Kevin helped her.

Linda was the last to move.

“Patrick’s going to be furious.”

“I expect he will.”

I helped Robert carry the luggage downstairs and gave him the booking details.

“I expect he will.”

He paused beside the car.

“I wish Patrick had told us the truth.”

“So do I.”

***

Patrick came home shortly after six.

“Mom? Dad?”

He paused beside the car.

He walked through the empty living room.

“Where is everybody?”

I pointed to the hotel confirmation on the kitchen table.

He read it, then checked his phone.

“What did you do?!” he shouted.

I pointed to the hotel confirmation.

“I booked your family a hotel.”

“You spent $684?!”

“Yes.”

“From our savings?”

“Yes.”

“Without asking me?”

“That’s correct.”

“I booked your family a hotel.”

He dropped the receipt.

“You embarrassed me in front of my entire family!”

“Did you think I’d be embarrassed when they arrived expecting me to cook and give up our bed?”

“They’re my family!”

“And you lied to them.”

“They’re my family!”

His face tightened.

“What are you talking about?”

I repeated the message Kevin had shown me.

Patrick looked away.

“You weren’t supposed to see that.”

His face tightened.

“But you meant it? You thought you could handle me?”

He didn’t answer.

“You didn’t want a family weekend, Patrick. You wanted everyone to see that you could make me do whatever you wanted.”

“That’s not fair.”

“But you meant it?”

“Neither was telling your mother you’d handle me.”

He looked at me sharply.

“You heard that?”

“Every word.”

He pointed at the receipt.

“You still had no right to spend that money.”

“Every word.”

“You’re right. I broke our agreement.”

He looked surprised.

“Then why do it?”

“Because you told me to find somewhere else to stay. I decided I’d rather stay in my own home.”

“You could’ve talked to me!”

“You’re right. I broke our agreement.”

“I tried, Patrick. Before they arrived, while they were unpacking, and when you gave away our bed. You didn’t listen once.”

He pulled out a chair.

“So spending our savings was supposed to teach me a lesson?”

“Partly. I was angry, and I wanted you to feel what it’s like when someone makes a decision for you. I’m not proud of that.”

“I tried, Patrick.”

“Then you should’ve called me.”

“Would you have agreed to the hotel?”

He hesitated.

“No. They’re my family.”

“And I’m your wife. I shouldn’t have to compete with your mother for a say in my own home.”

“Would you have agreed to the hotel?”

Patrick rubbed his forehead.

“Mom’s barely speaking to me now.”

“Because she knows you lied?”

“Because she thinks I let you throw them out.”

“And did you tell her what really happened?”

“She knows you lied?”

Patrick looked away.

“I thought so.”

“You keep worrying about what your family thinks of you. When do you worry about what I think?”

He looked down.

“So what now?“

“I thought so.”

“We’ll discuss the money tomorrow. But I need you to think about why telling your wife to leave seemed easier than telling your family no.”

I picked up my pillow.

“Tonight, I’m sleeping in our bed.”

Patrick moved aside.

For once, I didn’t have to ask him to make room.

THE END…!