The Emporium is Open -- Wednesday

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Michael flips the sign from "closed" to "open," and adds a sign in the window:

"The Emporium will be closed Saturday/Sunday. Stock up now! We will reopen on Monday."

He and Ben were taking a little getaway trip. Michael loved this place, but a day or two away would be good. Especially if their son was planning on visiting next week. Hunter was great, but it was sort of like bracing for a tornado to hit.

Comments

[salmoneus.livejournal.com]

Salmoneus comes in and begins roaming the aisles. He picks up a can that says 'Beef stew' and looks it over, turning it in his hand several times. Finally, he goes up to the desk and looks plaintively at Michael. "Good morning, Michael. Can you explain something to me please?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Sure, if I can. What's your question?

[salmoneus.livejournal.com]

"I'm doing better with the little machines. Someone even showed me how to use the flo -- I mean, phone. And I'm getting the typewriter. But it's the littler things that are getting to me." He holds up the can with an exasperated look. "How do you open this?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*smiles* That would require a can opener. *goes to the kitchenware aisle and gets a manual can opener* You stick this part over the rim and squeeze the handles together, that breaks the seal, then you turn this and it cuts around the top of the can. There are mechanical can openers too, that do the handle-turning bit automatically.

[salmoneus.livejournal.com]

"A can opener." Salmoneus looks from the can to the opener. "Ingenious! Thanks, Michael."

He goes back to the canned foods and chooses six more cans. Taking those and the amazing can opener to the counter, he pulls out his purse, reminding himself not to leave it on the counter. "So, how are things around here, Michael?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

You're welcome. *rings up items* That's $10.42.

Things are pretty busy. But there's nothing better than that when you work retail.

[salmoneus.livejournal.com]

Counting out change, the banker nods. "I know what you mean. Busy can be good. But, I see you're taking a break." He nods to the sign in the window as he hands the money over. "That's good too." He picks up his package. "Thanks for showing me the can opener. See you later!"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

See you. Have a good day!

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

Brenda wanders into the shop and stands in the aisle of household furnishings. She is killing time as much as she's looking for a lamp.

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Hi there. Anything I can help you find?

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

Brenda smiles at him. "I'm looking for a lamp. The light in my office is funky, and I need a really good desk lamp. Do you have anything like that?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

We've got some like this, (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-2/qid=1130960072/ref=sr_1_2/601-4313245-7043328?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B000077CTG) that provide more targeted light. We've also got some more general lamps (http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/sr=1-6/qid=1130960072/ref=sr_1_6/601-4313245-7043328?%5Fencoding=UTF8&asin=B0001ARH1E) that will light up more of the room, if that's what you're looking for.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"I think I like the second one," Brenda muses.

Then: "Hey, can I ask you something kind of silly?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*raises an eyebrow* Sure.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"Do you have any supernatural powers, or any special interest in the black arts, or anything? Because I'm a therapist, and my clients so far have been .... more interesting than usual. I'm just wondering if this town attracts that somehow, or if I'm just finally going crazy myself. Or more crazy."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*chuckles* Unlike most of the population, I don't have any interest in magic spells. *bites his lip* Been under one, and that was more than enough for me. This town is a bit crazy...our mayor isn't human, that should have been your first clue. On the other hand, generally it's not a bad place to be. So to answer your question, I think this place attracts it.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

Brenda listens to this intently. "Thanks. I guess I'll just adjust to it. I haven't met the mayor yet. What is he like, so I'm not surprised?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*raises an eyebrow, and suppresses a chuckle* Red is...a big red-colored talking canine with awful taste in ties. Looks ferocious, but he's really very nice.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"Sounds like something from Sesame Street," Brenda says, chuckling herself. "Well, they told me this place was interesting when I was looking at it as a site to work on my dissertation...I just didn't realize how interesting."

She pushes a hand through her hair. "I'm Brenda, by the way."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Michael. My partner, Ben, is upstairs working on his novel. He's taking a year off from teaching for it. *smiles* Afraid "gay" is about as far-fetched as I get.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"Is gay even far-fetched any more? My brother-in-law has been with his partner for, god, six years now. Their marriage lasted longer than mine." She gives a bitter smile. "Sorry. Long, long story."

"Anyhow ... nice to meet you, and I'm sure I'll see Ben around."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

Nice to meet you too. And I'm sure you will. I think he gets out more than I do.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"I'll watch for him."

She hoists the lamp. "How much do I owe you for this?"

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

$42 even.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

Brenda fishes in her purse and comes up with a credit card. "Here you go."

[bens-mikey.livejournal.com]

*runs the card and hands over a pen and the slip to sign* If that lamp doesn't work out for you, bring it back and we'll see if we can find something better.

[b-chenowith.livejournal.com]

"Great, thank you." Brenda signs the charge slip, takes the awkward package and heads out of the store.