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

After a few more minutes of conversation, they hung up.


Shay looked down on the recumbent dog. “Jasper, you’re gonna get to spend some extra time with your walking buddy, Nick. I’m gonna be gone for a while.” The hound raised his head and thumped his tail.


“Thought you’d like that,” Shay said, and he gave the pooch a scratch behind his ears.


Then Shay called Melissa. “If you’re up for it, we’re going to Alabama.”8


The plane banked sharply. When it leveled out, the pilot’s voice came over the cabin intercom. “We’ll be landing in Mobile in about fifteen minutes. The weather is sunny, around seventy-five degrees. They seem to be having a cold snap.” The pilot chuckled a bit. “Please fasten your seatbelts. And thank you for flying Delta.”


Shay fastened his belt and leaned back. He took a deep breath as he grasped the armrests.


Chapter 15