Checkmate 2: Let the Games Begin Read Free Page A

didn’t. He looked over at the building that would soon house his business and decided to leave the thoughts about Monica alone. He hoped that she had really left town and would never try to come between him and Candy’s relationship.
    He sat in his car and smiled approvingly as he watched the remodeling crew finish up their duties and the landscapers making the outside of the building look more inviting with the shrubs and flowers that they’d planted. He looked on, admiring the three-tiered outdoor fountain that sat in front of the building. He could almost hear the soothing sound of water flowing from it, which gave him a sense of knowing that the place was almost ready for business. He looked around at the other businesses around his. To be honest, the name, Banks Realty, stood out on the building and brought life to its surroundings.
    It was still early morning and there were very few people around. Reynolds Street was still asleep, but it was sure to awake momentarily. He looked in his rear view mirror just in time to see Rico pull up behind him. He grabbed his phone and a folder off of his passenger seat and got out of the car.
    Rico looked at the progress that had been made as well and smiled. He checked his face in the rearview mirror and got out of his car. Monty stood there waiting for him.
    “Hey what’s up, man?” Rico asked and gave Monty dap.
    “Ain’t too much, just waiting for us to get settled in this place and begin doing some real work.” Monty and Rico smiled and walked toward the double doors of the building.
    “Where is your mama? Isn’t she meeting us here this morning?”
    “Yeah, trust me she’ll be here on time. She loves her career and she loves getting paid even more.” Rico looked down at his watch. “It’s only eight twenty-eight man. She said she’ll be here by nine.”
    “Yeah, I just got up early so that I could make my way here and take this all in. I’m so excited about getting things started. I mean look at this place. It’s come a long way.” Rico smiled. “We’re actually starting up our own business.” Monty said.
    “Yeah and I’m glad you allowed me to be a part it. I know I’ve done some crazy things, but-”
    Monty cut in. “Hey man, don’t sweat it. We’re bigger than anything that may have happened in the past. I’m just glad to see you up and moving around so well. I wanna hug you every time I see you, but you know. A brotha can’t be doing all that.” They laughed. “How have you been doing with the classes?”
    “I’ve been focused. That’s all I can say. It’s interesting and it’s definitely something that I never thought I’d really want to do. That is until I realized how much money that can be made. I’m digging this. I can’t say thank you enough.”
    “Man, I done told you about that.” Monty nonchalantly responded.
    “I know, but I owe you in a big way and it’s still something very important that I need to talk with you about.”
    “Alright then talk,” Monty said. He and Rico walked inside of the two story building. They were both looking around in amazement. Rico had lost his train of thought as he stood there admiring the view.
    “Damn, man I love the hardwood floors throughout the place.” Rico smiled, he couldn’t believe how beautiful the place was.
    “Yeah, it’s just what we asked for. They are still remodeling the restrooms, but things are definitely on schedule. Now all we have to do is furnish the place to our taste.” Monty anxiously looked around with his pearly whites showing the excitement he felt.
    “We are scheduled to have our initial meet and greet next week.”
    “I know, man. I can’t wait for that either. It’s good that we’ll have other people working here with us to help expand the business. That’s definitely going to help the business grow.
    “Is Bren still coming down?” Rico asked as he continued to look around.
    “Cuz ain’t coming down until after the first of the year. He said