Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin

by Tiece

  “It seemed like you were down.” She replied. “You’ve been a lil distant lately, babe. Are you sure everything is okay?” She asked again.

  “Yes, baby I’m good.” He tried reassuring her. “I’m so happy that we are working things out. I do want to say something though, because I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves.” He stated as Candy swallowed hard.

  “I’m listening,” she responded.

  “I know I’ve stayed here for the last past couple of nights and don’t get me wrong, I loved sleeping with you. Lord knows I love sleeping with you,” he repeated with a smile. “But, I have no plans of moving back in here with you.”

  Candy looked confused. “What do you mean?” She asked him.

  “I mean that I’m not gonna move back in here with you. I hated like hell when you put me out and there was nothing that I could say about it. The truth is that this is your place.”

  “Yeah, but…” She said.

  “There is no buts, baby. I’ve told you my concern of wanting us to move in our own place. I only started living here with you because this is what you wanted. I wanted to prove to you that I could settle down and be here for you and our son, but when I look around this house all it reminds me of is this being your family’s home. I didn’t have anything here, but my clothes and you really gave me an eye opener when you handed them to me and told me to leave. Hell, I couldn’t even act like I wanted to take the TV.” He stated trying to lighten the situation a little.

  “Baby, you know why I don’t want to leave here. This house holds so many memories for me.” She calmly explained. “It’s just so hard for me to even think about leaving.” She looked him directly in his eyes. “I want to be able to move out of here some day, but I don’t want to think about when. I’m sure when my mom returns then I can think clearer on the subject.”

  “I know it hurts you, baby and I’m not forcing you to move. I just want you to know that I am not moving back in here with you. I’ve been staying here these past couple of days, but I’m going to back to my mom’s house tonight. I’ve even starting to look for a house and you’re welcome to move in whenever you’re ready to leave here.” Candy started to cry as she was feeling hurt. “Don’t do that, babe.” He stated wiping her tears. “I didn’t say this to end our relationship or to hurt your feelings. I love you and still want us to be together. What you need to realize is that your mom is coming home sooner than you think. So, this house is not going anywhere. You can still visit home whenever you want to, and still have another home that is ours.” Candy sniffed. She knew that what Monty was saying was true, but it was just harder for her to accept moving on than he realized. She shook her head as if to end the conversation.

  “I don’t feel like talking about this anymore.” She stated, getting up and walking down the hallway into her room. Monty knew how she felt and didn’t try to push the issue anymore. He mainly wanted her to know what his plans were and was giving her the opportunity to join him. He wasn’t going to pressure her. He would let her take her time and let him know when she was ready to make the move. Although, she wasn’t ready, it wasn’t going to stop him from continuing to search the housing market for the perfect home.

  He walked down the hallway and into Candy’s room. She was sitting on the bed.

  “Do you know what time Dee is coming back?” He asked her, trying to lighten the situation. “I wanted to see my lil man before I left.” Candy reached over on the nightstand and picked up Naughty, a book written by Brenda Hampton. Wanting to somewhat ignore Monty, she pretended to act as if she was about to start reading it. She gradually looked up at him as he patiently stood there waiting for a response.

  “She said that she was coming back when the movie that she and Maurice are watching is over. She said that MJ was sleep earlier when I talked to her.” She thought about not messing this up, because she didn’t want to chance causing conflict between her and Monty because of her attitude. “You can stay until he gets here.” She stated.

  “Well, I can, but I have to get up early in the morning and I don’t wanna push it. So, I guess I’ma leave and I’ll see y’all tomorrow.” He said. Candy laid the book on the bed. She felt bad about not being able to be happy about them moving in together. It was painful for her to leave and she felt that Monty couldn’t possibly understand how she really felt inside. She hated that he was not going to stay, but she didn’t want him to leave with tension between the two of them. So, she walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He smiled, because that hug meant the world to him. It eased his thoughts and made him feel better.

  “Are we good?” She asked, staring in his eyes.

  “Yeah, we’re good. Better than good,” he replied. “Are you okay?” He asked as she nodded her head. They both smiled at each other and she kissed him softly on his lips.

  “I heard every word you said, but I just need a little more time here. I hope you understand.”

  “I understand, baby.” He stated. “I’m not going to pressure you.” He kissed her lips again.

  “Okay, I’m glad you understand.” She smiled. “I would like to go with you when you go house hunting. Is that okay?”

  “I would love for you to come.” He said looking into her pretty eyes, kissing her. She felt better when she walked him to the door.

  “I’ll call you in a lil bit.” He said as she nodded her head and closed the door behind him. She walked over by the bar and sat on the love seat. She looked up at the photo on the wall of her beloved parent’s. Will’s face seemed to be staring at her. She smiled at the thought of him looking like Wesley Snipes. She missed him so much. Nancy’s beautiful smile always gave her the courage to keep moving forward as each day went by and she hated to even think about leaving the home that brought her comfort and a peace of mind. She also knew that if she was planning on being with the man she loved that she would have to make a decision about her future sooner or later.

  __________

  Rico walked down the hallway to Monica’s room. He wasn’t in a hurry, but he was very anxious to find out if this little baby, who he was trying not to get attached to, was really his. His sped up as he reached the room door. He slowly opened it up. He first peeked in and saw Monica sitting on the edge of the bed holding the baby. She was already fully dressed since she was ready to go. She looked back at him and smiled.

  “Come on in.” She stated. “We’ve been waiting on you.” Rico walked in getting closer to her as she pointed over at the unopened envelope that was sitting next to her on the bed. “Go ahead and open it, because I’m tired of you tip toeing around us like you don’t even want to look at him.” She stated looking down in the baby’s face. “Plus, I’m ready to get this over with.” Rico still didn’t say a word as he opened up the envelope. His heart pounded so hard that he could feel it through his shirt. He looked at Monica, not once letting on how nervous he was as he calmly slid the papers out of the envelope. The words on the paper was unexpected, to say the least. He didn’t know if he should feel relieved or troubled at how this situation had turned out. He looked over at her and smiled a little.

  “Well, don’t just stand there. Read it out loud.” Monica stated as if she already knew what the papers read. Deep down inside it really didn’t matter, because if the baby wasn’t Rico’s then he was surely one hundred percent Monty’s. In her mind, she felt like she couldn’t lose either way it turned out, but in her heart she already knew who the baby’s daddy was. Rico looked down in the baby’s face as he’s wrapped up in the light blue blanket. He hands the paper to Monica who smiles.

  “It says that I’m the father.” Rico stated while Monica read the results. In a way she was relieved that it was over. Rico reached for the baby as Monica handed him over.

  “Go to your daddy, Aiden.” She smiled. “Now you can sign his birth certificate. It’s right on the table behind you. I had the nurse bring it in right before you got here.” Rico just stared in his son’s precious little face.
The feeling was something that he couldn’t explain. He was overjoyed to be holding him and knowing the truth. He held him close in his arms as the little one slept peacefully.

  “Hey Aiden,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I haven’t been around, but I promise to be here for you from this point forward.” He leaned down and kissed him softly on the cheek. At that moment, he saw a little smile come across Aiden’s face as if he’d seen an angel in his dreams. Rico smiled back feeling as if his son could feel his presence. He looked over at Monica. She was elated to have him be there with them.

  “So, is your mama on the way to get y’all?” Rico asked.

  “No, she’s at my house getting Aiden’s room together. I told her that you would bring us home.” She stated as Rico looked at her.

  “Okay, cool,” he said handing her the baby. “Hold him so I can sign his birth certificate.” She reached out for the baby. She was happy to see him signing his name on the baby’s birth certificate. Monica pressed the call button on the side of the bed and the nurse responded.

  “We’re ready to go.” She said. “Will you put his car seat on the bed so I can strap him in it?” She asked looking at Rico, then pointing at her small Louis Vuitton duffle bag. Get that for me too, if you don’t mind. Rico picked up the designer car seat, sitting it on the bed as Monica put Aiden in it. He then picked up her duffle bag with Monica’s belongings filled in it. Then he picked up the brown Gucci baby changing bag. He looked at the baby bag and shook his head.

  “A Gucci baby bag, Monica,” he commented.

  “Yeah… Why not?” She asked, smiling. “I thought it was cute so I had to get it.” The nurse walked in with her release papers. “Thank God. I have been waiting on these.” She took the paper to sign it and handed the nurse Aiden’s birth certificate. The nurse then took her release papers. She looked at Rico and smiled in a flirtatious way.

  “Hey I like that Gucci baby bag. That is so cute.” The nurse said as Monica grinned a little.

  “See, I told you.” Monica commented. “Thank you, honey.” Monica said. The nurse had to catch herself because Rico’s good looks had all of her attention. Rico grinned, because it felt good to have the women woo over him. The nurse quickly noticed how Monica was looking at her.

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.” The nurse stated.

  “Don’t mind me, chile. He’s taken by somebody else.” Monica laughed. “He’s just my baby daddy.” She said in a ghetto tone as she smiled. Her sense of humor made Rico see a different side to her. He laughed a little because the nurse was caught off guard with her statement.

  “Well, y’all take care.” The nurse said as they walked out of the room behind her. Rico just shook his head because Monica was still laughing. They got inside the elevator and Monica let out a big sigh of relief.

  “This has been the longest five days of my life. I’m glad to be going home.”

  Rico walked out of Monica’s house after helping her get settled with Aiden. He got back inside his car, but hated to leave his son. He knew that it was in his best interest to make his way back home, because Mona was waiting to his house for him to return. He smiled as he thought about Aiden’s little cute face. He knew his mama was going to be happy to see him, too. He’d already made plans to meet Mama Mack over to Monica’s house the next day. Aiden’s room was all fixed up. Even though Monica had mad paper, he’d been giving her money ever since she was back in town to help out with Aiden’s needs. He knew that his son was going to be spoiled and he was going to help spoil him. He picked up his phone to call Mona.

  “Hey, baby.” He stated as she answered.

  “Hey, Love.” She replied. “So, how did it go?” She asked looking at the time. He’d been gone about two and a half hours so she had a good idea of what the test results showed before he even told her.

  “The DNA proved that the baby is mine.” He stated. Mona’s heart dropped to hear the words, but she’d already prepared herself for the news.

  “I kinda figured that,” she said. “So, you signed his birth certificate?” She asked.

  “Yeah, I went ahead and signed it.” He replied, stopping to a red light.

  “So, what’s his name?” She asked, wondering if he was a junior.

  “His name is Aiden Jamel Mack.” He said, smiling. “He is so adorable, babe. I never got a good look at him until today. I just had to see those papers first before I could attach myself to him like that.” Mona’s heart was crushed, but she stayed strong knowing that this is what she signed up for and she was willing to deal with it.

  “Well, his name is very cute. I like it and I can’t wait to meet little Aiden.” She didn’t want to put a damper on his good mood. “I know it may not seem like it, but I’m happy that you’re happy,” she said. “Hurry back, I can’t wait to see you.”

  “I should be there in less than ten minutes.” Rico said as they ended the call. It made him feel good that Mona wasn’t upset about it. Meanwhile, Mona lay back on the sofa taking in a deep breath. She knew that this was going to be a long road to travel, but she’d decided to fasten her seatbelt and hold on tight because this was definitely going to be one hell of a ride.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Monty was sitting in his office feeling pretty good about how smoothly things had been going in his relationship with Candy and his business. A month had passed so quickly and Monty and his partners were already on a roll. He’d just gotten off of a conference call with two top dogs in the business who was impressed at the numbers that he informed them that he would produce within the next six months. He could already see that his realty company was here to stay and he was thrilled about this.

  He reared back in his comfy leather chair, placing his hands behind his head. He thought about Candy. She was even more beautiful and sexy to him now than she ever was. She had thickened up in all the right places and she knew how to please him in every way. She would always have his heart and because family meant more to him than anything else, he couldn’t bear the thought of losing her. He loved her more than he ever thought he could, but MiKayla was tugging on his heart and he had been fighting those feelings trying to forget about what they shared.

  She continued to work for him, but she only spoke with Rico and Maurice. She had Monty fax over any updated information that he wanted to put in the paper. Rico would normally relay messages that Monty had for her, but she never responded to any of them. She didn’t care to call or text him and she sure didn’t want to see him. He knew that he’d hurt her really badly, but couldn’t just leave things the way they were. It was something about her that had him going and he wanted to keep going for as long as he could. He thought about her life and the pain she suffered. He wanted to know so much more about her and was hoping that she’d let him back into her life, even if it was just for a little while. He only knew of one way that he could find out more about her so he grabbed his keys and headed out of the office in a hurry.

  Candy was making progress in her decision to eventually move once they found a house. She realized that her parent’s house was theirs to keep and that she could visit home whenever she wanted or needed to. She loved the relationship that she and Monty had together. He didn’t stay with her every night and she didn’t mind that he didn’t. Some nights, he’d even invite them over to stay with him. Catherine always loved the extra company.

  Candy was feeling the excitement of Christmas being right around the corner as she helped Dee pack her bags. Dee had decided to go home for the holidays since she missed Thanksgiving with her mama. She and Maurice couldn’t get any closer, but he couldn’t make the trip with her due to work. She would be gone for three weeks and wouldn’t return until a week after the New Year. She was excited about going home alone because this might give her a chance to see her old fling, Sanji. She had a serious thing for him, but couldn’t be with him in that way, because of his relationship with Chance. She didn’t know what she would or wouldn’t do when she hit the Texas borderline, but what Maurice
didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him and her lips were sealed shut. The one thing that she was pretty sure of was that she would be coming back to Augusta, GA because this was the place that she was going to make her home.

  Mona was unpacking her things and placing the neatly folded clothes in her new drawers. She finally agreed to move in permanently with Rico after he’d asked her a hundred times in the past month. She was excited about them living together, but was feeling a bit of anxiety as she thought about Rico bringing Aiden to the house for the first time. He was a month old now and she had never even seen a picture of him, yet. She’d heard a lot about him, but Monica wouldn’t let him out of her eyesight. She knew that Monica just didn’t want her baby around her and that was just fine, because to her Monica was still a bitch and would always be one. But on this particular day, for some strange reason, Monica was letting up and allowing Rico to bring Aiden over for a few hours. Mona wondered what the motive was, but decided not to worry about it as she heard Rico walk in the door.

  Rico came in and sat the car seat on the kitchen counter as it rocked a little back and forth. He pulled the blankets back and looked at Aiden who was sound asleep. He was happy to have the chance to finally bring him out of the house since Monica had a firm grip on him. He loved his baby boy, but wasn’t going to allow Monica to use Aiden to get to him. He was very upfront about his feelings for Mona and insisted that Monica deal with it the best way that she knew how. He took her money every week for Aiden without her even asking him and would stop by her house every day, at some point, to see him. He never stayed long, because he didn’t want to cause any trouble with Mona. But, having to go over to her house just to spend time with his son was starting to aggravate him. To his surprise, Monica called him and told him that he could keep Aiden for a few hours while she ran errands. He went over in a hurry just in case she changed her mind. As Rico smiled while watching Aiden sleep peacefully, Mona walked up behind him. She hugged him as best as she could with her pregnant belly pressing up against his back and her arms wrapped around his waist. She rested her head on his back and took in a deep breath. This seemed harder than what it actually should have been for her being that she had psyched herself up for this moment so long ago. Rico embraced her hug and rubbed lightly on her arms. He knew that she’d come a long way and he loved her more for continuing to support him.