Free Meet Me at Taylor Park by Jason W. Chan

eyebrows.
    Catherine waved one hand. “Don’t worry. This was before I met your father.”
    “Do you regret not being an actress?”
    “No, I don’t think I would have liked to be one, but that’s not the point.” Her mother stared at her. “I didn’t even try. I didn’t get to audition. I was too wrapped up in him even to bother.”
    Katie started playing with her hair. “What are you saying?”
    “I’m not saying you shouldn’t date, but just don’t let a boy stop you from at least trying to fulfill your dreams. Even if you fail, at least you can say that you tried and you won’t look back on it with regret.”
    Katie looked at her mother’s serious face. “Why can’t he go to New York with me?”
    “You have your dad in New York already. He could take care of you. And besides, would you ask Brandon to make that sacrifice for you?”
    Katie shook her head. “I don’t know.”
    “And even if he did go with you, he might turn off a lot of designers. They like to see single girls, not attached ones.”
    Catherine put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder, patting her. “Just remember what I said. I’m only doing this for your own good, honey.”
    Katie nodded. “Is dad OK in New York?”
    “I don’t care.” Catherine got up. “You got a package from him. An application form for an internship at Prattico’s in New York.”
    Katie perked up.
    Her mother gestured toward the kitchen. It’s waiting for you on the counter.”
    The bell rang and Katie turned toward the door, forgetting all about the application form.
    “I’ll get it.”
    Her mother got up. “Dinner’s ready. I’ll get the food.”
    Katie opened the door and gave Brandon a big smile. His face was red and his hood was covered with snowflakes.
    Katie peered outside. It was dark and the snow was coming down hard.
    She rushed into his arms, and kissed him.
    He hugged her, and shivered. “It’s so cold out here.” Then, he sniffed the air. “Smells like gingerbread. Spicy. Just like you.” He pointed at her.
    Katie slapped his fingers away playfully, throwing her head back.
    A blast of winter wind entered the front door, and Katie scrambled to close it. Brandon took off his jacket.
    “I can take that for you,” Katie said. “Are you nervous?”
    Brandon hugged himself, trying to warm up. “God yes.”
    “Don’t worry. My mom will love you,” she said, taking his jacket. She noticed that he was wearing a beautiful white sweater and casual jeans. Typical winter wear.
    She liked it. She went up to him and kissed him again.
    When she was done, he said, “What was that for?”
    She remembered what her mother had said about having to leave him. “Just because.”
    She hung up the jacket. “Just because,” she repeated.
    He grinned and looked around. In front of the fireplace was an ornate Christmas with an angel on top.
    “Wow, your family goes all out. Mine barely has Christmas dinner.”
    “That’s why I invited you.” She took his hand and his face lit up.
    They were about to enjoy a moment, when her mother’s piercing voice shouted, “Dinner time.”
    She appeared in the hallway, and the couple stopped holding hands.
    Katie turned toward her mother. “Mom, this is Brandon.”
    Catherine smiled and extended one hand. “Brandon, I’ve heard so much about you. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
    Brandon shook Catherine’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Mrs. Simpson.” He noticed that she had an iron grip.
    “Please, call me ‘Your Highness.’”
    Brandon looked uncertain.
    Then, Catherine burst out laughing. “I’m just kidding.”
    Brandon laughed nervously. He got the feeling that she was not entirely kidding.
    Catherine pointed in the direction of the dining room. “Let’s eat. I’m starving.”
    Brandon was led into a dining room piled high with all sorts of Christmas dishes. There was a roast turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, mash potatoes, garden salad with multiple kinds of