What Dreams Forget

Tori Lynn came off the edge of the stage laughing with Colby and the tech guys. Everyone was excited for their debut tonight. The tech guys had their graphics and media packets together. She couldn’t wait for Neal to see the audience via facetime. The stage hands and tech guys were also down for helping her call out Chase for losing their basketball bet. Mr. Rice would be rocking a UK shirt before the end of the night. Addi was waiting in the wings of the stage.
“Y’all rocked it” called Addi “Now I need to get you put together. We need to choose what you are wearing tonight. I think they said that you’d be changing six times. So that means we change hair and possibly lips that many times. Move your tiny booty.”
“I don’t think it will take that long to get our girl stage ready” called Sam. Tori Lynn turned to thank Sam and noticed the gaggle of girls. Tori Lynn just shook her head. She then turned and did a double take. Tori Lynn came to a dead stop. She whirled around and walked back towards Sam. Nope, not crazy at all. Standing with the other girls was Neal’s ex.
“Hey Sam” called Tori Lynn “Remember when you were joking about Pauly and Geno earlier. And I told you that wasn’t me.”
“I told you I was sorry” said Sam holding out his arms in a hugging gesture. Colby’s eyes widened when he noticed Melanie. He watched Tori Lynn stride towards Sam. He was glad his girl was wearing one of Neal’s button downs. What the hell was she doing here?
Tori Lynn went into Sam’s embrace. She went up on tiptoes and whispered in his ear “It was her.” Tori Lynn nodded towards Melanie. “Be careful.”
Melanie smiled at Tori Lynn. It was a smile as fake as Addi’s eyelashes. The other girls standing around all smiled at Tori Lynn. “So I hear you are dating Jay.” intoned a redhead.
“We miss him here in the Burgh” replied a blonde.
“Yes” said Melanie “Jay always had a good time with all of us.”
Tori Lynn gave Sam another squeeze. She then turned on her heels and looked at the girls. And she did what any self-respecting Southern girl would do when confronted with your boyfriend’s ex fiancé and her mean girl posse. She smiled and said “Well bless your hearts.” Then strode away with her head held high.
Sam immediately started laughing. “What does that even mean” asked one of the girls. Sam excused himself from Melanie. “You’ll figure it out” he replied. Sam shook his head. The more he learned about Tori Lynn the more he liked her. Problem was she had her heart set on Neal. He heard the girls talking back and forth. It sounded like the blonde wasn’t ready to concede defeat. Sam wasn’t sure she realized what a fighter Tori Lynn was. She only won the last go around because Tori Lynn had been caught totally unaware. He was expecting fireworks tonight.
Addi held out a Cherry Coke towards Tori Lynn “I’d give you bourbon but you wouldn’t drink it.”
“Melanie Collins will not drive me to drink.” replied Tori Lynn “In fact, I don’t care that she is here. Just another fan. The boys have lots of fans. Neal had lots of fans.”
“Head up Princess” called Chase “You’ll lose your tiara.”
“I’m not sure it’s a tiara. According to Melanie it’s a ball cap.”
“What the fuck does she know?” asked Chase. “I’d rather have a chick like you than a Barbie who just wants her 15 minutes.”
“Yes, but you are a country boy.” replied Tori Lynn.
“Damn right” laughed Chase “We’re smarter than city boys.”
“That’s what scares me” she replied.
“So show her what you can do” interjected Addi “Don’t let her get you down. Then again Matti and I could double date with you and Calle.”
“Addi” yelled Tori Lynn
“Just makin‘ sure you were still with me” laughed Addi. Addi started digging through the racks of clothes. She held up dresses, rompers, jeans, and clothing of all varieties. Nothing she picked made Tori Lynn happy. Addison was digging through tank tops when she came across a bright pink shirt that she just shoved aside.
“Wait” yelled Tori Lynn “That is it.”

“This” asked Addison holding out the neon pink tank. “This is your opening shirt”
Tori Lynn grabbed the tank. She pulled out a pair of short frayed out cut offs. After digging in her shoe trolley she found a pair black and hot pink cowboy boots. “Yes, this is definitely it. Can you make me look the part?”
Addison got a wicked grin “All day long” she answered “I’m thinking retro. You do it so well.”
“Whatever it takes. But first I need to change the first song selection.” said Tori Lynn smiling at Colby. She explained her plan. Colby laughed.
“Promise me you won’t forget me when you are famous” replied Colby winking at her.
“You’re going with me bitch” laughed Tori Lynn. “Oh I need to tell the tech guys there is a change in plan.”
“No Colby needs to tell them” exclaimed Addi “You need to sit your cute little ass down and let me do my work.”
“Yes ma’am” sassed Tori Lynn hugging Addi “I am so glad you’re here.”
“You’re lucky I’m here. Any other assistant wouldn’t let you go through with this.”
“She started it” replied Tori Lynn
“And we are going to finish it”
Tori Lynn had been poked, prodded, and primped within an inch of her life. She had laughed at the level of concentration and how quiet Addison had been. A quiet Addi was a scary Addi. Tori Lynn was in the wings of the arena. She had about 10 minutes before she had to start this show. She had 10 minutes before performing for a sold out crowd in the CONSOL center. Tori Lynn had 10 minutes until her life would forever change. Addi had threatened her life if she let anyone see her shirt before she hit the stage. She was sitting on a speaker box with Neal’s button up on.
“Hey pretty” called Geno.
Tori Lynn hopped up and went to hug Geno, Sid, and Pauly. “Hey guys. Y’all still willing to help me out. “
“We here for pretty” said Geno “But not sure Pretty do you justice. You hot.”
“The Russian is right” replied Pauly “You’re gorgeous.”
“It’s just make-up and hair” said Tori Lynn.
“Just make-up and hair” exclaimed Addi “I’m going to quit.” She then noticed Sidney. “He’s new.”
“We’ve met” replied Sidney.
“I’d remember you” she answered.
“You were a little preoccupied with Cluner.”
Addi just smiled “Sorry doll face. Too bad.” Paul laughed at Sid’s stricken impression.
“Tor” called Colby “Come here”
He held out her sparkly phone. She saw Neal and a few of the guys on the screen. Tori Lynn smiled at Neal. “Hey babe. Ready to get famous.”

“I’ll try. I’ve got secret weapons.” replied Tori Lynn nodding at the Pens.
“You look fucking amazing. You wearing my button up out there.” He asked.
“Nope but my first outfit is top secret.” laughed Tori Lynn “But I promise you’ll see me in it.”
“Not the star corset” he asked.
“Nope, but this bra is all sparkly and bedazzled.”
Pauly stepped into the frame “Want me to take a peek?” asked Paul “I would totally take one for the team.”
“Hands and eyeballs off my girl Martin!” yelled Neal
“You are no fun anymore” laughed Pauly.
“Bye Neal” shouted Tori Lynn “they are calling for me.” She thrust the sparkly phone at Paul and headed to her mark. She stripped out of the button down and zipped up the 412 hoodie with Neal’s number on it. She had her boots on and she was ready to go. Colby was standing beside her. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze.
“Now or never” said Colby
“It’s definitely now” she replied “I love you Colby.”
The lights to the stage dimmed. The staff started pushing them to the stage. She heard the DJ announce her and Colby. When she stepped on that stage she was met with thousands of faces. She had never been so excited or so scared.
“How y’all doin?’” called Tori Lynn
“Welcome to the Boots and Bells Tour” exclaimed Colby “We’re Neon Cathedral.”
“We are so happy to be your hosts for this tour.” replied Tori Lynn “The Boots and Bells tour is going to kick off with us, followed by Caanan Smith, Chase Rice, Sam Hunt, and finally Florida Georgia Line.”
“Lots of boots but only one Belle, right Tori Lynn.” teased Colby “She the is the crown jewel of this Redneck Ratpack.”
“Y’all get your cameras ready. Girls it’s the country version of Magic Mike backstage.” laughed Tori Lynn “Y’all ready for the show? We’re gonna do a couple of songs for you guys. A few covers and one or two of our own.” The crowd roared. She was amazed at the flashes going off from the crowd. She had managed to locate Beau, Kris, Catherine, and a few other Pens in the VIP area. She noticed Melanie and her posse were trying to get as close as possible. “I guess if we are playing I need my guitar.”
“You didn’t bring your guitar” asked Colby.Tori Lynn made a show of looking for her guitar. It wasn’t with the other instruments.
“Now where could it be?” asked Tori Lynn. “Hey Boys” she called “wanna help a girl out.”
The crowd began to get excited. They were expecting one of the headliners to bring out the guitar. Tori Lynn however had a surprise. The crowd exploded in a volley of flashes when Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Paul Martin walked on stage. Her guitar was being carefully carried by Captain Crosby.Paul gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and waved at the crowd. Geno picked her up in a bear hug. She turned towards Sidney “And they say you can’t find good help these days. Y’all recognize these gentlemen. They were gracious enough to let us borrow their arena. Mr. Crosby may I have that guitar.”
“Well since I can’t play it I guess you should.” replied Crosby.
“But you can do everything Captain.” laughed Tori Lynn
Sid played along. He smiled at her and said “only on ice.”
“No ice in sight boys. Now get off my stage so I can play.” She teased. As the guys walked towards the stairs on the stage Tori Lynn called out to G. “Hey G, catch.” Tori Lynn tossed the hoodie to Evgeni.
He snatched it from the air “Good thing no ice Pretty. You so hot it melt.” She made a show of kissing his cheek. She strutted across the stage. Tori Lynn adjusted her headset and took her guitar. There were still flashes going off everywhere. She strapped on her guitar.Colby just shook his head and took in her outfit. Black and pink sparkly cowboy boots, a pair of almost indecently short frayed out cutoffs, a neon pink tank that read “Backwoods Barbie” across the chest, the tank was cut so that the black and pink Swarovski encrusted bra was showing.
“Damn you’re a doll” joked Colby
“Why thank you sir. Does this make you my Ken?” Replied Tori Lynn “I had a girl once tell me that I was a Redneck Barbie. Not quite but I am damn proud to be from backwoods Kentucky. A Southern girl through and through. So I am gonna dedicate this next song to that girl.”
The giant screens behind the band came alive with photos from the muddin’ trip with the Redneck Ratpack. The band launched into the opening strains of “Only Prettier” by Miranda Lambert. Tori Lynn began to play along.
“Well I’ve been saved by the grace of Southern charm.I got a mouth like a sailor and yours more like a hallmark card. And if you wanna pick a fight. Well I’m gonna have to say goodnight. I don’t have to be hateful I can just say bless your heart.” sang Tori Lynn she strutted across the stage and stood before Melanie and the Pens.
“And even if I don’t belong with your high life friends. It doesn’t mean we don’t get together and try to make amends. It’s easier can’t you see. Let’s agree to just disagree. We don’t have to like each other but it’s sure fun to pretend.” Tori Lynn soared into chorus “So let’s shake hands and reach across those party lines. You’ve got your friends just like I’ve got mine. We might think a little differently But we got a lot in common you will see. We’re just like you. Only prettier.”
During the break in the music a photo of Tori Lynn and Neal kissing in the mud flashed up. Followed by panning crowd shots that included a gape mouthed Melanie. Tori Lynn began the second verse “Everybody says you’ve got to know your enemies. Even if they only weigh a hundred pounds and stand five foot three.” Tori Lynn winked at Geno. “If you smile and behave you can always get your way. It’s a universal plan that’ll get you where you can in all societies.”
She rang out the chorus a second time “So let’s shake hands and reach across those party lines. You’ve got your friends just like I’ve got mine. We might think a little differently But we got a lot in common you will see. We’re just like you. Only prettier. Hey!”
The cameras focused on Tori Lynn and Colby in the center of the stage. The footage of the muddin’ playing between crowd shots. “So let’s shake hands and reach across those party lines. You’ve got your friends just like I’ve got mine. We might think a little differently But we got a lot in common you will see. We’re just like you. Only prettier.”
Tori Lynn walked back over to the stage in front of Melanie “Well I’ll keep drinkin’ and you’ll keep getting skinnier. I am just like you. Only prettier.”
Tori Lynn laughed at the expression on Melanie’s face. “Not bad for little girl from Kentucky, eh?”
“Did you just say, eh?” asked Colby
“Damn those Canadians” she answered “Well now that we got the band warmed up. How about we do our song?”
They began playing the opening bars of “Sleep With A Stranger.” When Sam walked out on the stage. “Wait a minute” he called “Tori Lynn have you been teasing our guests?”
“Maybe” she replied “I was taught not to be a bully but if someone starts a fight I better finish it. I was working on that when you interrupted.”
“You’ll forgive me” he said winking.
“What makes you so sure Sam Hunt?” she asked.
Chase came out of the other side of the wings “Because Neon Cathedral has the number one tune on iTunes as of 6pm today.” Tori Lynn clapped her hand over mouth in complete shock. “Don’t mess your make-up up doll face. Addi terrifies me.”They hugged Sam and Chase.
“Thank y’all so much to everyone who has downloaded this track. Y’all want to hear it?” said Colby.
“Make some noise for Neon Cathedral” yelled Chase. The crowd erupted into cheers. Tori Lynn and Colby played their song. As they neared the end of the song the crowd got even louder and people began snapping pictures of the stage. Tori Lynn turned around to see Neal smiling at her on the giant screen. She noticed they were in the somewhere in the Bridgestone and Jamie was in his base layers. Tori Lynn smiled from ear to ear. Chase pointed at the stage hand with an iPad. Tori Lynn waved at Neal.
Tori Lynn looked in to his smiling face and said the first thing that came to mind “Hey Stranger.”
The crowd began screaming Neal’s name “I think these people missed you” she replied taking the iPad and slowly panning the crowd. Tori Lynn slowed and made sure he saw Melanie and the Pens. “Make some noise for my boy show him y’all miss him.” More cheers.
“Number 1 on iTunes. I am so fucking proud of you!” She saw Shea smack him in the head “Ow, sorry no f bombs.”
“Don’t you have a hockey game to play?” asked Tori Lynn
“He’s worthless without you” called Shea. James smiled at her again sheepishly.
“I love you Victoria Lynn Hall. Knockem’ dead baby.” said Neal.
Tori Lynn didn’t say anything in reply. She simply turned her guitar over so that James could see his 18 on her guitar. His number that matched his sleeve. James breath caught for a moment. He was stunned. His number was there with Bodie’s. Tori Lynn blew him a kiss. “ My boyfriend James Neal, y’all.”
Tori Lynn and Colby wrapped up their set. Tori Lynn introduced Caanan Smith and they left the stage. Addi grabbed and her and hugged her. She then snuggled Colby. Chase, Sam, FGL, and apparently Thomas Rhett were all waiting on them.”
“You all killed out there baby girl” said Tyler.
“I sent the video to Carrie and Miranda of Only Prettier.” exclaimed Chase “It’s gone viral. Someone may or may not have leaked that Melanie was in the audience.”
“This is insane. Thank you guys for everything.” said Colby.
“Okay y’all love each other” yelled Addy “I’ve got to get her changed.”
The boys saluted Addi and allowed her to drag Tori Lynn away. Ten minutes later she was dressed again. Her hair now in a high curly ponytail. She was wearing a UK baseball shirt with a different pair of cutoffs and a pair of UK boots. She was clutching the shirt Neal sent Chase in her right hand. She waited for the stage hand to signal Chase finished his song and she stepped out of the wings.
“OH Chase” she called.
“Yes, darlin’” he drawled.
“Get your cameras ready Girls. There’s about to be gun show” whispered Tori Lynn to the crowd. “I do believe that this previous weekend you lost a very important bet. A serious bet. You seemed to believe that the UNC Tarheels would be able to defeat my University of Kentucky Wildcats. And you were….?”
“He was wrong” said Sam, Colby, Tyler, BK, and Caanan coming on to the stage.
“He was what boys? “asked Tori Lynn
“He was wrong” called the guys.
“And what was that bet?’ she asked.
Chase laughed “I believe the loser had to wear the shirt of the winning team.”
“The only Kentucky blue I see is on me Chase Rice. And you have that horrible baby blue shirt on.” She said sticking her tongue out. “Hey Sam?”
“Yes, angel” replied Sam coming to stand next to Tori Lynn.
“Take it off Chase” teased Tori Lynn. Chase handed his guitar to Tyler. He pulled his shirt off. The arena became deafening from the girls cheering. It was wall to wall flashes as Chase stood in just his jeans. “Right” said Tori Lynn “Sam do you know what Carolina Blue wants to be when it grows up?”
“Can’t say that a I do doll?” snickered Sam
Tori Lynn pulled the UK blue shirt from behind her back “It wants to be Kentucky blue.” They boys all started laughing. Tori Lynn handed him the shirt. “I hate to cover all this up” she said poking him in the abs. “But a bet is a bet.” Chase pulled on the shirt.Tori Lynn started to walk off the stage with the other guys but was snagged by Chase.
“Nope you pranced out here. Now get your guitar. I think you need a little country in ya.”
“You two are worse than an episode of I Love Lucy” replied Sam helping her with her guitar.
Tori Lynn put on an exaggerated pout “But Sammy I want to be in the show!”
Sam walked off stage laughing. She turned towards Chase. “Let’s get this show going again.”

“Baby girl you are the show” laughed Chase.

Notes

Tonight is anti formatting night on HFF