My friend has two Geo Metros, a 1990 and a 1992, both automatics, and I know she has to step on the brake to get out of Park.
In any case, you're right, AngelaHunter, kid was a liar. Just would have made it even more obvious if that "step on the brake" had gotten brought up somehow.
(I was yelling it at the TV, BTW, LOL)