Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin

by Tiece

  “Just start where you need to. I’m sure I’ll catch on quickly.” She stated knowing that Monty just needed a push to spit it out and spitting it out was what he did.

  “I slept with Monica Hunter back when Candy was pregnant. We had about a four month affair. Monica and I ended things, because I decided that I wanted to be with Candy. The break up wasn’t as smooth as I was hoping it would be, because Monica turned out to be a lil psycho and pregnant.” Catherine shook her head, because the things she’d heard about Monica were nothing like the Monica she knew back in the days. “Long story short; I had to confess to Candy, because Monica is back in town and I didn’t want her to find out about us through that crazy girl. Candy didn’t take me telling her the truth about things as well as I was hoping. So, she put me out.” Catherine just stood there listening. “Ma, don’t look at me like that, because that baby ain’t mine. Candy is not so convinced though, since we were messing around, but I am and I know the baby ain’t mine.” Monty shook his head. “Things were going so good between us, Ma. Then, this had to happen.”

  Catherine sat on one of the bar stools. She knew that Monty needed to hear this. “Son, you already know how I feel about Candy. I’m not gonna sugar coat this for you. I’ve always looked at Candy as if she was my daughter, because she and Mona were always so close. When the two of you hooked up it wasn’t that shocking to me, because I noticed the change in Candy every time you’d come around. She was becoming of age and you were the guy she had her eye on. I don’t need to remind you that I feel responsible for her even more now that Nancy nor Will is around to make sure she’ll be okay.” Monty could tell that he was about to get it. “Don’t look at me like that.” She stated as she grabbed a glass and poured some Moscato. She sat back on the bar stool and took a sip.

  “Listen, Son. I want Candy to be happy and I want you to be happy. It would be nice to see the two of you work it out, because of MJ, but life doesn’t always work out that way. Candy is young and so are you. You both have your lives to live. The thing I like about Candy is that she puts her foot down in ways of trying to make you realize what you’d be missing if she was gone. The only thing about that is it may not always work, especially if your heart ain’t in it. Is your heart really in it?” She asked. Monty raised his eyebrow.

  “Uh…” He paused. “Yeah Ma, my heart is really in it. I love Candy.” He stated as if he was reassuring himself. Catherine nodded her head in agreement.

  “I can tell that you love Candy and I have no doubt that you wanna be with her, but did you ever think of moving in with her before she had the baby?” She asked out of curiosity.

  “No, I didn’t, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t wanna be with her.” He commented.

  “Son, the only point that I’m making here is that just because you have a baby with someone doesn’t mean that you have to live with ‘em or even be with ‘em. Don’t get me wrong when I say that, but MJ is going to always know that you love him whether you live with him or not. Candy understands more than you know and if you sit down and explain things to her then I’m sure that things will work out.” Monty was caught off guard by what his mom was saying, but he agreed with her. He knew that he wasn’t the least bit faithful and Candy deserved more. He’d rather not hurt her anymore than he already had. He started to feel like her putting him out was for the best.

  “Ma, I understand where you’re coming from. I will have a talk with Candy later tonight and see where we’ll go from here.” He stated and to make him feel better Catherine kissed him on the cheek.

  “Trust me; no one can take away what God already has in store for you or her. Take this space that she is giving you as a time to focus on your business. You can still spend plenty of time with MJ. I’m sure that she’s not that type of mother who will keep him away from you or us for that matter. She can also use this space to focus on school while getting her priorities together as well. Don’t feel bad about this, Son. Just know that things will work out for the best.” Monty got up off the bar stool and gave Catherine a hug and a long kiss on the jaw.

  “Thanks Ma, I really needed to hear that.” He smiled.

  “Now, I must tell you that I had this same talk with Candy last night over the phone.” She quickly confirmed.

  He frowned. “You did what?” He asked, confused. “You were only supposed to be giving me that advice.”

  “Son, I’m looking out for Candy just as I am for you. So, don’t be jealous about that. She is my grandbaby’s mother and I want nothing more than for her to be happy and successful in whatever she chooses to do. The same goes for Mona and Rico. I will always be a listening ear and provide advice whenever you all need it.” She looked over at him and grinned as the doorbell rang. “Well, I guess our company is arriving.” She stated as she gently rubbed his shoulder and walked out of the kitchen. Monty knew that it was Candy coming in, because he heard Catherine speaking her baby talk and kissing on MJ.

  Monty walked out of the kitchen and there was Candy standing there in a hot pink body dress that hung off her shoulders with the matching, hot pink pumps. She’d cut her hair in a flowing bob that fell right below her chin. She looked amazing. He stood in a trance at first, not wanting to move while he stared at her. Her face was flawless. She had on hot pink and silver make-up neatly covering the top of her eyelids and her lips were so shiny that he wanted to run over and kiss her. He’d never saw her in make-up before. So this was something new to him. Could he be missing out on a good thing if he didn’t straighten his act up? He was surely thinking so. He walked over smoothly acknowledging her new look.

  “Candy, you look good.” He stated with a smile.

  “Thanks, Monty,” she said knowing that she did all of this just so he could see what he was missing. The confusing thing was that he called her Candy and not baby or sweetie. Could her moves cause her to lose him if she kept this act up? She was surely thinking so.

  Monty reached in for a hug from her and she gladly hugged him back. He inhaled the sweet smell of her perfume. Catching himself quickly he backed off of her and started kissing on MJ.

  “You’re the first one here.” He said. While holding MJ, Catherine walked into the kitchen to give them some time to talk.

  “I see.” She said looking around. “I thought I’d try to come a little earlier so we could talk. Dee is going to come with Maurice so I didn’t have to wait on her.” Monty’s heart dropped just to hear Dee’s name, but he knew that if she didn’t tell on him by now that she wasn’t going to.

  He smiled, thinking to himself. Dee is alright with me.

  “Wanna go into my room and talk before someone knocks on the door and interrupts us.” Candy grinned, knowing she wanted to.

  “Nah,” she shook her head. “I think its best we talk right here. You know you can’t keep your hands to yourself.” She said as Monty laughed.

  “Oh, is that right?” He asked, knowing that she was absolutely correct. He also knew that if he got his hands up that little, hot pink dress that she was going to give in. She smiled, because she knew it, too.

  “You know I’m right. So, don’t do me, Monty.” She grinned.

  “Damn, you won’t let me, baby.” He replied. She felt good that she was back to baby and not Candy. Monty sat down and patted the sofa next to him.

  “Come sit down by me.” He stated, trying to figure out where to begin. Out with it, he thought. “So, what are we going to do now?” Candy touched him on the thigh as she smiled.

  “You know this is hard for me, because I honestly love you with my whole being. It breaks my heart to go to sleep and you’re not there. It’s even harder to wake up to find that you’re not next to me. I know it’s only been a couple of days, but I hate not being able to cook meals for you and to rub your back when you come in from a long day. I can’t lie, I miss you. You’re sitting right in front of me and yet, I still miss you.” Her voice cracked a little as she cleared her throat. She was going to be strong and not let that pes
ky tear fall, even though she could feel it escaping from her eye. Monty’s heart skipped a beat, because at that moment he knew that Candy was the woman for him, but he also knew that he wasn’t ready to give her what she needed.

  “Damn,” he paused. He was getting choked up himself. This was harder than he thought it would be. He definitely didn’t want to show his emotional side. So, he grabbed her by the hand.

  “Candy, I love you more than any woman I’ve ever been with. My son definitely plays a major role in those feelings, but he’s merely the topping on the cake. I’ve never had these feelings for no one other than. You are very special to me and always will be. There truly is no other woman that can replace you or the love I have for you. I love you and I don’t know how else to show you, but if being apart is only going to bring us closer then I’m down for whatever. I understand where you’re coming from and I know how you feel. I was wrong for sleeping with Monica.” Candy frowned a little, but straightened her face up quickly. “I shouldn’t have gone there, and I’m sorry that I did.”

  “No worries or concerns about that now. I’m moving past that and I suggest that you do the same. We can’t change the past and I’m not trying to. I don’t have any regrets, because every experience makes me who I am. If it’s meant for us to be together then I’m sure we will be. Nothing would make me happier, but I’m letting you go and praying that one day you’ll come back.” She kissed him softly on his lips before he could respond. She then whispered. “I love you,” just as the doorbell rang. Monty cleared his throat, whispering back.

  “I love you, too.” At that moment he knew that things were over between them and he hated to let her go. He was praying on the inside that the bond they shared through love and with MJ would somehow draw them back together one day. “Can you get that for me?” He asked. He turned his back to her, heading straight to his bedroom with his head hung low. Candy stood up. She wanted to reach out for him, but figured it was best to leave things as it was. She opened up the front door and Mona walked in with Rico following her. Candy hugged Mona around the neck.

  “Are you okay?” Candy asked Mona.

  “Yeah, I’m good.” Mona stated grabbing Rico by the hand. “How are you?”

  “I’m better,” Candy stated with a mere smile, and then speaking to Rico as he spoke back. “Your mom is in the kitchen setting the table and Monty is in his room, I believe.”

  “Well, we are going to head in the kitchen.” Mona said. “We will catch up later. Is my baby in there?” She asked referring to MJ.

  “Yeah, your mom has him. He’s probably sitting in his baby chair. He loves that lil rocking thing.” Candy laughed.

  “Let me go get him.” Mona said. She and Rico walked into the kitchen and just as Candy was headed upstairs to check on Monty, the doorbell rang again. Damn, she thought while turning to go back to the door.

  Maurice and Dee walked in together and just as she greeted them and was closing the door a handsome man stepped up and walked in.

  “Is this your friend?” Candy asked Catherine since she came hurrying out of the kitchen. The smile on her face said enough.

  “Yep,” she responded. She hugged the nice looking man and kissed him on the lips just as Monty returned from upstairs.

  “Hey, everyone, I’d like to introduce you all to my companion, Joseph. He’d prefer to be called Joe.” She stated smiling. Monty’s mouth dropped open. He’d never saw his mom with no other man, but his daddy. Instead of acting an ass, he immediately went over, shook Joe’s hand, and introduced himself and everyone else. Catherine was speechless, but proud of Monty for showing his maturity.

  Monty smiled trying to cover up the thoughts in his mind. This night has already turned out to be one of the most interesting nights of my life. He looked from Joe to Catherine and he knew that Joe was the reason why his mom had been glowing lately. He looked from Catherine to Dee and wondered what she had in store for him being that she didn’t tell Candy about MiKayla. He shook his head. Damn, I hate that shit happened, he thought. He then looked from Dee to Candy who was looking as gorgeous as ever, but he didn’t know where things would go from here after the talk that they had and even though he felt bad, he still smiled to cover the pain of losing her. After tonight, I got a feeling that nothing is ever going to be the same, He thought.

  Chapter Twenty

  Two months had passed and the one thing that Monty was thinking had totally proven to be true. Nothing was the same. He had become a legitimate businessman and his Realty Company would be opening its doors in a week’s time. He also had to get used to the fact that Catherine was now in a relationship with another man. Even though he approved of Joe, getting used to seeing his mom kiss a man other than his dad was going to take more time than he imagined.

  Seeing his little sister blossom was amazing to him. He could tell that she was going to be a good mother. He could also see a strain put on her and Rico’s relationship, because the time had come for Monica to have the baby. Monica hadn’t made this easy for Mona either. She was always calling Rico and asking for some kind of help. Although, it was clear to him that Mona was holding it together, he could foresee that it was just a matter of time before she’d snap if Monica kept pushing her.

  Rico was doing well under the circumstances. He had two babies on the way by two women who hated each other. He continued with his classes and stayed head strong in making sure that he was going to take care of his family by making lucrative choices in his new found career. Even though, Rico had that part of his life figured out what he didn’t realize was that Monica was slowly, but surely coming between him and Mona. Monty was just hoping that Rico would wake up and see it before it was too late.

  It was funny how things had been working out between him and Candy. He hadn’t slept with her since the break-up and the only time that they’d see each other was in passing as they were either bringing or dropping off MJ. He was glad to have his son stay with him every other night and was even more grateful that Candy was very good with holding up her end of the agreement. What was surprising was how she held her ground. She didn’t want him to even stay the night with her. The closest he got to that pussy was finger fucking her late one night when he had dropped MJ off. He almost had her, but MJ woke up crying and intervened on their love session. She suggested that his crying was meant to stop them and then politely asked him to leave. No pressure on him, because he left there to go fuck Toni. Toni was definitely staying in the picture, because her pussy was good, but for some reason she didn’t satisfy him. He only slept with her to make sure that he wasn’t totally falling for MiKayla, who was the only other person he’d been laying down with. He knew he had a thang for MiKayla and couldn’t shake whatever it was. He also knew that his eye was still on the prize and he was gonna get Candy back if that was the last thing that he did.

  Monty was a little skeptical about Dee and Maurice’s relationship, because they had gotten so close. Dee would just show up to the office whenever she wanted to and it seemed like every time she was there, so was MiKayla. Dee never acted as if anything was different, even though she knew about him and MiKayla having sex. She just made it known by introducing herself to MiKayla as Dee, the first cousin to MJ’s mother. So, MiKayla knew what time it was, but she felt that if Monty wasn’t asking her to leave then she was staying. He didn’t want to stop MiKayla from coming there, because he knew that they dealt just as much business as they did anything else. He knew that MiKayla was falling for him and even more so since she’d found out that he and Candy had gone their separate ways. But, he always kept it real with her, letting her know that if Candy took him back that he would be with her, because she had his heart and would always be in his life no matter what. Even though MiKayla accepted that fact, he still wondered how she would really act towards him if Candy did take him back.

  Monty was working in his office, saving some important documents on his hard drive. He was looking from the computer screen to MiKayla who was sitting
on his desk. Her nicely shaped legs were turned to him and the skirt she had on was very short. Monty leaned down and kissed her gently on the knee. He wanted to do more, but his office door was open. He and MiKayla had been spending a lot of time together. He found that the less time he spent with Candy gave him more time to spend with her and the more time he spent with MiKayla gave him less time to spend with Toni. He was beginning to enjoy the space Candy had given him more than he should have. It felt good for him not to have to answer to nobody. As Monty and MiKayla laughed and talked to one another, Dee knocked on the door. Monty looked up.

  “What’s up Dee?” He asked not feeling threatened at all at this point, because he knew that Dee wouldn’t say anything about his affair. She’d kept quiet thus far.

  “Nothing much, Monty,” she paused, looking over at MiKayla who barely turned to acknowledge her. “Hi MiKayla, how are you?” She asked as if she cared.

  “I’m doing great, Dee and yourself?” MiKayla asked, glimpsing back to take a quick look then turning back to Monty, raising her eyebrows.

  “I’ve never been better. I just thought I’d speak since I was right next door and could hear y’all talking in here. We are about to go grab a bite to eat. Monty, Maurice wanted me to ask you if you needed anything before he left.” Dee stated.

  “No, I don’t need anything,” Monty said, looking up at MiKayla. “You didn’t need anything else from Maurice about the ad before he leaves, do you?” She asked MiKayla.

  “No, I got everything I needed. I’m good.” She responded, looking back at Dee with a smile on her face.

  “Okay, whatever that means,” Dee stated as she walked off. She knew all too well that MiKayla was trying to be funny, but she had something up her sleeve for her. She smiled and pulled out her cell phone. Monty looked up at MiKayla.