Thanks again to everyone for all the support. Your comments always put a smile on my face. Keep reviewing and leaving comments/suggestion. Also, I started this story 2 days ago and it already has over 1,000 views. That's amazing! Enjoy this chapter! :)

Chapter 10:

"Your acting was brilliant! I mean, even I almost believed you!" Ezra exclaimed with a laugh. He and Aria were at a restaurant in Philadelphia, celebrating their win against A.

"Well, let's not forget who's plan it was! That was amazing! You're like the male version of Spencer!" Aria laughed as the waiter approached with their meals.

"To a great victory!" Ezra raised his glass and Aria's clinked against his in a toast. They started to eat, but at one point, Aria noticed that Ezra was staring at something over her shoulder, his face pale.

"Ezra...?" Aria turned around to see what had distracted her boyfriend. She spotted the reason for his discomfort sitting a few tables away, talking with two friends. She hadn't seemed to notice the couple yet.

"Umm, I know you were excited for this date but, is it okay if we leave a little early?" Ezra said, staring uneasily at his mother, hoping she wouldn't look up and notice him and Aria.

"Are you sure? Maybe you should just talk to her. I know you're not her biggest fan, but she's your mother..." Aria trailed off. She figured it was no use. Ezra and his mom didn't have the best relationship. Not that Aria was a big fan of Dianne Fitzgerald either. She was a cruel, blunt woman who thought that money was the answer to everything. In fact, last time she'd seen Dianne, she had tried to pay her to break up with Ezra.

"I'm sure. How about we go home, I'll make some popcorn and we can watch a movie?" Ezra asked.

Aria smiled. "Sounds good. Let's go."

After paying the cheque, the couple got up to leave. As they were walking towards the door, Ezra felt a hand on his shoulder. He contemplated whether he should ignore her and keep walking or turn around and face her. He sighed and chose the latter.

"Hello mother." Ezra said, calmly.

"Ezra. I see you're still dating her." Dianne said "her" as though she was referring to a mouldy lime she had found in Ezra's fridge.(see what I did there)

"Yes, me and Aria are still together, and that won't be changing anytime soon" Ezra said stiffly, putting his arm protectively around Aria's waist. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we were just leaving." Ezra turned to leave, but stopped when his mother spoke.

"Actually, I'd like to have a word with Aria...alone." Dianne said, looking at Aria the way an animal looked at its prey.

"No! We're leaving, mother. Goodbye." Ezra turned to leave, but Aria grabbed his arm and stopped him. She leaned towards him and whispered. "Can you just wait in the car for a minute. I'll be there in a minute." Ezra looked uneasily at her. "I'll be fine. I'll see you in a minute." Aria insisted. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he went to wait in the car. Aria turned back to Dianne.

"What do you want?" Aria asked, once Ezra had left.

"Don't talk to me like that." Dianne said, automatically. "I just want you to know that my offer from last time still stands."

"What is wrong with you? Is money all that matters to you? I don't want your money, I have Ezra. He's all that matters to me. Why is that so hard for you to understand? Aria stared at Dianne with disgust.

"I see you're still 'in love'" Dianne said, sarcastically, as though the thought of love itself, was the stupidest thing she'd ever heard. That didn't surprise Aria in the slightest bit. The woman probably didn't even love her own husband before they divorced.

"If you'll excuse me, my boyfriend is waiting for me." Aria walked away, leaving Dianne staring after her, as she went to her car, where Ezra was waiting for her.

I decided to take a quick break from all of the A drama to remind everyone of the other issues with Ezria. Plus, I've always wanted Aria to stand up to Dianne. Leave your reviews below. I'd love to hear any suggestions from you. :)