Shattered Girl (Emmy)

Chapter 171

A couple of days later, when Patrick got back from a "family meeting," the six of us sat down to plan our holiday activities. Patrick's parents had invited us for Thanksgiving, and as much as I loved spending the day with Patrick's family, I just wanted to stay home. After more debate, Patrick decided to go to his parents, and the rest of us would stay here. The twins had finals and needed to study, so Drew, Mike, and I offered to help them. "Are you sure you're ok with us not going to your parents?"

"Yes, I'm alright with you telling us what you need," Patrick said sternly. "Would I like you with me? Of course, but I'm more concerned about what you need. We see my parents a lot. They will understand."

"I would like to do Christmas here," I said, and they all looked at me. "It will be our first Christmas together, and I want it to just be the six of us. Seven because I would never leave Darren out unless he has someone to spend Christmas with, then he should. I just want it to be us."

Drew, Patrick, and Jake all exchanged looks. I caught my lower lip between my teeth, but Mike gently freed it. "Don't stress; we'll figure it out. But I agree; I think it should just be us."

"We could do it here since this is our place, or I can get the lake house from my parents. Whatever you want." Patrick said.

Jake grinned. "Main does have a lot more snow than we get here."

"Lots of room for play Josh murmured, and I couldn't help but grin. The closest club was in the city; we hadn't gone to more than a couple of munches. While we met some members, not having time to go was getting old. We needed to make time to go.

"Then we all agree, Christmas is just us, no matter where we have it?"

"Yes," the guys all agreed, one at a time, and I left my seat, climbing over Josh to hug him and Jake simultaneously. They each kissed me slowly before handing me off to Mike, who kissed me soundly before Drew pulled me into his lap for his kiss. Patrick was next, and he pressed the softest kiss on my lips.

"We will all work on pooling our resources to figure out these threatening messages and who's sending them. We will get answers and resolve this so no one can hurt you..."

I reminded him, and Patrick let out a long breath as he looked

they can't hurt any of

me sagging in relief. Patrick was a fixer, and Mike and Josh were protectors. Drew and Jake would do whatever they thought was necessary, too. I just didn't want any of them

"Good," Jake said.

and video games. The top two players

just entered, cleared

order the pizzas and bring down some sodas and water after they are

guys. He gave me a wink, and I grinned. "You're the best, Darren. Thank you." "For

protested. "When did

just looked at him pointedly. "Now go begin your games. I will bring

a detour to my room to change into comfortable pajamas, fuzzy socks, and a hoodie. Despite the central heat and several fireplaces,

legs with a blanket. Jake

as we raced around the track. I won more than once and

popcorn and grab sodas after the pizza. My stomach was full,

with me since I was already half asleep. Patrick and Drew had ended up with the two highest scores, but Patrick gave Mike his

Jake tucked me in. I settled back against Drew and tangled my

had no idea what movie got picked because I

Patrick had disappeared into the library to take a phone call from Conner. Mike and Drew

for the coffee