Thursday night was spent at Lady's Pleasure till after midnight. Friday was spent sightseeing but not shopping; that night was spent at a local club where they danced all night, not getting home till after four the following morning. Saturday was Mia's day which was spent all day shopping with dinner at a very fancy restaurant but an early night.

Now on Sunday it was Letty's day. But before they went to whatever car show Letty had planned for them, Hayley had an appointment…

Second Chances

Leon, Caleb, and even her mum had been right. She was sick not dying. Vince was over her or at least, didn't want her back. And she could no longer pity herself. It was time for a change. And it was true, look good on the outside, feel great on the inside.

And Vegas famous for changes – good and bad.

Her mum had make-up artists, stylists, and personal hairdressers. This meant Hayley had a number on contacts within the beauty industry. Which is how she got an appointment on Sunday morning before nine.

"Well I have to say Miss Hayley, you have let this hair run wild, now, haven't ya?"

Matilda Longworth was an African American woman from deep in the south. She had a thick southern accent and a damn cheeky attitude.

"That place ain't good for ya. Ya should come back here. The air is far better for ya here,"

"I know Tilly but my friends are in LA. You could always come to me; I know a number of people that would love it if you moved shop,"

"Nah Miss Hayley. You should just come back,"

Hayley just smiled.

"Now what are we doing with this mop of hair?"

"I want it all cut off to a bob, at my ears. I want it straight,"

"Get rid of all your beautiful hair? Your curls?"

"Yes, it's time for a change,"

"Hmm,"

"Don't Tilly. I need a change,"

"But why lose you curls?"

"It doesn't feel like me anymore,"

"Hmm," Tully muttered. "And ya sure?"

"Yes,"

Yesterday shopping, Hayley bought new outfits and shoes. She would still keep her "hippie" look but new clothes to give her a new attitude.

"Here we go…"

Second Chances

"I love it! Thank you so much!"

Hayley couldn't stop playing with her new do. She felt flirty and girly and she liked it a lot.

"Well ya do look good with short hair,"

"So, it suits me okay?"

"Now, you're just fishing for compliments," Tilly exclaimed making Hayley grin like a Cheshire Cat. "And you're most welcome Miss Hayley," Tilly told her, knowing what Hayley was going to say next. "'n' when ya decided to stay, let me know. We'll go out and have a wonderful dinner,"

"Tilly, I'm not staying,"

"Girl, ya just might. Ya never know,"

Hayley knew it was more wishful thinking then anything. And it made her heart swell at the knowledge that someone wanted her back.

"Maybe next time I visit,"

Hayley met her old, kind brown eyes in the mirror and saw Tilly nod. Hayley's phone vibrated, making Tilly released her shoulders.

"Hi Mia,"

"Where are you?"

"Hairdressers. I'm on my way now,"

"Okay," Mia answered hesitantly.

"I'll be home in ten minutes,"

"Sure,"

Both hung up with Hayley shaking her head at the phone.

"Sounds like ya need to go,"

"Yeah, they're worried about me,"

Hayley stood to face Tilly. The larger woman who could be considered to be her family, gave Hayley a smile and then pulled her into a tight hug.

"If you need anything, anything at all, let me know. I have a spare room and could find you some work. Hayley, you know I'd look after you,"

"I know Tilly, but right now LA is my home,"

"Home can be wherever you want it to be,"

Hayley nodded. With one last hug and a sad goodbye, Hayley left her, feeling sadder then someone with a new hair cut should. She really enjoyed the older woman's company and Hayley was always sad to leave her company.

"Oh my god! Look at your hair!" Mia exclaimed as Hayley entered the hotel room. "What did you do?"

"Thanks for the vote of confidence Mia,"

"You look good. I like it short," Letty interrupted as she exited the bathroom.

"Thank you Letty,"

"But your beautiful curls! Why?"

"I needed a change. And I like it. I think it makes me look good,"

"Well of course you look good. I just can't get over the fact that you cut all your hair off,"

"I'm sure you'll get over it," Letty said walking over to the two girls. "Now, seeing that we've covered the hair topic, can we go now?"

"I'm ready," Hayley answered.

"Just let me fix up my make up,"

"You look fine," Letty told Mia as she went to the bathroom.

Letty sighed and Hayley saw her roll her eyes. Twenty minutes later they were driving out to a racetrack to watch a "legal" race...

Second Chances

Letty was practically bouncing in her seat on the way home. And Hayley admitted, it had been a great day and exciting to watch. Mia had been slightly more subdued then normal and Hayley got the feeling that it had something to do with Dom.

"Why don't you visit these races more? Aren't they run in LA?"

"They are, we just never go," Letty answered.

"Why?"

Letty glanced at Mia in the rear view mirror. Hayley turned, looked to Letty and then turned in her seat to look at Mia. Mia seemed tense but she nodded to Letty anyway.

"Mia's dad was a racer," Letty started, her knuckles clenching the steeling wheel so hard her knuckles went white. "And a mechanic. He taught me, Dom, Vince and Mia everything we know. Tony was a great man and practically like a dad to all of us. A few years back, we went to his race, they were amazing. Went every Saturday afternoon, it was a real treat,"

"Race then dinner at this little burger place. Drive around taking in the sights at night," Mia supplied.

"What happened?" Hayley asked, getting the feeling that something had gone terribly wrong and that she probably should stop the conversation now.

"There was a crash and Tony didn't survive. Dom was banned after that and went to jail. None of us have gone to any races except the street ones. Dom can't go, so we don't go," Letty explained. "We all miss but Dom the most. It's his pa's legacy and he can't do anything but street race."

The car went silent.

"I'm sorry, for both of you. But I'm glad we could go to the race today,"

Letty smiled briefly, her high very quickly becoming a middle low.

"Thanks Hayls. It means a lot,"

Hayley didn't know what Dom did to get himself banned and end up in jail, and she didn't want to know. A part of her knew that though they saw her as family, she wasn't part of the inner circle. She was like a distant cousin they liked and put up with, but only hung out with at Christmas.

"What time are we heading off?" Hayley asked changing the subject.

She had had enough of Vegas. Now she wanted to go home to her own bed and old routine. With the subject suitably changed, the car mood was lifted. Hayley was glad that they were able to change the subject; she needed to think of something else, anything other then her feeling like an outsider...

Second Chances

Letty pulled up to the kerb and parked her car. Hayley stretched, glad to be home and would finally be able to get out of the car.

"Home sweet home," Letty announced.

She nudged Mia, waking her up and then blasted the horn. Hayley laughed as Mia jumped in her seat and the boys started coming out of the house. Letty spotted Dom and jumped from the car. She raced to his arms and promptly kissed him. Dom kissed her back before breaking away, allowing Letty to smile.

Mia followed Letty but instead of kissing anyone, she was hugged by each of the boys with Dom kissing her forehead last. Hayley climbed out last and immediately felt sadden by the lack of family greeting her home. She shut the car door behind her and lent against the car.

"How was ya ma?" Vince asked, leaning against the car next to her.

She refused to show her surprise at him coming over to her, out of his own free will.

"Just like she always is. I remember why I left now,"

"That bad? So you won't be moving back?"

"No, I'm staying here; I'll still be annoying you,"

"I never said you annoyed me,"

"I just assumed..." she trailed off.

"What?"

"That you felt annoyed by me. We are ex's after all,"

"You've never annoyed me, and you don't now,"

"Then do you want to drive me home?"

A brief look of confusion crossed his face before he cleared his face of emotions. He never mentioned her hair and she couldn't help the thought flittering across her mind, he did like it?

"Sure,"

He helped get her bags and loaded them in his car. They managed to sneak away without anyone really noticing.

"I am happy that you're staying," Vince said parking the car.

She smiled, not wanting to say anything to scare him off. He turned off the car and turned to her.

"Wanna come up?" she asked, not thinking it through but not upset that she asked.

Hayley saw him nod and she couldn't help the hope that welled up in her. She was just grateful to have his company for a little while...

Second Chances

A little while turned into five hours and all that time had been innocent. They just talked and laughed and it felt like they were still together or at least it did to Hayley. Yes and honestly she wanted this, the friendship. If she couldn't be his lover then maybe she could be just be his friend even if her feelings didn't die down when she was around him.

Hayley made dinner and Vince finished up her stock of beer – there wasn't that much. And they stuck to safe subjects. Yes it was like walking on tiptoes around eggshells but wasn't that how ex's became friends? Slowly and carefully?

But now at eight pm, there wasn't many safe subjects to talk about. Not that Hayley really minded. The mood was relaxed and Hayley was content. As she glanced at Vince, not subtly, she thought he was at least content as well.

"Want another beer?" Hayley asked grabbing their dirty plates.

"Nah,"

He stood up and took the plates from her. Surprised but grateful, she followed him to the sink.

"Don't tell me that you're actually gonna wash up for me," Hayley teased.

He flashed her a wolfish grin as he started the water.

"What's changed? You going soft on me?"

"And what if I were?"

"I'd want to know who you've changed for."

The mood shifted slightly but neither noticed.

"Who says I need to be changin' for anyone?"

"Cause I don't think you would change for yourself,"

He stopped washing and turned to her. She forced herself to remain calm and keep eye contact even if the air around her was buzzing and screaming for her not to go there.

"Maybe I'm changin' cause I wanna be better,"

"I don't think you should change,"

"Why?" he pressed.

"I like you how you are, were."

"Really?" he asked in disbelief.

"Truly. You don't have to change for anyone, though this girl must be special,"

He looked at her strangely so she continued.

"I mean, that's the only reason right? Some girl has got your eye and that's cool. I'm happy for you,"

"Really?"

"Yeah," she lied. "Of course. This girl must be pretty special,"

"You are."

He was looking straight at her and was completely serious. Hayley studied his face trying to see something that would tell her that he didn't want her, that he was just messing with her. That he was just joking around and messing with her head. He had to be right? Her heart pounded as she couldn't see that he was joking.

She moved closer to him and watched as his eyes scanned her face. Hayley, on her tippy-toes, leaned into him and kissed him.

He dropped the plate back in the water and turned so he was front on to her. His wet hands cradled her waist and within a few moments, the kiss escalated.

Vince lifted her, placing her near the dish water. Her own hands threaded through his hair and legs wrapped around him tightly. His mouth was forceful yet almost playful. He would nip and growl and she would giggle like a fourteen year old girl with her first crush.

Hayley returned his vigour with her own, even returning the nips and slight tugs. This only made things hotter.

"Ya sure?" Vince questioned as her hands started tugging on his shirt.

She paused and looked up at him.

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah,"

"Good," and continued.

She didn't want to think how bad the repercussion could be to loving him tonight. She just wanted to feel good, to feel him and if tonight was the last night then she wanted to make the most of it.

They yanked his shirt off and made quick work of hers. Vince left her bra but started kissing down her neck, making her groan and throw her head back.

"Did I tell you how hot your hair is?" he growled into her skin.

She shook her head as he continued making her mewl in pleasure.

"It's damn hot, Hayls. Gorgeous,"

Hayley pulled him closer by wrapping her legs tighter around him. She pulled his head up and kissed him on the mouth, teeth clashing, tongues duelling.

"Take me to bed Vincent," she whimpered, as they separated to breathe.

"Okay,"

He carried her to the bed and that's where they spent the rest of the night...

Second Chances

It was a phone ringing that woke Hayley the next morning. It was hard to move to find the phone with Vince's arm around her stomach.

"Hello?" she whispered.

"Who is this? Where's Vince?"

Hayley pales as she recognised Mia's voice.

"Wait, Hayley?"

Hayley hung up and put the phone on the bedside table. Now she didn't know what to do.

"What did they want?" Vince grumbled, pulling her back close to him.

"Mia,"

"And?"

"I answered your phone. Mia knows or is at least guessing that we were together last night," she spoke, a little worried at what his reaction would be.

"They probably would've guessed that when you come to dinner with me tonight,"

She sat up, his arm dropping.

"What?"

"I want ya to come to dinner. With me,"

"Because we had sex?"

"Because I want ya too,"

He sat up as well, causing her to grab the sheet tightly to her chest where it just pooled at his lap.

"What?"

"Hayley, I want a second chance,"

She inhaled sharply.

"I'm not goof at all that poetic junk or that feelings or whatever,"

Well, I can attest to that, she thought to herself.

"But I know what I want,"

"And you're oh so willing to over look that I'm sick? The thing that caused you to break up with me in the first place!"

"You're not sick,"

"Vincent! I am!" Hayley exclaimed. "One night of sex doesn't make me healthy. You're not a miracle worker,"

He smirked at her but she didn't give in. He sighed.

"I know okay? Hayls, I was stupid. I acted like a boy not a man,"

"Why would me being sick freak you out?"

"I thought you were gonna die,"

Hayley's expression softened. She moved and he pulled her onto his lap. He was showing her a very vulnerable side of himself that Hayley had never seen before.

"Seeing ya, laying like that..."

"But I wasn't, I mean I could've but the doctors had been monitoring me,"

"I know that now,"

She kissed him softly, with him breaking the kiss after a moment.

"My foster ma... she took me in when I was eight. I'd been bounced around a lot before 'er. She was great and like a real ma to me. But when I was fifteen she got cancer. I watched her die at home cause we couldn't afford treatment. The hospital turned us away when they should've helped,"

"I'm sorry Vincent. I didn't make things better, did I?"

"No,"

She gently placed a hand on his chest and the other cupped his cheek.

"I can't promise you that I'll never get sick or go to hospital again. But I can promise that I'm looking after myself now and that things are better. I am better, but I still have to be careful. I promise I won't do something foolish like that again,"

He kissed her.

"And I would really like a second chance as well. If that is still okay with you, or have I chased you off?"

He smirked at her and then started to tickle her. She couldn't help the shriek that escaped her throat as he mercilessly tickled her. He flipped them over and soon the tickling turned into tender touches. Her giggles turned into soft moans.

"A second chance sound good to me," he told her before beginning his sweet torture...

Second Chances

Author's Note: Sorry about how late this chapter is. I had wanted it to go up about 3 weeks ago! Excuses I know, but it was super busy at work and then holidays so that's the delay. Hope everyone enjoyed this and it is getting closer to the end!