What Dreams Forget

"Why you do that pretty" said G coming over to the stage "Why you hurt Lazy?"

"Hurt" she laughed "Please I couldn't hurt him with a stick of dynamite."

"No you hurt Lazy's feels" said Geno looking very grim "for serious pretty why you mean to him."

"Lazy doesn't have feels" she replied. Geno picked her up from the edge of the stage. He carried her to the table and sat her down between Pete and Kris.

"He has lots of feels" said G "Maybe you not have feels." Tori Lynn looked at G then across the floor to Neal at the bar. She pulled on her boots. Letang handed her a cherry coke. She thanked him. He told her it was all Nealsy. Geno looked at her. She finished the drink and levered herself up out of her chair.

"Fine" she said to G "I will go apologize for hurting his feels." Geno smiled at her. "You like Lazy if you give him chance. Lazy decent. You be surprised by Lazy."

"Yeah well you crazy Russian I don't want to be surprised by Lazy." she snapped. Geno started laughing at her.

"Too late" called G at Tori Lynn as she started across the bar. Letang and Sid asked G what was too late. "I'm still best wing guy for Lazy." Marc-Andre looked confused. G pointed to Tori Lynn approaching Neal.

"What are you up to you crazy Russian bastard" asked Letang.

"G" started Sid "I'm not sure setting him up for Clune to kill him is a good plan. You know he can't handle a real girl."

"Lazy needs real girl. Not reporter who make famous. Not some puck fuck. Lazy need someone tell him it's bullshit." said Geno "Beside Lazy already like pretty girl. Geno knows these things."

"Geno is right" said Pete "Jamie is gone over her. He watches her every move. I have not saw him this way since he was in high school."

"You really think he likes Tori Lynn" asked Sid "More than just an one time fuck."

"I do" replied Pete "Now if she will just get over her bullshit." The boys were all huddled together watching Tori Lynn approach Neal. "So who wants to bet on how fast they get together."

"I give you $100 they be together by next Friday" said Geno handing Pete a bill.

"I'm gonna put $100 on she never goes for it" replied Sid

"$100 on Neal can't close in less than a month" said Marc-Andre.

"Here's $100 that if Tori Lynn finds out she kicks all your asses" laughed Pauly.

"Tonight" said Letang handing over the money.

Pete threw his money in the pile "I think she will be with Jamie by the next home game." Richie and several girls came over to the table. Richie was telling the girls who the boys were. Apparently slutty cowgirls liked hockey boys.

"What are you pricks betting on" asked Richie.

"What type of antibiotics you are gonna need from those chicks" laughed Pete.

"Watch it Baby Neal" smirked Richie "Or I won't share."

The girls were all over the boys when Tori Lynn glanced back at the table. Neal still had his back to the table and was posted up at the bar. Tori Lynn noticed he had a beer in his left hand and what looked like bourbon on the rocks in his right.

"Double fisting it Neal" asked Tori Lynn coming up on his right hand side. She sat her empty glass on the bar beside Neal.

"Yep" replied Neal "One more thing I am sure you don't like about me."

"Look I wasn't trying to decide between you and the bar floor. I really just wanted my boots. I am not some damsel in distress that needs to be carried around and rescued." explained Tori Lynn. James didn't bother looking at her. He motioned for the bartender as he drained the bourbon. She stood beside him for a moment then turned to walk off.

"Don't you want another cherry coke?"asked Neal still not looking at her. Tori Lynn came back to stand beside him. She smiled up at James. Fuck thought James. One smile and I am goo. He ordered her another cherry coke and a Booker's on the rocks for himself.

"Not a bad choice Neal" said Tori Lynn "I prefer Woodford though"

James looked down at Tori Lynn "So you like bourbon?" asked Neal.

"I don't drink" she replied "I do however make bourbon balls at Christmas."

"You don't drink at all?" he asked her cautiously as he sat the beer on the bar.

"Nope I've never had a drink. I promised Bodie I wouldn't." she explained "My brother was an alcoholic and a drug user. He and Richie used to have a good time with each other. Richie got clean. Bodie tried but failed."

"So Bodie is your brother." said James carefully he knew that she usually had a wounded look when anyone mentioned Bodie.

"Bodie was my brother" she replied picking up her drink. She took a drink before turning those icy eyes at Neal "He died of a drug overdose 2 years ago." James looked at her and had no idea what to say. "It's not a big deal James. Bodie made his choices. I make my own."

"Well if it still hurts you it's still a big deal. Does it bother you if I drink?" he asked cautiously.

"I sing in bars Neal" she replied "I would prefer you not be sloppy drunk. And no drinking and
driving ever. Promise me that Neal. I'll even give you my number in case you need a dd."

"Deal" said James handing her his phone. Tori Lynn entered her number into his phone. James took the phone back and texted her number.

"Now you have mine in case you need help unloading your guitars and other stuff." replied James. "or if you need me to line out Richie's crazy ass."

"I can take care of Richie" she replied "no worries."

"I have no doubt. But extra muscle never hurts." laughed James.

"I guess. By the way the Pens fans behind me were majorly impressed by the Whalers jersey. Any reason why you didn't mention it was your jersey?" asked Tori Lynn

"You wouldn't have worn it if you had known." he replied "No fears. I wouldn't let anyone tweet a pic of you in it. Wouldn't want Brad to see."

"You know I am not some puck bunny who would sleep with Marchand just because of who he is." she stated "I like the guy. I love his attitude."

"But you can judge me based on a snippet of time in one game?" replied James

"Damn that Russian" replied Tori Lynn.

"What does G have to do with anything?" asked James

"He was right" said Tori Lynn "I didn't mean to judge you or hurt your feels as Geno says."

"Fuck that Russian bastard. You didn't hurt my feelings." said James looking away from her and back at his bourbon.

"The Real Deal doesn't feel" she asked playfully. James opened his mouth then slammed it closed. He had nothing to say that didn't make him a total douchebag. Either he lied and said he could care less what she thought of him or he could tell her that it bothered him that she didn't like him. Either way was kind of pathetic. Tori Lynn grabbed his hand and pulled him away from the bar. "Come let's get you and your feels back over to your down home boys before Letang causes a cowgirl riot."

James laughed and let her lead him across the bar. As they approached the table Richie looked at their joined hands and then glared at Nealer. James shrugged his shoulders but didn't release her hand. They came to rest in front of his friends. Neal laughed apparently a sundresses and boots were the Nashville uniform for puck sluts. One of the girls appeared more interested in riding Kris than a horse. Then again the redhead snuggling up to Sid looked like a handful. Geno smiled at him and Tori Lynn. James noticed the set of twins between G and Pete. Paul nudge him and pointed towards the dance floor with a blonde in tow. Marc- Andre was sitting at the table and appeared to be facetiming Vero.

James pulled Tori Lynn towards Marc-Andre. James snagged the phone from the goalie. "Vero" called James "Marc-Andre wouldn't let me score." The brunette on the phone laughed. "Oui, he doesn't 'ave to make you look good James. Not anymore" James smirked at her "I always look good Vero." She smiled at him. Vero then noticed the girl at James shoulder "Who iz that?" asked Vero "Did you finally get rid of Melanie?" James held the phone out so Vero could see him and Tori Lynn. "Bonsoir" replied Vero "I am Marc-Andre's wife Vero." Tori Lynn smiled at the pretty brunette. "Hey." called Tori Lynn. "Marc-Andre sent me a video of you singing. Beautiful. You keep Jamie in line." Tori Lynn shook her head "Oh no Vero! Neal and I aren't anything." Vero threw her head back and laughed "Oui" said Vero "And you are holding hands?" Tori Lynn looked at their hands and dropped Neal's hand."Iz okay" replied Vero "Our Jamie can be charming." Tori Lynn laughed "I've yet to see that part." James intervened and told Vero that Tori Lynn was a Boston fan. Vero pulled a face. "She loves Brad Marchand." said James "Oh Jamie surely not." replied Vero. Tori Lynn laughed as Marc-Andre plucked the phone away. "Get away from my wife Neal." James laughed. "She loves me Flowers."

"So you were close with your team in Pittsburg?" asked Tori

"Yeah, I miss them. I was really close with Pauly and G. But Vero is my girl. She calls me on my shit." shrugged Neal "We had a lot of gathering over at their home. They have 2 cute kids. Estelle loves Uncle Jamie."

"Wouldn't have pegged you for a kid person Neal." she replied.

"Yeah well stick around and get to know me." said Neal winking at her.

"Damn you Geno" called Tori Lynn wheeling around at glaring at the big Russian.

"What" said Geno innocently with one twin on his lap.

"You set me up." she replied looking at Neal.

"No pretty that all you." laughed Geno "Give Lazy chance it not all Real Deal."

"You aren't my favorite Russian anymore" called Tori Lynn

"What?" called Geno "You no like another Russian more than me. Who you think your Russian now?"

"Nuke" she replied

"He is baby." laughed Geno "Plus his English no is good."

Tori Lynn threw her head back and laughed. "Well he is my favorite right now."

"Your girl is mean Lazy. Now she hurt my feels." said G pouting.

"You apparently started this whole feels thing G" laughed James. Geno dislodged the blonde on his lap and moved towards James and Tori Lynn. Tori Lynn laughed and motioned for Geno to lean down. She kissed G on the cheek. "There now your feels are fine." Geno smiled at Tori Lynn. Letang looked at Tori Lynn and said something to the effect that his feels were hurt as well. He leaned over for a kiss. Tori Lynn pushed him away. "Yeah but I don't know where that mouth has been."

The boys all started laughing. Sid rounded everyone up. The boys paid the bar tabs and went out to catch cabs. They decided that Tori Lynn, Pete, James, Richie, and Richie's friend would take one cab. And the Pens another. They all said their good byes and piled in the cabs. Tori Lynn, Richie and friend were in the back bench seat. At least they were until Richie and his friend were making out and Tori Lynn was afraid of being groped. Pete was nearly passed out in one seat and James was staring out the other window. Tori Lynn came out of the back seat and squeezed into the seat with Neal. James looked at her.

"Miss me?" he teased looking in the back seat

"Um I think she grabbed my left breast" said Tori Lynn "Not into that kind of thing"

"If things get to wild at Richie's come over." said James "I can crash on the couch"

"I will be fine." said Tori Lynn.

"Well I have lived with him on several occasions. It either crank the beats headphones or make yourself scarce." laughed James looking at the couple making out in the back seat "and I will bet you money she is a screamer."

"Gross, James" said Tori Lynn. James laughed and wrapped an arm around Tori Lynn securing her into the seat. After a few more minutes they arrived at the apartment. They piled out of the van. James paid the cabbie. They all rode the elevator together and disappeared into their respective apartments.

Tori Lynn went straight to her room. She threw on her pjs. Richie and his girl were in the living room. Tori Lynn wanted to gag at the porn star sounds coming from the girl. She washed off her make up pulled her hair up into a messy bun. She laid down on her bed. She laid there in her bed listening. After about 20 minutes she grabbed her phone and flip flops and went out the door. She debated going back to Richie's but could she hear the girl through the door. While she didn't doubt Richie's sexual prowess she couldn't sleep through that.
Tori Lynn knocked quietly on James door. She stood there for few minutes. She was beginning to think he had passed out already. James pulled open the door. Tori Lynn was standing in front of him in bright blue booty shorts and University of Kentucky tank. Her hair was a mess and she had on no make up. He liked this Tori Lynn just as much as made up rocking the stage Tori Lynn. James smirked at her. He said nothing but held the door open to the apartment. Tori Lynn walked in and laughed at Pete snoring on James couch.

"Some company he is" said Tori Lynn.

"He has always been a lightweight drinker" replied James. Tori Lynn looked at James. His hair was more of a mess than usual like he had been running his hand through it. He was wearing a pair of Pens athletic shorts. He had switched his contacts for his glasses. Lots of skin and messy hair. He was damn attractive. Tori Lynn should just go sexile herself on their balcony. "I was watching NHL Live in my room."

"I can go back to Richie's in a few surely they will go to sleep." said Tori Lynn

"Come on" said James leading her back to his room "You can watch your Bruins get taken out by the Caps and my ultimate defeat in my first outing against my old team."

"Boo" said Tori Lynn

They both settled at the head of his bed. James flipped the tv back on. They watched highlights from the Boston vs Washington game. He laughed at Tori Lynn's commentary on the game. She was pretty spot on. They reel came on from the Pens game. They showed highlights from Sid and Geno. They commented on the fact the Real Deal failed to show up.
"They were in your head" said Tori Lynn "You can't let them hold you back. You needed to beat the hell out of Sid the Kid."

"You don't beat Sid" said James looking at her.

"No other Pens don't beat Sid." she replied "Other teams do. Look at Chara he doesn't let Sid do his crybaby thing. You don't need G to make plays. You can do it with Ribiero. You had a damn hat trick the other night. According to the cotton candy guy it was the first one at home since 2012. These people believe you are the Real Deal. So show them."

"I thought you didn't like me." said James looking at her.

"I may not like what you did to Marchy. But you have the potential to be a damn good player. But you don't have to be a damn dirty Pen."

"I am not that dirty of a player." he replied.

"You had issues in Dallas and in Pitt." she said "The entire Orpik/Thorton thing wouldn't have popped off if you didn't knee Brad. I get heat of the moment shit. I do. And I in no way condone what Thorty did. But it was all preventable. I even get how someone might want to pop Brad's head off. But you have talent that doesn't require the bull shit Neal."
James smiled at her "You think I am talented."

"That's what you got out my speech" laughed Tori Lynn.

The replay of the Bruins Capitals game came on. James got out of the bed and went and grabbed a Gatorade. He handed Tori Lynn one and crawled back in bed. They were watching the game together. James was laughing at her. She was good at picking apart her team and the Capitals. The 1st intermission came and it was close to 3 am. They were sitting side by side at the head of his bed. James noticed she was nodding off. The 2nd period started and she stretched out on the bed watching the game. James noticed her shivering. He threw the duvet over her. Tori Lynn snuggled into his bed and by the 2nd intermission she was sound asleep. James left the tv on the NHL channel. He killed the bed side lamp. Tossed his glasses on the side table. James laid down beside Tori Lynn and pulled the duvet over both of them. James fell asleep to the sound of Boston losing and Tori Lynn breathing softly beside him. His final thought was that falling asleep watching hockey with Tori Lynn was one of the best nights he had ever had with a girl.

Notes