by Tiece
“Sounds like a plan,” he said ending their call.
Candy smiled as she thought about spending a little time with Brendon. Any time was better than no time. She knew that nothing was going to happen sexually because Brendon respected her boundaries too much to take it to that level. She enjoyed being in the company of a gentleman who didn’t have ulterior motives. It definitely felt good to her.
She dialed Mona’s number, curious to find out what happened with her and Rico. Mona immediately answered.
“Hey Sis,” Mona answered.
“Hey Sis, what’s happening? Better yet, have you fronted Rico about Monica yet?”
“Kinda, but not really,” Mona responded.
“What in the hell does that mean?”
“It means that he went ahead and told me that Monica and Aiden were out of town and he even mentioned that Monica messaged him last night.”
“Oh did he?” Candy asked.
“Yes, and at first I didn’t know what to think. Maybe he’s being as honest as he can be considering the circumstances. I mean, if he didn’t want to be with me then why did he propose? He’s made it clear to Monica several times that he was with me so maybe I should take that at face value.”
“Well,” Candy said not really knowing what to say.
“And if she wants to continue to flirt around with a guy who is still not going to be with her then so be it, because I’m not going anywhere.”
“I hear ya chick!” Candy said. “I’d hate for that bitch to get the upper hand anyway.”
“I know right,” Mona responded.
“But never be too naïve about things. I just want you to keep your eyes and ears open because you don’t want to look like a fool either.”
“And that is Soooo true!” Mona agreed.
“Well, I’m having a get together on Saturday. I’d like for you to come. It’s just for relaxation and girl time. However, my new friend Payton will be joining us.”
“Talkin’ bout the dude in your class?”
“Yeah, my he, she friend,” she grinned. “He’s cool as hell and I know you’re gonna love him.”
“It’s not too many people that you like so if you like him then I know I will.” She grinned.
“Well, just so you know I believe that Monty has been seeing Karen again.”
“What makes you think that?”
“I overheard Payton on the phone with his homegirl Meela, whatever her name is,” she paused. “Anyways, the homegirl was telling him something about Karen and he was repeating it as if to make sure he was hearing her right.”
“And so did he specifically call Monty’s name?” Mona asked.
“No, but he did say that she should know better or something like that, because Bruce would have a fit if he heard that they were still messing around.”
“Really?” Mona asked.
“Yes, really, I mean not only was he messing with MiKayla but he was still messing with Karen. I mean my God! What is he thinking?”
“Sis, calm down. It might not even be Monty that they were talking about. I mean I know that Bruce wanted to kill Monty about Karen, but my brother wasn’t the only one fucking her. You know Bruce had gotten into all type of shit with other nigga’s ‘bout her.”
“You could be right, but if you’re not it doesn’t matter because I’ma find out anyway. As soon as Payton gets drunk I believe he’ll tell me anything.”
“You’re so dirty.” Mona said.
“Well, “I mean well,” she grinned. “I still like him though.”
“Yeah right,” Mona teased.
“I do,” Candy stated.
Mona shook her head and grinned. “Anyways, call me later. I just pulled up to the house. I need to get your niece out the car.”
“Okay and kiss her for me.”
“I will.” Mona responded and ended their call.
Chapter 18
Mona sat Caylin inside her rocker and tilted the seat back as it rocked back and forth. Caylin smiled as Mona leaned down to kiss her. Mommy loves that little girl,” she said. She pulled a barstool up to the granite top counter and sat, staring at Caylin.
The text message from Monica was still eating her up and she didn’t know of any other way to resolve her feelings than by talking to Monica herself. How was she going to start the conversation? She was clueless because she was never put in the position to have to call Monica before.
Mona knew that she and Monica would never be cool enough to be friends. What was stopping her from going after Rico? She held no loyalties and especially not to Mona.
“I just need to call this bitch.” She snapped, contemplating her next move. Monica was known to be a heartless snake disguised as a beautiful business woman. She would surely try to be time enough for her with all her quick savvy ass responses, but Mona didn’t give a damn. She had to confront the woman who was trying to ease her way into her fiancé’s life.
She hastily dialed Monica’s number so that she wouldn’t have time to change her mind. To her surprise, Monica quickly answered.
“Hello Mona, to what do I owe this pleasure?” She asked. Mona cringed inside because it was already hard enough to call the bitch but Monica answers as if she’s so pleased that she finally called her.
“Uh, hey Monica,” she said. “How are you?”
“I’m doing great. Is everyone okay?” she pleasantly asked.
“Yes, everyone is okay. I’m calling because I wanted to know how lil Aiden is doing. Y’all left so quickly that I didn’t get to kiss and say good-bye.” She sincerely said.
“I’m sure you’ll get plenty kisses in when we return.” Monica said.
“Yeah I’m sure I will because Rico already misses him so much. When he’s back he’ll want to spend as much time as he can with him.”
Monica really didn’t like Mona much, but she knew if she said anything smart or got out of the way then Rico wasn’t going to be happy with her.
“Un-huh, well,” she paused. “You know Rico is pretty busy now with working and all. Plus I know you just had your own baby too so spending time with Aiden over to his house may be a little complicated right now. You know until Rico slows down a bit.” She grinned. “And that could be some time much later being that their business is just jumping off.”
“You know, I don’t have a problem with watching lil Aiden myself sometime. So that he and his sister will become familiar with each other. He is of course, her big brother.”
Mona grinned. “That’s definitely true, but can I keep it real with you without you taking things the wrong way?”
“Sure,” Mona said but immediately hated the idea that she’d even made that phone call.
“Keeping my son is a job within itself. I’m sure that raising lil Caylin,” she mocked, “has taught you that time is of essence. There is only a seven week difference in their age. I know it can get tough with you being the only adult there to watch them.” Mona wanted to snap on her, but decided to continue listening as Monica kept talking.
“Don’t think I’m trying to be mean or inconsiderate, but let’s keep it real. Would you allow lil Caylin to come to my house so that I can watch her and Aiden?”
“Honestly, I wouldn’t.” She quickly admitted.
“So why do you think that I should allow my son to come over to your house and let you keep him when his father is not there?”
Mona was silent for a moment. Monica had made a point. “You’re absolutely right, why should you?”
“But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be around each other and get to know one another as brothers and sisters.” Monica quickly added sensing the tension in Mona’s voice.
“How do you propose that?” Mona asked. “Because Rico isn’t gonna be coming over to your house with Caylin and y’all playing a little happy family behind my back with the babies.”
Monica grinned. Typical young-jit, she thought. “And is that not what y’all would be doing behind my back when Aiden comes over?
”
“Well,” Mona said, but was abruptly cut off by Monica.
“I propose that you and I set up these meetings where we can get the babies together. Maybe we can meet up at my house or your house. Even at Mama Mack’s house or the River Walk. Being at the park, we can take the kids out for fresh air and get to know one another better. What’ll you say?” Monica asked. She had thrown a curb ball Mona’s way in hopes that she couldn’t catch it but she did.
“That’s the best thing that has been said since the conversation started. I’m down for that. I’ll even volunteer to choose the first location. What’ll you say about that?” She suggested.
“First meeting is on you then. Just so you know I’ll be gone until the second week in March. So I’ll hit you up when I return and we’ll make this happen.”
“Okay,” said Mona. “And kiss Aiden for me.” She said removing the lil off of it sense it bothered Monica so.
“I will and talk to you later,” Monica said and ended their call.
Mona didn’t know how well they would get to know each other, but boy was she looking forward to this unpredictable start of a blossoming friendship between herself and baby mama number one. NOT, she quickly thought.
Monica still held her cell phone in her hand. She knew that Mona was up to something, but she stayed ready for a challenge. Her motivated attitude made her eagerly ready to intercept whatever diversion that baby mama number two was trying to start.
**********
MiKayla snatched open her front door just as Monty was about to knock on it. He startled her a bit, standing there holding a vase filled with two dozen pink roses.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” he said with a smile on his face that made her blush.
“What are you doing here?” She politely asked.
“Making a house call, but maybe I’m to the wrong house because the beautiful young lady that I came to see should be sick and in bed.” MiKayla smiled. “Not standing in front of me about to take out the trash in bedroom room shoes with no socks. You know better, right?”
She shook her head, dropping the bag of trash on the floor next to her. She felt somewhat embarrassed that he had caught her breaking the doctor’s rules, but she was optimistically thrilled just to have him be there. She quickly reached for the vase of roses.
“For me?” She asked, immediately inhaling the pleasant crisp smell of the rose petals. “You always know how to make me feel better. Come on in.” She courteously insisted. Monty followed her into the living room.
“I think I’ll sit these over here.” She said sitting the pretty pink roses on an end table. “Thank you. They are beautiful.”
“You’re welcome.” Monty said. The glow from her smile gave him a warm feeling. “Now don’t you suppose to be getting some rest?” He asked.
“Yeah, but the trash had my house stinking and you know how I am about funny smells.”
“You could’ve called me over here for that.” He stated.
“Just to take out my trash, Monty? Like seriously, you should know me better than that. Plus, I can tell that the antibiotics are working because I feel a lil better.”
Monty cut in. “But you don’t wanna push it too soon and end up getting sicker. Now sit your ass down and le’me take care of you for a couple of hours today.”
“But,” she said.
“But nothing, just be quiet and take advantage of my services. You know I normally charge for this kinda shit.” He clowned making MiKayla grin.
“If you say so,” she teased. He knew she’d think he was playing that’s why he said it, but only if she knew his past. One thing he did know was that she’d let him have his way. Showing up to a woman’s house with gifts in hand always showed him favor in one way or another. It never failed.
“I need to run to my car right quick.” He said.
“No more surprises now. You ain’t gettin’ no pussy.” She joked, making him laugh.
“Nah, you know me better than that. I did bring you some chicken noodle soup from Panera Bread and some orange juice though and not for a pussy treat.”
She smiled. “That’s nice to know.”
“Ok my Queen. Anything you want just ask.” He said.
“Well, aren’t you being thoughtful today, my King.” She said, laying back in her recliner.
“You can say that, plus I need to take out your stankin’ ass trash.” They laughed as he exited the house, picking up the bag of trash on his way out. MiKayla grinned because she didn’t care what he did or didn’t do; as long as he was there, she was good.
**********
Brendon and Kina were finally relaxing while chilling at Raven’s. They’d been quite busy throughout the day. Brendon had sent in the approval proofs for the advertisements that were scheduled to be in all the local newspapers by the next day. Earlier he had met up with Mama Mack at Furniture Warehouse off of Gordon Highway because she’d been informed by the owner of some Funky stylish mirrors that they’d obtained and she was certain that they would go great in the women’s restroom.
Kina stayed behind to make sure that the entertainment system installers made their appointment. They did show up on time, setting up an exclusive and very modern DJ booth with a sound stage surrounding it. They also installed a Mushroom DJ light with the multicolored beam which gave off illusive color schemes. Raven’s was coming together and Kina was just as happy as Brendon was about it.
Kina walked out of the bathroom and sat on the stool next to Brendon. “You know that’s my song right.” She said. The smooth sounds of Teddy Pendergrass, Turn off the lights, played softly in the background as the colorful lights from the Mushroom DJ light danced around them.
“I just saw Old School written on one the CD’s you brought today and I stuck it in to see what it was working with.”
“The system sounds good,” Kina expressed. She threw her hands in the air… Turn off the lights, she sang. And light a candle…”
“Keep your day job.” Brendon teased. “The system definitely sounds good though.” Gently, he bobbed his head back and forth. The slow sounds of Teddy made him think about Candy and he needed to see her. It was something about her presence that gave him something to look forward too. Their relationship was innocent, but full of guilt. The only problem was that he couldn’t help himself from wanting her because wanting her felt so damn good. He picked up his phone and sent her a text message.
I wanna see u. Bren
To his surprise, she responded quickly.
I wanna see u 2. Candy Girl
Dang that was fast, he thought.
“So who are you texting?” Kina asked.
“Yo ass is super nosey.” Brendon commented.
“Are you gonna try to get her to come here?”
“Who?” He asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Don’t play with me negro. I’m talking ‘bout the same chick you ordered three dozen yellow roses for.” She looked down at the end of the bar. “Yep, they’re still there,” she teased making Brendon grin.”
“Do you think it’s too much?” he asked, looking down at the beautiful roses.
She smiled. “Nah, I think it’s perfect. As a matter of fact, I think you should get her to come here. That vase is too big to be discreet anyway. I don’t care where you go.” Brendon grinned. “Plus, the mood is right. The music is nice and mellow. Just being here in the moment should make her feel really special.”
“You think so?” Brendon questioned.
“I know so.” Kina responded causing Brendon to smile. “I’ve not seen that smile in a long time.”
“Don’t start.” Brendon said.
“I’m just saying this Candy chick gotta be one bad bitch.”
Brendon frowned. “Why you say that?”
“Bren, I’ve not seen a smile on your face like that since you and Raven were an item.”
“Is it that obvious?” he asked, knowing all too well how strong his feelings were for Raven.
&nbs
p; “Yep, it sure is.” She said. “Just don’t forget to pump your brakes a lil bit on this one though, considering the circumstances.”
“I know right,” he agreed.
“But, also remember that things happen for a reason so if given the opportunity then it must be a reason and I’d say go for it.”
“Thanks Kina,” he said with a smile. She always knew what to say to keep him leveled headed.
