CheckMate (Play At Your Own Risk)

by Mickens, Tiece

  “I know that’s right,” Mona replied, and then turned to look out the window. “Hey! Come here,” she yelled to Rico, who was getting out of his car.

  “What’s up, Miss Mona? What are y’all still sitting in the car for?” Rico asked as he walked over.

  “Get in, Rico,” Candy demanded. She opened up her door and hurriedly got in the backseat. “You can sit in the front with Mona.”

  “What y’all want? Your brother is already in the club,” Rico said while he was getting inside.

  “We know that. Why are you not already in there?” Mona was smiling. “Now, you gotta wait in line with us.”

  “The hell if I do. Not as long as I got this.” Rico touched his fat pockets. “I ain’t gotta wait for shit.”

  “Damn, it must be nice. Anyway, it is Candy’s birthday and we wanna really party tonight. So, we need you to roll up this blunt for us.” Mona handed Rico the sack of weed. Rico began to laugh as he looked in his hand at the itty bitty bag.

  “What the hell is this? This is some bullshit and I ain’t rolling no shit like this.”

  “Please, roll it for us,” Candy pleaded. “We just wanna get high, relax, have a few drinks, and party the night away.”

  “I don’t mind smoking with y’all, so let me roll up a blunt of my weed and y’all can have this shit back for another time when y’all desperate.” Rico chuckled. “This shit is trash.”

  “Well, roll up the damn blunt then and quit hating on our lil’ sack. We ain’t no smokers, so how was we supposed to know if it was bullshit? We probably still would’ve gotten high off of it.” Mona laughed as she looked over at Rico. He pulled out a swisher cigarillo and began splitting it open with his fingernails. After that, he emptied the tobacco on the ground outside the car before filling up the shell of the cigar with some lime green weed that had orange looking hairs all over it. He rolled the blunt back together by licking a little bit of the outside edges, and then he lit it up as soon as he finished.

  “Now, this is that shit!” Rico said as he smiled at Mona, who was also smiling at him.

  “That shit smell loud as hell,” Candy stated. She couldn’t wait to hit it.

  “I know that’s right,” Mona responded, and then Rico passed her the blunt. “The birthday gurl should go before me.” Mona passed it to Candy. She hit it and started to cough.

  “Damn! That shit smooth, but strong as hell on my throat. What kind of weed is that?” Candy asked as she hit it again, and then passed it back to Mona.

  “Some of the best you’ll get around here. I tell you what. If y’all need some more, then ask me or your brother because we smoke the same shit,” Rico said while watching Mona puff on the blunt like she was a true smoker.

  “That shit is good. I declare, I feel high already.” Candy giggled.

  “Me too, and I just hit that shit.”

  “I told ya’ll that this shit ain’t no joke,” Rico said.

  He continued to smoke, and then passed the blunt back to Candy. They sat in the car with the windows fogged up until the blunt was all gone. Rico looked over at Mona, who was high as a kite as she was bouncing to Fergie and Luda’s Glamorous.”

  “Mona, who are you talking to now?” Rico asked, clearly interested in getting closer to her.

  “I don’t have a boyfriend if that’s what you wanna know. I just have close friends,” Mona answered, smiling.

  “Well, could I be one of those close friends?” Rico continued.

  “Sure, why not? You’re already my friend. I don’t see nothing wrong with getting to know each other a little better.”

  “Good, you won’t regret it.” Rico smiled. “Y’all come on and let’s go in. We’ve been sitting out here for ‘bout thirty minutes. Y’all can come with me through the back entrance where the VIP folk walk in at.”

  Mona got out of the car wearing a blue jean mini skirt with a tight fitted red and white shirt in addition to a pair of red pumps that really showed her nice thick legs and her curvaceous body. She rocked the matching accessories that really brought her outfit out. Rico got out as he admired Mona’s good looks, and then let up the seat so Candy could exit. She was in a tight fitted, burnt orange dress that hugged her body like it could have been painted on. Her accessories were yellow and she rocked those two colors like nobody’s business. She looked damn good and she knew it. She stood up and looked down at her matching pumps and smiled because she looked and felt good on her 18th birthday.

  Mona and Candy walked in the club with Rico through the back entrance where all the older folks partied. He handed a little old woman sitting at the door three one hundred dollar bills. She took the money and smiled.

  “Your boy is already here with his cute self. You are looking good, too, with your sexy ass,” the old lady flirted while rocking her head to the old school sounds of Cheryl Lynn’s Encore. “You and your boy can go for kin because both of y’all look good as hell,” she continued as she licked her lips at Rico like she wanted to fuck him right there on the spot. Rico just laughed a little bit and passed through. The old lady then watched Mona and Candy as they followed him.

  “I guess the women aren’t going to get any play tonight with these foxy ass ladies on your arm. Baby, I’ll take one of them, too, if they’ll have me.” The lady laughed out loud while Rico made a gesture for Mona and Candy to stay close.

  “Don’t pay any attention to her. She’s a trip and is always like that.”

  “Is she drunk?” Mona asked, and then giggled.

  “She’s always drunk, but she can count that money and if you ever come back here you better have a hundred or you ain’t getting in,” Rico explained, and then walked through the entrance of the VIP section. Candy spotted Monty instantly and she went over to him just to say hi. She walked up from the back and tapped him on the shoulder. At the same time, Mona and Rico took a seat at his table, which was right next to Monty’s. Monty turned around and was blown away by how good Candy looked.

  “Hey, Monty, how are you doing?” Candy asked as she smiled at him.

  “Oh, hey, Candy, what’s up? How are you doing tonight?” Monty replied.

  “I’m good. Just chilling out on my birthday, ya know.”

  “Oh yeah, that’s right,” Monty responded as he acted surprised. “Happy birthday, gurl! I must say that you’re looking good, and because it’s your birthday, I have nothing bad to say to you tonight. I’ll just wait until tomorrow.” Monty showed off his pearly whites while Candy stood there, moving her body from side to side, jamming with LL Cool J featuring The Dream, I’m Your Baby.

  “You don’t mind if I sit at your table, do you?” Candy asked as if she cared what he said because she sat there anyway.

  “Go ‘head and order y’all drinks,” Monty answered, smiling. “What’s up, bruh?” He gave Rico dap.

  “Ain’t nothing, bruh. I would’ve been in here, but I smoked one with these crazy ass gurls out the door.”

  “Oh! So, y’all are smoking now?” Monty asked. He smiled because he was high, too.

  “Yeah, just for my birthday. We decided to go all out tonight,” Candy said, peeping out Monty’s stylish gear. He was wearing a black and white Sean John shirt with black jeans that matched. He also had on a pair of black and white 310 shoes. His black and white Atlanta hat was pulled down low, almost covering his slanted eyes, and he looked very sexy. He smiled at Candy while showing his pearly whites, which almost broke her down. He looked good enough to eat and she wanted him bad, but sat there keeping her composure like a lady.

  “What’s happening witcha, lil’ sister?” Monty asked, and then called Trina over to take their order.

  “It ain’t nothing going on, bruh. I’m just chilling out tonight and enjoying myself with Candy.”

  “I feel ya. Y’all order up, because tonight is going to be a very good night. I mean that.” Monty looked over at Candy, who could burn him if he touched her because she was so hot.

  Mona and Rico talk to each other, bot
h feeling an attraction. Monty finally sat down at the table across from Candy, who was acting like she was not that interested in him anymore as she sipped on her vodka and cranberry juice cocktail in a wine glass. He smiled at her and she smiled back, and then Trina featuring Keyshia Cole, I Gotta Thang For You, came on.

  “Do you wanna dance?” Monty asked. He stood up and took her hand. He admired her full body figure. She smiled at him so that her deep dimples were exposed. The way she looked suggested that she was ready for him.

  “Yeah, sure, I would love to.” Candy was very surprised. She got up from her seat while holding onto his hand. They remained in the VIP section instead of going out on the crowded dance floor. Monty held her close to him as Candy grinded on his dick until it hardened. He backed up a little bit so that she couldn’t feel it. He inhaled the seductive smell of her perfume just as she inhaled his. They both held onto each other like they were a couple and Candy enjoyed every moment.

  “What are you doing when you leave here?” Candy whispered directly in his ear.

  “I don’t know, why? Do you have other plans?”

  “Mona and I are going back over to my crib and chill out. I have the house all to myself this weekend and you’re welcome to stop by if you want,” Candy said, hoping he would come over.

  “We’ll see when I leave here. I don’t have any plans, though. So, that sounds good to me.”

  “Good. I’ll be looking forward to some more chill time with you, if that’s alright?” Candy looked into Monty’s eyes and smiled.

  “That’s alright with me. I’m cool with that,” Monty replied as he held Candy around her tiny waist while continuing to slow dance.

  When the song came to an end, Monty and Candy sat down as 2 Pistols featuring T-Pain, She Got It, began playing. Monty looked across the table at Candy, and then shook his head up and down as if to say that she’s got it, too.

  “I’m enjoying myself, but I just wanna go back to the crib right now and spend the rest of my birthday with you and my gurl. Rico can come along, too. It’ll just be us four. What do you think?” Candy waited for a response.

  “Rico, do you wanna go back to Candy’s crib and chill out with us?” Monty leaned over and asked.

  “Hell yeah, man. I’m really digging your sister. Man, I know how you feel about that shit, but I like her. I do.”

  “Shit, it’s all good. Mona grown just as Candy is now. It wouldn’t even be right to cock block ya anymore. I see she smoking weed now, and I couldn’t stop that. So, go ahead as long as y’all set some ground rules and you don’t hurt her,” Monty said.

  “We ready when y’all ready,” Monty said to Rico and Mona. “I’ll be right behind you.” Monty looked over at Candy. “It looks like those two might ride together. Am I right?” Monty asked as he smiled at his sister.

  “That would be right,” Mona responded before she looked over at Candy. “Oh, my bad, Candy, is that cool with you?”

  “Yeah, you know I don’t care about that. You are coming though, right?” Candy knew if Mona didn’t show up then it really was bound for her and Monty to sleep with each other.

  “You know I’m coming. We are gonna stop by the Waffle House first, though. Y’all can come, too, or we can order for you,” Mona said.

  “I’ll tell you what I want and y’all can just order it.” Candy smiled. “I just wanna relax in my own home for a change, in peace and quiet.”

  “I feel ya. Bruh, do you want me to order you anything?” Mona asked as she stood up, ready to leave.

  “Naw, I’m not hungry. I ate steak and shrimp right before I came out, but here’s some money for Candy’s food.” Monty handed Mona a hundred dollar bill.

  “What’s up with all this big money y’all passing out tonight?” Mona asked as she took it from Monty’s hand.

  “Don’t trip, little sister, because it’s plenty more where that came from.”

  “Well, let’s roll,” Candy said as she and Monty stood up together.

  Everybody was dancing around and drinking all over the place. Candy walked out in front of him as they exited through the crowd of people. As Monty got almost to the door, a hand reached out and tugged on his shirt.

  “What’s up, Boo?” Paris asked while dancing up on him.

  “Oh, Paris, what’s up?” Monty responded, but was steady walking toward the door behind Candy. Paris was still dancing up on him from the back.

  “I got something for you tonight? I do believe you’ll be very much satisfied. I can do many wonders for you with how I’m feeling right now.” Paris continued to follow Monty.

  “Naw, that’s alright. I got other plans, but how about tomorrow?” He got closer to the door. “I tell you what, I’ll call you tomorrow. Okay?”

  “Only if I’m able to get away,” Paris disappointedly replied.

  Monty walked outside right behind Candy, watching her ass jiggle in the little orange dress. His dick got hard just from the thought of playing with it. Candy made it to her car, unlocked the doors, and got in. Monty leaned inward as she let her window down to talk to him.

  “Are you sure you want me to come back to your crib?” Monty looked into her eyes.

  “I’m positive. Are you coming right behind me? I don’t want you to stand me up. Ya know, as soon as I leave then you turn another corner.”

  “I wouldn’t do you like that. I’m right behind you. You can wait right here until I get my whip and pull up, and then you can lead the way.”

  “Okay. I believe you and I’ll be waiting at my crib.”

  “I’ll see you in a minute.” Monty tapped on the top of Candy’s car, and then walked over to his own.

  J

  Chapter Seven

  Just as Monty made it to his ride, he received a text message.

  I got $800 if u ditch the lil chick… Paris

  “She is really trippin’ tonight,” Monty said out loud as he sat in his car and responded.

  Later, Okay… Mo Money

  Monty pulled off in his car as he was feeling real excited about chilling with Candy. He wanted to make that quick money, but knew she’d still give it to him later and if she didn’t, he’d get it from someone else. Monty then received another text message.

  What’s she paying u anyway? She don’t even look like she got a job. She’s probably outta her league... Paris

  “This chick is really clowning. She should’ve had to work tonight.” Monty remembered his moms saying Paris was supposed to be training a class at their job. She must have gotten somebody to work for her, he thought. I might have to cut her ass loose because she is too clingy. I’m digging her little petite model figure, but I’d rather be with Candy who has all my attention tonight. I ain’t gonna even text her back. Monty continued to drive to Candy’s house. He looked down at his phone as another text came through.

  So, I guess you’re igging me…? Paris

  Yeah… I gotta cut her ass loose. I don’t like no woman quizzing me but my moms, and I don’t like her questioning me, either. But, I know I have to answer to her or she’ll kill me if I don’t, Monty thought.

  Monty continued to ignore Paris’ text messages as he pulled up to Candy’s crib. He looked around the neighborhood and began to reminisce. They used to live right across the street from Candy. He thought about giving Catherine a big down payment on their new home soon while getting out of his car with a freshly rolled blunt placed behind his ear. He walked up to Candy’s front door and rang the doorbell. He figured she must’ve parked in the garage because he didn’t see her car, but heard music playing on the inside of the home. So, he rang the doorbell again.

  “What’s up, Monty, my man,” said Will as he opened up the front door. He immediately walked out on the porch as he stopped Monty in his tracks before entering the home.

  “What’s up, Will?” Monty asked as they give each other a manly handshake and slight hug. Monty stood there a little shocked because he thought Candy had the house to herself.

  “N
o wonder my daughter is so happy. I didn’t think that it was you putting a smile on her face one hundred miles long. I knew she was up to something, though. I know my daughter.” Will stood there puffing on a Newport and continued to talk. “You know, Monty, I’ve known you since you were a baby. Your father and I went way back. He was a good man, you know.”

  “Yeah, I know,” said Monty. He smiled and wondered what the hell was going on.

  “This is so funny, son.” Will grinned a little. “I’ve always known that my lil’ girl had a crush on you. I could see it in her eyes when you would come over here. I just want to tell you that my daughter means the world to me and I know you’re a good kid. Do what you do, but try not to hurt her. I know shit happens, man. Believe me, I’m on my way to Linda’s house now. You remember my sister, right?” Will looked at Monty, who responded by nodding his head to indicate a yes. “I need to go make amends with Nan so that hopefully we can settle some things,” Will continued. “Don’t tell my daughter ‘bout this because I’m hoping that when we return from Atlanta we’ll be a happy family again.”

  “Well, I hope that everything works out for you.”

  “Yeah, me too, son, and take care of my daughter. I know she just turned eighteen, but don’t take advantage of her. She is a good girl, nothing like her father. We’ll be back on Sunday evening some time. Candy already knows. I’ll see you around more often now, I guess.” Will grinned and walked toward his car. “Ay, my man, no smoking in the house. Nan will kill y’all if she smelt that shit in there,” he said.

  “Oh, no, sir. I know better than that. Don’t worry, I’m not gonna even be here long.” Monty said as he felt caught off guard by the whole encounter.

  “I’m not worried about that, son. My daughter knows what she can and can’t do. Y’all be good now,” said Will. He got in his car and backed out.

  Candy came to the door as if it was perfect timing, but she’d been standing there eavesdropping the whole time. “Come on in and make yourself at home.” Mario’s Crying Out For Me played in the background.