Benton was still struggling to grocery shop as he trekked around the various aisles. Still unsure what he needs to get he thinks ‘perhaps just a few things to start’. He walks to the produce section and grabs the milk, cheese, a carton of eggs and some butter. Noticing some yogurt he grabs a carton; not noticing that he placed sour cream in his cart instead. Traveling back down the isles he grabs boxed pasta with several different pasta sauces; ranging from simple tomato to Alfredo sauce. He walks through the ethnic foods isle and skips it as well as the baking aisle; turning into the cereal aisle he notices several sugary boxes of crap. Trying to quickly pass through the aisle, he stops as he sees a cereal that could be somewhat palatable; a box of bran. Grabbing it he notices on the other shelf across the cereal full of peanut butter, jam and coffee.
There it was; his and Amanda’s ambrosia. Several brands and different blends going from light to dark and decaffeinated; grabbing the dark roast he inhales deeply and smiles. Putting the coffee in the cart he turns towards the bakery section and grabs a few loaves of bread. Looking at the produce section he is unsure what to get; figuring he could skip that for the time being he heads over to the meat coolers. Looking at the selection of beef, pork and poultry; Benton grabs several steaks, a pork tenderloin and a package of chicken breast. Thinking he has enough for the time being; Benton heads to the checkout when he gets a call. Seeing it’s his credit card provider he answers.
“Hello.”
“Hello this is fraud alert am I talking to Benton Knight,” the other person asks.
“Yes what is this about,” Benton wanting to skip the pleasantries.
“We noticed a large purchased put on your card a few minutes ago and wanted to confirm that it was you who made the purchase,” the caller states.
“What large purchase,” Benton getting irritated.
“A three thousand dollar clothing purchase at a store call Awareness,” the caller responding.
“Three thousand,” Benton trying to hold back his rage; “what the hell is Frieda buying?”
“So you are aware that someone is using your platinum card,” the caller asking.
“My daughter has a card, but I am the signatory on it so yeah I am aware of her using it,” Benton calming down but still shocked at the large purchase. “I told her to go easy with the spending earlier,” Benton sighing; “She is just like her mother when it comes to shopping.”
“So this is an authorized transaction,” the caller stating.
“Yeah,” Benton shaking his head as he gets to the checkout; “it is.”
“Very well,” the caller answering; “we appreciate you taking the time to confirm this, have a pleasant day”.
With the line disconnected, Benton fires off a text to Frieda.
‘Three thousand dollar purchase at Awareness? I thought I told you to go easy. Expect a serious talk when you get home.’
Hitting send, Benton puts his phone away and starts loading his groceries on the checkout.
******
Back at Grrrrrrr; Eric, Spencer, Frieda and Martha Anderson were enjoying their mushroom stuffed fillet Mignon when Frieda’s phone beeps with a text message. Grabbing it with her paw Frieda comments, “Dad knows we were just at Awareness.”
“How so,” Eric cutting his meat; “does he have someone spying on us?”
“No,” Frieda putting her phone back on the table; “I’m guessing the credit card company’s fraud alert called him, wondering if the purchase was made by him.”
“Oh,” Martha joining in; “Does this mean your shopping spree is over?”
Frieda just grins, “Hardly; besides this isn’t exactly going to break the bank Mrs. Anderson. My mother once spent twenty grand on a diamond collar. My dad nearly had a fit until he saw her in her fursona wearing it while waiting for him in bed.”
“You don’t need to continue,” Martha looking bemused; “I get the picture.” Looking at Eric, “While the clothes you got at awareness are nice indeed; it’s not enough for a new wardrobe. We still need to get you some more.”
“Well we can always go to the big box store afterwards,” Eric answering after swallowing a mouthful of meat and mushroom; “Just out of curiosity, what kind of mushrooms are these?”
“Chanterelle mushrooms,” Spencer answering; “I know because my mom’s parents like to cook with them a lot.”
Are you one of those foodies,” Frieda grinning.
“No,” Spencer smirking; “can’t say the same for my grandparents though.”
“Anyone have an ideal what dessert is going to be,” Eric finishing his meal and instinctively licking his lips with his tongue like a cat does. Looking around he see other weres eating different desserts; not knowing that each dessert is tailored to a specific were sub species.
*****
Lance was about to enjoy the dessert Lila Carpenter was about to give him when his phone rings; grabbing it with his paw, for he was in his were-panther fursona. He answers to find Tachibana on the other end.
“Tachibana, a pleasure; “Lance answers as Lila still in her were-tigress fursona was eyeing him; eager to jump him and feel his feline barbed penis pleasuring her.
“I apologize for calling you so soon,” Tachibana speaking; “But I have convened an emergency meeting with the elder council. Your presence is necessary.”
Lance stopping Lila from what she is about to do buy standing up and de-furring to get dress; “This is about Benton right?”
“It is,” Tachibana responds; “I assume you know about his medical diagnosis?”
“Yes,” Lance getting dressed; “I was there when your grandson doctor Tora and a were-leopard called doctor Abigail Robinson told Benton and his wife and daughter.”
“Are you alone,” Tachibana asking.
“No, I’m with someone,” Lance answering; “but she volunteers during elder council sessions.”
“Lila Carpenter,” Tachibana asking; remembering the two eying each other during yesterday’s session.
“Yes,” Lance finishing putting on clothes.
“Well get her to de-fur as well and get over here,” The session starts as soon as you arrive.
The call ends and Lance looks at Lila, “emergency council meeting; we both have to head over.”