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

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

sip of the 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 home when

scratches are gone.”

sort of way. People ebb and flow in a familiar pattern, and I’m surrounded by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace

is slow, Carlos

feeds. He’s been begging me to open up my own profile, but

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

soul.

250

Husky

last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and

a little bit of a masochist for

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

your furry friend is

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

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky

just a tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping out of

apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying

little jingle as he finishes

would she be

because you’ve been sneaking her treats all day? She probably

of muffin and croissant whenever I had