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

14:40 –

176

13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

you like it. Go take a

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

scratches are gone.”

a slow, meandering sort of way. People ebb and flow in a familiar pattern, and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace

business is slow, Carlos regales me with

on his social media news feeds. He’s been begging me

this last bastion of peace on earth. Which,

soul.

250

Ava: Husky (0)

to wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and tossing them

little bit of a masochist for thinking that way.

to ‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I

furry friend is still out

those eyes so eerily similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my chest.

14:40 –

3/6

Husky

yard near us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping out

little headway in trying to clean and organize everything, mainly because I’m taking

a catchy little jingle as he finishes up with the money. “She’s waiting for you.”

“Why would she be

treats all day? She probably thinks you’re going home together.”

and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What

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