Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin (7 page)

“Wait a minute… Back that up a little bit. You said that Monica is pregnant by you?” Mona continued her charade, but hearing him say this hurt her just as much as it did when Monica said it. “Wow, I can’t believe that.” She stared in Rico’s eyes. A tear rolled down her face. She didn’t even realize that she was crying until Rico rubbed his hand down her cheek to wipe it. Mona thought she’d let out all of those tears back when she first heard about Monica and the baby, but the wound was still fresh in her heart. The only thing that made her feel better was that she could tell that Rico really hated that this had happened and that he really did feel bad about it.

Rico dropped his head in disappointment. “What was I thinking?” he sighed. “Monica is not the same nice girl we use to know back in the days. She’s going to do her best to get what she wants at all costs. So getting with me was beneficial for her because she not only wanted to frame your brother by making him think that she was pregnant by him, but also to find some kind of jealous streak that she was hoping he’d have when he did find out about us and about me possibly being the father of her baby.”

Mona smacked her lips. “My brother doesn’t love that whore anymore.”

“I know that and she knows that now, but she wasn’t thinking about all that while she was scheming.” Rico explained.

“Are you hurt?” Mona asked quickly. She wanted to see if Rico had any feelings for Monica.

“I’m hurt, because I made a foolish decision that could cost me you. I shouldn’t have slept with her and I know that now. The only thing that hurts me is hurting you.” He said.

“I see,” Mona said in a whisper, slowly shaking her head from left to right.

“Just so you know, she also got a whole lot of money. She’s a Real Estate Mogul and she can bargain and make deals with people like a muthafucka. She’ll stoop low to get what she wants and I fell for the trap.” Rico explained.

“Well, Monty did too. So don’t feel bad.” Rico lifted his head up in disbelief.

“Are you mad at me?” He asked.

“Hell yeah I’m mad, but I’m not going anywhere. I don’t want too. Do you honestly wanna work past this and be with me. You know… like a couple?” She asked.

“Hell yeah, I’ve been waiting for you to say those words to me for a long time.” Rico hugged Mona. “I don’t know if you know this, but Monica left town, but she may still show up to cause trouble for us one day. I just want you to be sure that this is what you want.” Rico was waiting for confirmation as Mona sat there contemplating. She looked up at him.

“Do I look worried? I’m sure as long as you’re sure. Are you sure?” She asked.

“I love you, woman with your pretty self. Hell yeah I’m sure.”

“Well good because I’m three and a half months pregnant,” she blurted out. Rico stopped and stared at Mona.

“Did you say what I thought you said?” He asked.

“Yes, I’m having a baby and I’m positively sure that you’re the daddy.” Mona said in a joking manner.

Rico instantly beamed. “Wow!” He said, grabbing Mona’s face and passionately kissing her.

She felt nothing but joy inside. “We’ll deal with Monica when the time comes,” she said. She hugged Rico around his neck, taking in the wonderful smell of his RockaWear 9IX (99) cologne. Mama Mack opened up the front door and peeked out.

“I thought I heard some talking going on. Why haven’t you come in yet, pretty girl?” Mama Mack walked out and hugged Mona.

“Hey Mama Mack, we were about to come in. We were just talking and figuring a few things out.” Mona said, smiling at Rico.

Mama Mack smiled. “Well, I hope that means that you’ll be staying for dinner.”

“Yes ma’am, because that food smells so good and I’m really hungry.” Mona confirmed.

“You should be,” Rico said with a big smile on his face. “We’re having a baby, Mama.”

“What!” Mama Mack shrieked. “Boy, don’t you lie to me.” She responded.

“He’s telling the truth, Mama Mack. I am right at four months pregnant.” Mona confirmed.

“I knew I’d known that glow when I saw you earlier. I just can’t believe it.” Mama Mack said as she thought about how far along Mona was. “Sweetie, did you just find out?” She asked a little confused about why she was just telling them.

“No ma’am.” Mona replied. “I’ve known for some time now.” Mona stated. She was ashamed that she’d just come forward and she began to feel bad about it.

“Well what happened, Baby?” Mama Mack asked. “Oh, I see. You and Rico were waiting until you were more than three months, huh? I’ve heard that some people wait until they are farther along, because of superstition.” Mama Mack said trying to come up with some kind of logical answer. Rico cut in quickly.

“Mama, you’re right and I’m sorry we kept this from you. That’s why Mona hadn’t been coming over. She knew that you’d figure it out.” Rico lied, but didn’t want Mona to have to explain anything about her pregnancy and why she kept it to herself. He figured that she was only stressed. Plus, he’d just broken the news about Monica and didn’t care for Mona to be put on the spot by anyone; not even his mama. All he knew was that her baby was indeed his and he was very excited about that. 

“I’m just so happy for y’all. Please, get up and come in here so I can fix you a plate. I’m finally gonna be a grandmother!” Mama Mack grabbed Mona by the hand and walked her inside the house followed by Rico who was smiling from ear to ear.

__________

“That food was delicious.” Mona said while she rubbed her little baby bump. If she hadn’t said anything about being pregnant, people wouldn’t know because her stomach only had a small bulge.

“I’m glad you and my grandbaby enjoyed it.” Mama Mack said. She had started clearing the table.

“My mama is not gonna let you sleep now that she knows we’re having a baby.” Rico said grinning.

“That’s right, boy.” Mama Mack said as she mean mugged Rico. “I’m so happy about this news and you better be good to her, too.”

“You don’t have to worry ‘bout that. I’m gonna marry her one day.” Mona blushed, because she was excited to know that Rico felt this way about her.

“What do you think about him letting his hair grow a little?” Mama Mack asked as she rubbed her hand through his medium sized curls.

“It’s very cute on him. He actually reminds me of Pooch Hall now.” Mona commented. “He already has his features, but with his hair like that it really looks like they should be close kin.” Mona smiled looking over at Rico. He just shook his head as if he disagreed, but he was aware of their resemblance. People told him that all the time.

“Who is that?” Mama Mack asked. She didn’t know this Pooch Hall, but she knew that her son was a very handsome young man.

“He is the sexy guy who plays Derwin on the TV sitcom,
The Game
.”

“I’ve never saw that show, but I’ll have to watch it one day. I gotta get use to that lil curly look. He normally keeps it cut low like I like it.” Mama Mack commented.

“Mama you don’t like my hair like this because you said that I look more like daddy.” Rico said.

“Please son, don’t talk him up. I haven’t spoken with you father in a long time and I don’t care to speak with him. I’m glad he’s gotten married to that thang he left us for, because before then he was begging me back and I wasn’t having it.” Mama Mack said. “He probably would still be trying to get me back if he saw me, but I do my best to stay outta his way. Asshole.” She quickly stated.

“Mama I was seventeen when you and dad went y’all separate ways and he said that you were so busy with your career that you didn’t have time for him and that’s the reason why he left.” Rico said while taking up for his daddy.

“Boy hush, I didn’t ask you nothing.” Mama Mack said smacking her lips. “If it wasn’t for my career you wouldn’t have been living so well.” She stated.

“I know mama and speaking of living.” Rico paused before he continued. “I’ll be living in my own house starting tonight. My bedroom set came in today.”

Mama Mack cut her eyes at him. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just wanted to surprise you by moving a little earlier than expected.” He replied.

She smiled. “Well, I’m happy for you, son. You’re doing great things and I’m proud of you.” Mama Mack kissed him on his cheek. “I’m so very proud of you.” She said with tears in her eyes. Rico shook his head, because he knew that his mama was a very emotional person and took everything to heart. In some ways he’d inherited that from her.

“Thanks for the food, Mama. We’re about to get on outta here.” He said before his mama could start up again. He stood up then kissed her on the cheek. “I love you, Mama.”

“Alright and I love you too. Mona, please keep me updated and call me if you ever need anything.” Mama Mack said.

“Why do you think I’m here, mama? I’m the baby’s daddy.” Rico said.

“Well call both of us, okay.” Mama Mack laughed.

“I will call you, Mama Mack. I’ll see you later and, thanks for the good food. That really hit the spot.” Mona said following behind Rico. She gripped his fingers like she didn’t want to let go.

“Okay and y’all be safe. Son,” Mama Mack called out as Rico turned and looked at her. “I’ll be over tomorrow to visit you. I’m really glad you got your own place.”

Rico smiled. “That’s cool, Mama. Call me first to make sure I’m home.”

“Boy, you don’t have to be home. Hell, I got a key.” Mama Mack said laughing.

“Don’t remind me, Mama. Now go back inside the house.” He insisted, watching Mama Mack go back inside the house, closing the door behind her.

__________

Mona and Rico walked out to their cars. Rico was anxious to ask Mona over to his house. She hit the unlock button on her key chain and Rico opened her door and stood directly in front of her.

“I had a nice time with you tonight. I hate it’s about to end.” She said. She stood there wishing he’d ask her to come to his house.

“Would you like to follow me to my house? I would love to have you over.” Rico asked.

“Have you asked anyone else over?” She questioned back, trying to play hard.

“Baby, this is my first night staying there. I promise you that I’ve not even thought about asking anyone over and I haven’t even slept with another woman since you.” Mona laughed out loud as if to say,
yeah right
.

“I’m serious, babe. I put that on everything I love.” He gently touched Mona’s belly. “Please believe me. I mean it.” She paused with a deep gaze into Rico’s sexy eyes.

“Well, sure I’d love to come over since you put it that way.” She said feeling his sincerity. He kissed her lips slipping his tongue in her mouth. She hugged him tight around his neck and could feel herself wanting him more. She stopped him quickly.

“Let’s go. I’ll follow you.” She said getting inside of her car and starting the ignition. Rico closed the door behind her. He ran and got inside of his car. He was overjoyed to have Mona back in his life.

__________

Mona pulled in right behind Rico. He stopped in his driveway to let up his two car garage. He drove inside the garage then got out of his car and asked that she pull in beside him. Mona drove inside the garage and got out of her car. The look on her face told him that she was impressed.

“You have a nice home. I like this.” She said.

“Thanks, I appreciate that. I’ve always wanted a nice home and I’m very happy to have gotten my hands on this one.” Rico unlocked the door and let the garage down. “Come on in.” They walked inside the house. Mona looked around with delight in her eyes. She was proud to have a baby daddy who was now making an honest living and was doing well for himself.

“This is very impressive I must say.” She said and walked into the den.

“Well, sit down. Make yourself at home, Sweetie.” Mona smiled because she loved this new attitude that Rico had. He seemed so mature and ready for commitment and she was, at this point, ready for whatever. He walked out of the kitchen with a glass of Minute Maid fruit punch, handing the glass to her.

“Have a drink.” Mona took the glass and smiled.

“Fruit Punch, huh?” She giggled.

“Damn right, fruit punch,” he said. “You sho ain’t drinking nothing else unless it’s water.” She laughed because she liked his aggressive demeanor. “I’ma fix me a real drink.” He said walking over to the bar. “You know how I do. That part of my life ain’t changed.” Rico poured himself a drink of Belvedere and white cranberry juice. He walked back into the den and turned on the CD player with the surround sound. He had the surround sound connected through the house so the music sounded clear and smooth as John Legend’s
This Time
, played. Rico sat next to Mona. He touched her thigh and smiled.

“I’ve missed you so much and have dreamed of the day that we’d be alone together again. You just don’t know how I’ve been coping after recuperating from being shot. My life flashed before my eyes that day and all I wanted to do since then was to settle down and get right with myself and with you.” Rico drank from his glass. Mona dropped her head down. She felt bad about dropping Rico like a bad habit without explaining to him her reasons why.

“I want to apologize to you for leaving you like that. I was going through some emotional issues and stress from school. I just didn’t know how to handle things after I’d found out that I was pregnant.” Rico cut her off.

“That’s in the past now. Let’s put that behind us and move forward. I’m sorry to have to give you the news about Monica. I’m really so sorry about that. I know I’ve done some crazy things and I can’t say I’m sorry enough.” Rico closed in and kissed Mona on the neck. “Monty and I had a long talk and we both were played by Monica, but if I hadn’t got with her then things wouldn’t be this way now.” Rico continued to kiss her. Mona was becoming more and more turned on. “I’m sorry baby. I’m truly sorry.” Mona put her hand up to Rico’s mouth.

“Please, don’t say anything else.” She kissed him. “Make love to me.” She whispered without hesitation. Rico didn’t skip a beat as he picked her up and took her to his bedroom. The sweet sounds of Keith Sweat,
Come into my bedroom,
began to play.

Rico gently took Mona’s shirt off while he kissed on her small, but bulging belly. He unsnapped her bra and began to massage her breast. Mona dropped her head back enjoying the soft touch of her man. Rico stood up and pulled his shirt over his head. His muscular frame looked tasty and Mona sat up on the side of the bed, kissing on his six-pack. She rubbed her hands up and down his back and gripped it tight as Rico sucked passionately on her neck. She scooted back on the bed succumbing to Rico pulling her pants off followed by her lace panties while taking his time pleasing her. He then began kissing her inner thighs making Mona squirm inside wanting him. He played around her clit, inserting his finger in and out of her making her juices flow. Mona moaned just a little like she was trying to hold back her feelings of wanting to let it all go. Rico seduced her with his tongue while teasing her already knowing just how bad he was making her want him. Then, without notice, he slid inside her so smoothly until she didn’t even realize that he’d come out of his jeans. He gently stroked her insides. She held onto his back, breathing rhythmically as he stroked her warm walls. He whispered in her ear. “I love you.”