78"Okay Marie, tilt your chin and pop your hip,"
The young model nodded and moved to do as the photographer asked. This wasn't her first day as a photographer but it was definitely one of her more harder shoots. Especially with a new model who had hardly any experience. With a sigh she tried to focus the camera to get one good shot.
"Just like that!" Hayley exclaimed.
Hayley took the shot before running her hand through her fiery red curls. The model held her pose before moving onto the next one. The shoot went on for another twenty minutes till they were sure they got the picture. Hayley was ready to shoot herself from frustration; she hated new models.
"Marie, it's been a pleasure," Hayley told her, kissing her cheeks in the French style, lying threw her teeth.
"Thank you so much,"
Hayley was almost too eager to leave the shoot. Today had been stressful and long; far too long. She loved photography, don't get her wrong, she really did, but photography these days weren't as fun as when she first started out. Hell, it had been a long couple of years now that she thought about it.
Hayley got changed in one of the spare change rooms quietly. She could hear the models talking about their designers and their clothing but Hayley didn't pay any attention. She had a date tonight and she wanted it to be perfect. It was hard especially after the last break up but she was ready to dive back into a new relationship.
She left location and went straight back to her apartment. Dropping her keys on her kitchen bench and checked her messages.
"Hi Hayley. It's Letty, just wanted to catch up. My number is 555-616 and give me a call. Thanks,"
Hayley was a little shell shocked to hear from Letty Ortiz. The two girls had been neighbours growing up but had little in common. In truth Hayley had more in common with Letty's best friend Mia Toretto. Though the Toretto's and Hayley's "parents" tried to get all three girls to play together it never really worked. If Hayley and Mia were alone it was fine, but it was like Hayley didn't fit in with Letty.
Mia Toretto and Hayley had been in many of the same classes through school and had often been assigned to work together. This meant the two girls were close but when Hayley left at fifteen they had drifted apart. Five years later, so much had changed, Hayley had changed.
She sat down on the lounge and looked at the phone. This came on the wrong day at the wrong time; she couldn't be worrying about what Letty wanted on a blind date. She couldn't be distracted and make a fool of herself on his date. Her friends had taken it upon themselves to find the man for her. On their mission, they had sent her on five dates with none having a happy result. This was going to be the last blind date and if it didn't work out, then she was going to find her own love life.
Deciding to call Letty back, she dialled the number and listened to it ring. She didn't know what she was going to say or what Letty wanted so she just continued to listen to the ring tone.
"Toretto's," a gruff male's voice answered, startling Hayley.
She'd been expecting Letty's voice and to hear a male's voice startled her. Now she didn't know what to say or even if she had the right number.
"Uh, I'm looking for Letty; is she around?"
She heard the man bellow for Letty telling Letty that some chick wanted her on the phone.
"Letty here,"
"Hi Letty; it's Hayley,"
"Glad ya called,"
Hayley was surprised at how eager Letty sounded.
"I bet you're wondering why I called,"
"A little, yeah,"
"Well I got some news; ya remember old Mrs Norman that lived next door?"
Hayley paused before answering. Mrs Norman had babysat her and most of the kids on the block. She was a nice lady and Hayley had always liked her. She never looked down on her or blamed her for her parents involvement in the family business.
"Yeah, she must have babysat me at least a hundred times. Why; did something happen?"
"She passed away. Her son has organized a funeral for this Friday and he wants all the kids that Mrs Norman babysat to be there,"
"Of course, I'll be there,"
The two girls talked for a few more minutes before Letty had to get back to work. Hayley made arrangements to meet up with Letty on Thursday, the day of the funeral to catch up. It seemed to Hayley that now would be the time for the two girls to actually remain friends.
Both girls were twenty and though Hayley hadn't seen her in a couple years, Hayley had the feeling that Letty, Mia and herself would hit it off. Hayley believed in life there was always second chances whether they were in regards to mistakes or getting to know a person. This would be Hayley's second chance at getting to know Letty and Mia.
The three girls had been in different circles growing up and Hayley put that down to them not being friends. Letty had been the tom boy who only hung out at Toretto's Garage because of the cars and what she could learn about cars. Hayley suspected that Letty had a crush on Mia's brother but seeing that he was four years older than her, nothing was done while Letty was at school.
Mia Toretto was Letty's only girl friend and Hayley put that down to her being in the same household as Dominic and his father. Mia was quite the girly girl and whenever Hayley had spoken to her she had been quite soft spoken – not so much as a pushover, more like she was just reserved. Perhaps she had changed but Hayley doubted that either girls had.
After having a light dinner – it was only five but she knew if the date was a disaster that at least she'd have food on her stomach till she got home – Hayley decided to take a shower and start getting ready for this date. He was going to pick her up at her place at seven and three hours wasn't much time to get ready – at least for a woman.
Time went quickly for Hayley but even so, she found herself waiting for seven o'clock – it was just six forty five. She didn't know much about the guy except for the few facts her friends gave her. He was a business man having graduated from high school early. He was in his twenties, possibly twenty five and was good at holding a conversation. So she didn't know much but that added to the excitement – or at least that was what she was told. So far she just felt bored and a little afraid of this guy; he sounded too perfect; even she had her dark secrets.
Deciding to be safe and went to her cupboard. She pushed aside a few cups and pulled out her pepper spray. Nodding to herself, she put it in her handbag making sure she would be able to grab it easily. She almost changed her mind to put it down her bra but the problem with that was she was wearing a pretty tight dress and you would be able to see the pepper spray.
Hayley checked her clock, seven ten. This is when she began to pace. She continued to pace for the next fifteen minutes. She checked her phone several times to make sure the text message was right which did say seven o'clock. When it was eight thirty, she locked her door and texted her friend, Linda letting her know she'd been stood up and went to bed with a tub of ice-cream.
Okay so it wasn't the end of the world, just Hayley was hoping that this guy would work out to get her friends and mother off her back. Both her older sisters had been married by eighteen so now that Hayley was twenty, her mother was getting anxious. Even her baby sister who was seventeen was getting close to being engaged.
Hayley couldn't believe she had been stood up. For the time being, there would be no more dating…
Second Chances
Hayley walked into the church slowly, her heels tapping softly in the silence. Dressed in all black and tamed her curls, she felt out of place. She had never liked churches and she hated funerals.
"Hayley?"
Hayley turned to see a tan Latina woman in black, looking gorgeous. Beside her was a large bald man who was rather handsome in a dark horse sort of way. They made a beautiful couple, both complementing each other.
"Letty? No way!"
Letty came over with the bald man and embarrassingly, Hayley couldn't stop looking at him. Letty chuckled and the man just smiled. The man, who Hayley assumed was Dominic Toretto, gave her a smile before whispering something in Letty's ear and moving away. Letty smiled as she watched him walk away before turning back to Hayley.
"God girl, you look fine," Letty said, taking in her appearance. "And thanks for coming,"
"Have you seen yourself Letty? You have definitely changed from that tom-boy girl you were in high school,"
Letty chuckled quietly.
"After this Dom's having a barbeque lunch, ya should come. We can talk there,"
"Sure, what's the address?"
Hayley scribbled it down on her hand and promised to come afterwards. She met up with Matthew and paid her respects. The funeral was a sorry affair but it was a respectful one. It only went for about an hour and Hayley only stayed for it. She went to the shops, picking up a drink and packet of chips, before going around to Letty's.
She reached the address Letty gave her around twelve and was surprised to see so many cars out the front. She parked the car and walked inside. Most people were from the funeral but it wasn't hard to find Letty. Just like high school, she was with the boys except this time she wasn't drinking beer.
"Hayley!" an unfamiliar yet strangely familiar voice shouted out.
Hayley didn't have a chance to move before she was hugged from behind.
"Oh my goodness, I can't believe you're here!"
"Mia?" Hayley asked turning around to face her mysterious hugger. "God, you've changed!"
Mia laughed and blushed.
"Liar, liar,"
Hayley just smiled and a quick thought of what her mother would think of these two beautiful girls and what they would do for the business. But that was the last thought she had of her mothers.
"So, this is what you've been up to after high school?"
Mia just grinned and led her over to the drinks table.
"Yeah, looking after the house and the boys is hard work. Though I am going to college,"
"Really?"
"Yeah, a couple of days a week," Mia explained handing her a can of coke. "I've decided I'm going to be a doctor,"
"Doctor Mia Toretto; now doesn't that sound professional?"
Both girls giggled as Letty came over.
"Hey,"
"Hey," Hayley said with a large smile. "And what have you been up to missy? Still hanging with the boys I see,"
Mia giggled again.
"She's the top girl mechanic around here,"
"That's so cool; it's about time that a woman showed them how it's done,"
Letty rolled her eyes.
"You still don't know anythin' about cars, do ya?"
"Not a clue, but hey, I don't need too when I have you two,"
Mia just laughed.
"I'm no mechanic, I only drive cars, not fix them. I leave that to Letty,"
The three girls giggled. Letty rolled her eyes and led them over to a group of chairs. The three girls sat down with their drinks and sipped them slowly.
"And what have ya been doin'?" Letty asked.
Hayley didn't answer as she noticed a burly looking man looking over to them. In a gruff sort of way, he was kind of handsome. He wasn't her usual type; dark unruly hair, a beard making him look tough but he had kind eyes. They were dark like the rest of his features but they seemed to cut through every mask she had. He had a large tattoo of what looked to be a dragon of some sort but she couldn't see it clearly. He was tall and as she bit her bottom lip, his eyes went to it.
"Hayls? Who ya starin' at?" Letty asked with a smirk.
Hayley quickly turned her head to the two girls who now were both smirking.
"None of your business,"
"Oh! I know that look!" Mia squealed. "You like someone here! Who's caught your eye?"
She went to object but before she could answer, a rather large shadow came across her. She turned and looked up, locking eyes with the guy she had just been staring at. He seemed to ignore her which made her … like him; was that odd?
"Ya ladies need anythin' inside?"
His voice was deep and rough. Every cell and atom in her body responded to that sound, liked that sound and she had to force herself not to tremble.
"No, we're right," Mia replied. "Vince have you met Hayley? She went to school with us,"
He eyed her and nodded.
"Hey," he said shortly and before she could reply, he walked off.
Hayley watched him walk away, a little shocked at how he acted.
"Don't worry about him; he's always like that. So who were ya lookin' at earlier?"
Hayley shook her head.
"Nah, it doesn't matter. So what were you saying?"
Letty just smiled at Mia but repeated her question.
"What are ya doin' these days?"
"Photographer,"
"I knew it!" Mia exclaimed. "You were always carrying a camera around at school!"
Hayley just smiled, forcing herself not to blush.
"So ya just take photos all day?" Letty asked wondering how could anyone love doing that day after day.
"Most days I do but nearly every afternoon I work at my little shop. It's really just a little trinket shop but I develop film, print photos and take pictures there. I also do a bit of free lancing so I get to take pictures of everything, not just of one thing,"
The two girls nodded but didn't really understand. But each to their own.
"You don't believe that I love it,"
"It's not that, I just didn't take you as that type of person to free lance or settle for a shop,"
Hayley just laughed at Mia's comment. It was true but the girls didn't know the truth about her family or the business or what Hayley had been really been up to five years ago.
Vince stood in the kitchen looking out over the backyard. It was strange seeing Letty and Mia talking to someone who wasn't into cars but then again, they did have a life away from the team or at least tried too.
"Hey V, did ya see that chicka Mia 'n Letty's talkin' too? She's one fine piece of woman," Leon said grabbing a beer from the fridge. "Though she looks rather familiar,"
Vince just grunted. He had seen her and even he had to admit, she was pretty fine. She was very … relaxed in her clothing even for a funeral. She was wearing very flowing, hippy styled clothing with a colourful anklet on that jingled quietly when she walked. Her hair was out and a dark auburn colour that seemed to suit her attitude towards life. She was only short, the same height as Letty – not that he was interested. He liked Mia.
"Checking out my sister again V?" Dom asked gruffly as he walked into the kitchen.
Vince turned to face his best friend and shrugged.
"Can't help it Dom,"
Dom just chuckled. Both boys knew that Mia wasn't into him but even if she was, Dom would have been okay with it. Mia knew how to take care of herself and Vince knew that Dom would kill him if he harmed Mia.
"What do ya know about that girl sitting with Mia?"
Dom walked over to the window and chuckled.
"Don't ya recognise her? That's Hayley Jarrett; ya know from 'round the corner? She used to come over a couple of times a week,"
Vince looked back at the girl – Hayley – and double blinked. No way could that be Hayley Jarrett. Sure he remembered her now but she had changed a lot since he had seen her last. She had always been kinda geeky looking, wearing glasses and also smart clothes – too smart for school. And she had always had a camera in her hands. Now it seemed that she had broken away from what she had been like in high school.
Dom wisely said nothing and walked back out to the gathering. He had been out of jail for almost a year now and knew the situation between everyone – Letty was good at keeping him in the loop. Vince would realise in his own time that Mia wasn't the right girl for him, he just needed time. Dom wasn't worried, Vince would come around.
Vince watched Dom walk over to the girls and get reacquainted with Hayley. He turned away from the window. He was sure that Hayley was a nice girl but he wanted Mia.
"You'll have to come to my shop one day," Hayley said finishing up her drink. "You know, check it out,"
"We'll check it out soon," Mia promised as Hayley prepared to leave; she had to get back to her shop.
Hayley smiled and left. She hadn't seen Vince but after how grumpy he talked to her earlier, she didn't really want to get to know him. She had driven her own little car and while it wasn't crash hot it was hers. It wasn't the newest model but it was hers and she had bought by herself. She waved goodbye to her "friends" and hopped in her car. She drove quickly back to her store and changed out the back. Her apartment was situated above her store and she liked it that way.
"Hello there girl," Caleb, her assistant, greeted. "How'd everythin' go?"
"Good, I think," she said in passing. "I think I may just get a second chance at being friends with them again. It's strange,"
Caleb grinned at his friend. He knew all about the Toretto Team; he was the same age as Dominic. Where Caleb had been into art and music, Dom and his gang had been into mechanic and when the time arose were pretty good at most sports.
"Well that's a good thing, right?"
Hayley walked out the back to change. She changed into some cute shorts and a tank shirt. She changed her high heels for sandals and put on some clunky jewellery. She didn't have a set style as such. More like she wore what to suit her moods. Each day was different and don't even go near her nightlife clothing.
"I don't know," she said continuing their conversation as she went back into the front. "Mia's a nice girl and Letty is wild as hell but the boys in their lives are, to put it nicely, bad. You saw them at school, well they haven't changed,"
She paused and felt her cheeks colour as her thoughts drifted to Vince. He was a few years older than her so she never had much to do with him at school. Hell, she had only seen him when she was around at Mia's place when they were working on assignments. He hadn't changed much but then again, she never had paid much attention before – she had been into jocks and at times nerds or geeks.
"I know that face, I know that face!"
"What face? I'm not doing a face,"
"You saw someone at the funeral. You like someone!"
"Caleb, you're acting gay,"
He psshed her. He was the straightest man around and couldn't care less about what people thought which was probably why Hayley and him got on so well.
"Who did you see and did you meet him?"
"You need to start hanging out with more men,"
"Okay, stop trying to change the subject. You know Linda would kill me if I go home this afternoon and tell her that you had a look and I didn't find out about it, she will kill me. Now, give me enough details to shut her up,"
Hayley sighed and sat down behind the till.
"Do you remember Vincent who hung with Dom Toretto?"
"Sure, he was a total douche bag. Why?"
"Well, he was at the funeral and when I went back to Mia's place, he was there."
"And?"
"And well, he's kinda … changed,"
"Don't tell me; you like him,"
"Well, he's not my usual type and I thought he'd be a nice change,"
"Wait, what?"
She said nothing more as she moved away as a customer entered. The rest of the afternoon was quiet with only a couple for customers coming in and avoiding Caleb's questions.
"Okay girl; see you tomorrow?"
"Sure, thanks Caleb,"
He smiled and left her to lock up. Today was a long day and Hayley was happy to go home…
Second Chances
"I forgot how Hayley was like," Letty said to Mia as Mia washed up.
Letty was helping dry and it was really the only time the two girls got to talk privately.
"She had changed I suppose,"
"You're joking right? She's the same as she was in high school,"
"Is not,"
Letty turned to her.
"Wait, this has something to do with that person she was looking at earlier. You know who it was and that's why you want her to be the same! You want to set her up; so who was she looking at?"
"I can't be sure. And I don't even know if he would go for it,"
"So, you get me to invite a girl who we all barely know into our home so you can set her up? With who?" Letty asked skeptically.
"Letty, we did grow up together. I don't think she would have changed that much since high school,"
Letty went back to drying.
"So who did you want to set her up with? Jesse? Leon? Vince?"
Mia didn't answer, just looked around – anywhere but Letty.
"Oh my God! It's Vince isn't it?"
"Shh! I don't even know if she likes him,"
"But she was staring at him earlier right?"
Mia nodded.
"You just want him to stop him coming after you,"
Mia shrugged.
"What's the harm in setting two people up if they're meant to be?"
Letty laughed loudly.
"You don't know that. And after the other night, I'm positive Vince doesn't want you setting him up with anyone,"
Mia shrugged.
"I set you up with Dom and look how that all turned out. I don't see the harm in setting two people up so they both can have a chance at love,"
"You girls ready for the races yet?" Dom asked coming into the kitchen. "Stop gossiping and go get ready,"
Mia frowned at her brother.
"For your information we are washing up unless you want to help,"
He raised an eyebrow at his sister.
"If it'll get you dressed faster," he said taking the dishtowel from Letty. "Go,"
Mia gladly gave up the fight and moved out of the way for Dom to step in. He shooed them away causing both girls to race upstairs to get ready.
"You need to help me set them up,"
"What?" Letty cried. "I want no part,"
"Letty," she whined. "Vince listens to you,"
"He listens to you as well,"
"But not about this. I've told him I'm not interested but he takes no notice! Letty you need to help me,"
Letty crossed her arms over her chest.
"No Mia; Mia, no,"
Mia could tell that her resolve was weakening.
"Please Letty. Pretty please?"
Letty sighed.
"Oh, okay but I swear Mia, if you make me regret this,"
"You won't I promise,"
Letty wasn't too sure about this. Sure Hayley was a great girl, pretty, smart and a business woman but Vince needed a strong woman. Someone who wasn't afraid to see through him and do exactly the opposite of what he told her to do. Vince was like her brother, she would not let him get hurt.
"Hurry up girls!" Dom bellowed causing both girls to hurry downstairs…
Second Chances
Author's Note: I'm back! Hey everyone! So this is my newest story that I have been slaving over for the last couple of months as well as dealing with real life. So this is a prequel to Finding Home. Second Chances is a Vince/OC story. Hayley is from Finding Home and I've always liked her.
So this is set about two years before Finding Home and just deals with things that happened in the very first movie.
I hope you enjoy it and please be with me as I update.
XOXO Miss Hood