Hello everyone. Here is the next chapter and I have say I kind of like how this chapter turned out. I think because when I was writing it I had this whole other in-charge feeling. But anyways, I want to thank everyone who is sticking with this story and reading every single chapter and not to mention reviewing. I love reading your comments and thoughts.
Now, I am writing chapter 19 and here is a spoiler with not that much details, lost characters are coming into the story. Hmm, who?
Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with Pretty Little Liars
Happy reading!
With the past recent event's that went on in the last few hours Aria didn't want to think about what was about to happen the following evening. Not only was she going to meet up with Ezra and have a one on one talk she had to attend this mandatory meeting that Keith Liberty had set up in one of the banquet halls. She was really familiar with the work ethics and didn't care about having to attend. She was just worried and thinking about Jay and Lacy. How is she supposed to tell Lacy that Jay and she broke up? How was she supposed to focus on things when her mind wasn't even in the right place?
Aria placed the paper cutter down on her desk and looked at the cart that she had in her office with all of the employee's information on it. This was one thing that Aria hated the most but knew deep down that it was a job. Not one she loved but it was a job that she took an oath too and will follow.
She knew that people at this hotel hated her guts. She knew that they would talk behind her back and roll their eyes at her when they thought she wasn't looking. But she didn't care about those. The moment she walked through those doors are the very moments that she is in charge. They have to follow by the rules.
Carol on the other hand is a kick back kind of manager. Of course she has her moments but other than that people at the hotel likes her because she gives too many chances. Carol thinks that Aria doesn't know about all the leeway that she's been giving them when the employee's come to work late. Or when they take another half an hour break.
Aria looked up from her desk to see Keith walking through the door while he was talking to someone on his phone. So firm and in control. She gave him a half smile and waited till he was off the phone before she started talking, "What's up?"
"I don't want to push back this opening Aria"
She nodded, "I realize that. But you need to think if you don't get more guys to help out with this project you just might have too." She sighed
Keith shook his head, "How many guys are we talking?"
She shrugged, "At least fifty, "Aria said leaning back against her chair, "This is a bigger project considering you wanted every single floor and room done. Toby is a small company and when we hired him in Aspen it was a big job, yes, but the time span was also expand. This is a bigger job with a short amount of time"
"Fine" Keith shook his head again, "It's done. So now about this meeting tonight? Do you have everything ready?"
Aria looked at her time, "I do" And then she looked down on her desk, "Well almost. I'm just finishing up!"
"Great" Keith smiled, "this isn't the first time you've put people in their place. Why are you so nervous?"
"Because one of the employee's is my daughter's father's son!" She mumbled, "Malcolm Cutler is Ezra Fitz son"
"I understand; and I know you've talked to him about his attendance. But this is a business and you can't play favorites." He stated firmly and like a true boss
Aria laughed at his bluntness "Are you crazy? That's exactly what you're doing with me! Keith, why did you keep me on so long?"
"Aria," Keith smiled, "You are my favorite, not just because you and my grandson are friends. It's because I like how you work. I love how you thrive and don't give two shakes on what people think of you. I love the way you put people ahead of you in their time of needs and you are like a daughter to me. Like I have said before you're unique; you have a passion inside of you-" He stopped and let out a breath, "I know what you are capable of and I know that you would and will work harder than anyone in this building and all the other buildings that I have placed you in. Aria, you are a big asset to this company and I will tell you the truth" he looked into her eyes, "You work harder than my own family ever has and I will be damn if I ever saw you walk out that door and never return. But if you find something that is worth it; I will not hold it against you!"
"Thank you!" Aria stood up and gave him a hug, "Never knew you could be so passionate." She joked
Keith laughed and squeezed her tighter "I gave you this job didn't I?" He joked back, "Now let's go put people in their place and show them whose boss"
Aria pulled away, "Give me about a half hour" she smiled gracefully "I would have been done a lot earlier but with Jay on my mind things has been a little tough" She admitted, "Just half an hour. You can go in there and give them your speech before I walk in full force"
Keith nodded, "Alright," He agreed and opened the door
LINE BREAK
Aria walked into the banquet hall with her head held high and tried to avoid the eyes of her employee's. She scan the room and noticed that all 150 employee's where there wondering what was about to happen. She then walked up to a few tables and excused a few people so they could monitor the front lobby and valet seeing as there were no one on floor and she didn't need them for this meeting.
She walked to each and every table handing out different color paper and at the last table she handed Malcolm's. He looked at her with concern and she just walked away as if she didn't care. But she did. She didn't want to hurt his feelings considering all of what he went through with Maggie.
"So as I was saying," Keith announced finishing up his introductions. He wanted to make it clear that the feelings these people were feeling about Aria was not a care in the world. When he is not in town Aria has full control of the floor.
Carol looked at Aria not knowing what was about to happen. She had never seen this side of Aria yet thus far and she never seen Keith either. She sat back in her chair taking notes and listening with open ears. "Ms Montgomery has the floor" he handed her the microphone
Aria smiled at Keith and nodded, "Thank you Mr Liberty." She said looking at the group, "This evening I want to hear what you have to say about me." She started, "I know you have tons to say behind my back and I don't care. I want you to speak now and I want you to be open about it."
One of the employee's raised their hands "Yes, Mr Peterson?" Aria said looking at the color paper she had passed out to him and then grabbing his files that she hand sorted out earlier in the day.
"I was wondering why you would play favoritism?"
Aria sucked in a deep breath "Can you elaborate on that?"
He nodded, "There are so many hard working men and woman in here and we have yet to see a raise or promotion. But then again we have teenagers that aren't capable of handling what we do and they get promotions and raises. Why is that Ms Montgomery?" He sat back down.
Aria nodded and smiled, "I assure you there is no favoritism in my books Mr Peterson." She looked around the room to see people shaking their heads, "Will all of you who I have given a green paper to please stand and move to the front stage. Those of you who has the pink please move to the back of the room and those who have a yellow paper please stay seated." She pleaded, "And those of you who haven't gotten anything from me you are free to go!" She pointed to the door.
Aria turned away as chairs slid back and the room became nothing but whispers. She walked up to where Carol and Keith were seated and wanted a few minutes until things calmed down. "Aria what's going on? I wasn't briefed on this"
"Don't worry sweetie," Aria smiled annoyed, "This is all part of the job."
Carol looked at Keith for some sort of explanation, "If you're going to work for me in New York this is something you have to learn Carol. Aria was hired for this position for a reason. She's not as confused as she puts herself out to be" he winked at her causing Aria to roll her eyes.
She then turned around and looked at the people at the front of the stage; "These lovely men and woman here in front of me, please hold up your green paper" She looked down to see they did exactly that, "Are those who will not be returning." Everyone gasped, "This is not some kind of game. I am not your parent and I am not one to be pushed around. You think that I am a favoritism kind of person? Well I will let you know that I have never done that in my years of working for this company. I look at your attendance, I look at your response to the guest." She looked at the men and woman who stood there staring at her with anger in their eyes, "I have given each and every one of you some sort of leeway. I have told you that if you were going to be late to call. You haven't, I told you that if you weren't going to make it to work to call or find someone to cover your shift. You haven't, now you are free to go. And if you really want this job, I would suggest you talk to Mr Liberty before he leaves tomorrow afternoon." She pointed to the door, "Green slips you are free."
As the men and woman swore on their way out Aria looked at them with the same fury eyes and attitude they were giving. Although she didn't swear so say a word, Aria knew that she would have to watch her back for she just fired 33 of her employee's.
"Now, who else thinks that I'm a bitch and I should leave?" No one said anything, "Now those of you who has a pink slip, I want to make myself clear. I am a bitch and the biggest one here. But you are just as close to being sent out that door like the rest of them. You think that I run a tight leash well" She laughed harshly into the microphone, "You are damn right. I am not your kindergarten teacher I am not here to babysit you. If you want this you are to show as much spirit as those seated in front of you. As those who had gotten nothing." She stated firmly with both feet on the ground, "If you don't like how things around here work you are free to go." She walked up to the cart and pushed it next to her, "These are applications, two-hundred and twenty-one to be exact and they would be more than happy to take your place."
She looked at those with the yellow slips, "Those of you who are seated; I am very honored to be working with each and every one of you. Although you may not agree with how I run things, you were able to come to work on time and prompt. All of you were able to follow up and make things work to your advantage and I applaud you on your hard work and dedications." Aria, Keith and Carol clapped for them "You are now free to go yellows."
"As for the pink" Aria stated once they yellows were out the door, "I need to know your answers. Do you want to continue to work for me or do I need to be looking for other people to replace you? The decisions are all yours" She walked off the staging area and down to the floor so she stood right in front of them and then looked directly into Mr Peterson's eyes, "Do you still think I am what you say I am?"
He shook his head, "No Ms Montgomery." He licked his lips and looked at the group, "I think you've answered all of our questions."
Aria smiled, "Not just yet" She walked over to the cart and grabbed the stack of files for each and every one left in the room, and "I am passing these out to you." She went down the room one by one until all of them had their own personal files in hand. "I want you all to take a look at them and tell me what you think I should do?"
The group opened up their files and looked at the data base that was mapped out. Malcolm looked at Aria as she sat down in one of the chairs and then back down at his booklet. He never realized how many times he was late for work. Or the amount of times that he hadn't come to work; he knew just by looking at those files in hand that he should have been fired on the spot.
He let out a breath and was the first one to walk up to Aria and handed her his files, "I'm sorry for my lack of attendance. I will work harder than anyone in this room if you keep me on staff"
Aria smirked "Mr Cutler, I am sorry to announce but you are suspended for a week. I don't care about what you have to say. Actions speak louder than words." She stood up, "Who else feels sorry about their lack of attendance? Who here feels as if I am way too harsh and should reevaluate the situation?" A few of them raised their hands, "You think that you are the only people in the world with problems? Well guess again, I am in fact a single mother. But I am able to get a sitter and make my priorities in order. In life there are no second and third chances. You have one chance to make it right and if you fall some of you are lucky to have someone there to catch you, but the others aren't. So why are you failing? Why do you give yourselves the least amount of credit?" She walked among the group, "Most of you should have been fired with the rest of them. But the truth is, you have all shown progress and is able to make it out in the real world. Those 33 men and woman that I have just let go only have their minds on one thing and that is their selves. But as for all of you in this room; you all have potential to thrive in this business if one day you want to pursue it full time." She paused in front of Malcolm, "I have faith in all of you; but if you keep on showing me that you can't make it that's exactly how I am going to treat you." She handed Malcolm back his files, "All of you are suspended for a week. And when or if you decide to return after that week, I hope we can all me a team; a family." As shock as they were; none of them could do anything about it. Their files were evidence of their lacking. It's proof that they need to shape up and realize that Aria plays no games when it comes to these things. "You are all free to go"
LINE BREAK
Ezra waited in the lobby as he was told that Aria was in a meeting. It was half pass the time that they were supposed to meet and he started to wonder if this was a bad idea. He couldn't get the remembrance of Jay and his conversation out of his mind. He wanted to do right by his best friend and respect is wishes but how could he do that when Aria was the one now pushing him away.
"Jay," Ezra whispered, "What are you doing here? I thought-"
Jay cut him off, "I know what you thought and I'm not here to cause trouble I just want to clear the air before I leave" He gave a genuine smile, "I want you to take care of Aria. I know you know that she's stubborn and sometimes pig headed about certain things. But I don't want Aria to be alone. I want her and Lacy to finally have that ground and home feeling. For years I have always wanted to settle down with Aria and I thought this was my chance" Jay looked around the classroom, "I love teaching. It was always my passion, but this is also my passion and I can't change what's about to happen."
"You'll be back! Why are you talking as if you will never see this place again?" Ezra knew that there is always a chance of a dramatic ending but he didn't want to think about it.
Jay let out a sigh, "Please promise me that no matter what you will keep Aria grounded. Promise me that you will protect Aria and Lacy from anything and anyone that may harm them."
Ezra looked at him confused, "She told you?"
Jay nodded, "Yes, she told me all about her past last night and I couldn't imagine someone going through that. But-"He paused, "I just want Aria and Lacy to be safe, to feel loved. I want to make sure that-"
"I promise. I will do everything in my power to keep the girls safe." Ezra smiled as they were silences for a few brief seconds, "She loves you, you know?"
Jay nodded, "I know. But she loves you more and that's something that I have to respect." Jay turned towards Ezra, "I can't push her into something if she doesn't want it. She wants you and I know that for a fact. So please, don't ruin anything. I know you Kai, you are just as stubborn and pig headed as she is and your ego is as big as the world" That caused Ezra to laugh, "But you are my friend, my brother and I want to leave knowing if and when I come back you will be here."
Ezra nodded and pulled Jay into a hug, "I love you man, be safe." Jay squeezed him tighter, "Call me when you get the chance"
"I will," Jay pulled away, "I'm glad you have someone like Aria in your life. God knows you needed a woman" He joked, "I have to go"
Ezra looked up when he heard Aria's voice followed by Carol calling her. He knitted his eyebrows and stood up as Aria handed a few things over to her, "You wanted this job. Respect that" Aria told Carol "And if you can't handle it. Well" She shook her head "At least you know it now before you got in way deeper"
"Aria," Carol sighed "You just laid off most of our staff. I get that believe me I do. But we are so close to a re-opening how do you expect to hire and train before the opening?"
Aria shook her head, "With your help." She answered, "Now, are you going to help me or not?" Carol shook her head, "Look, I am deeply sorry for my actions these past few weeks. I appreciate everything that you have done for me. I am sorry that I have placed you in a tight bine and I wish I could change things. But I really need you"
Carol rolled her eyes, "That took you long enough" She pulled Aria into a hug "Of course I will help you. I just wanted to see how long this ego of yours was going to last."
"Thank you!" Aria turned around, "Hey," she spotted Ezra, "How long have you been here?"
Ezra licked his lips, "Not long" he smiled, "Hey Carol"
"Hello Mr Fitz" Carol teased, "What are you doing here?"
"I have to talk to him," Aria told her "Why don't we talk first and if you feel like having dinner with me afterwards. I would love it"
Ezra looked at her confused "Yeah sure"
LINE BREAK
Ezra had followed Aria to her room and waited a few seconds for her to open the door. She allowed him to enter first before following in behind him and closing the door. Ezra looked around the room and took it in. There were a few dozen boxes and clothes surrounding the room. He turned around to look at Aria as she stood frozen in place next to the door.
There was nothing but silence as they both stared at one another, "Aria say something."
She let out a breath "Malcolm is suspended for a week. I had too"
Ezra nodded, "Why?" He questioned calmly
"Because of his attendance, but I assure you it wasn't just him…" She trailed off walking towards the bed and taking a seat, "There were at least fifty or so people that I have suspended for the same reason. It's what this mandatory meeting was about" She sucked in a deep breath as Ezra came to sit next to her, "It was a management decision and I had to do it. I'm sorry"
Ezra looked at her sincerely, "I know. I don't blame you for doing it. Malcolm loves you and I'm sure all of this will blow over" He touched her arm, "You did the right thing"
Aria shook her head, "I had fired thirty-three of my employee's and now Carol and I have to go over the few hundreds of applications and resumes and see which will be the best fit before the re-opening." She laughed, "I'm crazy. I have done this before; but every time is overwhelming"
Ezra licked his lips, "Is there anything I can do?"
Aria turned to look at him with watery eyes and nodded, "Can you take me somewhere?" Ezra looked at her confused, "I just need to let it out" he nodded knowing exactly what she was taking about.
Don't forget to Review, Maybe I'll update again tonight... MAYBE