Tangled

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

with a wink. “Here, just how you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there. Have you checked her for

in bliss. “No collar,” I confirm with a shrug.

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 do here,

slow, Carlos regales me

his social media news feeds. He’s been begging me to open up my own profile, but I always

this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of

soul.

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Husky

stray cups and napkins and tossing them into the trash. I’m

bit of a masochist for thinking

as he counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I would have ever thought possible when going

your furry friend is

out the window and, sure enough, the husky is sitting there, staring at me, with her nose pushed against the glass, her pants leaving a foggy haze against it. Once again I’m struck by those eyes so eerily similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my chest. I want to take her home, but that

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Ava Husky

no yard near us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping

the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway

hums a catchy little jingle as he finishes up with the money.

roll my eyes. “Why would

her treats all day? She probably thinks

croissant whenever I had a chance