Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin (3 page)

“We do need an Executive Assistant. I’m only going to hire one for now, and maybe another one when business picks up. I’m going to put an ad in the Augusta Chronicle and see what or who we come up with. I’m looking for someone who is edgy, professional and a well rounded person. They have to have a great sense of humor and are already familiar with the business. Whoever he or she is must be qualified to go above and beyond for us and our clients.”

“I feel ya. You know I’m cool with it.” Rico said. “I trust any decisions that you make and things will work out.”

Monty started up the stairs as Rico stood there thinking about the word trust and decided to come clean with his homeboy.

“Aye man, before you go upstairs I need to tell you something.” Monty turned as he walked back towards Rico.

“What’s up, Rico. Why you acting like you’ve gotten yourself caught up in some more shit?” Monty looked at Rico strangely. “What now man? I’ve noticed that you’ve been itching to get something off of your chest.”

Rico looked at Monty with guilt as he blurted out… “I slept with Monica and the baby she is having is supposed to be mine.”

Monty stood there as he was trying to gather his thoughts.

“I’m sorry that I wasn’t upfront with you man. I tried telling you a few times, but things kept popping up every time I tried to tell you. It just didn’t seem like the time was ever right.” Monty looked at Rico strangely as he scratched his head.

“Damn, dawg,” Monty said with a confused look on his face. “I mean, damn. Did you say that you and Monica were fucking around?” He stood there completely caught off guard. “Wow, you have got to be fucking kidding me. Damn.” Monty paused as Rico cut in.

“I know, man. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that day when Monica showed up to your crib claiming to be pregnant by you. To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure if the baby was mine until she verified it later. That is why I believed you when you said that the baby wasn’t yours. She used me as a pawn to get next to you, but I didn’t know what kind of game she was really playing. I was just enjoying the moment.”

“How in the hell did that hook up come about?” Monty asked continuing to scratch his head in disbelief.

“Remember when I was in the hospital? I told you then that I’d slept with two of your pawns, but you cut me off because Candy called. I hate to say this man, but when you left your phone to my crib that day I decided to go through it. You were talking all that shit about passing on the torch and I wanted to see how easy it would be for me to jump in and take over. You’d informed me that Monica was back in town and that the two of you had hooked up. I got her number when you asked me to read the message that she’d sent you that day.” Rico continued. 

“Long story short, I called her about a week later just to holla and before I knew it she was inviting me over. She supposedly wanted to discuss her relationship with you, but when I got there it was apparent what she really wanted. That shit was real crazy and honestly, when I walked through her front door she immediately jumped in my arms. She was all over me and well you already know that my flesh is weak so I fucked her. I should’ve known something wasn’t right, but I was only thinking with one head; the one that always gets me into trouble.”

Rico sighed. “I know you shocked man, but I didn’t mean for this shit to turn out like that. I also knew that you didn’t care for her like that anymore or I wouldn’t have gotten with her. I did call to tell you the whole thing after that
pregnant with your baby
stunt. The only reason why I didn’t was because Candy had just come back home and I didn’t want to interfere with y’all reunion.” Monty shook his head. “Please man, don’t be upset with me.”

“Upset with you?” Monty asked. He stared Rico down. “You’d been doing some shiesty shit behind my back with my pawns. You knew what Monica and I had going on and you was fucking the bitch too, huh?” Monty shook his head again in disappointment. “I wish you would have told me sooner, because I knew that baby wasn’t mine. I was just trying to figure out who the father could have been. And all along it was you? He questioned. “Well, at least that’s what she got you thinking, because with Monica you never know.”

“I’m sorry man and even though she confirmed it, I’m still having a DNA test. She won’t get me like that.” Rico stood there as he looked at the disappointing look on Monty’s face. “Man, I knew you didn’t care for her like that anymore. That’s why I kept fucking her. But, I gotta keep it real. I got caught up in the whole game of pawns, pussy, and money. I’m sorry man. I promise not to keep anything else from you. I love you like a brother and I know I made some foolish mistakes back then. Please forgive me.” Rico stood there with a sincere look on his face.

“I already did, man. I didn’t want Monica like that anymore. My feelings for her were over with a long time ago. I just wish you would have told me, so I could have been prepared for the bitch when she showed up at my crib that day. I’m just glad that baby ain’t mine.”
I hope, anyway.
Monty grinned with a half way sigh of relief. “I knew it because I fucked her with a condom every time and the night when I didn’t I bust one in the shower afterwards. That lying bitch turned out to be a trifling whore, but I can see that in her now. She’s very devious in getting what she wants. That’s how she’s made so much money over the years. Scheming, lying, sexing, and making deals to further her career and line her pockets. She got both of us man, but you’re the one that’s got to deal with her if she comes back this way if that baby proves to be yours. You’re gonna be tied to that fine ass, crazy bitch.” Monty laughed and gave Rico dap. “Thanks man, for bailing me out.” Monty retorted.

Rico stood there with a blank look on his face as his mama walked through the front double doors of the lobby holding a big binder and a few books. “We’ll finish this discussion later, man. Come on and help your mama.” Monty said with a smile on his face. He and Rico walked over to greet Mama Mack.

Chapter Three

Candy was awakened by the phone ringing. She sat up and reached over on the nightstand to quickly pick it up.

“Hello,” she said, yawning.

“Get your butt up, gurl. I know you ain’t still sleeping?” Mona asked while she grinned.

“Oh yes I am, because this lil, fat nephew of yours won’t let me sleep. He’s spoiled and wants all the attention. He’s too scared to close those lil’ slanted eyes thinking he’s gonna miss something.” They both laughed.

“What have you been up too? We haven’t seen you in a couple of days. I didn’t call you because I knew you were taking your exams.”

“Yeah, but that is all over with and I’m glad. I can have a little freedom now. I’ve taken my braids out and I want you to cut my hair in a shoulder length bob.” Mona said.

“What? Did you say that you want me to cut your hair in a shoulder length bob? Wow, I can’t believe you’re leaving the braids alone. What’s gotten into you?” 

“Nothing really, I just need a change.” Mona said, very sure of that.

“I feel you, gurl. So when are you coming over?” Candy asked, making herself get out of bed.

“Right now, because I miss y’all. Plus, you need to wash, set, and cut my hair too.”

“Well damn Mo, just tell me what I’m gonna do today.” Candy began laughing because she missed Mona’s company as well. “Hurry up and get your ass over here. We miss you too.”

“Well that’s good because I’m on the way.” Mona and Candy hung up. Candy leaned down and checked on MJ. He was still sound asleep. Then, she opened up her dresser drawer, grabbed a matching pink Victoria’s Secret panty and bra set and walked into the bathroom. She turned on the shower and after taking off her nighties she quickly got inside. She washed her body, then, brushed her teeth. She knew that she couldn’t stay in there too long because, MJ was liable to wake up crying and possibly roll his lil, fat butt right off the side of the bed.

She got out of the shower and sat on the leather ottoman in the middle of her bathroom floor and began to lotion up with her Cocoa Butter. She put on her panties and bra and went into her big walk-in closet to find her red sundress. She pulled out her Old Navy red flip flops so she could be comfortable and went back to the bed to check on MJ. She was surprised that he hadn’t awakened when he didn’t feel her beside him. He still slept peacefully. She decided to take advantage of this quiet time and began setting up the hair dryer in the dining room, as well as, getting out her supplies to do Mona’s hair.

The doorbell rang and Candy hurried to open it. Mona stepped inside the house giving Candy a tight hug as if she hadn’t seen her in months. Candy grinned as she felt like Mona was finally over whatever it was that had her so distant and uptight. Candy closed the door behind her.

“What’s up, gurl?” She asked. Mona looked around because she was looking for MJ. “He’s still in the bed and please wait until I get your head washed and set before you go waking him up.” Mona grinned because Candy knew her all too well.

“Ain’t too much going on, honey. I’ve just missed y’all so much.”

“Well, I’m glad you came over here today. You really put a smile on my face. You’re looking good.”

Candy looked Mona over. She was dressed in white, wide leg jeans and a hot pink smocked top with the matching hot pink, kitten heel sandal. “That’s a very nice look.”

“Thank you and you’re looking good as well.” Mona replied.

“Well, thanks but I just put this on to do your hair, but I’ll get jazzy afterwards.” They laughed.

“How is my juicy nephew with his cute self?”

“He’s doing well and sucks a whole eight ounce bottle of milk. Chile, he doesn’t miss a beat. That’s why he’s so juicy.”

“I can’t wait until he gets up.” Mona said. She was anxiously waiting for MJ to awake. “My nephew is almost three months old now, so how does it feel to be a mother?”

“I love it, Mo. I wouldn’t trade my baby for the world. I love his lil butt so much.”

“I know you do gurl, because he has definitely made an impression on me.” Mona walked into the kitchen with Candy following her.

“He has made an impression on all of us. Your mama called here last night wanting him to come over and stay the night, but Monty told her that he could come tomorrow night since he was taking me out.”

“Awww, that’s sweet. I’m so happy that y’all are working things out.” Mona looked off to the side as if she was holding something back. Candy noticed Mona’s expression.

“What’s up, Sis? What are you thinking about?”

“Candy, I gotta tell you something and I first want to say I’m sorry that I’ve not come clean about this sooner.”

“Mona just say it please, because it can’t be that bad.”

“No, it’s not bad at all. I’ve come to terms with it and I am quite happy about it to be honest.” Candy looked strangely as if to say, come on chile just let me hear it. “MJ has a little cousin on the way.” Mona smiled.

“What?” Candy beamed. “Are you saying you’re pregnant?”

“Yep, pretty much. I wanted to tell you the day I found out, but you went into labor and so I decided to wait until after MJ was born.”

Candy was shocked. “Mona! You’re at least three months pregnant and I didn’t know.” Candy stood there with her feelings hurt.
That’s why you’ve been acting so distant
, she quickly thought.

“Yeah, I’m right at four months now. Please don’t be upset. I’m so sorry, but the truth is that I was thinking of having an abortion.”

“Why, Mo? What in the hell would make you wanna do that?” Candy asked.

“Well, for starters I had found out from a fluke phone call that my baby daddy had gotten another chick pregnant.” Mona paused.

“Wow, Mo, the phone call didn’t dawn on me. I remember you telling me about that. Do you even have a clue who this bitch is and how she got your number?”

“It’s hard to say.” Mona replied. She didn’t want to tell Candy about Monica being the chick who was pregnant by Rico. She felt that if she told her that, then there would be more questions behind it and she was not ready to answer anything yet because she didn’t want to jeopardize Candy and Monty’s relationship.

“Well, don’t let any other woman steal your joy. Tell Rico and let’s see who he’ll decide to be with. I know it’ll be you, because he talks about you every time he’s over here. He’s always asking about you and he even told me last week that he misses you, but I never told you because I knew how hurt you were when you found out he had this so called baby on the way.”

“I wanted to tell him a couple of months ago, but it’s easier said than done.” Mona commented. “I’m just so upset that he never even thought to mention to me that he liked another chick like that let alone get her pregnant. He’d been running behind me and trying to get me to settle down with him for the longest time, so for the life of me I just don’t understand that situation or how it all came about.”

“Just tell him. I know he’ll be excited once he knows.” Candy stood there with her hand on her hip. “You’re four months pregnant Mo. You have to tell Rico he has a baby on the way. You owe him that whether or not you two plan on working things out or going your separate ways. He does have a right to know.” Candy was very serious.

“I know Candy… you’re right. I’ve had nothing but time to think about this and I’m going to tell him.”

“Tonight,” said Candy, practically demanding Mona to tell Rico sooner than later.

“Alright, tonight I will tell him. Now come on and do my damn hair. You make me sick. That’s why I didn’t want to tell you that I was thinking of having an abortion, because I knew you never would have let me hear the end of it.” Mona said.

“You’re right about that, gurl.” Candy stated.

“Plus, being around my cute nephew helped me in making the decision of keeping my little one.” Mona rubbed her stomach. “Oh, and I told my mama this morning and she was so excited. She nearly squeezed me to death hugging me. Funny thing is that she already knew; she was just waiting on me to tell her.”

“Awww, I wish I could have seen that moment. I bet she’d been dreaming about fish, that’s how she knew.” Mona nodded in agreement and Candy smiled and grabbed a towel to dry Mona’s hair after she washed it. “I should have known that she was gonna be excited. She spoils MJ rotten. He just laughs so big when he sees her. I say it’s because she and Monty look so much alike. It’s like he can just tell that’s his grandma.” Mona and Candy laughed.