"Wait!" called Tori Lynn running towards Addi's perch on a speaker box. Tori Lynn pulled Neal's hoodie off and gave it to Addi. Then returned to her mark in the circle.
She was watching the arena staff and the technical crew prep for her set. Jason Aldean's road crew chief gave her a thumbs up. She once again skittered out of the circle. "Sorry!" she yelled to the crew.
Tori Lynn wound her long hair up into a messy bun. She kicked her shoes off and made her way back into the circle. She moved to her X and nodded that she was ready.
"You're going to be fine." said Sam from his seat beside Addi. "These guys know what they’re doing."
"You've seen Aldean's flaming guitar and his big ace of spade!" called BK from the audience where he was seated with Jason Aldean, Tyler, Chase, and Thomas Rhett.
"Shut it, Kelley!" exclaimed Tori Lynn "Your boy Aldean there isn't in the center of either of those pyros when they go up in flames. Nor does he have waist length hair that Addi keeps in a permanent flammable state."
"I'm right here with you," replied Colby "Plus the pyro guys have this under control."
Tori Lynn nodded and listened to the crew guys give her the instructions one more time. How in the hell had she agreed to this? Why was it a good idea to sing in a ring of fire?
"You want me in there with you?" asked Sam "You're small enough, I could cover you if things went sideways."
"Hush it, Sam Hunt." said Addi smacking his arm "You'll be fine, T. Your hair is up, you’re down to spandex, time to give it a go. I'm going to video it from here, and doll face will video it from the audience." Tori Lynn couldn't help but laugh when Thomas Rhett smiled at Addi. But then again, so did Tyler and BK. And they all had phones trained on her. Fucking funniest home videos here we come.
"Let's do this." she said in a small voice. She acknowledged the pyro guy’s final instructions. She took her first mark. They had laughed at her being adamant that she was not going to have her guitar in that circle until she knew exactly what was going down.
"Remember," said Mike the crew chief "When you say kick the footlight out, you hit that pedal. It will look like the light goes out. You turn, and walk back to the X, and by the time you get to the words “ring of fire” the entire circle will be in flames."
The band and Colby began playing the opening strains to Johnny and June. Tori Lynn was standing in the front of the circle with her blue sparkly microphone. The music swelled and she began singing...
Oh there's something 'bout a man in black,
Makes me want to buy a Cadillac,
Throw the top back,
And roll down to Jackson Town.
I wanna be there on the stage with you,
You and I could be the next rage to,
Here the crowd roar,
Make 'em want more,
I'll kick the footlights out.
Tori Lynn followed the instruction and hit the small pedal behind the foot light. The light went out and she moved back to the X while singing.
I wanna love like Johnny and June,
Rings of fire burnin' with you,
I wanna walk that line,
Walk the line,
'Til the end of time,
I wanna love,
Love ya that much,
Cash it all in,
Give it all up,
When you're gone,
I wanna go to,
Like Johnny and June
As she sang, the circle around her crackled and burned. Sure enough she had room to move and sing. She would be able to play her in guitar there. She worked up her courage to walk around as the flames died down. BK and the others were whooping and hollering from the seats. As she finished the last verse she walked straight out of the fire and off the stage. Tori Lynn could hear the boys yelling. Now that the adrenaline was over, and the fire out, she was freezing. Addi smiled and tossed her the hoodie. Sam jumped down from the speaker box as the others joined them on stage.
"I guess we call you Khaleesi now." teased Chase.
Tori Lynn raised an eye brow. Chase said "Game of Thrones, Dany, breaker of chains, mother of dragons, the unburnt?"
"Now I know what we need to binge watch on the next tour." said Sam.
"You've not watched Game of Thrones?" asked Addi "Even your mafia keeps up with it."
"Nope, I pretty much watch UK basketball and hockey. Occasionally, CMT." replied Tori Lynn "And now The Walking Dead. I blame Hunt." She nodded her head towards Sam "It's not scary, he says. You'll love it, he says. It is scary, but I do love it." She leveled a look at Sam "Any chance you can get Norman Reedus on stage with me?"
"Neal says, no." laughed Sam "Tyler you’ve officially been replaced."
"Aww come on." goaded Tyler "You can't just swap long haired Florida boys. I've got a bow."
Tori Lynn laughed and headed off stage "I'll think about it!" she called over shoulder. She heard the boys laughing. She walked face first into Addi.
"Anything you want to tell me?" asked Addi.
"It wasn't as scary as I thought. You were right, it will look awesome." she sighed.
"I knew that already. Nothing else you need to tell me?" fished Addi
"Nope." shrugged Tori Lynn "I'm going to go catch Neal after practice. He naps on non game days when bored."
Addison stomped her foot. She heard the boys laughing. "You girls get along if you can." drawled Tyler.
"It's her birthday!" exclaimed Addison "Her fucking birthday, and she has said nothing to any of us."
"Jesus, Addi." laughed Sam "You've been holding that in all morning. I’m proud of ya, Boo."
"My head has nearly exploded, Sam Hunt, and you tease me." pouted Addi "What do we do? She obviously doesn't want to share it with us. I wouldn't know if Mamaw hadn’t texted while she was working the fire. Oh, and in my panic I deleted it. I'm not even sure if Neal knows. We’re in Memphis, he needs to get his ass down here. It's her fucking birthday!"
"Being a celebrity does have some perks." replied Jason Aldean. He called for his production assistant. After 15 minutes she left with orders to find someone that could do a rush job on a 50's themed birthday cake. She was also to find several items that were listed that the boys wanted to give Tori Lynn. Addi rushed after her talking a mile a minute.
"Should we grab Addi?" asked BK
"Nah," laughed Jason "They’ll get it done. But someone better get hockey boy up here."
"On it!" called Chase pulling out his phone and texting Neal.

Chase: Do you know why today is special?
Neal: I didn't realize we had this kind of relationship Rice.
Chase: I am serious!
Neal: Ummm.....
Chase: When is TL's birthday?
Neal: ummm...
Chase: That is not the right answer... the answer is today.
Neal: No way!
Chase: Yes! Mamaw texted when TL was on stage. Addison panicked and deleted it. She asked TL if there was anything she wanted to tell us and she said no.
Neal: Hang on let me text Fisher

Neal fumbled around with his phone. Damn it, he should know her birthday. Did she know his birthday? Hell, she could google him and figure it out.

Neal: Hey Fisher do you have like an employee file on Tori Lynn?
Fisher: Maybe
Neal: Can you do me a solid and tell me when Tori Lynn's birthday is?

Fisher: You don't know when your girl's birthday is?!
Neal: It's never come up! And most of the girls I've been with have been great at leaving me not so subtle hints of what they expect.
Fisher: Real girls don't do that... but I still had to google Carrie's
Neal: Help me out...
Fisher: It's today.
Neal: Damn it how far apart are Memphis and Nashville.
Fisher: 3 hours by car 35 minutes by air
Neal: Fuck! its already 11:30
Fisher: Call this number 901-354-7999 talk to Wayne. He'll get you there.
Neal: Is this like Bruce Wayne... Batman?... I joke
Fisher: No it's a helicopter pilot jackass.
Neal: Thanks
Fisher: It won't be cheap
Neal: Never is but she’s worth it. I'll be back by morning skate.
Fisher: Tell her Happy Birthday from The Fischer’s!
Neal: You mean The Underwood’s? Will do
Fisher: Really?
Neal: …sorry…habit
Neal then turned his attention back to Chase. He sent him a quick message. Chase had promised to have someone waiting on him at the airport. James made a hotel reservation in Memphis and flight plans. Wayne had been waiting for his call. He quickly tossed a few things into an overnight bag. He was throwing his shaving kit in his bag when his phone chimed.
Sam: Wear all black
Neal: We going to a funeral?
Sam: Nope, you will be part of the show. Black on black. Prove you really can be the Johnny to her June.
Neal: On it.
Sam: Don't fuck this up
Neal shook his head, everyone still thought he would fuck her over somehow. No one seemed to understand that it would kill him if she left. Nixon looked up at him. His big boxy heading raising and pushing at his leg. Nixon followed him to the closet when he failed to stop and pet him. He sat in the floor whining.

"I know, Dude. But it's her birthday. I'll get Matti to come down and check on you. You'll be fine." He whined again. "No, you aren't going with me." He sank to the floor and put his paws over his eyes. "That only works with Tori Lynn, buddy." Nixon groaned and then left the closet to lay on Tori Lynn's pillow. "She'll be home on Saturday." Nixon made a huffing sound and laid his head on her pillow. Before James could make it to the shower the dog was asleep.
James heard his phone chime again. He leaned out and grabbed the phone off the vanity. It was Tori Lynn facetiming him. He debated whether to answer or ignore it. But couldn't bring himself to ignore her.
"Hey" he said clicking the phone on. Tori Lynn looked at him. He started laughing.
"I thought we made a no naked facetime rule?" she responded.
"No, I told you to quit facetiming the Pens from the bathtub. Gonna give Sid a heart attack." teased Neal
"Pauly doesn't mind." shrugged Tori Lynn "In fact, I think we might both take a bubble bath next time."
"No fucking taking a bubble bath, virtual or otherwise, with Pauly." growled James
“But he was gonna wear his rubber ducky floaty!” she exclaimed.
Tori Lynn started laughing. He loved that sound. He shook his head, he knew she was just goading him on, but he didn't want anyone around her naked.
"Good to know you care, Nealer." she smirked "So what's on the agenda today? I just did my new song it's pretty wild. And I didn't explode so that's a plus."
"Not much for me." he replied "Hanging with Nixon. Not exploding is good. Though, it's concerning that’s an option. Anything besides not blowing up going on with you?"
"Aww, where is Nixon? I miss my boy. Did you lock him out of the bathroom again? He get's lonely, James."
"He's currently drooling on your pillow." said James in disgust "I thought I would get to sleep with it and feel like you were around. Nope, giant dog. He used to be a manly dog. Now he’s a lap dog."
"And don't you forget it." she stated "Tonight in Memphis, then I'll be home for Christmas."
"I know babe, can't wait. I've gotten all kinds of shopping done."
"We've talked about this." she admonished.
"Nothing for you. You’re on my naughty list. But I may have gone overboard for Nat from me and you." he said sheepishly
"I got Nat a guitar." she said scrunching up her nose.
"Then we definitely went overboard." he laughed "Plans for after the show tonight?"
"I think Sam and I are going to start on something called Game of Thrones."
"I love that show. The dragon chick is…" he stopped talking mid sentence.
"Is what, James Deter Neal?" she laughed
"She alright." he said backtracking.
"Your water is getting cold. Text me when you wake up from your nap." she said stifling a laugh.
"Between you and the dragon girl I need a cold shower."
"Shut it, Neal." she replied "I love you. Kiss Nixon for me."
"Fine be that way." he pouted "I love you, too. And no kissing Nixon before you kiss me."
"We shall see Neal, we shall see!" she chided disconnecting the phone.
Neal was laughing as he soaked his head. He had gone and bought a bottle of her shampoo because he missed her so much. He realized he was ridiculous, but didn't give a fuck. He also came to the realization that if the birthday girl wanted Nixon, the birthday girl got Nixon. She had bought Nixon a stupid bow tie. Neal had dared her to put it on the pit. And now to make her happy he was going to put the damn bow tie on the dog. He could hear Stammer and the boys laughing now.
James threw on a pair of jeans and a black v neck t-shirt. He grabbed a ball cap and didn't bother fixing his hair. He grabbed his black suit, black shirt, and black tie. He threw it in a garment bag. He dug for the bow tie and Nixon's harness. He stuffed the tie and the dog's treats, travel bowls, and food into his carry on. Nixon had followed him into the kitchen as Neal had managed to make noise with the treat bag. "Let's go find Tori Lynn." he said to the dog. Nixon lolled his head to the side. James would almost swear the dog smiled. Then again, he probably had an equally dopey look on his face. Soon they were harnessed and out the door, heading to the private airstrip.
Wayne eyed Nixon suspiciously. "He gonna do ok on the flight?" he asked.
"He's only flown on commercial planes in the cargo hold, but he is pretty chill." Neal replied "Go find Tori Lynn." he commanded pointing at the helicopter. Nixon whined when he realized Tori Lynn wasn't in the contraption. James buckled him into the seat beside him with the harness. Only a few hours until they would see Tori Lynn. Before the helicopter could take off his cell phone rang. He looked down and noticed the call was from Tori Lynn's Mamaw, Gemma.
"Hey, Mamaw." said Neal.
"Don't, hey Mamaw, me boy" she replied "You figure out what today is yet?"
"Yes Ma'am, it's Tori Lynn's birthday." he answered "I am on my way to Memphis now."
"And people say you’re all face." laughed Mamaw "Now don't go making a big deal. She doesn't like it. She thinks it's hard on her momma with her brother gone."
"I don't even have a present for her yet. I'll get one as soon as I touch down in Memphis."
"Boy, if you think you need a present for her you still don't know my baby well. Are you flying?"
"I chartered a helicopter."
"Again, more money than sense."
"She keeps saying that, too." he replied as Nixon whined.
"Was that the dog?" asked Mamaw
"Yep, she said she missed him when I talked to her earlier. So, I brought him with me to see her."
"See boy, you know more than you let on. She’ll be happy enough with just you two as her present. Oh, and a chocolate cherry cupcake."
"I’ll get on that cupcake as soon as I get to the hotel, Mamaw. I can charter a plane if you all want to come to Memphis tonight. You, her mom, her dad, Marcus, or all of Hodgenville."
"And he's back." laughed Mamaw "I see y'all on Saturday. You best not lose that game, boy."
"Can't wait for you guys to come down. It's the Leafs, we got this."
"Don't get cocky, boy. Give my girl a kiss for me."
“You got it, Mamaw.”
James laughed, her mamaw was a trip. He knew where Tori Lynn got the majority of her sass. He knew she was excited her family was coming to Nashville. James stroked Nixon’s big blocky head then put on the headphones to be able to hear the pilot. “We’ll see her soon.” He said to the baby-fied Pit Bull currently giving him the stink eye.

True to his word, Chase had a production assistant at the helicopter pad awaiting his arrival. The poor girl was frazzled. She escorted him to a black SUV. She then turned to him “I need to know now if you need anything for tonight for Tori Lynn. And I am serious, last call on the crazy request!!!!”
“Umm, I need a chocolate cherry cupcake and a bottle of cherry Coke.”
“That’s it? A cupcake and a Coke.” She said eye him with concern.
“Yep, cherry though.” he reminded.
“So the pro hockey dude is the low maintenance one of the group?” she asked
“Maybe…just don’t ask Tori.”
She pulled out her phone and rapidly began texting. After a series of back and forth messages she turned to Neal “Okay, it’s done. No take backs.”

“Oh, you’ve spent the day with Hurricane Addi.” he said laughing “Compared to Addi those Kardashians are low key.”
“It’s not just her, it’s all of them. Normally, I am calm. But today is plan a super big surprise in 4 hours day. I would have done this weeks ago.”
“Tori Lynn doesn’t make a big deal about it because of her family. Hard to celebrate one child when it reminds you the other has passed away. She would be happy with a Twinkie and Ski. So whatever you have thrown together will make her happy.”
“They really didn’t know?” she asked incredulously
“Nope, I had to call Carrie Underwood’s husband, Mike Fisher, and ask.” he replied “Surprise.”
“You didn’t know either?”
“I kinda suck at this while boyfriend thing.”
“Yes, because flying to her concert on your day off makes you a fuck up.”
“So you are who’s assistant?” He asked laughing.
“You can bitch to Aldean, but his momma hired me.”
“Not going to bitch. Was going to order one of you for Tori Lynn.”
“She will have Addi, and we all know it’s a matter of time before the machine kicks Colby to her tour manager or guitarist.”
“She won’t have it.” Replied Neal
“He wants to be home with his friend.” She said as they pulled into the hotel.
“His friend’s name is Kase. We have been wallowing in bourbon while they have been gone.”
“Very progressive, Mr. Neal.”
“He makes Colby happy, Colby makes Tori Lynn happy, so it all works. Plus, Kase is a hell of a guy.”
“You aren’t what I expected.” She said “I’m Daphne.”
Neal shook her hand “James Neal,” he replied as he helped Nixon out of the SUV. “And this handsome devil is Nixon. He used to be a manly dog, but now he is a 100lb lap dog.” Nixon made chuffing sound. Neal scratched his blocky head. “I know; your mama says I’m giving you a complex.” He whined and pulled on the harness. Daphne laughed as they entered the hotel. “We’ll see her in a few hours, Nixy.”

Notes

Hey All, sorry be working like crazy. Now laid off and searching for jobs. But that means more time for writing. Hope everyone is still reading. Love you like crazy. Heather