J.M. Snyder

At 16, Stacy Evans dropped out of high school in the hopes of moving on with his life. But four years later, he's stuck in an abusive relationship with Lamar, a "friend with benefits," and works long hours at a dead-end job just to get by.<br><br>Then his mother enrolls him in a program to earn his GED. There he meets Darian, a woodshop teacher who is everything Stacy's friends are not -- smart, successful ... and who seems to take a personal interest in helping Stacy turn his life around. The two develop a rapport that keeps Stacy after school just to spend extra time with him. In intimate moments alone, they grow closer than just student and teacher.<br><br>On the right track for once, Stacy has a chance to choose between his troublesome past and a promising future with Darian. But his jealous friends won't let him go so easily.

Stepping Up to the Plate

Lowering her voice, his mother swore, “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.”


“This is different,” Stacy said, earnest. “Believe me, Mom. I’m so close to graduating, I don’t want to screw up now. Darian won’t letme screw up. He told me no, you happy?” Why was he telling her this? “I tried and he turned me away, said not until I’m out of the program. He’s good for me, Mom. Wait ‘til you meet him. You’ll see.”


More silence. Then she asked just one, short question. “Is he black?”


Chapter 104