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 –

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13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

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

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

scratches are gone.”

and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt

is slow, Carlos regales me with

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

earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic, but it’s how

soul.

250

Husky (0)

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

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

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

furry friend is still out

glance 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,

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky

there’s no yard near us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed

my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything, mainly because I’m taking every shift

catchy little jingle as he finishes up with the money.

“Why would she be waiting for

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

and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I say? I have a soft