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

whipped cream and slides it toward me with a wink. “Here, just how you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there. Have you checked her for

shrug. “Huskies are notorious for running

scratches are gone.”

ebb and flow in a familiar pattern, and I’m surrounded by the scent

slow, Carlos regales me with

drama he reads on his social media news feeds. He’s been begging me

of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic,

soul.

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Ava: Husky (0)

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

little bit of a

‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I would have

is still out there?”

similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my chest. I

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Ava Husky

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

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. Elkins lets me work.

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

eyes. “Why would she be

because you’ve been sneaking her treats all day? She probably thinks you’re going home

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