Chapter 4: Encounter

Truth be told, there was nowhere Kate wanted to be less than at Christine Helden's garden party. And ordinarily she would have found an excuse to miss it. Rehearsal would have "run late" once again, and she would be spared. But today, knowing Norma Bates would be in attendance, Kate decided to go. There was work to be done. So she picked out a fitted, wine-colored wrap dress, with a deep v-neck, that fell to just above her knee. It was one of her favorites, and she knew it flaunted her body beautifully. She put her long dark hair up in a chic bun, and busted out high, black stilettos. Already fairly tall, Kate would now tower over any woman at the party, which was her intention. No one would be able to fault her today, at least when it came to her appearance. If she was going to meet Norma Bates, she was going to look imposing. The woman was intentionally messing with Alex's mind, and Kate wanted nothing more than to take her down a peg or two for it.

Arriving at Christine's house, she knew she had done herself up properly by the way everyone paused for a moment when she walked in. She took a moment to relish in her victory before an all too familiar voice interrupted.

"Kate, you made it!" Christine called out as she hurried over to greet her.

"I'm so glad I did," Kate half lied, "this looks amazing." She gestured to the tastefully decorated house, and the long tables of gourmet food.

"Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing," Christine said, "just a little party."

Kate managed not to roll her eyes.

"Anyway, now that you're here, I have a few people I'd like you to meet," Christine said in a wily tone.

Kate knew what it meant.

"Don't even think about it, Christine," she said with a smile, "I am not shopping for a man just now."

"Kate, you're the most eligible bachelorette in White Pine Bay. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't try to set you up with someone!"

"We've been over this," Kate said with an easy laugh, "my life is busy enough, I don't need a man to make it worse! Promise me you won't throw men at me all afternoon."

Christine looked like she was about to reply, and by the look on her face, with nothing good, when suddenly the woman's attention was stolen by something across the room.

"Speaking of eligible bachelorettes," Christine said, "Norma Bates is here! Excuse me," she said, resting a hand briefly on Kate's shoulder before darting over to the front door, where Norma stood, taking in the scene. Kate took the opportunity to have a good look at the woman. There was a classic beauty to her face that few women could boast, and the little makeup she wore only improved her stunning eyes. She could see why Alex was drawn to her.

A familiar face appeared next to her, and she looked over with an immediate smile.

"Hey, George"

"Hey, Kate," he replied with a similar smile. "I can hardly believe it, you showed up to one of my sister's little parties," he joked.

"Apparently rumors were starting to circulate that I'd died or something. Thought I'd prove them wrong," she replied with a grin as he walked her out onto the balcony.

"How are things in the dance world?"

"Great, actually. We wrapped the last show two weeks ago, so now we're onto Swan Lake."

"One of your favorites, isn't it?" George asked.

"It is! Wow, I can't believe you remember that," she added, impressed.

"Well, we may have only had one date, but I still remember it pretty well," he said with another smile.

"Speaking of dates, has Christine set you up with anyone else yet?"

He laughed for a second.

"No, thank god. Though I get the feeling she's got someone in mind for me at the party," he added with mild concern.

"Well, you never know. Maybe she'll pick someone who's actually a good match for you. It's gotta happen one of these days."

"One of these days," George agreed with a chuckle.

"Actually, I bet she'll introduce you to Norma Bates," Kate said in sudden realization.

George thought for a moment. "I think she's mentioned the name to me before."

"She's new in town, she bought the old Seafairer Motel, now the Bates Motel," Kate told him. "I haven't met her personally, but everyone says good things. She's also gorgeous," she added in an undertone.

"Then maybe I don't mind Christine's interference this time," George said.

'Neither do I,' Kate said to herself.

At that moment, they were interrupted by a voice from the other end of the balcony.

Norma hadn't expected to enjoy herself at the party, but to her surprise it was going well so far. She was chatting with several of Christine's friends when she froze, her smile slipping momentarily.

She was here. Romero's nighttime visitor. She was all the way at the other end of the balcony, but there was no mistaking those long legs, or the sleek, dark hair that matched her eyes. Norma even recognized the smile she was giving to the handsome, brown-haired man standing with her.

'What is she doing here?' she wondered.

"Norma?" Christine inquired.

Norma snapped back to the fact that she was standing among four other people. She gave a short laugh, looking at them.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just saw someone who looked familiar, and I was trying to figure out why," she said easily.

Christine's look of concern turned immediately to curiosity.

"You know someone else here?"

"Oh, no, I don't know her. I just think I've seen her before," Norma replied. "The woman over there, in the purple dress," she explained, pointing.

"Oh! Well that's Kate Harris. Well, Catherine, but no one calls her that," Christine supplied.

"She's a dancer, with the Portland Ballet Company," one of the other women said.

"I think she's the principal dancer, still," chimed in another.

"A dancer?" Norma replied, slightly envious.

"Oh, she's amazing," Christine gushed. "Sometimes she helps out with choreographing whatever dance pieces the local theatre does in the fall. And then The Nutcracker at Christmas, of course. I've gone to see her perform in Portland before, too. That woman can move in the most incredible ways."

Norma held back a wry laugh as her mind pointed out that a certain Sheriff would likely agree with Christine.

"Does she live around here? It's a bit of a commute to Portland..." Norma asked.

"She lives in White Pine Bay, but on the northern end. She only stays at her apartment in Portland during performance weeks, I think," Christine said. "But then, she has a dance studio in her house here, so she doesn't need to go into the city every day to practice."

"She has a studio in her house?" Norma said in amazement. "Wow."

"Anyway, I'll introduce you to her, but first, you've got to meet my brother, George."

"Sure!"

Christine waved a hand, calling out, and the handsome man who had been speaking to Kate suddenly turned and nodded to Christine, raising a hand slightly in recognition. He gestured to Kate, directing her attention to Christine's group of pals, and both of them walked over to join in.

"Norma, I'd like you to meet George, my brother," Christine said, gently pushing Norma towards the man, who held out a hand, along with a kind smile.

"George, this is Norma Bates," Christine said in a meaningful tone.

"Nice to meet you," George said.

"Nice to meet you, too," Norma replied, carefully keeping her eyes on George and not the woman standing next to him.

Christine played her part of dutiful hostess well.

"And this is Kate Harris. Kate, this is Norma Bates."

"A pleasure," Kate said with a smile.

Norma took Kate's extended hand, surprised at the strong grip. But when Norma looked her in the eye, she saw only friendliness there. She tried to mimic the expression, hoping her curiosity wasn't terribly obvious.

"So, Norma, I understand you're the one who turned the Seafairer into a reputable motel," George began, tearing Norma's attention away from Kate.

"Well, I'm certainly trying," she replied with a small grimace. "It hasn't been easy."

As George said something else, Norma's attention darted momentarily back to Kate, who quietly said something to Christine about snagging some food before it was all gone. Norma watched as Kate glided easily away from the group of people, not even glancing her way as she left.

Norma had to find a way to speak with Kate Harris. Alone.

After an hour, Kate was getting tired of being social. She made her way out into the backyard, and down to the water. She leaned up against the walkway railing, relishing in the fresh air and quiet.

The sound of footfalls behind her told her that quiet time was over. She turned to see that Norma Bates had finally tracked her down. She had seen the poorly-hidden recognition in Norma's eyes when they'd been introduced earlier. It was only a matter of time before Norma sought her out.

"Hello again," Kate said, keeping her face calm and friendly. She would do absolutely nothing to earn Norma's ire; she wanted to win the war with kindness. Besides, she wasn't the one who had to cope with jealousy.

"Sorry, we didn't really meet properly before," the blonde said, holding out a hand. "I'm Norma Bates."

"Kate. Kate Harris," she said, shaking Norma's hand firmly once again.

"Nice to meet you," Norma said.

"And you," Kate replied, intentionally leaving the ball in Norma's court. And she was not disappointed, because after a few seconds of looking awkward, she could see Norma's expression alter as the woman decided to get right down to business.

"How old are you?"

Kate tilted her head in mild curiosity, but answered honestly.

"I'm 34." Kate knew damned well that Norma was nearly if not just over 40, and would be bothered by Kate's comparable youth.

As expected, Norma paused, her brow crinkling and lips pursing briefly before she plunged on.

"So, you're Alex's girlfriend?"

"As far as I know, I'm not anyone's girlfriend," Kate replied with a small, easy laugh.

"What would you call it, then?"

"Call what?"

"Oh come on," Norma said in mild exasperation. "I've seen you leaving Alex's room in the mornings. Whatever you want to call it, it's something."

"All right, then," Kate allowed, still wearing a benign smile.

Norma huffed a bit, annoyed that Kate wasn't sharing much of anything. But then, Kate had no reason to. Norma seemed to change tactics.

"Have you been together long?"

"I've known Alex for years," Kate replied with a nod, knowing that wasn't the question. By the look on her face, Norma knew it, too.

"Are you two... close?"

"Alex isn't known for getting close to people," Kate replied with a genuine, wide smile.

Norma smiled back.

"Tell me about it."

The women paused to enjoy a moment of common ground, though again Kate had avoided answering the question. Norma had no right to know just how close Kate and Alex had become, and how much he often depended upon Kate to keep him functional – thanks in particular to one Norma Bates.

Finally, Norma spoke again, in a different tone.

"So, if you two aren't dating, you wouldn't mind if he were to date someone else?"

Kate looked Norma right in the eye, and held her gaze. Her face was still friendly, but she let a small amount of firmness show.

"I don't own him, Mrs. Bates. Alex may do as he pleases."

And she meant it. If Alex wanted to sleep with Norma, he could. Either one of them was free to be with other people, but so far each had been satisfied with what the other offered. Kate believed Alex would eventually break down and take Norma to bed, but she'd be damned if Norma broke him in the process.

Seeing Kate's honesty, Norma opened but then closed her mouth, uncertain how to proceed. Finally, she nodded, wringing her hands.

Kate took the opportunity to end the conversation. Glancing back up the walkway, she saw George making his way down towards the two women. Norma had her back to him, and didn't notice his impending arrival.

"I should be going. Have a lovely afternoon, Mrs. Bates," she said with another kind smile, before stepping past her and making her way back towards the house.

George, a small plate of desserts in hand, looked at her curiously as their paths crossed.

"So, what do you think," he asked quietly, his chin indicating the lone woman at the end of the walkway.

"I think she's lovely, George. Your sister might have a good idea this time."

"Then there really is a first time for everything," George cracked.

Kate laughed, and touched George's arm for a moment.

"Good luck, hon," she said, and meant it. George was a good man, and if something could develop between him and Norma, she would kill two birds with one stone. She had felt bad, turning George down after their first date. Hopefully, this would go a ways towards ensuring their continued friendship.

As she gave him a parting smile, she saw Norma watching them from down by the river.

Romero dropped down into the desk chair in his room, tired but satisfied. Finally, a break in Blair Watson's murder case. Kyle Miller was a piece of shit, and his arrest made everyone at the sheriff's office a little happier. So after some celebratory pizza, Alex headed to the motel for some well-deserved relaxation. Better still, Norma wasn't home, so there was no one to get in the way of his good day.

He played with the small rubber ball on the desk, thinking.

He might know a way to make his day even more perfect.

He picked up his cell phone.

Kate was just dropping her purse on the entry table when her cell phone chimed with a familiar tone. Smiling, she brought it to her ear.

"Hey."

"Hey. You busy?" Alex asked.

"Nope, just got home. Dressed up nice, too," she added in a lower voice.

"Yeah?"

"Mmm, the purple dress you like so much."

"Perfect. Can you come over?"

"Sure. Want me to bring anything?" she checked.

"We might have a little fun with Norma in the morning," he informed her, his smile apparent even over the phone.

"Understood. I'll bring what I need."

"Ok, see you."

"Bye, babe."

Kate picked her purse back up, and headed upstairs to grab her blonde wig.

Alex opened the door, a glass of bourbon in hand. But far from looking stressed, he looked pleased and calm. For a moment, he paused in the doorway, his eyes moving over her as a smile spread over his face.

"You're right," he said contentedly, finally stepping aside to let her in. "I do like this dress."

She set down the small duffel bag she carried, and then stepped up to the mirror on the wall, as if to admire herself. Alex stood behind her, putting the glass down on the desk.

"What I have on under the dress is also one of your favorites," she said in an undertone as Romero placed a kiss at the base of her neck.

He paused, his eyes finding hers in the mirror. His gaze then moved downwards over her reflection, as if trying to deduce what lingerie, exactly, was hiding underneath.

She smiled coyly.

"You won't figure it out that way," she encouraged.

He returned the smile, and his hands moved to untie the bow that closed the wrap dress. He let the dress fall away from her body, his hands gliding up to push the fabric off her shoulders. The dress whispered to the floor, pooling at her feet.

Kate watched with satisfaction as Alex's smile was replaced with an expression much more feral. His hands slid back down from her shoulders, and came to rest at her waist, thumbs tracing the lines of the bodice.

His eyes met hers once more, and she saw fire in them.

It would be a night to remember.

Kate stood before the mirror, arranging her hair before reaching for the vintage blouse and skirt that lay on top of her duffel bag.

Alex watched her dress with a contented smile. The girl he'd stolen from Shelby. Only partially true, really, because she hadn't been interested in Zack. But Zack had wanted her. And Alex had stolen her right out from under Shelby's nose. He still remembered the shocked look on Zack's face when Alex warned him off of Kate.

"Keep your hands - and eyes - off of her," he had growled. "She's mine now."

Shelby's jaw had nearly hit the floor; it was all he could do just to nod his obedience. The arrogant little shitheel thought he owned all the women in town, maybe right until that moment.

The smile faded momentarily as he remembered that Shelby had, in fact, owned several women.

"You ok?"

He looked over to see Kate's reflection watching him, her brow wrinkled in concern.

"Thinking about Shelby," he explained.

"Ahh," she nodded, eyes going back to the buttons on her blouse. "Yeah, he was a piece of work. I'm glad I went after you instead."

"I thought I went after you," Alex countered.

She gave an easy shrug, grinning at him via the mirror. "How about, we went after each other?"

"Uh-uh. I propositioned you, so I think I get most of the credit," he said with a smirk.

She pondered that as she put on her necklace, finally turning from the mirror and walking over to where he lay. Sitting down next to him, she leaned over and ran a hand across his bare chest, allowing it to drift farther down than he had expected. And then farther.

"But I said yes," she whispered, a devilish smile on her lips.

Alex's eyes darted back and forth from her wandering hand, up to her face. As her intentions hit home, his eyes fell closed, and he surrendered.

"Ok, ok. You win."

"What do I win?" she purred, torturing him.

"Anything," he whispered. "Anything you want."

A while later, when Alex was capable of speech - and perhaps even movement – once more, Kate glanced at the clock.

"It's just after eight. You think she's watching?"

"Definitely."

Alex looked at her, and she looked right back; their devious expressions matched.

"Well, let's get to it, then," she said, pulling back on the blanket that covered the lower half of her favorite Sheriff. Leaning down, she grabbed up his underwear and jeans, throwing them onto his lap.

"I'm assuming you're not doing this naked," she said with a chuckle.

"That would be going a bit far," he muttered as he got dressed.

Once he had pants on, she picked up her purse and car keys and went to the door, glancing in the mirror quickly to make sure the loose blonde curls of her wig looked just right. She looked at Alex over her shoulder.

"Ready?"

"Ready."

Norma dragged herself out of bed early that Sunday morning, despite desperately wanting more sleep. She had stayed later than she intended at Christine's party, and arrived back at the motel to see a familiar blue Mustang parked over by Room 11. At times, she found her obsession with this woman, and her relationship with Alex Romero, strange. She knew what they were doing, and yet she felt compelled to watch the woman leave in the morning, as though she were some sort of gatekeeper to Romero's personal life. Or maybe, that's exactly what she wanted to be.

But those rare moments would pass, and then she would go right back to obsessing over the local Sheriff.

And so, here she was in the motel office, having snuck quietly down shortly after 6am. But it took several hours – and three cups of coffee – for anything to happen.

But oh boy, did something happen.

Just as Norma was contemplating bathroom trip number three, the door to Room 11 opened to reveal her doppelganger. Kate closed the door behind her, and made the usual walk towards her car.

But only a few seconds after she closed the door, it opened again. Norma's eyes widened as a shirtless Romero walked out of his room to follow Kate, who turned to meet him. In Alex's hand was a small duffel bag, which he handed her.

They spoke for a moment, and Kate reached up to run a hand along Alex's chest, then down to trace the lines of his six-pack while she spoke. A lascivious look took over the Sheriff's face, and in an instant he had her pushed up against the side of his SUV, the duffel dropped to the ground, forgotten.

One of his hands was grasping the back of her neck like a lifeline, while the other snaked around her waist, pulling her ever closer while simultaneously pinning her against the car with his body.

Norma was temporarily entranced by the sight up his upper arms, the muscles bulging as Alex pulled Kate even deeper into their kiss. Norma saw one of Kate's hands run over Alex's ass, and glared. She had the sudden urge to stomp down that walkway and rip Kate's hands off of the Sheriff, but she couldn't quite bring herself to move.

Apparently Alex wasn't to be outdone, and the arm that had been circling Kate's waist shifted so that he was gripping her ass, his fingers digging in deep. Kate broke the kiss to tilt her head back, allowing Alex access to her neck. Her leg slid up Romero's, and hooked around his waist. His hand slid down her leg, from her ass all the way to her foot, then back. He seemed to be encouraging her to hold him tighter. Kate's lips moved, her eyes closed, and Alex pulled her in for another kiss.

Norma's mouth dropped open, and she wondered if the two were going to have sex right there in the parking lot. By the way he drove himself into Kate, Alex was clearly willing, and she didn't seem to mind at all being sandwiched between Romero and the car. Norma wondered what to do if that happened. Part of her wanted to intervene, but the rest of her? After all, the only thing better than a shirtless Romero…

Unfortunately, after resuming the kiss for a short while, Alex slowly pulled away, glancing around the front of the motel. He seemed to have become aware of the public nature of their intimacy. His eyes briefly traveled over the motel office, and Norma ducked down behind the desk, just in case he could somehow see through the door and the blinds.

She counted to three, and then slowly poked her head back up, only to see Alex give Kate one last parting kiss, before walking back to his room and shutting the door.

Kate, for her part, merely picked up the duffel bag, and continued on her way to her car, running a hand through her fake blonde curls as though to put them back in order.

Norma was dimly aware of Kate getting into her car and leaving, but in truth it was all background noise. Her thoughts were centered on one shirtless Sheriff, and how badly Norma wanted those arms to be around her, instead of Kate.

It would happen. Even if it meant drastic measures, it would happen.

AN: Ok, got the spacing sorted out. HTML is not my friend sometimes.
Still, I'm sure there are typos. Please let me know. :-)

And always feel free to suggest things to happen in later chapters. I'm kinda fond of this story now, so as long as there are reviews, I'm going to keep at it!