Texas

Each of the stories in this collection (with the exception of "Time After") take place in Texas. Stark differences are drawn between the more affluent and white-leaning neighborhoods versus the ones that the Black characters grew up in or inhabit. For example, in "Cutting Horse," the difference between the rural landscape that Ridley grew up in and the white, gentrified neighborhood that Cole wants to inhabit and moves him into is enormous and it creates a lot of tension in their marriage.

Washington, DC

"Time After" takes place in Washington, DC instead of Texas. Mary is there with her sister, Bobbi, to look for their brother, Tenchie, who is rumored to be somewhere in the area living on the streets or in a shelter. Mary runs into significant culture shock almost immediately when she is inadvertently led to a gay bar by a woman on the street who...