Tori Lynn stuck her tongue out at Colby. She heard the doorbell and went to open it. But it opened before she got there.

"Delivery" yelled Fisher "She is your problem until the rehearsal is over. Make sure you can hide a flask in your dress."

"I have a bra we can fill with wine. I'm sure we can fill it with bourbon." teased Tori Lynn.

"Do I even want to know?" asked Fisher.

"It was a gag gift from Derby a few years back." she answered.

"I think we went to different Derbys"

"Nope I was on the grass in the infield in the cheap seats not in Millionaire Row." replied Tori Lynn "I'll sneak you down Fish. But hopefully you all will be playing for the Cup and you won't have time."

"I like the way you think kid" said Fish "Who's shirt you wearing?"

"Mine" she sassed.

"Brat" he replied "Who's number?"

Tori Lynn turned around and showed Fish and Carrie the back of her shirt. He was laughing "You trying to get Ekholm murdered Kid."

"Nope Matti is neutral no one can complain." she answered.

"You should have went with Josi"

"Why is that?" asked Tori Lynn

"He is from Switzerland." Mike cracked up. Carrie was watching them interact. She knew she was right about making her Mike's assistant. He treated her like a little sister and she treated him like an annoying big brother. She kept him line during the last week.

"Haha" said Tori Lynn "I will pick your tux up from tailor this afternoon. Your fancy shoes are at the foot of the bed on the trunk. Pick out 3 sets of cufflinks for Carrie to approve. You have a radio commercial spot for 365 at 2:30 at the Bridge be in Snow's office by 2:15 or I will beat you with Hutton's stick."

"Yes Ma'am" said Fisher waving as he headed out the door.

"I mean it Fish" called Tori Lynn "I will be up there at 2:15"

Tori Lynn turned around and Carrie and Colby were gone. She heard Colby giving Carrie the tour of the apartment. She heard Carrie talking about the apartment. She was approving the choices Tori Lynn made. Tori Lynn found them in the hallway looking at all the black and white framed photos.

"Tor" called Carrie "Think I can get her to take pictures of baby Fisher."

"I'm sure" replied Tori Lynn "She was super sweet to me. Some of the photos are ones she hadn't released to the public."

"Will you get in touch with her and find out?" asked Carrie. Tori Lynn added a memo to her phone. Truthfully she was more Carrie's assistant that Fish's.

"Got it down." said Tori Lynn "We need to go so you aren't late." Carrie agreed. Colby promised to hold down the fort. They donated all the furniture in the apartment they weren't keeping so Tori Lynn's eyes swept over the empty space one last time.

"I love this wheat color on the walls. It matches the grays well."

"I am hoping it blends as well as I think it will. Neal may kill me when he gets home."

"I don't think those are the plans he has for you when he gets home" smirked Carrie "I doubt he will even notice the apartment."

"He had better" said Colby "I've been at her mercy for 8 days."

"Poor abused Colby" replied Carrie "Want to come to the CMA's with us tomorrow night?"

"Can he really?" asked Tori Lynn

"Yeah I managed to get him and Addi tickets but they are up in the rafters." she answered "But you all have tickets to all the after parties."

"I would kiss you if I didn't think Fish would pull my spleen out of my nose" exclaimed Colby. Both Tori Lynn and Colby were laughing.

"I'll see that he doesn't" said Carrie as they walked out the door.

Tori Lynn and Carrie piled into Neal's Rover. Tori Lynn had finally gotten used to driving the beast of an SUV. It made it much easier to get Carrie to the Bridgestone since it had a parking pass for the player lot. It cut down on the walking Carrie had to do. Plus Tori Lynn had befriend Ed the security guy.

"What does Mr. Neal think about that Ekholm shirt?" asked Ed as they were walking in the Bridgestone.

"He pouted for about 2 minutes then got over it" laughed Tori Lynn "Wait until you see my Nealer shirt." She smiled at Ed and got Carrie into the bowels of the Bridgestone. The CMA event people started rushing them around. She just tried to keep up. Luckily they had a golf cart for Carrie so she didn't have to run. Carrie's first stop was wardrobe. Apparently this rehearsal was a full dress run for Carrie and Brad. This meant the first of 6 dresses for Carrie. Tori Lynn froze in wardrobe when she saw Miranda Lambert. Carrie laughed "Randa has the effect on people. Come on Tor." Carrie grabbed her and pulled her towards Miranda Lambert.

"Holy hell" called Miranda "You look pregnant" she said resting her hand on Carrie's bump. "And you brought her."

"I told you she is Fish's assistant and will be my seat filler." said Carrie "Did you find the dress?" Miranda nodded at Carrie. "It will be awesome on her with her dark hair."

"It might pale in comparison to the June Carter get up" said Miranda looking at Tori Lynn "Sorry we just start in the middle of conversations and wait for everybody else to catch up. I'm Miranda. And you have a set of pipes and can play all kinds of instruments. So I feel like I already know you. Plus there are YouTube videos of you. So before you go and get yourself famous. I want and opportunity to sit down with you and the boy and talk about making demo."

"Hells bells let the girl breathe" said Blake Shelton entering the room "Besides she is going to come sing for me on the Voice."

"The hell she is" replied Miranda "She is gonna be a hell raiser with me and the rest of the girls."

Carrie laughed "Get out Blake she needs to try on her dress."

"Why can't I stay for that?" he laughed.

"She is dating not one but two of the Preds" said Miranda "I think that more than enough reasons Buster."

"Just one" replied Tori Lynn looking at all of them.

"Damn hockey boys. The FGL boys said those Boston boys have half a squad of SEC cheerleaders. Fish has Carrie. Now more Preds dating country girls."said Blake winking at them "Guess it's a good thing this one made an honest man out of me."

"Damn straight Shelton" said Miranda shooing him from the room "Keep it up and I will have them find me a pretty hockey player."

As Blake was leaving the room her heard Tori Lynn ask Miranda if she had ever heard of Paul Martin. He laughed. Tori Lynn would fit right in with that bunch. He had saw video of the girl she had talent. If she would listen to Miranda she could be the next thing in country music. He already liked the name they had picked Neon Cathedral. He also didn't mind that the little spitfire had sang Neon Light.

Carrie had already stripped down and a stylist was busy putting her into the first of her dresses. The only one Carrie wouldn't try on was her red carpet dress. Tori Lynn was holding her and Carrie's phones waiting for a signal anything was needed. Miranda called for Tori Lynn.

"No need to be bashful you will get used to being naked around whoever is in the band." explained Miranda "Here is your dress. Carrie and I love it. Hopefully you will too."
Carrie turned to see Tori Lynn's expression. The stylist brought the dress out and held it up. It was a vintage 50's dress. It was strapless and poufy like a tea length prom dress. The dress was red and white striped. It was vertically striped at the bust, had horizontal stripes as a waist band and biased stripes across the full skirt. It was one of the most beautiful thing Tori Lynn had seen in a long time. Miranda hollered at the stylist to lose the rose on the side of the dress. Carrie agreed and it was quickly devested of the rose.

"It's beautiful" said Tori Lynn "Are you sure no one minds me wearing it?"

"They send a billion hoping we will pick their dress. It being worn on the carpet at the CMA's get attention. So it's a win win." replied Miranda.

"I'm not walking the carpet" said Tori Lynn "I'm just hanging with Fish."

"Well about that" began Carrie "We need a small favor? But get the dress on because our favor will be here in about 5 minutes."

"You didn't tell her?" asked Miranda.

"I'm claiming pregnancy brain."

"Carrie Underwood Fisher" called Tori Lynn "You don't forget anything."

"Well you've been busy dealing with Nealer's place." she answered "It's not a big deal. One of the guys needed someone to walk with him. Someone who knows what is up and won't expect a promise ring. So we volunteered you."

Miranda and Carrie were both watching as the dress was zipped into place by the stylist. "It's perfect" said Miranda "pull her hair half up like June Carter." The stylist complied. She was looking in the mirror when 4 guys walked in. Tori Lynn turned and made a squeaky sound and hid behind Carrie and Miranda.

Miranda and Carrie laughed and moved. Tori Lynn was standing barefoot in a 50's prom dress in front of Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, and Sam Hunt.

"Tori Lynn" said Miranda "This is Tyler, BK, Sam, and the handsome devil in the snapback who is all smiles is Chase."

"Y'all have to quit springing people on me" began Tori Lynn "Or at least let me get used to the idea." She gave the guys a wave. They were all looking at Tori Lynn. "Why are they all staring at me?" she asked Miranda.

"Because first of all they have watched your YouTube stuff and they know you can sing. Carrie may have sent them video of you and the Dobro. And you are hot chickie" answered Miranda.

"What she said" replied Sam Hunt coming to stand beside her "So you are dating one of the Preds?"

Tori Lynn smiled and nodded. "Is he a redneck caveman like Fisher?" asked BK from Florida Georgia Line.

"Hardly" laughed Tori Lynn "He is a winger. More of sniper than a fighter. He is very fancy. Monogrammed cuffs and ties."

"I don't understand it" said Tyler.

"What?" asked Tori Lynn looking at them.

"We met a few hockey players up in Boston. And a few of them are dating 3 former UK cheerleaders. You remind me of them. Not sure how they are pulling it off." answered Tyler.

"Boston is my favorite team. I am new to the Preds." replied Tori Lynn "But it doesn't surprise me that the Southern girls are falling for my B's."

"What about football and baseball" asked Chase.

"UK basketball and football. As for baseball got to go Braves"

"UK football?" said Sam and Chase in unison.

"Oh hush football boys" said Tori Lynn walking up to them. Both Sam and Chase were 6'4" they towered over Tori Lynn "Until we appease the spirit of Bear Bryant we are gonna lose. No point in jumping off the bandwagon. Dear lord y'all are giants."

It was the boys turn to laugh. Sam nudged Chase in the side. Tori Lynn knew BK was married and that Tyler was engaged to his long time girl friend. So that meant Miranda and Carrie had promised her to one of the giants.

"Hey BK" asked Tori Lynn "Do you think your wife would distress a few of my Preds shirts for when I am on stage."

"I'm sure" he answered "Bring them tomorrow and I will get them to her. Do you want the number and name intact."

"If possible" she replied "But I want her to do her thing."

"No problem. You will meet them tomorrow. We are all seated around each other."

"Awesome" she answered "Can't wait to see you all tomorrow." She smiled at Brian and Tyler. She turned back to Miranda "Can I put my play clothes on now?" This cause another bout of laughter.

"Get this girl a pair of heels" giggled Miranda. The stylist came over with a pair of glittery red heels. Tori Lynn complied and put the heels on. She instantly gained 4 inches. Chase came to stand beside her in the mirror. He flipped the snapback backwards and stepped behind her. He smirked at Tori Lynn and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"What do ya say Wildcat" asked Chase "Wanna walk the carpet with me?"

"Or me" teased Sam coming to stand beside her.

"I get to pick" asked Tori Lynn.

"No" said Miranda and Carrie in unison

"Chase needs to be on his best behavior and needs a safe date." declared Miranda "Preferably one not named after a spice with clear lucite heels."

They all started chirping at Chase. He just shrugged. "Come on Tori Lynn come keep me out of trouble. And I will come over to the bar and play a set with you. Sam will come too."

"Deal" she replied looking at the boys "But you have to have to sing "Make You Miss Me" as she pointed at Sam and I get to play the piano while you sing "Jack Daniel and Jesus" as she pointed to Chase. "Plus I will make it worth your time to do Speakers and Ride." Both guys nodded. "One last thing" she said tossing him her phone "Clear it with Nealer."

"You want me to ask your boy if it's okay?" said Chase incredulously.

"Yeah, I'm not about drama. He and his entire team have rented out a bar to watch this because of Carrie. So last thing I need is him getting shit for me walking out with a hot country boy."

"You think I am hot" said Chase.

"I swear you all have selective hearing." said Tori Lynn. He tossed the phone back to Tori Lynn. Carrie made motions that she was headed to the stage. Tori Lynn nodded.

"Get him on the phone" said Chase "My snapback I have planned for tomorrow matches your dress."

"Well then by all means it's like Cinderella " sassed Tori Lynn "I have to be your date. My question is at midnight will you revert to a mechanic. Let me change and I will call him"

The guys and Miranda all burst out laughing. The boys giving him hell. Tori Lynn pulled her leggings on underneath the dress. Miranda unzipped the dress. Tori Lynn pulled the Preds shirt over her head. She probably flashed the boys but didn't care. She stood there bare foot between the two giants.

"What music is tattooed to your ribs" asked Sam.

"Champagne SuperNova" she answered as she FaceTimed Neal. The guys were all standing around her iPad as she called.

"You miss me already" asked James answering the call.

"Nope" said Tori Lynn taking in his appearance. Sweaty, disheveled, shirtless Neal was a great sight. "You just come off the ice?"

"Babe you didn't miss me" whined James "Yeah getting ready to head to the hotel and nap."

"Ok long story short. Carrie and Miranda Lambert promised one of the country guys that I would walk the carpet with him. Lots of pics and probably speculation I am with him. I want no drama. So I told him it was up to you."

"You what?" asked James.

"Work with me Nealer" replied Tori Lynn "I won't walk with him if you don't want me to. Any way here is Chase so you can talk to him."

James found himself staring at a guy with a backwards snapback. "So she is something else, right" said snapback guy.

"You have no idea" laughed Neal "James Neal" he said as introduction.

"Chase Rice" replied the guy in the snapback "I need to borrow your girl. Got to have a date. I don't want any confusion that I am looking for a relationship. So Miranda and Carrie are doing me a favor with Tori Lynn. She walks the carpet with me. We sit next to Fish. Afterwards she heads to the party with me. Carrie already got tickets for her, her band mate, and Addison. I will return in the exact same condition I found her."

"It's totally up to her man" said Neal "If she wants to do it then I have no issue." Chase handed the phone back to Tori Lynn.

"You are sure Neal" asked Tori Lynn

"I will have to get used to you walking that carpet eventually. I just expected Colby to be walking you."

"Not even close to that yet James" she laughed "glad you have faith. Oh be proud" she replied panning over to Florida Georgia Line "I haven't ran off with FGL."

"Well I guess that is an improvement" he teased.

" They asked me if you were a big redneck caveman."

"Did you tell them of course he is?" asked James.

"Sorry Nealer. I told them the truth. That you are fancy."

"Why does that sound like an insult?"

"It's not Jamie. Some guys are fishing in the guys and some guys are pretty city boys. You Neal are a pretty city boy."

"Yes it is" chorused the boys.

"Y'all hush" yelled Tori Lynn. She smiled at Neal. James started laughing. She could see the team all moving around. Matti stuck his face in the screen and waved. "The natives are restless Nealer."

"Have fun Tori Lynn. Stick with the athletes not the singers."

He saw her started laughing harder "What?" he asked looking at the boys standing beside Tori Lynn.

"They both played college football" said Tori Lynn "Chase even played a little in the pros."

"Can I change my mind?" asked James looking at the boys near Tori Lynn.

"Nope" said Tori Lynn "Go nap"

"No running off with guitar playing singing football guys" he admonished.

"No promises Neal. Score me a goal tonight" she replied "Go do the hockey ritual. No bad juju."

Neal smirked at her "Yes ma'am."

Tori Lynn spent the rest of the day helping Carrie in and out of dresses and making sure Fisher made it to the radio spot. She had went up to Snow's office to find Fish waiting on her.

"Good boy" she said ruffling his hair.

"I try" said Mike "So how'd it go?"

"You mean am I walking the carpet with someone other than you?"

"Yeah that"

"Yes, Neal is okay with it."

"Wait you asked Neal"

"Yes" said Tori Lynn "Why is everyone shocked?"

"After Neal's fuck up we didn't expect you to be concerned with his feelings."

"Well I am." said Tori Lynn "I wouldn't want him not to take my feelings into consideration. If we are gonna do this then we need to do it right."

"Aww my lil girl is all grown up" said Fisher as he handed her an envelope. "Put that on our schedule."

Tori Lynn opened the envelope and pulled out 2 tickets to the November 8th St. Louis Blues game. It also had 2 lanyards with passes. "So we are going to the Blues game."
"Nope" said Fisher "You and the redhead are going to the game. But it's because I need you to go." Fisher was smiling at her.

"Do they know we are coming?" asked Tori Lynn

"As far as the team knows Carrie and I are coming." replied Fisher "So it's up to you if you tell Nealer. But if you want it to be a surprise I wouldn't tell the redhead until the last minute. It will take about 4 hours to get there kid."

Tori Lynn grabbed Fisher and hugged him. "Thank you. You are ridiculously sweet."

"Hush kid you are bad for my image." said Fisher.

"Fine I will tell everyone you are a raging asshole."

"That's more like it kid." he replied "Oh what the hell is a push present?"

"It's something the daddy gives the mommy after she spends all that time pushing their baby into existence." explained Tori Lynn.

"But she is having a c-section" groaned Fisher.

"You still need one" laughed Tori Lynn as she pulled out her phone "I put it on the schedule. We will find the perfect thing."

"Make me look good kid"

"I always do." said Tori Lynn "Don't forget that you and Carrie have the first of the maternity photography on Sunday. Since you are sending me to St. Louis you need to set a reminder."

Fish tossed her his phone as Snow ushered him into the office. Tori Lynn followed behind while uploading the information into his phone. She flopped down on the edge of the desk beside Fisher. The Nashville Predators radio guys were more interested in Mike's return than anything to do with CMA's. He recorded the 5 minute radio spot in 2 takes. Tori Lynn was impressed because Mike was always a goof.

"I'm leaving kid. You take Carrie to over to Neal's and I will pick her up. Make sure she rests between the acts today. Her feet have been swelling and those shoes are murder."

"We have her Uggs. I will regulate if she gets tired. And no worries I will drop her off if you don't want to come back out."

"And deny her the chance to see Nealer's apartment after you redid it. No way." laughed Fisher "Plus I want to see the shrine you built to Neal behind his bed."

"It's not a shrine" said Tori Lynn pulling out her phone. She showed Mike all the jerseys hung on the wall. "He should be proud of what he has accomplished."

"Just remember that when Carrie has you building said shrine to me." he smiled.

"No worries Fisher" replied Tori Lynn "I can fix y'all up. Plus I am painting the nursery next week."

"Don't we have people for that kid." he asked .

"I am doing the mural. Trees and woodland creatures." answered Tori Lynn.

"I win" said Fisher laughing "I thought we were doing a chevron instead of animals. She got pissed when I drug that Gas pump in. Apparently there is a difference in Cheveron and Chevron."

"I'll see if I can work the pump in" smirked Tori Lynn "Home and nap. We need you on schedule for your return."

"You're bossy for an assistant kiddo"

"That's why Carrie hired me." she sassed "Home Fisher."

Snow started laughing from her place at her desk. "You two should have a comedy show."

"Throw Carrie and Nealer in the mix and it will be a hit" laughed Fisher "The kid here has almost housebroken Nealer."

"No way" said Tori Lynn "Pauly totally housebroke him. Martin gets the credit." Tori Lynn heard both Snow and Mike laughing as she headed to find Carrie.

After aimless drifting around the bowels of the Bridgestone Tori Lynn headed back to the dressing room. Carrie was sitting with her feet up talking to several people. She smiled and waved Tori Lynn over.

"We were just discussing you" said Carrie "This is Tori Lynn. She is Mike's assistant but I keep stealing her. " Carried then introduced her to the members of Little Big Town. "She sings and can play anything with strings."

"Never repeat after Neal" said Tori Lynn.

They herded them to the staging area. Tori Lynn watched the Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert perform from the wings of the stage. Carrie was standing beside her. On her cue she and Brad Paisley met in the center of the stage. Tori Lynn was still a little shelled shocked over meeting him. She was even more amazed that she could look him eye to eye.

"Whatcha doin' U-turn" whispered Chase sliding up next to her.

"Learning" she responded without looking at him.

"Come on" he said nodding his head. She looked at him skeptically. "No really Carrie said you are singer song writer. " She waved at Carrie and Carrie nodded that she saw her.

Tori Lynn followed Chase to a room with a piano and lots of other instruments. The guys from Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, and Canaan Smith were spread out on various pieces of furniture.

"The hockey girl" said Canaan.

"The nitty gritty boy" replied Tori Lynn smiling.

"Touche" laughed Canaan. "So you can play anything with strings and obviously a few things without." He nodded to Chase who was standing beside her.

"Y'all gossip like old church ladies" said Tori Lynn. She asked BK for his guitar. He smiled and handed it over.

"Do me proud" said BK. Tori Lynn flopped down between him and Tyler. She finally got comfortable and started playing the guitar. The boys were all watching her. She launched into "Back to Me" by A Thousand Horses. They were nodding along as she played.

"Next" called Tyler when she stopped. She started playing "She Talks to Angels." Tyler joined in and Tori Lynn sang and played.

"Can you play this thing?" asked Chase sitting at the piano.

"Shove over Rice" she replied sitting down beside him. She started playing the beginning of "Don't Stop Believing." The boys all groaned when she stopped.

"That's just the warm up." she teased "Get ready Chase." She started playing his song Jack Daniels and Jesus. Chase was a little taken back but began singing along as she played. They played the entire song and the group was just looking at them.

"That wasn't bad at all Chase" said Canaan.

"Gee thanks" laughed Tori Lynn. She took the guitar out of Canaan's hands. She turned and started playing the beginning of Champagne Supernova as a country song. By the time she was finished Brad and Carrie were standing in the door.

"Cute a bug and she plays the fiddle?" asked Brad

"Not sure about the cute part but I can play the fiddle." replied Tori Lynn.

"Smoke" said Chase "You sure I have to give you back to the city boy."

"Yes" laughed Tori Lynn

"How long have you been with this hockey boy?" asked Chase

"Counting today about 13 days" she answered.

"So it's not serious." questioned Chase.

"Very" said Carrie "You promised."

"That was until I heard her sing and play." whined Chase.

"Sorry Chase" said Tori Lynn "There is something about Neal. I even broke it off with a super hot Swedish guy for Neal."

"Damn it" said Chase laughing. He pulled her phone out of her hand. He keyed in his number and sent her a text. "In case you need me before tomorrow or he pisses you off."

"Let's go home before you run off with the boys" said Carrie "The baby wants an icy and my feet hurt."


Tori Lynn and Carrie made it back to her apartment. They managed to get Carrie's icy, Tori Lynn's frozen lemonade, and raspberry chocolate chip milkshake for Colby. And get Fisher's tux. When she opened the door Tori Lynn froze. The new furniture looked perfect. Colby was sleep on the end of the couch that didn't have the chaise. He was covered up with the bright red cable knit throw she had picked up at Pottery Barn. Carrie and Tori Lynn had tip toes through the apartment. Colby had finished the kitchen, hung all the black and white photos, and managed to get all the rugs in the right areas. Tori Lynn and Carrie made it to Neal's room. The black furniture looked great with the gunmetal walls. The bed looked huge in comparison to his old queen bed. But now he had room. The bedding fit Neal and she loved the wall of jerseys. Carrie told her she wanted her to do Fisher's jerseys. Tori Lynn laughed and told her it was already on the agenda.

Tori Lynn heard and knock on the door before Fish waltzed in. Both girls shushed him before he made a sound. They pointed at Colby's sleeping figure. Fish nodded.

"Chase will pick you up at 6:00" reminded Carrie "Your dress will be delivered at 10 am to your apartment right"

"Yes. Here is your tux?" said Tori Lynn to Fisher. She ushered them out of the apartment. "I'll be ready. Addi is fixing me up."

"I want to see the Nealer shrine" whined Fish. Carrie whispered something to him and he agreed to head home. Tori Lynn just laughed. She looked at the clock and it was nearing 8 pm.

Tori Lynn sat down on the couch and turned on the game. Colby barely flinched. She kicked off the boots and cuddled up on the chaise. She was drinking her lemonade. The game was not going well. They couldn't seem to get anything to go in the net. The last thing Tori Lynn remembered was the 3rd intermission Hutton report. She was startled awake by Colby thanking her for the now melted shake. Tori Lynn looked at the score of the game and knew Neal would probably not be in the greatest mood.

"Let's go home Colby" she said gathering her boots and phone. He nodded and grabbed his boots "The apartment looks perfect"

"I know" he replied "Can I just sleep for a few weeks?"

"Nope but we can sleep in tomorrow we don't have practice or a show in honor of the CMA's. They will deliver my dress. All I have to do is let the dress and Addi in."

Tori Lynn told him to sleep in Richie's room since all her shit was in the guest room. He called good night since it was after 11 pm and headed to bed. Colby was stripping as he head to the bedroom. She saw the door shut. She laughed she was glad he was around. Even if he went straight to bed. She locked the door to the apartment. It was still cold in the apartment. She had just left everything the way Richie had left it. She washed her face and put on the shirt she had stolen from Neal. The Preds shirt smelled like Neal bourbon, citrus, and just him. She texted Neal that it was safe to FaceTime. She left the ball in his court since she knew losing was hard on them. She knew they were staying the night in Winnipeg before heading to Dallas. She wouldn't mind seeing them play Dallas Segs, Benn, and Nuke all make a pretty package. Tori Lynn climbed in her bed. She was so excited for him to see his apartment. But she was more excited to surprise him in St. Louis.

Tori Lynn settled in and was reading one of the latest Toni Aleo books. She was lost in the book when Neal's face appeared.

"Hey" said Tori Lynn.

"Hey" he replied. He didn't appear like his normal cocky self.

"Sorry about the game"

"We fucked up. "

"Nah, it's just one game. If you lose the last 2 of the road games I will be pissed."

"That so?" asked Neal finally cracking a smile. She was cuddled up in her bed in Richie's apartment. She was wearing one of his Preds shirts the 18 visible near the neckline. "I'm pretty sure I tossed that in my laundry basket."

"You did" she replied "I liberated it when I did your laundry."

"So you've redone the apartment, got a date to the CMA's, and did the laundry."

"Plus stocked your freezer" she answered "5 days and then you will be home."

"Seems like forever" he muttered "And they kick us out of Nashville every year for CMA's. So if you do make it big I would be gone."

"No worries of that happening for while if ever." she replied. Neal was laying on his side looking at his iPad. Tori Lynn took in the sight that was Neal. He obviously hadn't fixed his hair after the game and it was more of a mess than usual. He almost had a beard since he hadn't bothered shaving on the trip. It was kind of hot. She could see the ink winding down his arm. She loved the vines and the angel. She needed to pay more attention to it when he was home. She saw him yawn. "You are tired"

"Yeah road trips this long are miserable. You just want your own bed. Speaking of which why aren't you in my bed."

"I am not sleeping in your new bed before you. However Colby and I both napped on the couch. Simultaneously without touching."

"That gives me hope I might fit" he laughed.

"It's pretty comfy." she answered "I think we could cuddle up and catch a Pens game or a B's game."

"Cuddling sounds good. I would like to be snuggling you right now."

"I know"

"I have been watching the music videos on repeat and staring at the pictures. Ribs and the boys are giving me so much shit."

"You might see me on TV tomorrow. Usually it's the other way around."

"I will keep an eye out."

"Wait until you see my dress. It's a 50's vintage prom dress."

"Don't run off with the singer"

"I promise." She answered as he yawned again. "Go to bed Neal."

"I don't want to hang up. You will be busy tomorrow." he couldn't contain another yawn. Messy hair, glasses, freckles, and tattoos. She liked this Neal more than any other. It would be great if he were here.

"Jamie I will be free from 10-4 tomorrow. You will be traveling to Dallas."

"Miss you though" he replied.

"I miss you too. Any chance I can con you into getting me a Segs Stars shirt.

"Absolutely not" he growled. Tori Lynn started laughing.

"Benn? Nuke? Hell I even like Rous" she teased. He was now pouting. Damned if that wasn't cute too. Why was he so attractive all the damn time.

"Nope if you want a Stars shirt dig in my shirts."

"Maybe" she replied. He yawned again. "Bed Jamie, no arguments."

"Then talk to me until I fall asleep." said James. He put his glasses on the night stand. The only light in his room was from his iPad. He was listening to her talk about who all she had met. He listened to her talk about playing with some new country guys. She was rambling about Brad Paisley when she realized he was asleep.

Notes