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 –

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13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

you like it. Go take a

sweet beverage and sighing in bliss. “No collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies are

scratches are gone.”

by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t

business is slow, Carlos regales

social media news feeds. He’s been begging me to open up my

here, in this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic, but it’s how I feel down to my very

soul.

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Husky (0)

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

I’m a little bit of a masochist for thinking that

the sign on the door to ‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his fingers flying

friend is still out there?”

to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug

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3/6

Ava Husky (1)

near us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed

rag into the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything, mainly because I’m taking every shift Mrs.

catchy little jingle as he finishes up

would she be

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

bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I say? I

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