Those Amber Eyes

Chapter 8 - Finally Talking

Ash's POV

It's been a week since I saw her, today they will be in my office. She had tried to call me several times over the last week, I just didn't have the heart to talk to her. There was so much that we needed to talk about, and I don't even know where to start. Honestly it needed to be done face to face. I had advised my secretary, Bridget, to welcome them while I gathered my thoughts.

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Lizzie's POV

"Good morning Mr. Feige, Ms. Olsen, and Ms. Johansson. Ms. McGuire will be with you in a few moments, she is just finishing up on another call."

I watched as Scarlett sat and fiddled with her fingers, noticing her nervousness. Taking a breath, I turned to her and grabbed her hands. "Scar, take a breath please, it will be ok."

"How do you know, Lizzie? She won't return my calls, she won't talk to me."

"She will come around Scar, this has to be a lot for her too."

"Ms. McGuire is ready for you all now." Her assistant said, standing and leading us to her office.

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Ash's POV

And just like that, Bridget was leading them into my office, I rose from behind my desk, welcoming them. Scarlett and Lizzie's management team also joined us for the meeting. Once they had read over their contracts, suggestions were made, notes taken by my paralegal team for changes they had requested, the meeting ended. I let them know we would have the contracts updated and delivered for signature tomorrow. They all stood and thanked me and my team, all but one. She stood to the side, whispering to Lizzie and her management team. As everyone left, I turned to look at her, she stood quietly looking at my window, and then she softly spoke.

"Hunter said he saw you opening night of Cat on Broadway, is that true?"

I walked to stand close to her. "Yes, I had box seats, along with some of the other partners."

Scarlett turned to face me, with tears in her eyes. "Why didn't you say anything, why didn't you stay?!"

"Scarlett, you were with your family, you were dating someone, and by all appearances, you were happy."

"Why is your last name McGuire? Did you get married?" I could almost see her hold her breath as she asked.

As I was about to answer her, Bridgett interrupted. "Ms. McGuire, your next appointment called and canceled."

"Thank you, Bridgett, Um, actually will you cancel the remainder of my day." I looked at Scarlett, still looking out the window. "I have some personal business I need to attend too, and will you let Ms. Johansson's team know that I will take her home."

"As you wish, Ms. McGuire."

"Scarlett, let's get out of here. This isn't the place to hash out our past, let's go somewhere a bit more private." She nodded to me and we walked out together. Neither saying much. The ride back to my penthouse was quiet. Once we arrived, I opened her door, and led her to my private elevator to my floor. Once inside, I watched Scarlet kick off her heels, and walk around my penthouse, out onto my terrace. I kicked off my heels, pouring us both a glass of scotch. I followed her out, handing her the glass. She quietly thanked me, looking up into my eyes. How does she still take my breath away after all these years...?

"Ash, I don't know where to start." she said. There is so much, and so many questions.

"Scar, to answer your question, no, I am not married. My mom's maiden name is McGuire. I changed it when I enlisted. I didn't want to be associated with Dad's name. I didn't want to be handed anything or treated any differently because my father was a Four-Star General."