Checkmate 3: Playtime's Over

by Tiece

  “Anyway, I’m gonna get on outta here.” She said packing up her laptop. “You enjoy the night and have fun. Call me in the morning, because you know I wanna know all about it.” She grinned walking over to give Brendon a hug.

  “Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said hugging her back.

  “Same to you,” she said. Looking back at the yellow roses again made her feel a little sad. She wanted to meet someone who felt the same way about her as he did about Candy.

  “Be safe and text me when you make it to your room.” He said watching her exit. Immediately, he messaged Candy to come over.

  **********

  Candy called Brendon’s phone. “I’ve just parked out back.”

  “Okay,” he said quickly hanging up the phone. By the time he opened the back door, Candy had already made it there. “What’s up beautiful?”

  “Nothing much,” she said smiling.

  Brendon leaned down to kiss her. “So have cupid decided to be nicer to you at any time today?” He asked as he walked inside of Raven’s behind her.

  “Nope, but it’s all good, she insisted. The smooth sounds of Neyo’s, Single, played in the background. “That’s my song right there.” She sang then stopped in her tracks with a big smile on her face. “Awww,” she whispered nearly covering her mouth with her hand. The yellow roses were beautiful as she stared at them. If nothing else, Brendon had taste and definitely knew how to charm a lady. In that moment she wanted to cry. He had certainly made her feel special. There was no baby or past history, just her and just because. Who could ask for more? She turned to him, placing her arms around his neck.

  “Thank you, Brendon. Cupid isn’t so bad after all.”

  He smiled. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I love it,” she said. Brendon wrapped his hands around her waist. Candy felt comforted as she rested her head on his chest. The night was still young, but the evening was playing out perfectly and with a perfect gentleman. Neither knew how the night would end, but they were going to enjoy every second of every minute spent together.

  Chapter 19

  Time had breezed by and before they knew it was mid March and the weather wasn’t the only thing starting to warm up. Mona and Rico’s relationship was hotter than ever since sex had been reintroduced to the newly engaged couple. They were fucking any time they could catch a break. Mona knew that Monica was due to return soon, so she made it her business to make sure that her man was fed well in all areas.

  “Damn!” Rico let out. “You got some good pussy baby.” Mona smiled, looking in his face while continuing to straddle him.

  “I take it that you enjoyed your lil ride.” She teased.

  “You know I did.” He responded, leaning up to kiss her. Mona got up off of him and headed into the bathroom.

  “You know I have to get ready. Caylin has her check-up today.” She said turning on the shower.

  “I can’t believe that she’s almost three months old already.” He said.

  “Yeah, her lil fat butt is showing it too.” She said entering their walk-in closet. Rico lay back on the bed admiring Mona’s silky smooth, naked skin as she searched through the racks for something to wear. Her round plump ass made his manhood erect again. She was even sexier to him after having the baby.

  “Are you anxious about the grand opening Saturday night?” She asked.

  “I am,” he responded while answering his ringing cell phone. “What’s up Monica?” he asked as Mona pretended to be still looking for an outfit but hearing the name Monica already had all her undivided attention.

  As usual, she thought. Perfect timing.

  “This Saturday evening?” He asked as she responded back.

  “Yeah, so if you wanted to spend some time with Aiden then you can come over and see him. I don’t really want him coming out because he has caught a nasty lil cold, but I’m sure he misses you just as much as you miss him.” Monica explained.

  “Is he okay?” Rico asked.

  “Yeah, he’s fine. He just has a dry cough and a stuffy nose. Hopefully, he’ll be feeling better by the time we make it back.”

  “Well call me as soon as you make it in. I have plans Saturday night. Monty’s cousin Brendon is having his grand opening.”

  “Raven’s grand opening?” she asked, already on top of things.

  “Yeah, that’s it. So you know it’s important that I be there, but it’s also important that I see my son too. I miss him. That’s why I said call me as soon as you make it in.” He said.

  “Okay, I will.” She said, feeling just as anxious to see Rico herself.

  “And be careful coming back,” he added, ending their call.

  Mona couldn’t wait to question him. “So when did Monica say she was coming back?” She asked, pulling out a pair of Denim jeans and a navy, half sleeve, v-neck sweater. “She has already been gone a week longer than expected.” Rico listened because he knew that she wasn’t finished. “I mean don’t get me wrong. I’m glad she’s not around.” She smacked.

  “She’ll be home this weekend.” He quickly cut in. “Saturday evening is what she said.” Rico explained, already knowing that Mona was silently listening.

  “Oh okay,” she responded. “Well good, because I know how much you miss Aiden and honestly, I do too. Plus, she and I are hooking up so that we can get the babies together. Wouldn’t it be nice if she and I could be civilized so that the babies can grow up knowing each other without all the tension between us?” She said walking back into the bathroom.

  “Yes it would be nice, but how long is it going to last baby?” He asked.

  “I don’t know, but what better way than to find out.” She stated then stepped inside the shower.

  Rico let out a deep breath. He didn’t want them hooking up, because no telling what kind of slick shit would be said from either of them. His inner thoughts nagged at him because he should’ve just left Monica alone, but temptation was a bitch that could ruin his relationship if his fiancé ever found out about his betrayal.

  **********

  Monty and MiKayla had been spending a lot of quality time together since Candy seemed so over him already. They were on a mutual respect level of knowing that they weren’t a couple which also included no sex. Monty knew that if he wanted to get anywhere near MiKayla’s pussy that he would have to be on the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, the straight and narrow never worked in his favor so he was content with what time and attention she did provide him.

  “So do you think Brendon is ready for Raven’s grand opening on Saturday night?” MiKayla asked, sitting at her dining room table watching Monty mix them up an alcoholic beverage in the blender.

  “Yeah, I’m sure he’s ready and beyond excited. You did a great job with the advertising. You got a lot of people coming out to support him. I couldn’t be happier.” He said, sitting across from MiKayla and handing her the concoction he’d just blended.

  She sipped from her glass. “Mmmm, this is good. What’s it called?”

  He grinned. “Pink Panties,” she laughed. “It’s frozen pink lemonade mixed with Jose Cuervo, Tequila, and Vodka.”

  “You must be tryna stay the night?” MiKayla teased.

  “Maybe,” he said feeling very horny from not getting any since he’d hit Kina a week prior at Raven’s Hot Spot. Symone had been trying her best to get him to come over to Monica’s house while she was out of town, but he wasn’t feeling the old pawns anymore. He needed something new, something different and Kina was just the new that he needed.

  She smiled. “How are Mona and the baby?”

  “I like how you changed the subject, but they’re doing fine.” He responded.

  “That’s good. I know Caylin is growing by the minute. How’s your mom?” She asked, sipping from her drink.

  “She’s good,” he said.

  “How are Candy and MJ?” She quickly added. Sitting back with a smile on his face, he’d seen that one coming a mile away.

  “They’re
doing fine too.” He confirmed. She smiled. “Just be honest, you wanna know how Candy and I are doing too, don’t you?”

  MiKayla took another drink. “Actually, I do wanna know how y’all are doing. I mean, you’re always here if you’re not working. We’ve gotten a lot closer in just the past month and I know it’s not because of the sex because we’re not having any.” She took another sip of her drink. “I just don’t want any surprises. If you were getting back with her, you would tell me, right?”

  Monty smiled. “Listen babe, it’s kinda cute that you’re so concerned, but Candy and I are just friends, but parents first. If it makes you feel any better, she doesn’t even want me like that anymore.” He admitted.

  “Oh really,” MiKayla commented.

  “Yes really,” he said. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think she had another.”

  “And why do you say that?” She asked, gulping the rest of her drink.

  Monty sipped his drink, thinking for a moment. “I don’t know,” he said thinking about her behavior. “She just seems kinda happy lately.”

  “And that means that she’s seeing someone else?” MiKayla questioned.

  “Not really, but it’s something about her that makes me think otherwise.” He said.

  “Okaaaaay,” she said, tapping the side of her glass. “How does that make you feel?”

  “I don’t know how to feel about it, but I know that I don’t want to talk about her anymore. I’m here with you, because this is where I wanna be.” He stood up and walked over to her.

  “Are you sure that this is where you wanna be?” She asked as he stood over her, standing in between her legs.

  “Do I need to prove it?” He whispered while pecking her lightly on the neck with soft kisses.

  “Come to think about it, I think you should.” She said, finally giving into temptation and the feel good of the drink. She’d wanted him since the break-up and now was just a good a time as any to show him just how much she’d missed him. Plus, with Candy possibly moving on, he’d definitely come her way first.

  “I’ve missed you,” he whispered, as he overpoweringly kissed her. He didn’t want to think about Candy being with another, let alone having to actually deal with it. At the moment, all he wanted was to make love to MiKayla and repress any memories he had, good or bad, for his ex.

  **********

  Candy was still caught up on her sudden feelings for Brendon. He was definitely was working his way into her heart. She and Monty maintained a civil relationship for MJ’s sake, but she’d recently heard from Dee that he was back seeing MiKayla. Hearing this news made her want to get closer to Brendon, but hating to see Monty with another gave her other intentions.

  It was strange how the side chick could so easily become the main woman, but if Monty wanted to play games like that then she was going to show him how to play. She wasn’t taking anymore of his shit, regardless of how much she loved him. Nothing would ever change the fact that he was MJ’s father, but she’d come to the realization that she didn’t have to be with him to raise their son.

  She and Brendon had only shared sweet kisses and even though in some folk’s eyes it would seem wrong, to her it felt right. Monty had caused all of those mixed emotions by treating her like one of his pawns. One minute she was the woman that he confided in then she became the woman he hid everything from. She was done playing his game and now it was time to play her own. Fuck what people thought. If they liked it, they liked it and if they didn’t, she didn’t give a damn. Nobody came to her aide when Monty ran over her and thought he’d gotten a bitch pregnant so if a bitch didn’t understand her getting snuggly with his cousin then they never would.

  The only downside to Brendon and Monty being cousins was keeping it a secret because nothing would make her smile more than to show Monty that she didn’t need him. If nothing else she wanted to save them a fall out with each other because she knew that Monty would never approve of them talking. Otherwise, she’d happily tell him that she was kissing his cousin.

  Brendon’s club was having its grand opening in three days and it was going to be a big night for everybody. If Monty tried to pull a stunt by showing up with MiKayla then she was going to show him a side of her that he never knew she had. A side that not only showed her disapproval of his actions but also one that showed her really liking his cousin. He was going to regret ever hurting the woman that truly loved him. Play time was indeed over.

  Chapter 20

  Over the next three days things had calmed a little even if it seemed it hadn’t. The buzz had been circulating since early that morning and as the time neared the excitement grew more. Nothing this exciting had happened in Richmond County in a while.

  The women were excited to get dolled up and get out of the house. The gossip about the party was huge. Everybody was talking about it. People were coming to be nosey and to be seen with their significant others or boo thangs. This party was for the grown and sexy only and the atmosphere would speak for itself.

  It was Saturday morning and the grand opening of Raven’s Hot Spot was that night. Everybody who was somebody wanted to be there.

  Brendon had his shit on point. Between him and Kina they knew how to draw in the crowd. The advertisements were placed in The Augusta Chronicle and it constantly changed to something new each week up until the week of the event. There were highlights surrounding the opening that enticed people more and more as the party neared. For instance, the first week the advertisement ran was a for sure lure, offering the first ten ladies to walk through the doors of Raven’s a Special Gift basket filled with fragrance items from Sephora. Just in case somebody missed it the advertisement was ran two days in a row. The next week another advertisement was ran in the paper changing the ad to something even more luring by offering the 25th person to enter the doors a $50.00 gift card, the 50th person to enter his club would get a $75.00 gift card, and the 100th person to enter the doors of Raven’s would get $100.00 gift card.

  Even though mentioning the money had already snatched most of the people in, he wasn’t done. Each reserved table in VIP came with a bottle of Don Perignon and a dozen of roses for that special someone and a free buffet for a small fee of $150. All eight tables were sold out. For an extra $75.00 the other eight VIP tables included all of the above along with a GODIVA Chocolate Temptations Basket set with the classic ribbon. Those eight tables were sold out too. The other surrounding tables still included a free bottle of Moscato and two long stem beautiful red roses. Those reserved tables were $40.00 a couple or $20 if you were single. They were also sold out. The oversized bar seating was the only thing open and was a first come, first serve basis as long as they paid for their drinks and left big tips for the mixologist. To top it all off, they had photographers in place to snap photos all night long of the blissful event.

  **********

  It was three hours before the party started and everyone was either still looking for something to wear or was already laying out their attire for the night.

  Candy was undecided as she stood there at the foot of her bed anxiously watching two of the most beautiful dresses lying there side by side. The hardest thing about staring at them was contemplating which one to wear. She picked up the phone to call Mona.

  “Hello,” Mona answered.

  “Hey Sis, have you decided what you’re gonna wear?” Candy asked.

  “Yes I have. I’ve decided to wear the silver mini sequin dress.”

  “The sparkling silver one?” Candy asked.

  “Yeah, what do you think? Do you think it’s too much?” Mona questioned.

  “No not at all. I think it’s perfect for this occasion and Rico is going to love you in it.”

  “Maybe I should have gotten the red one.” She reflected.

  “Mo, the silver one is flashier and it hugs your curves just right. People aren’t gonna even realize that you’ve recently just had a baby.”

  “You think I’ve trimmed down that much?” Mona
blushed.

  “Girl, you look damn good. I still have baby fat on my thighs and hips, your shit just disappeared. Damn, I’m jealous!” They laughed.

  “Well, what are you wearing?” Mona asked.

  “I’m so undecided until I don’t know what to wear.”

  “Well, you don’t have that much time to think about it.”

  “I know,” Candy said with a deep sigh. “I’m thinking of wearing a short gold Party dress with the gold sequined strapless top.”

  “Sounds cute, but boring,” Mona commented. “You want something fiery, sassy, and sexy. You want men to turn their heads when you walk in the door. Most importantly, you want my brother to hate that he fucked up and missed out on being with you tonight.”