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

“A part of your life that you’re ashamed of then. A part of you to be kept hidden. We tried that in high school. And look how that turned out.”


“I’m not ashamed of you…it’s just that…”


“I don’t know. I’m out in Boston. But here at home…I don’t know why, but I can’t see myself being open about myself here.”


“When you figure it out, let me know,” Dwayne said with a firmness that caused Shay alarm


“But I love you,” Shay said, grasping both of Dwayne’s hands with his.


“And I love you. But tell me, what would we do if we want to come home for holidays? Fly separately, so that your family won’t see us getting off the plane together? Then spend the entire time we’re here apart—you at your parents, me with my mom? Or what if your family wants to come to visit you in Colorado? Would you ship me off to a hotel? Would you always be worrying about a slip up through an unexpected phone call that I might answer? I don’t want to live like that—do you?”


Chapter 25