Divorce and the loss of his job have left Peter at the mercy of a series of psychologists. Teaching at an all-black college in the deep South promises a new beginning. Within hours after pulling off the Interstate, Pete has an apartment, an answering service, and a new girl friend, Peri Mattox.

But the presence of so many blacks makes him nervous. The woman whose job hes taking hasn't left yet and doesn't plan to. Senior faculty resent his existence. And his cover-your-ass boss makes it clear it's to be sink or swim.

 Peter agonizes over his relationship with Peri. They live only in the now, never discuss their children, their jobs, or their past marriages. It is only that minor part of his life in Pineville that they share. And Peri doesn't like black people, won't associate with them.

Peter's position at the college seems increasingly temporary. Changes he thought he'd made  (accompanied by all the necessary signatures) never materialize. He turns to Peri for comfort, only to find she is leaving him.