Shay Rogers has avoided going back home to Alabama because he fears running into his high school lover, Dwayne Sayles. Because of Shay’s reputation as an All-American straight stud, he tried to keep his love for Dwayne secret. Shay’s fear of his friends and family finding out about him ultimately led to his breaking up with Dwayne. However, when the invitation to his fifteen year high school reunion arrives, Shay’s friend convinces him to go, with her as his fictitious girlfriend. Within moments of meeting again, the long-dormant feelings between Shay and Dwayne are rekindled, but so are Shay’s fears. Is Shay finally ready to embrace the chance of happiness by living openly with Dwayne, or will his need to hide the truth about himself win out yet again?

Class of '03

Shay turned to look at Dwayne. He was looking back at Shay with such a look of sadness, Shay thought Dwayne might cry.


Shay’s heart ached. He did love Dwayne. But he couldn’t be thought of as a queer, even if that was what he really was. After a long time of wrestling with himself, Shay said, “Okay, but there’s got to be rules.”


“Okay,” Dwayne said, smiling tentatively.


“I won’t drive you to school in the morning anymore, since I don’t pick up Lilly.”


“No more meeting me in the hallway and walking with me to classes—even physics that we have together with Mr. Southworth.”


“No studying together in the library, don’t sit near me at lunch, and no more doing stuff together on weekends—like movies and things.”


“And I can only give you a ride home if Lilly is with us. Can you do all that?”


Shay let out a deep breath. He turned and began to start the car. “Okay then. I’ll see you around.”


Chapter 11