Three Years Later

Ashley had her favorite drink in the whole wide world glued to her hand. Ever since she had one sip of a mint chocolate chip frapp from one of the greatest coffee giants Starbucks, she would never cherish another drink like she did this one. Ashley rushed into Crane industries as fast as her petite tanned legs would let her while wearing 5 inch stiletto's. She knew that today was going to be an epic and sad day all mixed into one.

The biggest headline to hit the small new england town; Allistar Crane dies at 82. She couldn't believe that it had happened. Ashley was sitting inside her small cozy apartment delicately eating the chocolate covered strawberries her mother had dropped off from a family party. She was never able to make time to attend such gatherings. Being head of the boutique was alot buiser than she had ever expected. The remote stranded on top of her small wooden table, Ashley leaned forward from the couching reaching for it. She clicked the tv on and there it was. Breaking news, Matriarch of Crane Industries passes away.

Finally making into her office several of her coworkers were already working at their desks, burying themselves in the work that needed to be done. Heer assistant was waiting patiently outside her Office door. Molly Mitchell, a young girl with big dreams just like she had. If only I had someone to hire me while I was still in high school to learn the ropes.

Ashley spoke while walking into her office,"So whats on the agenda today? I know we have several wedding dress fittings and a couple new designs to be showed."

Molly placed several folders of the clients with a snyopsis of the day,"You got it right Ms. Tisdale. Thats all thats on the agenda today except you will be meeting with the new boss. He should be arriving in about 15 minutes."

Ashley ears perked,"Hes coming here in 15 minutes for a meeting? I didn't know that the family would already point someone to the position."

Molly however got a sudden feeling in her stomach. The vibe wasn't good at all. She nodded her head answering her boss,"Certainly, they have. Mr. Zac Efron was inherited this giant mogul of a buisness. Its been ringing all over the office especially since he had to suddenly leave his job at the Brooks and Hires Firm. He want's to meet with all the department Heads."

Ashley's heart skipped a beat when that name fluttered across the room. What the hell was that? Its been 3 years and ive dated plently of other good looking men. I should want to shune his name but ive grown up and forgiven past mistakes. Every girl gets cheated on in their life. Its just part of the dating world. Not everyone could be faithful. It was just the thought of seeing him again that made her the happiest. Molly stood there watching Ashley blank out and she couldnt help but let out a small giggle.

Ashley heard the giggle, her eyes shot up at her,"What's so funny?"

Molly smiled softly,"You were just staring out into space with this goofy yet complicated smile on your face. Where are your thoughts?"

Ashley licked her lips contemplating whether to tell her or not. Honesty was a big rule between the two so as Molly shared about her life, it was just as fair that she did. "In high school, I dated Zac but it ended really badly. I havent seen or talked to him for about 3 years in counting. I know nothing about that man who's going to walk into the door. Im almost happy to learn how far he's come in life but then again im not sure of what hassle its going to bring."

Molly took a seat in one of the chairs placed in front of Ashley's desk,"I wouldn't be to worried about it. He's a real sweet man from what I've heard. Hes sharp in the courtroom and just as sharp when it comes to the buisness of this company. Apparently, Allistar was training him for the past year and he's picked up quick. Personal life, He's been married for about a year now."

Ashley pursed her lips together taking everything in. Molly sure was a sponge for information. She was intrigued by all this. She knew that Zac was always the family type. He wanted that whole life of a cozy house with a wife and couple little kids running around. She just wanted to know who the lucky women was. Ashley questioned Molly,"Who's his wife?"

Molly sat back crossing her legs,"I can't remember who her name exactly. Along the lines of Valerie or Vanessa. Something close to it but Jenny say's shes a real bitch. She's to engrossed into her own career to actually be a good wife to him. She loves him but shes always nagging about why he had never actually pursued his basketball career. Publicists can be so pushy."

Ashley eye's widened in shock. He stuttered out,"I..you..he actually ma-married her?"

Molly stared at her,"Yeah why wouldn't he have married her?"

There was a strong firm knock on Ashley's door. Both Ashley and Molly jumped as it scared them.

Ashley spoke loudly,"Your free to come in!"

The door knob turned and walked in no other than the man itself. Zac's eyes immediately enlarged when he saw the women who was sitting before him,"Ashley Tisdale? No kidding! Its been way to long and I still had no clue you actually worked here."

Ashley stood up from her seat extending her hand out,"I know! Its really good to see you again. I never knew that you would be the one to take over the company after he passed. I more thought that your uncle would have or even your father."

Molly took this chance to quietly slip out of Ashley's office and get back to organizing the days ahead.

Zac shook her hand grinning,"Nope. I was the one he trusted with all his heart. God bless, the old bastard. Being a lawyer is so thrilling. Taking it by the head and totally turning everyone on their ass when attacking. Im going to miss doing it everyday. I got a new chapter ahead of me though. So how how are you?"

Ashley kept shaking his hand just listening to his voice. God was his voice amazing. It had gotten deeper, he had gotten taller and he still had those damn dimples that could make you melt within seconds.

Ashley smiled awkwardly taking her hand away,"Ive heard. Oh you know me, always keeping busy. I havent changed from that perfectionism trait. Ive been working here since your Allistar gave me the internship. He was a great man, im sorry for your loss."

Zac noticed that little sparkle in her eye while talking about herself. She still had that damn charisma and same old pride in everything she ever did. He felt a little wierd because of the past. It was such a forceful way to end things but she had said it and inforced it. He was happy though because he wouldn't have the marriage he does today. Something he was totally proud and greatful for. "Its alright. I was close to him and he was a great man. He wouldnt want us all sulking over him hitting the hay. So you worked your way up from the ground. Good for you. You always did have a sense of for this stuff. I never had a doubt about you making it in this expertise."

Ashley laughed,"Im sure you did. So your here meeting me for what reason?"

Zac took her questioning very dominanting,"You like to get straight to the point I see. Not even up for getting to know an old friend? Damn, thats going to have to change. As boss, i want a lunch meeting with you asap to catch up. Now to buisness, Im going to be keeping the rules just as before. I expect the same respect that I give you and Ill be doing routinely checks to make sure shipments, sales and clientele are building. Understood?"

Ashley was keen on what this man wanted and as his employer was going to give him exactly that,"Of course. Ill have Molly set up an available date soon, and I'll have excel sheets set with all the information. Every two weeks, I'll have the papers done, organized and placed on your desk."

Zac nodded his head in agreement,"That's what I like to hear."

He was looking forward to this lunch with her and he couldn't have asked for anyone better for this position from hearing the dead set tone in her voice. That voice was very calm and soothing much different from the viciousness he had heard last. He stood up from the office chair,"I have more meetings with the department head's to get to. It was really nice seeing you again. Keep doing a good job with everything and we'll have no problems. Have a nice rest of the day Ashley."

She grinned folding her hands resting them onto her desk,"you have my word that you'll have only the best. You have a good day as well."

With that last word, Zac nodded really quick before exiting her office. Ashley watched Zac walk out of her office and she was more surprised at the fact that she was happy to see him, she was thinking that if she saw him again one day that she would literally do something horrible that would cause her to be sentenced life in prison but she was so smiley to see him, almost like the old times. Suddenly, she began to day dream about all of the old times before the cheating, her heart began to beat fast when thinking about every passionate kiss they shared or every gift zac has spoiled her with. Hearing a loud tapping noise from the next office, she snapped out of her day dream, thinking to herself, 'Now why the hell am I getting butterflies thinking about the old times? I'm over him..' she sighed.

A few days had passed by and the lunch meeting was set for today. The time was getting closer and closer. Part of her was looking forward to it while the other part wasn't sure if it was such a good idea, she had no choice but to work with Zac though, she just wanted it to be strictly business. Knocking filled the room and while looking the other way she shouted "Come in!".

The man she has been thinking about non stop walked in with a huge smile on his face, he was looking forward to this. "Ms. Tisdale, you ready for lunch?"

Ashley turned around and giggled, "Just because you are my boss, Zac doesn't mean you have to call me that."

He smiled, "I know, its just more fun." He laughed and ashley laughed along with him. "You ready?"

Ashley nodded and walked towards the door as Zac opened it up for her like a good gentlemen should, "Thanks." she said as she smiled.

The whole ride to the restaurant Zac couldn't help but think about how beautiful she was, and how age just has been kind to her. Her big brown eyes shined just like they did three years ago, her smile was just as warm and welcoming and her petite body was a big plus as well. They both stepped inside the restaurant and Zac pulled the chair out for Ashley and she smiled, sitting onto it.

"You are extremely nice for being my boss and all." she casually said.

Zac laughed again, "Well.. we have a past and I just want us to come off on the right foot." he looked at her and she smiled, she always smiles around him, even three years later.

"Let me be honest with you, I'd rather catch up rather than talk business with you, Ashley." Zac informed her.

She looked over at him from the menu and flashed a half smile, hoping that the lunch meeting wouldn't end with her being upset from the 'catching up'.

"So, how have you been?" he asked the beautiful brunette in front of him.

"Fine. Busy." she was lost for words, again like old days.

"Oh well me too. I'm married now, you know. Have been for a bit." he answered to her with no intent to get her upset.

Ashleys heart dropped from hearing that but she played it off by just smiling continuously.

Zac was feeling a little uncomfortable that Ashley wasn't saying much, he just wanted to be friends again but he was now seeing that it might a lot harder than he expected. "Well.. I hope you are happy in life with whatever your doing."

Ashley knew she was kinda lying, she still kinda had the mind of a teenager, still wanting the so-called scum she dated to hurt in pain and not be happy, but she was grown and the past is the past. "Thank you very much. I am really happy.."

He looked into her eyes and suddenly something happened to him, his heart was beating fast just like the first time he saw her, he couldn't shake these little subtle feelings off as much as he needed to. Ashley looked right back into Zac's crystal clear blue eyes and had the same kind of feeling as well.

Lunch continued going on with a few awkward moments then some great moments, the conversation just flowed.

"Oh shit!," Ashley said, looking at her watch. "I have another meeting to get to."

Zac nodded knowing that just because they were having a decent time, there was still work to attend to, "I think its gonna be a thrill to be your boss considering how driven you are to get to this thing."

Ashley giggled, "Thanks."

Zac stood up from his chair and Ashley followed him out of the restaurant. "Do you want a ride back instead of grabbing a cab, I don't mind."

Ashley shook her head, "I'll just grab a cab again, thanks anyways."

Zac walked over to Ashley and squeezed her tightly in a big hug then kissed her cheek before leaving. Butterflies flew in Ashley's stomach as she felt his soft lips against her cheek, she even blushed once he wasn't looking. Then she was confused, butterflies? For an ex boyfriend? She prayed to god she wasn't gonna get those type of feelings again, hes married.

Since the lunch date things went back to normal per say. Work used to be the best place that there was to be but now that Zac was boss it had gotten toxic almost and it hasn't even been a week yet. He was very involved with all the departments especially hers. She didn't quite understand why but he would always be casually coming in and out. She wasn't exactly complaining but then again she was. Zac was a great man that she knew he always had it in him to be but since high school he was tarnished in her eyes. She had an underlying feeling that he was trying to make up for the awkward lunch which was in most part her fault.

Ashley sat at her desk zoning completely out as she had been lately. She was supposed to be finishing her excel sheets for 3 when he wanted them but she couldn't concentrate. She just kept thinking about those damn butterflies."You just had to start floating around and make me feel like a child again? Are you trying to make me feel stupid because if you are, its working. He's married and its not like hes interested in more than a simple friendship like old times. Why can't you just agree and do that for him."

Ashley's conscious started to argue with her; a hot devil version of herself sitting in the chair infront of her 'Oh I dont know maybe because he ripped your heart into a million pieces and he doesn't deserve it.'

Ashley's jaw slightly dropped open,"But people make mistakes all the time. High school relationships dont last forever. Its a proven fact."

Devil of death crossed her legs leaning back into the chair,'who you trying to make believe that. You or You? Give him a piece of your mind. Tell him how you truly feel about Vageyhoe. He was a backstabbing bitch of a boyfriend!'

Ashley shook her head trying to turn her focus on the excel spreadsheet pulled up onto her computer screen,"Yeah how about no! Would you please go away now. I have work to do before he gets here. He may be an ex boyfriend but he still is my boss and I like my job."

Devil of death smirked,'I dont go anywhere until you figure out what has to be done.'

Ashley arched her eyebrow,"What do you mean 'what has to be done'?"

Devil of death laughed,'Tough luck hunny, its up to you on your own.'

Before Ashley could get another word in the honory guest of the conversation strolled in,"Oh hey.."

Zac flashed his million dollar smile,"Hey. I know im a little early but I was hoping you were done with those excel sheets. My assistant has to leave early and I wanted her to file them so all the department files were organized for me."

Ashley wished she could say yes but she couldn't,"Im sorry. Im trying to finish them up right now."

Zac waved his hand slightly,"Ah dont worry about it. Ill just stick around until its done."

Devil of death was still sitting right in the view of Ashley laughing,'HA-HA told you so. Tell him. Tell him. Tell him.'

Ashley glared at the seat infront of her and when Zac laughed when he caught it,"What has the poor chair ever done to you? Trying to slipt it with your invisible eye rays."

Ashley laughed awkwardly,"Yeah, thats it alright."

Zac nodded on the way to seating himself. Ashley quickly yelled,"No dont!"

Zac straightened stiffly as he was startled,"Why can't I sit there?"

Devil of Death laughed some more blowing Ashley a kiss before disappearing,'Dont worry. Ill be back if you dont tell him.'

Ashley felt her cheeks turn red with embarrassment,"Im sorry. I just thought..you know what? Nevermind. You can sit."

Zac looked at her strangely,"Okay?"

This wasn't normal for her to be acting like this. Unless thats how she has changed and now acts. Maybe it was him being there that bothered her.

He decided to take things out of context,"Ashley, May I ask you something?"

Ashley hated the sound of that. It was always something horrible that followed words like that. She nodded,"Sure, spit it out."

Zac sighed not really know how to word it but he said it as best as he could,"Do you have a problem with me being here? Not as in your boss but as me trying to be your friend?"

Ashley was taken aback from the question. She hadn't expected anything close to it but again words like just made my point; HORRIBLE. She knew it.

He could still read her like the book she was. He could tell right off the bat after the words escaped his mouth that he had hit the nail on the head,"Dont answer that. Ill be back in 10 minutes. I expect it to be done."

Zac stood up from his seat but Ashley interrupted him,"Its going to take me atleast another 20 minutes and why didn't you want me to answer it?"

Zac looked at her,"By hesitation it automatically points to yes. Im a lawyer, I learn the tricks."

Ashley sighed shaking her head,"No thats not true!"

Zac licked his dry lips,"Could of fooled me. I thought that maybe, just maybe by now you would be over it. It was high school and we were dumb. I wanted to be friends again especially now that your my employee."

Ashley eyes narrowed,"Thats it! Im your employee. Its supposed to be buisness only."

"Then how come you agreed to lunch and I even told you my intentions." he quizzically asked.

Ashley lied,"Thats before I found out you married the whore!"

Zac couldn't believe that she was still bitter,"You dont even know her anymore! You have never known her."

Ashley laughed sarcastically,"Oh because that was my dream. To become best friends with the girl who slept with my boyfriend. Congratuations Ashley, you just won a fantastic prize!"

Zac shook his head at her,"I married her because I fell in love with her. If you just saw the side of her that I did then you would have a new outlook."

Ashley shook her head furiously,"Why so I can be more jealous and disrupt Miss Vadgehoes happy family home? I dont think so!"

Zac couldn't help but laugh and be honestly angry with her,"Vadgehoe? Are you fucking kidding me Ashley? What are you 6? Dont say shit about my wife when you dont know her. God, I thought we could be friends like I said and yet again you want nothing from me. Why can't you just forgive me?"

Ashley looked away from him,"Im being foolish and because yeah it was a long time ago but you know Ill always love you. I just can't and will never understand why you would be able to trust, love and marry her in the end when you know what kind of girl she is. I mean for crying out loud, if she was able to get you to sleep with her who else would she be able to do!"

Zac sighed harshly,"She would never do that to me."

Ashley shrugged her shoulders,"Never say never because I did and you proved me wrong. Really wrong. I would like to be your friend but there are alot of things we have yet to discuss and fix."

Zac sat back down in the seat,"Then lets do it right now."

"No this is work hours and I dont have time because you want these spreadsheets done." she answered sternly.

Zac nodded,"True. Dinner tomorrow at 6?" Ashley sighed deeply placing a small smile on her face,"That would be nice."

It was wierd how fast it got heated and how fast it had died. It was how her and Zac's arguments had always been. She stopped her thoughts or atleast tried to. There was no point in thinking about the past when it had no future.