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

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

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

scratches are gone.”

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

is slow, Carlos regales me

been begging me to open up

Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic,

soul.

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Husky

set, it’s finally time to close, and the 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

maybe I’m a little bit of a masochist for

counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I would have

friend is still out

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

14:40 –

3/6

Husky

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

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

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

roll my eyes. “Why would she be waiting for

all day? She probably thinks you’re going home

whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I say? I