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

“Well, you’d better figure that out before you make any moves.” Chris put out his cigarette and looked at me. “You know I love you, Mark, and I’ll support you in whatever you do, but please, for the love of God, give some serious thought to this plan before you act on it. I don’t want to see you get hurt and I don’t want to see things go south between you and Darren. You two seem so happy together.”


“Then don’t fuck things up, okay?”


“How about I promise to try not to fuck things up?”


Chris rolled his eyes. “Fine. Now let’s go back to the party so I can stop bitching at you.”


When Chris and I rejoined the party, he immediately grabbed a glass of wine for me and told me to drink up. I was about to do just that when Darren approached and put his arm around me.


Chris chimed in then. “Dance with your man, Mark.”


Chapter 33