[11 years ago, a couple of months after starting at Pearson Hardman]
Donna hung up from her phone call with her mother, letting out a deep sigh. She looked up at Harvey, sitting in his office, buried in work as usual. It had been a couple months since they started here, and Donna was growing accustomed to everything. She respected Jessica immensely –much more than she ever respected Cameron Dennis- and she loved how her cubicle was close to Harvey's, feeling her importance highlighted.
She and Harvey were on good terms; sure they never DIRECTLY spoke about that time, but the insinuations, the flirting, everything was there, everything was light. She had invited her mother to dinner along with her boyfriend, Rick, to meet him. Everything about tonight made her feel worried; meeting her mother's boyfriend, cooking, and having to hold a conversation for an unlimited number of hours. Only a few months ago she had managed to convince Harvey to lend his penthouse to her parents, only to have them divorced a couple of weeks later. Feelings go away, her mother had said. If only…she thought.
She gathered her courage in both hands, walking towards Harvey's office. She entered without knocking, and he knew immediately that it's her, without having to look up. Something about the rhythm of her heels and her perfume had become so familiar. He waited for her to speak. "Harvey, can I ask you a favor?" she asked, hesitant. He raised his eyes to meet hers, the worry obvious in their reflection. She never asked for something so straightforwardly, which made him think it must be important. "Sure" he said, a line of concern showing on his forehead. "Will you come have dinner at my place tonight?" she asked, noticing that she has paused at the wrong moment, as his expression turned into a mixture of surprise and happiness. Before he has the time to speak, she immediately explained: "I'm having my mother and her boyfriend over, and I thought you could come…keep me from crazy murdering someone" she added, her voice going a tone lower. He could see that it wasn't easy for her to ask, and he appreciated that she did anyway.
"Tell me what time and I'll be there" he answered, making her smile widely. "Thanks Harvey. 8 p.m. sharp, don't be late" she bossed around, ready to leave his office. Just before she walked out, he asked her: "Wait, am I playing some boyfriend role tonight? Or is it me, you know as..just me?". He realizes how confusing his sentence was. "No role playing" she quickly specified. "But you know I love role playing" he flirted, winking at the end of the sentence. She laughed and left him with a: "see you tonight Harvey. Oh and I'm leaving early"
Harvey's focus was diffused by her invitation. It surprised him how good he felt, how much he loved to be the one she relies on, and reminded himself that it was just the sense of partnership they have acquired through the years, nothing more. After all she had a rule, a rule that made any other explanation inadmissible. Jessica walked in at that moment, cutting his train of thought. "What's up with the Collin case?" she asked. He briefed her quickly, before Donna popped her head through his glass door. "Sorry to interrupt. I'm leaving Harvey. I'll see you tonight?" she asked, as he smiled and nodded.
Jessica watched the scene between the two, before asking Harvey. "So, plans tonight? Guess you're leaving early then" she asked curiously. He decided to ignore her pushy tone, simply answering: "Yeah,I'll be out in half an hour". Jessica looked at him then, directly addressing the topic. "Look, when you came her and argued your and Donna's way in, you told me she was special, and I never asked you" she said calmly. Harvey knew exactly what she was getting at, but decided to pretend not to understand: "Ask me what?"
"If you and Donna are in a romantic relationship, I.." she started, before he cut her immediately. "We are not". There's disappointment in his tone, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Don't worry Jessica, no breaking of any co-workers rule" he added. Jessica tenderly looked at him, her face reflecting the same disappointment he showed. "I was going to say that I would want to know. If it were true", she explained. He nodded without saying anything, before she added: "I don't want any heartbreak Harvey".
"I would never hurt Do-" he started protesting, before she simply whispered: "I meant yours. Have a goodnight Harvey"
He took a deep breath, watching Jessica leave from the corner of his eyes, as he tried to focus back on the case in his hands.
New story readers! I hope you enjoy this, inspired by the god awful dinner party. Special thanks to cansei de Ser Sexy for her motivation. Was going to name it that, before I decided to go with do you remember? You'll understand why later on. Please let me know what you think, your reviews are my fuel.
Review!
-G