What Dreams Forget
Mine
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Tori Lynn woke up with Addi jumping on her bed. Tori Lynn glanced at the clock it was only 9:15am. Why was Addi already there?
"What the hell Addison?" asked Tori Lynn glancing at her friend who was now laying beside her.
"I have a date" said Addison.
"And I need this knowledge at 9:15 am" questioned Tori Lynn.
"Well I thought you would be excited for Matti"
"I would have been excited for you later too. What about Richie?"
"Richie is cool with it. We talked for a long time. He thinks he will be stuck there for the season."
"I have good news as well" replied Tori Lynn
"You and Neal are running off and getting married?"
"Not even close Addi"
"Well" she demanded.
"Fisher got me and you tickets for the St. Louis game on Saturday. We also have family passes to the locker room. It's a 4 hour drive though."
Addi squealed. "Do they know we are coming?"
"No, as far as the team knows Fish and Carrie are coming. So you can't tell Matti."
"I won't I swear" she promised "What do I wear?"
"Um clothes" retorted Tori Lynn
"No I mean do I get one of his jerseys or should I wait until her gives me one. What if he doesn't give me one?"
"Welcome to my world" laughed Tori Lynn "You can wear one of the ones we got the other day. Or we can steal a Nealer one out of James closet."
"Oh I totally forgot about those. Are you going to wear his jersey?"
"Probably"
"Probably?" questioned Addi
"I might just wear a Preds shirt"
"Nope wear the boys jersey."
"We will see?"
"So we are going to the CMAs today" laughed Addi "I can't believe Carrie got us tickets."
"I'm glad you all are coming."
"We need you in the tub" said Addi "I have a lot of work to do today."
"Christ Addi, I am not a troll."
"Nope but we need you clean, exfoliated, shaved, spray tanned, make up, hair, and in that gorgeous dress before Chase Rice shows up."
"No spray tan" replied Tori Lynn "I don't want to look like an oomp loompa or get tanner on the dress."
"Fine" conceded Addi "But the rest is a must."
"Do I get to eat?" asked Tori Lynn
"Oh Colby is fixing breakfast" said Addi springing out the bed towards the kitchen. Tori Lynn flopped back into her blankets. It was going to be a long day. Tori Lynn climbed out of the bed in order to rescue Colby from hurricane Addi. Tori Lynn was reaching for Neal's hoodie when her phone chirped.
Neal: Happy CMA Day.
TL: Thanks Neal
Neal: I figured you were still sleeping.
TL: Nope Typhoon Addi arrived about 20 minutes ago.
Neal: Sorry.
TL: You all headed to the airport.
Neal: Yes we are waiting to board.
TL: Safe flight
Neal: I want pictures of you, you and Chase, and you and anyone else who makes you happy. Your dress is red right.
TL: Red and white. Think candy cane.
Neal: Have fun we will be watching. The Mafia said knock'em dead.
TL: On it
Neal: Boarding. Miss you.
TL: Miss you too. 3 more days Neal.
Neal: Too many.
TL: I will see you soon promise.
Neal: I will hold you too it Babe.
TL: Deal
Tori Lynn put her phone into the pocket of Neal's hoodie. She ventured into the kitchen to find Colby shirtless making pancakes. Addi was busy hauling peanut butter, nutella, and various other pancake toppers out of the fridge and cabinet. Well this was all domestic. Maybe she should convince Addi to move in to the apartment with her and Colby. It had a third bedroom that was currently housing shit Richie deemed un-necessary to unpack.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you not to cook naked?" asked Tori Lynn.
"I have all the essentials covered" laughed Colby "Nothing is splattering."
"Colby is going to be my date tonight." replied Addi "Tell him we need to match"
"Aww" teased Tori Lynn "Your first fight"
"Shut up Tor"
"Come on Colby" laughed Tori Lynn "Cooperate"
"Fine" he said "But we aren't holding hands. Girls are gross."
Tori Lynn and Addi both started laughing. The door bell to the apartment rang. Addi headed to the door "It's probably Michelle here to do your nails."
"No Addi I can't play with fake nails."
"No worries" answered Addi "She is coming to do gel polish on those nubs you call nails."
"Do I have any say?"
"Nope" replied Colby "Now sit your ass down and eat." Colby was dishing out pancakes as Addi came back into the kitchen.
"Not Chelle" she replied walking in with a guy holding a large briefcase. "He asked for you Tori Lynn."
"Me" said Tori Lynn.
"I have jewelry to deliver for the event tonight Miss Hall." replied the guy "It's on loan until after the CMA's. I will pick it up when you change from the CMA dress into you party attire. I will be at the Bridgestone." He handed her a card with a cell number on it. "Let's make sure you like the selection I brought or I can change it out."
Addi and Colby had came around the counter and joined Tori Lynn next to the case. The gentleman opened the case and Tori Lynn's eyes got huge. Addi squealed.
The gentlemen held out a ring to Tori Lynn. He began to describe the ring as a CARTIER Caresse D'Orchidees Ruby, Pink & White Diamond Platinum Ring. It's just over 5 carats and has 272 pave set diamonds. Tori Lynn was just looking at the ring she had made no motion to take it from the guy. "Miss Hall can we try the ring?" Tori Lynn thrust her hand out Neal's giant hoodie sleeve. The ring fit perfectly but was huge.
"It fits" said the gentleman "So we will use this piece and the matching earrings. If that suits your needs." He handed her the matching earrings. "All I need is a signature from you and I will be on my way."
"Do Carrie or Chase need to sign this as well" asked Tori Lynn.
"Just you Miss Hall." replied the gentleman "I have no instructions involving a Chase or Carrie."
"Wait if these jewels aren't from Carrie or Chase then where did they come from." questioned Tori Lynn. He handed her another card.
"Good day Miss Hall" said the gentlemen as he left the apartment.
"It's like the movie Pretty Woman" said Colby.
"I am not a prostitute." yelled Tori Lynn
"You know what I mean." he laughed "But I think that ring might be much for the hoodie."
Tori Lynn headed back to her room and put the ring and the earrings on the dresser. She sat down on the bed and opened the card.
Now you won't forget me. Miss you. Neal
Tori Lynn's phone started ringing in her pocket. Carrie was on the other end of the line. "Are you excited?" asked Carrie
"Yes" replied Tori Lynn "But I am a little shell shocked"
"What's wrong" asked Carrie
"It's what Neal has done now" answered Tori Lynn
"Told you that you will be saying that for the rest of your life, hon."
"He had CARTIER loan me beautiful jewelry for tonight." reported Tori Lynn
"I'd make him let you keep it" called Mike
"No" yelled Tori Lynn "Way too much. Always over the top. Why does he do crazy shit?"
"He really likes you Tor" explained Carrie "He is trying. Maybe a little too hard. But he is giving it effort."
"I've told him not to do shit like this" said Tori Lynn.
"These boys only have one speed." laughed Carrie "Lightening."
"Well he needs to slow the hell down" replied Tori Lynn.
"Says the girl playing house with him." called Mike "Can't have it both ways kid."
Tori Lyn growled. She heard Mike laughing. "I am not playing house."
"Well then it's more serious than I thought" teased Mike "nothing wrong in knowing what you want kid. But that is just Neal's personality."
"Yeah well. He sucks. I just want him to be a normal guy"
"He doesn't do normal. That's how he is. He is used to puck sluts and attention whores. You are an anomaly."
"Big word Fish"
"I know right. Carrie wants pics of the ring." he replied "And I am being told to give her phone back and fetch her an icee."
"Downstairs freezer. Left door. Microwave it for 45 seconds. Stir and you should be good Fisher." Tori Lynn answered as she snapped the pic to Fisher's phone.
"Whoa speaking of ice" said Fisher "Got to give my boy props it's unforgettable."
"Icee" called Carrie snatching the phone from Mike "He is like a little old match making church lady with you and Neal. Okay your dress with be there at 10. Plus 2 outfits that Chase picked one is for the after party and the other is for the stage at the after party. Chase wants you up there with him. Before you say no listen to me. Chase, Canaan, the FGL boys, and Sam Hunt are all wanting to help you and Colby with an EP. They are a few of the hottest song writers in Nashville. If they want to help you should let them. No need to sell your soul though."
"Why?" she asked "What about Miranda?"
"No worries Miranda will hang the lot of those boys if they don't take care of you." answered Carrie "The important thing is they were all impressed with you yesterday. So why not see how it goes."
"I will give it a chance but Colby comes with me."
"The boys plan on getting him on stage tonight as well. They are sending over an outfit for him to wear tonight as well. We guessed at sizes for him so there is selection. Plus I sent a little something for Addi. Fairy godmother and all"
"Best fairy godmother ever." replied Tori Lynn "You should nap this evening to get ready."
"You really have been with the hockey boys" said Carrie "Napping with Mike is how I got in this condition."
"Maybe you should google napping" laughed Tori Lynn "Mike might have lied to you."
"Haha" sassed Carrie "See you on the carpet. Don't be too hard on Neal. He did deputize me to buy you a piano. I have totally refrained."
"He makes me crazy"
"But it's good crazy right. Butterflies in the stomach. Miss him wish he was here. Excited when the phone rings crazy." asked Carrie
"Yep" said Tori Lynn "I am so screwed."
"It gets better" replied Carrie
"When?" asked Tori Lynn
"I think right after the wedding" laughed Carrie
"I hate you a little right now." retorted Tori Lynn "I'm not sure it's all that serious."
"150, 000 worth of diamonds means he is serious." explained Carrie "Stay with Chase tonight with all that on. Bye Tor." Carrie hung up while Tori Lynn pondered if she was serious about the jewelry. She stared at her phone for a minute then texted Neal.
TL: FaceTime me when you land. Miss you.
Tori Lynn headed back to the kitchen. Her pancake was where she had left it but had been smeared with Nutella and strawberries. She ate it at the bar and tossed her dishes in the dishwasher. She found Colby and Addi snuggled up on the couch.
"What am I going to do with Neal?" asked Tori Lynn snuggling into Colby's other side.
"I voted we marry him" said Colby.
"We" laughed Tori Lynn
"Yep, I just want access to the wardrobe."
"Girl buckle up and hold on" said Addi.
The door bell rang again. Tori Lynn was half afraid to answer it. She opened the door and the stylist from the previous day rolled a rack into the room. "Hey Tori Lynn" said the stylist "I come baring gifts." Tori Lynn saw her CMA dress and shoes and a lot more. "Oh Mr. Rice picked out 2 different dresses for the after party plus a stage outfit. He said you don't have to wear both dress but he wanted you to have choices."
She held out a black body con dress with strategic openings throughout the dress. The entire back was out. It was long sleeved. It was an interesting choice. The second dress was short, tight, strapless, and completely covered in gun metal sparkles. Tori Lynn was busy looking at each dress when Addi and Colby ventured in.
"Oh good" said the stylist eyeing Colby " Mr. James I have the outfit Mr. Rice picked for the stage." She instructed him to strip. Colby just shucked the sweat pants and kicked them out of the way. She handed him a pair of distressed jeans. Colby pulled them on. She pulled a vintage Waylon Jennings shirt from a hanger. Colby looked great in the jeans and t-shirt. She had him take the t-shirt off. She handed him a red thermal shirt. He pulled it on along with the Waylon shirt. A few necklaces and a bracelet later he looked ready for CMA's and stage.
"You'll do" laughed Addi
"You are next Miss Addison" said the stylist "Carrie sent this dress for you." It was an emerald green baby doll dress. It had a silver halter collar that looked more like a necklace than a collar. She hand Addi a pair of silver heels to complete the look.
"I love you and I love her" said Addi. The stylist laughed.
"So which dress are you wearing" asked the stylist.
Tori Lynn held them both out for Colby and Addi to see. Colby insisted she try them on. He snapped a pic of each dress.
"I vote silver" said Addi. Colby shook his head "No the black is perfect."
"Wanna break the tie" said Tori Lynn to the stylist.
"Nope" replied the stylist "They are both beautiful. Colby snatched Tori Lynn's phone. He texted the pics from his phone to hers. He sent them to Neal, Pauly, Geno, and Chase. With the message vote for the party dress.
Tori Lynn smacked him and took her phone back. She heard it immediately start chirping in her hand.
Pauly: You really are trying to kill me. I vote black.
Geno: Wear just sparkles.
Chase: I vote we walk in the sparkles and leave in the black.
TL: Well you all are completely not helpful. Is Letang around?
Pauly: Hold on I will show him and Sid.
Geno: Sparkles no question.
Pauly: Sid says black. Letang says sparkles.
TL: Still split decision.
Neal: Nope wear the black one. I broke the tie.
TL: Sparkles it is.
Geno: Send more pic Pretty
Chase: I win either way Uturn
Pauly: Uturn
Chase: You know see a girl so hot in the bar you turn around and go back. TL is totally a Uturn girl
Pauly: That may be worse than Letang calling you Smoke.
Chase: Nope Letang is right she is smoke show.
TL: Still in the group message boys
Geno: Pretty now I learn new thing.
TL: No new thing you go make nice with Ally.
Geno: KY girls gang up hurt feels.
TL: Damn straight. Bye guys. Neal FaceTime me.
Pauly: Sounds like the principal's office Neal. What did you do?
Tori Lynn told the stylist that she would wear the black dress. She then noticed the 3rd outfit. It was a pair of very short frayed out cutoffs and a distressed Pink Floyd t-shirt that was fashioned into a tank top. She loved the outfit. She laughed when she saw the black sparkly boots. It was a perfect stage outfit. She wasn't sure what he had in mind for her and Colby but they would look the part. The stylist told her that they all could keep the clothes. As she left Addi banished Tori Lynn to the tub to start getting ready.
Tori Lynn had just settled into the tub. She was reading the newest Catherine Gayle novel when her iPad signaled a incoming FaceTime. She hit the accept button.
"Fuck" said James "you need to not answer when you are in the tub."
"Oh I can hang up on you Neal" she replied
"No don't hang up" he answered "I just don't want everyone to see you. We are still in the air."
"So did you ignore my first text" asked Tori Lynn
"Nope you said when we landed. I was following instructions."
"Since when do you follow rules Neal" she asked
"Well I am really good most of the time no arrests no speeding tickets. My penalty minutes aren't that high."
"Uh huh" said Tori Lynn "So why did a man with a briefcase full of diamonds turn up at my apartment."
"Because you weren't at mine" he smirked.
"Smartass" she retorted "Neal it's too much."
"I agree that's why they are on loan for the night. A little extra bling for the CMA's then back to the vault. You can't be mad. I totally refrained from buying anything. I hunted all over the Tiffany website. I figured this was a compromise."
"A house worth of diamond is not a compromise Neal"
"I was ready to blow a few grand on a pair of earrings." he replied "I really did think about this."
"Neal I don't need all this I am nobody people won't even notice me."
"Trust me they will be looking. I am looking right now. If I wasn't on a plane full of nosey guys I would be looking more."
"You have to promise me you will stop doing this. I am not trying to be with you because of guitars, diamonds, and other over the top shit. In fact I kind of prefer the version of Neal that snuggles with me and watches replays of Boston games. The Neal that will watch UK with me. I thought we had discussed how bad of an idea couriering jewelry to girls was." said Tori Lynn "I don't need stuff Neal. And I realize you aren't used to dating anything but attention whores, vapid models, and cocktail waitresses. But can you try to be just a little low key."
"I think she is a keeper" said Ribs squeezing into the screen.
"Hey Ribs" laughed Tori Lynn "Can you get out of the screen I am still lecturing Nealer."
"Yes Ma'am" said Ribs clapping Neal on the shoulder. Neal was rubbing the back of his neck. Tori Lynn knew he only did that when he was nervous. He looked like he was trying to figure out what to say.
"Low key" said Tori Lynn "So that means no crazy extravagant dates, no more crazy gifts, and you just be James. Can you manage that Neal?"
"I think I can manage" he replied "But I like doing things for you."
"So buy me gummi bears not jewelry that has a higher price tag than my parents mortgage."
"They are on loan. I really thought about this Tori Lynn."
"Thank you for not spending crazy money. But it's still too much. It's beautiful."
"I promise to try and only spoil you a little bit." replied Neal "Do you want me to get rid of the Vandy vs UK basketball tickets?"
"What?" she asked
"I got us tickets to go watch UK play at Vandy. It's a game night so we will have to go from Vandy to the Bridgestone." he answered. Tori Lynn was smiling at him. She had also sat up more in the tub and was no longer completely covered in bubbles. He groaned did she even realize she was killing him. "Babe not that I am not enjoying the view but airplane full of hockey players." She slid back down into the bubbles with a squeak.
"Basketball is a normal date" she replied "Flashing a plane full of hockey players isn't."
"No one saw anything"
"What's the fun in that" called Addi coming into the bathroom "Neal where is my boy?"
"Addi, I am in the tub."
"Yeah we have the same parts" laughed Addi "Plus Chelle is here to do your nails. And since The Real Deal sent the jewelry we need nails done pronto. Not to mention getting everything else done."
James started laughing. Addi was a trip. James motioned for Matti to come over. Addi snatched the iPad from Tori Lynn. "You exfoliate and shave. I will entertain the boys."
"Damn it Addi" called Tori Lynn.
Matti flopped down next to Neal. "Hey Ads" he called at the wild little redhead.
"Hey yourself" she answered "Tori Lynn is busy scrubbing and shaving so I thought I would say hello. Wait until you see my dress Matti. You will love it."
"I'm sure Ads." replied Matti "Can you try and not drive Tori Lynn completely crazy älskling."
"I'll think about it" she answered "But I have to make my girl look good."
"She already looks great" said Neal
"Yeah but this is national TV and a chance to end up on the Fashion Police."
"Sounds serious" laughed Matti.
"It is. We'll call you boys later."
"I want pictures." called Neal as Addi hung up. Neal looked at Matti. "She is like a hurricane."
"Ja she should come with a warning label" laughed Matti "She will keep things interesting."
"No doubt." said Neal.
Several hours, 4 coats of nail polish, 12 pound of make up, and 2 gallons of hair spray later Addi pronounced her done. Tori Lynn had to admit Addi knew what she was doing.
She looked like she was ready to take the stage at the Opry. It was close to 5:45. She needed to get into her dress. She managed to get the dress on and Colby zipped her in. She found her shoes and got them on. She sprayed her perfume and Addi sprayed her hair again. Colby went to answer the door. Chase walked into the living room with Colby as she and Addi walked out of the bedroom.
"Oh" said Addi as she went back to Tori Lynn's room. She brought the jewelry out. Addi helped her with the earrings then handed her the ring.
"Damn Tori Lynn not sure I am gonna want to give you back to Neal" said Chase "You are way too be hanging out with me."
"Hush" said Tori Lynn "Addi quit taking pictures it's not prom."
"I promised Neal pics" replied Addi "Now scoot over beside Chase. Damn if you all don't have a Johnny and June vibe." Tori Lynn looked at Chase's black three pieces suit. He had forgone the tie but it was perfect for the CMA's.
"Nothing but the best for my girl" he said slinging an arm around her waist "You need a purse or anything?"
"Not if you will keep my phone in your pocket." she answered. He put the phone in his coat pocket and held out an arm. As they were getting ready to walk out the door Addi started laughing.
"What?" said Tori Lynn
"Neal says you are gorgeous and for Rice to keep his country to himself." laughed Tori Lynn. Chase was smirking at Tori Lynn.
"Tell him I will try my best" replied Chase.
Tori Lynn and Chase made to the front door where a jacked up 4 door black Chevrolet truck waited. She looked up at the giant truck. "Really Chase? How the hell will a get in and out of that thing in a lady like manner."
Chase opened the back passenger side door. "Easy Uturn." he answered. He picked her up and sat her inside the truck "See no problems. I will get you down at the red carpet." Tori Lynn noticed Sam Hunt in the front passenger seat.
"Damn girl" said Sam "I am crashing y'all's party. You are way to pretty for Chase or Neal. I think you should run off with me."
Tori Lynn just laughed. "So what do you have planned for the performance" she asked as Chase settled in beside her.
"We are gonna do Ride" said Chase "Me and you."
"We've never even sang together" she replied.
"I know you can do it I saw you and Colby do it." he answered winking at her "it's gonna be great. Okay we are gonna be stuck in this truck in a big queue of cars. Anything you want to avoid on the carpet. Like we can mention Neal or is that on the DL. Can we mention Neon Cathedral."
"I don't mind talking about Neal or me and Colby."
"I am going to tell them you are a friend. And that we are working on the EP for Neon Cathedral."
"And we are going to work on the EP" said Sam "I've got a song written already that I think will be your first single."
"This is insane" she replied "Everything is so fast."
"When it goes it takes off." answered Chase "If we don't help you someone else will. We all want to help. So enjoy the ride."
"5 minutes" said the driver.
"Ready for chaos" asked Chase.
"And if I say no" she questioned
"Too late Uturn" he replied.
The truck pulled to a stop. Sam got out of the front seat. She heard cameras clicking before his feet hit the ground. Chase smiled at her. She smiled back as he opened the door. Once out of the truck he lifted her to the ground and sat her on her feet. It was absolutely chaos. People yelling at him to for pictures. Cameras. Microphones. Screaming fans. Insanity. He took her by the hand and they headed down the carpet.
They would walk a few feet stop and pose. Walk a few more feet. More cameras. They approached a small platform area where are reporter stood. Chase helped Tori Lynn on to the platform then tucked her into his side. The reporter began firing questions.
"Chase Rice congratulations on your first CMA's." He thanked the reporter "Who is your beautiful date?"
"This is my friend Tori Lynn" he answered "She is half of a new country duo Neon Cathedral. She is going to the princess in our "Redneck Rat Pack." Chase squeezed her against him.
"Tori Lynn" repeated the reporter "How long have you been with Chase?"
"What time is it?" she asked.
"Almost 7" said the reported
"Good then almost an hour" replied Tori Lynn.
"I borrowed her for the night from her guy." laughed Chase "I appreciate James Neal letting me borrow his girl. Hope the Preds destroy the Stars tomorrow night."
"James Neal"
"Yep the Real Deal loaned her to me on the condition I keep my country boy charm away from Tori Lynn."
"Tori Lynn when can we expect music from Neon Cathedral?"
"Summer of this year" replied Chase " We are all working on it. Y'all can catch her performing with me later tonight. Get ready for a show." He turned that crooked grin on Tori Lynn "Ready Uturn" Tori Lynn nodded and they headed up the carpet. It was going to be a long night. The red carpet was like running the gauntlet. At one point she had been photographed with Chase, Sam, Canaan Smith, FGL, and Cole Swindell. The people seemed very accepting of Chase's explanation of his relationship with Tori Lynn. She was happy things were going smooth. She managed to contain most of her excitement seeing the country stars. She however did make Chase pull out her phone and take a photo of her and Tim Tebow. She sent that pic to Nealer. She managed to survive it without totally fan girling.
James was sitting in the bar with the other guys watching the CMA preshow. He was looking for Tori Lynn. He wanted her to have a great time but was so afraid she would like the country guys better. Calle was sitting beside him. He guessed he was the only one who had any idea how bad this sucked. After about 45 minutes of watching he saw her. Fuck she was beautiful. She looked like she escaped from the 50's. Chase was handsome standing beside her.
"Poor bastard" said Calle draining his beer "I guess she can't help the Johnny and June thing. He is already half in love with her."
"Calle" said Matti "Addi did it not her."
"I know" said Calle "just hard to watch. Right Neal."
Neal didn't answer he was too busy watching her on screen. He was absolutely floored when Chase thanked him and wished them luck against the Stars. Chase Rice had just told the entire free world that Tori Lynn was his girl. And she hadn't stopped him. James was smiling at the screen.
"Why are smiling dumbass your girl is out on a date on national tv with another guy." asked Shea
I miss this so much:/
12/7/17