Melvin is a hard edged, obsessive compulsive individual. Although he can write books about love and life, his own existance is not as glamorous. After his gay neighbor Simon is brutally beaten during a robbery, Melvin slowly shows a new side of himself. He offers to take care of Simon's dog, and soon becomes good friends with the struggling artist. Along the way, Melvin also finds a interesting waitress who is accepting of his medical problems.