The skies outside their 5th floor apartment was splashes of blue, pink and purple as the early morning begun. The birds began to emerge from their nests, much as a young Spencer Paulsen was emerging from his bed. Tip-toeing his way down the hallway and past his mother's room he made his way to the large bay window in the dining room area to complete his yearly birthday tradition. He didn't jump when she appeared beside him for the 11th time in his life. They never missed a year. The sun finally began to peek over the top of the surrounding buildings and in unison they sighed in contentment. "Happy Birthday, Spencer. Make a wish" his mom whispered as she wrapped her arms around his ever-growing frame.
He had made the same wish every year since he could remember making wishes yet thus far he was no further to knowing the truth; he was still none-the-wiser as to where the other half of his DNA came from. He had his mother's eyes, and he was working on developing her charm and wit, but he knew that his dirty blonde hair came from somewhere and as did his cheekbones and jawline. He could remember broaching the topic just once with his mother but the guilt that washed over her face was enough to deter him from asking again. Until today. "Hey Mama?" his voice jolted her out of a daydream.
"Yes darling?"
"I need you to fulfil my wish this year," Spencer sucked in a deep breath, his 11 year old body feeling heavier than it had ever felt, "I need, well would really like, to meet my dad."
Donna couldn't say that she hadn't seen this day coming, and the guilt of hiding him away for this long started eating her up from the inside. She had never once forgotten how her beautiful baby boy had came to be on that night 11 years and a little over 9 moths ago, and it was impossible to her that she ever would. Harvey Specter was simply not a man that one could forget. He had introduced himself at a work function one night, and despite knowing exactly who the handsome and charming man in front of her was, she played along. She had had her eye on him for weeks in the build up to their first conversation, admiring his form from the shadows. She understood it sounded predatory but he fascinated her in ways that not many people managed to. Donna had known his name and had known that he was good at his job but besides that? Nothing. A man of mystery, she had joked during pillow talk on the first and only night she had spent encased in his strong arms. He had already left when she had woken the next morning, and when she had arrived at her desk a few days later she discovered he had been transferred to a new job a state away. She could have tried to locate him 6 weeks later when her doctor confirmed the news she already knew, but the feeling of being used won the battle of head and heart and instead she chose her current path. Single mom, same job, same car and same little homely apartment.
Spencer waited patiently for the trance his mother entered to break. He swore he could hear the cogs in her mind turning as she transported back to wherever her mind had taken her. The tears that formed in her eyes almost broke the young boy but Donna nodded her head a few times to acknowledge the statement. "You're right Spencey," she wiped a stray tear and steadied her breathing, "you have a right to know who your father is and he has a right to know about you."
Just an hour across town Harvey Specter stood outside the law firm he often referred to as home. A renowned bachelor with a select few people to call friends, some may refer to Harvey as lonely. He, of course, preferred the term reserved and was not shy of telling people should the topic arise. It was now nearing 11 a.m. and his working day had started 4 hours ago. Having just finished meeting with a client he impatiently tapped his foot as he reached the elevator, having only pushed the call button mere seconds ago. The journey up always went too fast for his liking though, he enjoyed having the space to stop and breathe for a few moments before stepping back in to the madness. Exiting the elevator and making a beeline for his office, Harvey was surprised to be interrupted by his secretary.
"Mr Specter?" Gretchen seemed almost unsure of herself as she stopped the man in his tracks. Not many people at Pearson Specter Litt dared to intercept the named partner when he was on a mission. Not feeling the need for words, Harvey merely raised an eyebrow at the woman in front of him. "There was a phonecall whilst you were gone, sir, from a Miss Paulsen? She said she wished to speak with you urgently. She left a number." The surname brought the man's world to a standstill, having never expected to hear it again.
"Um.. I… Thank you Gretchen. Did she say what it was about?" Harvey had no clue what could be so urgent after nearly 12 years. He wouldn't be opposed to reconnecting, he mused. Donna had been one of the only women over his lifetime that he had ever felt was an equal match in the wit and humour department.
"Yes, Mr Specter, and believe me I don't mean to pry but…" There was a pregnant pause in her speech which made the lawyer panic. Had she gotten herself in trouble? Heard of his developed career and was seeking aid?
"Just spit it out Gretchen, it can't be that bad." The look he received in return begged to differ.
"She wishes to speak to you about your son."
It was as if his entire life was playing out before him in slow motion as he snatched the paper containing Donna's number from Gretchen's outstretched hand. Harvey stalked his way in to his office, the glass door closing with a gentle thud behind him. Sinking in to his chair, he stared at the digits in front of him.
A son? It couldn't be right. Harvey Specter did not have a son.