After being robbed by a black assailant, white Chicago dentist Mark Cross is hesitant to go out at night, let alone get involved in an interracial relationship, but that’s exactly what happens after he meets Darren Nichols, a black high school teacher and basketball coach. When Mark and Darren are introduced at a party, their attraction to each other is immediate and intense, and they soon begin dating. As their relationship progresses, Mark realizes he loves Darren. But he’s hesitant to ask Darren to move in with him because Darren’s last relationship ended poorly and Darren is scared to get involved with another man so quickly after that experience. Mark also worries he doesn’t live up to Darren’s expectations and fears Darren ultimately longs for a man who isn’t white. And Mark is still haunted by the man who mugged him and harbors fears about black men in general. Despite his worries and insecurities, Mark asks Darren to move in with him and Darren agrees. Though they both bring baggage to their bond, Mark and Darren work hard to build a life together. But when Darren invites over some of the guys he plays basketball with, Mark suspects one of the players, Terrance, is the same man who assaulted him. Mark shares his suspicions with Darren, but Darren isn’t convinced his friend could do something so terrible. Mark is determined to uncover the truth, but will he jeopardize his relationship with Darren in the process?

Pivot

“Deena, what do you know about Darren’s friend Terrance?”


“Terrance Moore? The guy he plays basketball with?”


“Do you know what he does for a living?”


“He used to work at Carlos’s garage. That’s how Darren knows him. I think he got fired for stealing or something, although I might be confusing him with someone else. You should ask Darren.”


“I can’t right now. He’s mad at me.”


“Why are you so concerned about Terrance? Did he beat you playing basketball or something?”


“No. I thought I knew him from somewhere, that’s all.”


Deena laughed a little. “I can’t see you two running in the same circles.”


“Neither can I, but stranger things have happened. Look, don’t tell Darren about this call, okay? I need you to keep this between us. Darren’s already pissed at me over something and if he knows I went behind his back and questioned you about Terrance, he’ll be even more pissed.”


Chapter 26