“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 thestairs 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.