Chapter 21: Return of the Pool Boy

As time went by, Dom's promise to himself that he would look after Matilda was pointless. He was caught up in the garage, the races and whatever other activities filled his agenda that the team simply didn't have any extra time to dedicate to her. It's not like she needed any extra attention- Mark was supplying just the right amount.

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"Do you think we'll need this?" Matty asked, holding up a pair of candlesticks and waving them in the air. Mark scrunched his face in thought, his fine brown eyebrows joining together. He was a handsome man, tall and lean body. He had a sense of elegancy that surrounded him, befitting him and his profession. Mark was moving up in the world, one legal case at a time. He was recently hired by a high powered firm in the heart of California. He was making his mark in the world and in Matty's.

"I was thinking that with the money the firm is offering, I could dip into my savings and just buy new things," he said, walking over to her and wrapping his arms around her ever growing waist. Matty tilted her head to the side and thought about the proposition. "Do you think we're doing the right thing? We've only known each other for a few months. Moving into a house in the suburbs and leaving our old lives behind is a big deal for such a fast pace," she said, putting the candlesticks down and unwrapping herself from him.

Mark sighed and sat down on the edge of the couch. Matty stood in front of him with her arms crossed over her belly, in a convincing stance she had learned from Mia. "I think that we're two adults, who deserve to have a sense of security and a little company. I'm not asking for a marriage, but it's nice to have someone to come home to. You say you want your space, fine. With the hours I'll be working you'll have more than enough time on your hands. You can keep busy decorating the house and what not while you wait for the baby to be born, which isn't too far away," he said.

Matty shrugged and glanced around her small apartment. "Is it big? My moving to the suburbs better be a big deal," She muttered, shifting from one foot to another in anticipation of their new home. "Yep. It has everything you want- a big 2 car garage, a jacuzzi style bath tub and hardwood floors," he replied, standing up from the couch and hugging her. She giggled and jumped up and down in his arms.

"What would we be doing right now if you were still working as a public defender?" Matty asked. Mark shrugged and glanced at the clock on the wall. "We would probably be stretched out on the couch watching Smackdown!" He replied, reaching for the candlesticks and dumping them in the trash can.

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Matty groaned as the doorbell rang throughout the house. She hit the mute button on her brand new 60 inch flat screen television. She hit pause on the Need for Speed game she was playing and placed the PS2 controller next to her on the couch. She struggled to get up, grabbing on to the couch and pushing her up, the big, protruding belly not letting her get around. She was due any day now and it was starting to wear thinly on her patience.

She waddled slowly towards the door, yelling that she was on her way. As she finally reached the door, she smoother out the black sports bra and white basketball shorts she was wearing. Socks adorned her feet and her hair was up in a messy bun. Matty yanked the door open, not once expecting Vince to be standing on her doorstep.

She froze, staring up at him, in shock. He cleared his throat, his hands deep within his pockets, head low and eyes behind a pair of dark sunglasses. "How are you?" He asked, shifting around. Matty smiled at him and opened the door for him to enter. "I'm alive," she replied, shutting the door after him. She lead him to the kitchen, motioning for him to have a seat.

Vince pushed his shades to the top of his head and sat down, accepting the glass of orange juice she had handed him. She sat across the table, a bag of Doritos in her lap, and a glass of juice in her hand. "Eating healthy I see," he smirked. Matty shrugged and began to stuff her face. "The doc said I needed more fruits and vegetables, so I drink a glass of juice when I'm done with the junk food."

"So how's everything going? Seems that you've made quiet a few changes in your life," he said. She smiled softly, drinking the feeling of his presence in. "Well it was an overnight change, but I've gotten used to it. It feels sort of good to be laying around and have no worries," she muttered. V nodded and for the next couple of minutes they sat in silence, neither one not really knowing what to say to the other.

"So…." Matty said, tapping her fingers on the glass countertop. He focused on how her nails used to covered in dirt and how her body used to smell like oil, but now it was the complete opposite. Her nails were professionally done, with a French manicure to boot. She was tanned and was glowing all over with a hint of vanilla. Her hair seemed to be perfect and she seemed to be at home with the dramatic change.

"I'm scared to even step on the floor. I might get it dirty," he said, glancing down at the spotless white ceramic tiles that lined the floor. She shrugged. "Don't worry about it. Every Thursday this nice little Russian lady comes over and mops and brooms and dusts. All I do is cook and do the laundry and play the pretty housewife role."

V scoffed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Well if it makes you feel any better, it suits you. You look great in the newer and nicer surroundings," he said. Matty mimicked his pose, giving him a glare to match. "So what brings you to my side of the railroad tracks? Anything new I should know about?" He shrugged in response and glanced around the tidy kitchen, focusing back on her.

"I just felt like I should touch base with you. We haven't talked ever since you left the house and I've been missing you, you know?" He whispered, sincerity clearly shown in his eyes. Matty reached across the table and her hand found his. "I've missed you too, V. It's been a big change but I still think about our little house down in Echo Park," she replied.

"Things aren't the same anymore since you left. Now it's all work and worry. It feels like we've all grown up. No more running around and acting up. Just work, race and stress out," he said. Matty nodded and stared into his eyes. "What's going on, V? Is everything okay in the house? If you guys need anything, I'm good for it." He laughed to himself and shook his head.

"We're in deep, deep shit. Seems like it was a good idea at first, but now we're in too deep. We might not bounce back from this," he whispered, lowering his head. "What's going on,?" Matty asked, worry in her voice. Vince lifted his head up to answer, but before he could open his mouth to respond, the front door opened and Mark walked in.

He threw his briefcase and suit jacket on the couch, heading straight to the kitchen. He stopped at the table, placing a kiss on Matty's forehead and nodding to Vince. "Is this the new pool guy? Did you tell him about the weird noise the pump is making?" He asked, heading to the fridge for a drink. Matty stood up and glared at him, shaking her head softly.

"Actually, this is Vince. One of my best friends," she said. Mark turned around and smiled at him, extending a hand. "Sorry. I put my foot in my mouth, I see," he said. Vince stood up and shook his hand. He proceeded to the front door, ignoring Matty's calls. Matty chased after him, catching up to him on the front lawn.

"Vince, tell me what's going on!" She yelled, grabbing him by the elbow and forcing him to turn around. "I'm sorry I came around. You're not apart of my world anymore. I can't get you involved in this," he replied, yanking his arm away from her. "Stop being so fucking stubborn and just tell me how I can help," she said.

V shook his head and sighed. "For Christ's sake, Matilda, you have a pool boy. What type of shit is that?" He yelled. She laughed and followed him across the street, where he was parked. "It's what the Stepford Wives around here do. They have pool boys and maids and all that other crap. It comes with the territory, Vincent." V shrugged and unlocked his car.

"It doesn't matter anymore, what is done is done. We're done, so therefore it shouldn't matter. Go back to your life. Don't worry about me or the team anymore," he barked, getting inside the car and turning it on. Matty slammed her hands on the top of the car, groaning. She watched as he sped off, leaving dust in his absence.