Checkmate 3: Playtime's Over

by Tiece

  “I know, but I didn’t know what to think.” He said.

  Kina walked over and stood in front of him. “Listen lil boy,” she joked making him smile. “I know that I tried to kiss you on New Years and that had to be quite inappropriate being that we’ve had this platonic relationship thingy for at least a thousand years now. But I was feeling good from the Hennessy and just thought that I really wanted it… the kiss from you. I didn’t mean to make things awkward.” She said. Brendon smiled because he knew that she meant well. She was his best friend. The person he could talk with about anything. He knew that the possibility of her catching feelings for him was inevitable, but he didn’t want her to confuse them with thinking that they could ever be together.

  It wasn’t that she wasn’t his type now because she was way more attractive than before. The braces helped straightened her buck teeth, her glasses were replaced with contacts, and her skinny tall frame now had curves. She had a small round butt that fit her just right and the perfect sized breasts, but he didn’t look at her in that way. She was his best friend and he didn’t want anything more than her being just that.

  “It wasn’t awkward for me. It’s nothing for a sexy woman to wanna get with a handsome dude like myself.” They laughed, but Kina felt good to know that Brendon thought she was sexy.

  “I just didn’t want you looking at me differently or feeling like I feel a certain way about you because I don’t. Nothing has changed between us. You’re still my best friend and I’m excited as hell that you came here for me.”

  Kina smiled. “You know I’d be here for you no matter what so let it go. It happened and it’s over. I ain’t even embarrassed by it. It was a moment and that’s all it was.” She said. Kina started to walk up the stairs then stopped to face Brendon who was following right behind her.

  “So what’s up with your cousin Monty? I haven’t seen him since the time they came to Texas to visit. I know we were only teenagers, but-”

  “But nothing,” Brendon cut in. “Let it go, Kina.” He wasn’t a hater by a long shot but he knew what harm him and his cousin could do to women when they’re just looked at as a cut buddy.

  “Trina asked about you.” She said blocking out the shit that Brendon was saying and changing the subject.

  “Oh yeah,” he responded.

  “She wants to come here to see you.”

  “Nah, that ain’t a good idea. Plus she’s already moved on.” Brendon said. Kina started back up the stairs.

  “She loves you, ya know.”

  “Yeah I know,” Brendon agreed. Kina reached the top of the stairs and gasped for air. The upstairs level was beautiful. The furniture hadn’t arrived yet but the view from the windows was nice as hell and she could already see how it was going to come together.

  “So was that a seal of approval?” Brendon asked.

  “And you know it. It is beautiful up here.” She said walking over to the huge window where the view of the busy traffic on Washington road showed. She was quiet for a moment.

  “The rest of the furniture should be here by the early part of next week. It’s gonna be similar to the view downstairs.”

  “I can already see it,” she said walking over to the nice mirrored bar to sit down on one of the bar stools.

  “So, what do you need me to do?” Kina asked.

  “Hmmm… Let’s see.” He responded sitting down next to her. “I’ll need you to do some interviews for me.”

  “So how many people are you looking to hire?”

  “I’m thinking around fifteen people.” He said.

  “Okay… So that would include bartenders, security, and servers.”

  Brendon nodded in agreement. “But, don’t forget the DJ. We’ll need at least three that’ll work full or part-time shifts.”

  “Okay so have you thought about advertising? You know we need to get the word out about the business and let people know that we’re hiring for those positions.” She said.

  “Don’t worry about that. Cuz connected me with someone who does their advertising. I will give you her number so that you can meet with her to discuss the ads.”

  “Sounds good,” Kina said. She looked over at him. “I’m not trying to change the subject, but have you met anyone interesting since you’ve been here? You know since you’re not feeling Trina anymore.” Brendon smiled because he knew that it was only a matter of time before Kina would start digging in his business.

  She stood up and faced him. “What’s the smile about big head? You have met someone haven’t you?” She asked.

  “Kina quit being so nosey.” He grinned.

  Kina playfully rolled her eyes. “You don’t have to tell me now, but I know that eventually you will.” She said. “Okay, stay tight-lipped. I’m going back downstairs.” She knew that they were as close as best friends could be and he could never keep anything from her.

  Brendon thought about Candy. She was somebody who he was very interested in, but he didn’t know where that was going to go; if anywhere at all. He sighed as he watched Kina go down the stairs.

  Damn… he silently thought. I wish there was really something to tell, and not just anything… but something good.

  Chapter 12

  Monty pulled up to MiKayla’s house. He needed to see her. She didn’t sound well and he wanted to make sure that she was okay.

  Maybe he was wrong for being there, but he didn’t care. He knew that it was important for MiKayla to see him on her on terms, but if she wasn’t feeling bad then it would have happened anyway, on her own terms.

  His heart raced as he stepped out of the vehicle. He walked up to the door and lightly knocked. There was a part of him that felt like MiKayla would be happy to see him. Then there was a part of him that felt like she wouldn’t be so happy about him showing up to her house uninvited. At that moment he really didn’t care how she would feel about seeing him because all he wanted to do was see her.

  He pressed the doorbell knocking lightly again. He knew she was there because her car was still home. Maybe this was a sign for him to leave, but before he could, the door opened. MiKayla stood there with a blank look on her face. She was happy to see Monty but she didn’t want him to see her looking this way.

  “Why did you come here?” She bluntly asked.

  “Well damn, that’s one of the best morning greetings I’ve ever gotten.” He responded with a smile.

  “I’m sorry Monty. I-I didn’t mean it that way.” She said trying to pull her robe together. She clearly looked like she didn’t feel well.

  “Are you okay?” He asked.

  “Yes I’m fine,” she said guarding her door. He was surprised that she didn’t open it up for him to come in yet. “Monty you didn’t have to come here.”

  “Well I needed to make sure that you were okay.” He said.

  “I am, so you can go. My sister is coming over in a little while anyway.” She said. She hated that things were so tense between them especially after not seeing him in over a month. He looked so damn good standing there as he pulled together his deep gray Sean John Military Trench.

  “Hey look, I’m sorry for not calling, but if you were feeling well then I would have saw you this morning anyway.” He said.

  “Monty please, you should go because it’s cold out here,” MiKayla said. Monty hated that he showed up unannounced and the way MiKayla was treating him was colder than the air that blew across his face.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked. It was something about her demeanor that didn’t seem right. It wasn’t in her character to be so mean to him.

  “Yes, I-I told you that I’m alright.” She felt faint and just wanted to sit down. Monty looked sadly away, pondering for a moment.

  “Okay, I’ll go.” He said turning to leave.

  “Hold up,” MiKayla called out suddenly. “I just feel so weak.” Monty rushed to her side.

  “No you’re not alright.” He said. MiKayla leaned up against him as he helped her walk into the livin
g room. She refused to let him carry her. She knew that Monty cared but she didn’t need him to take care of her.

  “My sister is coming,” she managed to say. “So, you can l-leave. Please just go.” She whispered. He could see that she needed help and he wasn’t leaving her in that state.

  “Your sister isn’t coming because I told her that I would come check on you.” He admitted.

  “Why would you do that?” She whispered. She could barely look him in the face.

  “Because I wanted to see you,” he said while making sure she was comfortable.

  “Nooooo… w-wait…” She stuttered. “So my sister allowed you to come check on me instead of seeing how I was doing for herself? Wait till I talk to her ass.” She said, mustering up a smile.

  “Well, lay back and rest while I fix you some chicken noodle soup. I already know you haven’t eaten anything and if you don’t feel better later, you’re going to the doctor.” Monty insisted.

  “I’ll roll with that,” she said with a slight smile. It was just a good feeling that he was there and she was glad that he insisted on staying.

  **********

  Rico sat at the dining room table eating the last bit of his bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on toasted bread. His laptop sat in front of him as he read his emails. Mona walked through the kitchen with a small basket of Caylin’s clothes in it. She stopped shy of passing the dining room as she looked over at Rico.

  “Doing some work, babe?” She asked.

  “I’m actually going through my emails.” He responded. “MiKayla sent over the draft for my ad.” He said opening up the email.

  “I don’t see how you continue to work with her.” Mona commented.

  “She didn’t do anything to me or directly to you for that matter. Plus, she does really good work.” He said. “Come see it.” Mona sighed while walking over to take a peek at the draft on Rico’s laptop. It was really nice and she knew that Rico loved it from the big smile that was on his face.

  “So, do you like it?” He asked.

  “Uh…” She paused and squinted at the screen. Rico frowned a little. “I’m just kidding. I love it. She really did a great job. I’ll give her that.” Mona said.

  “I’m glad you like it.” He said.

  Mona kissed the back of his head. “I really do,” she said carefully reading over the personal ad. “She has that you sell residential and business property and that you lease as well. She has the location of the business, the Bank’s Realty web page, your office number, and your cell phone number. Is that a good thing?”

  “Is what a good thing?” Rico asked.

  “Giving out your cell number,” she responded.

  “Yeah babe, what if I’m not at the office and a client needs to reach me. I don’t wanna miss out on any potential deals that could make us more money.”

  “Un-huh,” Mona nonchalantly said. “I hear ya.” She looked back at the screen. “She’s good for something besides being a home wrecker,” she teased.

  “Stop being so mean.” Rico slapped her on the ass making Mona grin.

  “I tell ya. It seems that I wash something of Caylin’s on a daily basis.” She said walking into the laundry room.

  “I guess I see why. It seems that she changes up to three different times a day into something new.” He said then quickly responded to MiKayla’s email.

  “Yeah, yeah, yeah… I like to keep her jumpsuits nice and clean because I pack those when we go out. So anytime milk stains her clothes or she throws up without notice then I can change her into one of these.” She said putting the cotton girlie colored jumpsuits and snug fit cotton pajamas in the washer. She turned on the warm water and poured a top full of Dreft liquid laundry detergent inside it then locked the washer door shut.

  Rico watched her as he admired the view from the back. She was even sexier after having the baby. A little bit of baby weight was still there, but it fell in all the right places. She talked about losing it, but he wanted her to keep and maintain it. The thicker the thighs and hips the more it turned him on. She was beautiful with her micro braids pulled up in a pony tail. He admired how great she was at being a mother. It didn’t matter when he’d hold Caylin she always smelled so sweet. Mona did a terrific job at keeping the house clean, cooking dinner for him, and most importantly making sure that Caylin was taken care of.

  “Did you enjoy movie night?” She asked walking back over and standing beside him.

  ‘Yes I did.” He said. “I know that these past two weeks have been trial runs to see if we really like having a movie night on Monday or Wednesday nights. What if I chose both nights? I like what comes after.” He grinned.

  “Un-huh, you like the royal treatment I give you?” She asked rubbing between his legs.

  “You’re underestimating your skills babe. I love the royal treatment you give me.” Mona laughed and kissed Rico on the lips.

  “Well Monday and Wednesday nights are officially movie night. Just imagine after next week when we can do the whole shebang.” Rico smiled. “Duty calls,” she said walking off to go tend to Caylin who had awakened and was crying.

  “I’m counting down the time,” Rico said. He missed making love to Mona. He didn’t realize how difficult it would be to lay beside a woman he wanted to make love to so bad, but had to wait for a damn six week check-up. Monica had fulfilled his needs in the past but he had put a stop to her controlling ways by not having sex with her since she showed up at his office. He was tempted, but he knew that her rope had to be maintained or she would hang them all. He promised himself that he wasn’t going to go there with her until he was good and ready; if ever ready again. He was engaged to Mona and someday planned to marry her. He didn’t want some sexcapade with Monica to destroy it all even though it was very tempting and stayed on his mind.

  I need to do better, he thought as Mona walked in the kitchen holding Caylin. He turned to face them as she opened the refrigerator door and grabbed Caylin’s bottle. Rico smiled at his little one.

  “You see daddy?” Mona asked. Caylin’s little bobble head was trying to hold itself up already. Rico got up and walked over to them. He reached out for Caylin.

  “Hey daddy’s princess,” he gloated.

  “Can you believe this? She’s already trying to hold up her head.” Mona said handing Caylin over to Rico while she warmed up the bottle.

  “Yeah, time really flies.” He said. Rico walked back over in front of his laptop showing Caylin the ad. “Who is that Caylin? Who is that? He asked pointing at his picture on the screen. Caylin smiled. Rico rubbed across her soft slick black hair.

  Mona walked over and smiled at him. “I forgot to tell you that your picture is the best thing I like about the ad. You’re sexy as hell.” She said making Rico grin.

  “I was wondering when you were gonna say something about the fine brother in the picture.” He responded.

  “Give her here so I can feed her.” Mona reached for Caylin. “What time are you going in today?” She asked cradling Caylin in her arms while feeding her.

  Rico looked at the time on his cell phone. “I’ll leave around noon.”

  “Well, we’re going over to Candy’s house this afternoon. I’m excited to hear how her first day of school was.”

  “I’m sure that y’all have some girl talk to catch up on.”

  “All the time,” Mona commented.

  “I’ve never saw two women talk on the phone as much as you two and still have a lot to talk about when y’all see each other.” Rico said.

  “That’s how best friends do it.” She grinned. Rico’s phone alerted him of an incoming text message. He looked down to read it.

  I need to see you as soon as possible. Come by the house when you get a chance… Monica

  Rico looked over at Mona who was walking around and humming a little tune while continuing to feed Caylin. He didn’t know what Monica wanted but he wasn’t about to give in to any kinky fantasies that she might’ve been conjuring up.

/>   Is this visit about Aiden? Rico

  It wouldn’t be about anything else… Monica

  Yeah right. Rico

  Just come and you’ll find out… Monica

  Be there shortly. Rico

  Rico shut down his laptop and closed it. He drank the rest of his orange juice quickly. “Babe I’ma get on outta here.”

  Mona looked back at him as she patted Caylin gently on the back. “Okay babe.” Rico walked down the hallway making sure he had everything he needed before he left the house. A few minutes later he came back walking over and kissing Caylin on the cheek followed by kissing Mona on the lips.