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.

followed Liam to the left down a short hallway that opened into a large open floor-plan kitchen, dining, and family room. A woman who had to be Patrick’s mother stood by the island in the

Patrick.

”

She is such a pretty little thing.” Before she could embrace me, Liam

returned as she introduced

gave Patrick a panicked look. Thankfully, he saw my expression and gently took his mom aside; after a couple of minutes of quiet talk, they came back to

this is Emmy; Emmy, this

Patrick said, gently

Mrs. O’Kelly,” I said,

too. Now, love, would you like to come with me? I don’t want you trying to sit on a bar stool, so let’s sit over on the couch. You will be more comfortable.” With that, Shannon took my good hand and led me to a sectional. She was pointing to

that tea was the best cure for aches and pains, especially how she made it.” Shannon was sitting next to me and gave

though it 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

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Chapter 37

your dads that Emmy is here and could they come help with dinner. Liam, love, would you start the grill? Ian said he would grill the steaks, and I want the grill hot