Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder)

Chapter 184

"Dr. Pepper for me," I said.

"Iced tea," Ryder replied.

"Tea with lemon, please," Ama answered.

"Mountain Dew for me," William smiled at her, earning a light shove from Ama.

"Got it. Want any appetizers?" Yara asked, pretending not to notice the playful interaction.

"What did you bring us last time?" Ryder asked.

"Oh, those poppers?"

"Yes, could we get some of those?" Ryder requested.

"And fried pickles!" Ama said, a bit too loudly. Her face flushed as she leaned back in her

seat.

I watched Ama's reaction, thinking this must be pregnancy hormones at work.

"Of course! I'll put those in and be right back!" The server walked away.

I spotted Wren in the distance near the

said, nodding toward the

still

forward, ready for gossip. The sparkle of curiosity in her eyes

here, she sat next to Ryder not knowing who I was. Said a bunch of crap before I gracefully introduced myself," I explained, placing my other

hadn't missed that!" Ama laughed. "I would have loved to

with cheesy potatoes and beans, Ama chose the day's special (half rack of ribs with fries), and William went for pulled pork with bread,

guys still want to go swimming this

you two want to do. If

you just got some big news and might want alone

hung out together in forever. I want to go swimming!" Ama said

something satisfying about making a pregnant woman happy. I noticed Ryder seemed a bit restless, but he hid it well. I knew

are your plans for the week? I only know we have school testing on

the pool. We got approval, but I need to finalize the plans,"

to help you tomorrow,"

immediately popped a pickle

was too hot, downing half her

looked concerned. "Oh no! Are

really good!" Yara visibly relaxed at Ama's

careful. I brought some ranch dressing to

them down."

Ama smiled and started blowing

and her food," I muttered, carefully