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

14:40 –

176

13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

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

in bliss. “No collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies are notorious for running away. I’m sure she’ll wander her way back home when all

scratches are gone.”

and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and

business is slow, Carlos regales me

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

bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes,

soul.

250

Ava: Husky

husky is still there, asleep on the sidewalk in front of our door. It takes little time to wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and tossing them into the trash. I’m exhausted from the double shift, but it’s the kind of tired that

a little bit of a masochist for thinking

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

furry friend is still out there?”

to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my

14:40 –

3/6

Husky

there’s no yard near us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping out of it in the middle of

into the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything,

jingle as he finishes up with the money. “She’s

roll my eyes. “Why would

been sneaking her treats all day?

It’s true, She’s been scarfing down bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a