Tangled

Chapter 13

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

you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there. Have you checked

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 all the

scratches are gone.”

by the scent of books and coffee. I don’t think I’ve ever felt peace like I do here, working

slow, Carlos

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

me here, in this last bastion of peace on earth. Which, yes, is a cringe level of melodramatic, but it’s how I feel down to my very

soul.

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Ava: Husky (0)

and

of a masochist for thinking that way.

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

your furry friend is still out

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

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky

tiny square with a well–groomed tree popping out of

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

as he finishes

“Why would she

all day? She probably thinks you’re

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

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