CheckMate (Play At Your Own Risk)

by Mickens, Tiece

  “Does it look like I care about that, Candy? I don’t know if you believe me or not, but I really want to be with you. I don’t ever want you to leave me. I’m trying my best to show you how much I wanna be with you. So what if they see you. They’re going to be jealous as hell once they see who I got on my side. You are my baby’s mama, and they need to know it. I have no future plans of being with no one but you.” Monty attempted to pour some of his heart out.

  “You can be so sweet to me when you wanna, and I love you.” Candy smiled while putting Monty’s hand on her stomach.

  Monty and Candy pulled up to the Touch of Class and saw that the line was all the way around the building. Everybody was talking and laughing, seeming like they couldn’t wait to get inside for the big birthday bash to bring in the New Year.

  Monty got out of his Tahoe, walked around to Candy’s side, and grabbed her hand after he opened her door. Candy felt like she was in heaven as Monty entered the club hand in hand with her. She knew women were jealous of her being with Monty because she saw them whispering amongst each other as they moved through the crowd. She thought every woman wanted to be in her shoes as he was indeed the best looking man in the place.

  When the loud mouth DJ made it known that Monty was in the house, the crowd went wild like he was some big time celebrity. His kin people started walking up to him, giving him hugs and kisses on his cheek, then guys walked up and gave him dap. Candy started feeling like she was Monty’s wife as all the groupies whispered and stared at her. Some even rolled their eyes, but Candy didn’t care because she was the one on Monty’s arm.

  “Baby, you alright?” Monty asked, and then leaned down and kissed her in front of everybody. She began to smile from ear to ear. She was very happy at that point of the night.

  “Yes, I’m alright,” Candy replied over the blaring music. “I see Mona and Cat over by the bar. I’m going to go over and chill with them. You just mingle with your friends. I won’t be too far.” Candy kissed Monty on his lips and turned to walk off.

  “Alright, don’t let me catch you drinking nothing,” Monty yelled.

  “Do I look that crazy?” Candy responded, continuing to head over by the bar.

  Trina, the waitress, walked over, handed Monty a bottle of Moet, and he turned it up. He felt good, looked good, and he knew it, so he began to really enjoy himself since he popped an X pill before he picked Candy up and he had already drank two shots of Patron. Melinda spotted Monty and walked over to him. She gave him a hug and whispered in his ear. He smiled as Melinda began to dance up on him.

  “I see you brought a date in here with you. Is that your lady?” she asked while continuing to slow grind.

  “Yeah, you can say that. So, how about show a little respect and back up a bit,” Monty said. He was still aware of what was going on so he looked around to make sure Candy didn’t see Melinda all up on him.

  “I didn’t mean anything by dancing up on you. I just figured she had gone somewhere and sat down.” Melinda backed up. “I’ll let you handle your business, and I’m pretty sure I’ll see you around soon enough.” She walked off and immediately got in some other dude’s face, and then began to pop it on him.

  Monty and Rico stood up in the VIP section and looked around at all the people in the club. “Damn, man. This is some party,” Rico said, smiling. “I figured it would be crowded, but this joint is fully packed. You sure your name ain’t Jay Z, man? I would have said Puff Daddy, but you ain’t wearing his gear tonight for a change.” Rico and Monty laughed.

  “Naw, man, I’m sure. It is mad thick in here, though. I’m really enjoying myself,” Monty stated just as Paris approached.

  “Well, hey, fellas. What’s happening?” Paris asked, while kissing Rico in the mouth with a long, wet kiss. “Happy birthday, Monty,” Paris said while hugging Rico around the waist, attempting to try and make Monty just a little jealous.”

  “Yeah. It ain’t so happy now.” Monty walked off, leaving Paris and Rico standing there looking crazy. Monty walked around mingling as he was searching for Candy. Then, Symone walked up to him. She was looking real fly in the same orange dress Candy wore on her birthday, and even though she was hot in it, it wasn’t as hot on her as it was on Candy.

  “Hey, birthday boy! What’s up?” Symone asked, and then flashed her pearly whites before hugging Monty.

  Damn, she smell good, Monty thought as he hugged her back. “Thank you,” Monty said as he smiled. “What’s up? I thought you moved away from here. I hadn’t heard from you in a while.”

  “Yeah, I have moved away. But, I just came back because I’m here helping my friend get settled in since she just moved to town. It’s my good friend from college. The one I told you about some time ago.”

  “Oh, she done moved here already?” Monty asked while slyly combing the crowd for Candy.

  “Yeah. She just got here today, and so did I.”

  “Oh, is she here? I wanna see her. You know, I just wanna see how she looks.” Monty was still curious to know what the chick was working with.

  “Well, she didn’t come because she had so much stuff to unpack, but I promise you’ll be more than satisfied.” Symone began to smile.

  “If you say so, then I guess I believe you. What’s her name?”

  “You can call her Sunshine. That’s her text messaging signature.” Symone grinned a little bit.

  “Oh, so she got it like that, huh? Make a nigga wanna leave his family and shit?” Monty said as he grinned back. Now, he was even more curious to know who the chick was.

  “She only knows you by Mo Money because I told her the same thing I’m telling you. Now, if y’all wanna exchange names after y’all meet up, then that’s on y’all. I did my part. I want to see you tonight so bad, and when I heard about your birthday party, I thought we could make that happen. But, I see you brought a date with you. So, I know that ain’t happening. Too bad, because I really did have a special birthday treat for you.”

  “Yeah, I bet you did,” Monty replied as he was checking Symone’s fine ass out. “Well, you’re right about tonight. But, if you’re in town long enough, then hit me up later. I’ll check you out then, okay?” Monty began to walk off. “Oh, and have a good time. Everything is free for a change,” Monty sarcastically said before he grinned and walked away.

  Monty looked over on the far end of the bar and spotted Candy, who was sitting there with Mona, but already eyeing him like a hawk. I wonder if she’s been watching me the whole time, Monty thought as he began to make his way over to her. Monty walked up just as Karen came out of nowhere and seductively whispered in his ear. She didn’t even notice Candy because she was too busy trying to get a word in while Bruce wasn’t around.

  “I need to see you ASAP. Happy birthday, baby.” Karen walked off quickly and Candy began to mean mug Monty.

  “Well, I’ll be damned,” Candy said to Monty since he acted as if nothing happened. “You mean to tell me she’s just gonna try me like that?” She became upset. “She just acted like I wasn’t even sitting here. I do know that all your skanks saw who you came in here with. Those tramps betta be glad I’m pregnant, or I would really turn your birthday party out.”

  “Baby, please, don’t act like that. She was just telling me happy birthday, that’s all.” Monty tried to lighten the situation.

  “You’ve been getting a lot of that tonight, haven’t you?” Candy asked. She was being sarcastic, but brushed it off as she remembered Monty was in the club with her, not them.

  “Come sit in VIP with me. It’s eleven thirty and the New Year will be in shortly. I would like for you to be out on the floor with me as the ball drops so that I’m holding you close in my arms. Nothing would make me happier than to be holding you as the New Year come in. I just wanna enjoy this moment with you. I’m feeling so good right about now and it would be nice if you felt the same way.” Monty held Candy around the waist.

  “I do, and you know I love you. Nothing would make me happier than
to be in your arms when your birthday comes in and to be able to kiss those soft lips of yours as the ball drops.” Candy was happy again.

  Usher featuring Beyonce, Love In This Club Part 2 played at the stroke of midnight, and Monty and Candy were in the middle of the dance floor sharing a romantic kiss. Candy held him around his neck while he was palming her ass. They rocked from side to side in a very slow like groove. Everybody screamed and hollered as the drifts of sprinkled confetti fell from the ceiling. Then, every one began to sing Happy Birthday over the music. Monty, who was in heaven, held his baby mama close to him. He felt the love from her and from the crowd as well.

  Melanie sat back as she looked on the dance floor at Monty while he enjoyed himself with Candy. She hadn’t had the chance to even get close to him because he had been too busy with every other chick and nigga who was up in there. Melanie wished that she could get with Monty tonight, but he was clearly tied up.

  Paris pulled Rico out on the floor right next to Candy and Monty as she was still trying to make Monty jealous, but he payed her no attention and continued to hug on his Queen. Mona pulled Ross out on the floor right next to Rico and Paris as she was trying to make Rico jealous, who really wanted to dance with her. Rico stood there watching Mona and Ross. He became very jealous and found himself walking off and dragging Paris by her hand along with him.

  Symone left the club early because she knew that she and Monty weren’t going to hook up for the night, while Melinda sat back and waited for a golden opportunity to get Monty off to himself so that she could try to persuade him to leave with her.

  And, poor Karen sat next to Bruce wishing that she could be with Monty instead of his big ass, but smiled and played it off as she thought. I’ma have to hit your fat us up again soon, because I get tired of your big, slow breathing ass on top of me thinking you doing something. If you looked and fucked like Monty, it’d be all good between us. You fat bastard! She looked over at Big Bruce and slyly rolled her eyes as she turned up her drink.

  The party ended around three and everybody left to head toward IHOP. Monty and Candy walked out of the club hand in hand like they were the love birds of the century while Candy enjoyed every moment. She felt like a queen, and Monty was her king. He stopped several times to tell people good night and thank you, but she didn’t mind standing there with her man. She was hoping his pawns were around somewhere hating that they couldn’t be the ones on his arm. She and Monty finally made it to the Tahoe, and he was such a gentleman to open her door for her. Candy smiled as she climbed inside.

  “Happy birthday, baby,” Candy said. Monty walked around the front, and then opened up the driver door. Once in, he cranked up the whip and they exited the Touch of Class parking lot.

  As Monty drove, he looked over at Candy. “I’m very glad I spent this night with you. You are looking so good. It felt good to know that you were in the party with me.” Monty smiled and held Candy’s hand.

  “I gotta tell you that tonight, you really showed me how much you care for me. It has made me the happiest person in the world. I could tell that your pawns are really just that and I’m your one and only queen. If I didn’t know it before, then I know it now. I love you.” Candy seemed sincere.

  “I love you, too,” Monty replied. He surprised Candy because he had never said those words to her. She gleamed inside because she was so happy. “Baby, do you really wanna go get something to eat? I can find ways to fulfill my hunger needs. Plus, I munched on some of that good ole food at the club.” Monty really wanted to call it a night.

  “I didn’t eat anything at the club because I just didn’t have a taste for anything there. I would like some pancakes. So, please, let’s stop by IHOP for a second. I can order me some to take home and eat later.”

  “That’s cool.” Monty pulled up to IHOP, and looked over at Candy. “Do you want me to go in for you and make the order?” he asked.

  “Naw, I’ll go in. I gotta use the restroom right quick.” Candy kissed Monty on the lips, got out of the vehicle, and walked inside of the restaurant.

  Monty didn’t know Melinda was parked right behind him until she got out of her car, walked up to his window, and tapped on it. He let it down as he looked up at Melinda and began to smile. She opened her coat quickly, giving him a glimpse of her naked body. He continued to smile as if he had forgotten Candy was in IHOP placing an order.

  “What are you doing out here like this?”

  “I thought I’d end the night with the birthday boy in my birthday suit,” Melinda said just as Candy walked out of the restroom and looked out of IHOP’s window. She caught Monty having a conversation with a hot chick, so she stood there and watched, hoping she didn’t see anything else that she was not going to like.

  “As bad as I would like to see what all you got to offer me tonight, I can’t. I’m with someone already that I’d rather chill with.” Monty continued to smile because he was thinking about the risks those women took just to be with him.

  “Well, too bad. I got two grand for you right now in my coat pocket if you want it. As a matter of fact, you can have everything that’s inside of this coat.” Melinda smiled while rubbing Monty on his face.

  “I can’t. Not tonight, alright. I hope you understand,” he explained.

  “Oh, well, I do. Have a safe night. I’ll catch you the next time.” Melinda kissed Monty on the cheek.

  Candy became furious when she saw that, but instead of walking outside and arguing with Monty about the incident, she walked over to the front counter and picked up a menu. Her mind began to wonder. I can’t believe he just let some skank kiss him on his face like that. I bet that she is one of his pawns. I can’t believe this shit, she thought as she began to order her pancakes.

  “Hey, lil’ mama. You looking good as hell in that white dress,” said some guy who walked in IHOP.

  “Well, thank you,” Candy replied. She began to think she should just stand there and talk to the guy while hoping Monty would see them and realize how bad that shit could feel. She started to laugh and flirt with the guy while Monty sat in the vehicle and waited for her.

  Monty, not paying any attention to what was going on inside IHOP, decided to go inside and sit with his baby while they waited for her pancakes to get ready. As he walked in, he looked up and spotted Candy with a guy all up in her face. She seemed like she was having a real good time talking to him. Monty became furious. And, just as he approached her, the guy rubbed Candy’s stomach. She looked up and saw the anger in Monty’s face.

  “Please, don’t touch my stomach like that,” Candy said quickly as she grew scared of what Monty may do.

  Monty walked over and looked the guy right in his face. “Why the fuck you putting your grimy ass hands on my girl, nigga?” He was ready for war.

  “Oh, man, I didn’t know this was your girl. Not how she been up here giggling and laughing in my face. Even though she just informed me that she was expecting, didn’t necessarily mean she had a man. So, I didn’t see nothing wrong with trying to holla at her sexy ass,” the guy said sarcastically.

  Monty drew back quickly and hit him right in his face. He began to beat his ass. The guy fell on the floor, and Monty kicked him in the head until two other guys came over and tried to break it up. Candy was standing there shocked, screaming at Monty to stop fighting. But, Monty had lost control and continued to punch the man in his face. A lady picked up the phone and dialed the police. The men were finally able to intervene. Candy grabbed Monty’s hand, and then jerked him to leave before the law arrived.

  Monty and Candy got inside of his vehicle and he was really upset with her. Monty didn’t say a word. He felt like if he did, then it was not going to be pretty and he never wanted to hurt Candy in a physical way. He drove very quickly over to her house. Once he arrived, he looked over at her.

  “Get out!” Monty was very upset.

  “Monty, please, let me explain.” Candy was feeling very bad about hurting him.

  “I don’t
wanna hear shit you gotta say, sitting your ass in there letting another nigga rub on my muthafuckin’ baby. What the fuck is wrong with you!” He got out of the car, walked around to the passenger door, and opened it up.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I’m trying to explain something to you.” Candy began to cry.

  “What? What could you possibly tell me that’ll make me understand another nigga rubbing on your stomach while I’m sitting outside waiting for you?” Monty asked as he stood there very upset.

  “I looked out the window and I saw this woman kiss you and you didn’t stop her from doing it. You just sat there smiling like you liked that shit,” Candy commented.

  “Oh! And, I guess you wanted to get some get back, huh? Well, the bitch who kissed me wanted me to be with her tonight, too, and I turned that bitch down. Right along with her two grand she had to give me. But, I should’ve left your sneaky ass in IHOP and went to fuck that bitch just for the hell of it. You done really…”

  Candy slapped the shit out of him before he could get the rest of his words out. “Fuck you, Monty! Go fuck that bitch now because I don’t want your grimy ass to be around me, anyway. I’ma be alright. Me and my baby!” Candy jumped out of the Tahoe, and quickly walked up on her porch and unlocked her door. “Fuck you!” Candy yelled before she slammed the door shut behind her.

  Monty walked back around to the driver side of his whip and got in it. I don’t give a fuck about her being mad about that bullshit. If I hadn’t told Melinda I couldn’t be with her tonight, then I’d go be with her, Monty thought as his phone beeped with an incoming text message. He looked down at the message and smiled.

  I just thought I’d c if I could finally meet you Mr. Mo Money… Sunshine

  Just your luck. I’m free. What’s up? Mo Money

  Can u come over 2 the Washington Estates at 1289 Washington Dr. in 20? Sunshine

  I’m on the way… Mo Money

  Monty pulled up to the address and admired Miss Sunshine’s crib. He sat there with anticipation to meet her. What a coincidence, Monty thought as he fired his blunt up before he got out. Who would’ve thought Candy and I would’ve ended the night like this?