Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin (18 page)

“What’s up, sexy? Is there something you want to talk to me about, baby?” She thought about Monica and the look on his face was telling her that he did.

“Well, I…” She interrupted him to help him out a little bit.

“Have you seen any old friends, lately?” She asked, knowing that Monty was hiding something. It was just that woman’s intuition. She thought about the look on his face when he got to the office earlier as they were about to leave. Something told her that he’d been up to no good then, but she played it like a
G
and didn’t show her insecurity in front of Dee.

“I do have something to tell you, but I want you to understand and know that it’s nothing and it ain’t ever meant nothing.” He said.

“Just tell me, Monty.” She said. She put on a short, white satin, night gown. She knew that what she was about to hear was not going to be nice. “Just spit it out, Monty. I don’t have time for merry-go-round talk. I already know, anyway. So tell me, how long have you known that Monica was back in town?”

Monty’s eyes said more than they should have as he swallowed hard.
Damn, has Monica talked to her already?
He thought quickly.

“What do you mean?” He asked trying to figure out what to say next.

“I saw her today in the mall and not only was she pregnant, but she was asking crazy questions.” Candy informed him.

“What?” Monty asked knowing that it was no telling what Candy knew if she had saw Monica personally.

“You heard me and I let it be known that you and I were together and the look on her face was priceless. She tried to play it off, but I knew something wasn’t right. So, I’m asking you only once Monty have you been in contact with that bitch?” He sat there thinking that now was just as good a time as any to come clean, but could Candy really handle the truth about him and Monica.

“I’m gonna be honest with you and I want you to know that no matter what, you’re the only person that I want to be with.” Monty dropped his head because he knew that the truth was gonna be harder to tell than he imagined. Candy sat on the side of the tub as her heart raced. She knew that this was not gonna be easy for her; whatever it was that he had to say. The main thing that she was concerned about was Monica’s baby and if Monty fathered it.

“I saw Monica earlier today.” He said with his head hung low. “Candy’s heart raced faster. “It was right after y’all left the office. She pulled up to talk, but not to me if that’s what you’re thinking.”

Candy frowned. She wanted to know what the hell he was talking about.

“Baby, I don’t know how to say this.” he said with hesitation. Candy just watched him squirm to get the truth out. “Monica was one of my pawns back when you were pregnant. This was during the time you had left me to go to Atlanta.” Candy’s mouth dropped wide open.

“Wait one minute. What did you say? Come again and say that a lil slower.” She said as she stood up. Monty cleared his throat, knowing that he was in hot water now.

“It’s not what you think. She was a new pawn and, at first, I didn’t know who she was. She didn’t even know who I was. We met up through another pawn I was messing around with.” He shook his head, knowing that none of what he’d just said made sense or sounded good. Candy walked out of the bathroom. She was speechless. Monty followed her.

“Baby, please listen to me. I never wanted Monica like that. She was just a pawn. I made a lot of money off of her.” Candy turned to him with her eyes full of tears. He knew she couldn’t handle the truth.

Candy shook her head. “So she paid you just like the rest of them, huh?” She asked with her arms folded. In some sick sense, she felt a little better.

“Yes, she paid me better than any other pawn, but Monica is not the same person that I knew a long time ago and I had to find that out the hard way.” Candy’s thoughts began to focus on Monica being pregnant as Monty continued. “She’s very conniving and she’ll stoop to the lowest levels to get what she wants.” Candy’s stomach turned. She began to think that Monica was pregnant with Monty’s baby. She couldn’t take anymore of his explaining.

“Monty is that bitch pregnant by you?” Candy yelled out getting up in his face. He was surprised that she’d just come out with it, but knew that her concerns were definitely justified.

“No, baby, I used a condom every time we fucked.” Candy hated to hear him say that he was fucking Monica, but she knew that condoms weren’t baby proof.

“Monty don’t fucking lie to me. We both know that condoms aren’t always baby proof. I just can’t believe you were fucking with your ex. That shit sickens me.” She was so steamed that she went and sat down on the bed, pressing her face in the palms of her hands.

“She’s not pregnant by me.” He said. “She is pregnant by Rico.”

Candy’s face appeared from behind her hands. Her eyes were red from crying. “She’s pregnant by who?” She was flabbergasted.

“By Rico, I said. They were sleeping around during and after the time that she and I was. Apparently, he wasn’t using anything at all and she got pregnant on purpose to try to hold on to me.” Candy was relieved, but baffled.

“Huh,” she asked. “I don’t get it.”

“She was using Rico as bait to get to me. She knew that I wasn’t leaving you and so she tried to act like she was pregnant by me, but it was really by Rico.” Candy couldn’t believe what her ears were hearing. She sat in silence for a few minutes and tried to catch a grip on what Monty was saying.

“Damn, how the hell did she and Rico hook up?” She asked. “That really is a dirty bitch, isn’t she?” Candy stated trying to figure out all the details Monica had going on in her life.

“That’s a long story, but as far as I know the baby is his, I guess. But, he’s having a blood test, anyway.” Monty said feeling a little better that the heat was cooling down.

“Wow, does Mona know?” She asked out of concern for her best friend.

“Yeah, Rico was a man about it and told her. Mona has forgiven him for his fuck up. Strangely, she and Monica met up today at the office. They ended up there at the same time to see Rico. Mona wanted to beat her ass, but Rico intervened, because they’re both pregnant.”

“No wonder Mona didn’t want to come shopping with us.” Candy sat there feeling bad for Mona. “I need to call her.” Monty felt good to have everything out in the open. He knew Candy was still upset, but not as much with him anymore. Candy looked up at him and she wanted more answers concerning him and Monica.

“Well lover boy, I still have a few questions for you, right now.”

“Okay, shoot.” Monty said feeling a little more confident to answer her questions.

“When did you first sleep with Monica?” She asked trying to make sure that Monica wasn’t having his baby, because maybe she just didn’t know who the baby’s daddy was. He was not eager to answer that one, because he knew that Candy wouldn’t be so willing to let that one ride. “Monty,” she said snapping her fingers at him. “I asked you when was the first time y’all slept together?” She asked again.

Damn, why the hell she had to go there?
He asked himself. “Can we just leave that alone? I don’t even wanna think about her like that, anymore.”

Candy put her hand on her hip. “I’m listening whenever you’re ready to tell me. I got all night.” Monty hesitated, but knew he’d better tell the truth or he had a funny feeling that one day Monica just might tell her with her nasty ass.

“It was the night of my birthday party.” He got quiet since Candy was mean mugging him.

“Are you serious?” She asked dumbfounded. “Wow, after you put me out, huh?” She asked, interrogating him. “No, don’t stop now. Keep going.”

“It’s nothing to talk about. I didn’t even know who she was. It was just a mere coincidence that she messaged me right after I put you out. So yeah I went over to her house, but out of anger and I’m sorry. I can’t take it back now, but I’m truly sorry.” He said.

“So, you lied to me back then, which I already knew, but you were with that bitch.” Candy became furious. “I can’t believe that you were with that bitch. You jeopardized our relationship for that bitch!” She said.

“Baby, please it’s not how it sounds. I didn’t even know it was her.”

“But when you found out it was her, you could have left.” Candy replied. Monty knew that she was telling the truth.

“You’re right and I was wrong.” He said trying to hold her hand and explain. She snatched her hand back.

“I can’t believe you.” She didn’t think in a million years that he would have been with Monica on the night he put her out. “I want you to leave right now.” She thought about Monica having one up on her over and over again while she stayed in Atlanta hoping her man was gonna come to his senses.

“Baby, please,” Monty said trying to reason with her. “I didn’t have any feelings for her. It was strictly business.”

“How many times did you sleep with her?” Candy asked. Monty just shook his head because he honestly didn’t know, it was so many. She cried like she knew that it wasn’t just a few times.

“Damn Monty, how could you do this to me and with her of all people?” She shook her head in disappointment.

“Please leave.” She stated again. “I don’t even wanna look in your face.”

“What are you saying, baby?” he asked not really believing that she wanted him to go.

“I’m saying we need some time apart, that’s what I’m saying.” She started opening up the drawers and pulling out his clothes.

“Where do you suggest I go?” He asked not believing how serious she was about him leaving after she’d accepted the fact that he’d slept with Monica earlier.

“I don’t know, Monty!” She yelled, then calmly backed down. “I suggest you go spend some time with your mama and wake up with your baby in the morning.” She turned to him with bitter anger in her voice. “Leave, I said!”

Monty grabbed a few things that she’d already taken out of the drawers and left. He felt bad for hurting her, but deep down inside he knew he’d never be coming back there to stay. For the simple fact that he hated knowing that at any time she could put him out of her place and he’d have no rights to say anything about it. This wasn’t really his home, anyway. He walked out and didn’t look back.

Chapter Seventeen

Rico walked inside of the Trinity Hospital. He stopped at the front desk to ask what room Monica Hunter was in. “Third floor, room 302”, the Desk Clerk said dryly.  So, he stepped inside the elevator to head up.
I can’t believe that Monica maybe having my baby. When did my life become so chaotic?
He asked himself as he continued to think.
I shouldn’t even be here, but if that baby turns out to be mine, then I’ll regret not being here for her when she needed me. Knowing Monica she’ll probably use that shit against me, too. When
the elevator stopped, he stepped off and walked down the hallway to room 302. The door was partially open when he got there. He walked in the room and Monica was lying in the bed. She looked over at him and smiled. The innocent look on her face made him feel bad for her.

“Did you come by yourself?” She asked, trying to sit up and peek around him.

“Yeah, I’m here by myself.” He said.

I can’t believe that, Mr. No Secrets Man.
She thought while slightly turning her head. She felt better knowing that he was alone.

“Well, if you have time you can sit over here.” She said, pointing to the lounge chair.

He sat down, looking over at her. “So, what did the doctor say?” He asked her.

“He said that I was having premature contractions and that it wasn’t good for the baby at this stage of my pregnancy. I’m thirty one weeks and the baby weighs about three pounds right now. If the contractions don’t stop then we could have a premature baby. I don’t want that to happen.” Monica dropped her head. “It’s scary to even think about it.” Rico could see the sincerity and love she had for this baby. Before Rico could respond, the Doctor walked in.

“Hi Monica, how are you feeling?” He asked, standing over her.

“I’m feeling better. I’m not in any more pain,” She replied.

“The medication that I gave you should have stopped the contractions. They weren’t that bad, but you still need to be very careful.” He looked over at Rico. “If you don’t mind me asking, are you the father?”

“Ah, yeah,” Rico said looking over at Monica for confirmation.

“Yes, he is the father.” Monica said, looking at the doctor.

“Well, Daddy,” said the Doctor. “Please make sure that she gets plenty of bed rest. She’ll be on bed rest until she gives birth.” Rico’s mouth dropped. “She should not be stressed out about anything and she’ll need to take this medication twice a day.” He handed Rico the paper with the prescription written on it then looked over at Monica. “The nurse will come in shortly with discharge papers for you to sign, okay.”

“Okay, and thanks for everything.” Monica said.

“That’s what I’m here for,” the doctor said, smiling. “Oh, did someone bring you here?” He asked quickly.

“I drove myself in.” She said causing the doctor to look over at Rico.

“Well, he’ll have to drive you home. I don’t want you even driving in your condition. I mean it, only bed rest until you have the baby. You have got to relax or I’ll be seeing you back here sooner than later.” He patted her gently on the thigh. “Take care.” He said. Monica looked over at Rico after the doctor left the room. She was really worried about her baby. This was not something that she was hoping for, because her baby was all she had and she couldn’t risk losing him, not even for a man. She knew that this could very well work out in her favor and in her mind she was already planning to make all the right moves in winning Rico’s heart.

He sat there speechless. He knew that this was really going to cause trouble for his relationship with Mona. He hated to see Monica in this vulnerable position, but at the same time he was wishing that he didn’t have any part in it. He looked at her.

“You and the baby will be okay.” He said with sincerity.

“Thanks Rico, that means a lot to me, because I don’t know what I’d do if something happened to this little one.” She said while rubbing on her stomach. Rico smiled at the thought of Monica actually caring for someone without a motive behind it. The nurse walked in with the discharge papers and Monica signed them.