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

“I didn’t say you did. I just figured you wouldn’t want to be with someone black after that. But, what do I know? I never thought I’d get involved with a black woman and now I’ve got a half-black kid.” He let out a dry laugh.


“I admit I was hesitant to get involved with Darren because of the racial thing.”


“That’s understandable. You’d never dated a black guy before him, right?”


“I guess it helps that he’s not all that black.”


“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked with a laugh although I really didn’t find anything particularly funny.


“Look, I know Darren’s black, but he’s not blackblack. If I saw you two from a distance, I wouldn’t even think you were an interracial couple.”


“Come on, Mark. Darren’s my daughter’s complexion and she’shalf white.”


Chapter 30