Three Blissful Days, page 2
Kendall arrived at her parents’ house in south Oklahoma City, her temporary housing. She swore to herself that she would stay here only until she could save enough to rent an apartment. Otherwise, she’d be expected to substantially contribute to the household expenses, and she didn’t want to be put in that position again. Her mother had finally finished enough courses to obtain a stable teaching position in the local school district, which included benefits. She’d been a constant substitute teacher while she was taking classes, which gave her the opportunity to get to know the school staff. Her father had been able to snag a job as the daytime custodian. Knowing people at the school had definitely improved their situation. They both seemed to like the work and managed to fund the household now with little help from Kendall, but they still had some debts to manage. She remembered what Cassie had said earlier. Maybe she had helped them more than she thought.
As expected, no one was home since it was the middle of the day, so Kendall sat down at the kitchen table and logged into her laptop to find the digital file for the state landscape project bid. She’d be damned if she’d let Cassie steal this project—take credit for a bid she’d created. She found the folder and pulled up the PDF document she’d created from the email she’d received with the subject of Invitation to Bid State of Arkansas Lodge Landscape Project. It was the original notification of a state landscaping project that was open for proposals. She remembered that when she received it, she’d been just about to send the email to the trash, thinking it was spam, when she read the subject line, though she rarely received anything except junk mail. Her usual routine of delete, delete, delete had almost lost her the opportunity altogether.
CITY OF DIAMOND MOUNTAIN
LANDSCAPE DESIGN SERVICES FOR THE STATE LODGE ON DIAMOND MOUNTAIN
The City of Diamond Mountain requests proposals for an Architectural Design or Landscape Design Firm to provide a plan for refreshing and improving the landscaping of the state lodge located at the top of Diamond Mountain. The lodge has historically served as the area’s most frequented area for lodging, camping, events, and dining.
The scope of services for the project includes:
1. A plan for creating more resilient and sustainable landscaping surrounding the lodge.
2. In developing the plan, the selected consultant will be expected to meet with key stakeholders to solicit their input before creating the final plan.
Final proposals must be received by 11:30 PM, September 26, 2025, in the Diamond Mountain Administrative offices by USPS mail or email.
Proposal documents are available at the Diamond Mountain State Lodge Website, and all proposals must be provided in the same format as described. The proposers must be registered as landscape architects or landscape designers with the State of Arkansas. Proposals are limited to six pages, excluding resumes and notices of transmittal. Consultant selection will be based upon weighted criteria as cited in this Request for Proposal.
The State of Arkansas reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive formalities, or to accept any proposal that appears to serve the best interest of the Diamond Mountain State Lodge.
She searched her email to locate the most recent email regarding the proposal. “You have been invited to tour the park the weekend of October 31, 2025. Please respond with your availability by 11:30 PM, October 24, 2025.” A rush of heat coursed through Kendall when she read the date out loud. “Today.”
Next weekend. She quickly checked her calendar to make sure she didn’t have any appointments that needed to be cancelled before she found the original submission form, copied it, and modified the contact information to her and her alone. She’d kept all the proposal information with all the templates she’d pulled information from as well as the company name of Ken Cass Landscaping, which she’d created to prevent being locked out of bids due to gender. Even though such discrimination was unethical, not to mention illegal, it still happened. That company name needed to change, so she added “Also Known as Horizon Design” next to the company name. She also checked her bank account balance online. She’d have to go to Kinkos and print some of her plans before she left.
Cassie hated paperwork, so it had become Kendall’s responsibility to complete the bids, and it had been a constant process. Proposal requirements were usually strict, and the bid had to be competitive to receive a response. Sometimes they made money, and other times they barely broke even. Government projects could go either way.
After she’d responded to the email with her availability, she picked up her phone, scrolled through her favorites, and hit the button for her best friend, Noah.
“Hey, buddy. Whatcha doing?”
“Just sitting on the porch having a beer. To what do I owe the pleasure of this phone call?”
“Well, I’m going to be in the area soon and thought maybe you might have some time to spend with an old friend.”
“I’ll absolutely make time.” His voice rose. “When are you gonna be here?”
“I don’t have the exact dates of the reservation yet, but I should be at the lodge next weekend around Saturday, November first.”
“Why are you staying at the lodge? There’s always a place for you here.”
“Thought it might be too short notice for Taylor.” Considering she didn’t get along very well with Noah’s girlfriend. “Plus, it’s business. Landscape bid. Did you know they’re redoing the whole place?”
“I’d heard. The place really needs some love. So, you and Cassie are going to make the place look beautiful, huh?”
“Just me. Cassie and I are no longer tied together in any way.”
“Oh. That sucks. I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah. Me too, but it is what it is.”
This could turn into a sticky situation if Cassie remembered anything about it. Kendall had mentioned it to her when she’d discovered the Request for Proposal, but Cassie hadn’t given her any indication that she wanted to help with it. Cassie always seemed to have other priorities.
Chapter Four
The fog was still somewhat dense on the mountain that morning, as usual during this time of year. Ivy wasn’t a fan of the fog because it masked the beauty of the mountain and inevitably caused several accidents on the winding road leading to the park. She stopped along the edge of the scenic outlet and got out of her truck, waiting for the tourists to arrive. A few cars pulled up, and several people got out of each one. A larger crowd than she expected.
“Welcome to the Woods Cemetery.” She headed to the gravel-and-railroad-tie staircase embedded in the pathway that led down to the burial ground. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll fill you in on some of the history surrounding the area.” She turned momentarily. “Watch your step. The rocky path can be slippery in some spots.”
Ivy led almost a dozen people down the staircase and along the natural rocky pathway to the area marked with only one visible headstone. Then she turned and waited for everyone to gather around her before she began her session. “A total of fifteen families are buried in the Woods Cemetery, which has a total of twenty-three graves, and although some have headstones, most have rock markers. So be careful where you step.” She laughed to herself as the guests stopped immediately and checked the ground below them. That statement always made them think. “The name didn’t come from any one family, but from where the cemetery is placed in the woods cloaked by all these tall trees.” She wandered farther down the path. “You’re probably thinking that it doesn’t look well cared for, but the National Park Service didn’t acquire the land until 1923. Originally two acres, the cemetery was created in the 1800s. Today, this is all that remains of the Diamond Mountain community. It was established at the time of the Civil War by families looking to escape the ravages of war.” She walked toward the edge of the trees and held out her hand. “The residents of the community had a bird’s-eye view of the valley below and, to a certain extent, could see when intruders were heading their way.”
“Is it okay to look around? I mean off the pathway?” a woman asked.
“Sure. Go ahead. Again, be careful of the rocks.” Ivy moved toward the only headstone in the cemetery. “I’ll be right here if anyone has any questions.” Noticing some trash that had gathered near a tree, she took an empty plastic bag from her coat pocket, scooped it up, and deposited it inside the bag. She didn’t know why people couldn’t pick up after themselves.
A man approached her. “Forgive me, but I’m fascinated by old cemeteries in general. Do any records exist that show who the people are that are buried here and when they died?”
“There isn’t much documentation on them, but some historians believe a teenage girl from a local family was the first person buried here.” That remark got everyone’s attention, and several of them came closer to Ivy again. Some of the kids continued to investigate the area.
The man took a pad and pen from his pocket and jotted down a few notes. “Tell me more.”
“It’s kind of a tragic story. According to legend, during one extremely cold winter, the girl’s entire family, except for her, became ill. The daughter who wasn’t affected by the sickness went out into the cold to fetch either firewood or water. While she was foraging, she encountered a pack of wolves and took refuge in a hollowed-out tree to escape them. Sadly, she didn’t make it through the night and was found frozen to death the next day.”
“That’s so sad.” A young girl, who Ivy suspected was the man’s daughter, spoke up. “She was probably just like me.”
“And also brave.” Ivy was all about empowering young girls. “Just think about all the everyday tools you have that she didn’t.”
The girl smiled widely.
“Some say she still roams the area.”
“What about the wolves?” a woman asked urgently as she surveyed the area. “Are they still around?”
“No need to worry about them here.” Ivy shook her head. “The red wolves were killed out in the 1920s.”
“What about bears?” the woman’s husband asked.
“Bears were killed out on the mountain before then.” Ivy picked up an empty pint liquor bottle. “People leave many things here. One day, up at the camping area by the lodge, a camper told a couple of women that one of the cemetery residents had told him he could really use a cigarette. So, he left him a pack.”
“Was it a ghost?” a young boy asked.
“Could be. You never know.” Ivy gave the little boy a wink.
“Why do they call it Diamond Mountain?”
“The mountain got its name due to the various gems and minerals discovered in the soil. Pioneers also found the soil to be rich and fertile for growing lush vegetable crops. Wild berries were also abundant.”
“Even around all these rocks?” the man taking notes asked.
Ivy nodded. “People planted around the rocks because the ground was so loose it didn’t require much tilling.”
A woman raised her hand. “Were there any Native American settlers on the mountain?”
“No. The Native American settlers stayed by the river. Water was essential for their survival, providing drinking water and irrigation to sustain their crops. The river also gave them easy access to fish for food. Water allowed them to thrive in their environment, while the settlers relied on rain and wells for drinking and irrigation.” Ivy waited for a few more minutes until everyone finished wandering about. “Any more questions?” She headed up the pathway to the stairs.
The man shook his head and followed her. “I’m going to do some research and might have some later. Will you be at the lodge?”
“Yes,” Ivy answered over her shoulder. “I’m there most days. If you can’t find me, check with the desk, and they’ll locate me.” She stopped at the top of the stairs. “Feel free to stay as long as you like.” She pointed to the information sign. “This will give you a little more background on the cemetery. Again, I’ll be at the lodge if you want more details.” She got into her truck, fired the engine, and headed back to the lodge.
Ivy parked the truck and scanned the grounds as she walked into the lodge to see if anything had been added to today’s schedule.
“Hey, you want a ticket to the movies next Friday, on Halloween night? They’ll be playing Night of the Living Dead,” Susan said as Ivy entered the lobby area. Susan was a longtime friend who managed the lodge’s front desk area.
“Oh, yeah? Why do you have an extra?” Ivy loved classic horror films but was skeptical of Susan’s sudden invitation.
Susan nodded. “I knew it would be sold out and thought you’d probably like to go.”
“Who else did you buy a ticket for?”
“Just me and Charlie.”
Ivy furrowed her brow. “I’m not sure I believe that.” She brushed by her as she rounded the counter.
“Can’t get anything past you, can I?” Susan grinned. “June’s going to be there.”
“No. Absolutely not. I can’t believe you bought her a ticket too.”
“I didn’t buy her ticket. She bought yours and asked me to invite you.”
“Susan—” Ivy dropped the schedule. “You know my thoughts on her.”
“Come on. It’s just one night. Live a little. So what if she’s young. Have some fun for once.” Susan blocked her exit. “No one’s asking you to marry her.”
Ivy moved from side to side, attempting to get past Susan.
“I won’t leave you alone with her. I promise.” Susan grinned as she pleaded.
Ivy stopped moving and pinched the bridge of her nose before she let out a long sigh. “Fine. But if you leave my side for one minute, I’m out of there.” She held up a finger. “I swear I will leave immediately.”
“Yea.” Susan clasped her hands together and bounced up and down. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
“Well, at least one of us will.” Ivy moved past Susan and out the door.
Chapter Five
Ivy parked in the small lot of the local movie theater and strolled to the entrance where Susan and June were waiting. The theater had been there longer than she could remember. When she used to sit inside and watch a movie with her parents, the seats and the screen had seemed huge. The seats, lined up on a slanted floor, seemed a bit smaller now, but the screen was still larger than any nearby theater’s. Everyone had a perfect view of the movie. They hadn’t updated it with fancy recliner seats, and Ivy loved it just the way it was. The place was an architectural masterpiece.
“Charlie’s parking the car,” Susan said before Ivy could ask.
June stood next to Susan, looking as determined as if she were at the starting line of a track meet waiting for the gun to go off. Ivy had debated all week on whether to come, but this movie was a cult classic, and she watched it every year. Seeing it on the big screen was always a treat. She was glad Susan hadn’t asked her to pick up June. She would’ve had to politely decline, which Susan probably knew.
As Ivy approached, June must’ve heard the starter gun go off in her head, because she rushed toward her and snaked her arm around Ivy’s. Now this really felt like a date.
“I’m so glad you came. I was afraid you wouldn’t.” She gazed up at Ivy. “You haven’t been to breakfast all week. I thought maybe you were sick.”
Ivy had been steering clear of June purposely to avoid any misunderstandings surrounding the event. Which hadn’t seemed to make a difference. “Night of the Living Dead is one of my favorite movies to watch around Halloween.”
“Really? Mine is Hocus Pocus.” June clenched Ivy’s arm tighter.
“That’s a good one too.” Ivy shifted uncomfortably.
“They don’t ever play it here. Maybe you can come over to my place, and we can watch it together.” June’s voice rose excitedly.
Ivy shook her head. “I’m afraid I watched it last week with Susan.” She glanced at Susan. “Right?”
“Yeah. We did. It was last minute.” Susan touched June’s shoulder. “I think you were working that night.”
June frowned as she gazed at Ivy. “Maybe we can find something else to watch. It doesn’t have to be a Halloween movie.”
Charlie joined them just then, which interrupted their conversation. Ivy would keep her negative answer to that question until it was asked again. No need to spoil the evening so early.
They went inside, giving the attendant their tickets as they entered.
“I need to go to the restroom.” June smiled at her. “Don’t go inside the theater without me.”
“Uh, sure.” Ivy raised her eyebrows at Susan as June walked away. “Thanks for this.” Her tone was appropriately sarcastic. “Did you even tell her it’s in black-and-white?”
“I told her it’s a classic. That’s implied.” Susan got in line at the concession stand.
Ivy followed her. “We’ll see if she picks up on that point. To twenty-somethings, classics were created in the eighties.”
“They play it at this theater around Halloween every year. She’s bound to have seen it, don’t you think?”
Ivy shook her head. “I doubt it.” She ordered a small popcorn and a soda.
“I’ll have some Milk Duds,” June said, appearing from out of nowhere and cozying up next to her. She clearly thought this was a date.
“And some Milk Duds.” Ivy pinched her lips together and looked at Susan.
Once finished at the concession stand, they found seats in the middle of the theater. Thankfully, they’d arrived early enough to have their pick. Ivy hadn’t expected the theater to be full, but it was Friday night, and there was probably a football game at the high school. That was the only other entertainment this time of year in a small town.
“You like scary movies?” June asked.
“Not in general, but this is one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s the GOAT of low-budget horrors.” Ivy looked across June to Susan. “Here’s a little tidbit of trivia that you might not know. When the zombies are eating the bodies in the burned-out truck, they were actually eating roast ham covered in chocolate sauce.”
