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

“I yelled, ‘Get off me, faggot!’ and pushed him away. He fell backwards into the chairs, knocking many of them over. Because of the cheering and commotion, no one much seemed to notice.


“Dwayne got up and looked at me. Jasper, I’ll never forget the look in his eyes. I started to say something, but Dwayne just turned, pushed his way through the crowd, and left. I looked down. His diploma was laying on the ground where he fell. I picked it up. I intended to find him, return it to him, and apologize, but I never did. I still have it here…somewhere.”


Shay took another deep breath. “That’s why I’ve never gone to a reunion. It’d be too hard to face him now after all these years.”


Chapter 14