Priestly made his way through the crowds to the VIP section, where he could see his friends. He tickled Ashley's sides as he came up behind her.
"Zac!" she squealed, turning around and throwing her arms around his neck. "You made it!"
"I did," he grinned, kissing her cheek. "How are you doing?"
"Much better," she nodded, indicating Sammy and Haylie. "They are not letting me feel sad."
"And one Mr Johnson is helping too, I imagine?" He raised his eyebrows comically.
"Shut up!" Ashley laughed and punched his arm.
"Oohoooo, lovers," he teased, scoring another punch.
"Your ass is grass, Efron," she warned, then brightened as she saw a few new arrivals. "Hutch!"
"Oh great," Priestly exhaled, rolling his eyes.
"Play nice, Efron," Ashley told him, rubbing his back. "He's just saying hi."
Josh made his way over, with two other actors that Priestly knew of, but hadn't directly met before. His eyes locked on the girl, and recognition flashed on both of their faces.
"Hi, I'm Emma," she said, holding her hand out for him.
"Zac," Priestly responded, smiling as he took her hand. He felt a small tingle as they touched and he was surprised to find she was blushing a little.
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked.
"That would be lovely," she replied.