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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Chapter 61

most, even if

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

watch.

was Barnaby's daughter, only three years old. I crouched

1. me.

eyes made my heart

the concept of death than adults did. She must

why her grandmother

see her again," I tried

Mary came out to

she's been

you planting flowers?"

"Yes."

mommy and daddy pick out a flower for

her

through

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

said, and I waved goodbye as she

door for me, and I slid in. In an

longer

one who reached

sending butterflies fluttering in

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Chapter 61

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,

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

his pickup and wheeled it into the shop. After he entered, I closed the

rest of

pushed the bike to the customization

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

I explained as I installed the new shock 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

eloquent," Ryder said, handing me a

hub brands

was a West Coast brand with