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

what mattered most, even

free. When I walked outside, I

watch.

me. It was Barnaby's daughter, only three years old. I crouched down as she ran toward me with

1. me.

the tears in Vesper's eyes made my heart clench painfully. Children often had

the concept of death than

her grandmother was

You'll see her again,"

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

been

planting flowers?"

"Yes."

daddy pick out

crouching down to her level and speaking

nodded through her tears.

Giving her a task, something she could do for her grandmother,

said, and I waved goodbye as she

me, and I slid

longer than

one who reached for his hand.

sending butterflies fluttering in

2/5

Chapter 61

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

to get rain

this early, I think," Ryder murmured,

unlocked the door, and tossed my keys on the counter. I set down my bag and phone and started gathering all the tools we'd

it into the shop. After he entered, I closed the door,

finish the rest of the modifications

the bike to the customization

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 and Ryder's

as I installed the new shock absorbers. "It not only bears weight but also transmits

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

chuckled softly. "Any good wheel hub

I suggested. It was a West Coast brand with strong visual impact,