think we should insist they redo the gift bags. After all, it’s their mistake, and having mints that aren’t in bags is a little tacky. Besides, it’s your day and I want everything to be perfect.
What time is your fitting tomorrow? My day is pretty light, so I think I can come with. Is Ward back in town yet?
Love,
Mom
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Bethany –
I’m supposed to be meeting with the caterers in 15 minutes to confirm the menu and to pay in advance (non-refundable). I want the Chicken Rollatini and Ward wanted the beef Wellington – it’s sort of been a point of contention between us. But you know what? The other day I read in In Style that the big thing now is to have appetizer buffets instead. Maybe I’ll make a last minute change. I mean, who doesn’t love bruschetta and mini eggrolls?
Have you heard from Owen at all? Just curious…
Love,
Chloe
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
March 13 2007
Subject: Re. Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Chloe,
Go with the appetizers. That way (and I hate to say it) if the wedding doesn’t happen, you can throw some sort of cocktail party to celebrate how fabulously single you are. Does that sound callous? Don’t be mad. I’ll be there for you no matter what.
As for Owen, I actually talked to him last night. He still calls me when he can’t sleep. But he didn’t tell me any secrets about Ward. Honest. Not that I didn’t try to pry them out of him. However, he did tell me he’s going out of town on Friday. I got the feeling it was to go and look for Ward.
Hope that helps.
Bethany
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Re: Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Bethany –
I never made it to the caterers. I meant to drive there, but somehow I wound up at the Y instead. I walked in and found Janey hanging out at the front desk, flirting with the young buck who was manning it.
She saw me and said, “Are you back for more yoga?”
I said, “No, I’m back to finish our conversation. How about I buy you lunch?”
We went to the smoothie place down the street, where I bought her a health explosion special and a carrot cake bar, which she told me is what she eats for lunch everyday. Then she says to me, “Look, I’m only here because I have no money and I wanted lunch. Believe me, there’s nothing else I can tell you.”
I respond with, “Then how about this? I’m going to ask you a series of questions, and you can answer with a yes or a no. That’s not too hard is it?”
She said, “Why would I want to answer your questions?”
I said, “Because I’m not going to leave you alone until you do. I’m very good at harassing people, especially when they have something I want – like information.
I think something about my near insane state caused her to feel just a little bit in danger, so she relented.
Here were the questions.
Are you and Ward sleeping together? Answer – no
Do you know anything about Ward’s childhood? Answer – not really
Have you heard from Ward in the last 13 days? Answer – no
Do you know where Ward is? Answer – yes.
Where the hell is he?
“That’s not a yes or no question,” she said.
“Come on!” I cried. “Just tell me!”
She throws away her now empty smoothie cup and turns to face me. “I’m not telling you anything. Ward’s where he wants to be, and I have to honor that.”
What’s with this “having to honor” Ward’s wishes? Owen used that line on me too, and it’s really getting on my nerves.
Anyway, Janey pushes her way out of the smoothie shop and was walking down the street. I caught up with her.
“Okay,” I said. “One other question. Are you in love with Ward?”
She sighs and said, “Yes.”
“Is he in love with you?”
“That’s two more questions,” she said. She picked up her pace, and I let her go.
I need to call the caterers. I’m thinking you’re right, I’ll go with the appetizer buffet.
Love,
Chloe
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Your trip
Owen –
Bethany told me you’re going out of town this Friday. Is it to find Ward? Because if it is, I’m coming with you.
Love,
Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Chloe
Bethany,
Chloe came over to my house last night, demanding answers. Why did you tell her I was going out of town? Whose side are you on?
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2207
Subject: Re: Chloe
Owen,
I didn’t know this was about sides. You’re a good friend to Ward, but Chloe loves him. I think you should tell her what you know and let her help you find him.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
I think Chloe’s going to change her mind about Ward. If his disappearance doesn’t change it, then finding out everything about him will.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Why?
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
I would tell you but you’d probably just tell Chloe.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Christ Owen! So what if I do? If she’s going to find out eventually, what difference does it make? Why not just get it over with and tell her? I don’t know if this has occurred to you, but Ward is putting you in a terrible position by giving you his secrets and then disappearing. Perhaps he doesn’t deserve your loyalty.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Bethany,
You seem to be forgetting, I don’t know where Ward is.
If I tell Chloe what I do know, she’ll be very emotional about it, and she’ll probably get in the way of finding him.
I don’t want to be the person responsible for hurting Chloe. This is Ward’s mess. He can be the one to stick it to her.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
You don’t want to hurt Chloe, but you want Ward to stick it to her? Okay, either you really hate her, or what I’ve suspected all along is true, and you still have a thing for her.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Don’t be ridiculous.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Come on, Owen! Why won’t you just admit it? I can understand why at first you wouldn’t – we were going out and you didn’t want to hurt my feelings. But I’ll always remember how furious you were after she hooked up with your brother. Even someone as loyal as you wouldn’t be so angry on a friend’s behalf. I think you should just tell her how you feel.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Bethany,
Even if I did have feelings for Chloe, I wouldn’t move in on my best friend’s fiancé in the middle of his disappearance. But I don’t have feelings for her, so the point is moot. Now, I’m looking for Ward on my own, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t meddle anymore by telling Chloe anything.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Fine. I won’t “tell” her anything. I’ll just forward her our e-mails.
Take care Owen!
Love,
Bethany
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
March 11 2007
Subject: Owen again
Chloe,
I’ve been thinking about our conversation ever since we got off the phone yesterday. I agree with you that Owen ought to tell you what he knows, but I can’t really give you any tips on how to get him to do that. He can be a hard nut to crack. He’s never really cared about being liked, but if he likes someone than he’ll go to great lengths to make that person happy. I think it has to do with how badly his dad used to treat his mom; he’ll do anything not to turn into his father.
Anyway, believe it or not, he likes you. I know he doesn’t always show it, but he does. Don’t believe me?
Several years ago, when Owen and I were still living together – and you and Ward weren’t together at all - we were going to have a party, and I really wanted to invite both of you. Owen said no, it has to be one or the other. I thought that was an immature attitude, and told him so. Owen got all bent out of shape, how dare I call him immature! He just didn’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable; couldn’t I see that he was just looking out for everyone’s feelings?
I said, “Owen, don’t you think their feelings will be hurt if we don’t invite both of them? How do we get around that? We just invite them both, and let them know there is a possibility that the other one will be there.”
But he kept saying no, that wouldn’t work.
Finally, after much argument, I lost my temper and just cried, “Well then we just won’t have a party at all!”
The next day Owen told me he had an idea – we could have two parties, and invite each of you to one of them. I said, “Isn’t it sort of ridiculous to have two parties, just to save them from a little bit of awkwardness, embarrassment, or hurt feelings?”
And Owen simply said, “No.”
So we had two parties. I thought it was pretty silly, until I began to think of all the other times Owen has gone out of his way to avoid conflict. I realized he does it a lot, although it may not seem like it because he comes off as being kind of abrasive. But his dad’s main source of entertainment is making other people feel uncomfortable; I noticed this whenever I went to their house for holidays. He liked to tease and embarrass Owen and his brother a lot, but he really picked on Owen’s mother. And if ever there was a mama’s boy, it’s Owen. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. More than anything, he is intensely loyal, and if you do something to offend someone he cares about then it takes a really long time for him to forgive you. (Which as you know, is why we broke up!)
I hope that helps. Hang in there.
Love,
Bethany
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: randy_langley@yahoo.com
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: Insurance again
You never answered my e-mail. What do you want to do about adding Owen on?
Dad
To: randy_langley@yahoo.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: Re: Insurance again
Hi Dad.
Sorry I didn’t get back to you. Ward is being kind of weird about the insurance thing. Chalk it up to masculine pride. Let me talk to him about it more and I’ll get back to you. There’s plenty of time.
Love,
Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 11 2007
Subject: call me Veronica Mars
Bethany –
Thanks for the lowdown on Owen. I guess I feel a little better.
But I’m not going to try and contact him. I’ve decided to smoke out the whole Ward mystery on my own. The first thing I did was go to the club where he works. I went this morning, and this blonde tootsie was working at the personal trainer desk. Her nametag read “Mandy”. Wouldn’t you know she would be named Mandy? Our conversation went something like this:
Mandy – Hello. Are you here to set up an appointment for personal training?
Me – Um, actually, I just have a question.
Mandy – Sure, how can I help?
Me – Well, I’m looking for Ward, who works here. Have you heard from him at all?
Mandy – Gosh, no! He hasn’t been in for like, forever… (she looks through the appointment book) and he doesn’t have any clients scheduled for the next few weeks.
Me – Did he quit?
Mandy – Um, I don’t know. We sort of just work on like, a freelance sort of basis? He only gets paid if he has clients.
Me – Yeah, but surely if he was bailing for good he would have let someone know.
Mandy – Yeah… I don’t know. I only started about a week before he took off. But Janey might know something, she and Ward are pretty tight.
Me – Who’s Janey?
Mandy – Our yoga instructor.
Me – Does she take individual appointments?
Long story short, I’ve signed up for an hour long consultation with “Janey” who I guess is really “tight” with Ward, but whom he has never mentioned! Of course I’m wondering if this is the chick that Owen said Ward was “involved” with. I never got the idea Ward was cheating on me. But if he was, I’ll crucify them both. And get this – Janey’s standard rate for an hour long session is $85! She’d better have some good info for me! Hopefully Mandy won’t mention that I was in looking for Ward. I’d rather not have her know that I’m engaged to him… so I signed up for my session under the code name of “Zoe”. Pretty clever, huh?
The session is tonight, after I close the store. Then I really need to work on my jewelry.
Oh, and our hand-made party favors arrived today. They’re little bags of pastel colored mints tied with ribbons that were supposed to say, “Chloe and Ward, March 31 2007”. Only I have to send them back because they say, “Chloe and Word”. Can you believe it? Some people are so incompetent. So do you think I should get a refund or have them replaced? I wish I knew what to do. I’m going to kill Ward for this.
-Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 12 2007
Subject: All bent out of shape
Bethany –
So I show up for my yoga session, and the first thing Janey says to me is, “Oh hi! You must be Ward’s girlfriend. I always thought you were named Chloe, not Zoe.” She says this to me with this peaceful superior type grin, like she is above being embarrassed or uncomfortable about anything. She has long brown hair in twin braids, is super tan (but not fake, orange tan), and she’s wearing these yoga pants and midriff-barring sports top that shows off her perfect figure. In other words, I hate her instantly.
She goes on to tell me that Ward showed her a picture of me, and Mandy had mentioned that I was in looking for Ward, so she of course put two and two together. Then she says, “Let’s grab a yoga pad and do some stretching out.”
I follow her lead and soon we’re facing each other on the floor. She says, “Now Mandy made it clear to you that my clients are all pretty experienced in yoga, right?”
I’m like, “Sure.”
“Great!” she says. “Then let’s do a real workout! I hope you’re ready to have some fun.”
We have the studio to ourselves. She turns on this Enya-type music, and pretty soon she’s leading me through various positions like “down dog” and “worshiping the sun”. Only she assumes I know what these positions mean when she barks them out. I try to pretend that I do, and take a guess at how I should move or stand. But if I get it wrong, and most of the time I do, she shoves me into the correct position. I’m on my back with my legs over my head, trying to touch my toes to the floor, when Janey comes over and stands above me.
“You’re doing great, Zoe. Ward never told me how good you are at yoga.”
“Yeah?” I say with a gasp. “Well, Ward didn’t know I do yoga, that’s why.”
“It sounds like you and Ward keep a lot from each other.”
With as much dignity as possible, I manage to get my ass out of the air and onto the floor.
“Zoe,” she says, her voice matching the new-age music in its tone, “We’re not done yet. You need to stretch out your entire your body in order to become centered.”
I stand up and face her. “Come off it, Janey. You and I both know I’m not here for the yoga.”
She smiles. “You’re hoping I can tell you where Ward is.”
I gulp. I am reminded of the time in Jr. High when Missy Braxton stole my underwear while I was taking a shower after gym class. I had to beg her afterwards to let me know where it was. Then I remembered – I’m not some poor, wet Jr. High girl wrapped in a towel. I’m me, and this is too important to give into weakness.
“Yeah,” I say. “I’m worried about him. For some reason Mandy seems to think you might know something. So maybe you could pretend to be a nice person for a minute or two and help me out?”
“Why didn’t you just call me? Signing up for a yoga session is an awfully expensive way of going about this. And what’s with the fake name?”
“I thought you’d be more forthcoming if you didn’t know who I was.”
“Why? Why would I care? It’s not like Ward and I are involved or anything.”
“That’s not what I was suggesting.”
“Yeah, right.” She laughs, and goes to turn off the music and undims the lights. She stands by the door, as if to indicate it’s time for both of us to leave. “Ward is a great guy, and anything he told me is confidential. If I were you, I’d be more worried about myself than Ward.”
“Thanks for the advice. Do you know where he is, or not?”
Janey just gives me one more of her ethereal smiles, says “Don’t forget to pay on your way out,” and walks away.
What a tart! This is not the end of this, let me tell you. She obviously knows something, and why she’s not willling to fess up is beyond me. But there are 19 days left to my wedding. I’m going to get whatever it is out her. Soon.
I have my methods.
Tomorrow I have to confirm with the caterers. Wednesday I go in for my final dress fitting. My shower is in less than two weeks.
I think I’m losing my mind.
Love,
Chloe
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: lois_langley@yahoo.com
Date: March 13th
Subject: Mints
Hon,
I’ve thought about it, and I think we should insist they redo the gift bags. After all, it’s their mistake, and having mints that aren’t in bags is a little tacky. Besides, it’s your day and I want everything to be perfect.
What time is your fitting tomorrow? My day is pretty light, so I think I can come with. Is Ward back in town yet?
Love,
Mom
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Bethany –
I’m supposed to be meeting with the caterers in 15 minutes to confirm the menu and to pay in advance (non-refundable). I want the Chicken Rollatini and Ward wanted the beef Wellington – it’s sort of been a point of contention between us. But you know what? The other day I read in In Style that the big thing now is to have appetizer buffets instead. Maybe I’ll make a last minute change. I mean, who doesn’t love bruschetta and mini eggrolls?
Have you heard from Owen at all? Just curious…
Love,
Chloe
To: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
March 13 2007
Subject: Re. Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Chloe,
Go with the appetizers. That way (and I hate to say it) if the wedding doesn’t happen, you can throw some sort of cocktail party to celebrate how fabulously single you are. Does that sound callous? Don’t be mad. I’ll be there for you no matter what.
As for Owen, I actually talked to him last night. He still calls me when he can’t sleep. But he didn’t tell me any secrets about Ward. Honest. Not that I didn’t try to pry them out of him. However, he did tell me he’s going out of town on Friday. I got the feeling it was to go and look for Ward.
Hope that helps.
Bethany
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Re: Chicken Rollatini or Beef Wellington?
Bethany –
I never made it to the caterers. I meant to drive there, but somehow I wound up at the Y instead. I walked in and found Janey hanging out at the front desk, flirting with the young buck who was manning it.
She saw me and said, “Are you back for more yoga?”
I said, “No, I’m back to finish our conversation. How about I buy you lunch?”
We went to the smoothie place down the street, where I bought her a health explosion special and a carrot cake bar, which she told me is what she eats for lunch everyday. Then she says to me, “Look, I’m only here because I have no money and I wanted lunch. Believe me, there’s nothing else I can tell you.”
I respond with, “Then how about this? I’m going to ask you a series of questions, and you can answer with a yes or a no. That’s not too hard is it?”
She said, “Why would I want to answer your questions?”
I said, “Because I’m not going to leave you alone until you do. I’m very good at harassing people, especially when they have something I want – like information.
I think something about my near insane state caused her to feel just a little bit in danger, so she relented.
Here were the questions.
Are you and Ward sleeping together? Answer – no
Do you know anything about Ward’s childhood? Answer – not really
Have you heard from Ward in the last 13 days? Answer – no
Do you know where Ward is? Answer – yes.
Where the hell is he?
“That’s not a yes or no question,” she said.
“Come on!” I cried. “Just tell me!”
She throws away her now empty smoothie cup and turns to face me. “I’m not telling you anything. Ward’s where he wants to be, and I have to honor that.”
What’s with this “having to honor” Ward’s wishes? Owen used that line on me too, and it’s really getting on my nerves.
Anyway, Janey pushes her way out of the smoothie shop and was walking down the street. I caught up with her.
“Okay,” I said. “One other question. Are you in love with Ward?”
She sighs and said, “Yes.”
“Is he in love with you?”
“That’s two more questions,” she said. She picked up her pace, and I let her go.
I need to call the caterers. I’m thinking you’re right, I’ll go with the appetizer buffet.
Love,
Chloe
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: chloelangley@origingifts.biz
Date: March 13 2007
Subject: Your trip
Owen –
Bethany told me you’re going out of town this Friday. Is it to find Ward? Because if it is, I’m coming with you.
Love,
Chloe
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Chloe
Bethany,
Chloe came over to my house last night, demanding answers. Why did you tell her I was going out of town? Whose side are you on?
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2207
Subject: Re: Chloe
Owen,
I didn’t know this was about sides. You’re a good friend to Ward, but Chloe loves him. I think you should tell her what you know and let her help you find him.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
I think Chloe’s going to change her mind about Ward. If his disappearance doesn’t change it, then finding out everything about him will.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Why?
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
I would tell you but you’d probably just tell Chloe.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Christ Owen! So what if I do? If she’s going to find out eventually, what difference does it make? Why not just get it over with and tell her? I don’t know if this has occurred to you, but Ward is putting you in a terrible position by giving you his secrets and then disappearing. Perhaps he doesn’t deserve your loyalty.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Bethany,
You seem to be forgetting, I don’t know where Ward is.
If I tell Chloe what I do know, she’ll be very emotional about it, and she’ll probably get in the way of finding him.
I don’t want to be the person responsible for hurting Chloe. This is Ward’s mess. He can be the one to stick it to her.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
You don’t want to hurt Chloe, but you want Ward to stick it to her? Okay, either you really hate her, or what I’ve suspected all along is true, and you still have a thing for her.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Don’t be ridiculous.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Come on, Owen! Why won’t you just admit it? I can understand why at first you wouldn’t – we were going out and you didn’t want to hurt my feelings. But I’ll always remember how furious you were after she hooked up with your brother. Even someone as loyal as you wouldn’t be so angry on a friend’s behalf. I think you should just tell her how you feel.
To: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
From: owenphilps@yahoo.com
Date: March 14
Subject: Re: Chloe
Bethany,
Even if I did have feelings for Chloe, I wouldn’t move in on my best friend’s fiancé in the middle of his disappearance. But I don’t have feelings for her, so the point is moot. Now, I’m looking for Ward on my own, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t meddle anymore by telling Chloe anything.
To: owenphilps@yahoo.com
From: bethanyjones45@hotmail.com
Date: March 14 2007
Subject: Re: Chloe
Fine. I won’t “tell” her anything. I’ll just forward her our e-mails.
Take care Owen!
Love,
Bethany
Laurel Osterkamp
author of Following My Toes
Copyright Laurel Osterkamp 2007. All rights reserved.
posted by Laurel | 6:58 AM
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