1987: How Do I Get You Alone (Love in the 80s)

by Cameo Renae

  “I’m not alone,” I say through gritted teeth. “And I said…do not touch me.”

  An evil grin lifts his lips, and I can see his intentions. They aren’t good. The two guys behind him are chuckling, and a wave of dread washes over me. “Who are you with then? I don’t see anyone around.”

  “Friends,” I answer, walking away. “And, they’re meeting me here.”

  A smirk rises on his face. “Bullshit.” He grabs my arm and tries to pull me out the slit in the tent behind the ring toss. I grab his hand and twist his wrist, putting him in a wrist lock. He tries to swing at me with his other arm, but I duck, and my knee connects with his groin.

  He wails and drops to the ground in a heap, cursing and grabbing his balls.

  I turn to run, but an arm wraps around my chest from behind, and another covers my mouth. In a split second, I’m being pulled out the back of the tent, into the darkness.

  I watch the others ditch Lyssa, and although it’s none of my business, it pisses me off. My sister especially. How the hell can she leave her best friend, on their last summer vacation, for a dude who could be gone tomorrow? That’s effed up.

  Lyssa paints on a smile and I watch her tell them she’ll be okay. But it’s not okay. Dicks and bitches. But I can’t do anything about it, as I’m standing in a long freaking line, thirsty as hell, watching her aimlessly walk toward the games. God, she’s beautiful.

  Endless bodies bustle all around her, but she seems to be spotlighted. There is an innocence about her. She’s not only attractive, but she’s sweet, smart, and doesn’t give a damn what others think about her.

  My heart pangs as I watch her disappear into the crowd, alone.

  It’s a grueling five minutes before I reach the counter. The girl who takes my order is totally flirting, but she’s creepy as hell. Thick black eyeliner circles her eyes. Her bright pink lipstick is uneven, and her hair is even worse. She looks like a damn lion with bangs. There is so much freaking hairspray on them, she should come with a warning sign. Beware of the hair, or be skewered alive.

  I shudder as she gives me another creepy ass smile while handing me my drink.

  “Thanks,” I say, taking it and turning away.

  I head toward the games to look for Lyssa.

  Slowly making my way through the crowd, I hear my name. “Travis Preston?”

  I sigh, wondering who the hell has noticed me. I turn, not recognizing the girl standing in front of me.

  “I thought it was you,” the girl says. “Don’t you remember me? Pam Wells?” She holds her arms out to the sides.

  “Hey, Pam,” I say, stepping forward, giving her an awkward, one-armed hug. “Sorry. I didn’t recognize you.”

  “Most people don’t anymore,” she laughs.

  Pam had been Bobby’s girlfriend. They’d dated for three weeks before the accident, so I didn’t know her that well. Just that Bobby was totally into her, and she gave it up.

  Her long, blonde hair is now jet black, short, and spiked high. She’s wearing black fishnet all over her arms and legs, black short shorts, and a black top which reveals too much cleavage. Her lips are a dark purple, and I can see tattoos on her arms.

  Seeing her surfaces all kinds of emotions. Shit I don’t want to deal with right now.

  “I thought you were in England,” she says.

  “Yeah, I was,” I say, taking a sip from my Coke. “But things got complicated, so I came back.” The two Goth looking girls behind her are giving me some awkward glances, and all I want to do is leave.

  I turn back and look at the games, hoping I don’t miss Lyssa.

  “Well, you look good,” she says, catching my hint. “It’s good to see you’re back home.”

  “Thanks. It’s good to be back,” I reply. “Maybe I’ll catch you around sometime.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” she says, then turns and grabs the two girls by the arms and leads them away.

  I hope I don’t run into anyone else. This was why I didn’t want to come here in the first place. I didn’t want anyone to know I was back.

  Pushing through the bodies, I look for Lyssa. Slowly passing each game, I don’t see her. Maybe she left. She could have gone anywhere, but there is no way for me to contact her. I don’t think she has a pager, and if she does, I don’t have the number.

  I keep pushing through bodies, and as I reach the back, it thins out.

  I quickly notice a guy in the far corner on his knees, grabbing his balls. My instinct says something is wrong. Being a bouncer for almost two years has prepared me for multiple outcomes. Right behind the guy is an opening to the back side of the game tent, and it’s flapping in the wind. I hear a struggle and a girl yelling for help. As I pass the guy, he looks up and swears at me.

  When I go through the tent at the back, I count three dark figures. My eyes strain to see who they are…then, the world stops when I hear Lyssa scream my name.

  “Sam, she’s slipping.” The guy who has my legs is struggling, as I continue to kick free.

  “Don’t say my name, stupid ass!” Sam curses.

  The guy finally drops my legs, and as he bends to grab them again, I kick his face as hard as I can. I hear a crack as he falls backward, wailing. Blood pours from his nose and I hope it’s broken.

  Sam yanks my hair hard, pulling some out by the roots. “You like it rough, sweetheart? So do I. Really rough,” he growls into my ear.

  His words send fear rippling through me. I wish I could turn around and fight, but this guy is much stronger than the other. I feel his lips press against my neck, then his wet tongue swirls on my cheek. His breath reeks of alcohol, and it makes me nauseated.

  I fight against him with all my might, but he has my arms locked tightly to my sides.

  As he continues to move backward, I notice a black van off to the side. I can’t let them take me. I have to get free.

  I struggle, using whatever strength I have left. One of his fingers over my mouth slips between my lips. I open my mouth and bite down with all my might, tasting blood.

  He yells, releasing his hand.

  “Help!” I scream, hoping someone—anyone—can hear me. “Help me!”

  I see a figure emerge from the tent, and a sense of hope rushes over me. I would recognize his silhouette anywhere.

  “Travis!” I scream. “Travis, help!”

  In a flash, he is sprinting toward us, and the grip on me releases. I drop to the ground as Travis dashes past me, and I turn to watch him tackle the guy. He flips him over with ease and hits him in the face until the guy isn’t moving.

  The second guy runs toward him, but Travis jumps up and grabs him by the neck.

  “Stop!” the guy chokes. But with one swing, Travis knocks him out.

  When I blink, Travis is next to me, lifting me off the ground, cradling me in his arms.

  The third guy finally comes around the corner, still grabbing his balls. “Who the hell are you?” he asks, looking at Travis.

  “Stay here,” he breathes, setting me back down on my feet. But I’m not going anywhere. My body is trembling, rooted in place as I watch him step toward the third guy.

  Travis cocks his fist back to strike, but the guy drops back to his knees.

  “Please, don’t! I’m sorry,” the guy begs.

  I watch Travis’ chest rise and fall. He bends over, his face an inch away from the guy, his eyes deadpan. Every muscle in his body and jaw are tensed as he speaks in a low, even tone. “If I see you again, I will beat your fucking ass, and I won’t stop.”

  “Okay, okay,” the guy says, dropping back even lower. The other two are starting to move. The one named Sam is groaning, holding his jaw. His face is swollen and bloody.

  The leader yells at them, and they all hobble to the van and speed off.

  Travis returns to me, eyes soften. His hands cup the sides of my face, and his eyes are soft and searching. “Jesus Christ. What did they do to you? Are you okay?”

  I’m trembling, but nod as a tear
escapes my eye and trickles down my cheek. His thumb swipes it away, then he pulls me into his chest and wraps his arms around me.

  “You’re safe now,” he whispers. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner.” His warmth encompasses me, and the sound of his heartbeat is soothing. I feel safe. Safe in his arms. And I don’t ever want to leave.

  “Thank you,” I sob.

  “I’m not letting you out of my sight for the rest of the night,” he says, then I feel his lips press against my forehead.

  Lyssa’s body trembles in my arms. Shit, I shouldn’t have let her out of my sight. I can’t think about what could have happened if I didn’t find her in time.

  “Let’s go look for the others. We need to get you out of here,” I say.

  “No,” she responds, looking into my eyes. “I don’t want to ruin their night.”

  “Lyssa, who gives a shit about their night? They’re the ones who left you alone. What if I hadn’t been here? No, we need to leave.”

  “No,” she begs. “I’d like to go back to the Jeep. Can you take me? Please?”

  “Of course,” I say, wanting to make sure she’s not injured.

  I can’t believe her strength and stubbornness. But it proves how selfless she is, putting her own needs behind those of her friends—the assholes who left her.

  “Wait. I need to use the payphone first. I need to call in their license plate. Those bastards aren’t getting off that easy.”

  She nods and stands right next to me as I call in the incident. When we get back to the Jeep, I turn on the interior lights and look her over.

  “Did they hurt you?” I ask. Her eyes are red and swollen, but I don’t notice any marks.

  “No, they tried, but I was able to fend off most of their advances,” she says. “I’m fine, really.”

  “You were almost abducted, and who knows what they would have done to you.” I can hear the anger in my voice, and it startles her.

  Lyssa’s eyes start to tear as she looks at me. “But you were there. You rescued me.”

  “Not soon enough.” My heart feels as if it is shattering inside. It aches more than when it did when I caught Emily screwing my ex-friend. And at this moment, I realize I care for her. This girl, who has been in my life since I can remember.

  I step out of the Jeep and walk around to her side. Opening her door, I look down at her trembling body. All I want to do is comfort her and make her feel like she’s safe. I should have been there to protect her.

  “Come here,” I say, opening my arms to her.

  Without hesitation, Lyssa stands and collapses in my arms. Her trembling body molds to mine, and I hold her. I try to offer words of comfort during her tears, but I can’t imagine how scared she must have been.

  As we stand there, I lose track of time, but slowly realize the parking lot is beginning to empty.

  “Thank you,” Lyssa finally says, stepping back and wiping her eyes. “I guess there still are knights in shining armor.”

  “Not me.” I shake my head. “If I hadn’t stayed in that damn line getting a drink, none of this would have happened.”

  Her eyes snap up to mine. “Don’t ever think this was your fault,” she says. “No one could have anticipated anything like this. But I’m glad it happened to me and not one of those younger girls. If they were abducted, they might not have had a chance. But I did. I have a hero who came and rescued me. I am one of the lucky ones.”

  Lyssa’s hand rests on my chest, and I automatically take hold of it. Her smile lights up my insides. She’s so much stronger than most girls I know, and her strength makes me want to be even stronger.

  With about twenty minutes left until closing, we sit in the Jeep and listen to music. Her hands shake as she dabs powder on her face to cover the red and puts some drops of Visine in her eyes. After that, I hold her hand until it stops trembling.

  It’s not long before I spot the others coming out of the exit with bags of cotton candy and candy apples in their hands. They’re laughing and talking like nothing had happened.

  “Could you please keep what happened tonight between us?” Lyssa asks, squeezing my hand. “I don’t want anyone to worry about me, especially my parents. And I don’t want to put a damper on this week.”

  I look at her in complete awe. “Only if you promise me you’re okay.”

  She looks into my eyes and smiles. “I’m fine now, thanks to you.”

  I pause briefly and exhale, wanting to ream the assholes for leaving her.

  “Please, Travis,” she begs.

  I love the way my name sounds on her lips.

  “All right, but if you need me for anything, promise you’ll come to me and let me know.”

  Her eyes glance at the others, nearing us.

  “I promise,” she replies.

  Our hands disconnect right before they arrive at the Jeep and open the doors.

  The ride back to the cabin is much different than the ride in. Travis remains quiet, and I try to pretend I’m interested in whatever the rest of the gang did.

  They ask questions about my whereabouts, so I tell them a story about playing games and running into Travis who later escorted me back to the Jeep. It was the truth, withholding the terrible details.

  The rest of the ride is a blur.

  Back at the cabin, Travis says goodnight and heads back to the shed. As soon as he leaves, I feel the disconnect, like something is missing.

  Things changed tonight. I could have been injured or even killed. Who knows what could have happened if Travis hadn’t shown up? He was there when I needed him most, in more ways than one. He not only saved me but showed me he cared. He didn’t have to come and comfort me, but he did. He held me in his arms and made me feel safe and secure. The feeling of being in his strong arms felt like home. It was a place I could stay forever.

  After everyone goes to bed, I drag my stuff into the third bedroom. My mind twists like a whirlwind, my stomach knotting as my mind replays the night’s events. I knew, as soon as I saw Travis’ silhouette come into view, I was going to be saved. He was my hero.

  I lie on the bed for what feels like hours, twisting and turning. The room feels claustrophobic. The air is warm and suffocating, so I decide to go outside for some fresh air. I’m wearing cotton shorts and a tank top.

  As soon as I step outside, a cool breeze brushes over me, and I feel like I can breathe again.

  I love it up here. The stars are extra big, scattered like glimmering diamonds across a vast onyx background. The woods are quiet and peaceful, except for a few chirping crickets.

  I can’t help but wonder if Travis is up. The shed’s lights are off, so I assume he’s sleeping.

  The air is cold, so I pull my robe tighter around me and knot it in the front, continuing to walk around the side of the cabin. I notice the pathway to the lake is illuminated with ground lights. It must have been a new addition by the Preston’s because they weren’t here last summer.

  I’ve never been down the path alone, let alone at night, and I’m hesitant. As I take a step forward, I hear a voice and gasp.

  “Where are you going?”

  The sight of Travis with his arms crossed over his bare chest stirs butterflies in my stomach. His dark brown hair is in a sexy disarray.

  I exhale and smile, my heart pattering. “I can’t sleep and needed some fresh air.”

  “You weren’t going to walk to the lake alone, were you?” he asks, his brow raising.

  I shrug. “I was debating it.”

  His enigmatic eyes hold my gaze, and I’m unwilling to look away.

  “I couldn’t sleep either,” he replies, stepping closer and holding out his hand. “Can I join you?”

  I take his hand, and it fits perfectly in mine. The void I felt earlier is suddenly filled with warmth and happiness. There are so many unexplainable emotions running through me at this moment, I feel as if I’m going to burst.

  He leads me down the peaceful pathway, and I’m walking on a cloud, rig
ht alongside him, in this most perfect dream. The dim lights from the ground illuminate his gorgeous body, and I can’t help but stare. He turns and smiles and everything inside of me melts.

  We make small talk along the way, reminiscing about our younger days at the cabin. But halfway to the lake, he stops, turning his body toward me. His hands cup the sides of my face, forcing me to look into his eyes.

  “I couldn’t stop thinking about you tonight. I was so worried.” His words make me weak. I feel the warmth radiating from his body, the smell of his cologne enveloping me, making me dizzy. “You’re so beautiful, Lyssa,” he breathes, his face inches from mine.

  The chemistry between us is undeniable. At this moment I am glass, transparent and fragile. If he kisses me, I will shatter. But I want his kiss more than anything.

  Before I can answer, his lips press against mine, and I’m lost. A burning desire torches every part of my insides. Every insecurity and doubt I’d had about us being together—his sister, our age difference, his addictions, his demons, the fact he’s so much more experienced than I am, my parents, college—it all melts into a puddle at our feet.

  He pushes me against a tree, his velvety tongue sliding gently across my lips, begging for entrance. I open to him and his tongue delves inside, dancing against mine. My world is spinning, and my legs are weak. My arms grip tighter around him for support, while his strong hands clasp my waist, pulling me against him. I feel the hardness in his jeans and it turns me on even more.

  My hands slide down his chest and continue over his rock solid abs. He tenses under my touch. Heat rages inside of me as he tilts my head further back to deepen the kiss. One hand rests behind my neck, the other presses me closer. But I can’t get close enough.

  I gasp as his hands slide to my waist, and warm palms travel upward to cup my breasts. Moaning into my mouth, he brings a hand down to my ass and pulls me against him, pushing his arousal against my center.

  “Travis,” I moan.

  I can’t stand it. I want him so badly. More than I’ve wanted anyone in my entire life. Travis Preston was my first and longest crush, and at this moment he wants me too.