Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

"Let's see if you've eaten lunch. We're heading down right now,' Ama said, poking her head into the office.

"We were just about to go too," I smiled, grateful for the interruption My brain had been swimming with logistics for hours.

"Perfect!" Ama beamed, waiting as I grabbed my phone. I set my purse aside, and we left the office together, heading toward the

kitchen.

The kitchen was packed with people, but we squeezed through the crowd to the buffet area. They had laid out the basics-pasta, salad, bread, and yarious sandwich meats. An entire section was dedicated to fruits and vegetables. I grabbed some bread, made myself a sandwich, added a little pasta, and sat down.

"So Ama, how's that pool project coming along?" I asked, eager to hear about something other than the chaos of the past few days.

"It's going well. We've finalized the expansion plans and construction starts in the fall."

"That's great. So what project are you working on now?" I took a bite of my sandwich, watching her face carefully.

have a feeling it might be a new library,"

was exactly what I'd been thinking about. Ama could always read my mind like this-it's

here and see if we can upgrade them or if we need to start over. I'd rather

need to finalize those and follow up with everyone,"

I asked, shock washing over me. Why did everyone

could take some of the work off her plate." Ama shrugged as

run smoother."

the office this afternoon and I'll help you finish the seating chart and make the calls," I sighed, feeling guilt and concern spreading through my chest. “I wish she would have called

didn't want you to think she was a failure or weak. She idolizes you; she didn't want

by the thought of Penelope suffering

at all. You pulled her out of that orphanage and gave her a new life. She's grateful to you.

fell silent for a moment, thinking of all those young faces. Then

Nolan to bring his work to me today?" He didn't answer, just

She had taken over my shop, and now I needed to take it