*************************************************************************************************
Day eight of the Western swing and Tori Lynn was ready to pull her hair out. The people from Pottery Barn would be there in an hour to start the furniture delivery. The manager had been more than helpful changing the date of delivery because of the CMA's. Addi, Colby, and Tori Lynn had managed to get the entire place painted. It looked great she just hoped James loved it when he got home. A knock sounded on the door. She laughed it had to be Colby because Addi just walked in.

"I brought breakfast" said Colby kicking off his boots. He gave Tori Lynn a quick hug before settling at the breakfast bar.

"Thanks" she replied grabbing a container from the pile "You are totally my favorite."

"I know" said Colby. Tori Lynn looked at him. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he hadn't slept in a week. She knew she had been working him hard but this was bad.

"Colby" she said "Don't take this wrong but you look like shit."

"I know" he said "It's insane at the apartment. I am beginning to wonder if they are charging admission for the parties they are throwing. It's all hours. I came home last night and there were randoms fucking in my bed."

"So stay in my apartment with me" she replied "I'm sure Richie won't care."

"Not like you sleep there" he teased.

"See someone should" she smiled. She didn't even bother denying it. "You can have my room. I can sleep in Richie's room if need be. Plus I won't be lonely on road trips. And we can carpool to the bar."

"You ask Clune if he doesn't mind we will give it a go" he answered "What's Neal going to say about you getting a roommate."

"He seems to tell me he is fine and if I am happy he is happy we will see."

"What time do you have to meet Carrie?" he asked

"Around 12" she replied "It's final rehearsal for the CMA's. Plus she has them bringing dresses for me to try on. Plus I will get all the details of what is involved in babysitting Fish during the big event."

"Did you make a list of what needs to be done?"

"Yes" she said text him the list. "Are you going to kill me?"

"Nope" he replied "But I better get awesome seats from Neal."

"Even better." she answered "Want to sing the anthem with me? I told them I wouldn't do it without you."

"No shit" he exclaimed

"Yes in a few home games." she smiled at him "Neon Cathedral and the Preds."

Colby was smiling at her. Tori Lynn laughed because he had abandoned his biscuits and gravy to swing her around the nearly empty apartment. "Make me a promise"

"What's that?"

"If they tell you to lose me for a record deal you do it no question, Ok?"

"Same for you" she replied "But bitch you know I am doing this with you."

Colby laughed "I know but you never know what might happen at the CMA's."

"I will be in the seat with Fish on both of our best behavior. Oh can you keep a secret?"

"Tor my parents don't even know I am gay." he laughed.

"Carrie and Fish are having a boy. It will be announced at the CMA's.

He started laughing. "What?" she asked.

"I've known since the day I met Fisher. He accidentally told me."

"And you've said nothing" she gasped.

"He promised to take me to the locker room." laughed Colby "twenty three hot nearly naked guys is a good incentive."

"22" said Tori Lynn "Olli looks a little like sasquatch. But he will interpret the Swedes." Colby threw his head back laughing. "I'm going to get dressed."

"Make sure you wear a strapless bra" called Colby "So you can try on the dresses."

"Love you Colby" she yelled as she went out of the apartment. Tori Lynn's phone rang as she entered the apartment.

"Hey Carrie. How are you and the baby?"

"I'm fine and baby is pissed that his team is having a good time without him. Oh and our son is currently bouncin' on my bladder like a trampoline."

"So normal"

"I just wanted to tell you to dress comfy. We will be all over the Bridgestone. And you will get to see all the acts rehearse. I am wearing a tunic and yoga pants and Uggs to give you an idea. And Miranda and I have found your dress. It is vintage from the 50's. Can't wait."

"Alright what time am I picking you up" asked Tori Lynn

"Fisher is bring me to your apartment" replied Carrie "Mainly because I am super nosey and I want to see what you have done with it."

"Come whenever you want" said Tori Lynn "You can boss Colby around."

"See you soon." said Carrie.

Tori Lynn had showered earlier. She teased her hair and gathered it into a bun. She swiped on some lip gloss and mascara. She was with Carrie Underwood no one would be looking at Tori Lynn. She pulled out a long sleeve Preds t-shirt and navy blue leggings. She tossed that outfit on over her strapless bra and UA panties. She found a pair of socks with the Rolling Stone logos all over them. Socks then her gray Cardi boots and she was ready to go. She was packing her bag as her phone signaled an incoming FaceTime request. She smiled and answered James.

"Hey" said James

"Hey yourself" she replied "You know you are banned from FaceTime until after you get home unless I call you."

"I missed your face" he answered.

"I missed your face too." she replied.

"So any specific reason Mom says she loves you." he asked

"I blame Pete. I needed help. He drafted your momma." James almost laughed at her expression. She looked like she was worried "It's totally a surprise. I'm sorry. Are you mad?"

"You are rambling" he smirked "No and Mom wouldn't tell me what you all talked about. Just that she liked you. So now when they come down you have to act like my girlfriend or it will break her heart."

"I promise to pretend I like you for her sake."

"You wound me woman." said Neal. Tori Lynn noticed he was sitting in his UA base layers in a locker. Spandex and Neal were a good fit.

"I have already told G I couldn't hurt you with a stick of dynamite."

"My feels" teased Neal.

"So where are you Waldo?"

"You know we are in Winnipeg. And I will be home in 4 days." replied James. He then noticed she had on a Preds shirt that actually fit her "Hey you got a Preds shirt of your own."

"Yep" she replied.

"Let me see my number"

Tori Lynn started laughing. In fact she was giggling way too much. "So it's a Fisher shirt" he asked. Tori Lynn shook her head no. "Alright let me see it."

Tori Lynn went into her bathroom and turned her back so that James could see the shirt in the mirror.

"It could be worse" replied James at least it wasn't teen wolf's number. "But why in the hell Ekholm." It had no more than left his mouth that the entire Mafia joined him around the iPad "Great now look what you did. You attracted the Swedes."

She smiled at the boys as James panned around the locker room. "Hey go back Craig has his shirt off."

"Damn it Tori Lynn" called Neal.

"Hey Bae" smirked Matti "Let me see it." She moved in the mirror so that Matti could see his number and name.

"How is this even fair Flicka" asked Jarnkrok.

"Because I am fucking awesome" said Matti. He winked at Tori Lynn "Plus I have no dog in this fight."

"Smart, pretty, and he can play hockey" replied Tori Lynn "I promise I have a few others that I will bust out. I can't just run around in y'all's giant clothes. Plus Carrie told me to dress comfy."

"I want to see the rest" replied Matti.

"Nope surprise" she answered. She heard Coach come into the locker room. She knew they would have to go soon. "Bye guys kick the Jets asses."

"Will you send me dirty pictures if we do" called Ribs.

"If you win I won't tell your wife you asked me that." sassed Tori Lynn.

"She is mean Neal." replied Ribs. She heard James laugh.

"I gotta go babe."

"I know Neal. Always on the move."

"You FaceTime me when it's safe."

"Bye Jamie, stay out of the box."

"I'll try. Don't run off with Florida Georgia Line"

"I'll try" she mimicked as she hung up.

James sat in his locker shaking his head. Shea and Ribs were chirping about her Ekholm shirt. James and Jarnkrok looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "When did we lose control of this situation?" he asked Jarnkrok.

"Nej" said Jarnkrok "We've never had control. And she doesn't have a clue as to what she can do."

"I am fucked" said Neal looking at Jarnkrok.

"Ja" said Calle "But it's worth it."

"Fucker" said Neal

"Ja" said Calle "Remember if you fuck this up again I won't let her go a second time." Jarnkrok walked out of the locker room.

"Hey Nealer" called Ekholm "She picked you. Don't be a dick about the shirt. She and Addi went and got a bunch of shit. I am safe it's the only reason she will wear it. Don't give her a reason to leave your dumb ass."

"Addi" asked Neal "You've been talking to Addi."

"Ja" said Ekholm "You are not the only one who wants this roadie over. I want to actually see her in person."

"She is loud" teased James.

"Fucker" said Ekholm "Can't wait to find out." He disappeared out the door of the locker room.

Tori Lynn was standing in the hallway leading from the kitchen to the bedrooms. She was busy eyeballing the newly painted walls. She loved the dove gray color. But moreover she couldn't wait to see how the photos would look. She had ordered several prints from Carmen. In fact Carmen sent her a few that she hadn't saw before. She loved the one of James, Sid, and G laughing. She had them all blown up to 16x 24. She had 5 total: the one of James, Sid, and G, one of Pauly, one of James with his eyes cast down, one of James smirking, and finally a picture of the entire Neal family. His mom had been more than happy to email her the photo. She had also sent down all of his framed jerseys. She had the Whaler's one, the Stars one, the Pens one, his All Star one, and a Preds one. His mom had also sent one of his childhood jerseys, a Whitby Wildcat jersey, and a Bowmanville Eagles jersey. All of those jerseys were currently hanging on his bedroom wall. She had painted his bedroom a beautiful gunmetal gray color. She couldn't wait for him to see it. She has sent pictures of it to Pauly and Geno. They both approved.

Tori Lynn and Colby were busying hanging a picture of Nat and Neal in the guest room when the doorbell rang. She answered the door to find a FedEx man with a large flat package. She signed for it. She noticed it was from Pauly. She sent him a quick text.

TL: The package should I open it?
Pauly: Nope it's for Neal.
TL: Fine be that way Pauly
Pauly: I expect pics from the CMA's and of the apartment.
TL: Will do.
Pauly: And Miranda Lambert
TL: She and Carrie picked my dress. So she will be around.
Pauly: Be good no country studs.
TL: I'll try.

Colby finished hanging the pictures in the guest room. He had balked at the lemon chiffon color Tori Lynn picked. But he had to admit that it looked great with the art and bedding. Tori Lynn had pulled the touches of gray throughout the apartment. He, Tori Lynn, and Addi had managed to get all furniture from Neal's room to the guest room and the God forsaken couch into the bedroom. Tori Lynn had painted the adjoined bathroom the same color. Now paired with gray and white polka dotted shower curtain the rooms blended seamlessly. He had spent an hour putting together the dollhouse beside the couch. She had brought it home when she went to buy the dresser. She has insisted that Nat would need something to play with. He couldn't believe that Neal was crazy about a four year old. It totally didn't fit with his personality. But then again Tori Lynn said she never knew what to expect with Neal.

He found Tori Lynn in the kitchen. She was organizing things on the counters. He still couldn't believe they painted the kitchen and installed a tile back splash by themselves. You apparently really could learn everything on YouTube. The kitchen was now a peaceful blue color with more touches of gray throughout. He hoped Nealer liked gray as much as Tori Lynn thought he did.

"So what is the most important thing today?" he asked looking at the list.

"They are supposed to deliver and set up all the furniture. Get the entertainment center together and all the electronics hooked up so we can watch the games. Because I don't plan on y'all being in Neal's new bed before him. In fact I am going to sleep in our apartment until he gets home."

"Our apartment" laughed Colby "It will be my apartment next to you playing house with hockey boy."*************************************************************************************************
Day eight of the Western swing and Tori Lynn was ready to pull her hair out. The people from Pottery Barn would be there in an hour to start the furniture delivery. The manager had been more than helpful changing the date of delivery because of the CMA's. Addi, Colby, and Tori Lynn had managed to get the entire place painted. It looked great she just hoped James loved it when he got home. A knock sounded on the door. She laughed it had to be Colby because Addi just walked in.

"I brought breakfast" said Colby kicking off his boots. He gave Tori Lynn a quick hug before settling at the breakfast bar.

"Thanks" she replied grabbing a container from the pile "You are totally my favorite."

"I know" said Colby. Tori Lynn looked at him. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he hadn't slept in a week. She knew she had been working him hard but this was bad.

"Colby" she said "Don't take this wrong but you look like shit."

"I know" he said "It's insane at the apartment. I am beginning to wonder if they are charging admission for the parties they are throwing. It's all hours. I came home last night and there were randoms fucking in my bed."

"So stay in my apartment with me" she replied "I'm sure Richie won't care."

"Not like you sleep there" he teased.

"See someone should" she smiled. She didn't even bother denying it. "You can have my room. I can sleep in Richie's room if need be. Plus I won't be lonely on road trips. And we can carpool to the bar."

"You ask Clune if he doesn't mind we will give it a go" he answered "What's Neal going to say about you getting a roommate."

"He seems to tell me he is fine and if I am happy he is happy we will see."

"What time do you have to meet Carrie?" he asked

"Around 12" she replied "It's final rehearsal for the CMA's. Plus she has them bringing dresses for me to try on. Plus I will get all the details of what is involved in babysitting Fish during the big event."

"Did you make a list of what needs to be done?"

"Yes" she said text him the list. "Are you going to kill me?"

"Nope" he replied "But I better get awesome seats from Neal."

"Even better." she answered "Want to sing the anthem with me? I told them I wouldn't do it without you."

"No shit" he exclaimed

"Yes in a few home games." she smiled at him "Neon Cathedral and the Preds."

Colby was smiling at her. Tori Lynn laughed because he had abandoned his biscuits and gravy to swing her around the nearly empty apartment. "Make me a promise"

"What's that?"

"If they tell you to lose me for a record deal you do it no question, Ok?"

"Same for you" she replied "But bitch you know I am doing this with you."

Colby laughed "I know but you never know what might happen at the CMA's."

"I will be in the seat with Fish on both of our best behavior. Oh can you keep a secret?"

"Tor my parents don't even know I am gay." he laughed.

"Carrie and Fish are having a boy. It will be announced at the CMA's.

He started laughing. "What?" she asked.

"I've known since the day I met Fisher. He accidentally told me."

"And you've said nothing" she gasped.

"He promised to take me to the locker room." laughed Colby "twenty three hot nearly naked guys is a good incentive."

"22" said Tori Lynn "Olli looks a little like sasquatch. But he will interpret the Swedes." Colby threw his head back laughing. "I'm going to get dressed."

"Make sure you wear a strapless bra" called Colby "So you can try on the dresses."

"Love you Colby" she yelled as she went out of the apartment. Tori Lynn's phone rang as she entered the apartment.

"Hey Carrie. How are you and the baby?"

"I'm fine and baby is pissed that his team is having a good time without him. Oh and our son is currently bouncin' on my bladder like a trampoline."

"So normal"

"I just wanted to tell you to dress comfy. We will be all over the Bridgestone. And you will get to see all the acts rehearse. I am wearing a tunic and yoga pants and Uggs to give you an idea. And Miranda and I have found your dress. It is vintage from the 50's. Can't wait."

"Alright what time am I picking you up" asked Tori Lynn

"Fisher is bring me to your apartment" replied Carrie "Mainly because I am super nosey and I want to see what you have done with it."

"Come whenever you want" said Tori Lynn "You can boss Colby around."

"See you soon." said Carrie.

Tori Lynn had showered earlier. She teased her hair and gathered it into a bun. She swiped on some lip gloss and mascara. She was with Carrie Underwood no one would be looking at Tori Lynn. She pulled out a long sleeve Preds t-shirt and navy blue leggings. She tossed that outfit on over her strapless bra and UA panties. She found a pair of socks with the Rolling Stone logos all over them. Socks then her gray Cardi boots and she was ready to go. She was packing her bag as her phone signaled an incoming FaceTime request. She smiled and answered James.

"Hey" said James

"Hey yourself" she replied "You know you are banned from FaceTime until after you get home unless I call you."

"I missed your face" he answered.

"I missed your face too." she replied.

"So any specific reason Mom says she loves you." he asked

"I blame Pete. I needed help. He drafted your momma." James almost laughed at her expression. She looked like she was worried "It's totally a surprise. I'm sorry. Are you mad?"

"You are rambling" he smirked "No and Mom wouldn't tell me what you all talked about. Just that she liked you. So now when they come down you have to act like my girlfriend or it will break her heart."

"I promise to pretend I like you for her sake."

"You wound me woman." said Neal. Tori Lynn noticed he was sitting in his UA base layers in a locker. Spandex and Neal were a good fit.

"I have already told G I couldn't hurt you with a stick of dynamite."

"My feels" teased Neal.

"So where are you Waldo?"

"You know we are in Winnipeg. And I will be home in 4 days." replied James. He then noticed she had on a Preds shirt that actually fit her "Hey you got a Preds shirt of your own."

"Yep" she replied.

"Let me see my number"

Tori Lynn started laughing. In fact she was giggling way too much. "So it's a Fisher shirt" he asked. Tori Lynn shook her head no. "Alright let me see it."

Tori Lynn went into her bathroom and turned her back so that James could see the shirt in the mirror.

"It could be worse" replied James at least it wasn't teen wolf's number. "But why in the hell Ekholm." It had no more than left his mouth that the entire Mafia joined him around the iPad "Great now look what you did. You attracted the Swedes."

She smiled at the boys as James panned around the locker room. "Hey go back Craig has his shirt off."

"Damn it Tori Lynn" called Neal.

"Hey Bae" smirked Matti "Let me see it." She moved in the mirror so that Matti could see his number and name.

"How is this even fair Flicka" asked Jarnkrok.

"Because I am fucking awesome" said Matti. He winked at Tori Lynn "Plus I have no dog in this fight."

"Smart, pretty, and he can play hockey" replied Tori Lynn "I promise I have a few others that I will bust out. I can't just run around in y'all's giant clothes. Plus Carrie told me to dress comfy."

"I want to see the rest" replied Matti.

"Nope surprise" she answered. She heard Coach come into the locker room. She knew they would have to go soon. "Bye guys kick the Jets asses."

"Will you send me dirty pictures if we do" called Ribs.

"If you win I won't tell your wife you asked me that." sassed Tori Lynn.

"She is mean Neal." replied Ribs. She heard James laugh.

"I gotta go babe."

"I know Neal. Always on the move."

"You FaceTime me when it's safe."

"Bye Jamie, stay out of the box."

"I'll try. Don't run off with Florida Georgia Line"

"I'll try" she mimicked as she hung up.

James sat in his locker shaking his head. Shea and Ribs were chirping about her Ekholm shirt. James and Jarnkrok looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. "When did we lose control of this situation?" he asked Jarnkrok.

"Nej" said Jarnkrok "We've never had control. And she doesn't have a clue as to what she can do."

"I am fucked" said Neal looking at Jarnkrok.

"Ja" said Calle "But it's worth it."

"Fucker" said Neal

"Ja" said Calle "Remember if you fuck this up again I won't let her go a second time." Jarnkrok walked out of the locker room.

"Hey Nealer" called Ekholm "She picked you. Don't be a dick about the shirt. She and Addi went and got a bunch of shit. I am safe it's the only reason she will wear it. Don't give her a reason to leave your dumb ass."

"Addi" asked Neal "You've been talking to Addi."

"Ja" said Ekholm "You are not the only one who wants this roadie over. I want to actually see her in person."

"She is loud" teased James.

"Fucker" said Ekholm "Can't wait to find out." He disappeared out the door of the locker room.

Tori Lynn was standing in the hallway leading from the kitchen to the bedrooms. She was busy eyeballing the newly painted walls. She loved the dove gray color. But moreover she couldn't wait to see how the photos would look. She had ordered several prints from Carmen. In fact Carmen sent her a few that she hadn't saw before. She loved the one of James, Sid, and G laughing. She had them all blown up to 16x 24. She had 5 total: the one of James, Sid, and G, one of Pauly, one of James with his eyes cast down, one of James smirking, and finally a picture of the entire Neal family. His mom had been more than happy to email her the photo. She had also sent down all of his framed jerseys. She had the Whaler's one, the Stars one, the Pens one, his All Star one, and a Preds one. His mom had also sent one of his childhood jerseys, a Whitby Wildcat jersey, and a Bowmanville Eagles jersey. All of those jerseys were currently hanging on his bedroom wall. She had painted his bedroom a beautiful gunmetal gray color. She couldn't wait for him to see it. She has sent pictures of it to Pauly and Geno. They both approved.

Tori Lynn and Colby were busying hanging a picture of Nat and Neal in the guest room when the doorbell rang. She answered the door to find a FedEx man with a large flat package. She signed for it. She noticed it was from Pauly. She sent him a quick text.

TL: The package should I open it?
Pauly: Nope it's for Neal.
TL: Fine be that way Pauly
Pauly: I expect pics from the CMA's and of the apartment.
TL: Will do.
Pauly: And Miranda Lambert
TL: She and Carrie picked my dress. So she will be around.
Pauly: Be good no country studs.
TL: I'll try.

Colby finished hanging the pictures in the guest room. He had balked at the lemon chiffon color Tori Lynn picked. But he had to admit that it looked great with the art and bedding. Tori Lynn had pulled the touches of gray throughout the apartment. He, Tori Lynn, and Addi had managed to get all furniture from Neal's room to the guest room and the God forsaken couch into the bedroom. Tori Lynn had painted the adjoined bathroom the same color. Now paired with gray and white polka dotted shower curtain the rooms blended seamlessly. He had spent an hour putting together the dollhouse beside the couch. She had brought it home when she went to buy the dresser. She has insisted that Nat would need something to play with. He couldn't believe that Neal was crazy about a four year old. It totally didn't fit with his personality. But then again Tori Lynn said she never knew what to expect with Neal.

He found Tori Lynn in the kitchen. She was organizing things on the counters. He still couldn't believe they painted the kitchen and installed a tile back splash by themselves. You apparently really could learn everything on YouTube. The kitchen was now a peaceful blue color with more touches of gray throughout. He hoped Nealer liked gray as much as Tori Lynn thought he did.

"So what is the most important thing today?" he asked looking at the list.

"They are supposed to deliver and set up all the furniture. Get the entertainment center together and all the electronics hooked up so we can watch the games. Because I don't plan on y'all being in Neal's new bed before him. In fact I am going to sleep in our apartment until he gets home."

"Our apartment" laughed Colby "It will be my apartment next to you playing house with hockey boy."

Notes