Three Blissful Days, page 3
“Seriously?” June scrunched her nose. “Yuck.”
Ivy nodded. “The filmmakers joked that the combination was so nauseating the zombie actors ended up looking pale and sick even without makeup.”
Susan laughed. “I guess they could’ve saved themselves the makeup part of the budget.”
After a few previews, the intro began to roll.
“Why isn’t this in color?” June asked as she glanced behind her at the projector booth. “Are they doing that for effect?”
“This is the 1968 original. They didn’t always use color back then, especially for horror movies.”
“Oh. Seems kind of goofy.”
“It was actually pretty scary for the time.” Ivy leaned forward and stared over June at Susan. “I watched it with my mom on TV when I was a kid, and I couldn’t sleep alone for weeks.”
Susan laughed. “I’ve heard this story before, and your mom sure regretted that.”
The lights dimmed and the film began. The first scene contained a radio-broadcast interruption hinting that a major disaster was in progress. That scene always gave Ivy tingles, knowing chaos would soon ensue as Barbara and Johnny encountered the first zombie on the road. After they boarded themselves up in a nearby farmhouse, the theater was almost completely silent in anticipation to what came next. Out of the corner of her eye, Ivy saw Susan’s hand creep slowly above June’s thigh, then quickly take hold of her leg and dig her fingernails into it.
June let out a blood-curdling scream and shot out of her seat.
“Damn it, Susan. You couldn’t just leave things alone.” Ivy narrowed her eyes.
“I was just having a little fun,” Susan said with a grin.
June dug her nails into Ivy’s shoulder. “I can’t watch this. It’s too scary,” she pleaded as she stared at Ivy. “You have to take me home. When Ivy didn’t move, she said, “Now.”
Susan grabbed June’s hand to get her attention. “Charlie will take you home.”
“No. Ivy—I want Ivy to take me. Charlie should stay with you to watch the rest of this…whatever this is.”
“Sit down. We can’t see,” the people sitting behind them said.
“Just shut it back there,” June said.
“You set this up?”
Susan shook her head. “I’m sorry. I had no idea she was going to flip out and want to leave.”
“You owe me now,” Ivy whispered into Susan’s ear as June tugged at her arm.
“Or maybe you’ll owe me.” Susan winked.
She glanced over to see that June was still standing and staring at the screen, completely stunned.
The evening had stopped being delightfully scary about halfway through and had become unexpectedly terrifying in more ways than one. Now Ivy had been put in the position of taking June home, which she hadn’t planned to do—ever. It was probably better that June hadn’t seen the unhappy ending, or she’d be asking Ivy to spend the night, which she might ask anyway.
“You want to grab something to eat?” Ivy had eaten all of her popcorn during the previews, but she could still squeeze in a piece of pie at Sid’s Diner or even an onion burger, which was the usual after-movie plan with Susan and Charlie.
“Sure. But not at the lodge, if that’s okay.” June’s tone had become much more pleasant than it had been inside the theater.
“We usually hit Sid’s after the show.” Ivy motioned June in front of her as she opened the door. She groaned to herself. Now who was making this seem like a date?
They opted to walk the short distance to Sid’s, which wasn’t too far down the street. Ivy kept her hands in her jacket pockets to avoid any awkward handholding attempts by June. She opened the door for June, probably a mistake, but forgive her for having manners. The sign at the front said, Seat Yourself. Ivy went to the first available booth and chose the side facing the door. She wanted to make sure she could see Susan and Charlie when they arrived. To be clear she wasn’t inviting June to sit with her, Ivy slid into the booth, stopping in the middle of the seat. That, of course, was a futile attempt, as June proceeded to plant herself in the sliver of space Ivy had left. In hopes of placing some space between them, Ivy slid as close to the wall as possible, another futile attempt as June slid closer to her.
Ivy fiddled with her fork as she tried to find some neutral topics to discuss. “So…do you like movies?”
“Yeah. I guess.” June was making the conversation more difficult than it needed to be.
“What kinds do you like?” Ivy asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
“Oh, you know, just regular movies…with acting and stuff. How about you?” June wasn’t making this easy.
Ivy continued to probe. “Do you have a favorite genre?”
“Well, my favorite movies are rom coms. I just love romance films. They make me cry every time, but in a good way. The emotional connection of two people falling in love always gets me. What about you? Do you like romance movies?”
“Oh, wow. Uh…romance isn’t really my thing. I’m more into action films and sci-fi, you know, with cool special effects and fight sequences. I like things that keep my adrenaline pumping.”
“That makes sense. Why else would you take me on a first date to a scary movie?”
First date? Who said anything about a date? Ivy needed to nip this in the bud right now. “I think maybe you might—”
“I don’t think I’ll ever really like scary movies. Don’t even try to convince me to go to another one.” June snaked her arm under Ivy’s. “Maybe you can come over to my place sometime, and we can watch a romance movie together.” She gazed at her for much too long. “I’m sure I can change your mind about them. I like streaming them at home cozied up on the couch.”
“I’ll stick to watching movies in the theater. Action movies are better on the big screen.” This conversation wasn’t nearly as neutral as Ivy had planned. She plucked the menus from the holder behind the salt and pepper shakers and handed one to June.
The waitress came to the table. “You all here for dinner or a late snack?”
“Pie.” June spoke up. “We’re here for pie.”
“Alrighty. We’ve got apple, peach, and cherry. What’s your pleasure?”
“I’ll have a slice of cherry and a cup of coffee,” Ivy said.
“Peach for me.” June scooted closer to Ivy.
“Coffee for you as well?” the waitress asked.
“Just water.” June slipped her hand onto Ivy’s thigh.
Ivy jumped and immediately removed June’s hand. “I don’t mean to hurt your feelings, June. I’m just not interested in any type of relationship right now.”
“Who said anything about a relationship?” June whispered in her ear. “A little special attention is all I need.”
The waitress delivered their orders and went behind the counter before the diner door opened and a teenage couple walked through it. They slid into the booth in front of them and immediately began making out.
“To be that young again,” June said, smiling widely.
That young again? Ivy didn’t think June was that much older than the couple. She cleared her throat loudly. Ivy was okay with public displays of affection. In fact, she enjoyed seeing people holding hands, hugging, and kissing lightly. Love made people happy. But watching someone shoving his tongue down his girlfriend’s throat was a different story altogether. The hormones were getting out of control. She tapped her fork to her plate, and the guy turned his head to look at her. “Take that somewhere else. I’m trying to eat my pie.”
The girl’s face immediately turned beet red, and she scooted away from her date. At least one of them had some sense.
Chapter Six
Kendall stretched her neck when she stopped at the first light after exiting the interstate. She hadn’t slept well, and her shoulders were reminding her of all the tossing and turning she’d done last night. She’d been up and down answering the door for trick-or-treaters until after nine, and then she’d stayed up past midnight reviewing the proposal, wanting to make sure it was perfect and included all the appropriate information. She’d been thrilled to receive an invitation to present in person and thought herself lucky to make the cut, considering she’d almost missed the original submission deadline. It wasn’t unusual for a requestor to receive up to fifty bids.
She grabbed the ibuprofen from her console, shook a couple from the bottle, popped them into her mouth, and washed them down with water from her reusable insulated bottle. She remembered as a child from her family’s previous camping trips and from her visits as an adult to see Noah what seemed to be the never-ending journey yet was less than a 250-mile drive. But it had been a while, so she’d also read more about it to refresh herself before she left. Visiting state parks were the only affordable vacations her family had taken during her childhood. The drive featured twenty-two scenic vistas and pullout areas. She most likely wouldn’t be able to hit most of them and would have to view them briefly from afar as she drove by.
Before heading up the mountain, she stopped at the busy Native American convenience store, refilled her gas tank, and picked up an ample supply of snacks. She imagined this was the last stop for provisions and had no idea what kind of food would be available at the lodge, since she hadn’t been able to find a menu listing anywhere on the internet for the lodge restaurant. The reviews were middle-of-the-road, which meant the food could be good or bad, considering most people reviewed the service rather than good food. Most comments focused on the daily buffets, scheduled for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Kendall was a pro at working buffets, had been since she was a child. She’d brought several small plastic containers with her to allow her to sneak food back to her room. As a child, she’d been an expert at filling her plate multiple times and pretending to eat while her parents filled the containers with the excess food to provide meals for the rest of the week at home. It had taken her a while to perfect the process. As she’d grown older, she hadn’t had to do it as often, but it was still a useful skill when she was running low on money. The cost of one buffet dinner could provide her with protein for a week.
The drive was like being on a roller coaster whipping through the national forest. Only a handful of other cars were on the road, which enabled Kendall to take her time. The tiny hairs on her arm danced as the crisp autumn air flowed through the open car windows, carrying the rich scents of decaying leaves and morning dew. Hickory, ash, black walnut, red maples, and a variety of oaks lined the winding road, their branches adorned with a vibrant tapestry of crimson, amber, and golden hues. Fiery red bushes of poison sumac dotted the landscape as well.
Kendall breathed deeply, savoring each inhalation as if it could be bottled and kept forever. When she reached the top of the first hill, she drank in the breathtaking panorama unfolding around every zig-zagged bend—every inch of the area surrounding the road blanketed in the warm tones of fall. During these peaceful moments, on the road behind the wheel, she let the stresses of life back home melt away, leaving only the pristine natural beauty and an appreciation for nature’s yearly renaissance. A changing of the guard, if you will, from vibrant greens to muted browns. Autumn, Kendall’s favorite time of year, was fleeting, but that made each kaleidoscopic scene all the more precious. The drive was especially picturesque today with the surrounding mountains clad in the yellows, oranges, and reds of autumn foliage. The lodge director had picked the perfect time of year to schedule presentations. She was looking forward to three blissful days immersed in nature at the lodge.
As she approached the park, Kendall assessed the camping area that preceded the entrance. Not much in the way of landscaping, just flat sections of dirt bordered by large square timbers sectioning them into what looked like a variety of camp sites from eight-by-eight to fifteen-by-fifteen. Good choices for any campground that provided pad rentals for individual backpackers as well as full families. Except for the smaller sites, each area included a pole barbecue grill and what looked like a water supply. A nice picnic table and some trees would be a great addition, especially in the summer. Memories of fun, family, outdoor adventures filled her mind. This had been one of her favorite vacation spots as a child even though some nights could be frigid. Staying in the lodge as an adult would be a whole different experience.
As Kendall approached the lodge, she drove around the building and pulled into a parking space across from the check-in loop. There, she noticed a tall, beautiful park ranger standing by the entryway. She had deep red hair that flowed onto her shoulders and moved like kelp in the sea with each breeze. Her green uniform fit her nicely, her bomber jacket hanging loosely from her shoulders, allowing the collar of the khaki shirt to peek out from underneath. The cargo pants she wore hung straight on her legs but clung just enough to show each and every curve from her waist to her calves.
The woman seemed to be watching her as she exited her car. Kendall’s heart raced as the ranger paced directly toward her in beautiful confidence. If she was part of the welcome committee, Kendall’s luck had changed for the better. As the woman approached, Kendall was captivated by gorgeous green eyes shot with sun-flecked gold, but the woman wasn’t smiling. “Excuse me. Did I just see you throw that candy wrapper on the ground?”
“Um, maybe.” Kendall scanned the console of her SUV and then the passenger seat. “I was just eating an energy bar before I got here, and I can’t seem to find the wrapper.” She glanced around the area where she was standing. Didn’t see anything.
“It’s under your car.” The woman’s voice was firm, demanding even. “I’m afraid leaving trash on the ground is considered littering in the park. You’ll have to pick that up and dispose of it properly.”
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize. I guess I wasn’t thinking.” She’d pick it up as soon as she could find it.
“No problem. I’ll wait while you retrieve it.” The woman relaxed and tucked her thumbs into the waistband of her pants.
“Uh… Okay.” Kendall dropped to her knees, spotted it under her car, and stretched to reach it. “Got it.” She held it up as she stood, started to put it in her pocket, but instead walked to the trash can near the lodge and dropped it into the can in an overly animated fashion. She probably shouldn’t have done that, but she didn’t like being treated like a child. Even if the ranger was hot.
“Thank you,” the woman said through gritted teeth. “Trash cans are located around the lodge and at the exits. Please use them to throw away any garbage while you’re here. We try to keep the park looking nice for all visitors.” She seemed to have her speech memorized. Probably gave it often. Kendall would give her the benefit of the doubt…this time.
“I apologize. You’re right. I should’ve noticed. I’ll be more careful from now on.” Kendall realized the woman was just doing her job and probably hadn’t singled her out.
The woman nodded. “We appreciate visitors doing their part to keep the park clean. Did you have any other questions I can answer during your visit today?”
“No. I think that covers it.” She hadn’t asked any questions to begin with. “Thanks for letting me know without making a big deal about it.” Just a medium-sized deal. “I’ll remember next time. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
The woman stared at her, perhaps realizing she was being sarcastic. “You too. Take care.” Then she turned and walked down the driveway area toward the campgrounds.
Well, that wasn’t blissful at all. This weekend certainly wasn’t starting out the way she’d expected. She reached inside her SUV, grabbed her bag, and headed to the lodge entrance. Hopefully she wouldn’t have any issues checking in.
Kendall was delightfully surprised at the charming modern yet rustic decor in the lobby area, including wood beams, a stone fireplace, and plenty of windows for natural sunlight. She spotted the check-in desk, and thankfully, there wasn’t a line. She’d already had enough stress for the day.
“Good afternoon.” The woman behind the counter looked up from her computer screen. “Checking in?”
“Yes. I have a room reserved under Kendall Jackson.” She hoped her room was ready.
“Oh. I see a note here that says you’re here for the renovation presentations.” The woman smiled widely.
Kendall nodded. “Thought I’d get here a little early to scope out the place.” She placed her ID and credit card on the counter.
“Good idea.” The woman took the items, set them next to the keyboard, and clicked a few keys. “I saw you talking to Ivy, our park ranger. She’ll be your guide.” She reached behind her, took a manilla envelope from the desk, and slid it across the counter. “This has the schedule as well as some information on the park.”
Just what I need—a hot, uptight ranger with a rule fetish. Kendall rubbed the kink in the back of her neck and took a deep breath. “Are any other rangers available for that?” She leaned in, reading the name tag pinned to the woman’s chest, and whispered, “We didn’t exactly hit it off, Susan.” She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Ivy hadn’t come inside. “She accused me of littering when something fell from my car as I got out.” She shook her head. She’d had a long drive and wasn’t in the mood to be insulted by the litter patrol.
Susan grinned. “Don’t take it personally. Ivy just takes her job seriously.”
“Oh.” She waved her hand in front of her face. “I’m over it.” She scrunched her cheeks. “I might have been a bit…sarcastic in response.” Definitely sarcastic. “Not sure she’ll want to show me around.” Kendall had certainly started this weekend off on the wrong foot.
Susan handed Kendall her credit card and license back. “She sounds tough, but she’s a big teddy bear inside. She’s actually really nice once you get to know her.”
“I don’t know. When I met her, she was cold and bossy. She doesn’t exactly scream ‘friendly.’”
Susan slipped a card key into an envelope and set it on the counter. “Ivy is just reserved with strangers. But she’s honestly just an introvert who takes a while to open up.”
