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

“Here, just how you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there. Have you checked her for a collar?”

ultra sweet beverage and sighing in bliss. “No collar,” I confirm with a shrug. “Huskies are notorious for running away. I’m sure she’ll wander her way back

scratches are gone.”

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

Carlos regales me

feeds. He’s been begging

here, in this last bastion of peace on earth. Which,

soul.

250

Husky (0)

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 burrows deep into your bones and says you’ve worked hard. Like your body’s

of a masochist

his fingers flying faster than I would have ever thought possible when going through that much cash.

your furry friend is still

so eerily similar to my own, and I feel a bizarre tug in my

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Ava Husky (1)

a well–groomed tree popping out of it in the middle of

little headway in trying to clean

hums a catchy little jingle as he finishes up with the money.

my eyes. “Why would she be waiting for

day? She probably thinks you’re going

but laugh. It’s true, She’s been scarfing down bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What