Peter and Tori Lynn went a bbq joint that Tori Lynn had saw on the food network. Awesome food but it was all carryout. So they drove over to Centennial Park and ate lunch. Peter found out that Tori Lynn was as funny as she was beautiful. He really needed to know what the hell his brother was thinking about this girl. Shit, he might not care what Jamie was thinking. Then again he had a feeling he and Tori Lynn may have entered the friend zone of no return.

Tori Lynn directed him to a dive bar that looked like a location that the remake of Roadhouse could be filmed. Peter looked at building dubiously. He wasn't sure this was the kind of place Clune or Jamie would want her singing. But he had a feeling telling her no would be like waving a red flag at a bull. His phone chirped. He pulled it free from his shirt pocket and saw a text from Jamie. He decided to answer him as Tori Lynn was sitting in the passenger seat putting make up on and trying to fix her hair.

Jamie: Cluner is going to kill you. Where are you all?
Pete: I told you that we were going to get lunch and then she wants to go to a bar to sign up for open mic night.
Jamie: That was an hour and half ago.
Pete: Well we grabbed BBQ and then ate at the park.
Jamie: Pete it's not a fucking date. It better not be a fucking date!
Pete: Why? Maybe she likes me.
Jamie: Because Cluner will tear your head off your shoulders.
Pete: If that's the only reason then I may die for the cause.
Jamie: I'm gonna help him kill you!
Pete: What?
Jamie: She isn't something to be played with.
Pete: Ya so I should have let Stalberg drive her home, eh?
Jamie: No.
Pete: So I shouldn't kiss her if I get the chance. Then she could compare Neal brothers.
Jamie: Fuck she told you I kissed her?
Pete: Nope you did. But I saw the way you look at her.
Jamie: I'm going to fucking dismantle you. Do not touch her or mention you know I kissed her.

Pete laughed out loud. Tori Lynn turned and looked at him. He kept typing and laughing. She looked down at Neal's hoodie then at Pete. He had on a plaid button down and jeans. She couldn't go to audition for open mic night in a hoodie.

"Pete" Tori Lynn said looking at him "I need a favor"

"What would that be Miss Tori Lynn?" he asked

"Trade me shirts" she replied

"What? Why?" he asked "It will swallow you."

"It's better than this hoodie" she replied "I can't audition in this."

"Ok fine" he replied as his phone chirped again.

Jamie: Damn it Peter!
Pete: Hold on Tori Lynn wants me to take off my shirt.

Peter laughed as he hit send and tossed the phone into the console. It wasn't 25 seconds later that it started ringing. Peter laughed harder. Tori Lynn eyed him suspiciously. He unbuttoned his shirt and handed it over to Tori Lynn. She pulled the hoodie off and handed it to him. He slipped the hoodie over his head. She turned so that her back was to him. He saw the writing on the back of her tank top as the phone began ringing again. He ignored the phone to stare at the Bruins logo on her back. She was a Bruins fan. This just keeps getting better.

"Turn around" she said.

"Why" asked Pete.

"I'm going to take this tank top off and put on your shirt."

"Did you lose a bet?" he asked

"Why?"

"What's with the missing link shirt?"

"Missing link"

"You know monkey, caveman, Milan Lucic, then modern man. Evolution Babe." laughed Pete.

"You are an asshole like your brother." she replied. Tori Lynn whipped the tank top of and hurled it at Pete's head. Fuck he thought as his brain registered the tiny black and white polka dotted bra. He started to say something but kept his mouth shut. He watched as she rolled the sleeves of his shirt up to quarter length. She then buttoned the middle 2 buttons on the shirt. She pulled the ends of the shirt up and tied them just below the her bra. Pete sat there slightly mystified. She pulled her hair free of the ponytail. She shook it out and it was a riot of waves. She pulled a clip out of her purse and braided her bangs to one side and clipped them down. She put on some lip gloss. She then realized Pete was staring at her and his phone had not stopped ringing.

"What" she demanded.

"New rule Tori Lynn. No stripping in front of strangers." said Pete

"You aren't a stranger." she replied.

"Still someone else might not be a nice guy Tori Lynn. You went from girl next door to Daisy Duke in my passenger seat."

"I grew up with my brother and Richie. I'm used to guys." she answered "Sorry"

Peter's phone was ringing again. He grabbed it and silenced it again. He fired off a text to Jamie that he would text him soon. They went inside the bar and Pete was pleasantly surprised to see that there wasn't a cage around the stage. They walked over to the bar and Tori Lynn asked for the manager. The guy behind the bar laughed and told her the owner was onstage with the band. Pete led her toward the stage with his hand in the small of her back. Tori Lynn noticed that Pete often put himself between her and others. She wasn't sure if it was chivalry or ego. But either way she felt better with him there. She should have waited for Richie judging by the look of the place. But they were here now.

"Sir" said Tori Lynn looking the guitar player.

"Not hiring any waitresses right now dollface" he said dismissing her "Leave your name and number at the bar."

"Not here to apply for a bartending job" she said "You are supposed to have an open mic night"

"Not anymore" he said looking at Tori Lynn. Pete felt the guys eyes strip Tori Lynn. He stepped up closer to her so she was flush again his side. "We have a live band now."

"We have most of a live band" called the drummer laughing and hitting a drum roll.

"Shut the fuck up Red." said the guy with guitar "We are however auditioning for back up singers and what not."

"I'm not a back ground singer" said Tori Lynn she turned and grabbed Pete's arm and started to walk out of the bar.

"Well then show me what you can do" yelled the guy.

Tori Lynn turned back around and walked back toward the stage. Pete flopped down at the table closest to center stage. She climbed the steps to the stage and every male eye in the place was on Tori Lynn. Fuck if this goes sideways it was going to be bad. She talked with the band members for a few moments. Then walked to the center of the stage and grabbed the mike. She winked at Pete before the band cranked up. Pete was absolutely floored when she started to sing. Holy hell where did she keep that big sound in that tiny body. She was currently singing Jesus Take the Wheel.

Pete heard the band introduce themselves to Tori Lynn. She smiled and kicked off her flip flops and threw them at Pete. He picked them up and put them on the table. He heard Brian, the aforementioned guitar guy, tell her they didn't want a Carrie Underwood copy. He asked her what else she could sing. He laughed when she asked if she could borrow his guitar. He obliged. She sat down on the edge of the stage with his guitar. She started picking out a tune that Pete had never heard before. Without even thinking Pete picked up his phone and started filming her. She sang the haunting song well. When she was done Brian asked her if she wrote that one.

"No it's by Whiskey Meyer's it's called Dyin' For Tonight." she replied.

"I want to try 2 more songs" said Brian "First I want you to sing with Colby. I want to hear you 2 do Don't You Want To Stay."

Tori Lynn nodded her agreement. A different guy with a guitar came forward and placed a 2nd mic beside hers. Pete facetimed Jamie. He turned the camera towards the stage but he could see Jamie's reactions. The band launched into the song. Colby sang first then turned it over to Tori Lynn. She was amazing. They sang in harmony and she blew all of them away. Brian was clapping by the time she and Colby were done.

"One more" said Brian "Whatever you want to do"

Tori Lynn smiled at Pete she noticed he was videoing her. She waved and blew a kiss at him. Pete laughed he thought Jamie was going to bang his head on his iPad. She walked back and talked with the band. Once they were ready they launched into Merle Haggard's Fighting Side of Me. They played it occasionally at his games so Pete was familiar. The entire bar staff had stopped to watch her sing. Pete couldn't believe how good she was. She sure as hell shouldn't be playing in a dive bar in Nashville.

After she finished the song Brian said he still wasn't sure. The rest of the band was looking pissed. Pete thought they should go and Richie should set up something for her. She however wasn't deterred in the slightest. She walked over to the fiddle player Don and asked if she could play his fiddle. She turned to the band and asked them play with her. She launched into the Devil Went Down to Georgia. The bands followed along as she played. Brian's mouth was open at that point.

"Okay Girlie" began Brian "Thursday, Friday, Saturdays 9-12"

"Tori Lynn" she said as she approached him "When is practice?"

"Mon-Wed 1-3" said Brian.

"Can I play some acoustic and my own music?" she inquired.

"We'll see Girlie" replied Brian "I want to hear it first."

Tori Lynn was all smiles as she headed for the stairs. Pete caught her before she got down and handed her flip flops to her. She started down the stairs when Brian called out.

"Leave the boyfriend at home"

"He's not my boyfriend" she called.

"Better tell him that" said Brian. Pete really didn't like that guy. But he couldn't say anything because Tori Lynn had launched herself from the steps into his arms. He caught her and hugged her back. She squealed. Pete laughed.

"We need to head to the apartment. Jamie and Richie were laying down to nap." said Pete.

"I have a new band." she said excitedly "And I don't think any of them looked rapey."

"Rapey" he asked.

She related the story of the first time she met James.

"Well then less rapey is an improvement." laughed Pete "Maybe you ought to think about getting Jamie and Richie to come with you the first couple of times when they are available. Maybe even practice just until they get used to you."

"I don't need a body guard Pete" she laughed.

"Yeah but if the right person sees you and hears you sing you'll be famous. Then I will be able to say I knew you before you were famous. You'll have hulks following you everywhere."

"Says the soon to be NHL player"

"Trust me. You are more talented than me." he said walking her to the SUV.

"Not sure about that Peter."

"I am." he replied looking at her. His phone chimed again. It was another text from James.

Jamie: She is amazing right
Peter: Yeah. They want her in the band. It's a little rough in there bro.
Jamie: Bad?
Peter: Roadhouse
Jamie: Are you all on your way?
Peter: Yeah. We will be by in about 20 minutes. Did you nap at all?
Jamie: No some asshole facetimed me
Peter: Sorry
Jamie: No I am glad you did. I rested. I am going to fix something to eat. Key is on the counter. Richie is asleep bring her here.
Peter: K

The ride back to the apartment complex was uneventful. Peter pulled into a beat up 80's model truck. He explained to Tori Lynn the conversation he had with Jamie. She didn't mind going to Jamie's. Pete opened the door and yelled "Honey we are home." He then promptly laughed because Jamie was struggling to boil water.

Tori Lynn kicked her flip flops off and went into the kitchen with James. She looked at what he was doing.

"Move" she said bumping him with her hip. She drained the noodles out of the water. She then got another pot and filled it with water and salted the water and put it back on to boil. She dug around the fridge came up with grilled chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. She chopped up the veggies and chicken while the water boiled.

"Um water needs to boil before you dump the pasta in Nealer." laughed Tori Lynn "It would have been a noodle lump."

"Ha you should see him in the kitchen. He is hopeless" said Pete "He can mess up Kraft Dinner."

"I told you I am tragic in the kitchen" said James

"Kraft dinner" she asked.

"Mac and Cheese, Kiddo" said Richie coming in the door. He came up behind her and kissed her head. "Sorry Boo. No running off though deal."

"Stop being an asshole, deal" she fired back.

"No promises" said Richie "I have olive oil at my place. I am gonna get it."

"Thanks" said Tori "And a grater"

"You got it kiddo" called Richie.

Richie came back in the door as she was putting the pasta on to boil. She told him to grate the cheese. Richie stood beside her and did as she asked. He looked at her and realized that she was wearing Peter Neal's shirt. He would rip the kids head off.

"So why are you dressed like Ellie May Clampett?" he asked Tori Lynn

"I found a new band" she smiled.

"That's good boo" replied Richie "Now care to tell me why you have on Pete's shirt."

"Nope" she said ignoring him.

James wasn't sure what made her take over his kitchen. But he could get used to it. She was a hell of a lot better looking than Pauly.

"I guess I could beat it out of Baby Neal." said Richie

"Leave him alone" said Tori Lynn "He is sweet and has chauffered me around today. Plus swapped shirts with me so I could audition in something other than a hoodie."

"Yeah, I am sweet" said Pete. Jamie smacked him in the chest.

"I still owe you a beating boy" said Richie "You took off with her."

"She is grown" said Neal "She makes her own decisions. Even if my brother is an idiot."

Richie drained the pasta for Tori Lynn. She threw in salt, pepper, garlic, the veggies, chicken, and cheese and tossed it together. She added the olive oil and kept tossing until everything was coated. Tori Lynn kissed Richie cheek and told him she was going to take a shower. She kissed Pete's cheek on the way out as well. Pete blushed. James and Richie both said thanks with full mouths.

After Tori Lynn was out the door Richie turned to Pete. "If you ever run off with her again I will kill you and use your bones to make a hockey stick."

"She needed away from you assholes" Pete fired back.

"Eat Pete" said James "And shut up."

"Not hungry" said Pete "We had bbq."

"Show Richie the video" instructed James

They all sat around Pete's iphone watching her perform just her and the guitar. Richie smiled
and nodded. "Boo is talented."

"She shouldn't be playing in that hell hole" said Pete "It's a rough joint."

"I will take care of her Pete" said Richie

"Who is she gonna run to if you piss her off." asked Pete "Stalberg might not be a gentleman if she strips down to a polka dot bra in front of him."

"Bra what" said Jamie

Richie was glaring at him and so was Jamie. He explained what happened in his truck. He was pretty sure Richie's eye was twitching. And Jamie looked like he might actually stroke. Richie strided toward the door.

"Cluner leave her alone" said James "You'll piss her off and she will be gone."

"I'm going to get my game suit on" said Cluner "You stay with her tonight Pete."

"I will" replied Peter digging in a bag on the couch. "Crap i didn't bring my Knoxville jersey." He pulled out James Whaler's jersey. "Guess this will do?"

"She will kill you when she figures out it's mine." said James.

"Nah she is reasonable." laughed Pete heading out the door so James could get ready. Peter walked down the hall and knocked on Richie's door. He heard Clune yell come in. Peter called out to Tori Lynn.

"Hey Tori Lynn" Pete called "I brought that jersey over."

"Bring it here" she responded from her room. He started walking towards Tori Lynn's room and was stopped by Clune.

"Door open Baby Neal." laughed Richie walking in with Peter "Hey Boo tie this damn thing" he said of his tie.

"You can tie your own damn tie" sassed Tori Lynn. Peter laughed. Tori Lynn sat down on the counter in the bathroom and motioned Clune forward. She fixed the tie around his neck. Peter watched her tie the tie in expert fashion. She fixed the collar and declared him presentable. "Put your collar stays in."

"Yes, ma'am" said Richie as he walked out of the bathroom "I'm watching you" he said to Pete who was sitting on Tori Lynn's bed.

"I'm gonna do my make up come in and hang out." she called to Pete.

He walked in the bathroom and Tori Lynn was wrapped in a bathrobe. Maybe he should wait in the other room. Tori Lynn started chattering at him about the game. She was apparently not a fan of the Pens. But seemed to like G well enough. He was watching her curl her hair. He was sure G would like Tori Lynn. He watched her fix her hair while listening to her ramble about hockey. She knew the game not just who was cute. Her loyalty to Marchand was a little scary.

"Pete" she said " Are you even listening"

"Um" said Pete "Sorry I think the hair product in the air smothered my brain functioning."
"I asked if we are coming home after the game or what?"

'No clue depends on the scoreboard. So dress as if we might go out after." he replied. He sat on the edge of the tub and watched her put on her make up. Pete was amazed that she managed to look like she had no make up on when she was done. There was nothing over done about Tori Lynn.

"I'm leaving" yelled Richie from the living room "I'll be in the press box. You can come up to me or hang out with Lil Neal."

"Ok" she called back "Be careful"

"I'm always careful" he replied

Tori Lynn left Pete sitting on the edge of the tub while she dug in her suit case. She pulled out a pair of holey jeans that fit perfect. She grabbed a Rolling Stone's t-shirt that had been turned into a tank top. She grabbed everything else she needed and shooed Pete out into her room so she could get dressed. Pete flopped down on her bed. In record time Tori Lynn was dressed. She grabbed a pair of beat up boots from her suitcase and stuffed her feet into them. Tori Lynn laughed at Pete who was sprawled out in the black and white bed.

"Comfy" she asked

"Maybe" he replied "I missed my nap today."

"What's with you hockey boys and napping." she quizzed as she laid back beside Pete in the bed. "I think I will paint this room purple."

"Purple. You will be tired of purple in like a day" responded Pete "Why not blue? Or even green. Aren't you singer types supposed to like soothing green rooms."

"How about no" she laughed "I'm not a dude. Okay so maybe bright pink with a black and white chevron wall. That way Richie's furniture blends in."

"Um no dude is going to want to spend the night in a bright pink room." said Pete dismissively

"If a guy is paying attention to the paint color little brother he is doing something wrong." said James as he came to a stop at her door. Pete flipped his brother the bird. James started laughing. "I'm heading down to the Bridgestone. The tickets are at will call in my name."

"K" replied Pete "Remember which team you play for tonight. Stay off G's dick."

"Oh you are playing the Pens tonight" laughed Tori Lynn "Can I throw things at Crosby?"

"No" they replied in unison.

"Can I at least hook up with Beau?" she teased.

"Hell no" said James "You and Sunshine would be a disaster."

"You are no fun Neal" smirked Tori Lynn "Can I at least meet Evgeni?"

"If you are a good girl" he said "We will probably all go out after the game G and a few are staying an extra night."

"I'm always good" she laughed. She lolled her head over and looked at Pete. He was half asleep. "Pete wake up."

"I'm up" said Pete not moving. James moved closer to the bed. He was wearing a gray suit that had a subtle plaid pattern. He had paired it with a gray shirt and a darker gray tie. Tori Lynn had to admit James Neal was damn nice to look at. James smacked Pete in the head. Pete launched himself off the bed at James.

"See now he is up" laughed James.

"Note to self smack Pete in the head to wake him up" replied Tori Lynn.

Pete wiggled his eyebrows at her "You planning on waking up with me often Tori Lynn?"

"NO" said James a little too forcefully "You are heading back to Knoxville in the morning. Hockey no time for hot girls." Pete just smirked. His brother was beyond fucked. James wanted Tori Lynn. Pete had a feeling he would be visiting Jamie a lot more just to watch the fall out. Plus he had the feeling that he and Tori Lynn could torture the hell out of Jamie.

"Come here, Neal" said Tori Lynn standing up. James walked over to her. She looked at him for a minute. Then straightened his tie smoothing and adjusting the knot. James couldn't help but think it was an intimate gesture.

"Well now you have your apes ties all straight" joked Pete "We better hurry. I hear they are giving away James Neal bobble heads tonight." So much for intimate gesture thought James.

"We already have two Neals with big heads. Why do I need another?" asked Tori Lynn pushing James away.

"Very funny" said Pete as he smacked Tori Lynn's ass. He tossed her the Whaler's jersey. James watched her slide his green Plymouth Whaler's jersey on. He liked seeing his number on her. In fact it was almost a primal caveman urge to knock her over the head and drag her back to his apartment.

"This isn't Knoxville." she stated.

"Plymouth" said Pete as he herded her out of the room with James on his heels. He hoped she didn't ask if he played for Plymouth. Jamie was busy so busy staring at her in his old jersey that he didn't even realize she stopped walking until he bumped into her with enough force to knock her down. James grabbed her to keep her from hitting the ground.

Tori Lynn spun around "Practicing dirty hits from behind already Neal"

"I can't fucking win" exclaimed James striding out the door "Pete you all come down after the game." A door slam later and he was gone.

"Wow" said Pete "You bring out the best in him. He usually only gets that pissed at me and our brothers."

"Maybe I shouldn't be such a bitch to him" she said absently.

"No Tori Lynn" replied Pete "He needs someone to keep him from being The Real Deal all the time. You keep putting him in his place. Maybe he will realize he is more than an stereotype."

"Insightful Pete" laughed Tori Lynn. He held out his arm and they made their way to the vehicle. A stop at will call later and they were seated 5 rows up from the Preds bench at center ice. A beer for Pete and coke and cotton candy for Tori Lynn and they were ready for some hockey.

The Preds came out for warm ups. She noticed Richie nor Stalberg were playing. Both were listed as scratches. She watched Neal and the rest of the Preds skate around. Pete was pointing out who people were on both sides of the ice. Tori Lynn knew both rosters but was glad for the help. Tori Lynn was watching Malkin and Crosby fire pucks at Flowers. Tori Lynn heard a gang of Pens fans talking about her jersey.

"Hey" called a guy in a Malkin jersey "Where did you get the game worn Neal Plymouth jersey?"
Tori Lynn pointed at Pete "It's Peter Neal's not James" she said to the fan.

"Peter Neal never played for Plymouth." replied a guy with the fan.

"Yeah" said the guy "But that is an awesome one. I wouldn't think there would be many around."
Tori Lynn glared at Pete. Pete tried to keep a straight face but busted out laughing at Tori Lynn's vicious expression.

"Tori...." he began "It's not a Pens jersey and not a Preds jersey. You didn't want either of those. And I didn't have my Knoxville one i grabbed this one of Jamie's."

"Great with my luck it will end up on a highlight reel and the Bruins will take away my fan privileges." yelled Tori Lynn.

"Nah, they always let hot girls be fans. No matter what jersey they are wearing. Most jerseys look fine on bedroom floors." laughed Pete.

"I take it back Peter Neal" she huffed "I don't like you at all."

Notes