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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mattered most,

minutes to break free. When

watch.

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

1. me.

Vesper's eyes made my heart clench

death than adults did. She must

her grandmother

see her again," I

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

been

planting

"Yes."

and daddy pick out a flower

to her level and speaking

through her

something she could do for her grandmother, would make her feel like she was helping rather than just experiencing the

waved goodbye as she

me, and I slid

longer than

I was the one who reached for his hand. He took

sending butterflies fluttering

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leaves and branches. I rolled down my window and stuck my hand out, feeling the wind rush between my fingers and through my

get rain today?" I

Ryder murmured, glancing up

and tossed my keys on the counter.

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

finish the rest of

Ryder pushed the bike to

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 and

also transmits sensation. This system will let you feel every inch of terrain on a rugged mountain road without sending the vibrations straight

didn't expect you to be so eloquent," Ryder said, handing

good wheel hub brands you'd recommend?

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