Book Description

The death of a life-long friend and mentor forces a successful middle-aged executive, John Haley, to face the memories of his youth during the unpleasant return to his hometown to attend the funeral. John realizes his childhood experiences not only where the foundation for his success, but forces him to realize life's cycle predestines certain inevitable events. Through a series of unplanned encounters, John Haley must reconcile the happiness of his youth against the depression that overcomes him as he engages many of the central figures of his life. John maneuvers through these encounters emotionally, but father time's punishing blows weigh heavy on him. John's intermittent visits back to his hometown have never exposed him to the plight of those he grew to know and love, so the untimely death of a major character in his life opens the door to reflection and how he must think about the future. John Haley grew up in the turbulent 60's and innovative 70's. This time of black middle class discovery provided a new era for black youth to grow. Their parents, products of Jim Crow and segregation, look to provide unique educational and social experiences to their children. These experiences however provided John and many of his peers with new challenges in life. During his weekend trip, John tours the city he grew up in and reflects on the almost unbelievable events on his street. Some events hilarious, some events regrettable, but none are forgettable. As John tries to compartmentalize each, he continues to build the case, in his own mind, that his life is much more successful and meaningful because he has left this place. Susan, one of John's oldest and closes friends has returned to their hometown to continue life after a near death experience. Susan has a very different thought about their hometown. She sees it as a place of refuge and security, especially now that John has returned. Susan has a secret that she must share with John which will cause their destiny to become permanently connected. One bright spot in the visit for John is the chance meeting with Jill, his high school sweetheart. Although Jill has remained in their town, she could not help but wonder of the life that could have been. Happiness is relative and for John and Jill, their what if, becomes an excuse for passion and sex. But can chances lost help to establish a potential future? In all, John Haley must get beyond his past, whether pleasant or not, to return to the life that was meant for him. But will Susan's secret or Jill's passion cause him to reconsider?