Tyler arrived within half an hour of the call.

The moment he stepped inside, Eleanor shot him a sharp question, "Tyler, have you been seeing that woman these past few days?"

"You told me not to, so I haven't. Please don't be upset," Tyler replied, glancing at me, clearly expecting me to help smooth things over with his mom.

In the past, I might've played along. But not anymore. I turned away, pretending not to notice his silent plea for ...