Caleb pulled up at the Toretto's place at seven on Thursday morning. Hayley smothered a yawn as they parked behind Jesse's car.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Caleb had been questioning her all week and by now, Hayley should be sure what she wanted to do, stay or go. But sadly she didn't.
"I don't have to see her once we reach Vegas,"
It was 450 kilometres from LA to Vegas and it would take around 4 or 5 hours to get there without stopping. They would leave today and come home Monday. Hayley had no doubt that Mia had a full schedule planned for them. Actually Hayley was sure that Mia had two schedules, one that included the trip to her mother and one that didn't – both would no doubt be packed with things to do.
"If you need me, I will come as soon as I can. You know that right?"
"I'll be fine," Hayley said, once again touched at Caleb's friendship.
"If you're sure,"
She smiled (she hoped brightly) and both hopped out of the car. Caleb popped the boot as Leon and Jesse came out of the house carrying a couple of suitcases.
"Hey Hayls," Jesse shouted.
She grinned and waved.
"What's up?" she called.
Jesse dumped the bags he was carrying near Letty's car and walked down to her; Leon following close behind.
"Hey girl," Leon greeted as Jesse hugged her. "Long time no see,"
"Well you could always come to the shop to visit," she pointed out.
Both boys chuckled and nodded. Caleb pulled out Hayley's one bag and Leon took it from his hands.
"Glad you packed light,"
"Mia's not a light packer?" Hayley guessed.
"Three bags," Leon complained.
Before Hayley could say anything else, the door slammed from inside. It was soon followed by loud shouting and everyone knew who it was – Dom and Letty.
"How long have they been at it?" Hayley asked.
"Since last night. Dom doesn't think it's wise for you girls to drive over to Vegas alone," Leon filled in.
"Mia's dead set on girl's only," Hayley agreed. "So why isn't Mia fighting Dom?"
"Because it started as two against one and then it went into another Dom and Letty fight,"
Hayley nodded, not sure it she should ask Leon anything more. Everyone could tell these fights were getting worse and happening more often. And Hayley could see that Leon though he was annoyed with the fighting, he wasn't happy that Letty was still in the middle of it. Hayley knew her guess about Letty interested in someone else wasn't just one sided – if Letty was really interested in Leon, because Hayley knew Leon was interested.
"Do you need a hand getting the car packed?" Caleb asked, trying to change the subject from Dom and Letty's fighting.
"Sure," Jesse said bouncing back to the car, leaving Hayley and Leon alone.
Hayley looked back at the house. It's not that she didn't want to see Vincent, she just didn't want to see him first. When she bit her lip, Leon sighed. She turned to face him.
"What?"
"You two are as bad as Dom and Letty,"
"What are you talking about?"
"Pride,"
She frowned.
"You both miss each other, so why don't you both just man up and get back together or at least have crazy goodbye sex,"
Hayley chuckled, trying not to blush at Leon's suggestion, refusing to admit that she had thought of that but had also thought of the consequences of it – the main consequence was her heart not recovering from Vincent.
"Great advice Lee," she said, slightly sarcastic.
He shrugged as Mia came bouncing out. Mia squealed as she spotted Hayley and ran over to her, hugging her tightly.
"This is so exciting! No boys, just us! I can't wait!"
How can anyone be this chirpy this early? Hayley wondered as she faked her smile.
"Me either,"
Mia danced on the spot before eyeing Caleb and went to him. Hayley chuckled as Caleb seemed overwhelmed. Hayley stopped as soon as she saw Vincent walked out wearing just old jeans and a singlet. She swallowed, all of a sudden her mouth dry.
Leon walked to her and turned to face Vince. He sighed but Hayley ignored him.
"Go talk to him."
She turned from Vincent to Leon. She could think of at least ten reasons why this was a bad idea. She glanced back at Vincent and found his eyes on her. Vincent nodded and Hayley knew that was way of telling her to come over.
"Go Hayls,"
She inhaled, gathered her wits and walked over to Vince. He was now at the bottom of the stairs, sitting down. Facing old boyfriends was hard but facing an old boyfriend you still had feeling for was far worse.
"Hey Vincent,"
He looked up and she could see the wariness in his eyes. He might have suggested for her to come over but he wasn't letting his guard down.
"What's up Red?"
Her heart swelled at the sound of her old nickname.
"Avoiding Mia's chirpiness,"
He half chuckled.
"Can't blame ya. She's been bouncin' all week,"
Okay, so this isn't so bad.
"Do you and the boys have something planned for the weekend?"
"If Dom had any say, we'll be goin' with ya,"
"Honestly, I wouldn't mind if the whole team came,"
"Really?" he sounded surprised.
"Yeah, I think everyone needs a holiday and a weekend a way could be what everyone needs,"
"Maybe you should convince Mia and Letty of your ideas,"
"Why? Do you want to go to Vegas?"
Vince gave her a small smile at her teasing tone.
"Maybe I just want to see you dance,"
"Like that's gonna happen," she scoffed.
"I think we'd all like to see you dance,"
Hayley got the feeling that despite his light tone, he was being serious. It made her blush again but this time only lightly. Both were disrupted by Letty coming out, slamming the door and marching past them to her car.
"Damn it Letty!" Dom shouted, following her out.
"No Dom! I don't need a babysitter and I don't need you!" Letty called back.
Hayley was forced to press herself against Vince as Dom barged past. Vince's hands came up and cradled her waist. She met his eyes and she saw the worry.
Dom went straight to Letty's car and all attention went to them. This meant Vince and Hayley went unnoticed. Hayley's hands rested on his shoulders and she felt his hands move lower to his hips.
"Are you okay?"
His voice was deep and filled with worry.
"Of course,"
Her voice was soft and as she saw him frown she tried to force a smile. He didn't meet it and she knew he could tell she didn't mean it. She exhaled slowly.
"Vincent, I'm fine really,"
"You've lost weight,"
"Most girls are happy about that. Not to mention guys usually find it more attractive,"
"You were fine how you were,"
"Vincent, I am on a new diet. It takes a little adjusting,"
"You shouldn't have lost this much,"
She forced herself to look him in eyes and found him looking back at her. She couldn't help but keep eye contact as she felt his fingers start to rub her sides in circles. She could feel her skin start to get goose-bumps and it took everything in her to not shiver.
"What's been going on?" he asked, his voice firm but gentle. "I don't want you to lose anymore,"
She didn't even think, just blurted out,
"You gave up that right when you broke up with me,"
She didn't mean it. It was like her head spoke to protect what was left of her heart. Vince retracted his hand and she took her hands off him.
"I–"
"Have fun in Vegas,"
She swallowed the lump in her throat as he stood, kissed her forehead and walked away from her once again. She felt like screaming out to him, pleading with him to come back, that she never meant what she said, that she wanted him, to be with him.
Instead she watched the front door close and heard him walk through the house. She turned away and walked towards Letty's car where Dom and Letty were still fighting. She was thankful for that small mercy that no one had seen her conversation with Vincent. Hayley went to Dom and touched him massive arm.
Dom surprised at the gentle touch, turned from Letty and looked down at Hayley. She smiled at him and found herself at the centre of attention. He looked confused and to Hayley it was like that no one had stopped him before.
"Dom, I know you want to come and as much I would love everyone to come, I just can't handle everyone meeting my family. I'm really sorry. It's my fault, I didn't want Mia or Letty to tell you. I just can't handle it at the moment," she lied.
Dom seemed to relax because he nodded but was still frowning.
"I don't like it,"
"Please Dom,"
"You're travelling so far without protection,"
Letty started to object but Hayley cut in.
"Letty knows how to throw a wicked punch and I'm sure that Mia can kick a man where it hurts the most. They're both great drivers and Letty is a brilliant mechanic who you've personally trained,"
Letty huffed at that and Mia came up to them.
"And the boys in my family will look after us when we get there. And you are just a phone call away. There is really nothing to worry about,"
Dom exhaled (men did not sigh) and studied her. He knew that what she was saying was the truth but he couldn't shake the feeling that one of them should be going with them. He had this feeling in his gut that something was going to happen and he always trusted his gut.
"You can come next time, I promise,"
"Okay but anythin' happens–"
"You'll be the first to know,"
She smiled and hugged him. Mia squealed and Letty continued to huff. Hayley hugged everyone, leaving Caleb to last. She hugged Caleb tightly and for longer then she meant.
"I'm only one phone call away,"
"I know. You and Linda do something fun while I'm gone okay?"
"Yes ma,"
She pushed him and with one last hug, Dom helped her into the backseat of the car.
"We'll be home before you know it," Mia shouted from the window as Letty reversed.
Hayley chuckled as Letty cursed under breath. Let the road trip begin...
Second Chances
Mia had been asleep since they left LA. This meant Letty got to pick the music, not that Hayley minded. But apart from the music, the car was mostly silent. Hayley was enjoying herself and the way Letty kept tapping on the steering wheel, she knew Letty was enjoying herself as well.
"Thanks for calmin' Dom," Letty said as Mia's breathing continued to even out.
"It's nothing Let,"
"I mean it Hayls. Dom wasn't listening and I wasn't explainin' it right,"
Letty sighed and Hayley waited.
"I told Dom I wanted a break,"
"Last night?"
"Yep. He didn't take it too well," Letty said with a sad chuckle.
"How do you feel about everything?"
Letty shrugged.
"Letty... Come on,"
"I guess I feel... sad. I don't want it to be over yet. I love him,"
"I know Let. And maybe when you get home, you and Dom will work it out. I'm sure you just need a weekend away from each out. Working and living to together can take its toll,"
Letty just nodded but Hayley knew that she was tossing over her options – Dom or Leon. And as much as everyone wanted to help, it was a decision only Letty could make.
Hayley was sadly in a similar situation. To give up Vincent altogether and move on or try one last time. But for Hayley it wasn't just her that needed to make that choice. Hayley looked back out the window and relaxed into the seat. She watched the scenery pass her as she thought about Vince and how much she actually missed him...
Second Chances
Author's Note: So here's the next chapter of the Hayley and Vincent saga. Believe it or not, this is almost to the end. I'm really liking where it is at the moment. Hope you enjoy. xoxo