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

When I walked outside, I

watch.

only three years old. I crouched down as she ran toward me with all her might, throwing her little

1. me.

made my heart

the concept of death than adults did. She must

her grandmother was suddenly

again," I tried

Mary came out to collect her.

been upset," Mary

you planting flowers?"

"Yes."

can help mommy and daddy pick out a flower for

to her level and speaking

nodded through her

easily redirected. Giving her a task, something she could do for her grandmother, would

I waved goodbye as she took her child back

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

longer

fine." This time, I was the one who reached for his hand. He

fluttering in

2/5

Chapter 61

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

to get rain today?" I

early, I think," Ryder murmured, glancing up at

reached the parking lot, I got out, unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on the counter. I set down my bag and phone and started gathering all

the shop. After he entered,

the rest of the modifications

the bike to

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 a light rain began to fall. Inside the dimly lit shop, the only sounds were the crisp clinking of wrenches against metal

system is like a person's spine," I explained as I installed the new shock absorbers. "It not only bears weight but also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel

you to be so eloquent," Ryder said, handing

wheel hub brands

It was a West Coast brand