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

“Did you like Jay?” I asked Darren when we got home.


“Wow. That’s a ringing endorsement.”


“It’s the best I can do. I did like Brian though. He’s a nice guy…too nice for Jay.”


“Yeah, nice and sleazy. And don’t tell me he’s not a freak, Mark, because I know he is. I could see it in his eyes. Being with him tonight made me feel like I need to take a shower or something.”


“Seriously. I kept waiting for him to follow me into the bathroom and try to grab my junk.”


“Jay has calmed down a lot since he reunited with Brian a few years ago.”


“Well, for Brian’s sake, I hope that’s true.”


“No, I really didn’t. He’s kind of a dick. Do you know what he said to me at the ice skating rink? He said he was surprised I knew how to ice skate because I’m black. I should have told him I can swim, too. It probably would have blown his mind.”


Chapter 31