Play Along With It

Getting Closer

Later that evening, Norman, Sean, Andrew, and I were sitting on the couch. Andrew was a friendly guy with fairly curly brown hair streaked with a little grey. The boys were shouting at a football game, while I sat back and enjoyed a beer and some chips. The steaks were still thawing from being in the freezer forever, and I'd need to cook them soon. I had an idea of a recipe I wanted to try out. I glanced back at the thawing pieces of meat. They actually looked close to being ready. I got up from the couch, and was forced to step in front of the boys to get past. They yelled at me when I got in between them and their precious TV.

"At least I'm making your food." I retorted sassily at them. They ignored me and focused their attention back on the game. I rolled my eyes and went to the steaks. There were four, and they looked plain. I started adding spices, while glancing outside. It was dark, and looked pretty chilly. I decided to just cook from the stove. I pulled out a frying pan and set it on the stove, turning it on high. Then I continued to add spices into the beef.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist. I glanced over my shoulder at Norman.

"What's wrong with the TV?" I asked.

"It's halftime. Thought I'd come in and see how the food's coming along." He explained, resting his chin on the top of my head. I rolled my eyes, yet laughed lightly.

"It's coming along great. Why don't you grab me another beer?" I asked. He let go of me and opened the white fridge, pulling out a bottle of bud light. He opened it for me, and set it beside me. "Could you get out some mushrooms and chop them up? Pretty please?" I asked, blinking at him with big round eyes. He smiled slightly and opened the fridge again, pulling out a package of mushrooms. Then he started chopping them. "Then add half the bottle of beer into that pan and add the mushrooms." I ordered. He raised an eyebrow at me.

"Beer?" He asked.

"Yeah. I wanna try something." I explained.

"You've never tried it before?" He asked.

"No." I admitted.

"If it's terrible, you owe me." He declared, smirking at me.

"How?" I asked innocently, batting my eyelashes at him. I saw him bite his lower lip. I knew what effect I had on him now.

"You'll find out." He murmured, pouring half of the liquor into the pan. Then he added the mushrooms, just as Andrew called from the living room.

"Norm! The game's back on!"

"Yeah! Quickly shoving your tongue down her throat and get your ass in here!" Sean added, making Andrew laugh. I rolled my eyes, and started stirring the mushrooms with one hand while smoothing the spices on the steak.

"Better get going before you miss the winning touchdown." I joked.

"You sure? You don't need any help?" He asked sweetly. It warmed my heart.

"Yeah. I'm fine. Go play with your boyfriends." God I loved teasing him!

"Ok." He murmured, leaning forward quickly and giving my cheek a peck. "See you in a bit."

"I'm only in the kitchen." I called after him. I chuckled to myself when he was gone and in the living room. He was so sweet and kind! Which brings up a good question. Sean had said that he hadn't had a girlfriend in over thirty years, and that he hadn't had sex for twenty. It just didn't add up. I needed to talk to him about that.

I focused my attention back on the food being prepared in front of me. The guys were still shouting from the living room, and I'm guessing that their team was winning. I shook my head. I would never understand football or any other sport.

~~~

Finally, I was done with the steaks and sautéed mushrooms. I took the plates out on a wooden serving tray. They guys were still watching the game with great intensity. I set the plates down on the coffee table, and glanced at my original spot on the couch. Unfortunately, Norman's fat ass was in it.

"Scoot." I ordered. He glanced at me with a smirk.

"Got you a comfy seat right here." He declared, patting his lap.

"No. I'll just go sit at the table." I declared.

"Baby-" he began.

"Here. Take my spot, Tiff." Sean almost instantly volunteered, getting up from his seat beside Norman. "I need to grab more beer anyway."

"Where'll you sit then?" I asked.

"I'll get a chair out of the shed." He stated, setting his food down on the coffee table and leaving the house. I shrugged and sat down by Norman. Norman wrapped his arm around my waist, while still trying to cut the steak.

"Having some difficulties?" I questioned, arching an eyebrow at him.

"I got it." He muttered, finally managing to saw off a piece. He took the bite into his mouth,band his eyes widened. "Well, you don't owe me anything tonight. This is great!" He exclaimed, taking another bite.

"Glad you love it." I said, leaning against him as I took a bite of my own steak. Norman was right; it was good!

"Mm, Tiffany! Norman never mentioned you're a good cook!" Andrew declared. "It's no surprise Norman likes you so much."

I blushed at his compliments. "I just love cooking for my big teddy bear and his brother." I simply stated.

"Yeah. So, how'd you two meet?" He asked, arching an eyebrow at us. I glanced at Norman.

"He knows what we do. Just doesn't want to be part of it." He explained.

"Well, Norman here saved my ass from a couple of asshole bikers about a week ago. And, well, don't tell Sean this, but we fucked in his truck. Now we're dating." I said, leaning against Norman.

"You did what in my truck?" Sean roared, slamming the door shut. I jumped, and Andrew laughed.

"Damn! And you got him to fuck you? That's the first time since-" Andrew began.

"Andy!" Sean and Norman snapped simultaneously. I glanced at them both, confused.

"What?" I asked. Norman glanced down at me, and I saw a glint of panic in his eyes. What were they hiding from me?

Suddenly, Norman got up from his seat. "I'm gonna head off to bed. Catch y'all in the morning." He quickly said, setting the plate on the countertop and heading into our room. I glanced at Andrew, who was biting his bottom lip.

"Should've kept my mouth shut." He muttered, getting up. "I'll see you guys later." And then it was just Sean and I.

"Sean, tell me what just happened." I ordered. I was so close to finding out what Norman's big secret was.

"Nothing. I'm just gonna-" Sean started.

"You're gonna tell me or I'm leaving." I threatened. Did I want to leave? No. I wanted to be with Norman. But Sean didn't know that. He had a look of regret and conflict in his eyes.

Finally, he let out a low, frustrated growl. "All I am saying is this; have you ever heard the expression, 'To catch a psycho, you gotta be a little psycho'?" I nodded. "Think about it." Then, Sean went into his bedroom. I sat alone in the living room, confused. The TV was still playing in the background, but other than that, I was alone with my thoughts.

To catch a psycho, you have to be psycho. How does that relate to Norman? Is he crazy? Maybe he's bipolar. But why would that be worth hiding? It has to be something bigger. Think, Tiff, think! Ok, so he hunts and kills rapists. But he's already a murderer. So that means...oh god.