I had this in my head, and since I have a little writer's block with my other story, I decided to give this a shot. This story is AU, so 'A' never existed, and nothing in the show, other then the Montgomery drama/relationships happened. I'd like to know what you all think.

Ella

Ella Montgomery laid back in her bed, content and satisfied from her recent sexual encounter, but unable to sleep, thinking hard about what she had to do. She looked over at the gorgeous, younger man she had been sleeping with for about four months. In the beginning it was exciting and hot, but now, she felt like she was leading him on. He seemed to be falling hard, but she knew that the age difference was too much.

After a series of failed connections through a popular online dating site, Ella met Ezra Fitz while out with her friend's for a girl's night on the anniversary of her and Byron's separation. After noticing the gorgeous young man drinking with his friend's, Ella's girlfriend's convinced her that the best way to finally get over Byron, was to have a hot fling with the much younger hottie. Ella was hesitant at first, but eventually approached the college aged man. The attraction was mutual, and soon the two made their way to Ella's house.

The morning after wasn't as awkward as the both expected. Ezra treated her to breakfast, and they got to know each other better. After Ella informed him that she wasn't ready for anything serious at the time, they both agreed to no strings attached. However, things changed when a new coffee shop opened in town. While getting coffee at the Brew one morning, Ella met Zack, the owner of the establishment. Since things between her and Ezra was more friends with benefits, she agreed when Zack asked her out. While the two were getting to know each other, Ella continued her relationship with Ezra, with both men knowing about the other. Now things were different. She and Zack had decided to become exclusive, meaning she had to end things with Ezra.

At thirty-seven, she needed a real man, not a twenty-two year old boy toy. At twenty-seven, Zack was younger, but old enough to be done with the bar hopping and binge drinking that the younger man was still so interested in. She also had to learn how to be a role model again. After her divorce from her ex-husband, he moved to Iceland, taking both of their children with him. After a year away, she was excited that her sixteen year old daughter, Aria, was returning to live with her, and the last thing she needed was for her daughter to learn of her relationship with a guy who was only six years older than her. She heard him stir out of his sleep. She turned to face him, and when she saw the smile on his face, she forced one as well. Knowing she had to make the break clean, she decided to speak.

"Good morning, Ezra."

"Morning, what time is it?"

Ella looked over at the clock sitting on her nightstand, "8:15. Ezra we need to talk."

Ezra could hear the seriousness in her voice, and knew exactly what she was going to say. When he didn't say anything, and just looked at her, she continued.

"Look, I really like you, but I don't see a future for us."

"But you do with Zack?"

"You just graduated, and don't have a clear plan for your future. I need to be with someone who has his shit together, and with my daughter coming home, she needs to be my main priority."

Ezra just nodded, he was certainly hurt and upset, but he understood.

"Yeah, I get it."

"I'm sorry, Ezra."

An awkward tension soon took over, neither person what to say next.

"So," Ezra said breaking the silence, "I'm gonna go."

"Yeah, Aria's flight gets in about an hour, so-"

Ezra then got out of the bed, and retrieved his clothing, before heading to the bathroom to get dressed. When he returned to Ella's bedroom, she had put on her robe, ready to walk him out. When they reached the front door, Ezra turned and gave her a small smile. She returned the smile, more genuinely this time, before placing a kiss to his cheek.

"Goodbye, Ella."

"Goodbye, Ezra."

Ezra then left Ella standing in the foyer of her home. She really felt bad for breaking his heart. He was extremely good guy, not to mention good-looking, but she needed more stability in her life, and Ezra just wasn't there yet.

Aria

Aria Montgomery exited the plane in Philadelphia, stretching her limbs, after the long flight. She was happy to be returning to her home after spending the last year living with her dad and younger brother in Iceland. She didn't want to leave, but after her parent's marriage blew up with Ella learning that Byron had cheated on her, both of her parents decided that they would give Ella time to learn how to take care of herself emotionally before she could be the loving mom she had always been. After making her way to the baggage claim, and retrieving her luggage, Aria heard the voice she knew too well,

"Aria," she heard Ella squeal from behind her.

"Hi, mom" Aria responded, before engulfing Ella in a tight hug.

"I'm so glad you're back, sweetie."

"Me too."

The reunited duo grabbed the bags, before making their way out to the car. After loading everything in the trunk, the two entered the car and began the hour drive to Rosewood, Pennsylvania.

"So, are you happy to be home?"

"Yeah, I really missed you and my friends."

"Well, I hope you feel the same way after your first English class next week."

Aria looked over at her mom, "You got the job?"

"Yeah, are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just that most kids wouldn't want one of their parents teaching at their school."

"Well. I don't feel that way," Aria admitted honestly.

The rest of the ride went by with small talk between the two. They arrived to Rosewood, just after 11, both deciding they needed food and caffeine. Ella volunteered to get the coffee if Aria got the food, Ella using the opportunity to visit Zack. After deciding on pizza, Aria made her way up the street to Rosewood's popular pizza place, The Rosewood Slicery.

Ezra

Ezra was in no mood to work, especially after the morning he had. He really had feelings for Ella, but deep down knew that things wouldn't work out. Sucking it up, he made his way over to unlock the door of the Slicery. Within ten minutes, the restaurant was occupied by the usual lunch crowd. As Ezra began to wipe down the bar, he heard the door open and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She made her way up to the bar and took a seat. After wiping his hands off on a dry towel, he walked over to take her order.

"Welcome to the Slicery, what can I get you?"

Just as she was about to answer, she noticed how handsome the bartender was. She chuckled slightly before responding,

"Um, can I get a large, half cheese, half green peppers?"

"Anything to drink while you wait?"

"Yeah, can I get a Bud Light?" Aria asked confidently.

Ezra looked the girl over and smirked.

"Sure, as soon as I see some ID."

"Fine, a Diet Coke."

Ezra nodded, before fixing her drink. After placing the glass in front of her, he decided to make small talk.

"Everything alright?"

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

"It's just we don't get many people ordering alcohol this early in the day."

"Well, I'm a bit jet lagged, I just got back from Europe."

"Where in Europe?"

"Iceland."

"I spent the summer after my sophomore year back-packing through Europe, it was the best time of my life."

"You go to Hollis?"

"Just graduated, but I haven't decided if I want to go to back for my Master's or go out into the cruel, mean world, so for now I'm just enjoying life. So, what's your major?"

"I'm leaning towards English Literature."

"That's what I majored in."

The two strangers were both taken back by how much they had in common. While they both stared into each other's eyes, the jukebox began to play 'Happiness' by The Fray.

"God, I love this song," Aria stated breaking the clear emotional tension that had taken over.

"B-26."

Both Aria and Ezra made eye contact again, seemingly peering into each other's soul, noticing that this meeting was possibly fate.

"I'm Ezra. by the way."

"Aria."

Just then, Ezra put two and two together. A girl named Aria, returning from Europe, she had to be Ella's daughter. Just then, he began to notice the similarities between the two, the undeniable beauty, the love of English, he understood why his was so attracted to her from the from the moment she took her seat at the bar. At first the thought of having such a connection to his ex's daughter made him uncomfortable, but Ella ended things, and he was free to connect with whomever he wanted, even if it was her daughter.

"Well, seeing as how we already have so much in common, maybe you'd like to go out with me sometime?"

"Yeah, I'd like that. Let me give you me number."

Ezra just smiled, and handed his phone over to Aria. She quickly typed in here name and number, before hitting send so she could save his info as well. Soon after she finished, her order came up. After paying and telling Ezra they'd talk later, Aria left the Slicery, leaving Ezra smiling at the thought of getting to know her better.

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