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

“Nothing,” I told him. The deflated look on his face made me say something even I didn’t believe. “Maybe Terrance won’t even show up.”


Darren shook his head. “He’ll be here. You can count on it.”


We ate dinner in virtual silence. While I chose to abstain from alcohol that night, Darren knocked back two beers. He normally didn’t drink on a school night, but he obviously felt a little alcohol would help to prepare him for Terrance’s visit.


I’d just unloaded the dishwasher and was about to pay some bills online when the intercom rang. Darren answered it and I heard him tell Terrance he’d buzz him in. I shut my computer down, figuring my bills would have to stay unpaid a little longer.


Chapter 39