Page 7 of Rhett & Moses
I recognized the deflection for what it was, but decided not to push, for now. “Sure,” I agreed, moving back to my side of the bar. “But this conversation isn’t over.”
He nodded stiffly, already turning away to begin preparations. I watched him for a moment, noting the tension in his shoulders and the careful way he avoided my gaze. There was more to the story of that night than what had become local legend, and I was determined to uncover the truth before this reunion week was over.
“I’ll see you later,” I said, turning to leave as the fear instantly built within me. At the door, I paused, glancing back at him wondering why I hadn’t come up with some excuse to not do this. I knew, though, if I hadn’t turned up then I wouldn’t see him and could I lose him forever. “By the way, I’m going to Yellow Branch Falls tomorrow at dawn. Old times’ sake. You should come.”
I didn’t wait for his answer, letting the door swing shut behind me. Outside, I took a deep breath of the crisp mountain air, trying to steady my racing heart.
Coming back to Gomillion had been a mistake. I’d known it from the moment I’d received the reunion invitation. Too many memories, too much unresolved history. But seeing Moses again, feeling that familiar pull, that electric connection that time and distance had failed to sever, made it clear that leaving had been the bigger mistake.
Twenty years ago, I’d left Gomillion heartbroken and betrayed, vowing never to return. Now, I was back, and despite everything, I still wanted answers. More dangerously, I still wanted him.
The place had been transformed for the ice breaker, string lights hanging from exposed beams and tables.
I’d arrived fashionably late, partly to make an entrance and partly to give myself time to regain my composure after the gin tasting with Moses. The room was already packed with familiar faces, older, wiser perhaps, but still recognizable as the people who had shaped my formative years.
Across the room, I spotted Moses behind the portable bar that had been set up for the event. He moved with practicedefficiency, mixing drinks as if the tension between us earlier had never existed. But even from a distance, I could see it in the rigid set of his shoulders, the way his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Rhett Callahan, gracing us with his presence after all these years.”
I turned to find Vanessa Newton grinning at me, champagne flute in hand. She’d aged well; her blonde hair now cut in a sleek bob that emphasized her sharp cheekbones as she gave a quick nod in acknowledgment to Emmett as he walked on by.
“Vanessa,” I greeted her with a genuine smile. We’d stayed in loose contact over the years, occasional emails and Christmas cards keeping a tenuous connection. “You look fantastic.”
“And you look like you’re mentally undressing our bartender,” she replied, arching a perfectly manicured eyebrow.
I choked on my drink. “I’m doing no such thing.”
“Please,” she scoffed, linking her arm through mine and steering me toward a quieter corner. “I’ve known you since kindergarten, Rhett. You’ve got that same look you had in high school whenever Moses entered a room, like you’ve been wandering the desert for days and just spotted an oasis.”
“Poetic,” I muttered, but didn’t deny it. There was no point lying to Vanessa; she’d always seen through me. “I take it subtlety isn’t on the menu tonight?”
“Life’s too short for subtlety. Especially when it comes to unfinished business,” she said, her expression turning serious.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen each other, Nessa. Whatever was between Moses and me is ancient history.”
“Is it?” she challenged, tilting her head toward the bar. “Because you haven’t taken your eyes off him since we started talking.”
I forced myself to look away, focusing instead on the crowd around us. “I’m just... curious. About what happened back then.He said something earlier that made me think there’s more to the story of that night than what everyone believes.”
Vanessa’s expression shifted, something like guilt flashing across her features. “There usually is, with these small-town scandals. People see what they want to see.”
Before I could press her on what she meant, the microphone squealed with feedback, drawing everyone’s attention to the small stage at the front of the room. Principal Josiah Bushman stood at the podium, beaming at the assembled alumni.
“Welcome back!” he boomed, his enthusiasm undimmed by the decades. “What a joy to see so many familiar faces back in the halls of Gomillion High!”
A cheer went up from the crowd. I clapped politely, my attention drifting back to Moses, who had paused in his drink-making to watch the proceedings. Our eyes met across the room, and for a breathless moment, the years fell away. I was eighteen again, stealing glances at the beautiful, mysterious boy who had captured my attention from the first moment I saw him.
“Before we get this party started properly,” Principal Bushman continued, “I’d like to invite a familiar face to you all to offer a toast. Moses Morley, co-owner of the finest establishment in Gomillion, would you do us the honor?”
Moses froze, panic flashing across his face before he schooled his expression into something more neutral. The crowd turned toward him, expectant. Slowly, reluctantly, he made his way to the stage, every step looking like it cost him.
“Ten bucks says he bolts,” Vanessa murmured beside me.
“Twenty says he pulls it off with surprising grace,” I countered, though my heart ached at his obvious discomfort.
Moses took the microphone, clearing his throat. “Um, thank you. It’s... to say this is not something I expected to be doing tonight, is an understatement.”
A smattering of laughter rippled through the crowd amongst the growl and tut of disapproval.
