Free In Dreams by J. Sterling Page A

dreams? I think the choice is obvious.”
    “Easy for you to say...you’re not the one having the dreams.”
    Katherine didn’t know what to do. She wasn’t sure how she felt, or what the rules were for something like this. Did she have an obligation to let Cooper know that she was seeing someone else? But that it was only while she was asleep? This was crazy and she knew it. Just because Dream Guy said he could come back, maybe he wouldn’t. Maybe it was all some crazy made up fantasy.
    “Maybe he’ll go away,” Taylor suggested.
    “I don’t want him to go away, Taylor. Do I tell Cooper?”
    “Tell him what? You’re dreaming about some guy you’ve never met and you want to have ten thousand of his babies? I mean, really Kat...even if you did tell Cooper, you think he’d just walk away from you? Not a chance.”
    “No, you’re right. I’m just being crazy. You should probably keep a mental ward on speed dial though. Just to be safe.”
    “Already done,” Taylor smiled at her. “Are you excited for the game tonight?”
    Katherine was grateful for the subject change. “Yes! I can’t wait! But Taylor, I’m not kidding when I tell you that I know NOTHING about hockey, so you’re going to have to help me out.”
    “You’ll be a pro in no time,” Taylor winked.
    As they walked across campus Katherine noticed Taylor giving other girls dirty looks. “What are you doing?” Katherine chuckled.
    “I am about to lose my mind on these stupid females.”
    “Huh?” Katherine looked around and noticed all the sour looks aimed in her direction.
    “It would be one thing if you were a total bitch or something, but you’re not. You’re normal and nice and they’re just mad that he didn’t pick them,” Taylor snapped.
    “Maybe they’ll like me once they get to know me?” Katherine genuinely believed that people were good at heart. She had been around celebrities in LA enough to know how other girls behaved when they were jealous.
    “God, you are so naïve! East coast girls can be really mean, Kat. They don’t care how nice you are. All they care about is that some California girl just rode into town and took their property.”
    “Well, what am I supposed to do?” Kat started saying “ hi ” to all the girls who looked at her cruelly.
    “Oh my gosh, STOP doing that. What is wrong with you? These girls are not your friends. Stop being so nice to everyone.”
    Katherine laughed.
    “I’m not kidding. Saying ‘hi’ isn’t going to make them like you. It’s only going to make them hate you more.”
    “Well that’s stupid. And I’m not going to stop being nice so they can feel better.”
    Cooper sauntered up and took Katherine by the hand as he pulled her tightly against his chest. “Morning,” he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She immediately felt the heat rise inside of her.
    “Geez, Cooper, are you trying to start a riot?” Taylor glared at him.
    “It has to happen sooner or later,” he said before he looked at Katherine. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”
    “Oh it’s okay, I have my bodyguard Taylor over here.” Katherine caught herself thinking about the boy from her dream. She looked at Cooper and knew she should focus on what was right in front of her, but her heart wouldn’t let her.
    “That’s right,” Taylor said with attitude.
    Cooper laughed, “Coming to the game tonight?”
    Taylor looked at Katherine, “No, I think there’s a new show on we wanted to watch. You don’t mind, right?”
    “Oh yeah, that show looks amazing. Can’t miss it, sorry,” Katherine smiled at him.
    “Ladies, you’re breaking my heart here.”
    “Well, that was a stupid question. Of course we’ll be there. You think I want to see my boyfriend cry?” Taylor teased.
    “True, true. It’s not pretty, I’ve seen it,” Cooper remarked.
    ****
    “Come on Katherine. Hurry up! I want to get to the rink early,” Taylor whined.
    “I’m coming. What’s the rush?”
    “I want to