Tangled

Chapter 13

13 Ava: Husky (II)

Carlos‘ words bring me out of my little mini–funk, and I nod. “I need to make as much money as I can before the summer semester. I’m going to need money for tuition, books, miscellaneous fees, and then hopefully a car. Between rent and life necessities, I really need the overtime. I’m lucky Mrs. Elkins is even letting me

work this much.”

He nods, wiping down the counter as I replenish napkins in the dispenser. “She’s got a way about her.

Takes care of us all. Sometimes I wonder if she’s even making money off this place. We sell a lot of coffee, but not so many books.”

He’s not wrong; I’ve thought the same. My shoulders lift in a vague shrug, and I start cleaning off the end tables of newspapers, magazines, and books.

“I have no idea, but I can’t imagine she would run a business just to lose money.” I pause, thinking of the sweet old lady and how she treats every customer who enters her shop like family. “Would she?”

“Wouldn’t put it past her.” Carlos puts together a sinful

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13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

toward me with a wink. “Here, just how you like it. Go take a

collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies are notorious for running away. I’m sure she’ll

scratches are gone.”

familiar pattern, and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace like I

is slow, Carlos regales

and drama he reads on his social media news feeds. He’s been begging me to open up my own

here, in this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic, but it’s

soul.

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Ava: Husky

of our door. It takes little time to wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and tossing them into

little bit of a masochist

counts out the register, his fingers flying faster

friend is still

a foggy haze against it. Once again I’m struck by those eyes so eerily similar to my own, and I

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Husky (1)

a well–groomed tree popping out

there.” I toss the rag into the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying

little jingle as he finishes up with the

eyes. “Why would she be

her treats all day? She probably thinks you’re going

of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance

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