WOW, TEN reviews I am beyond excited and want to thank each and everyone of you! So this is the second chapter and like I said I love this bossy side of Aria and you'll be seeing it for the first few chapters before she softens up.

DISCLAIMER: I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH PRETTY LITTLE LIARS

Aria spent her morning trying to grasp the idea of making everyone work together. So far she had to fire five employee's and call her boss to say that just maybe they would have to push back the date for the re-grand opening.

Aria sat in the violet hall waiting for the five o'clock shift to walk through the doors. She never knew how many one sided people they were at this hotel. But that just earned her a slap in the head when she remembered what Rosewood was like growing up.

She let out a breath when she heard the doors open and people slowly started to enter. "Please everyone take a booklet and sit at your assign tables. " Aria announced as they entered and walked in as caution as possible. She knew having to break up the teams was going to raise eyebrows for the last meeting. Of course people were going to spread the word on now nasty and bitchy the new manager was.

When the clock hit 5:30 pm Aria got up and walked over to the double doors and shut them closed. She then silently walked up to the dance floor and looked at the people around her. There were mostly young teenage kids and some adults.

"Carol, do you mind passing these out?" Aria asked nicely, Carol was one of the girls that Aria had trained with up in London. And when she found out that Carol was following her to Rosewood to help out, she couldn't have been more than thankful. "My name is Aria Montgomery; I am one of the new managers here." Aria started, "You have been broken up to groups, we have housekeepers, cooks, etc."

"Carol here is passing out answer/questions sheets and I will give you the next ten minutes for you to read it over and fill it out. I will also need you to read over your contract booklet when you have the free time and sign it and hand it over to me. You will not be handing it over to a friend to pass it back; you will not be leaving it in my office. You will hand it directly to me; I want to see your face when you give me back those books." As Aria spoke she looked at the doors when it opened. A young teenage boy walked in and Aria stopped talking, "You are late. I will not tolerate tardiness. You may leave."

"I'm sorry I'm late. There was rush hour traffic," Aria held up her hand.

"That is not my problem, when you all agreed to work here. You had signed your contract stating you will be prompt to work. You will be dressed in the proper attire." Aria stopped and looked around the room as some of the adult staff nodded, "If you are late you will call," Aria looked up at the door, "Did you call to say you were late?"

"No ma'am," He sighed, "I was driving and I have a strict rule about phones." Aria nodded seeming to like that excuse, she herself believed in them too, "I frown upon them."

Aria looked at Carol who smirked back at her. This young boy just hit a spot with Aria and Carol knew it, "You may enter." Aria gestured to the crowd, "May this be a warning to you all. I do not tolerate tardiness. If you are going to be late for whatever reason, you are to make sure that someone is covering for you, and that goes for calling out. I don't take pity on the weak."

Two hours later Aria and Carol were sitting at the table taking a relief that the day had finally ended. All Aria wanted to do was go home and have a night in. But Jay called her earlier saying that his friend Kai got in and they wanted to have a few drinks. So she invited Carol.

"Ms Montgomery?" The young late boy said as he approached the table, "May I have a word with you?"

Aria cocked her head to the side looking at this boy, "Sure, what may I do for you Mr?"

"Cutler, Malcolm Cutler."

"What can I do for you Mr Cutler?" Aria licked her lips and placed her pen down on her booklet.

"I just wanted to thank you for giving me another chance. I am usually never late unless there is some kind of emergency, or I got caught up at school." Malcolm sucked in a deep breath, "I really need this job and if there is anything I can do to make you not fire me please tell me."

Aria looked at Carol who was laughing under her breath, "Young man, have you read your contract?" Malcolm nodded, "If you follow the rules, there is absolutely nothing to worry about."

"Hey I'm going to head out okay?" Carol whispered, "I'll see you tonight." Aria nodded.

"I am here to clean up the mess that has been going on for years. Liberty Hotel is beautiful, I remember growing up around here. I'm sure you'll do just fine."

Malcolm smiled, "Thank you!" he said turning around and just when he was about to open the door Aria stopped him, "Yes."

"Thanks for kissing my ass." Aria joked packing up her things, "Have a pleasant night."

LINE BREAK

Ezra paced around the room grumbling to himself as he picked up the random items that Malcolm left around the room. He couldn't believe that Malcolm would just toss all his things in vary places and not pick them up. "So grounded," Ezra sighed as he gave up and looked at the time. It was almost time for him to meet Jay and his girlfriend.

He went into the bathroom and started the shower. He waited for the water to get warm and then started to unbutton his shirt. He stared at his reflection in the mirror and looked at the gold chain that he had around his neck with the engagement ring hanging from it. He took it off and placed it on the hook that he had above the counter.

Flashback

Aria walked across the platform as she walked up to the principle and got her fake diploma. She looked into the crowd and found her family clapping along with the rest of the family and friends that were there for support.

Ezra waited on batted breath for Aria at the end of the ceremony. He wanted to make it right; when she reached him he just grabbed her by the waist and forcefully planted a kiss to her lips. Aria returned it and wrapped her arms around his neck. He felt tears on his face and knew it wasn't coming from him, "What's wrong?" He asked pulling away, "You made it. We agreed to go public once again when you graduated. You got into Hollis; we are officially off the hook for anything in the world." He kissed her again and got down on one knee, "Aria Montgomery, we have been through hell and back. We have overcome things that people have nightmares about." He laughed, "Will you marry me?"

Aria looked up at her friends who were watching the encounter. She couldn't believe what was going on and she couldn't handle it. Yes they have talked about getting back together and even when they were doing her college essays they have gotten close and made love in his classroom. "Aria?" Ezra asked standing up with she broke down and cried harder.

"I can't marry you Ezra." She choked out, "I'm sorry. But I'm leaving and going to Columbia."

"What?" Ezra asked taking a step back, "You promised Aria. That was the whole reason why I agreed to help you… I helped you get into Hollis College, why are you doing this?"

"I'm sorry but I have to go." She went to touch his cheek but he pulled away from her, "I love you Ezra."

"You are nothing but a liar and use people to get what you want. Aria I want nothing to do with you. If you leave, I never want to see you again." He was broken. All his spirits just went up in smoke and at that point Ezra didn't know what to do. He wasn't ashamed that he just got turned down… He was broken hearted because Aria just lied to him about something that was promised. Something that they both plan for.

"Ezra," He shook his head, "I love you, and you know that."

Ezra shrugged his shoulders and shook his head, "I know nothing anymore."

LINE BREAK

Ezra walked into the bar and looked around the room. He didn't see Jay or his girlfriend not that he knew what she looked like, but still couldn't find anyone.

He walked up to the bar and ordered himself a beer just to get a little loose. Being at Wesley's wedding just brought on more heart break, over the last nine years Aria has been the only person on his mind. He wondered how it would be if he was to actually see Aria again. He wondered how she would feel seeing him looking a little older with a few grey hairs and a slight beer belly.

When Maggie had gotten married, she had sign over her parental rights over to Ezra. So he has been playing mommy and daddy, but even though he has all the rights. Ezra wanted Malcolm to still be in contact with his mother, he didn't want Malcolm to grow up thinking that his mother didn't love him. Because Ezra knew that she did, she just let the worse get the best of her and that's something Ezra could understand.

"Kai, Kai" Ezra heard his nick name over the music and turned in his seat to see Jay, "Sorry I'm late. I couldn't find any parking."

Ezra nodded, "I had the same problem, and I only just sat down." He lied; he had been there for good hour thinking about what he could have done differently in his life, "So where is this mystery girl?"

Jay rolled his eyes, "She's coming. She invited her friend from work and went to pick her up. I had my mother drop me off."

Ezra laughed out loud, "I could have picked you up."

"Yeah, I felt like I was being chaperone." Jay joked as he called for the bartender, "Can I have what he's having."

"So, are you going to finally tell me what your girlfriends name is? Or do I have to still play the guessing game?"

Jay smiled and took a sip of her drink, "Are you going to tell me the name of the girl you are pining for?"

"What are you talking about?" Ezra shrugged him off, "I am not pining over anyone."

Jay laughed, "You are such a bad liar, and why do you were an engagement ring around your neck?"

"What makes you think there is one?" Ezra questioned,

He shook his head, "What's wrong with you? I have only been in town for a few years and you've changed a lot. Where is your spirit and soul in life? Come on Kai, where is my best friend from Middle School?"

Ezra shook his head and looked down at the tip of his drink before bringing it up to his lips, "His spirit and soul died a long time ago, when she decided to leave me."

"Who?" Jay asked confused, "Who left you Ezra!"

Ezra looked to him as if he was going to cry, "Ar-" he stopped when two woman came up to them and one of them kissed Jay on the cheek, "Sorry were late. This place is really packed," Aria said taking a seat next to Jay. Ezra sat there frozen and unable to speak.

"It's okay." Jay kissed her on the lips, "This is my good friend Kai," Aria looked up after taking off her jacket and gasped, "This is Aria Montgomery, my girlfriend."

Ezra flared his nostrils in and out as he tried to compose himself, "Will you excuse me. I need to use the bathroom."

"Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost" Jay said grabbing his arm, "What's wrong!"

Aria let out the breath that she was holding and got off her chair, "I should leave, this was a bad idea. I'm sorry Kai is it?" Aria smiled, "Why don't you sit down and finish your drink. Carol and I can just find something else to do."

"Babe," Jay said stopping Aria from leaving, "Kai is fine." He said turning his head to give him a deep glare, "He just can't believe what beauty came before him and has to drag off." He joked trying to lighten up the tenseness in the air. "Carol," Jay held out his hand, "It's nice to finally meet you in person rather than the internet."

Carol took his hand in hers and smiled, "You too! Aria talks non-stop about you."

"Of course," Jay smirked and kissed Aria's temple, "We're in love."

Aria smiled and played the role of not knowing Ezra. "I need a drink." Aria mumbled into Jay's ear, "Now!"

"Right on it babe." Jay turned to Carol, "What would you like?"

Carol shrugged, "Something light, for the both of us." She nudged Aria and looked at her with a puzzled face, "We have to meet the contractor at six"

Aria blinked a few times, "I completely forgot." She rubbed her head a little, "Sorry, I guess Carol was right."

Ezra walked away from the trio and found a table a few feet away. He was still frozen at the fact that Aria was here in the same room as him and he couldn't say or do anything. For years he has wondered and wondered what would happen if he saw her again. But none of that wondering would have led him to the fact that he would freeze up.

Ezra looked at his best friend and ex-girlfriend deciding if he should just walk out now. He knew that would raise a heck of a lot of questions and for months Jay has been raving about the fact that his girlfriend was coming to town… Ezra rolled his eyes and sat back in his seat, he didn't want to look at the couple that was kissing each other in public. He didn't want look at the couple in front of him he just wanted to run, run as fast and far as he could and never look back.

"Hey," Jay said placing a pitch of beer down on the table, "Where did you run too?" He asked sitting down next to him in the booth.

"If I ran I would have been out of here." Ezra commented taking the free glass and pouring himself a drink, "Where's your girlfriend?"

Jay knitted his eyebrow and answered, "They went to get some fries and burgers."

Ezra licked his lips and sneered, "How much do you really know about Aria? How did the two of you meet again?"

"Why?"

Ezra shrugged and looked at his friend, "I want to know?"

Jay sighed, "I know that she comes from a small family and is only in contact with her mother and brother. I know that Aria has had a hard life and when she came to Columbia she had it even harder. With almost being kicked out because she was suffering with grades and trying to keep her job and raise her daughter."

"Daughter?" Ezra cut him off, "What Daughter? You mean Macy?"

"Lacy…" He nodded, "It doesn't matter. I know that I love her and I plan on purposing during the re-grand opening."

"What are you talking about?"

"Aria runs the Lady Liberty. She's one of the top managers there. Actually she's the top manager "Jay stopped, "Don't you listen to me when I talk to you!"

Ezra sucked in a breath, "I want to know more about Lacy." He looked jay in the eyes "Is she yours? Is that why your mom felt the need to take care of her?"

"She's not mine, but I love her as if she was my own." Jay smiled widely, "I can't tell you how I feel when Lacy and I bond. It's amazing."

"What's amazing?" Carol asked as she placed the fries on the table.

"Lacy." Aria bumped into the table as she avoided Ezra's glare, "She's my daughter." Jay finished.

Ezra refilled his drink and placed a few fries in his mouth as he shook his head. "So tell me again how the two of you meant."

"I don't' think you really want to hear this." Aria said eyeing Ezra down, "I'm sure we can find something else to talk about."

"No, Aria. I really want to hear this story. I mean Jay Jay here says it all the time. You went to Columbia?"

Aria nodded sipping her drink as she turned to Jay, "Sweetie can you do me the biggest favor and get us some shot's? I have been dying for one!"

Jay nodded, "Sure keep an eye on my boy okay" He kissed her lips, "Watch my girl Kai."

Ezra smirked, "Like a hawk." When Jay left the table Ezra flew his fry down, "What are you doing here Aria?"

"Ezra, I never knew you were the guy that he wanted me to meet. And why the hell does he keep calling you Kai?"

Ezra crossed his arms over his chest, "It's a long story. But that doesn't answer my question. You need to leave."

"How do you know each other?" Carol asked confused.

"Aria didn't tell you?" Ezra looked at Aria, "Oh I forgot, she likes to-"

"Ezra, please! Right now isn't the time for this. I'm sorry about what happened."

Ezra laughed, "You're not sorry Aria. You got what you wanted, and you used me to get there."

"I did not. I swear to you I didn't." Aria choked out, "I loved you and you know that."

"What about now?" He asked placing his elbows on the table, "Are you still in love with me? Or are you just using Jay? Tell me something that I don't know Aria? Do I have to pick up the pieces when you break Jay's heart?" He shouted, "Tell me something I don't know? What about Lacy?"

"What about her?" Aria sniffed

"Is she my daughter? Did you run off to Columbia taking my daughter with you?" Aria looked over to the counter where Jay was talking with a group of guys, "Answer me Aria!" Ezra slammed his hand down frustrated, "You left with my child? You really turned out like Maggie."

Aria whipped her head to look towards Ezra and picked up her bag getting ready to leave, "I am nothing like Maggie you jerk. At least I didn't take the money your mother offered me."

Ezra smirked as he placed the drink up to his lips, "No you left all on your own."

Jay returned to the table with four shots and looked at the tense table before him, "What's going on? Where are you going you just got here?"

Aria turned to Jay with watery eyes, "I have to leave I'm sorry," She looked at Carol, "Are you going to stay?"

"No, I will go with you!" She stood up, "It was nice to finally meet you Jay and sorry"

"Babe," Jay called before plopping down on the chair, "What the hell just happened." He asked Ezra whose face was flushed, "What's wrong with you dude?"

Ezra turned to Jay and shook his head, "Have you ever read the book 'Our Love'?"

Jay rolled his eyes, "You know I have. It's a fiction tale about two love birds, something like Romero and Juliet."

Ezra sighed, "But neither of them died at the end pal." He patted his back, "Aria and I have history. I guess you could say that she's the girl that got away."

"Excuse me?"

Ezra hesitated for a brief moment before he looked back up at his long-time friend knowing that if he was to tell him that he and Aria were in a relationship for over a year and then he asking her to marry him. He would just lose out. "I was Aria's English teacher. I guess it was a little awkward for her to be having drinks with," He shrugged it off, "Just tell Aria that we can try this again and I promise not to think of her as a student."

"Man, I never knew that." Jay said surprised, "So can you tell me what she was like in high school? Aria never really likes to bring it up and she doesn't want me looking at her year book. I swear she tossed the thing clear across her bedroom room in New York when we were visiting her mother. It was like she was scared of what I might see and all I wanted was to get closer. "

Ezra looked at his watch and then back up again, "Aria had a tough life during High School with her mother's and father's divorce and having her best friend go missing when they were only a freshman… Aria's never been the one to let people down at first. She really has an old soul and loves to watch black and white movies." Ezra stopped and chuckled, "She loves her Chinese food-Thai-and barbecue's. "

"But Aria's a vegetarian." Jay cut him off,

Ezra shook his head as he sipped his drink, "She likes to pretend that she is. Aria if you let her can eat so much and we had always wondered where she put's it."

"How do you know all of this if you are or were only her English teacher? Did something happen between you and Aria that I should know about?"

Ezra shook her head, "No, I used to make them write about their inner darkest secrets, Aria once handed in her Journal instead of the booklet that I handed out for them to write in. I didn't know it at first so I kept on reading and soon enough she had caught me and raved me out about it. I swear I didn't know." He lied through his ass.

Jay laughed out loud, "Wow, I read one of those journals. She keeps it under the mattress and thinks I don't know. Lacy was the one that told me about it."

"What's Lacy like?"

"She's really out going and easy on the eyes. She is a miniature Aria and sometimes I wonder why Aria won't spend time with her she is a doll and a half." He explained, "Lacy loves the outdoors and swimming, ever since Emily came to visit one summer, Aria's friend, "Ezra nodded, "She spent most of her summer in the pool-"

"So, have you ever asked Aria why? Why doesn't she spend more time with Lacy?"

Jay nodded, "She said it's too hard to look into her eyes and see heart break." Jay stopped and thought of something, "Who was Aria's Boyfriend in High School? Apparently you would know considering this is a small town and all."

Ezra looked at him confused, "Never knew she was seeing anyone. I guess it was after she left for college." Lie

IN CASE YOU FORGOT DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW; I LOVE HEARING FOR YOU AND IF YOU WANT TO ADD IN SOMETHINGS TO THIS STORY PM ME OR TELL ME IN A REVIEW AND I'LL SEE WHAT I CAN DO. I HAVE THE NEXT SIX CHAPTERS WRITTEN AND I PRETTY MUCH KNOW WHERE I WANT TO GO WITH THIS STORY.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE REVIEWS.