Chapter Fourteen

October 28, 2024

Reeva surveyed the vibrant scene before her, the expansive venue bustling with energy as friends and family gathered to celebrate Phil and Roland's joint birthday party.

The atmosphere was alive, a fusion of laughter, music, and the mingling scents of delicious food. Reeva marveled at how the decorations transformed the space, with colorful balloons cascading from the ceiling, each one a testament to the joy of the day.

Phil, now 46, and Roland, who had just turned 26, were like father and son—a bond so strong that it rendered any birthday celebration apart an unthinkable notion.

It made perfect sense to combine their celebrations, especially since their interests aligned so closely.

As she moved through the crowd, Reeva noticed clusters of familiar faces, some she hadn't seen in years, all drawn together by the love and camaraderie surrounding the two birthday boys.

The venue overflowed with people, many of whom had traveled from various corners of the country just for this occasion. Reeva felt a surge of warmth seeing Phil interact with his grandchildren, their laughter echoing like music. He embraced each one, a proud patriarch whose love radiated in every hug and smile.

As Phil prepared to make his speech, Reeva took her place near the front, anticipating the words that would flow from his heart. He held the microphone with a mixture of confidence and humility, the crowd settling into an attentive hush.

"46 years on this earth," he began, his voice steady, "and I've made enough enemies, but I also created one hell of a beautiful family. Thank you to my beautiful wife and kids for putting up with me. And my grandchildren, way too many for a man in his forties, but I love it." He paused, searching the crowd, his eyes glinting with affection. "And where's my son?"

The crowd parted, revealing Roland making his way through with a grin that lit up his face. The applause that followed enveloped him like a warm blanket.

Phil's pride was evident as he continued, "Roland, happy birthday, son. I'm so proud of you and everything you have accomplished. I don't think you'll ever know the amount of happiness and pride that you give me just by being yourself."

Laughter erupted as Phil playfully added, "Alright, let me get off the mic before I drop a pipe bomb." He handed the microphone to Roland, who stepped forward, his own joy infectious.

"I just want to say thank you to everyone for being here and let's party hard tonight!" Roland declared, his enthusiasm igniting a cheer from the crowd.

Reeva felt a swell of pride for them both; they were such wonderful men, each unique but connected by an unbreakable bond. She couldn't help but smile as she took the microphone herself. "Before anyone parties too damn hard, I need the birthday boys to come out front for their presents!"

Phil and Roland rushed outside, excitement bubbling between them. The guests followed, laughter and chatter echoing in the air. As they stepped outside, two magnificent cars awaited them, wrapped in stunning black and silver bows. The sight left the crowd gasping—a Rolls-Royce Ghost for Roland and a Mercedes Maybach S580 for Phil, each a testament to their accomplishments and the love that surrounded them.

"I love it!" Phil exclaimed, his eyes gleaming as he approached the Maybach. He turned to April, who stood nearby with her phone, and called out, "Get a picture of me with my car!"

Roland, meanwhile, was lost in a grateful embrace with Tookie, thanking her profusely. The energy was electric, the happiness contagious. The group celebrated together, jumping and cheering in a spontaneous show of joy.

"Okay, let's go party!" Kayla shouted, grabbing Zilla's hand, pulling him toward the venue. "You know my birthday was last month," Zilla replied, playful exasperation in his tone.

"Okay, I got you," Kayla winked back, causing Reeva to roll her eyes, laughing at their antics.

Tookie, pretending to gag at the display of affection, added her own humorous commentary. "I know you ain't gagging," Kayla shot back.

"Hormones," Tookie retorted, running away as laughter erupted once more.

Reeva decided to step aside for a moment, pulling out her phone to FaceTime Jacob. As the call connected, she greeted him with a sigh. "Pumpkin, you miss me already?" he teased, his voice warm and familiar.

"Stop calling me pumpkin," Reeva shot back, half-laughing.

"Nah, that's my pet name for you, especially after seeing how feral you get at a pumpkin patch," Jacob replied, a mischievous tone in his voice.

"It's the aesthetic," Reeva said, grinning.

"Why are you calling me when you're supposed to be partying?" Jacob asked, a note of concern creeping into his tone.

"Because everyone is booed up but me," Reeva confessed, a hint of loneliness in her voice.

"Who's booed up? Tookie got a boo?" came Jonathan's voice in the background, prompting Jacob to chuckle knowingly.

"I mean she's got a friend," Reeva fibbed, fully aware of the mischief in her words.

"Crazy, she better not have him around my kids," Jonathan quipped, eliciting another laugh from Reeva.

"See, now you're gonna get my homegirl in trouble," Jacob teased, but Reeva merely shrugged it off.

"Tell me why Kayla and Zilla are acting like they've been married for forty years? They're dancing like they're from the seventies!" she remarked, rolling her eyes again.

"Now when Kayla pops you, don't come crying to me," Jacob warned with a chuckle.

Reeva pouted dramatically, knowing she couldn't deny her best friend's fierce nature. "I mean, I might have to rethink this relationship if you're gonna let me get popped by Kayla."

"Reeva, you can't fight?" Sefa's voice piped up as he peeked into the frame.

"Sir, my father is CM Punk. If you think I can't tussle, then you are sadly mistaken. He made me fight my bully when I was fourteen, told me I couldn't get back in his car unless I won. I went to work that day on that girl. She still don't look my way to this day," Reeva explained, her tone light but her pride evident.

Laughter erupted once again. "Oh, you got down like that?" Jacob asked, surprised.

"I'm from Chiraq; I get down, I don't play," she asserted, a grin breaking out on her face.

Tookie appeared in the background, laughing loudly. "What are you talking about? You're quick to want to pepper spray someone!"

"Oh, you're trigger happy," Jacob teased.

"Real trigger happy; that's why Phil banned her from getting her gun license," Tookie added, a smirk on her face.

"He banned you too," Reeva pointed out, sticking her tongue out at Tookie.

"I got unbanned last year, boo, for your information," Tookie shot back with feigned indignation.

"Not fair!" Reeva exclaimed, a mock pout on her face.

"Are you really upset about this?" Tookie asked, clearly amused.

"Hell yeah!" Reeva replied, her voice exaggeratedly dramatic.

"So, who's really the fighter?" Jacob asked, curious.

"Kayla," Reeva and Tookie answered in unison, laughter spilling out.

"And Roland! That's why we keep them apart during conflict because they'll escalate it quick, quick as fuck," Reeva explained, still giggling.

"And y'all let her date Zilla?" Jonathan added from the background, raising an eyebrow.

"I don't think Zilla crashes out like Kayla does," Tookie reasoned, nodding.

"What about your friend?" Jonathan pushed, a mischievous grin on his face.

Tookie looked confused. "What friend?"

Reeva burst into laughter, realizing Jonathan had caught Tookie off guard. "Your friend, Tookie, you know who I'm talking about!"

Tookie's expression shifted to one of uncertainty as she tried to process the sudden shift in conversation. "Moving on," she declared, eager to dodge the topic.

Reeva could only shake her head, still chuckling. "Whew, hormones. Let's go back to this party. Bye!" She ended the call, feeling a mix of relief and amusement.

As the night progressed, Reeva returned to the party, where the music pulsed and people danced with abandon.