CheckMate 4: Winner Takes All

by Tiece

  “What would I be forgiving you for?”

  “For fucking up,” he admitted. “I know I’m not perfect and probably never will be, but I love you so much. I promise to be on my best behavior.”

  “So, you’re finally admitting that you fucked up?” Mona questioned with raised eyebrows.

  Rico somberly nodded his head. “I’m not a saint if that’s what you’re asking.” He confessed.

  Mona just looked at him as she read his body language. He was definitely sincere as he stared back at her just wanting for her to come home.

  “I’d rather deal with an honest man than one that tells lies.” She said.

  “I know and I’m sorry for ever hurting you. I just wanna make it right.”

  “I hear you,” Mona said. “I hear you.”

  Rico smiled at her while kissing a busy body Caylin on the back of her head. “So, what have you been up too? You and Ross still kicking it?” he questioned.

  Mona knew it some point he’d bring up Ross and she rather it be sooner than later. “Well, for one we’re not kicking it. He dropped by the house that one time to see me. That was just a friendly visit by the way even though you made a really big deal out of it.”

  “Damn right I made a big deal out of that.” Rico said. He didn’t care what dirty deeds he’d done, but he damn showed cared about Mona seeing someone else.

  Mona shook her head while rolling her eyes. “So, you can get calls from a bitch that wants you to come get some more pussy while we’re together. Yet, I can’t have any friendly company from a guy friend that dropped by to see me while we’re not together? Do you see anything wrong with that picture?” She said with a sarcastic expression on her face.

  “No,” Rico spat.

  “Chile Boo, it’s plenty wrong with that picture.”

  Rico didn’t say anything as he sat there looking at her. She’d definitely made her point and without a serious comeback, he may as well hush. “Okay, you’re right.” He uttered.

  “So, I guess me and your mini-me will get on outta here. I did wanna tell you though that I’m proud of you for what you’re doing. You’re handling your business and taking care of your babies. I’ve even noticed some change in you. I must say that it’s all positive.”

  “Well, thanks for noticing. That makes me smile.” He commented.

  “Keep up the good work. You never know, we might return home before you know it.” Mona told him. This was the first time that she’d given him hope since she was gone and it certainly had him smiling from ear to ear.

  Rico kissed Caylin on the lips. “You hear that pretty girl? You and mama might be coming back home.” He said. It was nice just to hear Mona call his house her home. There was progress being made and he was thankful for it.

  “Yeah, we’ll see.” Mona said with a smile. She stood up, and then asked, “Are you walking us out?”

  “You know I am,” he said standing up. “Since you’re thinking about coming back home, you need to also think about giving me some. I’m in need, babe.”

  Mona laughed. “Sit your horny ass down. Every time we talk you’re in need.”

  “That’s because I am in need.” He teased as they exited his office so he could walk them out to Mona’s car.

  Chapter 13

  Later that evening, Brendon and Kina sat a table inside of Raven’s Hot Spot. Brenda could see that she’d been a little pre-occupied the past couple of days. He already had a feeling that he knew what it was. He also knew that Kina wouldn’t fully admit it if he asked, but he was going to ask anyway.

  “So, what have you been up to lately?” Brendon questioned as she sipped from her glass of ice water.

  “Nothing much,” she answered while stirring the ice around inside her glass with a straw. “What have you been up to?”

  “Well, you know me, same ole same ole.”

  “Are you ready for this exclusive, all white Summer Bash that we’re having in a few weeks? You know this party is going to be as big as the grand opening was.”

  Brendon smiled while sipping from a glass of Grand Marnier on ice with a splash of coke. “I already know. I’m more excited about this part than when I was about the grand opening.”

  “That’s probably because with every party, you feel you have to top the one before.”

  Brendon nodded his head. “You’re probably right.” He said with a smile. “Can you believe that we’ve been open four months now?”

  “And, business is booming for this area.” She said. “You picked a hot location.”

  “I’d done my research. I kept telling you to trust me.” He said. “One day your big head ass is gonna listen to me.”

  “Yeah, maybe one day,” She commented with sarcasm. “So, what’s been going on with you and Candy?” she questioned him.

  “Nothing much,” Brendon responded. “We’ve just been chilling.”

  “Oh, just chilling.” Kina said, but what she didn’t know was that Brendon wasn’t keen on telling her much about his relationship with Candy. He’d gotten a feeling that she was feeding the information back to Monty just because she wanted him. “Y’all ain’t had nothing much going on in a few weeks. Are y’all still playing kissy faces?”

  “Nah, I told you that we’ve just been chilling.” He answered, but he and Candy had been doing more than just chilling. Truth be told, they’d become closer after she told him that she wanted to chill and get herself together. They weren’t kissing on each other, but she was stopping by the club to chill with him every time when she’d be on that side of town. And, they still kicked it on the phone like they were best friends talking about some of everything. Brendon actually didn’t mind where they stood. That was something that he would’ve rather they start off as, anyway.

  Kina had noticed that Brendon had gone off into Lala land for a moment. “Hey, you sure nothing is going on? You spaced out after I brought her name up.”

  “I’m sure nosey ass.” He sarcastically responded. “Why are you so concerned with me and Candy?”

  “I’m not concerned. I’m just making up conversation since you don’t volunteer any information anymore.”

  “I don’t volunteer any information, because you seem spaced out yourself.” Brendon said feeling like this was the perfect time to get in her business and see what she had going on.

  Kina frowned. “I’m not spaced out.” She said in a defensive tone.

  “How’s your love life been going?”

  “It’s going.” Kina said sipping from her water again.

  “What’s up with you and Cuz?”

  Kina glanced up at Brendon. “We’re just chilling.” She said trying to be funny.

  “Chilling as in him taking you on chill dates? Are y’all having chill phone conversations? Oh, don’t tell me. Y’all are just having chill sex, right?”

  Kina just stared at Brendon with a blank face. The truth was that she and Monty had only been intimate one time inside of the club. Every time she entered Raven’s Hot Spot memories of her Monty would flood her mind. He had some of the most addictive sex ever and she wanted more. However, Monty wasn’t giving anymore. He’d practically pushed her all the way to the side as an indication that all they had was a one night stand.

  “We’re not having sex. We’re not seeing each other. Hell, I can barely get a decent conversation out of him now. Are you satisfied?!” She snapped like it had all hit her at once.

  “No, I’m not satisfied.” He said. “I tried to tell you-”

  Kina quickly cut in. “I don’t wanna hear your shit.”

  “Okaaaay,” Brendon said with a shake of the head. He knew Kina quite well and for her to snap on him like that had to be something serious. She had a lot on her mind and he hated to see her going through this heartache when he tried to tell her beforehand. “I won’t say nothing, but I will say this. This ain’t you. You’re known to brush nigga’s off and keep it moving. I understand that Monty is my cousin and regardless of what we’re going thro
ugh, I still love him, but he’s not right for you. Until you can get past that then you are going to continue gaining weight and sweets like it’s going out of style. You’re letting whatever the hell y’all had affect you more than you know and you need to let it go.” He said knowing that Monty had been sitting back trying to work his way back into Candy’s life.

  Kina sat there for a moment with tears in her eyes. “You’re right,” she said. “You’re absolutely right.”

  “I’m always right,” Brendon teased.

  “Hush,” Kina responded.

  The sound of the club doors opened causing them to look towards the door. “We ain’t open.”Brendon quickly said with a frown. “You didn’t lock the doors?”

  “I can’t remember.” Kina responded, and then her eyes brightened as soon as she saw that it was Monty. “Monty,” she said in a high pitched, almost excited voice.

  Brendon just looked at her, and then looked at Monty.

  “Hey Kina, what’s up?” Monty spoke. “What’s up, Cuz?”

  Brendon was shocked that Monty was there. They hadn’t had two words to say to each other since the fight they’d had almost three months prior. “Uh, what’s up, Cuz?” Brendon casually spoke back.

  “Monty, I didn’t know you were stopping by. I could’ve put on something nicer if I knew that you were taking me out.” Kina said.

  Brendon frowned, shooting her a strange look. Monty almost gave her the same look. “Uh, Kina I was actually here to see my cousin. I’m sorry, but we do need to talk as well. Is it okay if I have a little time with him and I’ll call you later?”

  Kina cleared her throat while pushing her ice water to the side. “Of course.” She laughed trying to play it off. “I was just playing. Seriously,” she said looking at Brendon with a cheesy smile. “I WAS just playing.”

  Brendon grinned to help her play it off, but he knew that Monty knew better. Kina had fallen so hard for him it wasn’t ridiculous.

  “Kina, I’ll stop by your room later before I take it in. We still need to go over the inventory for the night of the party. You know we have to make sure that everything is on point.”

  “Okay,” Kina said. “I guess we’ll talk later, right Monty?” she questioned already knowing what that talk may be about.

  “Sure,” he said with a handsome smile, and he meant it. He would call her later to tell her that he wasn’t the guy for her and that she should definitely move on.

  Kina quietly made her exit leaving Monty and Brendon there to talk.

  “Aye man, I’m sorry about just dropping by like this.” Monty told him.

  “No problem, cuz. Good thing we hadn’t left yet.” Brendon said.

  “Yeah, well… I was hoping that we could talk. I know that I’ve been acting an ass and trust me; I’ve had nothing but time to think about it.”

  “I guess I’ve been acting an ass, too.” Brendon said, because he could’ve reached out to talk to Monty just the same.

  “Well, can we both stop being asses and talk to each other?” Monty joked, causing Brendon to laugh. “I miss you, Cuz.”

  “Damn Cuz, I missed you too.” He said standing up from his seat and giving a Monty a hug.

  Monty felt good to be patching his relationship up with Brendon. They backed up and looked at each other. They were family and they’d never taken things as far as they had when they fought. Passing licks had played out when they were teenagers. “I hate I swung on you that day. I was seeing red when I saw Candy with you.”

  Brendon nodded his head, and then said, “I understand, man. I probably would’ve done the same thing.”

  “Yeah, but I should’ve talked first instead of fighting. We don’t do shit like that.”

  “I was wrong and I admit it.” Brendon said.

  “Well, you’re right about that.” Monty teased, but was very serious.

  “I was, but it was never like that. I mean, it never started out like that.” Brendon explained. “And, I’m sorry. That’s probably why I couldn’t come to you. I knew you wouldn’t see it that way.”

  “It has definitely been a hard pill to swallow. But, as you know Candy and I have been actually getting along and talking more.” He said pulling up a seat and sitting down.

  “You want something to drink, Cuz?”

  Monty shook his head. “Nah cuz, I’m good. I’ll have MJ tonight. I need to be alert for his busy butt. You know he has started walking now and I’m so glad. I thought his birthday was gonna catch him sitting on his butt still wanting to be babied, but he fooled me.”

  Brendon laughed. “Y’all got him spoiled.”

  “I can agree with that,” Monty said with a light chuckle. “I took him to the movies the other night and he loved it. I thought he’d be all over the place and acting up, but he wasn’t.”

  “Yeah, I know. I heard that y’all had a nice time.” Brendon said while thinking that Candy didn’t keep much from him.

  Monty smiled with a shake of the head. “I was surprised she actually went with us.”

  Brendon didn’t say much, but he was alright with how Candy was running her own life. She didn’t let anyone tell her what she could or couldn’t do and for the most part, she kept it real with what she did and didn’t do. Neither one of them could do or say anything about it. She was taking charge and either they rolled with it or not.

  “So, I’m sure you know that I know about you and her still hanging out.” Monty said trying to feel him out.

  Brendon nodded his head. “Yeah, I was pretty sure that she was filling you in.”

  “She feels that she’d rather keep it real with both of us. I just want you to know that I’m cool with that. I know that nothing intimate is going on.”

  “Yeah, we’re really just good friends.” Brendon said. “But, I’m glad that y’all are getting along for the sake of MJ. He loves his mama and his daddy.”

  “You got that right,” Monty agreed. “We love him, too. I guess that’s why I’m cool with how me and Candy are handling things now. I know I’ve hurt her in the past and all I wanna do is make up for that.”

  “Well, I can say that she has noticed the change in you. She told me.”

  Monty smiled. Hearing Brendon say that made him feel good. He’d definitely been keeping his dick in his pants and he didn’t care for seeing or fucking around with no one else. He just wanted to get his shit together and win his girl back.

  “How do you feel about us getting close again?” he questioned.

  “I can’t lie. I’m happy that she’s in a good space. I didn’t come here to take your girl or to sleep with your baby mama. I really didn’t. We met and just instantly liked each other. She is good people and I know that. I just want her to be with someone that’s gonna treat her right.”

  Monty nodded his head. He could tell that Brendon loved Candy, but he respected her more. That was more than what he could say for himself as he thought about how bad he’d treated her.

  “I’m like you, Cuz. She deserves to be happy. It took me a minute to get to this space myself, but she’s been through a lot. And if anybody should have it easy from here on out it should be her.”

  Brendon was shocked as he sat there listening to Monty. He was talking like a man that was definitely changing in his feelings and his ways. The thought of Candy moving on with somebody else had damn near made him an honest man. It was amazing how much power a woman could have over a man when she’d gotten her shit together and moved on.

  “So, you’ve been good, Cuz?” Brendon questioned. “Have you kicked all the women to the curve?”

  Monty nodded his head. “I have, man. I really have. I even let MiKayla go. I had love for her, but I wasn’t in love with her. It took me to see Candy with you to realize that.”

  “Cuz, you were mad that day when you came in my room. You’d said something about her and another man,” Brendon mentioned as he recalled that day. “You sure it wasn’t what had happened with her that’s got you feeling this way? I mean, a
t one point you had almost left Candy for her.”

  “You right,” Monty said. “I was foolish. I’ve done some foolish things. I can’t lie, I was really feeling MiKayla. I don’t know what it was that attracted me to her.” He said then thought about his earlier conversation with Catherine. “I had a serious talk with mom before I came over here and she told me that MiKayla was vulnerable when we met. She believes that I unconsciously saw the sadness within her and wanted to make her smile again. Hell, that could be true, but I thought it was her ass and those smooth, brown legs under that lil skirt she was wearing.” He said with light laughter as he continued. “I’m gonna keep it real with you. MiKayla hit me up with an email earlier today that made me wanna go see her, but not for the reasons you may be thinking. I felt bad for her and her situation, but I can’t save her. I’m not in love with her and she needs someone that’s going to take that pain away. I hope she finds that. I really do, but it’s not me. That’s the only reason why I didn’t go over to her house. I don’t wanna lead her on anymore. My problem before this was that I’d gotten distracted trying to save someone else when the person that I should’ve been trying to save was my own girl.” He honestly admitted. “They say you don’t miss your water until your well runs dry. I hate it took this for me to wake up, but better late than never.”