Tangled

11 Ava: The Novel Grind

The new beginning I crave begins in a quaint town by the name of Cedarwood, just outside of Spokane, Washington. It isn’t that I made a conscious choice to stay here, exactly. I sensed shifters at the train station in Spokane and panicked. A rideshare app and a destination chosen at random brought me to

Cedarwood. Specifically, to an adorable bookshop cafe on a picturesque little street in the middle of their

commercial district. @

Seriously, the entire street gives me a modern

Victorian vibe, and families all walk because there is literally no parking anywhere. I guess people come

here for the charm.

Two weeks later, I’m still at the shop, only now I’m working there. As an added perk, I even get an apartment in the above floor. It was used as storage for a few years by my new boss, and I have a lot of cleaning to do yet, but it’s mine, and I love it, even if there are boxes everywhere.

I still don’t know how all the luck managed to swing my way, but I’m not going to complain. I haven’t seen a

1/7

11 Ava: The Novel Grind

single shifter since I came here, and from what I hear, the Aspen Pack treats humans well in their territory. There’s a huge part of me that’s terrified they will come banging on my door, demanding to know why I haven’t informed them of my presence, but–well, that’s a problem for future Ava. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

I’m hoping that I smell human enough to not be

bothered.

Mrs. Elkins enters the store, the bell above the door

announcing her arrival. I look up from the book I’m shelving, a smile already forming on my lips. There’s something about her presence that puts me at ease. There might even be a tiny part of my mind that thinks she’s married to Santa Claus.

“Good morning, Ava,” she greets me warmly, her rheumy eyes crinkling at the corners. “How are you doing today? Settling in alright?”

I nod, my smile widening. “I’m doing well, Mrs. Elkins. Thank you again for the job and the apartment. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

laughs, a melodious sound that fills the space. “Oh, Ava, you don’t have to thank me

14:39

217

Ava: The Novel

you know.”

warm. “I know, I

almost maternal. “The Novel Grind is a haven, Ava. It’s a place for those who feel they don’t quite fit anywhere else in this

hide how hard her words hit me. If only she knew just how much of an outsider I really am.

find your happiness here,” she continues, gesturing to the countless books surrounding us. “Among the thousands

shelves upon shelves of books. Each one holds a different story, a

say softly, my voice thick with emotion. “I think I will.” I rub my breastbone, feeling that now–familiar burn flare. Nothing eases the pain, but

14:40

377

The Novel Grind

hopes of easing

dear. No doubt at all. Now, tell me, is Carlos treating you well? Not hazing my new employee, is he?”

co–worker. He’s a few years older than me, kind and funny, and looks in my eyes when we talk. He treats me like

helped me prepare to sign up for night

Oh, Ava, that’s wonderful! What

enthusiasm has me ducking my head, a little embarrassed. I don’t admit that I’ve dropped out of everything at

Ava The

mailed to a post office box in White Peak that Lisa set up for me,

hopes that the transfer couldn’t be traced. Neither of us are

literature.” My fingers trace the spine of the book I just shelved. “I thought. maybe I could take some English courses, maybe even

the books, Ava. It’s like you have a special connection with them. I think you’d excel in

words, a sense of belonging settling in my chest. “Thank you, Mrs.

lot to

once more before stepping back. “Now, I think I smell some fresh coffee brewing. Why don’t you join me

these books?”

you

finish up

up with

rest of the books on a nearby table.

that.”

14:40

5/7