Toon It Up: Tigress of the Beach (Preview) (Patreon)

Maureen frowned. The thing about The Jungle was that it also was a toon establishment. It was run by toons, employed toons, and serviced mostly toons. Just being out of the parking lot, seeing all the brightly colored cartoons under that thatched roof, made her feel out of place.

Yet, she still approached it all the same. She was there for business after all. She had a client that wanted to discuss their new “business relationship”. Why they would want to discuss such an important topic in an unserious place confused her greatly. Still, she wasn't going to be judgy about it.

She took the steps up onto the raised floor. It was a pleasant-looking place with its wooden furnishing and tiki-esque theming. Off to the left was an area filled with tables and chairs for dining. However, her destination lied to the right at the circular bar.

“Helllllooooooo!” A pink flamingo girl skipped up to her, holding a menu under her wing. “Welcome to The Jungle! Insert song joke here, hehe! Now, is this a party of one or will more be joining you?”

“Well, there will be another person, but for now, I'll just be sitting at the bar, if you don't mind.” The flamingo gave a standard, business-forced smile and stepped to the side, holding out her free wing in the direction she needed to go.

Maureen found an open spot at the bar with plenty of empty seats between her and the other toons. She had no interest in interacting with them outside of when it was absolutely needed. Their bright tones and pitches were an eyesore.

So, she took her phone, choosing to spend some time with her news apps and such. Though, she took a quick look at her texts first. …still no message. Hope they show up soon.

She looked up around her again at all the toons eating and drinking at the bar and passed it over in the dining area. Despite how much she stood out, a dull, drab individual in a sea of gaudy color, no one seemed to be looking or even glancing her way. That made things a little less awkward at least.

Still, it did get to her a little. Maureen brought her eyes back to her phone and dived into the current news headlines. Really hope they get here soon. I just… just why here, of all places? This is important-

“Good day, ma'am!” A smooth, deep voice greeted her ears, suddenly making her heart thump with longing. She looked up, finding herself eye to eye with a wolf. A white wolf in a slick, flat-looking bartender outfit. He slyly smiled, a glint appearing on one of his fangs.

Maureen wasn't into anthro, toons, or anthro toons, but she had to admit, this was one handsome wolf.

“So, what would the single lady like to drink?” he asked.

“Oh, nothing. I really can't drink… not until my client shows up.” She had a strict policy when it came to drinking. No drinking before her new partner showed and even when drinking with them, keep it manageable to maintain control of her faculties.

“Hmm… client, eh?” The wolf stroked his chin. “Can't say we get many business meetings in a place like this, even when we had business toons visiting.”

“Well, my line of work is very different.”

“Alright.” He gave a wink and a slick finger gun. “I'll be around if you change your mind, doll.” With that, he moved away, smoothly sliding over to another set of patrons down the bar. She couldn't keep her eyes off the wolf until she eventually forced herself back onto her phone.

People here are so… much. Maureen took a deep breath and released it. Are they always this on? That feeling of being out of her element grew stronger again. When was her client going to show up already?

“Excuuuuuuuuse me, Mistah Wolf-Hunk!” A pippy, squeaky voice drilled into her ear on her left. A new patron had showed up, a toon fox girl. She was only wearing a bikini, one that didn't cover much of her orb-shaped breasts.

Must've come up from the beach entrance, Maureen thought, watching her talk with the wolf. She took the fox in a bit, looking her up and down, lingering on a few spots. “…” She quietly returned to her phone without another thought.

A few minutes passed. “Excuse me, miss!” The wolf bartender had returned. “This is for you.” He slid a martini glass up to her. In it was a bright orange liquid, a fruity scent wafting off.

“Oh, I said I didn't…”

“A customer bought it for you.” He glanced to the right and frowned. “Oh… they were just here. Hmm… well, they were a nice-looking lion.”

Maureen stared at the drink, her brow furrowing. “Oh, now now!” the wolf added, shaking his head, “Don't be so suspicious. I made it myself and nobody has touched it but me. I would never risk my reputation on serving someone a bad drink!”

That wasn't Maureen's problem there. Again, she didn't want to drink before her client arrived… whenever that would be. Her mouth felt dry, and her patience was getting tested. She looked at the wolf, who flashed her a much warmer smile than that waitress did, and back at the drink.

It’d be rude not to at least try it. She took the drink and pressed it to her lips. Its fragrance was stronger up close to her nose, almost numbing to it. She took a small sip.