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

“Malik, this is Mark Cross…Darren’s boyfriend.”


I was met with silence from the other end of the line.


“Look, I’m sure I’m the last person you want to talk to right now, but I really need your help.”


“Is something wrong with Darren?” Malik asked.


“No, he’s fine. Actually, he isn’t. He’s upset things are strained between you and the other guys he played basketball with.”


“Darren chose to distance himself from the rest of us. We didn’t force him out.”


“Maybe he felt uncomfortable being around you guys with Terrance being there.”


“I haven’t seen or talked to Terrance since around the time he had that fight with you.”


“I feel terrible about that. I do. I’d really like to speak with Terrance and apologize to him. Do you know where I can find him or how I can get in touch with him? The number Darren had for him doesn’t work anymore.”


Malik laughed. “Do you actually think I’d give you any information about Terrance?”


Chapter 42