Disclaimer: I do not own Austin & Ally

Two years later

Ally's face hurt from fake smiling.

The restaurant she was in was amazing, but it couldn't distract her from the terrible date she was having. The guy was attractive, but so incredibly… dull.

She'd met him in one of her college classes; a guy with lots of money and little talent. He'd asked her out a couple times already and she'd accepted this time, though somewhat reluctantly. It had been a while since she'd been out, and he'd somehow convinced her, and she decided she deserved it after studying so much anyway. Plus the restaurant he'd said he was taking her to was absolutely beautiful, and she felt like being a little spoiled for once.

Right now, however, she was starting to wish she was at home working on her assignments.

She continued to smile and nod as her date described his music career, and how soon enough he'd be getting a record deal. She knew for a fact he wouldn't be getting anything close to that – he simply wasn't talented enough to make a career out of this, he didn't have a big enough presence. Not like…

She shifted in her seat, that uncomfortable feeling returning whenever she thought about her former best friend.

When he'd first gone on tour, things had been fine. They'd called and texted each other every day. But it had only lasted a month or so before Austin's tour commitments and Ally's extra activities got in the way of their friendship. Whenever Ally called, he was performing, rehearsing, or resting up for the two. Whenever Austin remembered to call, Ally was working or studying.

And then Austin had signed on for a worldwide tour… a month before Ally was to turn eighteen. Because of the commitment, Austin didn't make it to her birthday like he promised. He didn't even wish her a happy birthday until a few days after with a thirty second phone call. With his busy schedule, he'd completely forgotten. Not that she'd minded at the time; he was a superstar, how could she expect him to remember something so small?

They hadn't spoken for a couple of years now; she didn't even know where he was at the moment. Still touring, of course, but she wasn't sure which country he was in. He was huge though. Every time she turned on the damn radio, one of his songs was playing. Trish often texted, asking if she'd seen him on the news or heard about whom his new rumoured girlfriend was. Ally tended to ignore these.

Honestly, she was a little bitter. She'd fooled herself for a long time into thinking she'd been a top priority in Austin's life. She'd been his friend, his partner, and at one point, his girlfriend. And he'd forgotten all about her within a year of leaving. It hurt. But she preferred not to dwell on the past, and if she didn't dwell on the past then she didn't have to think about the betrayal.

"So yeah," her date, Ethan, was saying. "I'm thinking I might add a little rap into my music later on, reach a wider audience when I make it big."

He continued on as Ally stared at him silently, thinking back on how she'd gotten to this point. When she'd moved upstate, she initially struggled. Her manager had understood her decision to hold off on her record deal until she finished studying at the New York Music University, and she'd been grateful. She wanted to fulfil her dream of graduating before going professional, but it had come with its own drawbacks.

"Holy crap," Ethan muttered quietly, interrupting her thoughts. "Is that who I think it is?"

Ally turned her head towards the door, and she swore she felt her heart skip a beat.

Standing in the front entrance, waiting for a table, was Austin Moon.

This can't be happening, she thought to herself in a panic.

As she watched Austin and another man talking to the restaurant manager, she felt her chest constrict. All the old feelings and all the old resentments came flooding back, crushing her so much she felt like she was suffocating. When she saw him turn and start walking toward to the tables, her palms started sweating.

She didn't want to see him. She didn't want him to see her. She and Austin hadn't been friends for a while; their relationship was in the past and she didn't feel like reliving old memories. Already she was remembering that night, the last time she saw him. She hated it. If she was lucky, he wouldn't look her way, she could fake a headache to her date and they could leave. Austin would be none the wiser and Ally wouldn't have to look him in the eye, knowing that this boy, now a man, was completely oblivious to the pain he caused her.

While Ally was trying to come up with an escape plan, her date was contemplating whether to approach Austin Moon or not. The need to talk to a superstar won out over his nervousness and he got out of his chair just as Austin and the man beside him were walking past, blocking their path. Ally could only watch in horror as he reached his hand out.

"Hey," Ethan said awkwardly. "I'm a fan. I'm actually planning on going into the music business myself and you're a giant inspiration for me."

Austin had looked to be caught off guard for a second before grabbing Ethan's hand and giving a friendly smile. "Thanks, man, I appreciate it. And good luck with your music."

Ally tried to make herself as small as possible in her chair as Ethan remained in place. "Uh yeah, thanks," he said, gaining confidence. "I mean, I'm pretty good. But nowadays it's all about the contacts you have. I bet you know all kinds of people in the music industry."

Austin raised his eyebrows, still smiling. "Yeah, I guess I do. But I wouldn't know anybody if I didn't try my hardest and have the support I do. As I'm sure you know. Your beautiful girlfriend here is probably your number one supporter, am I right?"

Austin glanced over at Ally and her heart stopped. For a moment she hoped he hadn't recognised her, but that hope was soon diminished when he did a double take. He looked back at her and his jaw dropped.

"Ally?" he asked in disbelief. Ally took a deep breath to compose herself.

"Hi Austin," she replied, amazed at how calm she sounded. She watched his all too familiar eyes roam her face as she looked at him.

Ethan's eyes looked like they were about to pop out of his head. "Ally, you know Austin Moon? Why didn't you say anything when I pointed him out?"

Ally shrugged, still looking at Austin. "Sorry, Eth. I think I was just a little in shock." She didn't really know why she called him Eth, but it felt good to see Austin's eyes narrow at her. Only for a second however, and then he was grinning.

"Wow, it's been a while," he said. "Must be about two years now."

Ally gave him what she hoped looked like an emotionless smile. "Something like that."

Austin knitted his eyebrows for a moment and then spoke again. "I'm in New York for the rest of the week. I hope we can catch up while I'm here."

Ally shrugged disinterestedly. "I'm not sure I can-"

Ethan saw an opportunity to cut in. "Why don't you two catch up now? We've got room for one – I mean two more – at our table. Won't you join us?"

Ally froze as Austin looked at Ethan. He glanced back at her, expecting her to second the offer. When she stayed silent, he frowned.

"I don't know-"

"Oh come on, sit down. We insist. Right, Ally?" he said, looking to Ally for confirmation. She hesitated before smiling and nodding, a knot forming in her stomach. "Sure. We insist."

Austin raised an eyebrow at her and then grinned at Ethan.

"Okay, sure. You've twisted my arm."

Hope you enjoyed! Let me know if there's anything I can improve with my writing or story line or something :)