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 fixed myself a drink and stood at the window. The snow was falling heavier now and nightfall had descended upon the city. Even though I was still extremely annoyed with Darren, I called his cell to apologize and see how he was doing. Although he was perfectly capable of taking care of himself, I worried about him being stranded on the freeway waiting for a tow truck to come. When his phone rang and went to voice mail, I figured he wasn’t picking up because he was angry with me. I tried to reach him two more times with no luck before finally texting him and leaving a voice mail message telling him I was sorry and asking him to call me. An hour passed with no call or text from Darren. I could see him stubbornly refusing to take my calls or respond to my text while he waited for the tow truck. He knew ignoring me would make me crazy and it did.


Chapter 44