"I'm nothing but a burden. I'll move out tonight. You two shouldn't be fighting over me."
His eyes rimmed red, and the moment he finished speaking, he steered his wheelchair toward the door.
I glanced at Melanie.
I wanted to see exactly how she'd react.
No surprises there.
Just like every other time, Melanie rushed over and threw her arms around Boyd, murmuring softly, "Boyd, you've never been a burden. You're one of the most important people in my life."
Then she shot me another look, dripping with provocation.
"You're truly despicable."
"Trying to force Boyd out by bringing home some filthy scheme like this."
With that, she was done.
She wheeled Boyd into the master bedroom.
That room used to be mine and Melanie's, but Boyd claimed he had "claustrophobia in small spaces."
So once again, without a word to me, Melanie handed it over.
She even set up a cot beside the king bed.
Then she laid down the rules: Monday through Saturday, she'd stay in the master bedroom to take care of Boyd. Sundays, she'd sleep in the guest room with me.
I'd tried talking to her about it.
I'd argued. I'd lost my temper.
But every single time, Melanie said one thing and did another.
That night.