Let Me Love You

Chapter 15

They sat side by side in the booth, his hand tracing circles on her thigh as they chatted casually. When he was finished eating, he pushed his plate forward, turning his full attention to her. "So, can we talk about Norman now?" he asked, draping his arm over the back of the booth.

She tensed up, nodding slowly. "I guess so," she said before squaring her shoulders and looking at him expectantly, waiting for him to take the lead.

He reached out, taking her hand in his and squeezing it reassuringly. "I just want you to know that I'm not going anywhere."

She smiled, sighing gratefully and leaned in to peck him lightly on the lips.

He smiled as she pulled away, watching as she stared at their entwined hands thoughtfully. "I do want him to come home... It's just that I-" she cut herself off, unsure of what she was even feeling. She sighed heavily, leaning her head into her hand. "I want him home, Alex. He's my son and I hate every second of having him in that place."

He nodded, but otherwise stayed silent. It was clearly the wrong move because she turned back to him, expectantly. "What are you thinking?" she asked; her frustration evident.

Shrugging, he met her gaze and sighed. "I just want to be sure it's the right time for him. I want you to be safe."

She immediately snatched her hand out of his grasp. "What does that mean?" she asked, accusingly.

He gazed pointedly at her. "I think you know what that means, Norma."

"Are you implying that he's dangerous?"

"Norma... That night that you called me for help; that was one of the worst nights of my life. You said you were afraid of him and to me, that means he was dangerous. I don't know if that's still true, but if he's anything like he was that night, then I don't feel safe leaving you alone with him-"

"That's ridiculous," she cut him off.

"I don't think it is," he started.

"No, that is so ridiculous. You are overreacting."

"What if I'm not?" he retorted, raising an eyebrow at her.

Sighing, she looked down at her hands. "No one knows Norman like I do... We are two parts of the same person. There is no possible way he could ever, ever in any way hurt me. Ever... You're just so wrong."

She met his gaze again and he shook his head, raising his eyebrows. "I really hope I am.."

Norma's eyes narrowed as she stared at him thoughtfully, an unreadable expression on her face that made his heart beat a little faster.

"Whenever you're ready," the server interrupted, making them both jump as she set the check down on the edge of the table, retreating before they could respond. Alex sighed, reaching for the check but was quickly intercepted as Norma slipped her card in the book.

"Nor-" he began, cut off as she held up a hand in front of his face.

"Don't even try.." she said, the corner of her mouth turning upwards.

He returned her smile, holding his hands up in mock surrender before relaxing back against the booth and winding an arm around her shoulder. "Thank you," he whispered in her ear.

"You're welcome," she replied as her hand dropped to his knee.

"Fight over?" he asked.

"That wasn't a fight Alex," she giggled, turning her head to look in his eyes. "But yes. Discussion over."