Broken Dreams Stories

Shattered Girl

Chapter 37

“Wow, Partick, your parents’ house is beautiful,” I exclaimed as we pulled around the circular drive. The house was set back far enough from the road that you could not see it through the trees. It was a two-story house painted a light gray. A large lawn surrounded the home, giving the property a light open space before a long-established woodland took over. I saw a hot tub off to the right, with a stone path leading to it from the backyard. A basketball court had been built by the side of the garage. Another stone path led off around the other side of the house, and I couldn’t wait to be able to explore. Patrick parked his car at the end of the circular drive, leaving enough room for the guys to park beside him. He approached my side of the vehicle and helped me out.

We were walking up the front steps when the door opened, and a man who looked very similar to Patrick and Conner greeted us. He was just as tall as Patrick, with short dark brown hair and bright green eyes. He had a short, trimmed beard, and I saw tattoos covering his

arms.

“Hey, kid, it’s good to see you. We have all missed you; your mom has looked forward to this all week.” He stepped forward, giving Patrick a guy hug and slapping his back.

“Emmy, this is my Dad, Liam. Liam, this is Emmy.” Patrick smiled at me, squeezing my hand.

“It’s nice to meet you, Liam.” I said softly, giving him a shy smile. When Liam approached to hug me, I cringed, and Patrick put a hand on his dad’s shoulder.

Emmy has some bruised and cracked ribs, Liam, so be careful if you touch her.” Patrick explained.

Liam took me in from head to toe, and a frown creased his face. I stepped closer to Patrick, and Liam, seeing me move, immediately wiped the expression from his face. He gave Patrick a meaningful look, and Patrick nodded. ” It’s already being handled, Dad,” Patrick told him. Liam gave a nod, and he gave me a bright smile as he turned to lead us into the house.

floor-plan kitchen, dining, and family room. A woman who had to be Patrick’s mother stood by the island in the kitchen, cutting up vegetables. She was tall and slender, with long reddish-blond hair that had been intricately braided. She

Patrick.

”

she could embrace me, Liam stepped forward, wrapping her in his arms

returned as she

is Shannon, Love; now, why don’t we let these men visit? They would keep you standing here all night if I let them.” She reached for my arm, and I gave Patrick a panicked

Emmy; Emmy,

said, gently squeezing

you, Mrs. O’Kelly,” I said,

be more comfortable.” With that, Shannon took my good hand and led me to a sectional. She was pointing to the spot where I could rest my splinted arm easily. She then fussed over me, making sure

that tea was the best cure for aches and pains, especially

was summer and relatively warm out, the air conditioning made the house quite pleasant, and a hot cup of tea sounded nice. “I would love a cup

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Chapter 37

Liam, love, would you start the grill? Ian said he would grill the steaks, and I want the grill hot when he gets