Checkmate 3: Playtime's Over

by Tiece

  MiKayla walked over and stood in the mirror. “I didn’t think that I would be getting out of the house tonight.” She said. “But you always have a way of surprising me.” She wiped her tears. Debbie turned her head so that no one would see her wiping her tears.

  “Well come on good looking. We have a table reserved for us.” Monty said.

  “No wonder you come over here like you were just chilling before the party. You are indeed full of surprises Monty Banks,” She teased as she walked to the front door.

  “Trust me, all of your surprises will start in 3,2,1…” He smiled as MiKayla opened the door. She immediately gasped for air.

  “My prince charming,” MiKayla said walking ahead as the Limo Driver held the back door of the black Escalade open, waiting for her to get in. She looked back at Monty with a smile on her face. It made him feel good to make her feel that way.

  MiKayla got inside the Limo and was greeted by Rico and Mona. She smiled and spoke to them. Rico spoke first then Mona as Monty got inside the Limo and the driver closed the door.

  “Wow, Mona you look beautiful.” MiKayla said admiring Mona’s dress.

  “Thanks MiKayla. You look very pretty too. I love that dress.” Mona said.

  “Thanks, your brother picked it out for me.” She happily said.

  “His taste isn’t so bad after all.” She teased. Monty was happy to see Mona getting along with MiKayla. He knew that it was last minute plans, but he’d called Mona right before and begged her to be cordial with MiKayla if only for the night for him. She agreed but hated it because she didn’t have a chance to even warn Candy prior because she’d just found out that all of this was taking place so quickly.

  Mona could tell that Monty had feelings for MiKayla as she watched them sitting next to each other playing and laughing. It actually gave her a different insight on their relationship. Maybe it wasn’t that she was just a cut buddy. It seemed that he cared for her all along.

  The limo driver headed toward Raven’s and even though a little anxiety filled the air this was sure to be a great night for everyone.

  Chapter 21

  Candy and Payton pulled up to Raven’s. The club was already packed. The women were stepping out in their top notch designer dresses rocking their pin-ups and long weave. Candy could already feel the excitement knowing that Brendon was sure to have a great night.

  She looked over at the limo pulling up as she and Payton got out of her car. “Damn, I didn’t know that they were doing it like this. Shit, we would have come in a fucking Limo too.”

  Payton laughed shaking his head. “Bitch, we pulled up in a fucking BMW 750 and it’s yours. Who gives a shit about a Limo?”

  “Well, since you put it that way.” She grinned. They got out of her car and began to walk closer to the club doors. A white stretch Hummer pulled up right beside them. Candy kept walking because it didn’t matter who would step out of it because nobody could touch her and she knew it. All of a sudden Payton’s loud mouth stopped her in her tracks.

  “Hey Bitches! I see y’all rolling in the white Hummer tonight. Y’all bitches look good!” He said.

  “Thanks Payton. You look good too. No surprise,” Karen said hugging Payton around his neck. She admired Payton’s tailored Ralph Lauren black suit with the white button down underneath it. He had on the rainbow bowtie designed by MLS by Zaccheus Miles with the matching rainbow cufflinks. The rain should have been pouring from his pants legs being so short, but his rainbow colored socks set it off as he rocked a pair of black Hornback Alligator shoes.

  “Boy you are sharp as hell!” Meela added.

  “Thanks my friends and y’all diva’s are too.”

  “Well, you know,” Karen laughed.

  “I see y’all came solo,” Payton said.

  “Why bring sand to the beach Honey?” Karen asked. Candy frowned a bit, but kept a mere smile on her face as she waited. She didn’t know Karen like that and didn’t care to know the woman who’d been having relations with her ex.

  “Some poor woman is about to lose her man tonight,” Payton said with a grin.

  “And you know this,” Karen said as she and Meela laughed.

  “Oh hey, meet my friend Candy. This is who I rode here with. Candy these are my besties Meela and Karen.” He said.

  “Hey Candy,” Karen spoke.

  “Hey ladies,” Candy nonchalantly spoke back.

  “I love your dress,” Meela chimed in.

  “Thanks,” Candy responded and even though Karen and Meela were dressed to kill she wouldn’t dare compliment them on it.

  “Honey we need to go inside so I can see where we’ll be seated. This party is about to be on and popping.” Karen said.

  “We’ll meet up on the inside.” Meela said to Payton as she and Karen walked off.

  “Those are my girl’s right there,” Payton said as they headed toward the club doors following the duo. Another Limo pulled up and even though Candy was ready to get inside herself she stopped again hearing Mona’s loud laughter. She looked back with a smile on her face because her homegirl had just arrived. Mona stepped out of the Limo and Candy smiled.

  This bitch don’ showed up in a Limo and ain’t even call me. I’ma kill her. “Hold up,” she said to Payton. “My bestie just arrived.” She anxiously waited for her by the entrance doors then decided to meet her halfway. Payton happily waited with her as he admired all the good looking guys when they walked passed him. Candy immediately headed down the walkway to greet her, but MiKayla stepped out behind her making Candy stop in her tracks.

  Wow, Candy thought. What the hell? Mona immediately saw the hurt look on her face; especially when Monty stepped out behind MiKayla.

  “Hey Candy Gurl,” Mona said quickly rushing over to her best friend. “You look absolutely beautiful.”

  “Uh, Hey Mo,” she said with an unnerving smile. “Thanks and so do you. I knew that dress would look good on you.” She said feeling confused. She felt as if she should have walked off when she had the chance because this had to be the most awkward moment in the world to her.

  Rico walked over. “What’s up Candy? You look nice.”

  “I was just telling her that,” Mona commented, already knowing that Candy felt some type of way by seeing her sharing a ride with the enemy and her ex.

  “Thanks Rico. You look very good yourself. What’s up with the Cardigan sweaters you and your friend are wearing tonight?” She said glancing over at Monty trying to cover the pain of seeing him with another.

  Rico smiled. “You know how we do.”

  “Oh yes, don’t remind me.” Candy sarcastically said. She didn’t want anything else to do with Monty. He really hit below the belt showing up with MiKayla like that and she wasn’t letting his bullshit slide this time.

  “Okay Sis,” she said tapping Mona on the arm. “We’ll see you on the inside.” She was trying to hurry up and walk off before Monty walked over. She wouldn’t even know what to say to him so she hurriedly caught up with Payton so they could enter the club.

  Monty had spotted her the minute he got out of the Limo, but he acted as if he didn’t. He didn’t know that bringing MiKayla to this event would make him feel like such a jerk. It was no way around hurting Candy. No matter what he did, she caught the bad end of it and he knew that it was going to come a time when her feelings for him would completely change for the worst and he wasn’t making things any better by showing up with the woman she left him over.

  **********

  The waitress escorted Candy and Payton to their table in the VIP section. She opened their bottle of Don Perignon and poured each a glass of it. Candy sat down smelling the dozen of roses that beautifully sat on the table. The atmosphere was to die for as they admired their view from all angles.

  “My name is Taylor and I’ll be your server. We have an open buffet that’s free. You can order something to drink from me or you can feel free to walk to the bar. We ask that you do check out Raven’s upper level as well. Th
e view is amazing.” Candy smiled because she already knew how pretty it was. “We’re very busy, but I’ll check on you as often as possible. Enjoy your night,” she said and walked off.

  Payton sat down looking over at Candy. “That’s a hot lil waitress.” He and Candy laughed.

  “Yeah she is hot.”

  “Speaking of hot, your girl Mona was looking good as hell.”

  “She was wasn’t she? I told her that she would look great in that dress. She always dresses fly though.” Candy added.

  “I can tell,” Payton said, but his thoughts weighed heavily on his mind. “Well my friend,” he said picking up the pace on the gossip that was about to go down. “Do tell me about her and ole fine ass Rico Mack.”

  “Mona is Rico’s fiancée.” Candy informed him.

  “Okay… So he’s engaged… hmm… and it’s to your homegirl? Small world,” Payton stated with a smirk on his face. His comment resonated in Candy’s head.

  “How do you know Rico?” She asked while taking a sip of Don Perignon from her wine glass.

  “We all went to school together.”

  “We all, huh?” Candy uttered.

  “Long story Chy, but I’ll tell you later.”

  “No my friend, do tell me now,” she insisted.

  Payton poured his second glass of Don Perignon. “Chy you are relentless, but it ain’t nothing like that.”

  “And is that lil speech is supposed to make me not want to know what the hell you’re talking about? You must be crazy, because I really want to know now.”

  “Okay I’ll tell you, but not now.” He said taking a drink from his glass. “I promise, I’ll tell you though.”

  “Well do you know his homeboy Monty?” Candy asked.

  “Uh yeah,” he quickly stated. “He is by far one of the sexiest mofo’s walking around this bitch tonight. I mean, who doesn’t know either of them? They were even popular in school. It seemed like they disappeared after we graduated, but a couple of years ago they showed back up. Once upon a time, they lived in the VIP section at the Touch of Class. Every chick wanted to be a part of their inner circle.”

  “I can only imagine.” Candy said thinking of Karen and all the other pawns Monty had on his team.

  “Damn, it’s nice as hell in this bitch. The Touch of Class will be closing soon because ain’t nobody gonna go there after coming here.” They laughed.

  **********

  “Baby, this is beautiful,” Mona said as she and Rico sat down at their table. She leaned in to smell the beautiful dozen roses. “This ain’t Godiva Chocolate is it?” Rico grinned to himself because she was so giddy. “I’m glad we came out tonight.”

  “Babe I’m glad we came out too. I’ve missed this part of us.”

  “I know. Me too,” Mona commented. She knew that she’d been feeling a little uneasy about their relationship and maybe, just maybe she was wrong for feeling that way. Rico was more than just a boyfriend, he was her fiancé and that spoke volumes alone.

  She looked around the club. “Do you see where Candy is seated?”

  “Nah, but it’s another VIP section on the other side and one upstairs so I’m not sure. I did see the waitress seat Monty and MiKayla two tables behind us. Mona looked back.

  “Yeah I see them.” She said then quickly turned up her drink. “This ain’t gon’ get it for the night. I need something stronger.” She grinned.

  Rico shook his head and took a sip of Don Perignon from his glass. “I think that I’m with you on that babe.” They laughed.

  “Do you mind if I go look for Candy? I just want to explain to her-”

  Rico cut in. “Babe, please go look for her. I don’t want you and Candy having any misunderstandings. I know how tight y’all are. Go, because I’m ‘bout to walk over to the bar and order us another drink. Something stronger,” he grinned.

  “I certainly appreciate that,” Mona responded. She stood up from the table looking around for Candy in hopes of explaining how MiKayla ended up with them. Rico kissed her on the lips and they walked off in separate directions on separate agenda’s.

  **********

  MiKayla gazed at the scenery around the club. It was very beautiful and she felt like a princess just being there. She looked over at Monty and smiled. He smiled back but she could tell that he had something on his mind.

  “I’m glad to be here with you. I must admit that I really wasn’t expecting this. I mean, to be sitting here across from you.”

  “I’m glad to be here as well with you sitting across from me.” Monty said.

  “Good, because I wouldn’t want your mind to be anywhere else,” she said.

  “It’s not,” he said but he knew that his mind was on Candy. He felt bad for not giving her a heads up and letting her know that he was bringing MiKayla.

  “Are you sure you want to drink that?” He asked as she swallowed her wine.

  “Yes, I’m good. Wine will sneak up on you.” She laughed. “I came out to have a good time and that’s what I’m going to do.”

  “You do look absolutely beautiful tonight.” He stated.

  “Thanks, you don’t look to shabby yourself.” She grinned as Monty spotted Rico standing over by the bar. He needed a quick getaway.

  “Hey babe, you don’t mind if I go to the bar and order me another drink? I see Rico over there talking to Cuz.”

  “No, not at all,” she said. “Go, enjoy yourself. I’ll be here when you come back and if I’m not then I’ll be in the restroom.” She said with a smile on her face.

  “Okay cool, but don’t drink too much. I don’t need you tipsy before the night even starts good.” He grinned and walked off.

  **********

  Candy was tossing back her third glass of wine as Payton looked at her.

  “Monty, Rico’s homeboy, is my son’s father.” She blurted out.

  Payton nearly choked on his drink. “Say what now?”

  “I said that ole fine ass Monty,” she said. “You know the one all the girls are crazy about, is MJ’s father.”

  “Monty Jr.” Payton whispered. “Oh shit! You have got to be kidding me Chy! Monty Banks is your baby’s daddy?”

  “None other,” Candy said.

  Payton thought about a few things quickly, but one in particular was Monty showing up to the party with another chick.

  “What happened to y’all?”

  “Things just didn’t work out. You can say that it’s just too much to deal with sometimes.”

  “I feel ya,” Payton said. “Wow, I just wasn’t expecting to hear this. This IS a small muthafuckin’ world,” he said.

  “Yes it is,” she agreed. “I have to be honest, your homegirl Karen and my baby daddy used to fuck around with each other. Realizing that she was your homegirl tonight was a rude awakening. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t know her like that, but I’ve heard things from around the way about her.”

  Payton looked crazy. He knew about Karen and Monty’s love affair. However, he didn’t have a clue that Monty and Candy were connected at all.

  “I can’t lie, I thought about that, but it wasn’t my place to say anything about it. I must admit that I honestly didn’t know that you were even in the picture at all.”

  “I know you didn’t, because I didn’t have a clue until meeting her tonight.” She lied.

  “Were they messing around when y’all were together?” He asked.

  “Yeah, you can say that.” She said knowing that Karen was one of Monty’s pawns when they first got together.

  “That’s crazy.” He was silent for a moment. “Honestly, I didn’t know much about their relationship at first. I mean, it was top secret until that beef started between him and Bruce. After that, she didn’t have a choice but to tell us because everybody was talking about that shit.”

  “So people were really talking about it like that?” Candy questioned.

  “Hell yeah, I mean Bruce was the man ‘round this bitch and people stayed in his business. After that
shit popped off between him and Monty in the projects one day people started speculating a lot about their affair.” Payton said.

  “See, I knew him from our school days and he didn’t slacked for nothing, but word on the streets was that when Monty’s daddy died their mama couldn’t handle everything by herself so they moved to the projects.”

  “It’s funny that you know so much about them.” She said taking a sip from her wine glass.

  “Chy, you know folks talk. You would be surprised at who and what I know. I also know a little something about Rico’s background too. His mama is an interior decorator. Who don’t know Mrs. Mack? She had that nigga spoiled rotten back in the day.”