What Dreams Forget

Tori Lynn handed her guitar to a stage hand. She and Chase had just finished “Do It Like This.” Tori Lynn made it to the wings of the stage before being accosted by Addison.



“You only have 3 songs to completely change before y’all do ride. I have to completely re-do your hair. Hurry!” admonished Addison “Move your cute booty.” Addison herded her to a make-up station. Addi looked at her expectantly “Strip woman, we are running out of time.”



Tori Lynn pulled off the cut-offs and tossed them towards the wardrobe lady. She pulled the UK shirt over her head and handed it to the same woman. “That one is mine not the tours.” She loved that shirt. Tori Lynn noticed Colby standing in front of her holding a white dress… er, nightgown. Tori Lynn accepted the lacy garment. She pulled it over her head. Whoa! She didn’t remember this dress from the fashion show. It was practically transparent and most of the girls were exposed.



“I don’t remember trying this on.” stated Tori Lynn “It’s a little…”



“Yes, it even gives me the tingles.” sassed Colby “Lose the bra, boo. It’s tacky.”



Tori Lynn smacked Colby and then threw her sparkly bra at his head. Yep, there were the girls on display. Addi shoved her into the make-up chair and began fussing with her make-up. Luckily they just needed a lipstick change. Her hair however was an entirely different issue. It needed to be bed head sexy. Addi pulled it free from the high ponytail. Luckily the curls were still holding.



“Flip your head over” instructed Addi. She began spraying and working with Tori Lynn. She teased, curled, and manipulated Tori Lynn’s hair within an inch of its life. “Okay, up.”



“Yes, master.” laughed Tori Lynn. She caught a glimpse of the bouffant mess in the mirror. “This is big even by Southern standards.”



“Hush,” admonished Addi “I’m not done yet.”



“Here.” said Colby handing her a pair of pale coral Nike Pros. Tori Lynn eyed him suspiciously. “That dress and stage lights are stuff TMZ is made for. Let’s not show ’em everything. Her hair isn’t right. It’s too beauty pageant.” She wiggled into the spandex as he assessed her.



“I’m tryin’ my best here.” said Addi “I just keep making it bigger.”



“And the next contestant is Miss Tori Lynn…” began Sam



“Shut it, Hunt! Or I will take you out.” exclaimed Addison. Sam started laughing.



“I can fix it.” said Sam.



“Oh, now he’s a beautician.” sassed Addi



“Nah, but my granny was.” laughed Sam. He crooked a finger at Tori Lynn.

“Be nice, Sam.” stated Tori Lynn



“I’m always nice, Darlin’.” he said winking. Tori Lynn stepped up beside Sam. Sam pulled her over closer. He tipped her face up towards his. “I forget how tiny you are.”



“Maybe you’re just a giant.” shrugged Tori Lynn “You’re the one who is 17 inches taller than me. It’s just more noticeable because I’m barefoot.”



“You keep telling yourself that, Darlin’.” smirked Sam. He slid his giant hands into the hair at the nape of her neck. Sam moved his hand to tilt her head farther back. Sam’s hand glided through her hair a few times. He stood back and looked at the mess he made of her hair. His hands captured her face on each side. He tousled her hair a little more. He then leaned in a gave her a kiss near the corner of her mouth “You’ll do.” he stated.


“Tori Lynn!” called a stage hand “Need you at your marker for Ride.”


“Coming!” she smiled up at Sam “Thanks, Sammy. Gotta go get it on with Chase.”



Sam was staring after her as she went. Thirteen days sooner and she would have been single. Hell, Halloween and she was single. “Later!” he called to Addi and Colby



Addi eyed Colby as Sam walked away. “What was that?” she asked.



“Not sure. But dude totally stole my hair move.” groused Colby.



“Yeah, but you didn’t look like you wanted to eat her.” replied Addison



“Most guys look at her that way.” shrugged Colby “But I think you two should stay on the Chase bus.”



“Yes, dad. No worries. I’m not sure our girl takes anyone but Neal serious.” said Addi “Move your ass Colby, I want to see this performance. It was total smoke show in rehearsals.”



“You just want to see Chase.” replied Colby.



“Like you don’t, Mr. My Hot Boyfriend is Nashville.”



“What is Chase wearing during this?’ asked Colby



“He was going to wear a white tee and jeans and go barefoot. But I think bet dictated he has to remain in the UK shirt. So we will see. But not if you don’t move your booty.”



Colby grabbed her by the hand and pulled Addi into the wings of the stage. They were far enough in to see the entire stage. The stage was dark as Chase made his way to the side of the stage and tossed his boots to a stage hand. The stagehands manipulated the stage configuration. A large staircase now loomed in the background and Chase’s piano was on the stage. Addi grabbed her phone from her pocket and started recording the scene in front of her. She had a feeling that Tori Lynn and Chase would be making this an official video for the song. Meanwhile she could post this one. The stage lights came on to a level that could only be described as intimate. The band was around, but not seen. Chase began playing the opening notes. You could you hear Tori Lynn before you could see her. Addi’s breath caught as she watched Tori Lynn descend the stairs. In the white lace dress back lit she looked like an angel. Which was a complete juxsaposition to the sexual nature of the song.


Chase rose from the piano as she made her way to the bottom. The band picked up before the lyrics began. Addi kept filming as Chase picked her up from the stairs and sat her on the piano. Tori Lynn sat facing the piano bench clutching her sparkling microphone. He resumed his seat at the piano. And began singing. Chase grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her closer. Tossing her heels to the floor.


“Take off those heels, lay on my bed
Whisper dirty secrets while I’m pulling on your hair
Poison in our veins, but we don’t even care
Candles dripping on your body, baby this ain’t truth or dare”



Chase left his seat at the piano again and stepped between Tori Lynn’s legs as the second lyric began. Addi could hear the moment Tori Lynn began singing.


“Everybody wonders where we’ve run off to
My body on your body, baby sticking like some glue
Naughty, let’s get naughty, girl it’s only one or two
The fever’s fucking running, feel the heat between us two!”



Chase pushed her back so that she was laying on top of the piano. He was still standing between her legs. “Damn.” said Colby looking at Addi.


“I know, right?” replied Addi. She kept the phone focused on the stage.


“I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night
I’m gon’ take care of your body,
I’ll be gentle, don’t you scream
It’s getting hotter, make it softer,
Feel your chest on top of me.
I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night
I’m gon’ make you feel that loving,
Getting weak all in your knees.
Kiss your body from the tip top,
All the way down to your feet.”


Chase pulled Tori Lynn up against him. He pulled her off the piano. She slid down his body to her feet. They walked hand and hand to the front of the stage.


“Oh, oh, oh, and we can go slow, slow
Yeah we can go slow, oh, oh, oh
Lay on your back, you like it right there
Don’t have to say it twice
Love, there’s nothing here to fear
Taking it back, back to where it’s clear
Rolling on and on, sounds of love are in the air!”



Chase and Tori Lynn were walking still hand and hand down the runaway. People were going crazy. There were cameras going off everywhere. Chase turned her to face him and pulled her flush against his body. It was just them and the microphones. Addi wasn’t even sure that they were aware of the crowd in the arena.


“I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night
I’m gon’ take care of your body,
I’ll be gentle, don’t you scream
It’s getting hotter, make it softer,
Feel your chest on top of me.
I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night
I’m gon’ make you feel that loving,
Getting weak all in your knees.
Kiss your body from the tip top,
All the way down to your feet.”


Tori Lynn looked up at Chase and smiled before the next lyric.


“Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah
The suns coming up, oh
You’re on my side, oh
I rub your thigh, oh
You look in my eyes, oh
And I just see the sky (see the sky)
I’m so high but I ain’t smoked yet,
I’m just coming down from this!
“I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night
I’m gon’ take care of your body,
I’ll be gentle, don’t you scream
It’s getting hotter, make it softer,
Feel your chest on top of me.
I’m gon’ ride, I’m gon’ ride
I’m gon’ ride, I’m, I’m gon’ ride on you baby
On you lady, all night, all, all night


They ended the song with Chase pressing her against the piano. The lights went down as it looked like they might kiss. Addi quit recording and sent the file to Neal. When the lights came back up Tori Lynn was seated at the piano. She was playing the piano. They began Chase’s song “Jack Daniels and Jesus.” Addi leaned against Colby. She smiled up at him “Y’all are going to be famous.”


Chase left the stage after that song. Tori Lynn ran back stage. She heard Colby on the stage introducing Sam Hunt. She was all smiles when Addi shoved her in the make-chair. “Oh honey, that was amazing.” Addi was busy braiding sections of her hair “I recorded it. I sent it to Neal.”
“I think that was one of my favorite performances so far.” replied Tori Lynn “What am I getting ready for now?”



“Sam’s guitar acoustic set. He said bohemian,” said Addi “So I’ll give it to him. You grab that outfit and put it on. Then I will finish your hair.”



Tori Lynn grabbed the t-shirt. She smiled. It was one of the favorite ones she had picked. It been modified into rippy, fringed crop top and said “I rather be somebody’s shot of whiskey than everyone’s cup of tea.” Tori Lynn got out of the lacy dress and into the tank. She shimmed out of the booty shorts and pulled on the bell bottom holey jeans. “I look like a damn hippie!” exclaimed Tori Lynn



“Damn straight.” laughed Addi twisting Tori Lynn’s hair into a halo of braids. Addison touched up her lips and applied another coat of mascara.



“Shoes?” asked Tori Lynn



“Sam said barefoot and acoustic.” shrugged Addi.



“Tori Lynn!” called the stage hand “10 minutes until you need to be on your mark. We have everything in place for “This How We Roll. The Pens have provided jerseys for FGL, Sam, Caanan, Chase, Colby, and you.”



“I’ve got this, I don’t need a jersey/” she answered.



“Ma’am, Mr. Malkin insisted that you need to wear this jersey. He said that I need to make sure. Have you looked at Mr. Malkin?”



“Yes, Geno is a teddy bear. And I will deal with the Russian Bear later. Have it ready.” Said Tori Lynn exasperated “Addi, now I have Pens bossing me around.”



“And you love it.” said Chase “Damn, baby girl. I think I like the wardrobe changes. I knew when I saw the white dress.”


Addi pulled out her phone and handed it to Chase so he could watch the performance. They were all discussing the performance. Tori Lynn was pacing in the wings waiting. It seemed like hurry up and wait. This was the least fun part. When the lights went down the PA told her to stay in the wings until Sam asked for her. It was less than a minute before Sam asked her to join him.
Sam addressed the crowd “We are going slow this down. Go acoustic. Gonna have a good time. Miss Tori Lynn and I have not rehearsed this exactly but this is what happens when we get together at her and Neal’s apartment in Nashville. There is always something going on.” Tori Lynn waved at the crowd as she came back on stage. She sat on the bar stool beside Sam and held her acoustic. Sam winked at her “I’ll make you famous.”


“Well if we are quoting Tombstone y’all know its gonna be a great time.” entoned Tori Lynn. Sam nodded at a band mate and he started playing the guitar. She followed along as he and Sam sang “I Can’t Make You Love Me.”


When the song came to an end Sam teased her saying “Jump in. She’s not shy. Come on, Tori Lynn. This one is all you.” Tori Lynn’s smile was beautific. She strummed along as the played “Fancy.” The crowd went wild at Sam and Tori singing together. Cameras were recording every second. They moved into “Girls Just Want To Have Fun.”


“Alright, Boo. Ladies choice.” interjected Sam. She leaned over and whispered to Sam. “You got it.”

Tori Lynn spoke to the crowd “This song is for my brother, for Luc, and anyone else gone way to soon.” Tori Lynn began playing. Sam and the guys joined in. She began to sing “It’s been a long day without you my friend.”


Sam started singing “Damn who knew.” It was something unexpected and amazing. Tori Lynn watched as the fans started swaying with their phone lights on. It was like a ballet of fireflies. Tori Lynn hoped that the song meant something to someone. Maybe make someone miss their person a little less. Tori Lynn made eye contact with Kris. He was holding Cathy. He was obviously emotional. She knew this was a bond that her and Kris would never break. Sam was watching her intently. She was truly amazing.


As the song ended Tori Lynn thanked the fans. “Now for some fun.” He pulled Tori Lynn to her feet. He placed her guitar in a stand. The band and Sam launched into Whitney Houston’s “I Want To Dance With Someone.” Tori Lynn couldn’t help but laugh as pictures of her teaching Matti to dance with Sam and Chase popped up as they sang. Tori Lynn sang along and dance there with Sam. “Ladies and gentleman, give it up for my partner in crime, Miss Tori Lynn Hall.” Sam hugged her and she waved leaving the stage.


The rest of Sam’s set and the FGL set flew by. Addi helped her change into a Neal Pred’s tank and cutoffs. She left her hair alone. The stage hands were herding all them to the stage. She saw FGL in the wings jerking on Pens jersey with their names. The rest of the boys followed suit. She was handed a jersey as she made her way towards the stage. She noticed the 18 on the sleeve. Of course the crazy Russian gave her a Neal Pen’s jersey. She pulled it on. They headed to the stage. FGL began the song. Everyone singing and playing along. Tori Lynn was dancing near the VIP area. She could see the Pens and of course Melanie. Geno kept making hand gestures to turn around. She finally turned and the crowd got louder. She then saw it on the Tron. Her jersey read “FutureMrsNeal”. Tori Lynn just laughed. Geno just threw the trump card for her.



“How come your special?” called BK noticing her jersey wasn’t the standard 14 jersey they all had.


“I’m blaming them.” she said pointing at the Pens. The crowd roared as it showed the Pens on the Tron. Geno smiling and nodding. “And he has no shame.”


“You love!” yelled Geno. And he was right. Tori Lynn and the crew waved good-bye. It was all FGL now. No more changes. She couldn’t wait to crash.


Backstage she slid her feet into her Uggs. Addi was all packed. They made their way to the waiting bus. Chase gave Addi the rundown of the bus.


“I can’t wait to look at YouTube.” said Chase “It was Tori Lynn Live.” He pulled three beers and a cherry coke out of the fridge. “Time to celebrate.”

Notes

Yeah it let me space