by David Bruno
Benny stopped at a campground in the desert outside West Wendover, Nevada. He was tired from all the driving and in need of some company, some human contact. The sky was huge and clear. Constellations were becoming visible as the sun went down. The evening air was crisp as the heat of the day faded into the evening.
That night the park had organized a “community party.” It was rather sedate as far as parties go. He was young and yearned for something a little wilder. However, there was a nice spread of food, and most importantly, a keg of cold beer. Beer was the magic tonic that could bring shy Benny out of his shell. He repeatedly filled his plate with succulent brisket, potatoes, and an assortment of other sides graciously catered by the owners of the park. It was the best meal he’d had in a while, and he took full advantage of the opportunity.
All the middle-aged and older ladies took their turns talking to Benny. He was, after all, the youngest RV owner at the park and was noticeably by himself. It didn’t hurt that by this point in his life, Benny was chiseled like a Roman statue with a square jaw and curiously speckled steel-gray eyes that nearly glowed in the darkness of the evening. Perhaps he reminded them of the memories they had of their husbands’ youth, whether fabricated or true—most likely fabricated. But they were nice to talk with, and it was a pleasant evening. For a change, Benny had a good time in other people’s company.
By midevening, Benny stood alone by the bonfire. He clutched a rapidly warming plastic cup of beer. A young woman, about his age, approached him. As his eyes fell upon her, his face tingled. His stomach twitched, pupils dilated, and heart raced. Benny wasn’t sure if she was truly as stunning as she appeared, or if she only looked that way in comparison to the crop of middle-aged and geriatric travelers he had been talking with all evening. In front of him stood a goddess dressed in tight blue jeans and a Metallica T-shirt. The ensemble was completed by a pair of what looked like alligator-skin cowgirl boots. They were all designed to display her well-toned physique. She successfully attracted Benny’s attention.
“Hi, there. Mind if I join you?” she asked in a saccharine tone.
Benny tried to be cool. “Cool shirt.” Wow, that shirt fits, umm, well. She could be a model. Why’s she looking at my arms?
“Thanks. It’s a real vintage t-shirt.” He knows Metallica. That’s a good start. Wish he’d look me in the eye though. Still, he’s kind of cute.
It was not every day that he attracted attention from a woman like her. “Nice. Are you here alone?” he asked, immediately cringing at himself. That’s just great, Benny. Could you have possibly asked anything creepier? Why don’t you just grab her tight little butt while you’re at it?
She laughed. “No, I’m here with my dad. My name is Vanessa. Vanessa Hastings.” She held out her hand to shake his. He’s kind of awkward, but seems sweet.
Benny looked at her hand and reached out with his clammy right paw. “Sorry, it’s hot here by the fire. I’m Benny Brown.” Ugh, I’m soaked.
“That’s a cool name. It sounds like a comic-book hero. Those guys always seem to have both of their names start with the same letter. Are you some kind of superhero?” she asked coyly as she discreetly dried her hand on her jeans.
“Hardly. My name’s actually Jon Benedict Brown the Third. Everyone always called me Benny. I’m just a guy taking a mental-health vacation.”
“Nice to meet you, Jon Benedict Brown the Third. What’s that like? I mean the mental-health break,” she asked, staring up at him with her large, blue doe eyes. Her long blonde hair draped over her shoulder and her accent indicated a possible Southern origin, perhaps somewhere in the Carolinas.
“Well, it was okay at first. I needed the time. But now I’d like to go home but can’t.” He ducked his head briefly. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. This is a party.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I’m sure you have someone back home who wants you back at some point.” Hmm, Dad was right. He’s lonely.
“Actually, no. I’m all that’s left. I have nobody left and no home. Just that oversized RV over there.” He pointed to his majestic new RV.
“Very impressive party wagon.” She had never actually seen his wheels. Even when she and Max were near Benny, they’d always kept a certain distance.
It was odd for Benny to unload this much personal baggage on someone he’d just met. Maybe it was the handful of beers that dampened his inhibitions. He’d never spent this much time with a woman, much less been approached by someone like her out of the blue. She seemed sweet, cute, and easy to talk to—just what he needed, exactly when he needed her.
Vanessa saw an opening and felt comfortable enough to unload some of her personal baggage on Benny, as he had done with her. How do I get Benny to give in and unload all his secrets? “My dad and I are on a family vacation. It’s just us. My mom and brother aren’t with us anymore, and he tries his best to do family stuff and keep us close. He’s a good dad and is always there for me. Would’ve been nice to have a mother though. She died when my twin brother and I were born. Dad said she was a great woman and loved us very much. I don’t think they were ever married. But it’s nice to know she loved me and my brother. He died some years ago. I miss him.” She briefly looked away.
Benny understood. “I’m very sorry. My mother died when I was born too. She got really sick. I don’t think Dad was ever really satisfied that he knew why. All I know is that she loved me. Dad shows, I mean showed, the home movies each year from when they were expecting me. She was so excited. Somehow, I miss her even though I never even knew her. Maybe it’s because of the movies. My dad raised me on his own with some help from extended family. I was a rotten kid though. Aggressive. Got kicked out of school for fighting. Dad had to enlist the help of all my family to homeschool me while he tried to run a company.” Vanessa listened attentively, so he continued. “It was hard on him. He and the rest of them all died in the past year. Wish I was a better son. Maybe none of that would have happened if I had been a better person.”
After he spoke, the conversation stopped for a while. Vanessa and Benny stared off from each other. They realized how much they’d shared and that their initial happy mood upon meeting had been brought down. Hmm, too much, Benny thought.
The personal exchange of information so early in a relationship seemed strange to both of them. They’d never met, but it seemed there was some type of magnetism between them. They didn’t know what it was, but there was no denying its presence.
“Well, enough of the tragedy talk,” Vanessa insisted. “Looks like life handed us both a great big bucket of crap. Let’s talk about happier stuff. We’re on vacation and this is a party!”
“You’re right. You’re gorgeous,” Benny blurted without thinking, blushing at his stupidity. Aww, man, knock it off.
Vanessa giggled and smiled sheepishly. “Oh, bless your heart. And you’re handsome.” She realized that although her dad had orchestrated this meeting, she actually liked Benny. As they talked, she discovered he was deep and mysterious, not at all like what she’d expected. Besides, it was obvious that he was smitten with her. He seemed innocent, unencumbered by traumas of past relationships.
“Get out,” Benny blurted with wide eyes. No woman had ever said anything like that to him, apart from the possibly mentally-deficient Rhonda. Then again, he’d never had a girlfriend. He’d never had the opportunity or the self-confidence. His heart raced and his eyes widened. Should he kiss her? He decided to try.
But before he could make a move, she took his face in her hands and landed a quick kiss on his lips. Benny gasped.
“Is that okay? Is the ice officially broken?” Vanessa asked. She’d sensed the awkwardness in Benny and thought it might be easier for her to be the initiator. Besides, his family heartbreak was still fresh and she figured he needed a thrill. She was right.
“Um, yeah. Wow. Can we go back to my RV? It’s getting kind of warm here, and I have chairs. First time someone can use my other chair, ha,” he laughed. Oh, Benny, jus
t stop talking.
“You really are a little awkward, aren’t you,” Vanessa laughed back. “I like it.” This guy is terrified of me. I need to fix that.
The pair sat outside Benny’s RV. Hours and several beers went by as they got to know each other and the party wound down. It was getting late but they weren’t yet ready to call it a night.
“So, tell me, Benny: I think we dumped just about our whole life stories on each other. What else makes Benny, Benny?” Come on big guy. Tell me you have superpowers, please.
“I don’t know what else there is to say. I used to own a company.”
“Really?” she asked, genuinely surprised. Her dad had never told her that part of Benny’s past. “What kind?”
“Yeah, a foundry. My dad owned it. When he died, it was given to me. I couldn’t run that place.” He shook his head side to side. “Even if I’d known how, it belonged to my dad, not me. So I sold it and used the money to travel and basically be a hermit.”
“I’m not sure what to think about that. That sounds so sad. Whatcha doing with your life now?” she asked. This poor guy’s life has been layer after layer of bad news.
“Well, not much lately. Still trying to find myself, thus the mental-health trip.”
“About done?” she inquired.
“There are things about me that you wouldn’t understand.”
“Try me,” she insisted. This is it. He’s going to tell me about his powers.
“Nah. Some other time. I’m ready to turn in for the night. Can I see you in the morning, Vanessa?”
Rats! “Of course. My dad and I are heading south tomorrow. A little desert oasis called Las Vegas. You may have heard of it. It’s about 350 miles away. Want to come with us? They have casinos.” She smiled.
“Why not? Though if you want casinos, they have those here.” He grinned, gazing into her eyes. “Good night, Vanessa.” He paused for a second before asking his final question of the night. “Would it be okay if I kissed you good night?” Just do it, Benny. She wants it.
“Do you have to ask?” Come on, Benny.
Benny approached Vanessa, turned his head and almost missed her lips completely.
“Good grief. This is how you’re supposed to kiss.” She embraced Benny and gave him a proper good-night kiss. “Sweet dreams.” She hopped off to her family RV and disappeared for the night.
Benny watched as she departed. He didn’t want her to go but was entranced as she walked away.
*****
Early the next morning, just before dawn, there came a knock on Benny’s door.
Who could be knocking at this hour? Benny picked up his pistol and went to the door dressed in his red flannel pajamas.
“Who is it?!” Benny shouted aggressively. He racked the slider of his pistol to load a round into the chamber and make an audible noise so whoever was on the other side knew he was in no mood for trouble.
“It’s Vanessa. You gonna shoot me?” she asked.
Benny put the gun away and opened the door. “Sorry. It’s just a little early to have visitors.” He took in the sight of her on his doorstep. “Wow, you really are beautiful.” Nice job, doofus. Day two and still a dummy.
Vanessa laughed. “So you weren’t just looking at me through beer goggles last night. You can stop saying that now. I believe you. My dad said you’re welcome to come with us to Las Vegas.”
“Sure, sounds like fun.”
“I get to ride with you. Dad’s not happy about that, but I insisted. So you have to follow him and stay in his rear-view mirror. He said no funny business, either. Got it?” she said with a smile and her hands behind her back in a display of childlike virtue.
“Of course. I’d like to spend more time with you. When do we leave?”
“Now,” commanded Vanessa.
“Now? You got me out of bed. I am in my PJs and haven’t even had breakfast. Give me half an hour.”
“Dad’s not going to be happy. He likes to leave early, but I’ll ask. By the way, I like your PJs.” Vanessa snickered and left Benny’s RV so he could get ready.
As promised, half an hour later Vanessa knocked on Benny’s door. “Let me in, big guy.”
Benny was happy to let her inside. He was ready to travel.
This was Vanessa’s first peek into Benny’s personal space. To her surprise, the place was clean, spotless even. He’d purchased a very well-equipped motor home with leather seating, tile floors, stainless-steel appliances, and more amenities than most homes. She was awestruck—it made her dad’s RV look like a worn-out, beat-up mess.
“Welcome to my home, Vanessa. A couple quick rules.” Nothing makes girls more excited than rules. Way to go, Benny. You are so bad at this, dude.
“Seriously?” She curled up her face at the thought of rules.
“Yep. My house, my rules. First, no shoes. I have slippers so you don’t hurt your feet on the tile. Second, hands off the radio. Okay with that?”
“No shoes?” she puzzled.
“Yeah, I don’t like shoe dirt in my home. It makes a mess and I don’t like mopping.”
Vanessa smirked at Benny’s fastidiousness. “Okay, I can do that.” She swapped her sneakers for a pair of Benny’s visitor slippers. They weren’t especially stylish, but wearing them at least allowed her to stay. Benny is a lot weirder than expected. He’s still cute though. “I make no promises about the radio. I like my jams.”
“I don’t know. I’m pretty particular,” said Benny. “Can’t stand rap, hip-hop, R&B, dance, jazz, classical, soft rock, or country. Probably others too.”
“What’s left?” she asked, amused. Benny had formally confirmed in her mind that he was indeed a weirdo. She smiled.
“Classic rock. Particularly stuff from the late ’70s through the late ’80s. Arena rock, hair metal, and such. Stuff my dad made me listen to growing up. Some can be quite bluesy, too, which is good.”
Vanessa squealed. “Me too! I think we’ll be just fine on our trip. I got into it after Victor died. It made me happy.” Vanessa took her seat next to Benny. They strapped on their seat belts and started their journey right behind Max’s RV. She looked over at Benny and couldn’t help wondering what adventures were ahead of them. It had been a mere twelve hours since they’d met but felt so much longer. She knew Benny was a bit odd and that he had one more secret. But that didn’t matter. She liked him—a possibility that might not have been thoroughly considered by her father.
The pair followed Max on the highway. Vanessa was a talker and hadn’t stopped since they left. “When I left school, I got this job at a big-box store. Not much but I needed the money… ”
She just keeps talking. I’m not used to this. But, my God, she’s nice to look at. How can I focus on the road with her next to me? This isn’t real. There has to be a camera somewhere and this is all a big practical joke. Oh no, she’s asking me a question. What did she ask? I didn’t hear it. “Huh?”
“Are you listening to me at all?” she asked. Typical guy. At least I didn’t ask what he was thinking. I already know—nothing. “I asked about your first job.” Distracted by the radio, her focus changed before Benny could respond. “Ooh, I like this song,” she said, and turned up the volume and began to dance in her seat. “Some people say their early stuff was better. I disagree. They were both great in their own way. Both are good, depending on my mood.” She turned to Benny and flashed a sultry smile.
“You like Van Halen?” asked Benny. Captain Obvious.
“Who doesn’t? Wanna know a secret? You know my last name is Hastings, right?”
“I do now.”
“It is, and I told you that yesterday,” she puzzled and furrowed her brow. Another guy who doesn’t listen. Maybe if he looked me in the eye, instead. “Anyway, when I have to initial documents and such, I like to put little wings on the V and H letters, just like the band did. It’s kind of my thing, to copy their thing.”
Benny laughed. “You’re really into them, aren’t you?”
>
She turned toward Benny, bright-eyed and excited. “Not just them. That whole era had some great tunes. Bands that actually played instruments. They were melodic, real, and relatable for the most part. I really like the riffs. Most importantly, they were fun, unlike today’s sad and depressing stuff or electronic trash. Music is better when they just entertain. Don’t you agree?”
Benny nodded as he kept his eyes on the road.
“Everyone can be happy when they entertain.” She turned to look straight ahead with uncharacteristic seriousness. “You know, it’s a fact that rock and roll achieved perfection in 1987. That fact cannot be refuted, so don’t try.”
Benny laughed. “I wouldn’t dream of trying.” He wondered how a woman of his own age, a Millennial, could have been exposed to enough of the music from the past generation to have such an affinity for it. For him it had been his dad. No matter; he liked it. “Okay, you can use the radio.”
Vanessa flashed a self-satisfied grin back to Benny, having successfully penetrated his metaphorical armor. “I win.” There was only one rule left for her to obey.
They had been driving for hours in the middle of nowhere and weren’t far from their destination. Vanessa’s dad insisted they not stop for lunch. They had to eat and drive to make good time. Restroom breaks were momentary stops using the facilities within the RV. The scenery hadn’t changed much no matter how far they drove. Miles and miles of nothingness, a wasteland.
Finally, in the distance, Las Vegas broke through the horizon. It was early afternoon, and there was plenty of sunshine and clear skies. Benny wasn’t sure why Las Vegas was the destination. He’d never thought to ask. All he knew about Las Vegas was the gambling and shows—not his thing.
As they pulled into what seemed like an abandoned campground miles outside of the city, it occurred to Benny that he’d never met Vanessa’s dad, and he grew concerned. He wondered if they were trying to get him alone to murder him. Good luck with that, he thought as he snickered lightly, reflecting on his powers.
