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

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

nod, taking a 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

scratches are gone.”

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

business is slow, Carlos regales me with

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

Which, yes, is

soul.

250

Ava: Husky

wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and tossing them into

of

counts out the register, his fingers flying faster than I would have ever thought possible when

furry friend is still out there?”

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, but that doesn’t seem intelligent. I live in a tiny apartment above a store. I’m not even sure where she’s gone all

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky (1)

us, just a tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping out of it in the

the rag into the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway in

he finishes up with the money. “She’s waiting

would she

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

down bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I