Free Finding Kat by Elizabeth McMahen

Daniel.”
     
    I’d just been nodding my head up til then. I usually just sign and let her do all the talking but she was wrong on that one.
     
    “I have a date.” I interjected into her monologue.
     
    “Not Ally again.” My mom frowned at me over her glasses.
     
    “Uh. Not Ally, not that there’s anything wrong with her, but a man, Cade Walker.” I cringed knowing what she was going to say before she said it.
     
    “That rock star? I’m not sure that’s a good move Katie. He isn’t exactly known for his clean lifestyle. Plus you really need to think of how this will look for Daniel.”
     
    “Daniel will be fine, and Cade’s nice. I like him. He likes me. It could help me get more popular. Maybe broaden my range. Like the Damaged movie. I am Skyping to them tomorrow after lunch, you know.”
     
    “Not this again. Kat, it’s not a good choice for you. Too controversial. Your fans love your clean cut image. This has whips and bondage. Nudity. I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
     
    “If they want me, and they do, I’m doing it. I don’t expect your full support but please stop arguing against it. It will pull attention to everything I do. It’s a big fan favorite. Not to mention the pay check I can pull with this movie.”
     
    She paused for a moment to think about it. She nodded her head after a minute, a bit reluctantly.
     
    “OK. Fine. But after this movie you need to do something light and sweet to balance. No need to shock everyone.”
     
    “Great. Not a problem. Maybe I’ll take a break and look into direction. Or production.”
     
    “That sounds like it could be a good idea for later on darling, but you are still in demand for movies. We need to capitalize on that.” Mom placated.
     
    “I haven’t made up my mind yet. I will think on that after I land Damaged.”
     
    I was tired of having the same conversation repeatedly. They’d catch on or I would hire someone else. I was tired of following their plan. I had too many plans of my own and refused to do anything other than what I wanted from here on out.
     
    “Anyway. Next topic. When are the hair and make-up people coming to my house? The dress is being delivered tomorrow. The limo and everything is all set up. Are you meeting me on the carpet?” I pushed ahead into plans for the premier.
     
    “They will be there at noon. I will see you on the carpet. I have a few interviews set up for you. That girl from E, Mario Lopez, a few reporters. Just say a few words about the movie and then promote the next one. Be charming. Say something funny. What does your gown look like? I would be good to be on the best dressed list.” She looked up at me then and raised her brow.
     
    “It’s a new designer. Up and coming. They contacted me actually and I went in for several meetings and fittings. It’s different. Modern and daring. It’s gorgeous. Genius really. They needed someone to take a chance on them and get them some attention and I love their stuff so I decided it should be me.” I grinned.
     
    I was really looking forward to dressing up this time. The dress was amazing. And the fact that Cade was going to see me in it created a whole new flock of butterflies to spark to life.
     
    “You know how I feel about fashion but it’s too late to change gowns now. I trust your judgment on this one. I think that covers everything. Give me your phone and I will sync all of your appointments for the next week while we eat dinner. Go get your father and tell him we are ready to eat.” She held out her hand for my phone and plugged it in.
     
    I walked down the hall and waved at my dad to come down to eat. As I wandered down to the dining room, I let myself get lost in visions of my date with Cade. I bet he looks fantastic in a tux. I giggled girlishly to myself at the thought. You’re welcome women of the universe who get to see him or pictures of him in a tux. Saturday couldn’t come fast enough!
     

     
    The days leading up to