Chapter 53-Toretto's Never Quit

No POV

The whole crowd made their way to the starting line, which was about 100 yards away. It was about a mile and a half stretch. The four racers lined up as a skimpy dressed girl collected the money and slips from the racers. It was set; over a mile of pure speed for up to $40K and up to two cars. The was the Toretto's first race in almost a month. This was the Superbowl of street racing. Either Dom wins this for them, or their reputation is shot. They weren't known for letting another team come in and take the crown. But everyone on the Team knew that this Miami crew had a chance. If they had their own Jesse (Jimmy), their own Letty (Lily), their own Mia (Suki), and their own Hector (Tej), then Roman had to be their Dominic.

"Dom, who's gonna lookout for the cops? Leon's not here, remember." Diana asked, running to his car.

"Shit I forgot. Um, tell Jess to do it." Dom said, rubbing his forehead.

"Dom look." Diana said, pointing over to the Jetta, where Jesse and Jimmy were looking at the laptop. "We lost him. He's got a new best friend." Diana joked. Dom smiled. He knew Jesse needed another scientist around to help out. Now there was Jimmy.

"Fine. Tell Brian to do it. He did install a scanner in his car a couple weeks ago." Dom said. She nodded and walked away.

Mia's POV

"So how come I didn't know about them?" I asked Brian, who was checking the scanner in his Lancer Evo Vll. We had been together for over three years and I'm just now finding out about these people. I was fed up with the secrets.

"I don't know Mia. I was gonna bring them up to visit. I just didn't know when. I told Dominic, I thought he'd tell you." Brian replied, trying to find a clear station on the scanner.

"It's not his responsibility to tell me about YOUR friends. It's yours Brian. I thought we could tell each other everything? I don't keep anything from you, so why do you feel you need to keep things from me?" I asked, standing in the opening of the Lancer.

"Mia don't lecture me okay? I'm sorry I didn't tell you about them. I guess it slipped my mind." He said, not even looking at me.

"Whatever Brian." I said, storming off. I walked over by Sasha and Diana, who were talking to Lillian and Suki.

"Hey Mia. How are you girl?" Lily said, hugging me. I smiled and hugged her back.

"Good. I see how you're doing though. Congratulations." I said sincerely, stepping back to look at her growing belly.

"Thanks. I'm guessin' Brian didn't tell you about them?" She asked, leaning against what looked like a hot pink Honda S2000. I smiled and shook my head. "I'm sorry. My brother's a real jackass sometimes. He doesn't always think about his every move or decision. He just kinda wings it and sees what comes from it." She explained.

"I noticed. So how do you know ... Rome??" I couldn't remember his name to save my life.

"Yeah Rome. But he and my brother are best friends. Me and Brian moved down here to live with our grandmother when we were in high school. Rome lived a few blocks down. Ever since their Junior year in high school they've been like brothers. Then Brian became a cop. Roman got in with a bad crowd and Brian busted him." She explained, taking a deep breath afterwards.

I kinda understood the situation now. Brian and Roman were like Dom and Vince. Minus becoming a cop and everything.

"So how did ..that.. happen?" I asked, pointing to her stomach.

"Well see Mia, when two people are in love-" I smacked her arm playfully. I knew exactly what she was getting at.

"You know what I mean." I said, laughing.

"Well I don't really know. When I left for Miami two years ago, I knew he'd let me stay with him. We were real good friends, then the feelings just grew. I can't explain it, but Roman's amazing." She said, glowing. I could tell she really loved this guy. I just smiled and nodded.

I looked over and Sasha and Di, who were taking a look under the hood of the Honda.

"Who's ride?" I asked, nodding over.

"Oh that's Suki's ride. She praises that thing. She's kinda like you; believes in girl power to the fullest, but could keep up with the big boys in a race" She said, making me smile.

"Cool. And him" I asked, pointing to the other man, who was talking to Hector.

"Oh Tej? Oh he's a the big race gambler down South. He makes a profit off that shit." She said.

"He race?" I asked. He didn't look like a racer, but then again, neither did Brian.

"Used to. Got in a big crash awhile back, scared him from the roads since. But he owns a huge garage in Miami so. I'm sure you're gonna ask me about Jimmy next so I'm just going to tell you. He's Suki's brother; he's a whiz kid when he comes to cars; and he sucks at poker. That's about it." Lily said, reading my mind. I blushed a little then turned to the cars.

"Race is starting." Sasha yelled over.

xxx

No POV

The race was beginning. Hector got the OK from Brian over the walkie-talkie and signaled for the racers to get ready. Dom enabled the NOS from under the passenger seat; Nico enable his from in between the driver and passenger's seats; Edwin turned on his from his back seats; and Roman popped the trunk for Jimmy to turn his NOS on. Different music was blasting from all cars. The race needed to begin soon. They had been out there already for 20 minutes which was unusual. Most races lasted about ten minutes. That was: setting up the races, having the actual race, and the small celebration for the winner afterwards.

Hector raised his arms, indicating for the racers to shift into first gear. As soon as his arms dropped to his side, the cars were off. Dom was immediately in first, with Roman right behind him. Edwin was in third and Nico was right on his bumper. Dominic was relaxed, driving with one arm as usual. He wasn't worried about these racers. As far as he was concerned, there was no competition. He was hitting a speed at 135 mph so far, not even thinking about his NOS. Sometimes he wondered why he turned it on. He looked in his rearview mirror and noticed that Roman was making his way to Dom's side and fast. Dom sat up in his seat and adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. He wasn't going to let this new guy come in and take his crown as top dog.

"This guy won't quit." He said, looking back at Roman's car.

xxx

Roman was putting the pedal to the floor as he kept his position on Dom's ass. He wanted to prove to Brian and to Tej and to everyone else that he could beat anyone. That's why he came to L.A. To beat Dominic Toretto. To be King of the West Coast just as he was King of the East Coast. He turned the steering wheel left. He came up quickly to Dominic's side. He wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. Not his CD in the CD player that stopped; not his cell phone that rang in the passenger seat; nothing. His eyes were dead set on that green line that indicated he was gonna win. He was doing 130 mph now.

"I got you boy! What you runnin' for? I got chu!" He yelled towards Dominic car, laughing afterwards. He shifted gears and his Spyder sped up.

xxx

Edwin was a few seconds away from Roman's car. He didn't care about that. He just wanted to hold his place in front of Nico, who beat Edwin in his last race. He knew Nico was one hell of a racer. Not up to Dominic's skill, but way over Hector's skill. He watched his NOS meter until it turned red. When he did, he instantly pressed it, shooting his far away from Nico's car. He shot up close to Roman's car. He wasn't right behind it, but it was in view. He looked in his rearview mirror and noticed Nico's car was slowing down.

"Ha ha! Fuck you Ese!" He yelled, speeding up. "Sorry dawg. Toretto's my catch." He yelled at Roman's car.

xxx

Dom was now sitting up fully, both hands on the steering wheel. He was staring at the back of Roman's car. He somehow, made his way out in front of Dominic. He must have hit his NOS, which helped him pull out in front of Dom. Dom hadn't begin to panic until he could see the finish line in view. He cranked up his music, which helped build up his momentum. He swerved into the opposite lane so he could view the finish line better. It was a few seconds away. If Dom didn't do something quick, there would be a new King in town.

"Come on Dominic. You're King you bastard! You're king!" He roared at himself, literally feeling the car quake underneath his growl. He did something he hadn't needed to do in months; he hit his NOS. The dose of NOS helped the car speed in front of Rome and across the finish line.

"That's what I'm talking 'bout! You're a fuckin' Toretto Dom! Toretto kings never quit." He growled, slowing the Rx-7 down.

xxx

Roman knew he had to do something fast. The end was near and Dom was still ahead. He waited until he reached 140 mph until he hit his NOS. The turbo boosted him a car's length ahead of Dom.

"What now Toretto!" He yelled, smiling back at Dom's car.

He pushed and pushed. He wanted this bad. He wanted to brag how he came from the other side of the world and took Dominic Toretto's spot. He needed that 40 grand. He was going to be a father soon and he needed that cash. He couldn't lose. He also wanted to make Brian proud of him. He knew he lost some of Brian's respect when Brian busted him. But then again, Brian became a pig. That was all in his past, Rome needed this win. He looked in his rearview and almost choked; no Toretto. He looked on both sides of him, and noticed Dom flying by him and over the finish line.

"FUCK!" He screamed, slamming his hands down on the steering wheel. "You've gotta be kiddin'."

xxx

Edwin was happy. He knew Toretto was losing his touch. If some newcomer from out of town could PASS Dom, then he could most likely beat Dom. That meant Dominic would be easier to beat. Edwin smiled to himself as he shifted gears. He was gaining speeds of 133 mph. He slowly, but surely approached the Rx-7 as it crept around to the Spyder.

"Don't try it Dom. I'm not losin' you dawg." Edwin said, slamming the pedal to the floor.

He got in the lane behind Dom as he saw Dominic fly forward, past Roman, and over the finish line.

"Guess he still does have it." Edwin said disappointed.

xxx

Back at the starting line, Dom exited the Mazda. He was instantly swarmed with people congratulating him. Everyone from the Team ran to him, patting him on the back. Mia jumped in his arm, planting big sisterly kisses on his shiny head.

"That was amazing D. Papi would be so proud of you." She said, wrapping her legs around his waist. He smiled big as he bear hugged her.

"I love you Mia Loriana Toretto." He said, putting her down. He kissed her forehead as the other competitors showed up.

"Yo Toretto. Good race man." Edwin said, shaking Dominic's hand. Dom nodded and turned to find Letty, almost forgetting she wasn't going to be there to congratulate him. He felt a sense of sadness bolt through his body.

"It's okay Dom. You can go see her tomorrow and tell her all about it." Sasha said, walking over to him. She noticed the look he got on his face and knew it could only be one thing. He smiled at her and gave her a hug.

"That was incredible Dom. I mean, Rome's my boy, but damn." Brian said, patting him on the back. The Miami crew approached, each looking disappointed, but satisfied.

"Here's my money. Keys are in the car." Rome said, beginning to walk away.

"Yo Pearce. C'mere." Dom yelled, motioned Rome back over to him Roman turned around and walked back over. It was obvious he wasn't happy with himself for losing. He depended on this money and he lost it. "That was probably one of the best races I've ever been in. You made me use my NOS. That hasn't been done in a very long time." He credited, his arms around Mia and Sasha's shoulder. "Therefore, I'm gonna let you keep your car AND I'll split the money with you. You're having a baby soon. You might need it. What do ya say, deal?" Dom offered, holding out his hand for Rome to shake. Rome hesitated for a minute, then shook Dom's hand. Dom pulled him into a hug and whispered "Much respect man. Much respect" into Roman's ear. Rome nodded and pulled away. Hector counted out $20K for Roman and Dom and handed them each their winnings.

"Yo we got cops! Get outta here!" One of Hector's boys yelled. Everyone scrambled like mice as sirens grew louder as they grew closer.

"Go, get in the car Lily!" Rome yelled, dashing over to the Spyder.

"Follow me." Dom yelled to Rome. "Tony get in the car man. Why you just standin' there?" Dom yelled, sliding into the Rx-7.

It took them a few minutes, but the Team finally shook the cops and made it back to the Fort for the usual afterparty.

xxx

Sasha's POV

That was one hell of a race. Dom never had competition like that. I knew the type of person Dominic was though; he'd offer Rome a place on the Team so he wouldn't have to race him anymore. It was a cautious move though. It looked like Rome had a good chance of winning that race.

I was sitting in the living room on the couch next to Vince as he played his guitar. It always soothed me when he played it. Although it didn't blend with the party music, I still loved it. I was drinking a Corona and watching the party people in the room. It was the usual group of people who showed up at the race, but now the Miami people were here too.

I liked them. Especially Rome. He had some balls. One, he got in Dom's face (which no man did and lived to tell about it) and two, he almost beat Dom (which no man other then Brian can say)

I looked across the room and saw something that almost made me piss my pants; Tony talking to a girl. See, Tony was never big on girls. He was scared shitless of them. He was a cute kid, but he was too damn shy for his own good. I tried to help him, but I thought it was a lost cause. But apparently, the guys here have been rubbing off on him. He was talking to a tall, blond girl who was in a group of other girls. They looked about 15 or 16. I continued to watch him for a while, surprised at how good he was doing. He was actually keeping a conversation with her. She was actually laughing. It made me smile. I guess the boys here were good for something. I watched the girl scribble down something on a piece of paper and hand it to Tony. Good job Tony! I thought to myself. He kissed her on the cheek and made his way over to me.

"Who are you and what have you done to my brother?" I joked as he sat down.

"Shut up. Look, I got a number." He bragged, showing me the paper.

"That you did. Give me brief details." I said, turning to him.

"Her names Brianna. She's 16. She goes to the same school as me. She likes punk music and knows nothing about cars." He said smiling.

"Perfect. Good job buddy." I replied, patting him on the back. I continued drinking my Corona as Vince tapped me on the shoulder.

"Keep your eyes on me." He said, worry in his eyes.

"What's wrong Vince?" I asked, sitting up.

"Nothing. Just don't look away." He said, fear in his voice. I gave him a skeptical look as I glanced around the room. Nothing seemed out of place until I looked at the stairs. Dom with his arm around some blond bimbo. He looked very intoxicated and the hunger in his eyes was almost scary. My blood started to boil as I watched them up the stairs. Vince's grip on my shoulder stayed strong. "Don't. I know Dom. No matter how drunk he is, he'll make the right decision. Let's just see. If it's longer then ten minutes, we'll go kill them both."