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 opened my eyes and looked up at him. He looked as exhausted as I felt. His eyes were heavy and tired and the expression on his face was one of defeat.


“I need to know if this is over now,” he said.


I sighed and closed my eyes again. “Yes,” I told him. “It’s over.” 12


Things changed after the fight with Terrance. Darren ceased all contact with his basketball buddies and was miserable as a result. Even though he didn’t say it, I knew he blamed me for causing a rift between him and his friends. When I gingerly suggested he find some different men to shoot hoops with once the weather improved, he nearly bit my head off, claiming the task wasn’t that simple.


“As usual, you just don’t get it, Mark,” he said.


Tired of hearing that I didn’t “get” things or couldn’t “understand” what was going on, I snapped. “Jesus, it’s not rocket science, Darren. Just find some other guys to play with and move on.”


Chapter 40