Page 5 of A Second Roar for Love

Ellie swallowed hard. “But I don’t know how to control it. What if I hurt someone?”

Luna laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “That’s what I’m here for. We’ll work together, hone your skills. You have a great destiny ahead of you, Ellie. I can feel it.”

With a grateful nod, Ellie left the store, Luna’s words ringing in her ears. A great destiny. The phrase both thrilled and terrified her.

Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten since Molly’s pastries that morning. She made her way to the Lone Wolf Café, the bell above the door announcing her arrival.

As she stepped inside, she was shocked to see the changes that had been made since she was last here. The dark paneling had been painted a soft, calming blue and the old booths and metal tables had been replaced with wood tables and chairs with cushions that matched the curtains.

A warm voice called out, “Ellie! It’s so good to see you!”

Ellie turned to find Elsie, a much older version of the woman she remembered running the cafe, making her way over with a bright smile. Elsie enveloped her in a hug, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon clinging to her.

“I heard about what happened,” Elsie said, pulling back to look at Ellie with concern. “I can’t imagine how tough this must be for you.”

Ellie managed a small smile. “It’s been a lot to process, but I’m grateful for the support of everyone in town.”

“We’re here for you, Ellie.”

Another woman close to her own age emerged from the kitchen area. She looked familiar from school. Elsie waved to the newcomer.

“Celeste, come here, dear.”

Celeste Rowan? Wow, the girl had grown into a stunner.

When Celeste saw her, a huge smile spread across her face. “Ellie!” She hurried over and hugged her. “It’s great to see you again. We all heard you were back. Molly, Daisy, and I were planning a girls’ night next week. We’d love for you to join us.”

Ellie hesitated, unsure if she was ready for social interaction. But the warmth and kindness in Celeste’s eyes made her feel welcomed, and she found herself nodding. “That sounds lovely, Celeste. Thank you for the invitation.”

Celeste beamed. “Wonderful. I’ll let the girls know. Now, let’s get you some lunch. On the house.”

On the house? How could Celeste offer that without Elsie’s permission?

Elsie chuckled. “Have I mentioned that Celeste is my daughter-in-law and partial owner of the café with my son? I’ve retired from the hard work.”

Ah, that explained it all.

Ellie was settled at a table, a steaming bowl of soup and a freshly baked roll placed in front of her. As she ate, Elsie joined her, a cup of coffee in hand.

“Ellie, dear,” Elsie said, her amber eyes soft with sympathy. “How are you holding up?”

Ellie swallowed a spoonful of soup, the warmth spreading through her chest. “It’s been challenging, Elsie. But being back in Whispering Pines, surrounded by familiar faces, it feels like a second chance at life.”

A sly smile played at the corners of Elsie’s mouth. “A second chance for a lot of things, maybe. You and Reed, you always did make a cute couple.”

Ellie nearly choked on her coffee. “Reed? Oh, no, that’s ancient history.”

Elsie chuckled. “Is it? The way I hear it, he’s never been quite the same since you left. Never married, never settled down. Almost like he’s been waiting for something. Or someone.”

Ellie’s heart skipped a beat. The thought of Reed, of what they had once shared, it was almost too much to hope for. “I don’t know, Elsie. So much has changed.”

But Elsie waved off her protest. “Just something to think about, dear. Life has a funny way of giving us second chances when we least expect them.”

With a final wink, Elsie left Ellie to her thoughts. Ellie finished her lunch, her mind spinning with the possibilities Elsie had hinted at.

After she left the café, she walked around town, reacquainting herself with the shops and the people.

Her feet carried her to the Green Thicket Tea House, a quaint little spot she and her friends used to frequent in high school. The owner, Ivy Sullivan, looked up as she entered, a bright smile lighting her face.

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