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

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

shrug.

scratches are gone.”

in 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

Carlos regales me

he reads on his social media news feeds. He’s been begging me to open up my own profile, but I always decline.

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

soul.

250

Husky (0)

It takes little time to wipe down the last of the tables, gathering stray cups and napkins and tossing them

I’m a little bit of a masochist

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

friend is still out

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 day to do her

14:40 –

3/6

Ava Husky (1)

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

the rag into the sink and think of the boxes everywhere in my apartment. I’ve made little headway in trying to clean and organize everything, mainly because I’m taking every shift

little jingle as he finishes

eyes. “Why would she be waiting for

treats all day? She probably thinks

She’s been scarfing down bits of muffin and croissant whenever I had a chance to toss them her way. What can I say? I have a