Warning - the translations in this chapter are probably sketchy, work with me people.
"Alright, B. Time to close up," Dom peaked out of his office to yell at Billie across the room at her desk.
"Aye-aye captain," she said gratefully. She was wrapping up a few last-minute changes on the Eclipse. Now that she had the paint job finally complete, she had a few extra days to spice up the job.
She, Dom, and Oz were the last ones left in the shop late that night. Dom stayed buried in his garage under a pile of receipts, while Oz hung around to keep Billie company on the other side of the garage. He seemed to be the only one to notice the distance between the two that day, which was unusual for the close friends. They were always joking together, or even working to help each other on projects, but not today. They only spoke when necessary, and avoided the other at all costs. Billie's demeanor changed after her trip to The Lab, though. She smiled more, even dancing around with her iPod in the paint room. Oz wasn't sure if it was a facade she was putting on to cover up her broken heart, or if something had genuinely cheered her up.
"What's up with you two?" he asked.
"We've come to an understanding," she said with a shrug, standing to pack away her desk.
"Is that why you two refuse to be alone together? To resist temptation?"
"Yes. Because that's no longer an option," she replied, "Never should've been."
"Billie," Oz gently grabbed her arm, forcing her to look at him, "You can talk to me, lady. I know you're hurting."
"Ozzie, I'm fine. I knew better, but somehow it didn't matter. Guess I'm a glutton," she smiled, but he could see the pain behind it. His worried eyes made her smile. She placed a reassuring hand on his cheek, "Thank you for worrying, but I'm okay. I need a shower, a little Gin, and some Rocky-Road ice cream. Should fix me right up," she leaned up and planted a kiss on his cheek.
Dom watched the exchange between Oz and Billie through his bay window and felt a slight surge of jealousy. He knew he couldn't keep her from flirting or being with whomever she wanted - she wasn't his girl - but that didn't mean he wanted to see her hugged up with anyone else, especially another co-worker.
Dom shut up his office and made his way out to the main floor.
"I'll see you tomorrow," Billie said to Oz before throwing her hand up in Dom's direction, ducking under the security gate.
"Careful getting home," Dom replied flatly as she left the building.
Oz shook his head at Dom while locking up the side door.
"You got something you wanna say, Ozzie?"
"Nah, Boss," he replied with a tight smile, "I have no words."
"Don't tell me you're mad at me too? Weren't you just high-fiving me a few hours ago?"
"Don't get me wrong, Dom, I'm happy for you. Ever since I got here, you've been moping around over Letty, and I'm glad we don't have to deal with your grumpy ass mood anymore. But I hate that it had to come at the expense of Billie's feelings."
"You think I'm happy about that, either?"
"Nah, man, I don't. Night, Boss," Oz said before heading under the gate, leaving Dom alone in the garage.
Dom sighed. He shut off the main lights and entered the security code into the alarm before shutting the main doors. He pulled down the gate and locked it, anxious to get home and into bed. When he turned around, he nearly jumped ten feet off the ground at the woman standing behind him.
"What the hell are you doing?" he asked breathlessly.
Letty smirked, "Why so jumpy, Toretto?"
"Wasn't expecting you to be out here," he replied. "How long have you been out of here?"
"Long enough to know that I've caused a bit of tension on the homefront."
Dom sighed, "No tension."
"Don't lie," she said flatly.
"Billie and I had... a connection. I had given up hope that you were coming back, and we tried getting closer. I couldn't do it."
"Why not? Billie's incredibly beautiful, smart, independent. We're a lot a like. You shouldn't have put your happiness to the side waiting for me."
"Letty, all you've ever done was put your happiness to the side for me. I owed you that much," he said softly.
"Didn't stop you from sleeping with her," she said, but with a playful smirk.
"You really wanna talk about that?" he asked, a sly smirk on his face as well.
"Not exactly. I just don't want to come between anything you have going on here. I don't expect you to keep pushing good women away every time I step back in the picture."
"Quit leaving the picture and I won't have to," he murmured, taking a jump off the cliff by pulling her flush against his body, his hands lingering on her waist. She didn't pull away or object, but gave a smile that set his insides on fire. "Billie's a good woman. She did her best to pull me out of my slump when you left, and worked even harder when Mia left. She made sure I didn't fall into some pit of no return. She'd be the perfect girl for someone... it just can't be me."
The way he looked into her eyes, as if they were alone in the world made Letty believe him. He did care for Billie - just not how he cared for her.
"She seemed a little skeptical earlier. Like she was uncomfortable talking to me. Is it always gonna be like that?"
"I don't think so. I think she just needs time to let things settle where they fall."
"Maybe," Letty's own hands moved up his arms, feeling their way to his pecs, "I ran into another of one your exes today."
"Who?"
"Does the name Lucy Tran ring a bell?"
Dom rolled his eyes with a groan, "I haven't heard that name in years. We dated for a few weeks, she's hardly an ex. Where'd you find her?"
"One of her hellions plays soccer with Leon's daughter. She and the other moms have been picking on the kid, so I went to pay them a visit."
"I'm guessing that didn't end well?"
"Not for her. I think that new busted lip will keep her quiet for a while."
Dom smirked and tossed his arm around her shoulders as they headed for her car, "What brings you by?"
Letty pulled the necklace from inside of her shirt, "You forgot this last night."
Dom stopped her from taking it off, "Don't. I left it for a reason. I left it with you all those years ago for a reason."
"But Dom - you love this chain."
"Letty, I love you." Those three little words stopped her world from spinning. Her mouth opened and closed as she struggled to find a suitable response. Dom decided to intervene, "I never told you this, never told anyone actually but the only reason we ended up in the DR is because I was gonna ask you to marry me. We were low on funds, so I was gonna use this," he said softly, fingering the metal gently.
Letty felt the air being sucked from her body. She was mind-blown, and speechless.
"Wh-what?" she stammered.
"I was going to marry you... right there on the beach in front of our friends. But then I saw our faces on the TV, and I knew I had to put space between us. I realized how selfish it would be to ask you to dedicate the rest of your life to me, then just run out."
"Dom, my life was already dedicated to you. I was a wanted criminal fleeing across the world with my ex-con boyfriend," she smiled. "I didn't need a ring or your last name to know that I was stuck with you."
Dom laughed lightly, thankful that she was taking the revelation with a sense of humor. He didn't want to scare her off again by coming on too strong.
"Still, the necklace is yours. As long as you have it, you have me."
"As my personal chef?" she joked, but his eyes pleaded for more. Letty moved to lean against her car, and Dom stood a few inches in front of her. "Dom, don't make me put a label on whatever this is. I don't even know what this is."
"Do you want this?" he asked, taking a step closer.
Letty's insides tingled from the intense glare he was throwing at her, full of lust and want.
"I want us to build whatever this is up to something better than before. I can't live up to who I was back then. I need you to understand that. I'm not that Dominic-absorbed little girl anymore, following in your shadow, chasing off skirts. I'm also not ready to jump off anymore gas-tankers or be thrown from military tanks. I've lost too much to risk anything else."
"Lett, I'm just as tired as you are. Do I miss the thrills? Yes. Do I miss being shot, or being away from home or my family? Never knowing when I'll be able to stop running? No. I'm not eager to get back to that life either. Now I'm not saying I'm gonna quit racing, or start driving the speed limit," he grinned.
"Hell, neither will I," she laughed, "I don't know, man. Let's just take this slow, all right? No labels, no commitments. If it blossoms into something more, then great. But we don't force it, okay?"
"I'll take that," Dom nodded with a smile. "Wanna come by for a little while? I'm sure Mia would love to grill you about last night."
"As fun as that sounds, I gotta pass. I gotta go in early for a few hours before the barbecue, so I need to get some shut-eye. I'll see you tomorrow, though."
Dom agreed and leaned in to plant a soft kiss on her cheek. His lips so close to her face nearly sent Letty over the edge of control, but she bit down on her lip to keep her composure. She returned a soft kiss to his fuzzy cheek, noting that his five-o'clock shadow was filling in nicely.
"Goodnight, Dominic," she pushed him away.
"Night, Lett," he threw her one last smile before sliding in his car.
Letty turned and slid into her car, unable to wipe the giddy smile from her face. She looked down at her necklace, admiring the way the moonlight bounced off the shining silver. She took it off and dropped it over the rearview mirror. "That Toretto charm strikes again."
The next day...
"Dom, we have a serious problem!"
Dom hurried from the kitchen into the backyard, where he found Mia standing on the back steps, virtually staring off into space with her hands on her hip.
"What's wrong sis?"
"Besides the fact that Rosa and Nico's plane lands in thirty minutes and I'm strapped for time with food prep, I think we're gonna have some serious space issues. Our family isn't as small as it used to be, ya know."
"Hey," Dom moved to stand in front of her, giving her an assuring smile, "Everything will work out. It's early and dinner's not for a few hours. I'll get Rosa from the airport. Oz! Brian!" he hollered towards the house. The two men came outside in a hurry, "Change of plans. We're taking this party oceanside."
"Sweet," Brian replied with a smile, "What do you need from us?"
"Round up the twins and start making trips out to Malibu. We need seating for about twenty plus people. If need be, buy some chairs and tables. Do whatever you have to do to make this day perfect."
The boys nodded and headed off to start their task. Dom turned back to his sister with a smile.
"See? Problem solved. What else is wrong?" he asked, sensing her tension.
"I don't know," she murmured, "It's supposed to be a good day, but I can't help feel like something's off. Something doesn't feel right, Dom."
Dom pulled his sister in for a hug, "Nonsense, Mia. Everything will be taken care of. It's the first time getting the whole gang together in a long time. Not to mention, our girl is back home. Well, sort of."
A smile broke on Mia's face, "I am excited to see her again. And Tej, and Roman, too. And I can't wait to see little Nico - oh god, I'm so excited!"
"What's all the hoopla out here?" Billie asked from the doorway, wiping her slimy hands on her apron.
"Just calming Mia's worries about today," Dom said. "How's the desserts coming along?"
"Billie!" Jack's voice screamed from in the kitchen, "More cupcake!"
"No, Jack!" Mia switched into mom-mode, hurrying to stop the tot from spoiling his appetite on sweets. She brushed past Billie, leaving her standing awkwardly with Dom.
"It's gonna get hectic today and it's been a while since she's played host to so many - you think you could keep an eye on her for me? Make sure she's not too overwhelmed?" he asked.
"Of course," Billie agreed. The thought of Letty's arrival ate away at her mind. Who'll keep me from getting overwhelmed? "I better get back," she turned to head inside but Dom's grip on her arm stopped her. "I'm glad you're here. Thanks for helping out today."
"What are friends for?" she smiled before disappearing inside.
Dom pulled his phone from his pocket to alert everyone of the venue change.
Letty reached over into the passenger seat to grab her phone that buzzed away. She read the message from Dom with a smile.
"BBQ will be at the beach-house. Wear something short and tight."
"As long as you do," she wrote back with a grin.
"I miss the days when your phone wasn't glued to your hand," Brooke muttered from the backseat of the Firebird Letty was tinkering on. "We hardly talk anymore."
"Bullshit," Letty chuckled, "You're just upset because I changed the lock-code on my phone so you can't snoop anymore."
"I want to be in on your re-connection!" she whined, "You still haven't told me about last night. You're still wearing the chain, so what happened?"
"We had a chat. We're gonna try to figure this thing out. Take things slow," Letty said, unable to hide her smile. "Make new memories instead of living off the past."
Brooke squealed with excitement for her friend, "I'm so happy for you! You can't fight what's meant to be."
"Yeah, yeah," she waved off. "Anywho. Let's get this done, so we can go party."
Brooke was on her way back to the counter when the business phone rang out in the shop. She rushed around the counter to answer the call.
"Thank you for calling The Lab Restoration and Repair. My name is Brooke, how may I assist you?"
"Boy, you sure are hard to find, Brookie."
The voice on the line sent cold chills down her spine. Only one person ever called her Brookie.
"What the hell do you want? How did you get this number?" she snarled quietly into the phone.
"I told you sweetheart - I decide when you walk away. You've had your fun, but now it's time to come home."
"Leave me the hell alone. I told you I was done, and I meant that," she slewed, "How did you find me?"
"Honey, I have more connections than you know," he replied, "I know you've been touring the West Coast with a pretty little Latina, and now you're getting cozy with a mechanic in sunny L.A."
Brooke turned to scan the garage for anything or anyone suspicious. She didn't know any of the mechanics well, but she didn't take any of them as moles for her father's organization.
"Listen, you psychotic fuck - I'm finally happy with my life, so I'd appreciate it if you would just leave me alone. Find someone else to be your lackey."
"I don't think you understand the severity of the situation, my little Brookie. But soon you will. Tell Brian O'Conner I said hello."
The line going dead in her ear made her shutter. She felt the blood draining from her hands and face, and suddenly, Brooke didn't feel so well.
How the hell did he find her? She had managed to keep a low profile, but surprisingly to her, someone had been watching and following her every move. Could it have been Carter himself following her? Had he been released right under her nose and she didn't know? Brooke had no answers for any of the dozens of questions that filled her mind, but she figured today she wouldn't concern herself with her father's antics. It was supposed to be a good day; she would finally get to meet the family, get to know the people who grew up with Letty, and hopefully make life-long friends along the way.
Leon passed by and noticed the ghost that was Brooke behind the counter.
"You okay, toots?"
Brook put on a fake smile, "Yeah, just a little tired."
"Who was on the phone?" he asked, not believing the excuse.
"Um, just some kids prank calling."
Leon stared into her pale blue eyes for a few seconds longer, then finally gave a nod.
Dom stood in LAX waiting for Rosa and his nephew, Nico. He was happy to finally get them inside the States - something Vince wanted for them before his sudden and tragic death. Other than a few Skype videos, Dom hadn't seen the two in four long years. He was especially anxious to see little Nico, who was looking more and more like his father each day. His dark complexion was his mother's, but his facial features were all Vince's. With those striking brown eyes with thick lashes, the thin lips, all of it was Vince. Dom knew it would be hard to look the young child in the face without missing his oldest friend.
"Dom?" he turned to his left to see Rosa wheeling a luggage bag behind her. Walking waist-level to her was a dark-haired kid with chocolate skin and a bright smile.
He dropped his own bag before running in Dom's direction. Dom scooped him up effortlessly and the boy wrapped his arms and legs around Dom's body.
"Tio Dom!" Nico said in his thick Brazilian accent.
"Little Nico," Dom murmured, ruffling the boy's hair, "Como você está?" (How are you?)
"Bom!" (Good!) he replied, leaning back to look at Dom. Dom's heart swelled; it was as if he were staring at a young Vincent Pirelli again.
"Eu pensei que Mia estava vindo atrás de nos?" Rosa said as she finally made her way over. Dom used his free hand to welcome her into a hug. Rosa hadn't changed much. Only her thick curls were longer, but she was still gorgeous with full lips and a dashing smile. (I thought Mia was coming after us?)
"She's got a lot going on with the food and panicking and what not," Dom laughed, "So I figured I'd scoop you."
"Well, let's get moving. I know she could use a hand," Rosa said while strutting off for the car.
Nico didn't make any gestures to get down, so Dom carried him over to the Charger. He buckled the kid in the back and they headed for the Toretto home. During the drive, Dom couldn't stop glancing in the rear-view to look at Nico.
"He's grown up, huh?" Rosa said, catching his glance.
"He has," Dom smiled.
"Becoming more and more like his dad, too. Stubborn and rotten."
"I wish he could see him now," Dom said. Rosa placed her hand on his comfortingly.
"I know you miss him too," she said, "All he ever talked about was you and Mia. Getting us all back home to America. He really wanted to have all of his family together again."
Dom felt guilt-ridden. If it wasn't for his bright idea to go after Reyes, Vince wouldn't have had to die in the favela that day.
"Well today he'll get his wish."
"Hey you heard from Roman today? He's not picking up his phone," Brian asked Mia as he stepped out of Oz's truck. They had just returned from the first trip of delivering picnic tables and chairs, and he was anxious for his brother's to arrive. Mia was busy chasing Jack, who was refusing to put pants on.
"Not today. He's probably still in the air," Mia replied. She finally caught Jack and Brian assisted in holding him long enough to get the khaki shorts over his bottom.
Brian shook his head, "Rome's flying private, and he's too afraid of flying to actually sleep on a plane."
"Quit worrying, Roman's fine. Have you talked to Tej?"
"Yeah, he's in Miami. His flight leaves in an hour."
"Good. I'll try Roman in a bit. We just sent the twins with the first load of food. We have plenty more than needs to go, so get moving," Mia leaned and placed a kiss on his pinched lips. His face was still twisted up in confusion, so she gave him another. And another. And another, until finally a smile broke on his face. He grinned while wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her in for a deeper kiss.
"We should start working on baby number two tonight," he murmured against her lips.
"If you don't get that food to Malibu, it's a guarantee that Jack will grow up an only child," Mia smirked. Brian's smile dropped and he turned to sprint into the house, before turning back to give her one last kiss. "Go, I'm gonna tidy up the house and gather a few things, then Billie and I will be on our way."
"Damn phone," Roman cursed as he pulled onto the private airstrip and stepped out of his black Lamborghini Aventador.
"Maybe you can charge it on the plane," Stacy, his latest flavor, said while popping the trunk. Roman grabbed their luggage out of the trunk and they headed across the strip to the private plane he charted for the trip.
"I can't wait to get home to my boys!" he said enthusiastically, "It's been too damn long."
The pilot waited near the steps of the plane to greet them, only Rome didn't recognize him. His usual pilot, Herm, was a short and stout black man with thinning hair and a pleasant smile. The man mugging near the plane was tall, slim, and possibly of Hispanic descent.
"Where's Herman?" Roman asked cautiously.
"He fell ill. My name is Timothy, and I'll be flying you folks to Los Angeles today," the man said, his face void of any emotion. Rome's guard went up immediately. His accent was heavy - he didn't look like a Timothy.
"Where you from, Tim?" Roman asked on his way up the stairs.
"Right here in the good ol' USA," the pilot smirked, "And it's Timothy."
"Well get on the plane, Timothy," Rome mimicked, "We don't wanna be late."
Rome mumbled under his breath about Timothy's rudeness, but continued to follow his date up the stairs. They stepped inside the luxury plane and his frustrations were wiped away.
"Now this is what I'm talking about!" he grinned while checking out the smooth leather seats, flip-down televisions, and complimentary Bubbly.
They sat down and settled into the flight. He popped the cork off of one of the champagne bottles and poured up a drink for he and his lady.
"Hey Boss, you got a spare iPhone charger? Left mine at the house," Roman asked.
"No, you don't need it," Timothy replied.
Roman frowned. "What do you mean? I need to get in contact with my brother's, let them know I'm on the way."
"No, Roman," another voice - a man's voice - said from behind him. Roman turned to watch his worst nightmare step out of the bathroom. "You don't. They'll find you soon enough."