by Tiece
“Excuse me,” he said to Trina. “This is my friend Candy.” Trina quickly glanced over at her.
“Candy,” Kina said cringing inside as she looked over at Brendon. Oh shit… “Uh, hey Candy, I’m sorry I didn’t know. I’m Kina. We haven’t had the chance to actually meet yet.” She quickly gave Candy a hug.
“Hi Kina,” Candy spoke as if she didn’t know who she was, but she’d never forget seeing that face as Kina cut it up with Monty on the very bar that Dee was working behind. Now this bitch was coming between she and Brendon by walking Trina over while they were conversing. She really didn’t care anyway and at this point Kina had certainly hit her shit list.”
“It’s okay,” Candy said, but Brendon could tell that she was clearly bothered.
“Candy is it?” Trina abruptly cut in. Candy looked over at her and smiled as she turned up her drink. “It’s nice to meet any friend of Brendon’s.”
“I’m sure it is,” Candy uttered. Brendon knew all too well Candy’s smart mouth and Trina was definitely no slow leak.
“Okaaaaay, I have work to do Boss. Holla if you need me.” Kina said. “Trina I’m sure I’ll see you before you leave and Candy nice to meet you.” She quickly walked off as if she was getting away from the fire she’d just ignited. She then headed into the restroom to cool off, because it hurt her to see that Monty had gotten her goods but was now at the party with someone else. He’d hugged her, spoke a little then left her hanging.
How could I be so foolish, she thought.
Meantime, Trina was trying to get Brendon’s undivided attention. “Is there somewhere we can talk in private?” Trina asked directing her attention back to Brendon.
“Go ahead. Don’t worry I’ll be here when you return.” Candy said as if she was giving him permission to go. Never in a million years would she allow him to tell her that he was about to go somewhere private with an ex and talk. She also wanted to let Trina know that she was definitely in the picture and was one to be reckoned with. So never should she get it twisted.
Brendon just looked at her with a smile on his face. “So you’ll be right here when I get back?”
“Of course,” she assured him. Trina wasn’t the least bit thrilled to see him checking in just so he could check out for a minute while he spoke with her. Who was this woman that had Brendon looking at her sideways? She didn’t know but she was determined to find out.
Before he walked off, Brendon leaned in and whispered in Candy’s ear. “Slow down on the drinks before I end up taking your ass home tonight for real.”
“Drinks or no drinks, you’ll still be taking me home tonight… for real.” She said causing Brendon to smile.
“I’ll be back.” He said.
“Cool,” Candy commented but she was definitely concerned about the conversation that would take place between the two ex-lovers.
I wonder why this tramp had to show up here and now out of all times. She thought.
“Can this night get any more fucked up,” she whispered. “Damn Dee, I need a stronger drink please.”
“I got you Cuz,” Dee responded with a shake of the head.
**********
Mona stood beside her fiancé listening to Monica go on and on about Aiden.
He’s gotten so much fatter since we’ve been gone. He’s even trying to talk and is scooting all over the bed by himself. She laughed as if it tickled her pink. Mona laughed along, but she wasn’t too thrilled about standing there on what was supposed to be a special night for her and her man. She wasn’t upset about them talking about Aiden, but it was a time and a place for everything and the timing was all off. She even mentioned him almost rolling off of the bed on the floor, but her grandmother caught him. It was like blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.
Shut the fuck up, Mona was thinking. Rico seemed to have been lost in her bullshit. Mona could give a rat’s ass about anything she was saying because she didn’t even care to tell them that she had made it back. And what was even worse, Mama Mack was keeping Aiden over night. So she could call Rico’s mom, but not him. Hell, Rico was the one who helped create him. Did she forget about that?
Mona rolled her eyes at the sight of how pretty she was and how taken Rico was with her. He was smiling like she wasn’t even standing there. Maybe it was because he was happy to know his lil man had made it back home safely or maybe it was more to it than either of them was letting on. Whatever it was, she wasn’t going to stand in silence so that Monica could steal her joy for the night.
“So Monica, did it ever occur to you that we were concerned when you were returning? It would have been nice to know that you were back. I’m sure that Rico would have appreciated seeing his son before he came out tonight; especially since you claimed you would call him the minute you arrived.”
Monica cleared her throat. “Actually, I tried to call Rico’s phone a couple of times, but it kept going to voicemail so I left him a message. Come to think about it, I left him two messages.”
“Oh I didn’t know. Babe, did you get those messages?” She sternly asked.
“Ah, come to think about it I didn’t check my messages yet. Sorry ‘bout that Monica. I had to buy a new phone earlier today. It was some crazy shit going on with my old phone.”
Sorry Monica??? Mona thought. This nigga is trippin’.
“Babe, what are you drinking on tonight?” Mona asked him.
“Uh, this is some… uh, some 1800 Tequila.” He finally got out. She could tell that he was feeling hella good. She didn’t want to check him or even give Monica the glory of knowing that she wasn’t pleased with whatever her and Rico had going on.
“Well, I’m gonna go mingle a little. The night is still young. It was good seeing you Mona,” Monica said. “Rico, we’ll talk later,” she said walking off.
Mona turned up her nose and looked at Rico. She wanted to see if he was scoping out his baby mama’s ass, because if he was he wasn’t going to be scoping any later. He didn’t even look at her twice which meant that her giving him a lil bit later that night was still on and popping.
He faced her and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I love you,” he said kissing her on the lips.
He surprised her with that one. “Where did that come from?” She asked. It wasn’t that it was unusual for him to reveal his feelings, but he did it as if he was proud to have her on his arm. Her favorite song began to play which was a song by Silk and she sang the lyrics Give me some more more more.
The DJ spoke over the microphone. “This one is for all the lovers out here tonight. Fellas grab your ladies by the hand and take them on the dance floor. Show your sweethearts a good time.”
“Aw man, that’s that shit right there.” Rico said holding up his glass. He grabbed Mona by the hand and led her out on the dance floor. Pulling her close to him he began singing the song softly in her ear. Although, he couldn’t sing a bit it still sounded good and a big smile crept upon her face.
**********
Monty walked MiKayla out on the floor. He held her closely around her waist slow dancing to the smooth sounds of the slow music. She never in a million years thought that this would be happening. It wasn’t long ago when she was just a side chick. Who would’ve thought that just being friends would bring on this? Maybe it was because his ex had moved on. She didn’t know if it was or wasn’t, but she wasn’t going to let Candy or anyone else ruin a night that felt this special to her.
Monty thought about Candy and how cold she treated him. He knew deep down inside that he wasn’t going to tap that ass again for a very long time. Candy could really play hard when she wanted too, so he knew that when she wasn’t playing it would definitely be a wrap.
He squeezed MiKayla around the waist tighter. The Juicy Couture perfume she wore had him dazed. He brought her out so that she could relax and take her mind off of work. Even though he’d done a good thing, he still was feeling bad that he hadn’t given her his full attention like she deserved. He knew that he had to shake all t
houghts of Candy in order for them to have a good time and that’s what he intended on doing.
**********
The club was about to end and Brendon hadn’t showed up since he walked off with Trina. Candy massaged the back of her neck. She was hella tipsy on top of being aggravated and just wanted to leave. Everybody around her seemed to be having a ball and even though she felt like the prettiest woman there, she had to be loneliest.
She tapped Maurice on his shoulder. “You look like you’ve had about as much fun as me?” Maurice only nodded in agreement. “Tell my cousin that I’m going on the outside.”
“Okay,” Maurice said as Candy walked off. She didn’t know what had him so uptight, but she had her own problems and worrying about his wasn’t one of them. She quietly exited the club. She’d had enough for one night and now it was definitely past time for her to leave. She thought about it as she attempted to go to her car.
Damn, Payton has my keys.
She turned to walk back inside the club, but stopped just shy of opening the double doors. Her feet were hurting, she’d had way too many drinks, and she was definitely tired of looking like a fool for the night. She spotted a bench sitting over by the side entrance and sat down on it.
Not too long after she’d sat down people started walking out carrying their goodies. She looked down at her cell phone. It was just past two o’clock in the morning and it couldn’t have come at a better time. The party had finally ended. As the people walked out she scanned the crowd for Payton hoping that he wouldn’t be last coming out.
She ducked off a little after seeing Karen and Meela exit the club. She didn’t want any confrontation right now. She was drained from all the drama that had occurred throughout the night.
She watched in the shadows as Monica exited the club as if she was in a hurry. She looked like Cinderella trying to leave before her Bentley turned into a pumpkin.
I wonder what she’s up too. That bitch is always up to no good. She thought as she admired Monica’s dress. One thing she could give her was that she had on a bad ass party dress. She grinned a little thinking that Monica was such an insecure show off.
Damn Payton, where are you? She whispered while rubbing on her sore toes.
The crowd had seemed to thin out and the parking lot was becoming empty as the cars were leaving. She stood up, frustrated that Payton hadn’t come out yet, but quickly hid back in the shadows as Monty and MiKayla walked out of the club. They were hand in hand. She felt sick to her stomach watching them together like that. Who was she kidding? Monty still had her heart and Brendon was just a replacement that was helping her deal with those unresolved feelings. She took in a deep breath as the sight of him kissing MiKayla on the lips told her that what they shared would never be the same again.
Mona and Rico stepped out of the club, but neither was saying much as they followed Monty and MiKayla to their Limo. Candy shook her head because she knew that it was just a matter of time before something rocked Mona and Rico’s relationship. Mona already had her doubts and watching Rico and Monica talk with each other probably made things worse. Baby mama drama…
Candy’s purse slipped out of her hand and she leaned down to pick it up. A feel of relief came over her when she heard Payton laugh out loud.
Finally, she thought.
Payton, Dee, and Maurice walked out together. Payton was laughing at something funny Dee had said.
“Hey,” Candy called out. “I’ve been out here waiting for you.”
“Oh shit! I forgot I had the keys Chy and I was just asking your cousin if she had seen you.”
“Yep, I told him that you had to be outside because I checked the restrooms before I left and your head wasn’t in any of the toilets.” They laughed.
“Really Dee,” Candy grinned.
“I’m just playing,” Dee teased. She looked over at Maurice who was still closed mouth and acting very strange. He walked ahead of her to the car. “Aren’t you gonna wait on me?”
“I thought you were riding home with your cousin?” He asked. Dee oddly looked at him. She could clearly remember him saying earlier in the day that he wanted her to stay the night with him after the party.
“Are you serious right now?” Dee questioned. Maurice kept walking as if he didn’t hear her. Candy stopped to look at them, but Payton decided to go ahead and start the car up.
Candy paused as she stood there. In that moment while listening to Dee and Maurice go back and forth she thought about Brendon and why he’d gone MIA for the rest of the night. Once Trina showed up she became less interested to him. He acted as if he was over her, but clearly something was telling Candy that he was not.
Candy shook her head as Dee kept trying to find out what was wrong with Maurice. She was tired of men feeling like they could run over women and get away with it while lying about the way they really felt. She couldn’t take it anymore.
“Come on Dee!” She called out with authority. You ain’t gotta beg that nigga to ride with him! You got a ride as long as I’m here. I’m so over this shit already!” Payton drove up and Candy got inside the car.
Dee stood there for a moment feeling puzzled. She didn’t know why or what would make him feel this way towards her all of a sudden, but she was about tired of it herself.
“Fuck you Maurice!” She shouted. She headed for Candy’s car. “Stupid muthafucka acting like he don’t wanna talk.” She got inside the car, still snapping. “How the hell am I supposed to know what the hell is wrong with him if he don’t say nothing? Damn!”
“Calm down Cuz. I know how you feel, but don’t let that shit get the best of you. I don’t know about you but I’m tired of feeling like the weakest link. Hell, look at us. We can get anybody we want. We ain’t no muthafuckin’ ugly as women. Why in the hell do we run behind no good ass nigga’s who clearly don’t give a fuck about us?”
“I don’t know Cuz. This shit with Maurice just started after I got back from Texas. I don’t know if my trip made him feel a lil uneasy about our relationship or not. I mean, he’s been acting like he wants somebody else.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. Maybe she was in the club tonight. Who knows?” Candy said.
“Yeah maybe she was, but the bitch better be glad that I don’t know about her.” Dee said.
The rest of the ride home was quiet. It seemed like everybody had something important on their minds. Payton pulled up into Candy’s garage. They all exited the car. Dee didn’t say a word as she walked inside the house.
Candy looked over at Payton. “And we thought tonight was going to be a good night, huh?” She grinned a little.
“Well, I enjoyed myself under the circumstances,” he said feeling good as hell.”
“Finding out how much you know about Monty and Rico was quite interesting. I’m sure your girl is trying to figure a few things out after seeing me and Mona together at the club earlier.”
“Trust me, if she does she’ll ask me about it and me knowing her; probably the first thing in the morning,” He grinned.
“She might tell you that we can’t hang after she finds out that I’m the chick who has Monty’s baby.”
“Nah, that ain’t gon’ happen. I choose my own friends.” He got quiet for a moment; deep in thought. “That reminds me, I have to go. I need to go see someone.”
“Booty call; it must be nice. Thought I had one, but that wasn’t the case after all.” She said thinking of Brendon.
“Well, I don’t know what type of call this gon’ be but it ain’t a booty call. I can tell you that now.” Payton said. “But, I’ll call you tomorrow. I’m feeling like you and your cousin about men right about now. I need to find me another one because the one I was creeping with ain’t worth creeping with no more. That’s why I enjoyed myself tonight.”
“Shit, I feel you.” Candy chimed in. “Oh and be careful.”
“Oh please believe that I’ll be extra careful,” he responded then got inside his car. Candy walked inside her h
ouse then went straight into her bedroom and laid across the bed. It seemed like it was a long night and even though she realized that she wasn’t quite over Monty, Brendon still weighed heavily on her mind.
“Damn, if I don’t do something about this shit now I’m gonna be playing this same ole tired game forever and I don’t wanna do that.” She said and rolled over on her side falling asleep.
Chapter 23
Candy woke up gripping a body pillow tight in-between her thighs. Still half asleep she slowly eased her hand in between her legs pushing the pillow away from her. She turned on her back and eased her fingers down inside her lime green Victoria Secret boy shorts. She gently rubbed on her goodies with a smile spreading farther across her face as she slid her fingers inside her moist spot.