"Victoria Lynn Hall" said Ritchie "I'm calling your Mamaw."

Tori Lynn started laughing as she pulled away from Calle "Like she would believe you." said Tori Lynn.

"Victoria Lynn" asked Calle "Sounds very formal."

"Says the guy from Sweden with like 5 names." she teased. Calle smiled at her. "What I pay attention to y'all's little show."

"Our little show" laughed Fisher.

"That came out wrong" said Tori Lynn "It's little. Like only 5 minutes or so an episode."

" It's okay älskling" replied Calle "So you've been checking me out on the show."

"I didn't say that Jarnkrok" she answered "I said I pay attention."

"Well the first few episodes sucked" said Neal wondering over to where they sat.

"Of course they did" said Shea Weber "They were all about you."

"Hey I thought I did pretty damn good" said Ritchie.

"The modern odd couple" said Shea "Did Martin get jealous Neal? Was it hard on him to see another guy cooking you breakfast?"

"Pauly is an awesome person" answered Tori Lynn "Goes out of his way to make people feel welcome." Neal stared at Tori Lynn as did the rest of the Preds gathered around. He knew grown men that wouldn't smart off to Weber. "I'm going to get a drink." she said as she slid out of Jarnkrok's lap. He trailed behind her as she crossed the room.
"Shea was teasing Flicka" said Calle as they arrived at the bar "It's kind of a bonding thing. If we aren't giving you shit we don't like you." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against him. Tori Lynn relaxed into Calle. "I think you should go dance with me after we get our drinks." She nodded. "What do you want Flicka?"

"A cherry coke" she replied. He laughed.

"You sure you don't need something stronger to deal with Nealer" he asked smiling down at her.

"I don't drink" she answered.

"Ever?" asked Calle very seriously.

"I've never drank alcohol or done any type of drug" she explained "My brother had an addiction problem. I promised him I wouldn't. And I haven't."

"Does it bother you if I drink?" he quizzed.

"Only if you plan on driving or if you become a complete asshole when drunk. I sing in bars I am used to drunk people. Richie was hell on wheels back in the day before he got sober. So I am often his sober buddy at things like this."

"You are very surprising Flicka."

"Why is that?" she asked as he handed her the cherry coke he ordered her. Calle took a drink of his beer and looked at her.

"You are just different. You do your own thing and really don't care what people think. You stand up to Weber for Neal even though he fucked up royally. You speak of Cluner's crazy ass like you would a brother. You pay no attention us being kind of famous. You apparently can sing like a bird but choose to play in a dive bar instead of letting anyone help you. Then you tell me you made a promise not to drink so you just don't."

"Well don't get too excited. I already broke one promise tonight" she replied.

"What I promise was that" he asked. Tori Lynn crooked a finger and motioned for him to lean down so she could whisper in his ear.

"I may have promised Evgeni Malkin that I wouldn't make out with the Swede." she whispered.

"No worries älskling" he replied smirking at her "That was just a kiss. I'll let you know when we get ready to break that promise."

"Awfully cocky Jarnkrok" she fired back.

"Ja" he said "But tell me you aren't at least thinking about it." Tori Lynn studied him for a moment. Calle threw his head back and laughed. "Du är så vacker och rolig." Damned if she wasn't thinking about it. "You flipped in to Swedish again Jarnkrok." "He said you are beautiful and funny." replied Olli. Tori Lynn beamed at Olli. "He is right you know." "Thanks, Olli" "Inte bra rövhål" said Calle. "She thinks I am helpful" laughed Olli "I'm sure the Mafia boys don't translate." "Come to think of it Olli they don't. What does älskling mean? They seemed to get all torn up over that word." asked Tori Lynn. "Nealer kommer att döda dig Jarnkrok . Du leker med elden . Du kan inte kalla henne din älskling ." said Olli. Calle listened to him say Neal was going to kill him and he shouldn't be calling her his sweetheart. "Neal måste komma över det . Jag tänker inte bara lämna henne tillbaka till honom . Hon är annorlunda . Förtjänar mer än honom . Förmodligen mer än mig!" replied Calle. Olli shook his head "Fire" he answered "You don't have to make it easy for him. But you need to not provoke him." "I vote we only speak English. And someone tells me what älskling means." "Sweetheart" said Mattias Ekholm coming over to join the conversation. "Don't acted like I can't understand" said Tori Lynn looking at Matti. Mattias laughed. "No älskling means sweetheart" said Matti winking at her. She looked at Calle. He just smiled that crooked smile. "So in the cab we were giving him hell for calling you sweetheart after only 30 minutes." Tori Lynn started laughing "Rich was right you Swedes are fast as Ferraris" Calle swooped in and kissed her senseless. He handed her glass and his bottle to Matti. He pulled her towards the dance floor. "Ja" he replied. There was a song thumping over the sound system. It was one that frequently played at the arena Turned Down For What. "Dance with me Flicka." James was leaning against the door jamb in the back of the room. He had been watching Tori Lynn and Jarnkrok all night. He was pretty sure there wasn't enough bourbon in Nashville to make him forget she was out with his teammate. He saw Jarnkrok kiss her and drag her to the dance floor. They were currently dancing to that damn rap song that played in the arena. Make that grinding. Holy fuck she was all over Jarnkrok or maybe he was all over her. James drained the bourbon in the glass and sat it on the table beside the door. "You just going to stare at her all night" asked Carrie looking at James. "That obvious" said James. "Just a little" she answered "It's hard on a girl to get cursed out by a guy's ex. It's even worse when that ex is wearing your guy's ring." "So I guess there was a this is the reason Neal is fucking idiot portion of the night that I missed." "Nope, just Mike telling me that you really messed up. And that he knew you wanted me to hear her sing." said Carrie "I suggest you do something before she decides she actually likes that Swedish boy. Because right now she is looking at you and dancing with him." His eyes darted to Tori Lynn. Carrie laughed. "Got it bad Neal." "Yeah, she is really special." he answered "Don't suppose you would know what a dobro is?" "You mean the guitar?" she asked. "Yes but it's special. She wants one from the 20's or 30's" he said "I may sound like an idiot and be completely wrong. But in the car we were listening to a song about a man named Curtis Loew. She said that she would love to have a dobro from that era. Does that even kind of make sense. Keep in mind that I have drank the better part of a bottle of Maker's Mark at home and then the more of another here." Carrie started laughing again. Fisher came over to see what Neal was saying that had Carrie laughing. "Yes, that makes perfect sense. But you know it would cost a couple of grand to get a dobro like that." "Don't care" replied Neal "I will get fined more than that before the year is out. It's one of the few instruments I haven't carried into her apartment. If you have an idea of where I can get one I would love to have one delivered to her while we are gone for the CMA weeks." "I will take care of it." replied Carrie "I have a guy that will call you so you can give him your credit card number. He will take the dobro over. It's a good peace offering. Can she really play anything with strings?" "She really is amazing." said Neal "That bar she plays in is lucky she walked in. She can turn almost any song on edge. We should see if she will sing for you." "We are about to find out" said Carrie "It's time for my favorite part of the party." "No babe" said Fisher "no karaoke." "I'm carrying your baby Michael Fisher" she stated "And I want to see you all sing." "You heard the crazy pregnant lady, Neal. She wants us to sing." laughed Fish as he watched Carrie take the mike from the DJ on stage. "Hey y'all thanks for coming to our annual Halloween party. Most of you know that my favorite part of this party is the team karaoke with your dates. Mike is letting me make all the rules because as you all know he managed to knock me up while rehabbing." said Carrie placing her hand on her stomach "So I've decided it's assistant captain vs assistant captain. So we are going to have Team Fisher and Team Neal." Neal groaned. He looked directly at Fisher "I'm going to need more bourbon." "She has that effect on people" laughed Fisher dragging Neal to the front of the room. "Okay boys pick teams. Dates go with the player to that team. Mike pick first." "I pick you babe" said Fish smiling at Carrie "I need a ringer. Can't have Neal beating me." Carrie smiled at Fisher. It was obvious they loved one another. "Nealer" said Carrie "Your pick. Choose wisely." Carrie winked at him. "Jarnkrok" said James smirking at Carrie. "Alright Calle you and the lovely Tori Lynn are on Team Neal." said Carrie. They continued picking teams until all the Preds and their dates were assigned teams. Neal looked at his team. He had the Swedes, Roman, Cluner, and Nystrom. "Neal, $100 says we win without Carrie even having to sing." called Weber. "I'll take that bet." said Neal. "I have faith in my team." "They have to sing in English" called Shea "No Swedish." "No worries" said James draining another bourbon. He needed to quit drinking. He needed a water. He needed to convince Tori Lynn to kick ass at karaoke. "Heads or tails Neal" shouted Carrie. "Heads" called Neal. The coin of course landed on tails. "We go first. All the songs are ones that everyone in the room should know. Plus songs that can be sang in big groups." said Carrie. "Hey" called Neal "Will the Swedes know these songs or are we a disadvantage?" "You picked them" yelled Shea. The DJ projected a wheel on the wall with different songs in the colored wedges. The wheel stopped. "Family Tradition" Neal and his team watched and listened as Mike and the guys managed a fairly decent version of Hank Jr. Everyone was hooping and cheering the boys on. Carrie wasn't singing but rather standing off to one side. She was laughing at Mike, Shea, and Matt Cullen. Neal watched as the DJ spun the wheel for his team. It landed on Don't Stop Believing by Journey. James just started laughing. "Carrie do we all have to sing or can we nominate a few team members?" "You're captain Neal figure it out." yelled Fisher "Carrie don't answer any questions." James turned to the group. He looked at Tori Lynn. "You can use Shea's money to upgrade the cable so you can watch your Cats." She started laughing. James winked at her. Tori Lynn let go of Calle's hand and walked towards the stage. Before she reached the stairs James picked her up and sat her on her feet on the stage. "I can walk Neal" she said over her shoulder. James smiled at her again. She sat down on the edge of the stage. She watched James walk back into the team. "Good luck" called James. "I'm not doing it by myself James Neal" she replied "I am not going to sing for Carrie by myself." James looked at the rest of the team. He was trying to decide who to sacrifice to the Karaoke gods. Richie handed his water to Addison and clapped James on the back. "I got this boo" said Richie "I've seen it done a few times in the basement kiddo." Richie headed over to spot next to the DJ. He showed them where to read the lyrics. "We don't need no damn lyrics" yelled Richie "Let's go. I'm just back up Boo." Richie took the mike from the DJ and came to sit beside Tori Lynn. The boys made some remarks about them showing off. Richie just laughed. "Just wait boys" called Richie. He winked at Tori Lynn. He handed her the microphone. She smiled at Neal and Calle as she listened to the music begin. She counted herself in. She sang the opening bar. People came to a complete halt and were watching Tori Lynn. She turned and was singing with Richie. They sailed through the entire tune. She was smiling as she hit the final notes. All eyes were on Tori Lynn. She handed the DJ the mike and leaned over and kissed Richie. Tori Lynn was laughing as the room started clapping. Neal was smirking at Weber. He rarely saw his captain speechless. He handed Neal the $100. Neal just handed the money to Tori Lynn and laughed. "Holy hell, Flicka" said Calle stepping up to Tori Lynn "I knew you could sing but I had no clue." He hauled her up against him and smiled. "Round 2" called Carrie. "No" called the entire crowd. "Okay then how about Tori Lynn and I sing together." said Carrie "You know Something Bad?" Tori Lynn nodded. Carrie stepped over beside Tori Lynn. "You do Miranda's part. Mike Fisher video this." Mike wasn't the only one to pull out his phone. "Yes Ma'am" said Tori Lynn. The music cued up and Tori Lynn started to sing. She and Carrie did the song flawlessly. Carrie hugged her when it was over. "Miranda will love you." said Carrie "How about you play that guitar Jarnkrok has been dragging around." Tori Lynn retrieved her guitar. She started out playing Tennessee Flat Top Box and ended playing Walk the Line. Everyone was watching as Carrie sang as she played. "We need to hang out when the boys are on the road." Tori Lynn nodded. Tori Lynn noticed James was heading out the backdoor. She excused herself from Carrie and Calle. "I'm going to make sure he is getting a cab." she explained looking at Calle almost as if she were asking permission. "Ja" said Calle "Make sure he will be okay. I will wait for you älskling." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as she went out the door after Neal. Calle watched her go out the door. He didn't want her to go but knew that he couldn't stop it. "You just sent her to the competition." smiled Carrie. "I can't keep her from him and expect to win. Neal will screw up all on his own" replied Calle. "And if he doesn't" asked Carrie "If he doesn't and she chooses him then we were not to be." said Calle
James was proud of Tori Lynn. But he couldn't stay and watch them anymore. He just wanted to get in his bed and pass the fuck out. He could call a cab outside. It was still fairly mild out for the season. He sat down on the curb and phoned a cab. He heard someone come up behind him. The person sat down beside him on the curb. He could smell the pineapple smell he associated with Tori Lynn.

"Go back in Tori Lynn" he said not even looking at her as she sat beside him "Go have fun with Jarnkrok."

"I just wanted to make sure you have a ride home."

"I don't drive when I am drunk. Hell I've drank enough bourbon to fill a bathtub." he replied. Tori Lynn looked concerned. "It's okay. More like the bathroom sink."

"I don't like you drinking because of me Neal."

"I'm not" he slurred "I'm drinking because of me. I thought I was getting it together. But no."

"James, go home and sleep it off." she responded "If you want I will come check on you when I get home."

"Why" said James.

"Why what?" asked Tori Lynn

"Check on me. I hurt you" he slurred "G is mad, Pauly is mad, Richie is mad, and you were hurt. All 4 of my people are not talking to me. I don't have a lot of people."

"They will get over it." she answered as the cab pulled up to the curb. James watched as she stood gracefully in those lavender heels. She was gorgeous. She would have been here with him and leaving with him if he wasn't such a fuck up. "Come on let's get you in the cab."

James attempted to stand up and went straight back to the curb. He gave it another attempt but did even make it up from the curb. He fell sideways laughing. He couldn't stop fucking up in front of her and for some reason that was hilarious. Tori Lynn was smiling at him and trying very hard not to laugh at James. She held out her hand so that she could pull him to his feet. James grabbed her small hand with his larger one. They both landed in a heap on the curb. "So I don't think that worked." said James as he attempted to right her in his lap. Tori Lynn pushed off of his lap and stood up.

"We might need re-enforcements" she teased "I'll get Richie."

"No" said James and he reached out and grabbed her arm "I can do this." He managed to stagger to his feet. He wobbled until she put and arm around him. "See" he said smiling down at her. Tori Lynn poured him into the cab. "You'll still come check on me, eh?"

"Maybe if you are really good for the cab driver" said Tori Lynn. Tori Lynn went to the driver. James heard her give him instructions. Tori Lynn then handed him a 20. James growled at her. She laughed "Hush Jamie, I want you home safe."

"You called me Jamie" he said in a sing song voice.

"Go home Neal you're drunk" she replied. Tori Lynn watched the cab pull away. She laughed. Tori Lynn headed back into the party and ran face first into Calle.

"I was beginning to think Neal kidnapped you Flicka" said Calle.

"No he told me to come have fun with you." she replied. "But then he couldn't manage to stand up. So I kind of had to wrestle him into the cab. He's fine on his way home now. The cab guy promised to give him to the doorman. So now it's me and you."

"Ja" he replied "Apparently they are doing a haunted hay ride thing. Want to go snuggle with me in the hay."

"I like snuggling in the hay."

"Well in that case" He held his arm out like a proper gentleman. She laughed and took his arm and they headed out the back door of the barn. Once outside the team was gathered around waiting for the bus to come. Apparently the haunted trail was a big thing and was located just on the outskirts of Nashville. She heard the boys discussing the movie quality scares. Tori Lynn thought this might be a bad idea but the boys were all excited. They ended up standing with the rest of the mafia waiting. The boys were drifting in and out of Swedish.

"Speak English" called Shea "You all sound like the chipmunks."

The boys continued their rumblings in Swedish. She was leaning up against Calle listening to him interact with his teammates. Calle was absently rubbing his thumb against her hand where they were connected.

Matti turned to Tori Lynn "Do you get scared easily?" he asked.

"Not usually" said Tori Lynn "I'm not a big fan of gory stuff but the jumpy boo stuff is okay."

Matti started laughing. "That's good because you are probably going to have to keep Jarnkrok here safe." This caused several rounds of what she could only imagine were Swedish curses to ensue. They filed on to the bus. Calle pulled her into a bus seat and snuggled her up against his side. Matti and Filip were in the seat beside them. She laughed at them because they were pushing each other like kindergarteners.

"Do they always fight like little kids" asked Tori Lynn. She smoothed back the dark strands of Calle's hair that were escaping.

"You seemed excited" he answered "But now you have to protect me from the spöken och goblines." Tori Lynn shook her head yes but was laughing at him. "No laughing Flicka. You are getting to see me be a total spaz on our first date." "I'll protect you" said Tori Lynn smiling at him. When sitting in his lap their height difference was not as pronounced. "And I solemnly promise not to disclose to any NHL sources that you are afraid of the ghosties and beasties." "Deal, Flicka." he replied as he nodded at Mattias and Filip "They already know. So I am assuming that the entire team knows. And that this will probably suck for me." "Ignore them" she answered "Just focus on me. The scares aren't real." "Ja" he said taking a deep breath as they started rolling. "One favor" said Tori Lynn. "Name it Flicka." "Don't toss me at any of the creepies" she said very seriously "Not a weapon." Calle threw his head back and laughed. He tightened his grip on Tori Lynn. "I promise" he replied still laughing "But I might squeeze you." "Snuggling is fine Jarnkrok sacrificing me to the chainsaw guy not so much." she teased. "Chainsaw guy" he asked. "All these things have a chainsaw guy. He is usually at the end for the big boo." she answered "And I totally expect you not to freak out over the hockey mask guy." "I will do my best Flicka." he replied as they were crossing under the do not enter haunted forest sign "Why do people always ignore these signs? "Is he scared yet" crowed Mattias. "He doesn't do well with scary movies" laughed Forsberg "Last time we watched a horror movie I think he slept on my couch for a week." "He's not scared" replied Tori Lynn "Maybe he has a better sense of self-preservation that you two." The two kept teasing Calle and even Roman joined in the fun. Tori Lynn shook her head then laid it against his shoulder. "Ignore them" she said into his ear. They made it past the first big scare and were about to be taken over by zombies. Calle decided maybe watching horror movies and scary things wouldn't be so bad with Tori Lynn in his lap. She was currently running her fingers through his hair. It was both soothing and somehow exciting at the same time. He could hear her humming as the ride progressed. After ghosts, goblins, zombies, witches, and werewolves had attacked Calle was pretty sure there was nothing left that could make his heart jump out of his chest except maybe the girl in his lap. "Get ready" she whispered "3,2,1." Just as he heard the chainsaw fire up Tori Lynn placed her lips against his. His hand shot out and captured the side of her face. She continued kissing him until the ride stopped. Calle's forehead rested against hers. She smiled at him "Not so scary now was it." He started laughing. Then realized that the rest of the team was catcalling at him and Tori Lynn. "Nej" he answered "But I am pretty Evgeni Malkin is going to put a bounty on my head." He jumped down from the trailer. He picked Tori Lynn up and carried her over to the pavement near the bus. "I can handle Geno" said Tori Lynn. She pulled her phone out and snapped a picture of Calle carrying her. She sent it to Geno with a caption saving him from monsters. Once they were on the bus she heard her phone chirp. Geno: Look beautiful Pretty. And you not bad either. TL: Very funny G. But he is kind of pretty. Geno: Where Lazy? TL: I put him in cab. He drank a lot of bourbon. According to his estimation a sink full. Geno: He bad? TL: Couldn't stand up very well, giggling, and slurring his speech Geno: You check on him later? TL: I will. Geno: You break promise Pretty. TL: Maybe Geno: No maybe look at instagram. Tori Lynn pulled up instagram. She saw the picture of her kissing Calle when as the ride ended. TL: I was protecting Jarnkrok from the chainsaw guy. Geno: Who protect Pretty from herself. TL: About to be my second favorite Russian again.
Geno: Just think ok TL: I will. Geno: It witching hour go home make sure Lazy alive. TL: He will be fine Geno: Beware of the Swedes TL: They are treating me very well Geno: That what I worry about. TL: I am fine. Geno: Good guess won't kill pretty Swedish boy. But might smack Lazy upside head. Calle watched her send texts. She then flipped the phone around and showed him the picture one of the girls posted on instagram of her kissing him. He wasn't sure she wanted it out there like that. But he kind of hoped maybe she was okay with it. She held the phone out to Calle so he could read the texts between her and Geno. He laughed when he read the texts. "See no need to be afraid of G" said Tori Lynn smiling at him. They had arrived back at Fisher's place. Since the boys were heading out on a 2 week road trip the party was breaking up as it was after midnight. "You ready to go home Flicka" he asked as he found a cab that would hold the entire group. "Ja" she answered. "So now you are picking up Swedish" He said as he ushered her into the back of the van. She nodded and scooted over next to him so Matti could slide in beside her. "I am surprised at you Tori Lynn" said Matti looking at her. "Why is that?" "I really thought you were going to leave with Neal earlier." said Mattias. "Neal is a friend Matti. I put him in a cab and sent him home." she answered. Calle was glaring at Matti over her head. "Glad you stuck it out with our boy" said Matti smiling at her. The ride home was fairly uneventful. She was half asleep on Calle's chest when they arrived at the apartment building. "You coming up Tori Lynn" asked Forsberg. "No you children need to go to bed before your trip." she answered. She kissed all 3 guys on the cheek before turning to Calle "Walk me up" "Ja Flicka" he said as he fell in step beside her. They all piled into the elevator. Calle got off at Tori Lynn's floor. She laughed as the boys taunted him in Swedish. He flipped them all off before the doors closed. "Such love" said Tori Lynn "I'm glad you have them. It has to make you miss Sweden less." "I had a bunch of Swedish guys in Detroit too. So it definitely helps." he answered as she unlocked door to the apartment. Apparently Richie and Addison had made it home judging by the costume pieces flung about the living room. "Cluner is definitely making the most of his last night in Nashville." "I hope he gagged her this time" she replied. Calle's eyes got wide. "What she is loud!" He started laughing. "Never a dull moment." he replied. She walked him through the apartment and into the living room. He sat her guitar in the stand near the sliding glass door. "I guess I will head up to my place." Tori Lynn nodded. "I had a good time with you" "Me too, Flicka" he responded "I'll call over the CMA trip." She nodded as she pulled of her heels. "You are so tiny." He stated once she was standing flat footed. He pulled her in for a hug she only came up to the middle of his chest. "Don't forget about me while I'm gone." "I won't" she replied. He leaned down and kissed her. He was still treating her like she was something fragile. She wasn't sure how to feel about that. "Bye Calle" she said against his mouth.

Notes