Agora Hills

seventeen

Chapter Seventeen

November 9, 2024

Reeva had always trusted Ciara. She was more than just an industry friend—Ciara was a mentor, a big sister, someone who'd guided her through both the highs and lows of the entertainment world.

Their bond had been forged over years of shared experiences, and Reeva had always known that Ciara's advice came from a place of wisdom, sincerity, and deep care. So when Ciara had asked to meet Jacob, Reeva's boyfriend, she felt the weight of the request. It wasn't just a casual dinner invitation—it felt like a test.

Saturday night, Reeva was nervous. She had always been confident in her relationship with Jacob. He was kind, strong, funny, and fiercely loyal, everything she'd ever wanted in a partner.

And yet, tonight felt different. Ciara wasn't just coming to meet him; she was coming to assess him. To see if he was the one, the man Reeva needed in her life. Reeva didn't know what she'd do if Ciara didn't approve. What would that mean for her and Jacob? Would it mean she had to rethink everything, or would it be just another opinion to shake off?

Still, she couldn't help but feel the pressure mounting as they approached Ambra, the cozy, celebrity-frequented restaurant in the West Village.

It was the kind of place where whispers about who was dining and why always seemed to ripple through the air, and tonight, it felt like the stakes were higher.

Reeva glanced at Jacob beside her. He looked relaxed, unaware of the storm brewing in her mind. Jacob was always calm under pressure, a trait she admired. He had a way of making everything seem effortless, of drawing people in with his easygoing charm.

The three couples made their way inside, greeting the hostess and heading toward the back booth, a private corner tucked away from the main dining area. The atmosphere was warm, the lighting intimate, and the chatter around them faded as they settled into the booth.

Ciara was already there, sitting next to Russell, her husband. The two NFL players—Russell and Normani's boyfriend, DeKaylin—had arrived ahead of the others, and the chemistry between them was immediately evident.

Normani, ever the cool presence, was in high spirits as always, making jokes with Jacob and exchanging greetings with Reeva. The table was filled with warmth, laughter, and the kind of energy that made the night feel like it could go on forever.

But even as the conversation flowed, Reeva couldn't shake the feeling that the night's true focus was on her and Jacob. She glanced at Ciara occasionally, who seemed relaxed, but there was a sharpness to her eyes as she watched Jacob, a look that was hard to read.

"I'm so glad you two are here," Reeva finally said, trying to break the ice. "Ciara, you know you've always been like a big sister to me. I'm excited for you to meet Jacob properly."

Ciara smiled, but it was a smile that held meaning. "I'm excited too," she said, her voice steady but full of intent. "I've prayed for you, Reeva. And I want to make sure that you have the right person by your side. This...this feels important."

Reeva's heart skipped a beat. She knew Ciara meant it from the bottom of her heart, and she appreciated it more than words could say. But it didn't make the nerves go away. Not when Ciara's approval meant so much to her.

As the night unfolded, Jacob seemed to ease into the group effortlessly, his charm and confidence filling the room. He shared stories about his Samoan heritage, his family, and his background in professional wrestling, which seemed to captivate everyone.

It was clear Jacob wasn't just any ordinary guy. He came from a legacy, one built on strength, tradition, and hard work.

"I'm actually part of the Anoa'i family," Jacob shared, leaning back in his seat. "My dad, Sam Fatu, was The Tonga Kid, and I'm also the brother of Journey Fatu." He paused, noting the surprised looks exchanged across the table. "I've got seven kids too."

For a moment, there was stunned silence. Ciara, Russell, and Normani all exchanged glances, processing the information. Seven children? That was a lot. But what took Reeva by surprise was how everyone seemed to settle into the revelation, as though they were trying to understand Jacob's world before forming any judgment.

Reeva smiled at Jacob, her heart swelling with affection. "He's a good father," she said with conviction, glancing over at the others to reassure them. "It's not always easy balancing everything, but he does it with so much love. He's got a big heart."

Ciara, who had been watching intently, nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that. I really can," she said, her voice warm but tinged with something more. "Your aura, the way you two are together... It's incredible. There's such a vibe, a presence. You and Jacob are something special, Reeva."

Reeva felt the tension in her chest ease, but her mind was still racing. She wasn't just relieved by Ciara's words; she felt something deeper, something she hadn't expected. It wasn't just approval. It was acknowledgment. Ciara saw what she had with Jacob, the connection that was undeniable, even if it didn't fit into conventional molds.

The night went on with more laughter, stories, and shared moments. Russell and DeKaylin, who had initially been more reserved, began to open up as well, finding common ground with Jacob. The conversation shifted from wrestling to football to family dynamics, and before long, it felt like they were all old friends.

For a while, Reeva leaned back in her seat, taking in the scene before her. There was so much love in this room—between the couples, between the friendships.

But what stood out to her was the sense of validation that washed over her. Jacob wasn't just fitting into her world—he was connecting with her people, earning their respect, and forming his own place in her life.

Ciara's approval didn't feel like an external force she had to fight for anymore. It was a recognition of something true, something authentic.

For so long, Reeva had worried about needing others' validation for her choices. But now, as she watched Ciara's face soften in understanding, she realized that her relationship with Jacob didn't need anyone's stamp of approval. It was enough that she knew in her heart what was real.

As the evening wound down, they all lingered, reluctant to let go of the energy they had shared. The laughter still echoed in the back of the restaurant, and the world outside seemed far away, as if the night had created a bubble where only their happiness mattered.

Ciara stood to leave, pulling Reeva into a tight hug before they parted ways. "I'm happy for you, Reeva. You've found something really special with Jacob," she said softly, her voice filled with sincerity.

Reeva smiled, feeling lighter than she had all evening. "Thank you, Ciara. Your approval means the world to me."

"I just want the best for you. And from where I'm standing, you've got it," Ciara replied, before walking off with Russell and DeKaylin, leaving Reeva and Jacob to share a moment of quiet joy.

As they stepped out into the cool New York night, Jacob slipped his arm around Reeva's waist, pulling her close. "What did Ciara say to you?" he asked with a teasing smile, clearly aware of the weight of the evening.

Reeva leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "She said we're something special." Her voice was quiet but filled with meaning. "And I think she's right."

Jacob chuckled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Well, I knew that all along." He paused, his voice softening. "And I'm just glad you do too."

As they walked hand-in-hand through the city streets, Reeva felt a sense of peace wash over her. Tonight had been about more than just meeting Jacob's potential future friends-in-laws.

It had been a reminder of the strength of her own intuition, of the love she had found, and of the incredible people who supported her.

It wasn't just about fitting into anyone else's expectations—it was about finding a love that felt right, and trusting that the people who mattered most would see it too. And tonight, she knew that they did.