CheckMate (Play At Your Own Risk)

by Mickens, Tiece

  “I don’t know. How would I if I hadn’t at least tried it?” Candy asked as she grinned at Monty with her pretty, white teeth.

  “Damn, Candy. You are a pretty girl, and don’t let that shit go to your big ass head, either. I’m just keeping it real with you for a change. You got some of the sexiest dimples when you smile and you always keep your hair done up real neat. The amazing thing is that you do it yourself. Your body is mad thick for a chick your age. I ain’t gonna lie, I really just started paying some attention to you. All before now, I didn’t even wanna look at you like that.”

  Candy blushed, but tried to change the subject. “Thanks. But, right now, I’m curious to know how many pawns, as you call them, got you on their payroll, anyway?” Candy continued to look at Monty while anxiously waiting for a response.

  “Right now, I have more than my share. I have one from Burke County and one from Screven County. Oh, yeah, I see a fly ass shawty every now and then from Louisville, too. But, I don’t need no more than that. It seems like everybody knows everybody in those towns. I sure don’t need no trouble or confusion from them. Anyway, I have three regulars from Atlanta who don’t mind taking a trip to see a brotha, and I see about three from Statesboro. They all know about each other there, though. It’s just a real wild party if I travel that way to see them. The others are from around here, so I see them anytime they need it. I had to get a car because they’ll call me at all times of the night. I have quite a few of them that’ll pay me top dollar to make it to them ASAP. Before I got my car, though, they were coming to pick me up and still it was all good. But, after I really started doing the damn thang, I decided to get my own whip. It’s easier for me and when I’m ready to go I can get my ass up and go.” Monty then smiled.

  “So, really, what do they pay you?” Candy asked.

  “Did you think I was playing? My dick doesn’t come out unless I got five hundred. I do have some women that just want to suck my dick and let me tease them real good, but still they gotta pay me five because my dick is out. I fuck’um real good whenever I do, but I don’t eat no pussy and I don’t kiss’um. Hell, that’s what she got a man for. I ain’t nobody’s man and I’ll tell them that. I’ll stay hard as long as they need me to, and I will fulfill all fantasies. Whatever it is that they might want, but within means, ya know? Don’t get me wrong. I decided a long time ago that if I kiss a broad, then I gotta be feeling her like that, and if I eat her pearl, I must be falling for her because that shit is very personal for me. I just can’t go around putting my mouth on every woman. They don’t make condoms for your mouth. I’m saving that intimate stuff for my queen. Some acts will only be shared between me and her. That’s if I ever decide to settle down with one.”

  “I feel ya. I can’t blame you for that. I’m just a little stunned right now about this info. But, it’s all good. I will never look at you differently. No matter what or who you do,” said Candy. She looked in Monty’s eyes. “Pearl, huh? I like that.”

  “Yeah, me too, because there have always been something about a pearl that fascinates me. Think about it. It’s unique the way that they are formed and the natural colors and shapes that they come in. Even though some of them may look the same, trust me, they’re not. Each one has its own unique sex appeal, and even though I enjoy the benefits that come with each one of them, I’m still looking for that rare one that’s really gonna catch all of my attention.” Candy smiled as Monty stared into her eyes. “Please, don’t take what I’m telling you for a joke, because it ain’t. You see, Candy, if you wanna be with me, then you gotta accept what I do.”

  “I love the way that you put that, but you act like this is a lifetime career or something,” Candy said as she became disturbed by Monty’s revelations.

  “No. That’s not it at all. But, I like what I’m doing at the present time and I’m stacking my cheese up so when I do run up on that young tender-roni with pussy that’s gonna break me, then it’s all good. I’m also saving to get us outta the projects. That shit ain’t us and it made me upset a few weeks ago when I heard my sister say that she had started getting quite used to it. I tell you what. If I hadn’t been away in college for three years, then we would’ve been out of the hood by now. I’m stacking my bread for that, too. I hated trying to stay at school knowing my moms and my sister had to move to the projects not long after my old man died. But, shit happens and somehow moms fell behind on the mortgage. She didn’t even inform me about it. The next thing I knew, when I came home to visit them, they were living here,” Monty vented as he looks up at their brick apartment surrounded by a hundred more look-a-likes.

  “Do you plan on going back to school to finish?” Candy asked as she rubbed the back of his hand.

  “Oh yeah, I’ll go back. I got big dreams and I’m actually quite smart. I bet you didn’t know that either, did you?”

  “Actually, I did. Your moms would mention how good you were doing in school from time to time when I was around, and that also turned me on about you. I love a man with brains and who uses it to further them along in life. So, not trying to change the subject, but were you also pimpin’ Karen out of Big Bruce’s money?” Candy asked as she put on some more of her shiny lip gloss.

  “Hell, Karen was the first woman to pay me big bucks and I didn’t even ask for it. It has always been an understanding between the two of us that she wasn’t leaving Big Bruce and I never wanted her to,” Monty stated as he rub in his head. “Karen is needy, though. Anytime I ever threatened to stop seeing her, which is often, she would pay me to keep me coming around. She doesn’t love Big Bruce. She loves his money and what he can do for her. She wants me to love her, but that shit ain’t happening. She knows what time it is with me and I like her, but not like that. Her old snitching ass best friend is the one who told Big Bruce about us because she’s just jealous that I won’t fuck with her ugly ass. Plus, to make matters worse, the word is that he’s been paying her to give up the goods on her homegirl. That’s a trifling bitch.”

  “Some best friend, huh? I would’ve beaten that bitch ass if she would’ve tried that shit on me. Who are these phony bitches, anyway? They betta stay the fuck away from me because I don’t play no foul shit like that. That’s why I got one best friend and she is the realest muthafucka round this bitch. I’ll take it to a trick ass so fast with that bullshit,” Candy said as she smacked her teeth and rolled her eyes.

  “You were looking just like your mama when you said that. You are a trip.”

  “Well, I’ve been told that before. But, trust me, I might look like my mama, but I’m a little cool headed than she is. My mama used to act a fool over my daddy back in the days. Anybody who knows her knows that she was no joke. I believe that’s what turned my daddy on because she’d fight for hers in a minute.” Candy said, smacking her lips.

  “I heard about her,” said Monty. She don’t even look like she’ll beat a bitch ass. That explains why she’s so strict, I guess,” said Monty.

  “Not really, I believe she’s strict like that because after she had me, she wasn’t able to have any more children. I was told that we almost didn’t make it during delivery. She’s over protective is all, but I love her to death, though. She’s just more afraid of my daddy messing around in the streets and getting some other woman pregnant. Now, that would be something that she could not handle,” said Candy.

  “It’s a good thing he’s held his ground all these years, then. You’ll be eighteen soon, and he haven’t had another one yet.” Monty grinned.

  “I’m glad, too, because my mom has learned how to deal with his cheating in her own way. But, another child, now that’s another story.

  I’ve been an only child for so long that I wouldn’t want a sibling now. I just call Mo my sister and that’s good a ‘nuff for me. I’m spoiled and that’s the way I like it. I don’t want nobody else coming in and trying to take my place. It ain’t happening,” said Candy as she rolled her eyes in a playful manner.

  “You talk a lo
t of shit and you’re crazy. But, that’s one thing I always liked about you. You gotta lot of heart. That shit will take you far in life,” Monty replied, and then smiled at Candy.

  “Talking to you, Monty, ain’t so bad. We ain’t never really talked to each other like this without cursing one another out, but I like you. You real and that’s more than what I can say for most men out here, and you sweet when you wanna be. I like that, too.” Candy smiled as she leaned over toward Monty’s face and he looked up in hers.

  “Damn, Candy, I just wanna kiss you. Your lips look so soft and that lip gloss is calling my name.” He leaned in closer.

  “Then, kiss me,” she said.

  Monty slipped his tongue in her mouth without warning. He then seduced her with his sensual kissing. Very gently, he sucked her bottom lip while still tonguing her smoothly. Candy kissed him back and Monty’s dick swelled. He reached up slowly and began caressing Candy’s breast as she let out a real low, sexy moan. At the same time, lights shone bright as a clear blue sky through Monty’s rear window and they realized Mona was pulling up behind them.

  “Damn! She would come home right now, wouldn’t she?” Monty snapped back to reality while Candy tried to pull herself together right quick. They heard the car door close.

  “What y’all doing?” Mona asked as she tapped on the fogged up windows.

  “Nothing,” Candy responded, playing it off as she got out of the car. “We almost fell asleep waiting on your slow ass. What you been doing?”

  “I’ve been chilling out with Ross’ fine ass. I wanted to give him some so bad, but you know my period on and shit,” Mona explained, and then smacked on her gum and put one hand on her hip.

  “Well, damn, sis. Let’s just act like I’m not standing here.” Monty looked disgusted from what he just heard come out of his sister’s mouth.

  “Oh, hush. You know what a period is, don’t you? I’m grown and you grown, so quit acting like I’m some thirteen year old teenager.” Mona hit Monty on the arm. “Well, I’m going in the house. I’m tired and I feel like I might have a hangover in the morning. Candy, are you sure you can drive on home? If you can’t, you don’t have to. You know you can always stay here.”

  “Naw, I betta not,” Candy said as she looked over at Monty. “It might be best if I take my ass on to the crib.”

  “Well, be very careful. The law is out riding like they crazy,” Mona continued.

  “Yeah, you betta go on home and get out the streets this time of night. Or, shall I say morning,” Monty said as he looked over at Candy, wishing she would stay but glad she decided otherwise. He would rather wait before he slept with her, at least until she turned eighteen, anyway.

  “Well… you know I’ll be over here tomorrow some time. I’ll call you, though, when I get home.” Candy gave Mona a hug, and then looked over at Monty. “See you later, alligator.”

  “Yeah, I’ll see you later, alright,” Monty responded. He watched Candy get in her car and leave, and then turned around to walk in the house behind Mona as he thought about the great kiss him and Candy shared. “You know, you got a nasty mouth, Mona, with your big head,” Monty teased, remembering Mona talking about her period being on. He then quickly thought about Candy again, and he was turned on because she chose not to stay even though he knew she wanted to. He knew, just as well as she did, what would’ve happened. Monty smiled to himself as he walked in the house, turned off the porch light, and locked the front door behind them.

  Chapter Four

  “Mona, have you seen my car keys?” Catherine asked as she searched through the house.

  “No, Mama, I haven’t. Where did you last see’um?” Mona asked. She got up off the sofa and began to look in the kitchen area.

  “I’m going to be late for work, and I can’t even afford to be one minute late or they’re going to get rid of my ass.” Catherine picked up the pillows on the sofa to make sure they weren’t hiding there.

  “I don’t see how you run late almost every day,” Monty chimed in while walking out of his room talking on his cell phone. “You get to sleep late because you don’t have to be at work until six in the evening. You get off at midnight, and don’t waste no time getting back into bed. But, still, you run late almost every day. Now that, I must say, is a shame.”

  “Shut up, boy, and help me find my keys. This ain’t no time for your sarcastic bullshit,” Catherine demanded as she continued to look around. “I tell ya what. Don’t worry ‘bout it because I’m taking your car.” She snatched Monty’s keys off the entertainment center, grabbed her purse from the sofa, and hurried out the door to his car.

  “Hey! Bring my keys back here! I got things to do tonight,” Monty yelled out as he ran out on the front porch.

  “Boy, please! I ain’t got time for your shit, Monty. I gotta go.” Catherine closed the door, cranked up the car, then pulled off quickly, hauling ass down the street.

  “See there. She be with that bullshit. Ain’t that about a bitch! How she just gone leave a brotha stranded like that?” Monty walked back in the house, looking at Mona who was in tears from laughing so hard.

  “She got your ass today, didn’t she?” Mona continued to laugh. “I figured she was gonna do that, too. I don’t know why, but for some reason I did.”

  “She’s always losing them damn keys of hers. I need to get another key made to her car for times like this,” Monty said as he sat down at the kitchen table.

  “Mama done lost two sets of keys already. I don’t know what be up with that. But, I know what would solve it,” Mona added and smiled.

  “What?” Monty looked over at Mona, who was still smiling.

  “Take away her car. If she ain’t got no car, she ain’t gotta worry about losing no keys.” Mona fell out laughing.

  “That shit ain’t funny. She’ll really bug the hell outta me then. I don’t know what we gone do with mama. She be trippin’.”

  “It ain’t the end of the world, ya know. She’s just going to work. You should be glad she done stayed at that job for this long because she’ll quit one in a heartbeat.” Mona walked out of the kitchen and went into the living room. She sat down on the sofa and began to flip through the channels on the television.

  “What are you about to watch?” Monty asked as he entered the living room and sat down beside her.

  “I don’t know. I’m just flipping. It ain’t shit on, anyway. I don’t know why we pay all that money for cable, and then there ain’t nothing on to watch.” Mona continued to browse.

  “Yeah, well, it’s the times when we don’t have cable that you’ll miss it. But, as long as we got it, a nigga like you ain’t gone appreciate it, anyway,” Monty said, clearly bothered about something.

  “Please, shut up, Monty. You really are trippin’ today. What’s wrong with you?”

  “Ain’t nothing wrong with me, besides having plans tonight that I’ll really hate to miss out on.”

  “Can’t you ask her to take a rain check? Whoever she is, she should understand that your moms lost her keys and had to drive your car to work. Just tell her the truth. She’ll be alright.” Mona settled on The Jeffersons.

  “It ain’t even about that. Just trust me when I say that I’ma lose out big time if I don’t make it tonight.”

  “Well, tell her to come pick you up,” Mona continued as if that should solve the problem.

  “Hell naw! I ain’t about to do that shit there,” Monty quickly replied.

  “Why? Is this one really ugly or do you not want me to see who she is?” Mona giggled.

  “You see, that sounds all good and shit, but it just wouldn’t work for me because shawty don’t have a whip and I don’t fuck with ugly women. You can believe that.”

  “Oh. I see. Well, too bad. Looks like you’re stuck like Chuck.”

  “Where is your home girl, anyway?” Monty asked as he looked over at Mona. “I ain’t seen her since that night when we chilled out in my car waiting on you to come back from being with Ross. Hell
, that’s been over a week now. Is everything alright with her?”

  “Yeah, everything is good. Her mama took her car from her, though, because she lied for her daddy. But, her mama already knew he was with Mrs. Temple, so she’s just been chilling at home trying to make amends.”

  “So, that’s where she’s been at?” Monty was relieved a little bit that she hadn’t pulled a disappearing act on him. “That Will Smith is a trip. I don’t know when he’ll stop cheating on Mrs. Nancy. You said he’s cheating with Mrs. Temple, huh? He better slow down, she’s not a widower for nothing. I’ve always heard that he likes them young and she’s about twenty years younger than him. Dey say her husband had a heart attack, with his old ass, right after they had sex.” Monty said, and shook his head in disbelief.

  “Yeah well, ‘Day’ always says everything. When does Night say anything?” Mona asks sarcastically.

  “Oh, shut up, big head. I know that man was taking too many Viagras trying to keep up and that took him out, but dey wasn’t lying about the heart attack, though.” Monty grinned.

  “I talked to Candy on the phone for a good while last night and she told me to tell you hey, but it slipped my mind. You wouldn’t have cared, anyway.” Mona pulled out her peachy sweet gloss and rubbed some on her lips.

  “You and Candy love that shit. Y’all two be trippin’. But, I can’t even lie. I miss her loud ass mouth. I hate to hear that she’s on punishment. That sounds funny. She’s outta school and shit, and is on punishment. But, I guess her mama was real mad about her lying to her. So, the next time you talk to her tell her I said what’s up and tell her daddy to sit his old ass down somewhere.”

  “I’ll tell her with your crazy self.” Mona got up and walked down the hallway. “I’m about to take a shower and lay back down for a while. It ain’t nothing else to do since Candy is shot up in the house and Ross is outta town with his sister.