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

When the night of Chris and Patrick’s party rolled around, I insisted Darren and I take a cab there. I didn’t want either of us to drive because I knew we’d be drinking and walking was simply out of the question. Even having Darren with me didn’t quell my anxiety that evening. I was as nervous as ever.


“We don’t have to go if you don’t want to,” Darren told me while we got dressed.


“I want to go,” I assured him. “Plus, you know Chris and Patrick will give us hell if we don’t show up.”


“I’m sure they’ll understand if we bail this year.”


And, for the most part, I was fine. The party was in full swing by the time we got there. Chris and Patrick were wearing tacky Christmas sweaters and Santa hats. They looked ridiculous, but their ridiculousness, along with the festive atmosphere of the party, certainly helped to quell my anxiety that night.


Chapter 32