The Emporium is open (Thursday)

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

As Michael changes the sign from "closed" to "open," he swaps out one of the two signs in the front window, and adds a third. They read:

"Homecoming Special: free pack of condoms with purchase over $10."

"Now available, in case of unexpected 'guests': cricket bats ($20 each -- bargain priced!) and assorted ammunition."

"Fandom Townie meet-and-greet party, Friday night
Feel free to stop by while the kids are busy at Homecoming,
come meet your fellow community business owners.
Food and drink will be served."

****

Ben checks out the new signage, and cocks his head at the last one. "Interesting idea."

Michael nods. "I figured while the kids were busy elsewhere, we could get a chance to meet some of the other Townies while we have the down time."

Ben sidles up to Michael. "Will there be dancing?"

Michael laughs. "If you want, I can pull out the CD player. We can fit the Homecoming 80's theme and put on some Madonna."

"Hmm..." Ben takes Michael in his arms as if to dance, whirls him around and dips him. "I was thinking more of a ballroom thing."

Michael shakes his head to recover from a slight dizzy spell as Ben pulls him out of the dip position. "I'm thinking...no. But after a few beers I might change my mind." He grins

The two re-enter the store; Michael sits down behind the counter while Ben returns to his writing.

Comments

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

Red took a moment to read the door sign before he went into the store. A townie mixer? That was a good idea. He would like to stop buy if he had the time.

To business. He had to buy some milk for the cubs' kibblets. The thought caused him to grimace. Must be a kid thing.

Trotting down isleways, Red tried to think if there was anything else he needed.

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Morning, Red. If there's anything I can help you find, just let me know.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

"Thanks, Michael," Red said, stopping in the middle of the isle like he almost remembered what else he was supposed to get...but didn't.

Oh..he di- no...

...wait...oh..n-

Yes. He remembered and went back to get a small basket he could push along with his nose.

"I see you have a party planned for tomorrow night."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Yeah. I figured the kids would be busy, and since the town seems to attract some interesting -- and often uninvited -- guests, it might be good for the townspeople to get to know one another better. Do you think you'll stop by?

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

Red lifted a box of cereal into his basked and scooted along. "I'll plan on it. I'm also heading onto the campus to participate in their homecoming but I'm sure I'll have time to swing by."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Great. Feel free to pass the word along, too. Everybody's welcome.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

After he got his milk, Red lifted his basket up to the counter. "I'll do that, make up a flyer or something to post in my window."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Great. I appreciate it.

*rings up items*

That'll be $5.50.

[http://users.livejournal.com/_red_xiii_/]

Red gnawed on one leg cuff and pulled out his money. With his teeth and paw, he pulled out the correct change and left it on the counter.

Taking his bag, he trotted toward the door. "Thee you thomowwo!"

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

*CJ breezes in after school, looking for stuff for dinner. Looking around she decides she needs help*

Hi...I'm making dinner for some friends tonight...what do you suggest?

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Casual or more formal? *makes a face as he thinks* We've got some pre-cooked meal-makers in the frozen section, if you're looking to go that route. We also have a wide variety of fresh vegetables, and a good selection of meats. In fact, we just had a shipment of salmon come in this morning.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Ooh, salmon...I culd salmon almondine...and a nice salad. what kinds of wine do you have?

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

We try to keep a nice selection on hand, although there isn't much demand for it so far. *looks over shelves* This Pinot Gris is good, not too expensive at $10 a bottle, and I hear it goes really well with salmon.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Pinot...yeah, that'll be great. I'll take, um *closes her eyes* 3 bottles. [wanders around talking to herself] salmon...almonds...baby greens...vinegrette...um...bread...

Do you have any good bread? And maybe something rich and chocolate for dessert?

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

We've got some packaged french bread, although to be honest it's pretty bland. There's also this pre-made frozen stuff that you just pop in the oven for a little while, it works well with seasoned butter.

And desserts... *taps finger against his lips* We've got some chocolate cake (http://www.home-horizons.com/baked%20to%20order/photo_choctrufflebig.jpg) or this marbled chocolate cheesecake. (http://www.home-horizons.com/baked%20to%20order/photo_cheesecakebig.jpg) And Tiramisu. (http://www.cadbury.com.au/sites/cadbury/index.php?pageId=203)

((ooc -- challenging my google-fu, eh? :P))

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

*Picks up the frozen bread, some butter, and the chocolate marble cheesecake*

Ok, I think that'll do it. Thanks so much for all your help. I hope Shane likes it. What's it come to?

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

That'll be $62.90.

*individually wraps each wine bottle and bags all of the groceries*

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

*Hands over the cash* Thanks so much for all your help! *Smiles broadly*

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome. Good luck with your dinner party.

[prof-cregg.livejournal.com]

Thanks! *hurries out, headed toward the park*

[medusae-x.livejournal.com]

Duce walks in and heads to the counter, looking for a salesbeing. "Hello. We would like to purchase a gift certificate, if possible, please."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Sure. *eyes the snake heads, but shrugs it off -- not much phases him anymore* For how much? *taps on computer keyboard to bring up gift certificate template*

[medusae-x.livejournal.com]

Duce grins, "Excellent. We'll take one for $50, please. Do you take cash or card?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

We can do either, it's up to you. *fills in and prints out gift certificate*

[medusae-x.livejournal.com]

"Sweet, we'll put it on the card then." Fishing a credit card from her pocket, she hands it over. "Thank you so much!"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*processes card and hands the certificate over*

You're welcome. Have a good day.

[medusae-x.livejournal.com]

Duce pockets the card and says, "Thank you!" as she heads out the door, humming.