To: vpotts at starkindustries dot com

From: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com

Subject: re: Sorry about missing you

Hey Pep, just a quick note for you.

Glad to hear your flight back to California was uneventful despite the weather front that hit as you left. Yes I do understand why you had to blow us off and no I am not pissed. You are right though, it has been just a bit awkward with me and Smitty – but still pretty damn good. Just a small world – who knew that he was in NYC now? He said the funniest thing though. He said that he thought that I knew that he had a crush on me in college – to which I say whaaaa? He said that you knew – why did you never tell me this? I will make you pay for that Potts. When are you coming back to NYC? Cheers,

Tess

P.S. Was Tony ok? He had one hell of a black eye, and was he limping?

To: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com

From: vpotts at starkindustries dot com

Subject: re: re: Sorry about missing you

Once again I say that you are truly the best Tess! I was really hoping to get to see you guys… You totally knew about Smitty – everyone did! I even told you about it the night of the bond fire – you know the one I mean – I know I told you. . .

Yes, Tony is ok, he had a small mishap, not the first I can assure you. But no permanent damage. Anyway, glad to hear from you. Not sure when we are headed back unfortunately, but next time I promise I will move mountains – I will even leave Tony unattended – to see you guys!

Miss ya.

Pepper

P.S Cheers you say? Should I be raising a glass for you?

To: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com, vpotts at starkindustries dot com

From: tstark at starkindustries dot com

Subject: re: re: re: Sorry about missing you

You know, it is considered rude to talk about someone behind their back. But I am overwhelmed by your tender mercies Tess my darling. Don't let Pepper fool you, I survived great peril and personal anguish in the fulfillment of my duties as hero! Even though Pepper is still mean to me and won't give me full body massages, anoint me with oils, or feed me grapes upon my return as is fit a true hero. . . So it's nice to know I'm appreciated.

Smitty? The name is familiar from your tales of college shenanigans. Do I have competition? What are we drinking to? And why aren't I ever invited out to meet your friends Pepper? Such hostility, but at least Tess cares – so there.

Tony

P.S. Just to inform you Ms. Potts, I am perfectly capable of fending for myself. I do not require constant attention.

To: tstark at starkindustries dot com, yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com

From: vpotts at starkindustries dot com

Subject: re: re: re: re: Sorry about missing you

Tony Stark,

What have I told you about hacking into my email? There is no reason for it at all.

P

P.S. Have you signed those contracts yet? You have more important things to do than snooping.

To: tstark at starkindustries dot com, vpotts at starkindustries dot com

From: yellowunbrellagirl at gmail dot com

Subject: re: re: re: re: re: Sorry to have missed you

Now who is hitting reply all dinkus? But yes. Salante, as granddad Morton used to say – looking up from his spot on the bar floor. . .

Tony, glad to hear that even with Pepper's cruel treatment of your own superhero self that you are all right. But it does make me sad she treats you so – not even a back rub, my tears for your mistreatment blur my vision as I type. But seriously why the snooping? I should be pissed at you for dragging my friend away too early.

Tess

P.S. Pepper, you know full well that my recall from that "Bonfire" is hazy at best.

To: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com, vpotts at starkindustries dot com

From: tstark at starkindustries dot com

Subject: SO THERE

See Pepper? Tess called me a superhero – at least she appreciates me – so there! Is one lousy back rub too much to ask?

Tess I didn't drag Pepper away – I never drag her anywhere – unless she asks nicely that is. . . Something had to get taken care of, and you don't have the clearance. Sorry. And don't evade my question about the 'Smitty' character – if that is even his real name. . . Pepper can we get a background check on this guy?

Tony "The Unappreciated" Iron Man

P.S. I am not snoopy – I am supervising my employee's use of the company email. And anyway Pepper, this is more fun that signing contract. Plus I can't find my pen.

To: tstark at starkindustries dot com, yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com

From: vpotts at starkindustries dot com

Subject: re: SO THERE

Tess, I had warned you about this. Now he won't let it go. And thank you so very much of putting the idea of me rubbing his back into his head.

Tony, check behind you left ear. Your pen was there last time I saw you – which was less than ten minutes ago. Stop stalling, start signing. And don't even think of asking Jarvis to run a background on Smitty – I have already told him it is not business related and could lead to a lawsuit – so that has kicked off protocol 47B.

To: vpotts at starkindustries dot com, tstark at starkindustries dot com

From: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com

Subject: re: re: SO THERE

Pep,

There is no need to snap – you cut me to the quick. But I will forgive you – eventually. But I digress. So I was thinking, I have decided what to get for my third tattoo. When you come into town next time do you want to go with me? You could get your second one. I know, I know, super tempting right?

See Tony – I am ignoring your comments, and by extension you. You should be signing the things that Pepper gives you.

Tess

To: yellowumbrellagirl at gmail dot com, vpotts at starkindustries dot com

From: tstark at starkindustries dot com

Subject: re: re: re: SO THERE

Why am I always the last to know these things? Ms. Potts how could you keep this from me? It's a butterfly isn't it?

Tess, I thought we were friends. I showed you mine after all. . .

I am hurt, deeply, deeply hurt by this revelation.

Tony

P.S. Ms. Potts, in the interest of national security I think that you should show me this "distinguishing mark". Just in case. For identification purposes.