Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin

by Tiece

  “What did you say?” Mona stood and got up in Rico’s face. “Did you just say what I thought you said?” Rico looked up at her.

  “Baby, I didn’t mean it in that way. I’m not taking up for her, but what I’m trying to say is that I was just as much responsible for this shit as she was.” He dropped his head low.

  “Yeah, you were and I’m not excusing you for that, but the difference is that you came clean about it and has showed nothing but sincerity since this whole shit went down. Can we say the same thing about that bitch?” Mona’s voice raised a little. “Hell no, we can’t. Her sneaky ass had the nerve to call Candy’s phone a few months ago to gloat, thinking she was talking to Candy, but the bitch was talking to me.” Mona realized that during her tantrum, she’d said too much. She tried to play it off by walking off, but Rico grabbed her by the arm.

  “Hold up. Where are you going?” He asked, watching her squirm a little to free herself. She tried to snatch away from him, but his grip was too strong. “When did Monica call Candy’s phone and you spoke with her?” he asked raising his eyebrow. Monica sat back down in silence. “Don’t get all quiet now. I’m waiting!” He demanded.

  “Well, when Candy was in the hospital, after having MJ, Monica called her phone and I answered it.” She paused, seeing the curiosity in Rico’s face. “Well um, you know um.” She struggled to get it out. “Well, Monica called Candy’s phone and immediately began speaking to me thinking that I was Candy.” She said as she delayed her next choice of words.

  “And, what did she say?” he patiently asked, already knowing something was up.

  “She said that she’d been sleeping with Monty while Candy was in Atlanta and thought that she should know.” Rico stood there as he listened.

  “I’m sure it’s more, so let me hear it.” He insisted.

  Mona sighed. “She said that Monty was no good and that she’d figure that he had already told Candy that she was pregnant. I guess, thinking that he wouldn’t have wanted her to hear it from nobody else. But, that Monty wasn’t the daddy.” She sighed. “You were.”

  Rico was shocked that Mona had known about this the whole time and didn’t say anything. He poured his heart out to her when she showed up to his mama’s house and still she didn’t say a word about anything. He knew he was the one in the wrong, but somehow it felt like Mona was wrong for not telling him this sooner.

  “Damn, baby… Why didn’t you tell me this before now?” He sat down beside her with his head hung low. He began to think back. “You left me, because of that didn’t you?” She was speechless. “And I kept asking you what was really wrong with you and this is what it was. You were pregnant with my baby and you chose to do damn near the same thing that Monica’s trifling ass almost did.”

  Mona stood back up. “Now, wait a minute.” She said.

  “No, you wait a minute.” He stopped her before she could say anything else. “You left me hanging when I was at my lowest. You weren’t there for me. I went through therapy and all and you weren’t there, but you were carrying my seed. You wouldn’t even tell me at first, because you had doubts about keeping our baby since you had spoken to Monica. Am I wrong?” This time he raised his voice as he asked her again. “Am I wrong?”

  “No, you’re not wrong. Yes, I was gonna have an abortion and not tell you, but I decided to keep our baby, because I realized that I loved the idea of being a mom and I realized how much I missed you and wanted us to be together.” Mona was fidgeting as she explained herself.

  “Oh yeah… Is that right?” Rico commented, shaking his head. “Wow, I must have ‘sucka’ written all over my forehead. I had one broad who was willing to put a child that’s possibly mine on another man, who’s my best friend, just for the hell of it and another one who was willing to abort my child just because she was pissed at me, but didn’t have the heart to speak up and tell me what was on her mind. How could I be so stupid? When you told me you were almost four months pregnant I didn’t even question it or ask you why you didn’t tell me when you found out. I guess I was just so happy to see you and to hear that you were carrying my baby.” He rubbed in his head. “Damn, that’s fucked up!” Mona sat back down. She began to feel awful about not being upfront.

  “Did you know how bad I felt when you left me? You couldn’t have possibly known what I was going through back then. I was trying to recover from being shot, not once, but twice and I was missing the hell outta the woman I was in love with. Damn, you turned your back on me when I needed you the most.” Rico’s voice trembled a little and his eyes turned glossy red when Mona looked up in his face. She knew he was hurt by her actions, as well. “Damnit Mo! I just need some time to clear my head. You can stay here if you wanna, but I’m ‘bout to go.” He said.

  “No, I don’t want you to leave your house. I’ll leave,” she sadly said and stood up. “I know I was wrong, babe. But, I’m not that conniving person you may think that I am.” Same thing Monica just said. He thought. “I love you and I want us to be together. I wasn’t thinking straight after that phone call. You have got to understand that.” As she reached out to touch his face, he turned his head.

  “If you’re gonna go then go.” He said in the coldest tone she’d ever heard coming from him. Tears fell from her eyes as she turned and walked out. Tears fell from his eyes too once she was gone because he’d never thought that she could hurt him like that. He felt sad and lonely. He sat on the sofa and buried his face in the palm of his hands. Mona sat in her car and was tempted to go back inside the house.

  Mona thought about what had just happened. One minute they were happy and the next they were at each other’s throat all because of Monica. She couldn’t believe that this bitch was already coming between them. She wiped her tears and backed out of the driveway. Am I really just as bad as Monica? she thought. She shook her head disagreeing. Naw, no one is that bad and Rico will see it soon enough.

  Chapter Twelve

  Rico was awakened by a phone alert indicating that he had a text message. He rolled over and looked at the picture of Mona on his nightstand when he grabbed his phone. Seeing her beautiful face always did something to him. He could hear her laughter in his mind and he missed her being around. It had been two days since the argument and he hadn’t talked with her since. She’d been leaving him messages, but he didn’t respond. He was still upset at the thought of her playing him like she did. It was bad coming from Monica, but hurt more coming from the woman he loved. He opened his inbox and read the text.

  Hey Baby, I’m praying that u’ll forgive me. I miss u. I’m inviting u ova to Candy’s house this morning. It’s her birthday & Mama’s cooking breakfast. Please come. I would love 2 c u. Sexy Red

  Rico sat up and rubbed his eyes. He stretched out his arms and eased over to the side of his bed. “I never thought that I would be feeling this way about Mona.” Damn, I miss her more now than before. He thought as he got out of bed. He walked into his bathroom to wash up. He looked in the mirror and rubbed through his low cut curly hair. “I know I can get any woman I want. Why in the hell do I fall for the women who like to keep secrets and shit? Damn, I gotta be more careful.” He reached behind the shower curtain and turned on the shower. “I guess I’ll shower up, get dressed, and go over there to see her. Women…” He said shaking his head.

  __________

  Monty woke up and looked beside him at Candy. She was still asleep after rumbling with him all night. He made sure that he gave her an ass smacking, good pussy fucking that she’d never forget for her birthday. He had plans for her that afternoon and was excited about them spending time together. He snuck out of bed and put on his clothes. He walked in the kitchen and placed a phone call to his mama.

  “Hey, where y’all at?” He asked when Catherine answered her phone.

  “We pulling up in the driveway now, son. Just hold your horses.” Catherine replied.

  “Alright, well I’m opening the door for you.” He hung up the phone and opened up the front d
oor. He walked out to the driveway to get MJ who was asleep in Mona’s arms. Mona handed him over with a smile on her face.

  “What’s up ugly?” She asked.

  “Did you look in the mirror this morning?” He asked and playfully pushed her.

  “Me and Mama had so much fun with him last night. He’s such a funny lil fellow, ya know.” Mona grinned.

  “Yeah, I know. He’s just like his daddy.” Monty grinned looking over at Catherine. “Mama you got that bag?” He asked.

  “Yes, son, it’s just one bag.” She responded.

  “Okay, well y’all follow me into the kitchen. Try to be quiet big mouth, because the birthday girl is still asleep.” He winked at Mona who rolled her eyes at him. He led the way with Mona and Catherine following close behind him. When they entered the kitchen Catherine began to remove the items out of the grocery bag.

  “Mama, I’m glad you came over this morning to cook breakfast for Candy on her birthday. She’s really gonna be excited and surprised by this. Thank you.” He kissed her on the cheek.

  “You’re welcome, son. I had all intentions of doing this even before you asked. I know this is her first birthday without her parent’s being around and I would love to, if I can, help fill that void as much as possible.” Catherine said.

  “Well, I thank you so much. That’s the reason why I asked you to do this. I want her to feel loved and know that we’re here for her no matter what.” Monty sat MJ in his swing, kissing him softly in the head. He began to wind it up just a little so MJ would rock back and forth very slowly.

  Catherine pulled out the medium sized stock pot so that she could begin to boil the water to cook the grits. She pulled out the George Foreman and put the strips of bacon on it. She then whipped up the eggs in a bowl, adding the shredded Kraft cheese to them.

  “Mama, you got it smelling good in here already.” Mona said. She sat on the bar stool watching Catherine throw down. Monty came in and kissed Catherine on the cheek again.

  “Go sit down and quit being so aggravating.” Mona said clearly playing. Catherine laughed because she enjoyed listening to her children appreciate each other’s company even if all they did was call each other names.

  He laughed. “Shut up before I put you out.” He teased her then grabbed a piece of bacon.

  “Yeah right,” Mona said. “Mama, don’t stand there and let him eat up all the food.”

  Catherine just grinned and shook her head as she continued to cook. “I just don’t know what to say about y’all sometimes.”

  “Candy is going to wake up in a lil bit from all this good smelling grub cooking in here.” Monty stated.

  “She’s gonna wake up in a lil bit, anyway, because I’m gonna go wake her up.” Mona said.

  “I’m warning you. She had a real long night,” Monty teased.

  “Oh, shut up, boy.” Catherine said smiling. She pulled out the skillet for the eggs, and put the sausage links into the oven. “Alright now, we gonna have another baby on the way if y’all keep it up.”

  “That’s not a bad idea.” Monty said. He was only playing with Catherine as she looked at him.

  “I’m just gonna brush that off, because you already have too much on your plate, son. Having another baby right now wouldn’t be good timing.” Catherine responded.

  “And, you’re right about that!” Candy said since she was now walking into the kitchen with a smile on her face.

  “Happy birthday, Sis,” Mona said. She rushed over and gave Candy a hug.

  “Thanks y’all, I was not expecting this at all.” She hugged Mona back as the tears formed in her eyes. Monty walked over and put his arms around her. She hugged him tight fighting back her tears.

  “Happy birthday, baby.” He said wiping the tears from her eyes. He kissed her lips. “I knew you’d be surprised.”

  “And I am.” She softly said, directing her attention to Catherine who was now wiping the tears from her eyes as well.

  “Happy Birthday, honey,” Catherine said, stepping from behind the island stove and giving Candy a big hug.

  “Thanks so much Mrs. Catherine. You’ll never know how much this means to me.” She responded.

  Catherine smiled. “Something tells me that I already do.”

  Mona got up to walk outside. “Well, let me run to the car and grab your gifts.”

  “Monty you really out did yourself this morning with all this. I truly had no idea.” Candy continued to wipe her eyes.

  “I know you didn’t, baby. Today is supposed to be a day full of surprising events for you.” He kissed her again just as the doorbell rang.

  “I wonder who that could be. Isn’t Mona outside?” Candy asked.

  “Yeah, babe… Just go to the door.” He instructed then leaned up against the wall with his arms folded. Candy walked to the door and as she opened it there were two dozen roses in a blue glass vase that the delivery guy was holding. She smiled, accepting the gift. As she turned to walk back in the house Monty met her at the door to tip the delivery guy. Candy’s smile was enough said. She was truly surprised to the fullest. She opened the small envelope that was lodged in the flowers and read the card.

  It only gets better. Please believe me when I say that. I love you baby. Happy Birthday… MJ & Monty.

  She looked at the roses. Half were white and the other half were yellow. She was at a loss for words. Monty had never sent her roses before. He said that red roses were too sentimental so if he sent some they would be of a different color. It was enough that every Wednesday there would be a very nice arrangement of beautiful flowers sent to her, but never had she gotten roses of any color. This meant the world to her. She knew he meant business today as he kissed her softly on the lips as she whispered.

  “Thanks, I love you.” She smiled uncontrollably as Mona and Rico entered the house with her gifts.

  “I invited my baby daddy over. I hope nobody minds.” Mona commented.

  “Now, why would we mind that?” Catherine asked. “Hell, he’s family, too. Come on in, son.” Rico walked in giving Candy a hug.

  “Happy Birthday, Candy.” He said admiring the vase filled with beautiful roses. “I see my man is on top of his game this morning.” He and Monty grinned as they gave each other dap and a manly hug.

  “I’m always on top, Bruh.” Monty said furtively smirking at Candy.

  “Whatever!” She said, sitting the vase of roses on the bar. Rico kissed Catherine on the cheek looking over at Mona smiling. She was even sexier to him pregnant. She had a glow that made her beam and her hair bounced with every movement of her head. She’s still my baby. He thought and winked at her. She smiled back knowing that he’d forgiven her.

  “Y’all come on in and gather around. I’m done cooking and I’d like for us to say the grace.” Candy stood there holding her man’s hand as she looked over at MJ, who was still sleeping peacefully in his swing. She looked back over at everyone around her. She could feel the love and in her heart she knew that this day couldn’t get any better.

  __________

  Monty pulled up to the curb then parked. They were waiting for the waiter to bring out their food that he’d ordered earlier from the Outback Steak House. Candy had decided to have an evening in, spent with her man and their son. She sat in the car smiling because Monty continued to joke with her about the gift that he bought her.

  “Are you gonna go ahead and tell me what it is?” She asked ignoring his hints that he’d only gotten her a set of pots and pans to cook in. She laughed, knowing that he must have been playing with her.

  “Alright, since you keep insisting and bugging me. I will give it to you now.” Candy smiled and reached out her hand.

  She smirked. “I knew it wasn’t no cookware.”

  “How do you know it’s gonna fit in your hand?” He teased gently holding her hand in his.

  “Come on, babe. Give it to me.” She anxiously begged.

  “Damn you’re a feisty one.” He laughed. “Close your eyes, then.
” Candy closed her eyes. She was itching with excitement. Monty placed a small black velvet box in the palm of her hand. She opened her eyes unable to keep them closed any longer. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt nervous about opening the small box.

  Damn could this be what I’m hoping it is? She thought as she questioned herself. Monty gleamed inside already knowing that she was going to love it.

  “You’ve been dying to know what I got you all day, so open it.” He stated. The time couldn’t have felt more perfect as Tynisha Kelli played on the mixed CD player, My Everything. She smiled then slowly proceeded to open up the box. The three karat, sapphire ring stared her in the face. It was so big and pretty. The blue karats glistened like a reflection over a moon lit lake.

  Monty took the ring out of the box and placed it on Candy’s finger. Her deep dimples showed the appreciation that she felt from receiving such an awesome gift. She got out of the car and walked around to the driver side. She opened up the door watching her good looking man step out of the car to greet her. On her tip toes, she reached around his neck giving him a big hug and a juicy kiss. Monty knew he’d gotten her the right gift and she showed no disappointment about it not being an engagement ring. She was so thrilled that by the time she finished kissing him, the waiter was bringing their food out.

  “I see someone is in a good mood.” The waiter said smiling. Monty nodded with smile back while reaching for their food and gave the waiter a tip. He walked around to the passenger side to open up the door for Candy as she got in. He kneeled down once she’d sat down and kissed her again.

  “I love you, babe,” he said, “Happy birthday.” Candy was still speechless. She held the ring up in front of her face, still blushing. She turned to look at MJ who was chilling in his car seat.

  “Look what Daddy got Mommy!” She held the ring out in front of his face. “Do you think that Daddy earned himself a few brownie points?” She asked. MJ reached out for her hand as he cooed, talking gibberish baby talk. Candy laughed out loud and so did MJ as if he knew what she was talking about. “Yeah, Daddy did earn some mega points today. He is the winner by far.” She said while turning back around in her seat.