James was pacing around the locker room area of the Bridgestone. Tori Lynn had woken up from their nap and announced she was getting ready at her place and would see him at the arena. He had reminded her of her promise of neutrality. She kissed him and flitted away promising she had it on lockdown. So, now here he was in his base layers pacing waiting on her to arrive.


"Sit the fuck down!" said Shea "You're driving me crazy. She said she would be here in 10 minutes. It's been 7. Chill the fuck out."


"Sorry" he replied "I'm nervous for her to see them. Nervous to be on the ice with Marchand. We haven't played each other since the knee."


"Was that so fucking hard?" asked Shea.


"What?" asked Neal looking at his captain.


"Admitting that to me. Talking, not being a dick."


"Have I mentioned you suck at this whole pep talking bonding thing?" replied Neal


"Nealsy, I am a hockey player, not your mom" laughed Shea "But we are making progress."


James heard Tori Lynn before he saw her. He heard her laughter. It was his third favorite sound in the world. His first was her telling him she loved him, second was her singing, but third was definitely her laugh. Hell, he loved everything about her. James headed out of the locker room to the family area. He could see her from across the room, she had her hair half up and half down in a riot of curls, a bright red shirt, jeans, and her boots. She was beautiful. The guys were gathered around her and were all laughing and asking questions. James walked closer. Damn if his girl didn't have neutrality on lockdown.


"Really, babe?" he asked coming to stand beside her.


"You said neutral. You can't get much more neutral than Switzerland. Jos is a dollface and loaned me the jersey." she replied trying to keep a straight face "Since I have on my lucky socks and a Preds name across my back I figure the juju cancels out."


James laughed out loud. Her logic astounded him. His girl was a hot damn mess. He didn't even know what to say. Ekholm stepped next to him "We need to be more specific."


"Aww, you still love me right Matti?" asked Tori Lynn


"You know it, bae. Just don't run off with a Bruin." said Matti


"I won't." she answered "Stay clear of Miller. You too Jos."


"I'm not scared of fucking Miller." said Matti


"You should be!" said Tori Lynn in a sing song voice.


"Come on brat" called Shea "Before you start a riot."


"Yes, Sir." she said saluting Shea. He started laughing. Nealer's little spitfire kept them all on their toes. Tori Lynn started out the door when Neal grabbed her. He hauled her over to him and kissed her stupid. The boys catcalling.


"Alright, let's meet your Bruins" said Neal


"You want to pee on her leg?" asked Craig Smith "In case they don't know."


"Hush your mouth, Smith!" she called "He doesn't need ideas. Y'all gonna break my heart and win this game?"


"Ja" said Calle "Say hello to Carl and Loui."


"I will" she replied smiling at him "Be careful out there, you will go out against Looch's line. No getting squished."


"Nej" replied Calle "I'm tougher than I look."


"Looch is ginormous." she replied "And I like you the way you are. Hey Pekks?"


"Ja" he said.


"How do you say badass goalie in Finnish?" asked Tori Lynn

"RINNE!" yelled Hutton


Shea led her from the room before she could cause anymore trouble. Neal had her tucked against his side. Shea almost felt sorry for the poor bastard. Almost. Shea knocked on the locker room door. Tori Lynn was safely hidden behind him, and Neal was to his immediate left. They both wanted to make sure everyone was decent before letting Tori Lynn in the room. Bergeron opened the door and stepped outside. James bristled. He knew Bergeron was a good guy.


Tori Lynn squealed and launched herself at Patrice. Bergeron caught her and swung her around "Victoria! Why didn't you come see us?"


"It was a bad scene with Mama and Daddy. They just started watching again. Plus, no one wants to babysit the dead rooks sister." she replied.


"Not true, Victoria. You were family. You are family." said Bergeron "Come on." he nodded to the locker room. Neal grabbed her hand as she walked towards the locker room.


"Don't cross the threshold of that door, Nealer. Walk her over and leave. Bergeron will see her back. No drama." instructed Shea "Goes for your yahoos, too."


"I make no promises for Marchand. But everyone else will be on their best behavior." replied Bergy "I'll take care of her Neal."


Bergeron opened the door. Tori Lynn and Neal stood in the entrance. The entire locker room seemed to stop motion and stare at Neal. Tori Lynn wasn't sure what was about to go down when Milan Lucic smiled at her. "Little Hall" he said striding towards her. He looked at her then at the fact that she was holding Neal's hand "You keeping bad company, kid?" he asked nodding at Neal.


"Be nice Milan" laughed Tori Lynn "I didn't mean too." Tori Lynn smiled at Neal and winked at him before she let go of his hand and went to hug Looch. Neal stood there doing absolutely nothing as Lucic swung his girl around. Was it too late to renege on her visiting? "I'm assuming you all have met."


"Yes" smirked Looch "Several times against the boards."


"I'll be fine" she said to Neal "Go get ready. I'll stop by before I go to find Sam and Chase." Neal turned to leave and caught sight of Marchand coming out of a side room.


"What the fuck?!" said Brad "Why the hell is Neal down here?"


"He brought us a gift." said Looch.


"I don't fucking want It." replied Brad.


"I think you will." said Bergeron "Stop being an asshole and look at Looch."


Brad turned around. He looked at Looch then at the girl beside him. His gaze found Bergeron's. He couldn't believe she was standing there. Brad stood frozen beside Miller. He then grabbed the girl next to Looch and squeezed her. All before thrusting her at Bergy and announcing he has a fiancée. The little brunette just laughed. James Neal was looking at the locker room like he wanted to start a brawl. The girl was facing Neal speaking to him in hushed tones.


"You okay, Marchy? You’re acting squirrelly, more so than usual." said Kevan "I can kick his ass."


Tori Lynn wheeled around at Miller "You keep your hands to yourself, Kevan Michael Miller." said Tori Lynn giving him fierce look. Kevan stopped and smiled at the tiny brunette. She had just called him his full name. Hadlee would be impressed. Kevan held up both hands in a surrendering gesture.


Milan laughed "I see that growing older hasn't mellowed that southern temper."


"He threatened my boyfriend!" said Tori Lynn.


"And what was all 5ft of you going to do?" asked Looch.


"I'll figure that out later." said Tori Lynn with her hands on her hips. "Go on Jamie, I'll see you in a few." Neal nodded and stepped out of the door. The doors swung shut. He had left his entire world with the Bruins. He was almost sick to his stomach. Shea was waiting for him a few feet away.


"Come on, let's get dressed. I have a sinking feeling that it might get ugly on the Ice." said Shea leading him down the tunnel.


Brad was staring a Victoria. Where had she come from? What was she doing with Neal? Why here? Why now? He was being rude and he realized it. She had just shocked him. When Hallsy had been with them he had threatened every last one of them over Tori. But now Hall was gone and Tori was a grown up. Fucking hell. Why the fuck did Looch have to keep calling her the one that got away and giving him shit?


The Bruins were all listening to Bergy explain who Tori Lynn was. Everyone was excited to meet her. Tori Lynn was taking it all in stride. Tori Lynn explained that no longer went by Victoria. Bergy said "Yes, our lil sis Tori Lynn is climbing the country charts." She only fangirled over Tuukka.


"I asked Pekka what was Finnish for badass goalie?" explained Tori Lynn "Hutt said RINNE. I hated to tell Pekka that he is my second favorite Finn. Love him to death, but always my second favorite Finn."


"So, who's your first?" asked Tuukka smiling at Tori Lynn.


"Easy, Kari in Dallas." she answered without missing a beat. She and Tuukk both started laughing.


"She only likes him because of all he U's and K's" teased Brad. Tori Lynn smiled at Brad. He seemed happier that she was there now.


"Well, I vote we keep her." said Matt Bartowski "She makes Tuukk laugh."


"You don't get a vote." said Tori Lynn sweetly "And if you hurt Pastrnak again, I'll kick your ass. No breaking teammates. And while we are at it. Theoretically, you should keep possession of the puck. You're fast as hell. Control it!"


"Holy hell" said Reilly Smith "She looks like Kayleigh, sounds like Hadlee, and has a mouth like Caroline. Where is Pasta? We may have found his dream girl."


"Pasta?" asked Tori Lynn looking at Bergy "Pastrnak" explained Bergeron "But the Belles call him Baby K."


"Belles?" she asked.



"Miller, Marchand, and Hamilton are all dating former UK cheerleaders." said Looch "Didn't you cheer at a Kentucky school too?"


"No, I was a Dance Cat" she replied "They were a little older than me. But everyone knows Hadlee and Westlee Reynolds."


"I'm sure Hadlee would like to meet you. Give me a minute and I will text her." said Kevan


"God, you're pretty.” said Tori Lynn. Kevan looked at her, she was a trip. Pretty was not an adjective used to describe Kevan Miller. Well, at least not one anyone but Hadlee used. Kevan laughed. The locker room door opened and Pasta walked in.



Davey stopped in front of Tori Lynn and looked at her. At first he had thought it was KK. But he had just left them in their seats. The locker room started laughing at his confusion.


"This is Tori Lynn Hall." said Looch "She is an old friend. She came to see us. Say hello, kid."


Davey flushed red. Then said hello. Tori Lynn grabbed him and hugged him. "He's flippin' adorable! Can I have him?"


There was a chorus of no's and a yes from Brad. Tori Lynn laughed and ruffed his hair. "I'm not calling him Pasta."


"Davey" he said "KK, Had, and Caro call me Davey or Baby K. I answer to both."


"You're sure I can't have him? He would be great with my mafia boys."


"I, Czech." replied Davey "Not Sweden. Why wear Switzerland jersey?"


"Neal told me that I needed to be neutral." said Tori Lynn shrugging. The entire locker room started laughing.


"You're still a mess." said Brad standing beside her "You want to meet our girls? They will be down here in a few minutes. Apparently, another UK girl is a big draw."


"Definitely" she replied "Oh, here" she handed Brad the jump drive in her pocket. "It has my EP on it. Neon Cathedral. Colby is here, I will introduce your girls. Oh, and to Sam and Chase."


"Please return Hadlee Belle to me." said Miller.


"No worries." winked Tori Lynn "My boys will be on best behavior. Plus, they've watched the Moen fight." Kevan laughed.


"Calle said to tell you guys hello" she said to Carl and Loui. They were chattering in Swedish. She got enough to tell Carl she and Calle were friends.


"If Tuukk is your favorite Finn, am I your favorite Swede?" asked Carl


Tori Lynn laughed and shook her head no. "Mafia rules in Smashville."


The door to the locker room came open and 3 girls walked inside. "Bradley Keith Marchand, what is the big 911 about?" asked Kayleigh. She noticed the girl in the bright red jersey.


"The squirrel panicked because he used to crush on Tori." explained Looch " No worries KK, he hugged her and threw her at Bergy." Kayleigh laughed. "So far she has called Miller by all three names, threatened Bart, and asked to keep Gears. I think she is one of you."


Caroline was eyeballing the girl. She looked familiar. Caroline walked across the locker room and leaned in and kissed Dougie who was sitting in his locker.


"And why did she have to use all three names Miller?" asked Hadlee.


"I simply offered to kick James Neal's ass." supplied Kevan


"Why is that a full name offense? He tried to kill Marchy." replied Caro.


"Because she is dating the asshole." said Brad shrugging.


"Brad!" exclaimed Kayleigh "I'm sorry." she said to Tori Lynn "He isn't housebroken yet."


Tori Lynn laughed at Kayleigh and Brad "No worries dating Nealer has it's own challenges."


"I'm sure people say that about me." replied Kayleigh, smacking Brad in the arm.


"We say that all the time." said Greg Campbell.


Hadlee smiled at her. Hadlee didn't forget faces. The girl had gone to UK with them. "You went to UK."


"Yes. You were seniors when I was a freshman. I danced for 2 years. We travelled together some. But I'm not sure we talked much." relayed Tori Lynn.


"You sang "My Old Kentucky Home" said Caroline.


"Oh, that's right." said Kayleigh. Davey had migrated towards Kayleigh. Kayleigh reached out and straightened his tie. "Did you introduce yourself?" she asked him. He nodded.


One of the assistant coaches came into the locker room. He announced it was time for the girls to leave. They all nodded. Tori Lynn asked if he girls would like to meet the Preds and her friends. She didn't tell the girls who her friends were. A few hugs and kisses later and they were in the hall walking towards the locker room. Tori Lynn knocked and Matti opened the door. The girls and Pastrnak all walked in. Neal was up and over to Tori Lynn before they cleared the door.


"Hey" he said quietly.


"Hey yourself" said Tori Lynn "Miss me?"


"Always. You made friends."


She introduced the girls to Neal and the guys.


"Holy hell" said Craig Smith "The hot girls multiplied. But what's with the Bruins gear?"

"They are all dating Bruins." explained Tori Lynn "We've got to go boys. Good luck." Tori Lynn led the girls out to her seats. They talked about UK and the dangers of dating hockey players. Pastrnak was trailing close behind the girls as if he were a bodyguard.


"Loosen up, Baby K." said Tori Lynn "I'll have you all up in the press box in a few minutes. I promise they are fine with me."


"Lots of Preds fans." he replied.


"Yes, and if anyone say anything I'll kick their asses." explained Tori Lynn.


"You so much look like KK. But talk like Caroline." said Davey


"It's okay, kid." laughed Caroline "We'll adopt her."


As they climbed the stairs down to the glass Baby K took Hadlee's arm and tucked her into his side. Tori Lynn was pretty sure the kid would throw down if she was jostled. Interesting team dynamics. Tori Lynn smiled at Jim the usher at the bottom of the aisle. She explained that they were visiting prior to the game and would go to the Bruins press box after warm ups. Jim just nodded.


"You want me to send the cotton candy guy over?" asked Jim


"Nah, I have Colby, Sam, and Chase." replied Tori Lynn


"Do I even want to ask about the Josi jersey?" asked Jim


"Matti said no black and gold. Neal said I had to dress neutral." she answered with a shrug "So, Switzerland."


"I think I might feel just a tiny bit bad for the Real Deal. He might have met his match." laughed Jim


"Damn straight." she replied "Jim. This is Hadlee Reynolds, Kayleigh, Caroline, and David Pastrnak. He's the B's baby and they are the B's belles."


"Yes Ma'am, you girls behave. Mr. Pastrnak, I look forward to seeing you play. I understand you've been exciting in Providence."


"Thank you, Sir." said Davey blushing. He was still protecting Hadlee.


Tori Lynn maneuvered them to their seats. Before she could say anything Hadlee flipped out.


"Is that Chase Rice and Sam Hunt?" she asked.


"Yep, we leave on tour Monday. The other guy is Colby. He is my band mate." answered Tori Lynn


"That's where I've seen you recently, you were with Chase at the CMAs" said Hadlee.


"Yes" said Tori Lynn "I get to hang out when they need a date."


"So, that new song "Sleep with a Stranger" asked Caroline "That's you right?"


"Yeah" said Tori Lynn "things are moving at warp speed. They have one mode go, go, go. So it will be us, them, and Florida Georgia Line on tour. If we get close to y'all I'll send tickets."


"We met them" said Caroline "Tyler is still her screen saver." She nodded at Hadlee


"That's okay Miller was mine forever." laughed Tori Lynn. Hadlee smiled at her.


"Hey U-turn!" yelled Chase "We need beers. Whoa, where’d ya get the hot girls? Please tell me the blonde is single."


Tori Lynn laughed then looked at Baby K "You single Baby K?" she asked innocently


Davey shook his head no. "Sorry Chase." she shrugged.


"Brat" he said coming to stand beside the girls "You knew what I meant." Sam and Colby climbed over to the girls. Colby was looking at Baby K with appreciation.


"No!" admonished Tori Lynn "No corrupting Baby K. He has a girlfriend." She turned to the girls "This is Chase, Colby, and the very quiet handsome devil over there is Sam Hunt." Sam nodded at the girls. "Guys Hadlee, Kayleigh, and Caroline"


"They run out of I's and Y's?" asked Colby of Caroline. She threw her head back and laughed. Colby looked at her shirt "Are you really dating the guy who looks like a Muppet? He looks like Beaker!"


"I'm keeping him" said Caroline "he’s obnoxious like me."


"Who's obnoxious?" asked Colby feigning heartbreak."Come on, I'll give you the scoop about the Preds." Caroline walked down to the glass with Colby.


"No good will come of that." laughed Hadlee. They all stood around the edge of the glass waiting for the boys to skate out.


"You sit?" asked Davey looking at Hadlee. She held up her foot and showed him the red bottomed flat.


"I'm fine, Davey." she answered "Miller keeps dragging home flats."


"Oh, I didn't know Louboutin made flats!" exclaimed Tori Lynn "Now we can lose the sky scrapers, Chase Rice."


Hadlee looked horrified. "Nope, they are sexy." said Chase "You'll be barefoot anyway."


The guys took the ice for warm ups. Tori Lynn pointed out the Preds to girls. Neal came over and waved. Ribs of course blew kisses. Matti winked at the all the girls. Calle wave shyly at them.


"Do you have every hot Swede on the planet?" exclaimed Caroline.


"Nah, Zetterberg is in Detroit. And the Rangers won't give me Hags or Hank." laughed Tori Lynn "We're building a Swedish Mafia."


"They are pretty." said Kayleigh quietly.


"We head back to box?" asked Davey.


"It's okay Baby K." said Hadlee "They know we look"


"No, before game start?" he asked.


The girls all said their good byes and exchanged numbers. They had all told Chase that they wanted pics of him in his UK shirt. Even, offered to wear UNC shirts at a Bruins game if the Cats lost.


"That's 4 very confident women." laughed Sam "You are so wearing a UK shirt."


"You are supposed to be my boy." said Chase as the girls left.


"I am your boy, and as your boy I will commiserate and post pics of your defeat." replied Sam. Tori Lynn kissed him on the cheek.


"That's why Sam is my favorite." said Tori Lynn. She waved at Neal as he left the ice.


Two hours later she wasn't sure if she even wanted to walk in the locker room. She wasn't sure if she was ready for the entire team to give her shit about them beating her Bruins. But, she would suck it up. Tori Lynn headed down to the family area and waited on Neal.


"Hey!" called Neal sitting beside her. "Hey Tori Lynn, wake up babe." Neal laughed he was beginning to think her dad was right about her ability to sleep on a rock.


"Sorry" she said stretching "2 assists not bad. Prince is lethal."
James' smile lit up the room. She leaned over and kissed him. "Sorry about your Bruins. Well, not really." He smirked "But I am sorry if you’re sad."

"Nice save" said Tori Lynn. She grabbed Josi's jersey and tossed it to him. He smiled at her. She thanked him. Tori Lynn stood and attempted to pull Neal to his feet. He jerked her into his lap. He gave her a series of slow sweet kisses. "Take me home, Neal. I want cheese toast and to snuggle."


"You want to say good bye to your Bruins?" he asked as they stood to leave.


"Home, Neal. I want to wallow in defeat, and you want to gloat. I vote we do it in our PJ's." said Tori Lynn.


"Babe, I don't really have PJ's." replied Neal. Tori Lynn laughed at him as recognition dawned on him. "Let's go now!" said Neal pulling her towards the exit.


"And people say you're just a pretty face." smirked Tori Lynn. He turned that megawatt smile at her and winked. Damn right he was pretty. And he was hers.

Notes