What Dreams Forget

"Both" she said climbing off his lap. She extended her hand to James and helped pull him to his feet. James intertwined their hands and pulled her close to his side. They descended the steps and walked to the car hand and hand. He opened the door to the SUV and she climbed in. They headed to her house.


Once on HWY 210 James noticed the farmland and commented. Tori Lynn explained they grew lots of corn and soy beans in Larue county. She told him about the sod farm and the deer preserve. And of course Lincoln. As they pulled into her drive she saw her daddy standing at the bottom of the hill. She immediately jumped out and ran and hugged her dad.

"Your momma has been pacing the kitchen." he said as he kissed his daughter "Mamaw made dumplins." She smiled and motioned for Neal to get out of the vehicle.

"Daddy this is James Neal" she introduced "James this is my daddy Beau Hall."

"I know who he is Tori Lynn" replied her dad "Question is where is Richie and why are you with Neal."

"Richie had a date daddy. Neal drove me up so I didn't have to do it alone." she smiled "Be nice daddy." Her daddy grunted at them.

"Go change your shoes and put your damn horses in the barn." said her dad as if James Neal wasn't standing there."

Tori Lynn laughed and motioned for James to follow her into the garage. She slipped off her Toms and pulled on her muck boots. She motioned for James to put on the other pair of boots.

"They were Bodie's. They should fit." she said excitedly. He dutifully stuck his feet in the boots. "Ready to meet my boys."

For the 3rd time today he was holding hands with Tori Lynn. She was all but dragging him across the field. She walked towards the fence. She whistled and James saw 2 horses come up from the pond. James moved forward and touched the fence. It shocked him before he knew what had happened. Tori Lynn started laughing.

"Oww" said James "I got electrocuted."

"It's an electric fence" she laughed. She unhooked what looked like a jumper cable from the fence. She tossed the handle to the ground away from her and James. "It's off now."

James was looking at the fence in a doubtful manner. Tori Lynn grabbed it with both hands. Not a even a tingle. James' hand was still stinging. He was looking at it when Tori Lynn took it in her hands. She brought it to her mouth and kissed his hand. "All better." she asked. James nodded. She climbed through the two wires and motioned for him to follow.

Tori Lynn walked towards the barn with James on her heels. She found an apple and knife on the ledge of the stall. She cut the apple into pieces and handed them to James. He followed her around the barn and finally back into the field. She called for the horses again. Both pranced in front of Tori Lynn.

"James this is Shadow and Shine" she said petting the large dark horse. "Shadow is a mustang. He even has the id tattoo. The guy said he was green broke but he isn't. So I have not even had anyone try and break him. Daddy says he is a 1/2 ton puppy."

"Shine is an appaloosa." The horses were pretty but James hadn't spent much time around horses. James nodded and listened to her coo at the horses. She showed James how to lure the horses in the barn with apples. After shutting the stall doors and putting feed in the stall she looked at James. She started to climb a small ladder on the wall. "Coming" she called. James watched her ass as she climbed the ladder.

Tori Lynn was pushing the door to the loft open when James climbed up. She sat down with her feet dangling out the door. James sat down beside her on the floor. She pointed out all the different sections of the farm. She noticed him staring at her and paying no attention.

"Damn it Neal" she admonished "It's a hell of a view."

"I know" he replied still looking at her.

"Does that line work" she asked. He started laughing.

"After that song you played that asked if it hurt when you fell from the sky. You say nothing."

"I love Florida Georgia Line." she said "I am hoping I can figure out how to see their CMA performance."

"I can ask at the Bridgestone tomorrow but no promises." Tori Lynn beamed at him. Well hell. He would call Fisher tonight. He wanted to see that smile again." They are kicking us out of town for 2 weeks."

"I've always wanted to actually be at the CMA's. Be even better if it's because I am nominated. Dream big,right."

"It will happen" he replied "I made in the NHL and have not managed to crash and burn yet."

"You have a chance at being great in Nashville. You are the big fish in the small pond here."

"Big fish eh?" laughed James "I didn't even score yesterday."

"Well that is because you are your own worst enemy. No doubt, no hesitation, just do what has to be done."

"Maybe I should have that tattooed somewhere." he said nudging her with his shoulder. "I've heard that before in regards to hockey but can't place it." Tori Lynn in that moment realized that James had no clue who her brother was but that James had at some point been around Bodie enough to know his saying. Tori Lynn was staring at James. She appeared lost in her thoughts.

"You okay Tori Lynn"

"Yeah just thinking." she said "Come on let's go in before Mama sends a search party."

James climbed down the rickety ladder and waited for Tori Lynn. She stopped to pet each of the horses before leaving the barn. He noticed her looking across the pond to a big tree with a tire swing. He was about to ask if she wanted him to push her on the swing when he noticed the lone grave beneath the large tree. She turned away from the grave and crawled back through the wires. James followed suit. She was hooking the electric back to the fence but hesitated looking at the grave.

"We can go over if you want" James said quietly "Or you can go and I can wait on you."

"Bodie isn't there" she replied "It's just a marker for Mama. We cremated him. I spread his ashes with Richie."

"But it still hurts you to see it."

"And it always will." she intoned "Bodie wouldn't want the world to stand still because of him. It's just hard this time of year."

James pulled her into a hug. She looked up at him and gave him a weak smile. "Let's get to the house. We don't want to keep Mamaw waiting." They switched shoes and headed up the drive way. "Get ready for the show" she laughed. James knew that the smile and laugh were fake but he smiled back.

"I'm always ready" he teased.

"And he is back" said Tori Lynn.

They started up the steps to the back porch when the screen door clanged open. A tiny woman in a dress and apron stepped out on the sun bleached wood. Looking at her James wished he had dressed up instead of t-shirt and jeans he had thrown on. She gave him a once over then turned her eyes to Tori Lynn.

"Victoria Lynn Hall" started the lady "How many times do I have to tell you child people before horses and guitars? What are you doing in the baggy shirt? And who is that."

"Lost count Mamaw. Blame daddy he sent me down to the horses. Shadow and Shine missed me. I left my coat here so James loaned this one to me. This is James Neal, Mamaw."

"We miss you more than those infernal horses. Last time I checked loaning a girl a sweatshirt didn't require a young man to be drug 200 miles. You want to give me a better excuse than that Victoria." she eyeballed James again. "I'm Gemma Hall" she said looking at James. Under her Mamaw's scrutiny James had began tugging at his hat and had put his arm with the sleeve tattoo behind his back. Tori Lynn didn't know whether or not to laugh or hug him. "Ain't not use tryin' hide that big ole tattoo boy. She ain't ever brought a boy here that wasn't covered in them. Except Marc Alan." Gemma herded them through the mud room and into the kitchen. "Where is my boy anyway?"

"Mamaw! Marc Alan is out on a call" replied Tori Lynn "He left about an hour ago from the square."

"He coming for dinner" Gemma asked "Or just the tattooed mute."

"Mamaw, quit teasing Neal" admonished Tori Lynn.

"At least your other Yankee boy talks. He doesn't shut up either though." said Gemma "You can talk right,Son?"

"Yes Ma'am" he replied "I can talk."

"Momma he can't get a word in edgewise" said Beau Hall pulling off his ball cap and hangin' on a hook by the door. "Momma, Mr. Neal is hockey player for the Nashville Predators."

Mamaw didn't look impressed. She gave him another once over. "Don't care if he is the president he is gonna wash up for dinner and take off that ball cap."

"Come on Neal" replied Tori Lynn grabbing the shell shocked Neal's hand "Let's go wash up. I'll give the tour of the house on the way."

"Victoria leave your bedroom door open" called Mamaw "It's always the quiet ones."

"Mamaw" called Tori Lynn dragging Neal from the kitchen "Can you all at least pretend to be normal."

"No use lying to the boy" said a small dark haired woman. James now had no doubt what Tori Lynn would look like in 30 years. Her mother was beautiful. Her and Tori Lynn could pass for sisters but her mother had a few streaks of gray and green eyes. "I'm Abby Hall." she said holding her hand out to James.

"I'm James Neal" he replied shaking her hand.

"I know who you are. I've watched you play." said Abby.

"Tori Lynn didn't mention you all were hockey fans as well." he said "I hope you all aren't Boston fans."

"You're digging a ditch you can't climb out of boy" said Tori Lynn's dad "My Abby is from Boston." Fuck my life thought James.

"We don't watch much anymore" replied Abby "But I do love the Bruins."

"I think I like him better mute" said Mamaw.

Tori Lynn laughed. She couldn't help it. James was surrounded by her crazy family. He didn't know what to do or say. He was flushed and rubbing the back of his neck. Tori Lynn grabbed his hand and pulled him through the foyer and up the stairs. He didn't even have time to glance at all the pictures lining the stairwell before Tori Lynn pulled him into her bedroom.

"I'm sorry" she said genuinely "I know they are overwhelming."

"Cue socially awkward Nealer" he said sitting on the black day bed by the window. He was glancing around the purple and black room. Taking in the posters, the vinyl on the walls, and the far wall done in chalk board paint.

Tori Lynn sat down beside him on the bed. "I like that Neal too. It's good when everything doesn't have a glib come back."

"Your mamaw hates me." he replied throwing his hat on her bed.

"Nah, she is teasing you so she must like you all right." smiled Tori Lynn.

"Victoria Lynn Hall eh?" smirked James "Now I know what to yell if you make me mad."

"You call me anything other than Tori Lynn and I will castrate you with your own skate, Neal."

"Violent little thing." said James

Tori Lynn opened the door to her bathroom. She pointed at James that he could go first. While he was cleaning up she roamed down the hall and opened Bodie's bathroom door. It was still the same as if he would be walking in. His things still sat in the same places. Tori Lynn pulled the hoodie off and scrubbed her hands. She flicked off the lights and ran into James who was looking at pictures on the wall. He grabbed her before she bounced off him. She saw the look on his face. He had finally put all the pieces together. James was looking at the picture of Bodie on the day he was drafted by the Bruins. Unless you really knew Bodie you would have never realized he and Richie were high that day.

"Why didn't you tell me Tori Lynn?" asked James staring at the picture.

"Because I don't want to see that look that you have on your face right now James." she fired back "I'm not damaged because of it."

"Your brother is Beau David Hall" replied James "I've played against him. I knew him Tori Lynn."

"Was James." she said walking down the hall towards Bodie's room "Want to see the shrine to all things hockey." She opened the door and flipped on the lights. Two years and his room still smelled like Bodie. Nothing had changed from the time he left when he was 14. His room was still decorated in a mismatch of UK and Bruins. His hockey jerseys were hung on the wall. Sticks, gloves, and pucks littered every surface. His trophies and medals were arranged like they always were. There wasn't a speck of dust anywhere. Her momma was still cleaning the room, but it never changes.

"I think hockey boys bedrooms look same no matter what country you are in." said James looking around "How did he end up in Boston and you stay in Kentucky."

"Do they smell the same?" asked Tori Lynn

"Pretty much. Hormones, axe, and sweat." laughed James

"He fell in love with the game when we were in Boston. He played every summer that we spent up there. At around 14 he got serious, he asked to live with Nanny and go to school there. He could go to school and play. Mom and Dad were approached by a coach there in Boston who said he could really have shot at the pros. So they agreed. He was wild in high school, wild in college, and then flamed out after he was drafted. He couldn't manage it all. Bodie was as reckless in life as he was on the ice." she answered honestly "He was amazing."

"He was a hell of a player." replied James " I remember the draft and his time playing at BC until he was suspended. I know that at development camp they offered him some options."

"He was a supernova" said Tori Lynn "Burns bright and fast." Tori Lynn glanced around the room. She picked up a UK ball cap that was on the bed and hung on the hockey sticks that comprised the headboard. "It always falls when you shut the door."

James watched her look around her brother's room. He wasn't sure what to do or what to say. Beau David Hall had the potential to be a phenom. Unfortunately he couldn't control his demons. He had no idea Tori Lynn's Bodie was Beau David Hall. "You want to spend a few minutes here I can go and talk with your Mamaw." said James.

"It just another hollow marker" she replied turning to face James.

"Why Bodie?" he asked. Tori Lynn stepped closer to him. She was looking up at him and he wasn't sure what he should do. What do you even say to comfort her? Then again she said she didn't tell him because she didn't want the pity or looks. James wrapped both his arms around her waist and pulled her up against him. He couldn't remember the last time he held girl to just comfort her. Tori Lynn relaxed into his chest. She put her arms around his waist. "Everyone here calls daddy Beau. So when he was born everyone called him Beau David. I couldn't get that all out when I started talking. So I called him Bodie. It stuck. Family and close friends called him that. Hallsy was what the hockey fans called him."

Tori Lynn started laughing. James looked down at her in his embrace. "Bodie wouldn't be amused that I am snuggling with a former Pen in his room. Well he probably wouldn't be amused with me snuggling a boy in his room period."

"Well then I guess we should get out of his room." replied Neal letting go of her. Tori Lynn paused to turn the lights out in Bodie's room and pulled the door shut. It was James who grabbed her hand as they made their way down the hall. They stopped to look at all the pictures lining the hall and the stairs.

"You actually know Marchand" he said as he came up on a picture of Tori Lynn, Bodie, Brad Marchand, and a few other P Bruins.

"Yeah, Brad is actually a decent guy. They came all the way from Boston for the funeral." replied Tori Lynn "He is more than the "lil ball of hate."

"So you still talk to him or the Bruins" James asked cautiously.

"No" she replied "I go down to the games at Nashville and watch them play. But I never tell them I am coming. I don't want any awkward we have to talk to her stuff. But Brad and Bodie were drafted the same year. So I probably knew him a little better than the others."

"I'm sure it wouldn't be awkward." said James "If you want I can take you down when we play them so you can see them."

"James how weird would that be?" she laughed "Y'all don't exactly love each other."

"I can suck it up long enough to get you down there." he replied as he looked at more photos. He had already found his favorite in the hallway. It was a black and white shot of Tori Lynn with a guitar sitting on the back porch swing. Walking down the stairs he saw a shot of her, Richie, and Bodie in front of the Bobby Orr statue in Boston. Their entire lives were documented in living color. "These photos are amazing" he stated when they got to the bottom of the stairs.

"Well thank you Mr. Neal" said Abby "I was going to be a photographer before I had those 2. Then it became a full time job taking pictures of them."

"They are beautiful" he replied.

"She is and he was" she said sadly. Abby was slightly taken back seeing Tori Lynn holding his hand. She was more concerned that it seemed to be a regular enough thing that her daughter thought nothing of it when standing about 4 feet from her daddy. Tori Lynn and James walked through the foyer and into the dining room. She was still clutching his hand when her Mamaw walked into the dining room.

"Victoria Lynn" she began "Set the table for 6." Tori Lynn was doing the math but if Mamaw said 6 there would be 6. "And you" she said pointing at James "Quit making googley eyes at my grandbaby and go see if Marc Alan needs help carrying in the drinks."

Tori Lynn wanted to laugh but refrained. James simply said "Yes Ma'am" and headed out the back door. Tori Lynn was busy pulling plates down from the plate rack when her Mamaw entered the kitchen. Tori Lynn was humming in an attempt to keep her Mamaw from interrogating her. Her mother joined them in the kitchen. Tori Lynn was watching James and Marc Alan out the wide kitchen window. They weren't fighting but neither one was talking much.

"My money is on Marc Alan" said Mamaw "He's got height and weight advantage."

"Mamaw" said Tori Lynn "They have already met. It's fine."

"Yeah baby girl" replied her Mamaw "But had Marc Alan noticed the way you to look at each other. The fact the you walk around holding hands with him. The fact that he is the first boy other than Richie or Marc Alan you have ever brought to this house."

"Mamaw" she began "I've told you I love Marc Alan like I love Bodie. We are friends. We aren't ever going to be anything more. No matter how hard you play matchmaker."


"Can't blame an old woman for wanting to you to have love like me and your papaw or your momma and daddy." replied Gemma "You think you are gonna find that with that boy."

"He isn't a boy, Mamaw" said Tori Lynn "He is a friend of Richie's. We are getting to know each other. It's not like that."

"Well then Victoria Lynn" she began "if it's not like that I suggest pet that you don't kiss him on the Square in front of God and everyone."

Tori Lynn stared at her. Her mouth agape. She remembered why she hated small towns. James and Marc Alan walked in carrying a few cases of Ski.

"Victoria Lynn" her Mamaw instructed "Close your mouth you are gonna catch flies."

James started laughing. Marc Alan looked at him. Tori Lynn snapped her mouth shut. "What are you laughing at boy?" asked Mamaw.

"Tori Lynn told me the exact same thing the night I met her. On the trip here I asked if she got her sass from you." replied James looking at the diminutive woman "I got my answer."

"Flattery will get you nowhere with me Mr. Neal." replied Mamaw "Come on Marc Alan help Victoria set the table."

James stood to the side of the room and watch Tori Lynn and Marc Alan set the table. It was obvious that this was a normal part of her life. Why did it bother him so much that Marc Alan was so comfortable in her life. They had inside jokes and argued over where the glasses went. James had not noticed Tori Lynn's mom standing beside him.

"Marc Alan is like a brother to her." said Abby "They have been friends since before they could write their own names. He loves her. But she doesn't see it. It took a lot for him to come over here after that kiss on the square."

James looked at Abby. He had began rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. He blushed. Abby started laughing "It's a small town Mr. Neal. Victoria showing up with a random boy from Nashville is town news. We knew about that kiss before the doors closed on the fancy SUV you are driving. Keep that in mind. And if you hurt my baby I promise you Marc Alan will be the very least of your worries."

"I don't plan on hurting her" replied James "I'm not even sure if she likes me very much."

"She does" said her mother "If she didn't you wouldn't be here. Come on let's sit down for dinner."

They all sat around the table. James couldn't remember when he had heard someone say grace over dinner. But there he was holding Tori Lynn's hand in one and her Mamaw's hand in the other. The dinner was wonderful. James was going to have run or skate laps after the amount of food he ate. James, Tori Lynn, and Marc Alan cleared the table. James was washing the dishes.

"Well I didn't expect that" said Mamaw to Tori Lynn as she watched James and Marc Alan wash and dry dishes. Tori Lynn laughed and snapped a picture. "He is full of surprises" replied Tori Lynn as she sent the picture to Pauly and Geno. She laughed at the boys responses. And promised that Marc Alan was not a new Pred.

"Hey Neal" called Tori Lynn "Pauly and Geno like the domesticated you."

"I'm good at dishes but horrible in the kitchen." laughed Neal.

"Shoo" said Mamaw running James and Marc Alan out of the kitchen. "Y'all go load the boxes in the truck before it gets dark."

The boys dutifully carried the boxes of clothes that Tori Lynn's mom had packed up to the SUV. James opened the hatch as Marc Alan opened the doors. Marc Alan shoved his boxes in the back seat. "You'll need to keep the hatch empty for the instruments. She never brings just one."

James slid his boxes in with Marc Alan's. "I'm used to hockey gear. And they pack everything but my personal stuff."

"If you want to be with Tori Lynn you'll get used to dragging her instruments where she goes." replied Marc Alan "Come on. Let's see if she will show you her basement studio."

The boys kicked off their shoes in the mudroom. Tori Lynn's mom indicated that she, her Mamaw, and her daddy were in the basement. She told them to go on down. Marc Alan led him into the fully finished basement. There was a bathroom, and a bedroom, a full bar, and then a giant rec room. It had a full living room suite, pool table, and a Baby Grand piano. Different stringed instruments covered all the walls. Concert posters littered the spaces between instruments. James saw her dad start to play the piano. He recognized the tune immediately. Tori Lynn was perch on the piano with a guitar but wasn't playing it. She began singing with her dad playing the tune.

"They do this every Sunday when she is home." explained Marc Alan "Be really quiet or Beau won't play."

James listened to her sing Don't Stop Believing. She and her dad were both talented. Gemma came to stand beside James. "There are those googley eyes" said Mamaw "She is something isn't she boy."

"Yes Ma'am" he replied "I never met anyone like her."

"And you never will Mr. Neal. You best remember that when you are on the road and other girls are making eyes at you." she warned "Victoria Lynn, play that song you were working on making acoustic. I liked it."

James took out his phone and began recording. Tori Lynn began to play the guitar. She played Bleeding Love as a country acoustic song. When she was done he sent the file to Geno and the guys. She was fucking amazing.

"Neal" she called and motioned for him to come over. Marc Alan handed her a small instrument that she played across her lap "This is a hammer dulcimer." It had a twangy sound.

"Victoria" her mom called " are you all staying the night."

"No he has skate in the morning and I have band practice. So we will head back." she answered "In fact we should probably get on the road before it gets too late. If we can load my Les Paul, my banjo, the mandolin, and my violin I'll be set."

Marc Alan was plucking instruments off the wall. James was looking at two instruments. He wasn't sure if they were violins or fiddles. Tori Lynn came to stand beside him. " the neck is how you tell the difference." She said grabbing her violin. Marc Alan pulled cases out of the closet and loaded the instruments in the cases. James helped Marc Alan load the instruments into the SUV.

James watched as she said good bye to her family and Marc Alan. She pulled open a closet in the foyer and grabbed a black pea coat and a Bruins scarf. James shook his head when she handed both items to him. Before he could make a single comment she bolted up the stairs. She returned wearing his hoodie and carrying his Pirates hat. She kissed and hugged her family again. James was heading out the door when her Mamaw hollered at Tori Lynn.
"Victoria Lynn" called her Mamaw "You be good. You take care of yourself. And I ain't coming to Nashville unless you play the Opry."

"I love you Mamaw" she said hugging her. Her Mamaw pressed a fifty dollar bill in her hand. "I don't need that"

"A girl needs pocket money." said Gemma "Makes me feel better." She looked up and saw Neal looking at her. "He'll do"

"Mamaw" admonished Tori Lynn

"He grows on you" laughed the older woman "And he is kind of handsome. A little scrawny though." James started to laugh as Tori Lynn turned bright red. Her Mamaw pushed her out the door towards Neal.

"Sweet baby Jesus" said Tori Lynn "Come on Neal she'll bust out my hope chest if we aren't careful. I love all of you see you soon."

Tori Lynn pulled him along by the arm. When they reached the SUV Marc Alan was putting something in the floor board on the passenger side back seat. Marc Alan opened the door for Tori Lynn. "I put 3 cases of Ski in there" explained the deputy " See you soon Tor." He squeezed her and kissed her. He shut the door of the SUV. "Mr. Neal have a safe drive and take care of our girl."

"Our girl" asked James

"Yeah" smiled Marc Alan "You will always have to share her with me. I'm permanently friend zoned. Treat her right!"

James stuck his hand out to shake Marc Alan's. "I will do my best. If you want to come down for a game let Tori Lynn know. I can introduce you to the ice girls."

"Sounds good" said Marc Alan " I will still gut you if you hurt her. Plus Mamaw will help."

"Got it" said Neal climbing in the driver's seat. Tori Lynn beamed at him when he started the vehicle.

"You survived the crazy" she remarked.

"Wait until you meet the Neal clan" replied James. Tori Lynn just looked at him. "What you've met Pete."

"Nothing" said Tori Lynn. James then realized what he had said. But he didn't regret it his mom and Becca would love Tori Lynn.

"I know what I said" he replied "They will love you. And I want you to get to know me."

"Meeting the parents is serious business Neal." with that said Tori Lynn began searching her iPhone for music. James laughed apparently that topic was done.

Notes

Sorry this is a little long. Couldn't decided where to make a break. LOL! Tori Lynn's Mamaw is a hot mess. Hope y'all love her family.