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

1/5

Chapter 61

was what mattered most, even if I

me fifteen minutes to break free. When I walked outside, I saw Ryder checking

watch.

A small voice called from behind me. It was Barnaby's daughter, only three years old. I

1. me.

Vesper's eyes made my heart clench painfully. Children often

than

why her grandmother was suddenly

again," I tried to

came out to collect her. "Mommy!" Vesper cried

she's been upset,"

planting flowers?"

"Yes."

and daddy pick out a

crouching down to her

through her tears.

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

said, and I waved goodbye as she took her child back

and I slid in. In

longer than I

was the one who reached for

fluttering

2/5

Chapter 61

distance, the wind picking up, tossing leaves and branches. I rolled down my

we going to get

think," Ryder murmured, glancing up at

lot, I got out, unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on the counter. I set down my bag and phone

Ryder unloaded his Harley from his pickup and wheeled it into the shop. After he entered, I

rest of the

the bike to the customization

Carefully, I began removing the original shocks. Outside, the wind howled and a light rain began to fall. Inside the dimly lit shop, the only sounds were the crisp clinking

I explained as I installed the new shock absorbers. "It not only bears weight but also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel

be so eloquent," Ryder said, handing me a

"Any good wheel hub

Coast