Free CheckMate (Play At Your Own Risk) by Tiece Mickens

it, but also the pain of losing him so soon. I miss him so much, so enjoy your family time because family is all you got.”
    “I know, Mo. I miss him, too. I’m glad that your family has found a way to move on. I know it has been hard for y’all. I gotta say, though, it does feel good to know my parents are finally working things out. Mom has really been in a good mood lately. She even baked me a beautiful cake and you know it’s good because if she can’t do nothing else, she can cook like a professional chef.”
    “I’ll agree with you on that one. My mama can cook, but your mama ain’t no joke in that kitchen,” said Mona, who finally found a blue jean skirt and a cute, pink body shirt to wear with it. “I’m coming over to get some of that cake. Why didn’t you bring me a piece?”
    “I’m sorry. I did cut all of y’all a piece, but I walked right out of the house and forgot it. I’ll bring it back later before we go out tonight.” Mona began to get dressed. “That’s a cute outfit. That looks good on you. Well, are you ready to go to the mall? You know we gotta find something fly to wear. I think I wanna wear a dress. You know, something real cute but very sexy. I just want to enjoy myself like I did the last time when we went out.” Candy said, and thought about her and Monty sitting in the car after the club that night and enjoying each other’s company.
    “I think I wanna wear a pair of booty shorts and a nice little halter top because it’s hot out that door and I don’t need on too many clothes. I ain’t got time to be sweating like that. By the way, your hair is cute pinned up like that. Who did that for you?” Mona asked while smiling and touching Candy’s hair.
    “I did. You know I don’t like nobody in my hair. I can do my own hair better than a certified stylist, so I’d rather keep that lil’ money in my pockets to go shopping with.”
    “I already knew that. Just thought you might’ve decided to let someone else get in your head for a change. Come on. I’m ready to go shopping. Monty gave me $550 last night when I told him I that needed something to wear tonight. He said that I need a new wardrobe, too, gurl. Can you believe it? He even gave me an extra two hundred and fifty dollars to buy you something nice for your birthday.”
    “Oh. He did?” Candy asked. “That was very sweet of him. I wonder if he would personally give his future wife some money for her birthday. Maybe I should go and ask him. I am of age now.” Candy smiled, and then got up and walked toward Mona’s bedroom door.
    “Gurl, Monty is still in the bed. He just came in right before sunrise. Plus, you don’t need any money from him because your parents got you spoiled rotten. I bet you got the checkbook and the credit cards, don’t you?” Mona grabbed her purse.
    “Yep, and you know it. I just wanted to mess with Monty, though. I miss my baby. He’s always gone when I come over. I can’t catch him home for nothing now. And, when I do, he’s asleep. Now that’s some shit, but I bet I’ll see him tonight at the club. I just miss my baby.”
    “You always miss Monty, even when he’s right in your face. I don’t know what I’ma do with you. I don’t even know why you continue to like him. He’s mean to you and he’s always telling you that you’re not his type. So, maybe you should find someone else to be crazy about and quit holding out hope for my brother. Monty doesn’t have time for no one and he sure as hell ain’t about to settle down, either.”
    “Maybe you’re right, Mona. I guess I can’t help myself. I know Monty doesn’t like me like that but it’s something about him that I just can’t shake,” Candy said as she walked out the door into the hallway. “I tell you what. Tonight, I’m not going to mess with your brother if he comes to the Touch of Class. I’m just going to enjoy myself, spend time with my best friend, and realize that it’s other great looking,