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

“He said that?” I asked, unable to believe it.


“Yes. I don’t know if he meant it or not, but he seemed pretty adamant about it. He said he was going to move his stuff out of your condo this weekend. You know I love my brother and I wouldn’t turn him away, but I really don’t want him back in my house. Please come and talk to him.”


I sighed and told her I’d be there as soon as I could. Then I hung up the phone and started to get dressed.


The drive to Evanston seemed to take forever and I was exhausted by the time I pulled up in front of Deena’s townhouse. She opened the door before I even rang the bell. I figured she must have been sitting by the window, waiting for me. She was dressed for bed, wrapped in a heavy robe and pajamas and she looked as tired as I felt.


“Thanks for coming,” she said as she let me into the house.


“I’m sorry for all of this,” I said.


Chapter 41