Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 61

Xena's POV

"What's wrong?" Logan asked as I got out of the car.

"Barnaby canceled his appointment because of his grandmother. I wanted to drop off a sympathy basket."

"I figured, so I brought one for you." Logan handed me the basket. "Ryder." Logan extended his hand to Ryder, who shook it firmly.

"Martha's busy with something, so as much as I'd love to chat, you should probably get going." Logan's hand was already on my shoulder, gently pushing me forward.

I nodded and got back in the car.

"Thanks, Logan!" Ryder called out as he returned to the driver's seat, rolling down his

window to wave at my brother.

I gave Ryder directions, and we easily found Barnaby's place. There were already several

people inside.

My heart suddenly raced, a mix of grief and nervousness washing over me. Even though Barnaby and I were on good terms, I always felt uncomfortable showing up for occasions like this, especially with Ryder in tow. I didn't want him to feel dragged into this

situation.

"If you don't want to go in, I understand," I told Ryder as I stepped out of the car.

"I'll wait for you out here," Ryder replied, leaning against his car as I walked toward the

house.

"Xena! You didn't have to come! I'm so sorry." Barnaby looked a mess.

"Don't apologize." I placed the basket on the table with the cards and was quickly pulled

into a conversation.

Every time I attended something like this, I never knew what to say. Death caught everyone off guard, and words of comfort always seemed inadequate. But I knew that

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what mattered most, even if I just stood

When I walked

watch.

Barnaby's daughter, only three years old. I crouched down as she ran toward me with all her might,

1. me.

my

than adults

why her grandmother was suddenly

Vesper. You'll see her again," I tried to comfort

Mary came out to collect

sorry, she's been upset," Mary

planting flowers?"

"Yes."

you can help mommy and daddy pick out a flower for grandma?"

her level

through

easily redirected. Giving her a task, something she could do for her grandmother, would make her feel like she was helping rather than just experiencing the helpless

goodbye as she

the car door for me, and I slid in. In an instant,

longer than

I was the one who reached for his

fluttering in my

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Chapter 61

watched storm clouds gathering in the distance, the wind picking up, tossing leaves and branches. I rolled down my window and stuck my hand out, feeling the wind rush between my fingers and through my hair.

get rain today?" I

early, I think," Ryder murmured, glancing up

unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on

Harley from his pickup and wheeled it into the shop. After

finish the rest of

pushed the bike

took out a set of Öhlins black and gold shock absorbers from the tool cart and placed them nearby. Carefully, I began removing the original shocks. Outside, the wind howled and

absorbers. "It not only bears weight but also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel every inch of terrain on a rugged mountain road without sending the

to be so eloquent," Ryder said, handing me a wrench. I rolled

softly. "Any good wheel hub brands you'd recommend? I'm

10-Gauge?" I suggested. It was a West Coast brand with strong visual impact, though