James was getting good at navigating home from Kentucky. He turned the GPS on just in case. Tori Lynn had taught him her landmark method. He knew he was near his turn when he saw the Dollar General Corporate Headquarters. He also knew that if he was going towards the Batman building, he was headed near the Bridgestone. He knew it was the AT&T building but it really did look like Batman. James loved how she navigated by things. He couldn't wait to have her in Whitby. He knew she would love it. He might need to get her a side by side for Christmas so she could play around in the snow at his lake house. He also needed to see about making her a studio up there, he had the room. If she could make music she could live anywhere.


James glanced over at her. She was still snuggled up asleep. He was beginning to think she fell asleep when the wheels rolled. She wouldn't be much fun on tour. Maybe that was a good thing. He hadn't really taken the time to think about what life would be like with Tori Lynn touring. Not just touring, but touring with her entire redneck ratpack. He trusted her but could he really trust all those guys and all their bands around her. He didn't want to, but he would for her. As much as he wanted her with him he would never try and stifle her. She was meant to make music. Make music and come home to him. Home could be where ever they were together. Maybe Fish could give him some tips.


James pulled into the player’s lot at the Bridgestone. He put the Rover in park.


"Babe" called James "You want to wake up?" She ignored him and snuggled closer to the door. He laughed "Tori Lynn, I can't let you sleep in the parking lot. You need to come in and watch me practice or go home." James ran a hand down the side of her face. She turned towards his hand and her icy eyes fluttered open.


"Damn it, Neal" she said "You let me sleep all the way home again." She stretched and soon realized they were at the Bridgestone. "I'll walk over to the apartment."


"Um, how about no." scoffed Neal "Take the Rover, I’ll get a ride."


"I'll be fine." she replied stuffing her feet into her boots.


"But, I won't be." he whined "Please?"


"Okay" she answered "But I will be back to get you at 1pm."


"How about you fix lunch?" said James "I'll come home and we can nap. In fact, we can camp out in my new giant bed."


"Food and sleep" laughed Tori Lynn "That's all you think about." Tori Lynn opened the door and came around the front of the Rover. James was out and pulling his bag from the trunk.


"Not true!" he called coming to stand beside the open driver side door "I think about you a lot. How you smell? How you taste? How you sound when you’re with me?"


"You spent the entire trip listening to Sam?" quizzed Tori Lynn.


James shook his head no and caged her against the Rover "I was listening to Blackberry Smoke." he answered "You really are on my mind all the time."


"Yo, Nealer!" called Ribs "Let the girl breath. Get your ass in gear." James sighed. He rested his forehead against hers. He dropped a kiss on her mouth before turning to join Ribs.


"Ribs will take me home after practice." said James winking at her "Right, Ribs?"


"Do I get a kiss if I do?" asked Ribs stopping near Tor Lynn.


"If Neal wants to kiss you for the ride, that’s y'all's deal." laughed Tori Lynn scooting away from Ribs. Before she got in the Rover Neal smacked her ass. "Oww" pouted Tori Lynn.


"Be good." said Neal smirking at her.


"You broke my ass, Neal!" called Tori Lynn from the driver's seat.


"I'll kiss it better." smirked Ribs.


"Hard pass!" replied Tori Lynn.


James was laughing hysterically. Tori Lynn and Ribs could go at it for hours. She always had a comeback for anything he dished out. He watched her pull out of the parking lot.


"Your girl is mean." said Ribs faking a wounded look.


"No, she just doesn't waste effort on you." answered Neal "Maybe if you talked to her and didn't try and kiss her she would like you."


"Man, she has kissed half the guys on the team for scoring goals. Hell, she kisses Hutts for doing absolutely nothing! Me, she acts like I have the plague."


"No, you have a wife who wouldn't find her antics funny, and she respects that you’re married. Whether you do or not." said Neal as they walked in the locker room.


James made his way to his stall and dropped his bag on his bench. He noticed the locker room got decidedly quiet when he had entered. James pulled the UK hoodie off and hung it in his locker.


"What the actual fuck are you wearing, Nealer? Do you have on wranglers? Are you wearing boots?" asked Shea crossing the locker room. "I mean the UK hoodie I can overlook, but what the hell?"


"Tori Lynn's dad threw these clothes at me at about 5 am. I mucked out her horses stalls, fed them, fed the cattle, and checked the fences all before 7 am." explained James.


"So, you've been playing farmer Brown in what, her ex's clothes?" quizzed Shea.


"They’re her brother's clothes, asshole. Don't ever say shit about her brother. She won't forgive you." threatened Neal.


"Her brother that important?" asked Shea "That you'll do his chores for her?"


"He died. Her brother was Beau David Hall." James didn't say anything else. He sat in his locker and pulled off Bodie's boots. He should have left them at the farm. He sat them beside his locker. James pulled of the wranglers and his undershirt. He was pulling on his practice gear. He didn't bother looking at Shea or anyone else. James just wanted to practice and get home to Tori Lynn. James felt the locker room empty out. He was lacing his skates when Shea stopped in front of him.


"If I had known, I would have never brought up her brother. I knew the meatballs said she didn't drink at all. But, I had no idea that she was Hall's little sister. Explains her love for the Bruins and Cluner." said Shea.


James nodded. Shea was being sincere. He just didn't want their locker room antics to ever hurt Tori Lynn. James followed Shea out on the ice. They stretched, listened to Lavi, and practiced hard. They had major games coming up. In fact, in less than 24 hours Tori Lynn's beloved Bruins would play against them. He knew that the team was scheduled to land sometime that afternoon. He also knew that he needed Shea's help to get her down there to see Marchand. For fucks sake, he was going to take his girlfriend to see Marchand. Oh, how a year changes everything. He skated and did all the necessary drills. Tori Lynn would have to get over them beating her Bruins. James took a few extra laps after practice. He shot several pucks at Hutts.


"Hey, Shea!" called James "Can you get a hold of Bergeron?"


"Yeah" he replied "I can text or call him, why?"


"Tori Lynn wants to go down to the locker room. She hasn't seen any of them since Bodie's funeral. She’s came and watched them play us, but she hasn’t made any contact." explained Neal "She has a picture framed of her, Bodie, Marchand, and a few other Bruins. She just wants to say hello."


"I'll make it happen. You take her down. No bullshit with you and Marchand." admonished Shea


"She would castrate me with my own skate." replied James.


Shea started laughing. He clapped James on the back "You are so fucked" said Shea "James Neal will add a spark they said. He will be an asset and a liability they said. No one said anything about you falling in love and settling in."


"Yeah, wasn't my plan either, but it happened." said Neal "I can still wreak havoc on the ice. Just not off."


"Are you going to implode when she’s on tour?" asked Shea.


"Not planning on it. It will be hard, but she does it when we’re on the road." replied James "I have to. Music is her life, just like hockey is mine."


"Nealer!" yelled Ribs "Move your ass if you want a ride."


"Go on" said Shea "I'll drop him off."


"You sure?" asked Ribs looking at Neal as if Shea were holding him captive.


"Yes" said Nealer "Go on."


James got redressed and sat in his locker waiting on Shea. James looked at his phone and noticed a text message from Chase.


Chase: Guess who is playing at a bar on lower Broadway?
Nealer: You guys
Chase: No Whiskey Meyers.
Nealer: UMM....
Chase: Tori Lynn loves them. I got you all passes.
Nealer: Oh thanks. What do I owe you?
Chase: Nothing we had awesome Preds seats.
Nealer: Anytime man.
Chase: I'll keep that in mind. She will be stoked to see them.
Nealer: Can't wait to tell her.
Chase: Enjoy it we'll be leaving in 5 days.
Nealer: I know I am ignoring it.
Chase: Later man


Shea came in and tossed his phone at Neal. "It's Bergeron." James put the phone up to his ear.


"Hello?" said Patrice "Neal, you there?"


"Yeah" he answered "Sorry, Shea hurled his phone at me and walked out."


"He is a caveman" said Bergy "So, you are dating Tor?"


"Yes, not just dating. I love her." said Neal "She loves you guys. I already know if we play at the same time as you guys, she’ll catch us later. She roams around my apartment in Marchand shirts. She has Looch PJ’s. I wouldn't have it any other way. She wants to see you guys. She’s been here for all your games."


"Why didn't she reach out?" asked Bergy "We would love to see her! She was around a lot, but she was a kid."


"Yeah, well she isn't anymore." said Neal "She is beautiful. She’s about to go on tour. Their EP dropped Tuesday. The first song is climbing. But, she would love to see you guys in person."


"I will totally make it happen." said Bergy "We will be there in a few hours. Send me a text with your number. I’m sure it won't be an issue."


"Thanks" replied Neal "I promised everyone best behavior."


"We've given up on promising Brad will be on his best behavior." laughed Bergeron "He’s settled down a lot since he has Kayleigh. They are bring their Belles to Nashville. You might have more Kentucky than you know what to do with."


"It's worth the risk" said Neal "Thanks for being decent."


"She is Bruins family." replied Patrice "You we will put up with." James laughed as they disconnected.


"You guys make peace?" asked Shea. He motioned for Neal to follow him. They made it to the player’s lot and Shea unlocked his truck.



"Yeah, Bergeron is a class act. It's better than I deserve probably. But he remembers Tori Lynn." said Neal "People tend to remember her."


"I had no idea Beau David Hall was her brother."


"I didn’t either, until I was at her house. I should have remembered how close Beau David and Clune were. I just didn't put two and two together."


Once inside the truck Shea headed towards Neal's apartment. They sat in companionable silence. Neal watched him weave in and out traffic. James still had to use his GPS to get to and from the arena if his normal route was blocked by the police. They usually took pity on him and let him go his usual route.


"You realize that later today they will be making a decision on the dive in San Jose?"


"Ya, I know it won't be good. I'll get fined." replied James


"You are the alternate captain. I need you on the ice, not doing stupid shit."


"I know" said James "I do bone head shit, I realize it and I'm trying. Tori Lynn didn't even come home with me the other night. She went to her place. She wasn't mad. She just left me alone with my stupid."


"You keep it up and she might leave you alone permanently. If you think for one second that Calle wouldn't step up you are lying to yourself. Plus, you have that entire entourage of country boys. You can't come home and be a dick to her because you had a bad night."


"So, is this some kind of don't be a dick intervention?" asked Neal "Because I've gotta say I didn't realize you cared."


"Don't joke" said Shea "I'm serious. Deal with your shit so you can play. Play the game, no bullshit. We are sitting on top the league. We need the Real Deal. We need you to play clean."


"Webs, I swear I am going to play my best hockey." swore James looking at Shea.


"Alright" said Shea wheeling his truck into the parking garage at his apartment.


"Should I be concerned that you know where I live?" teased Neal.


"Cluner" replied Shea "I'm not a stalker fan girl, Neal."


"Thanks for the ride." laughed Neal "Even if you are a stalker fan girl."


"Shut the fuck up, Neal!"


"I love our talks, too." said James laughing at Shea's fierce expression. James started into the building then wheeled back around "I promise I want nothing more than to win the Cup."

"Don't let the girl hear ya say that!" called Shea.


"No worries, she will be there when I win the Cup. Not if Weber! When!"


He heard Shea laughing as he pulled out of the parking lot. James shook his head and headed up to the apartment. He heard music swelling out of the door. He might need to sound proof the place. He knew exactly where she was before he even got in the door. She was sitting on the chaise end of the couch with her guitar. Notebook open on one side. Pencil shoved in her ponytail. Nixon curled up against her. It's how he found her most evenings. Sometimes she would show him what she was working on other days her artistic side said it wasn't good enough. He had told her it was always good enough. She had pointed out that he wouldn't want her to tell him crap hockey was great. James conceded that day, but he was pretty sure he was right. James paused outside the door. He heard a second voice. Then a second guitar come in with hers. He wasn't sure if he should even bother them. He turned the knob on the door carefully so as not to disrupt her. He dropped his keys on the hook and made his way towards the living room.


Tori Lynn was exactly where he thought she would be. Colby was sitting in the floor between her and the patio door. They were both laser focused on one another. Nixon however was snuggled up to Colby instead of Tori Lynn. The dog was smart, he knew who fed him. James stopped to listen to the music. He recognized it from the EP. He knew they were getting ready for the tour. He was excited for her to go on tour, but not excited about her being on tour. He was used to coming home to her. James wanted to come home to her every day. However, he knew touring was part of the job just like away games were part of his. Didn't mean he had to like it. James stood stalk still and listened to them. He knew one wrong move and she would stop playing. He also knew in about 15 minutes they would head over to the bar for band practice. It seemed like one of them were always at practice. Colby finally noticed him and nodded. Tori
Lynn had her back to him and hadn't noticed him. They finished "Mad Love" and Colby excused himself to get dressed for practice.


"Hey" called Tori Lynn "You should have said something. We can practice at the bar." She placed her guitar in the stand next to the patio door. James loved having her things strewn throughout the apartment. He knew she considered it home as well. Unless he was being a dick, then next door was home. No more being a dick. She was striding towards him and he caught a glimpse of her shirt. She had ditched the jeans and t-shirt from home. She was wearing one of his old team Canada Juniors t-shirts and bright red Nike pros. She looked like a Canadian ice girl. He looked at her red and white striped socks and laughed.


"What are you laughing at, James Neal?" she asked wrapping her arms around his waist.


"I was just thinking that if Team Canada had ice girls you would be a good candidate in that outfit." said James giving her a squeeze.


Tori Lynn looked up at him "I imagine that they would look more like Avril Lavigne." James started laughing harder. "What?"


"My first crush." admitted James.


"So, you've always had a thing for girls with guitars?"


"Just the really hot ones." replied Neal.


"Nice save" said Tori Lynn as she pulled his mouth to hers. A quick kiss and she flitted out of his arms. James pouted, but she pushed him down in his recliner. She grabbed her green guitar and sat down on the edge of the couch. James laughed out loud when he heard the opening riffs of “Sk8r Boi” by Avril. She played and sang for him. James tried to think of a time any of his other girlfriends did something just to make him laugh. They were all too worried about how they looked. But not Tori Lynn, she was bouncing around singing a song from their childhood.


Tori Lynn stopped playing when Colby walked in. He was looking at both of them like they were insane. "If this is weird Canadian foreplay, I want no part of it. Are you wearing that?"


Tori Lynn said yes as James said no. Colby laughed and announced he was driving and leaving in 5 minutes. Tori Lynn put the guitar in the stand near the fireplace. Neal got up from his chair and headed into his room. He came back with a hoodie that matched her shirt. He held it out. James put her favorite guitar in her case after she took his hoodie. Tori Lynn smiled and shrugged on the hoodie. She shoved her feet in her Uggs. Tori Lynn stood up on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Be back at 3:30. Lunch is in the oven."


"Nap at 3:35?" asked Neal kissing her forehead. She nodded. Tori Lynn grabbed her guitar and headed to the door. James found a single plate in the oven covered in foil. She has made him chicken, rice, and lots of veggies. She was sticking with his eating plan. Except for occasional cheese toast snacks. James sat at the counter with a bottle of water. He fired up his iPad and was looking at the different things Chase and Sam had sent him about what he needed for her studio. He was trying to decide if he should order doubles and have it delivered to Whitby. He was pretty sure this was on her prohibited list. But Christmas didn't count. He answered the boy’s questions. Entered credit card information to start the ordering process. He couldn't wait to surprise her.


James did some more Christmas shopping. He ordered a ridiculous amount of stuff for Nat from American Girl and got her Gnash and Neal Preds jerseys. He got Ally and Tori Lynn each a UK outfit from Victoria's Secret Pink. Wow, did he just buy sweats at a lingerie site? He also ordered them each an "I still hate Laettner" shirt. James was perplexed as to what to get her Mamaw. He ordered her a Nashville Jersey that said Mamaw on the back. He knew she would get a kick out of it. He also got her a custom music box that he had created with the picture of Tori Lynn in the sundress. He picked "Amazing Grace" as the tune. Her mother was easy, she had mentioned a lens for her camera. Her dad however was very difficult to shop for. James ordered him a barn jacket and UK travel mug. He hoped that would work. He shopped for his family, no problem. Lots of gift cards. James stretched and looked at the clock. It was 3:15. That had taken longer than he thought. He was actually tired. James wasn't a 5 am kind of guy.


James stretched out on the couch and clicked on the TV. Goon was on Showtime. He settled in to watch. He was laying on the red cable knit pillow. It was super comfy but he wasn't sure he was supposed to actually lay on them. Nixon whined, so James motioned for him to jump up. The pitbull settled on his back in the crook of James arm. James laughed. So much for scary dogs. James was laughing at the main characters likeness to Tanger. James' eyes kept getting heavier and heavier. Before he even realized, he and Nixon were asleep.


Tori Lynn entered the apartment. It was completely silent except for the TV, which was loud. She walked in and watched. Was that Tanger? No, it wasn't but the dude favored Tanger. She noticed James asleep. He was passed out with Nixon. She snapped a photo of both her boys. James stirred.


"Hey babe" he said yawning "Sorry started napping without you. But I've only been on the couch since 3:15."


"You want to nap there?" she asked "I can go home and let you rest." James dislodged Nixon. Who whined and went back to sleep. James crossed the room. He pulled his hoodie over her head. He shook his head no. Tori Lynn kicked off her boots. James picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. He deposited her on her side of his bed.


"You are home." he said stripping down to his boxers. He motioned for her to move as he pulled the duvet down. Tori Lynn crawled beneath the blanket. James joined her and killed the lights. James laid his head on her chest "This is home." Tori Lynn stroked his hair. She was playing with the longer ends. "Sing me a song, babe." Tori Lynn laughed and started humming. "No really. Sing "She Talks To Angels". I like when you sing that. I listen to it a lot on the road."


Tori Lynn laughed again. "What?" asked James.


"That's the song I sang to you the night you were drunk and crawled in my bed. You calmed down and slept after I sang for you." she answered "I'm not sure our song should be about heroin use."

"My song, not our song. We'll figure it out. But not FGL." said James yawning. Tori Lynn started singing. This really might be his favorite thing she sang. Even drunk he knew it was special. She was special. "Love you" he whispered before he fell asleep. Tori Lynn finished the song. She pulled the duvet up over both of them. She sighed. She would miss this on tour, she would miss him. She looked down at sleeping Neal. Vulnerable isn't a word one used to describe James Neal. But it fit the moment. She loved these quiet moments when he was just Jamie. Just Jamie was better than "The Real Deal."

Notes