We Could Be | A Short Story

“Okay, what do you think?”

Bristol exited out of her bedroom, slowly spinning around as she gave Ransom the opportunity to see what had him spending the past two hours waiting. His dark eyes took in the skin tight, golden colored bondage dress, knowing it was time well spent. Not that he expected anything less. An otherwise petite stature was made voluptuous with the round backside and perky breast that helped fill out anything she wore. Assets that most women were paying for, she’d naturally been blessed with.

Ransom stood to his feet, taking his bottom lip between his teeth as she tugged at the top of her plunging neckline in a feeble attempt to cover the bit of cleavage she had exposed. He opened his mouth, ready to express how damn good she looked; Ready to pacify whatever insecurities she foolishly had and ready to let her know that he was lucky to be going out with what he knew to be the baddest chick in the city.

“Wait,” she sighed, holding a hand up. “Before you say anything. I want you to be honest and answer like we’re not friends. Answer like I’m just some chick you’re running into.”

He chuckled at the request, shaking his head. “I don’t think you want that type of honesty, Bristol. You already know how my mouth is.”

“Yeah. But that’s why I’m asking. I can handle it.”

Bristol bit into her lip as she ran a hand up and down the length of her arm. The dress was a far cry from her comfort zone and she couldn’t help but feel silly in it. She felt like she were trying too hard but the truth was, Bristol was desperate to make an impression and was hopeful this little ensemble would do the trick.

“You look good as fuck, Bris. And if we weren’t cool, I’d be trying to knock the lining out your pussy before the night ended.”

As he expected, Bristol’s face reddened. And that wasn’t even as nasty as he wanted the words to be but it got the point across. She looked good as fuck and he knew it would be a struggle to get his dick to behave because of it.

“Thank you. Hopefully Anthony feels the same. Well, not about the wanting to...” she giggled to herself from how nervous she’d gotten. Ransom always had that effect on her. He was hard to explain. Outspoken was at the top of the list. But with her, he was more careful in his words and behavior. “I’m just going to grab my bag and we can leave.”

“Cool.”

With slow strides, Bristol retreated to her bedroom unaware of the way Ransom’s eyes remained fixated on her. The pairing that had slowly developed into a friendship was new for the both of them. They’d known one another going on nearly a decade and had only recently begun spending time together. A final request made by Bristol’s brother, D’metri, before he began serving out a lengthy prison sentence for a gun charge. As D’metri’s closest friend, Ransom was the perfect person to keep a watchful eye over his baby sister. The thing was, he didn’t expect for Ransom to develop feelings for her. Ransom wasn’t sure when it it happened. It could’ve been the way she refused his money when trying to help out and her desire to work for what she had. Or it could’ve been when he was left with the daunting task of drying her eyes as she cried over the demise of her last relationship. Whatever it was left him thinking what if. What if he wasn’t her brothers closest friend? What if he were a square and more so the type of dude she were interested in. More than that he wondered what if he were her man. A thought that left him shaking his head.

The sound of Bristol’s heels clicking against the wooden floors quickly shifted his attention. She smiled at him and while it was her simply letting him know she was ready to leave it was enough to cause his heart to stop beating. After locking up her apartment, they were out in the parking lot. Ransom was helping her into his car before getting in himself and he was surprised to see she was already staring at him.

“What’s up?” He asked.

“You’re really charming when you want to be.”

“Yeah? Well, you’re the only woman I do that shit for so feel special.”

“Oh, with how I’ve seen you treat some of these chicks, I definitely do.”

Her soft laughter filled the car as he was pulling out of her apartment building. Both hands remained on the wheel as he struggled keep a hand off her thigh. Ransom didn’t know what to make of things between them. While it had never been bad blood, they hardly spoke more than a few words to each other. That all changed for situations out of either of their control but he wondered if it was something she were enjoying the way he was. Because while he’d been there for her in whatever way she’d allow, Bristol returned the favor. She wasn’t cooking, doing laundry or any of the other shit he actually needed help with by the end of his days. Bristol instead offered him something he’d never had before. A confidant. He could talk with his boys and shoot the shit, but it was different with her. Because Bristol looked at him as more than just some nigga on the street. And whenever inspiration struck or he considered venturing out, she was supportive. Encouraging. She even helped look into whatever half assed entrepreneurial idea he’d have. All she did was far more than anyone else even attempted doing for him and he didn’t take it likely. Advice from his long since deceased grandmother rang in his head, remembering her telling him that when he found the one, he’d know. And it was honestly something he’d never taken serious until recently.

“Bris?”

“Hmm?”

Her eyes shifted from the phone she was using for a few selfies as she looked at him. His gaze remained on the road but she noticed the way his hands had tightened the hold on the steering wheel.

“Are you good?” She asked, reaching out for his hand. When the grip loosened, she was freeing one from the wheel, locking it together with hers. “You’re not drunk or something are you? Because I did not get this cute for you to drive us into a ditch.”

“Damn,” he chuckled. “And here my ass was thinking you cared about me and shit. Talking about we’re friends.”

“Don’t do that. I think we’ve been through enough for us to call this a friendship. And as your friend, if you drive this car off the road I’ll be pissed. Now what’s wrong?”

The emphasize she put on the word friend was damning. He should’ve taken it as the sign he was seeking about how she felt for him. It was the first time she’d referred to them as such and it only solidified what he already knew; That it wasn’t good enough for him. He wanted all of her, not just bits and pieces. Damn sure not to share with some clown.

“Nothing’s wrong. But you sure you want to do this? With the same nigga that’s been dissing you.”

“He has not been dissing me,” she scoffed, rolled her eyes into the back of her head. “He just hasn’t been checking for me the way I’ve been him. But, he invited me to this party so that means I’m not invisible to him like I thought.”

“Then why are you bringing me to this shit? I’m not a chauffeur.”

“No, you’re not. But you make a good wingman.”

“Ah, so you’re just using a nigga.”

“No! I mean... You’re the only one who answered. And I’m glad that you did so I don’t have to go alone. And if he is dissing me, at least I won’t look so stupid.”

Her chest had tightened from the confession. No matter how hard she tried acting, Ransom had a way of pulling the truth from her. No matter what it was. She could’ve driven herself to Anthony’s party but the truth was, Bristol was afraid of how things would go. For months it had been nothing but a bunch of back and forth, flirting between them. She was ready to give up hope and accept that maybe he just wasn’t that into her when he extended the invitation for her to attend his birthday party. It wasn’t an intimate event but the invitation was enough to help her keep hope alive.

“You could never look stupid. And if he tries that shit, I’ll beat his ass. For real.”

Bristol laughed at the comment as she disapprovingly shook her head at him. “You promised to stay out of trouble, Chauncey.”

That’s another reason he knew Bristol was different because he didn’t even allow his own mother to call him the name she gave him at birth. And try as he might to act as if he were annoyed from her using it, he never succeeded. “And I’m keeping that promise. So these lame niggas like Anthony aren’t out here trying to run game on you.”

“Yeah, let that be the reason.”

Right then, he could’ve argued with her and confessed his feelings; Gotten clarity on if it were all one sided or not but he didn’t. He simply let her have the last word and continued on towards Club Nirvana where the party was being held. On the strength of how much he respected her, Ransom had no plans on even entertaining another woman. Even if things did go as Bristol wanted between she and Anthony. They’d arrived together and would leave together as well.

Within twenty minutes they were arriving to the crowded venue. Ransom blew out a breath, knowing it was going to take him a minute to locate some place to park.

He quickly helped Bristol out of the car and once he was sure she’d gotten inside with no issue, he circled the parking lot three different times before finding a spot to leave his car. By this point he was frustrated and ready to call it a night but knowing that if nothing else he could get a drink from inside, he was able to leave the anger behind as he headed towards the club. He ran a hand over the top of his freshly cut hair, managing to have caught the attention of a few women the second he was past the velvet ropes. In a dark gray colored t shirt and a pair of black jeans, he was nowhere near as dressed up as the other guests, but he didn’t care. His sole purpose for being in attendance wasn’t about him. It was about Bristol needing a wingman as she put it. And he’d be the best wingman he could be so long as it didn’t complicate things between them. It took no time for him to locate her but instead of going towards her side, he stood back watching as she sauntered towards the VIP section. Even with so much space between them it was obvious she was nervous but when she turned around from having felt his lingering stare, she was able to breathe easier.

She wasn’t sure if the smile Ransom had offered up was a sign of encouragement or his discomfort but she took it with her, knowing that she wouldn’t be alone through whatever happened. Anthony managed to have stuck out in the VIP section similar to a lit lamp in a dark room. From head to toe he was dressed in gold, matching the lavish decorations he had for his party. They were matching and the closer she got to him she hoped that it was a sign of good faith.

“Hey, Ant,” she greeted, once she was close enough.

“What’s up, Bristol. You look good as hell, girl. Where you’ve been hiding all this?”

He held onto her hand, spinning her around slowly as he ogled her body. It was the first time he’d seen her looking as good as she did and it was a side of her he could get used to.

Bristol began gnawing at her bottom lip uncontrollably from not only Anthony’s stare but everyone else’s as well. She already felt out of place in the ensemble and having so many eyes gawking at her, possibly picking her apart didn’t make things easier. “Just trying something new,” she admitted. “But enough about me. How’s your night going?”

“Shit, better now.”

Anthony, pulled her body close, extending an invitation for her to join him on the dance floor. One that she eagerly accepted, despite having the rhythm of a toddler. Hand in hand they walked as Bristol winked at Ransom, letting him know everything was okay. It was supposed to have let him know it was okay for him to move around and find some fun of his own, but he didn’t. Not the way she wanted. Instead of finding a woman to keep him company, he found a vacant seat at the bar and ordered himself a drink. Bristol could’ve smiled at him all night, but her body language was saying something completely different. She was a nervous wreck and he knew it in the way she struggled to maintain simple eye contact with him; In the way she’d move Anthony’s hands whenever they got too low; And in the way her eyes widened when his hands made an attempt at lifting her dress.

Ransom just promised her that he’d stay out of trouble, so the first time the dress began raising, he allowed himself to believe it was his mind playing tricks on him. But that second time, there was no mistaking what he was seeing. Without another thought, he was on his feet, pushing through the crowd.

“Yo, what the fuck are you doing?!” He shouted, shoving Anthony in the chest. “Keep your hands to yourself before I...”

“Ransom, stop,” she muttered.

The quiver in her voice pissed him off. She was visually shaking by this point and every person who’d been turning a blind eye to what was going on, all of a sudden were tuned into the scene unfolding before them.

“Yeah, nigga,” Anthony spoke. “Stop. She’s good. Tell him.”

Bristol didn’t say anything but the silence was an answer all in itself. She’d made the mistake that she made all too often and that was thinking Anthony was someone looking for something long term instead of just a good time. That wasn’t her and she hated she’d ignored the signs. And even more than that, she hated that Ransom had to yet again witness a lapse in judgement on her end. Her mouth opened, prepared to apologize when she stopped herself. She didn’t do anything wrong and Ransom would’ve never let her hear the end of it had she done so.

“Well, shit. My bad. I thought you were trying to kick it, but if not, you can just go.”

“What? Just like that?” Bristol asked.

Anthony smirked, pulling one of the women he’d previously dismissed into his embrace. He wanted to end his night with Bristol but if she wanted to be childish and act as if she weren’t trying to kick it with him like that he’d go for the next best thing. Bristol placed a hand on Ransom’s chest, pushing him back until they were out of the club. It was the equivalent of her pushing a brick wall with the way his anger had taken over his body.

“I fucking told you that nigga was a clown!” He fussed.

“I know.”

He wanted to continue going off; Continue lecturing her about how she just had to be a little bit smarter and aware of what was going on around her. But he refrained from doing so. Because what she needed in that moment was just for him to be a friend. And after he blew out a breath, he was able to keep his comments to himself. The ride back to her place was silent, not including the sounds of r&b station she had playing music. Ransom was frustrated beyond belief having to continuously watch her entertain men he knew were no good for her. Worse than that he had to stand by and watch, knowing he was the better option. He didn’t have the best track record in relationships and was sure it wouldn’t be as easy as he imagined, but he was still confident in thinking that nobody would be able to do the job quite like him.

“I’m sorry about tonight. But thank you for having my back.”

They’d been sitting out in the parking lot of her building when she was the first to speak. As she’d done earlier she held into his hand, squeezing before she spoke again. “You’re mad at me.”

“No. But damn, Bristol. What is it with you and these niggas that keep playing in your face?”

She didn’t have an answer for him. Not one that wouldn’t have had him judging her. It’s why she sighed heavily as she reclined her head against the headrest.

“I don’t know.”

“You’re a liar. And I don’t know why because you already know you can tell me whatever.”

“Well, I don’t want to,” she said, releasing his hand. “And if it’s alright with you, Chauncey I’m going to just call it a night.”

She went to open the door when Ransom locked it. He knew if she were determined enough she could’ve easily gotten out the car but was glad she didn’t put up too much of a fight while he was still trying to talk to her. It was now or never and that in mind, the words left his mouth like water.

“Hell, you’ve got a good dude in your face right now and don’t even see it.”

“Are you talking about yourself because...”

Ransom’s lips were on hers before she could even try going off on him. Just like that the comfort she was seeking all night came to her and as she found herself struggling to breathe from the way Ransom was passionately kissing her, she knew he wasn’t taunting her.

“Wait,” she said, pushing him back. “I think you had too much to drink.”

Nothing was funny but Ransom still laughed. “So, you’ll believe the dude that’s been leading you on instead of the one who just outright says what it is, huh?”

“No. I mean. Ransom, it’s just sudden. And you didn’t really say anything.”

“Alright, well listen. I fuck with you, Bris. More than Anthony and any other nigga for that matter. You call and what do I do? Come running. You need anything, I come through everytime. And you know me. I don’t do that shit for everybody. Shit, I’m not even nice to everybody, but I do that shit for you. So what’s that tell you?”

He was telling the truth and it caused her chest to tighten as she swallowed hard. Bristol was used to toxicity. Somewhere down the line, with every bad thing that happened to her, it translated to love. But it wasn’t like that with Ransom and that seemed to scare her more than anything.

“I’m not trying to marry you or nothing tomorrow, Bristol. But I’m feeling you. And I’m tired of watching you do this stupid shit. Just like you’re tired of going through it, so...”

“Let’s go inside and talk.”

Her chest bounced up and down as she looked at him. Ransom raised a brow as he thought on the request before ultimately agreeing. He didn’t know what to expect or why she was requesting a change in scenery but once they were out of the car and she allowed him to pull her body close, he was able to find some that just maybe they could be something a little more.