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 –

176

13 Ava: Husky (1)

cup

of caramel–toffee mocha with an obscene amount

just how you like it. Go take a break with that dog out there. Have you checked her for

“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.”

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

business is slow, Carlos regales

He’s been begging me to open

anyone to find 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

soul.

250

Husky

cups and napkins and tossing them into the trash. I’m exhausted from the double

of

on the door to ‘Closed‘ as he counts out the register, his fingers flying faster

your furry friend is still out

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

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky (1)

square with a

my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything,

jingle as he finishes up with

my eyes. “Why would she be waiting for

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

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