What Dreams Forget

Tori Lynn was pacing near the bandstand. She wanted to be closer to the game but had to get ready to perform. It was scoreless. Colby was laughing at her as she whirled around the bandstand.

"We have like 5 minutes, and they are hockey minutes go check on your boy." instructed Colby "You're driving me crazy."

"I'm sorry" replied Tori Lynn "majorly nervous. Did you realize that there are 23,000 people here?"

"You are fine" said Colby "Focus on Neal. Don't worry about everyone else."

"He'll be in the locker room. He won't even see it." she answered.

"Like he will miss your debut."

Tori Lynn shrugged. She sat down near the bandstand. Tori Lynn heard Paul call the one minute warning. The crowd of course yelled "Thanks, Paul."

"Hey Uturn" called Chase approaching the bandstand "You alright?"

"I'm fine, Chase." she replied "I just prefer being closer to the ice."

"Neal is fine. He keeps looking up here." explained Chase "Those seats are crazy by the way. So, I was thinking do you want to sing "Do It Like This" with me as the opener."

"Ya, the crowd might actually stay to watch you."

"Dollface everyone here wants to see Nealer's girl." laughed Chase "They either want to see you succeed or watch you fall on your face."

"So helpful Chase" scolded Colby.

Tori watched the game show style shenanigans down on the ice. It would be just a few minutes until they turned it over to her. They all got in place. Chase took Colby's mike for the opener. On cue the camera panned up to them. She heard the announcer introduce Neon Cathedral.

"Hey Y'all" called Tori Lynn "Whatcha y'all think about our Preds? Colby and I are excited to have Chase Rice up here with us. We are gonna kick off ratpack style, and "It Goes Like This."

Tori Lynn and Chase sang well together. She could tell the crowd was into it. They were dancing and a lot of people remained in their seats. Tori Lynn and Chase were playing off one another. This song worked to both their strong suits. Colby stepped back into place beside Tori Lynn as the song ended.

"Now for the real show" said Chase "The debut of Neon Cathedral's first single "Mad Love."

Tori Lynn and Colby's debut went well. People were still watching them perform. Tori Lynn noticed Colby videoing and smiled at him. They finished their song and launched into "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. Tori Lynn had found her groove as the third and final song ended. Tori Lynn launched herself at Colby as soon as she cleared the stage. They were both smiling and laughing. She kissed Colby's cheek. She was then off her feet and being squeezed by Chase.

"You did it Uturn" he stated "You and Colby are gonna be famous. I just uploaded that to my site and YouTube. Plus, I sent it over all social media platforms. It's going down babe." He swung her around again. Tori Lynn laughed. She gave him a kiss. Sam and the FGL guys had joined them outside the bandstand. The guys were all congratulating Colby. She got hugs and kisses from all the boys.

"Hey baby" said Tyler "You were awesome. Chase said y'all are gone come with us on tour for about a month."

"That's the rumor" she replied.

"If she can stay away from Neal that long" teased Colby.

"Keep it up big boy. I bet you haven't even told Kase."

"I'm telling him tonight."

"I love the shirt babe" said Tyler "Dirty South, I've never saw that one."

"I had it made."

"Her boy is kind of a dirty player" explained Colby "But, she might have him on the straight and narrow."

"Dirty" asked BK

"Hopefully reformed" replied Tori Lynn "He actually kneed my favorite player in the head last season. Pretty much started on ice brawl. He has a habit of being a little fancy and losing pucks. Plus throw in he learned the art of the dive in Pitt. Bless his heart he's special."

"Will he appreciate the shirt?" asked Sam

"Probably not" laughed Tori Lynn

The rest of the game progressed. The second intermission went smoothly. Tori Lynn sang another song from their EP "Sleep with A Stranger". She moved down into the seats with Chase and Sam for the remainder of the game. It was a mess. No score through the 3 periods or OT. It finished out in a shoot out. Bless Filip's heart and that he has a wicked slap shot. Tori Lynn gathered up the boys and their wives and head down to the friends and family area. She explained the media scrum and that it would be a little while before they came out. Chase and the guys were busy looking around the arena. Tori Lynn laughed at them being kind of fan girly.

"Are y'all going to jump and squeal when you see the Preds. I might need to prepare the guys."

"We'll be good" said Brian "I promise only to spaz when I meet Weber."

"Shea can be a dick" replied Tori Lynn.

"She's right" said Shea stopping behind Tori Lynn "Brat, I thought we were going to be friends?"

"I never said that" answered Tori Lynn.

"She holds grudges" teased Neal "She still hasn't really forgiven me yet."

"Melanie sucked" said Ribs sliding in between Neal and Tori "You've gotta forgive my boy."

"As if that is why I am holding a grudge" laughed Tori Lynn "I'll forgive you as soon as you apologize to him next week."

"Babe" exclaimed Neal "You can't be serious."

"As a heart attack Nealer" she replied "I expect you two to make nice. If not I'm going to deputize Webs and Looch to knock your heads together."

"I'm liking this plan" said Weber "Who's skulls are we banging?"

"His and Brad Marchand's if they can't play nice together." she explained "Neal cannot be a dick to Brad."

"Tori Lynn" exclaimed Matt Cullen "Brad is a dick to everyone. He and Neal are fire and gasoline."

"Well they are gonna squash it. No more knees, low blows, or dives. Hell Neal, I might even wear your jersey that night if you'll behave." said Tori Lynn

"Not the Dirty South shirt?" he questioned "Marchand would love it." Tori Lynn laughed and gave him a kiss.

Tori Lynn introduced the country music guys to the hockey team. They all decided to head to 308 for drinks. The Mafia joined them with Addi, Colby, and Kase.

"Filip" called Tori Lynn "I owe you a kiss." Filip leaned down so Tori Lynn could kiss his cheek.

"Well hell, I might need to score a goal if you get kisses from Miss Tori Lynn." said Carter Hutton.

"You can have one for being awesome." smiled Tori Lynn walking towards Hutts

"I thought we were done kissing my teammates" called James laughing as the big goalie swung her around. Tori Lynn planted a smacking kiss on his jaw.

"I think that is all you" teased Nystrom "Tori Lynn is a lot of motivation."

"Well you guys keep your hands off my motivation" groused Neal.

"We better head to the bar." said Tori Lynn "He's getting cranky. Addi you may have to take over the goal kissing."

"Nej" yelled Matti "Stop corrupting my girl."

"As if" replied Tori Lynn. Everyone laughed.

"Nealer, get your girl" called Chase "Let's roll. I want to get a few drinks. Neal I brought the thing you wanted."

"Chase Rice I am not a thing" said Tori Lynn smacking him.

"Never dollface" laughed Chase " Nealer needed a little help from your friends."

"Now I'm scared." said Tori Lynn.

"It's done" exclaimed Neal "Where is it?"

"Here" replied Sam "We so aren't making it to 308."

"Come on" called Neal "I need lots of people there. Then maybe she won't be too mad."

The boys, the Mafia, and whichever Preds weren't busy ventured out to the city parking lot near the Johnny Cash museum. Chase led the way. The boys were standing around the parking lot. Tyler was smiling. BK was bouncing with energy. Sam grabbed Tori Lynn away from Neal. He covered her eyes with his hands.

"Sam what the hell" asked Tori Lynn "What are you doing?"

Neal came up beside her. She knew instinctively because of his smell. "Promise me one thing" he asked.

"What?" she said unable to see him because Sam had her eyes covered.

"Remember I did it because I love you!" he whispered.

Sam moved his hands and Tori Lynn stopped dead in her tracks. She was absolutely in shock. She wasn't sure if it was because she was looking at the most perfect version of what her truck could have been or if she had heard Neal right.

"What have you done? Neal, I didn't want a new truck! I want Bodie's truck." she said looking at him panicked.

"Baby, that is Bodie's truck" he answered. She looked like she was about to cry or throw up. Neither of which were the reaction he was hoping for. "I swear."

"But.." she was truly speechless. The truck was exactly the way Bodie said he wanted. It was candy painted UK blue. All the trim was repaired. It was sitting higher off the ground but not so jacked up that she wouldn't be able to get in it. All the logos were where they were supposed to be. "How?"

James took her by the hand and pulled her closer to the truck. She ran a hand reverently over the hood. James pulled the door open for her. She looked inside the cab. It had been restored to factory but with touches that were uniquely her. The stereo was state of the art and had blu tooth so she could use her iPhone. But the most amazing thing was her anchor tattoo, Bodie's 8, and his signature on the passenger side seat. Tori Lynn climbed into the truck and traced Bodie's signature with her finger. She lost the battle and started crying. All of his junk was in the box in the passenger floor. The dip can, the dirty UK ball cap, a random hockey puck, a copy of To Kill A Mockingbird, and a Bruins beanie were all right there. Tori Lynn sat behind the wheel and cried. She heard them talking but wasn't paying attention. She was overwhelmed. That dirty, banged up truck had been all she had left of Bodie.

"Tori Lynn, please don't cry" pled Neal "I'm sure we can put it back to the way it was."

Tori Lynn stared at Neal. He was talking but it wasn't sinking in. She turned so that she was sitting sideways with her legs dangling out the door. Neal stepped up between her legs and pulled her head against his chest. Her tears were soaking his shirt. He felt helpless. He had waved everyone away he hadn't expected her to get upset. He expected her to get mad. He could handle mad but her crying was ripping his heart out.

"I'm so sorry Tori Lynn. I didn't mean to upset you. I just wanted it to be perfect for you and Beau David." said Neal stroking her dark hair "Please baby stop crying."

"I can't" she replied "I know it's crazy. It's all Bodie ever wanted for this truck. We've sat inside this truck since we were little talking about where it would take us. Now he's gone. He's never going to see it. He is fucking gone and there is nothing I can do about it."

"It's not crazy" he answered "I didn't think about it hurting you. I just wanted to make it better Tori Lynn."

"It's a good hurt" she said sniffling "How did you do this? How did you know what Bodie wanted?"

"Well I had a lot of help. Your country boys knew the guys that could do all the work. The guy said a month and it's a week early." explained Neal "I talked to your Daddy. Beau helped me haul it over to the garage. He then told me what Beau David wanted. Your Mom gave pictures of the truck from when it was new. So I gave all the notes and pictures to the mechanic and body guys. Tyler and BK picked out the paint. I wanted to keep it black. Chase wanted to jack it up more but I was worried about you getting in and out when I am away. Your Mamaw gave me his signature in an old birthday card she'd kept. I knew that he needed to be part of the truck. We all debated on a window decal, painting a memorial, or something else. The body guy offered to have his signature stitched into the seats. I knew since you loved all your monogrammed stuff you would love that option. Other than the stereo and the seatbelts everything is factory."

Tori Lynn was looking up at him with tears shining in her eyes. It reminded him of the first night they had met. He had been fucked from the first time he looked into the icy eyes. He had royally fucked up with the truck. Cluner had warned him that the truck was important to her. Why didn't he listen.

"Did you mean it?" she asked her eyes meeting his turquoise ones.

"Did I mean what? Yes I am sorry. We'll put it back as close as we can. Just no more tears." he replied

"Damn it Jamie" she exclaimed "I meant did you mean it when you said you loved me?"

"Every damned word, Victoria Lynn Hall"

Tori Lynn started laughing. Great thought James she is hysterical. She was laughing and crying at the same time. He wasn't sure what to do. Maybe he should call Marc-Alan, or Pauly he was good in these situations. James was contemplating his next move when she pulled his mouth down to hers. Tori Lynn's mouth landed against his. She poured everything she was feeling into this single kiss. "I love you too, James Deter Neal." she replied against his mouth. James let out a whoop and pulled her from the truck. He was holding her up in the air. "Damn it, Jamie! I'm not the Cup!"

James laughed as he slid her down his body "No much better" he answered. He swung her around "Say it again?"

"Nope you first" she replied.

"I love you, Tori Lynn Hall" She started laughing again. "Why are you laughing? I'm pouring my heart out?"

"Because I love you. If anyone had told me I would be standing here kissing James Neal this time last year, I would have smacked them. But, I do." she answered "and I love my truck." Neal smiled at her and kissed her again. "But, you did it again. You promised no big gifts."

"No" said James "You said I wasn't going to do that anymore. I never agreed because I promised not to lie to you. I refrained from buying you a car. I had a cute Audi all picked out. "

"No more gifts." she admonished.

"But Christmas is coming" he whined. James pouted at her. "I love Christmas."

"Normal Christmas" she cajoled "Nothing crazy. I don't have a clue what to get you!"

"I'm thinking strategic bow placement" he said wiggling his eyebrow. She smacked him.

"And he's back"

"But, you love me" he said stealing another kiss. Tori Lynn laughed because the idiot was right.

"Lord help me I do" she answered "I guess you took the Ferrari so I will meet you at home."

"Nope, gave the keys to Colby"

"You gave your Ferrari keys to Colby?" she asked incredulously.

"Yes, I did. They are all headed to 308." he answered "We can join them. Or you can drive me home in your new truck. I believe Sam says it only takes two to have a house party. We can have our own celebration."

"Home it is" replied Tori Lynn climbing into the driver's seat. James climbed into the passenger seat. They headed towards the apartment when she turned towards James "Do I even want to know what this cost?"

James flushed and started rubbing the back of his neck "Not even a little. Your mamaw informed me that I have more money than brains."

"Sounds like Mamaw" replied Tori Lynn.

"Mamaw also told me that you were a good investment." smiled James " She told me the jury was still out on me. But, that I better be a good bet for you. I think I am more scared of her than your daddy or Marc-Alan." He looked at her sheepishly "I told her on Thanksgiving that I loved you."

"Why?" asked Tori Lynn.

"Because she told me that she always thought you would be with Marc-Alan and have a love like her and your Papaw. She told me that it was obvious that you already loved me. She told me if I didn't feel the same way to let you go. I told her I had no intention of ever letting go. She smiled and told me that she would have your daddy bring down your hope chest."

"James do you know what a hope chest is?"

"Nope, but we'll make room for it"

"James it's got all the stuff in for a girl to make a home after she is married. Mamaw has been putting stuff in there since I was 11."

"We will find a place to put it. And I'm sure we will use the stuff." he replied

"James she thinks we are going to get married."

"What's wrong with that?" he asked "It's kind of the goal when you start a relationship. I told you you're my June."

Tori Lynn looked at James. He was serious. He loved her. He braved her family. He fixed her truck and he wanted to get married eventually. Damned if she didn't want to marry him too.

Notes

Hey Gang, the songs listed in this story are not mine. The first one is obviously Chase Rice's song. The second song Mad Love is actually on Canaan Smith's new EP. He is awesome and y'all should check him out. Plus he is the one who sings about Nitty Gritty Boys vs Pretty City Boys. He is usually on the musical loop when I write. The second song "Sleep With A Stranger" is a song by Nikki Lane for the soundtrack for the Longest Ride. I absolutely love the song and the tone of her voice. Both singers are available on iTunes.