Don't Poke the Luna (Xena and Ryder) novel Chapter 184

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.

Just then, I spotted Wren in the distance near the kitchen area. Just my luck.

“Look who’s over there,” I said, nodding toward the kitchen area. Ryder followed my gaze.

“I’m surprised she still works here,” Ryder frowned.

“Why?” Ama leaned forward, ready for gossip. The sparkle of curiosity in her eyes made me smile.

“Last time we were 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 hand over Ryder’s.

“I wish I hadn’t missed that!” Ama laughed. “I would have loved to see it.”

Chapter 184

We ordered our meals–1 got pulled pork without bread and fried okra, Ryder ordered brisket 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, cheesy potatoes and beans.

“Do you guys still want to go swimming this afternoon?” Ama asked us.

“Sure. I don’t know what you two want to do. If you want to stay home, that’s fine. I know you just got some big news and might want alone time,” I offered.

“We haven’t hung out together in forever. I want to go swimming!” Ama said enthusiastically.

“Swimming it is then,” I agreed. There was something satisfying about making a pregnant woman happy. I noticed Ryder seemed a bit restless, but he hid it well. I knew him–he probably wanted time alone, but he was willing to compromise for our friends. That was one of the reasons I loved him.

“So what are your plans for the week? I only know we have school testing on Thursday,” I asked.

“Well, apparently I need help designing the pool. We got approval, but I need to finalize the plans,” Ama frowned.

“I’d be happy to help you tomorrow,” I offered.

Our appetizers arrived, and Ama immediately popped a pickle into her mouth.

She had to spit it out because it was too hot, downing half her tea before she could speak.

Yara looked concerned. “Oh no! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, they’re hot but really good!” Yara visibly relaxed at Ama’s words.

“Great. Be careful. I brought some ranch dressing to dip them in. That should help cool

them down.”

“Thanks, Yara!” Ama smiled and started blowing on the pickles.

“Never get between a pregnant woman and her food,” I muttered, carefully taking a pickle for myself. William and Ryder focused on the poppers.