Take What You Need (Rose Haven #2)

Chapter 1

WELCOME TO ROSE HAVEN

I felt like I’d been on wheels for weeks. Going from a one coast to the other, I should’ve expected it. I’d be glad if I never seen another damn bus or car again. I kept reminding myself that my new life was waiting for me on the other end of this ride.

I didn’t want to use too much of my money.

I still needed to find a place to live and get a job.

I needed to blend in if I wanted to live out the rest of my life happily.

Safe. I’ve never treasured a single word or feeling more than I did now.

I turned on the radio as I drove to Rose Haven, following the instructions the car dealer gave me.

You never realize how important your map app is until you’re on the highway, scanning every sign just to make sure you’re going the right way.

This was almost as bad as when I was a kid and directions had to be printed to get anywhere.

I don’t miss those days, but I needed to try to live a life without social media.

I would now go by Solana. No longer would the name Amore slip past my lips.

I’d managed to keep my real name from the public. Most only knew me as Amore—except for Henderson and Desirae. We’d gotten close.

I said a silent prayer, hoping God would protect me and give me the second chance I needed.

I bobbed my head as I sang along to a song by Tru and Harlin, called Strummed.

I loved this song and I think it made it even better because they were now married.

Shoot from how I heard it, he sang this song to her on a stage in a stadium full of people.

I smiled at the thought, as much as I would love an out loud love.

I couldn’t afford to have that anymore, or maybe I could, just not too loud.

I allowed the thought to drift away as a sign with hand painted roses and the saying, Welcome to Rose Haven came into view.

I couldn’t believe I’d finally made it. I continued driving until I made it to what was very reminiscent of those small towns you saw in Hallmark movies.

They had a town center that looked to be packed at the moment.

A few food trucks were parked along the sides of the road.

I could see kids playing, and adults standing around just enjoying themselves.

I continued past the festivities until I came upon a large lavender colored home.

It kind of reminded me of the house on Charmed, but a little more warm and welcoming.

I slowed down to read the sign, The Blooming: Bed it was too soon.

I pulled into the long, wraparound driveway and parked in front of the house. Leaving everything else behind, I grabbed the bag that held my cash.

This town seemed nice enough, but I wasn’t crazy enough to let that kind of money out of my sight. Not when I’d just gotten here. I couldn’t trust my gut that much yet.

I walked up the steps slowly, allowing the breeze from the night air to blow against my neck. I closed my eyes briefly and smiled; it had been years since I felt the wind against my neck. I was loving this haircut more and more.

“I get it completely. I come out here around this time to do the same thing,” a soft voice said.

My eyes snapped open, shocked.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” she said with a smile.

She kind of reminded me of Lovie Simone, but with a curly blonde streaked afro. She was small in stature, but you could tell she was fit, and had a very warm smile. Which eased my momentary discomfort. I smiled in return to let her know; it was fine.

“No, I’m sorry. I probably looked crazy out here. It’s just I’m not used to sights like this where I come from. Everything is manufactured there or built. This place just is.”

I glanced around to see a couple walking hand in hand across the street with a little girl. She was skipping ahead of them until the man called out to tell her to slow down. I couldn’t help but to smile because I thought things like that weren’t real.

“I get what you mean. I just moved back here from Atlanta for my grandma. She had a health scare. So, here I am to help out. Are you looking to get a room?” she asked.

I nodded and gripped the handle of my bag.

“Yes, but I only have cash no card.”

The woman craned her head to the side for a moment, almost as if she was looking for more than I was willing to share. A few minutes went by before she gestured with her head towards the front door.

“I’m Jessa. Let’s get you settled. I feel like we’re going to be girls in no time. Not to mention… you look real familiar. Has anyone ever told you that you look like this actress, Amore?” she asked.

I stilled for a moment, then smiled to cover my reaction.

“Thank you. I’ve heard it a time or two. But I’m not her and I have no relation to her.” I answered in a controlled tone.

Jessa stopped for a moment and lifted a brow. I knew it came off a little strong, but I was not expecting the first person I came in contact with to mention a past I was doing everything to get away from. I gave her a small smile, which she returned.

Jessa turned around and led the way into the house to help me take care of my payment.

She led me to a couch and told me to relax so she could get her grandmother.

I sat for a moment but stood again, shuffling my weight between my feet.

Almost ten minutes went by before a woman with sandy brown hair and blonde streaks walked into the room.

Her smile was warm and reassuring, which caused my shoulders to relax.

“Hi honey, I’m Miss. Lottie, Welcome to Rose Haven.”

She opened her arms and walked towards me.

I allowed her to wrap her arms around my shoulders.

I couldn’t help but to close my eyes and surrender to the warmth she was emitting.

I hadn’t felt this much genuine energy in such a long time.

It felt like forever before she released her hold on me, but for the first time in years, I didn’t mind.

Miss. Lottie stood back with both hands on my shoulders and stared for a while before nodding. Then led me towards the stairs and down the hall until we came upon a room named The Solace Suite.

“This is one of our best rooms and I think you’re going to love it!” she exclaimed.

I smiled tightly as she used the key with the flower charm to open the door.

She pushed it open, then stepped to the side so I could go in first. The room was gorgeous.

A large queen sized bed sat in the center of the room, adorned with a flower duvet blanket.

A few feet in front of it were two chairs and an end table between them, facing a fireplace.

The end table held a stack of books and a vase with flowers beside a lamp.

I’m sure she’d gotten those flowers from her garden outside.

I walked further into the room and opened the door that I was sure led to the in-suite bathroom. I stopped at the sight of a large soaker tub on one side of the room and a double sink with the prettiest purple cabinets. They put so much love and thought into this room.

I continued to admire all the small touches they placed throughout the space. I could tell they’d picked the names for each room based on the small touches. They had chamomile tea and cups with candles in various places.

“I can’t wait a second longer. Patience has never been my strength. What do you think, dear?” Miss. Lottie asked.

I turned around to face her with a smile, I couldn’t contain if I tried.

“Oh, I’m not speechless because I don’t like it. It’s refreshing — I mean, I love it. Thank you.”

Miss. Lottie waved me off and walked over to pat my shoulder.

“I can tell you’re ready to get settled. Get your things. You can park your car in the space along the side of the house. You can’t miss it.” She instructed.

I nodded.

Jessa smiled in my direction, then walked out of the room. Miss. Lottie followed behind her, then stopped and glanced over her shoulder.

“Welcome to Rose Haven, Honey. I hope it brings you everything you’re looking for.”

I smiled and followed her out of the room. From her mouth to God’s ears, I hoped this was the change I needed.

6 MONTHS LATER…

I sat on the swing at The Blooming, waiting for Jessa to come out.

She’d extended her stay since she felt her grandmother still needed help.

At least that’s what she told everyone I knew about running when I saw it.

I was doing the same thing, so I never called her out on it.

I think she recognized the same in me, the need to start over.

So she never spoke about my hangups either.

I still couldn’t believe I’d been living in Rose Haven for six months. It had been everything and more than I could’ve imagined.

Everyone here welcomed you without question. The first few weeks were a little rough, but with Miss Lottie and Jessa’s loving hands guiding me, it started to feel like family—more than I’d ever known.

It helped me relax… and finally settle into my new surroundings.

I looked down at my watch and realized we were going to be late meeting Aubree if I waited another moment for Jessa. I stood from the swing to make my way to the front door. Before I could reach it, Jessa was walking out with a wide smile.

“See, I told you I was coming!” she exclaimed.

I rolled my eyes with a smile. “Right, let’s go. You know Aubree hates for us to be late.”

Jessa laughed. “I don’t know why she acts like we’re going to a business meeting or something. All we’re doing is going to Scotties.”

I giggled, but I understood this was the only time Aubree had to step away from her shop. She liked to stick to the schedule as much as possible. When I moved here, I never thought I would make a friend, let alone two. It damn sure wasn’t my plan. I was supposed to move here and live a quiet life.