Second Chances
Author Notes:
I've been lurking around Twitter and Fan for a while now and absolutely loving all the Suits Fan Fiction out there.
I haven't written any kind of fan fiction in about 17 years but I was inspired by Suits to start again. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer:- I don't own any of the characters from Suits. They are all the property of Aaron Korsch and USA network. I'm just borrowing them!
AU - multi chaper fic. Pre season 1 up to season 8 and perhaps beyond. Lots of flashbacks which jump back and forth. There will also be some Darvey in later chapters.
Summary:-
A woman from Harvey's past comes back into his life. Why is she back? Secrets are kept and lies are told.
Timeline
Sometime in Season 4 after Louis is made name partner but definitely before the episode Derailed.
November
It was one of those cold November days in New York where the cold wind seemed to cut right through. Snow was forecast in the next few days. In fact up in Niagara Falls the water pipes had frozen but the famous water fall continued pushing it's torrent of water over the sheer drop. At least that's what the weather forecasters were saying. The blonde curly haired woman sat in the back of the cab with the older woman. She tapped her fingers absentmindedly on the manila folder on her lap as she stared out the window. It had been seven years since she had been in the City. Seven years since she had left. Left him. She was nervous as hell as she would be seeing him again but she wasn't going to let that stop her from doing her job.
"I heard this guy is the best in the city," the other woman said.
The blonde looked up sharply and cleared her throat. "Yes. So I have heard. " She smiled at the other woman. "But that's not going to stop us from winning this. "
The cab pulled up at the glass building. The cold immediately invaded her lungs and she took several deep breaths as she glanced up at the building in front of her.
Celia's Flashback -
Takes place just after Harvey and Donna start working at the firm after The Other Time
"Louis. Do you have the documents for the Wrighly merger?"
"What do you need them for Celia?" the balding man turned to look at the associate standing behind him.
"Daniel wanted us to work on this together," replied Celia in exasperation.
"I know he did but I am lead on this. You don't need the documents."
"Louis!"
He ignored her and stalked off in the direction of the elevators. Celia stood for a minute and watched him. She saw that he was talking to a man and woman who had just come from that direction. She recognised the man as Harvey Specter from the DA's office. They had met in the lobby a couple of days earlier when he had come to see Jessica. A day later news went around that she and Daniel Hardman had orchestrated a take over of the firm of Gordon Schmidt and Van Dyke or the three stooges as she liked to call them.
"It's good to see you Louis," she heard Harvey say and watched as he and the red head turned to walk in the opposite direction.
Louis looked like he was going to keel over at that point and he disappeared from view.
"Louis!" Celia called again. Harvey looked back at the sound of the woman's voice and saw Celia standing in the lobby. He recognized her from a couple of days ago.
"Who's that?" Donna asked glancing back. She felt a small tinge of jealousy that the man beside her was showing an interest in another woman. They had just spent the night together and even though she had agreed to come and work for him there was still that feeling of regret that she hadn't pushed him for more. But they worked great as a team. That much was obvious from their time in the DA's office.
"An associate here. Celia, something or other," replied Harvey trying not to make it obvious to the woman standing beside him that he was showing an interest in someone else. He had asked Donna to work for him because he wanted her in his life.
"Ok. First things first. We need to find your office." Donna said.
Harvey gave her a grin. "Well if it ain't a corner one then nothing will do."
"Associates don't get corner offices Harvey," replied Donna with a smirk.
"One day I will have a corner office and my name on the goddamn wall," Harvey said confidently. "
"A man who has goals. I like that," replied Donna. They came to a stop outside a small glass office. it had barely room to swing a cat. The two looked at each other. She saw that he had a look of disappointment on his face as he took it all in.
"Let me tell you something Harvey, " Donna leaned into him and whispered in a conspiratorial manner. "You 're not going to be here that long."
Harvey looked at her and smiled. "Damn right I'm not."
He stood at the door of his new office and watched as Donna settled herself into a new desk. She felt his eyes on her and she raised her head and met his gaze for a moment. He nodded his head slightly and she returned the gesture. She understood. It was a silent affirmation between them. Everything was going to be fine. She smiled and returned to organising her desk. Celia returned to her office with a feeling of frustration. She couldn't believe Louis had pulled that stunt and gone home. She noticed the red haired woman from earlier was sitting typing at a desk. "New lawyer" she thought to herself. She sat down at her desk and started to sift through some files that had been placed on her desk.
"Donna. Can you get Teddy Doyle on the phone? We need to get some documents signed today. "
"Will do."
"And after that can you messenger this over to White Hart.. " Harvey handed her a big envelope. She took it without looking at him. "I will do that too. And I have the paperwork from the Swinton settlement.." She handed him back a manila folder again without looking up. Harvey stood at her desk for a minute not sure what to say. She raised her head to look at him. "I gotta go see Jessica, " he finally said.
"Ok," replied Donna taking a sip of her coffee. Harvey turned and noticed that the blonde woman from before was in the office next to him. He walked over to it and knocked lightly on the door. Celia looked up from her computer screen to see him standing in the doorway.
"I'm Harvey Spector. Looks like we're neighbors. " that was lame he thought to himself.
"We already met a couple of days ago. " She replied standing up as he came into her office. "Celia Laurence, Senior Associate ." She inwardly cringed at herself.
"That's what it says on the door," Harvey said pointing at the glass. "Anyway I just wanted to say hello and any time you need a cup of sugar or..."
"I'll keep that in mind," Celia smiled. Harvey nodded and turned to leave the room. He looked back and smiled at her. "If you need a hand sorting out Louis just give me a shout."
Celia let out a a snort. "I can handle him."
Donna watched as Harvey left the woman in the office next door and made his way down the hallway. The blonde woman came out of her office a minute later reading a file. Donna stood up and walked over to her.
"Hi. I'm Donna," she said in her usual manner.
Celia looked up from the file she was reading to see the red haired woman standing in front of her. "Hi."
"I'm Harvey 's secretary but I just wanted to introduce myself," Donna said .
"Associates don't get secretaries," replied Celia going back into her office as Donna followed her in.
"I know but we worked together at the DA's office," replied Donna by way of an explanation.
Celia nodded. "I see."
"But I just want to let you know that if you need anything just let me know. "
"That's very kind of you," smiled Celia.
"You want to be a judge, " Donna said all of a sudden.
Celia looked amused. "How did you know that?"
"Let you into a little secret. I know everything."
Celia put the file she had in her hand down in the table. "Really?"
Donna smiled. "Yep. You are from Rhode Island, you were engaged once and you can't stand Louis Litt."
Celia laughed. "That's amazing. I also play Ice Hockey. "
"I know. It's a gift, " Donna said with a smirk. "Ice Hockey?"
" Yeah. I've been playing since I was in high school. Nothing like getting your frustrations out with a plastic puck and a stick! "
"I hear ya sister, "replied Donna. "Maybe you could use Louis as a puck."
Celia laughed. "Maybe."
"I'm more of a theater person myself. I was an actress before I became a legal secretary. Anyway I just wanted to say hello and again if you need anything just let me know."
"Thanks Donna, " replied Celia.
Celia stepped out of the elevator into the lobby of Pearson Specter Litt. She took a deep breath as she stared at the sign on the wall. She glanced at the woman standing beside her. "Are we going to take the settlement they are offering?" asked the other women.
"Hell no Janet. If it comes to it we're still going to court, " replied Celia. She took another look at the silver sign and strode over to the receptionist.. "Hi. Party from McKay Bespoke. We have a meeting at 11. " She didn't know why she didn't introduce herself properly.
The receptionist nodded. "Mr Specter is in a meeting but If you don't mind waiting I'll let his assistant know you are here."
Celia nodded. His assistant. That must be Donna . She thought to herself. She hadn't factored in that she would be still here.
Flashback
Harvey and Celia gradually started working together on cases. Sometimes they found themselves in his office sharing dinner or a drink in the evenings long after everyone had gone home. A friendship had blossomed between them but he was also attracted to her. But unusually for him he hadn't acted on it. Maybe it was because what happened with Donna. And she had made it clear that they were strictly professional from now. But Donna had seen that he was interested in Celia and even on more than one occasion encouraged him to ask her out but he hadn't.
"I never wanted to be a corporate lawyer," Celia revealed one evening. She was sitting on his desk while he sat leaning back in his chair.
"No?"
Celia nodded. "I always wanted to be a judge."
Harvey raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Really? "
"Ever since I was 7 it was what I wanted. Then after law school I worked at the public defender's office in Providence for a year. I hated it. Hated defending low lifes and scum. Peter wanted me to stay there longer but I didn't want to."
"Peter? " Harvey asked.
"My ex fiance. We practically grew up together. We went to Harvard and we had all these plans but then it turned out that we wanted different things and he moved to San Francisco to work and I came here. "
Harvey was silent for a minute. He glanced at her and saw a brief flash of sadness flicker across her face.
Celia smiled. "What about you?"
"What about me?" Harvey asked.
"How come there is no Mrs Specter? No woman in your life?"
This was the first time either of them talked about any thing personal.
Harvey sighed. "There was a girl in Harvard. Scottie. Turns out we wanted different things too. She lives in London now. "
"No one since then?"
"No . Plenty of women though. Just none that I could see myself settling with. " Harvey 's thoughts went to Donna and what could have been. He rocked back in his seat and looked at Celia. She had kicked off her high heeled shoes. She was swinging one leg and took a sip of her scotch. She could feel his eyes on her and no matter how much she tried not to she found herself locked into his deep brown eyes. Harvey reached out and touched the back of her leg. He stood up and moved closer to her. His hand moved further up her leg. Her breathing deepened as he kissed the base of her neck. His other hand lightly grazed her breast. "We shouldn't be doing this here," Celia said breathlessly. Harvey covered her face in tiny kisses before his lips reached hers. She could taste the scotch on his lips.
"Ok. Let's go home and finish this there," Harvey said hoarsely. Celia grinned and took him by the hand and led him out of the office.
Celia and her client sat in the reception area. Still feeling nervous Celia stood up and walked over to the huge window that overlooked Central Park. She remembered going for her morning runs in the park before coming into work. Sometimes Harvey had joined her but those times usually turned into a race to see who got to the rat rock first. In San Francisco she would run along the Golden Gate Bridge and back again. She loved it but there was nothing quite running in Central Park on a cold frosty if she had time she could get a run in before she left the city. "
"Janet McKay? " a familiar voice brought her out of her reverie and she turned around to be in front of Donna. The two stared at each other for a minute.
"Oh that's us," Janet said jumping up from her seat.
"Celia." Donna said in surprise.
C
Celia nodded in return. "Donna. "
"I didn't realize you were the opposing attorney on this case."
"I thought you knew everything, " Celia said with a slight smile.
The red head glanced at the document she was holding. " This doesn't say... "
"I know. There was a change of plan back home..." Celia said.
"I see," replied Donna. "Harvey is in a meeting down town. He 's delayed. He should be back soon. He did say to show you to the conference room."
Celia's stomach did a flip at the mention of Harvey 's name. "Ok. But do you mind if I wait in his office. I really don't want to ambush...Janet can wait in the conference room. "
Donna smiled. "Harvey doesn't like people in his office when he's not there."
Ok," replied Celia. She had hoped Donna didn't pick up on her disappointment.
Donna's Flashback
Harvey came out of his office one morning. "Donna, I need you to..."
"Already done, " she replied handing him 2 blue folders. Harvey grinned and took them. "What would I do without you?"
"You'd be still at the DA's office for one thing. " Donna said with a smirk. Harvey's smile dropped from his face. "That's another thing we don't mention again."
"Oh come on Harvey then I would have nothing to tease you about," replied Donna coyly.
Harvey glanced at her and smiled and leaned over closer to her. "Really?"
"Really, " Donna replied. Her tone of voice was stern and Harvey looked at her again. He got the message loud and clear.
"Louis, I told you I was taking the lead on the deposition."
Harvey turned and saw Celia and Louis standing at her door. He saw that they were both pissed off. Leaning back against Donna's desk he watched as the two looked daggers at each other. "This should be fun, " he said to Donna quietly.
"No you're not Celia," replied Louis.
"They're my client,' the blonde woman said practically hissing at Louis.
"Trouble in paradise," Harvey called over. The two lawyers ignored him.
"They are my client and I am taking the lead. That 's final," said Celia.
"But Jessica said..." Louis started to say but Celia was already back in her office with the door closed.
Louis shot a look at Harvey and Donna and stalked back in the other direction. Celia watched him go through the glass and once she knew the coast was clear she opened the door and looked over at Harvey and Donna. "I swear one of these days I am going to wring his neck." Harvey laughed and walked over to her. "I've been wanting to do that for years."
"Maybe we could do that together," replied Celia leaning against the door frame. Harvey raised his eyebrows and smiled at her.
Donna watched the two. Celia blushed at something Harvey had said and tn she looked at her watch. "I gotta go. I have court." He nodded and watched her as she walked over to the elevators. "Don't forget that offer of a cup of sugar still stands ," he called after her. She looked back over her shoulder at him and smiled but said nothing.
Harvey looked at Donna who looked like she was going to say something. "What?"
"Why don't you ask her out?"
"What?"
"It's so obvious... " Donna started to say but saw the look on his face. "Something already happened." Her eyes widened as Harvey said nothing but went back to his office. She followed him. "So what happened."
"Nothing Donna. " He picked up a file and began to read it.
"Nothing?"
Harvey put the file down. "Celia and I slept together a couple of days ago."
"Oh my God. This is.. " she stopped when she sensed that Harvey didn't really want to talk about it. "You think you made a mistake?"
Harvey shook his head. "No. it's a..."
"...a friends with benefits kinda thing."
Harvey nodded. "Something like that."
"I say go for it," replied Donna with a grin. "It might loosen you up a bit. "
"Are you saying I 'm uptight? "
Donna flicked some lint of his jacket. "A little bit."
Donna paced up and down by the elevator as she waited for Harvey to come back from his client meeting downtown. She held his favourite coffee in her hand as she knew that he would be more receptive to what she was going to tell him once he had a coffee. She turned sharply on her heel when she heard the ding of the elevator. Donna handed him the coffee as he stepped out of it.
"Good you're here. Have the McKay Bespoke people turned up yet? "
Donna cleared her throat. "um ya..." They walked in unison as they talked.
"Good. Are they in the conference room? If they are tell them I'll be 15 minutes. That should give them 30 minutes to stew over their settlement. "
"Harvey. The CEO is the conference room but the opposing counsel is in your office... "
"Why? What did you let them in my office for?"
"She wanted to see you before the deposition... "
"Donna. You know I don't like..."
"I know but Harvey...it's Celia...Harvey stopped dead in his tracks and stared up towards his office and then back at Donna. He swallowed. "What?"
"She said she wanted to see you before. Look if you don't want to we can give the case to someone else... "
"No. It 's fine. Give me a minute though." Donna watched as he went back down the hall towards the restroom. Once in the bathroom he felt his hands shaking and his heart pounding in his ears as he recalled the woman who left him 7 years before. He put his hands on the counter top to steady himself and stared into the mirror.
Harvey 's Flashback
Harvey stepped out of the elevator into the brightly lit lobby and looked around. He saw her standing by the escalator looking at her cellphone.
"Why didn't you tell me about the job offer?"
Celia looked up in surprise as he shoved the manila folder into her hands. "Where did you get that?
Harvey cocked his head. "It doesn't matter where I got it. When were you going to tell me? " "
"I haven't decided if I'm going to take it or not .. "
"You haven't decided? Why did you give to Lydia then? Where you going to tell me at all?"
"I was. But you and Louis have been at each other's throats over this junior partner thing that..."
"You never mentioned that you were looking for another job! "
"I wasn't but they came to me."
" They? Don 't you mean Peter? I noticed that it was you ex fiance offering you a job...in San Francisco. "
Celia inhaled sharply. "Yes. Peter offered it to me."
"And?"
"And what? "
"Are you going to take it?"
"I don't know Harvey. There's a lot to consider."
" What's to consider Cece? "
Celia looked surprised at him. "You for one."
"Your ex fiance offers you a job and you're considering me?"
"Yes!"
"So you are going back to him.. "
"Goddamn it Harvey. This job is an opportunity for me that I wouldn't get anywhere else not even at Pearson Hardman! "
"Take the goddamn job then Cece! I hope you and Peter are happy."
Celia shook her head. "I don't love Peter."
"But you would consider taking a job with him."
Celia took a deep breath. "Look I understand that you are pissed that Louis made junior partner..."
"That has nothing to do with this.. "
"Doesn't it?"
"What do you mean? "
Celia shook her head again. "Nothing. It doesn't matter."
" It does matter Cece. "
"Ok. Tell me you don't want me to go. Tell me how you feel about me."
Harvey looked at the ground and then back at the blonde woman. "I don't want you to go and you know how I feel about you."
"Do I? "
"We're together aren't we?"
" Tell me how you feel about me! "
"I care about you Celia.
" You care about me? "
"Yes. I don't know what else you want me to say?"
"You know what I want you to say and if you can't then where do we go from here?" Celia turned and walked off.
"Celia!" Harvey watched her as she walked through the revolving door.
Harvey stood at the door off his office and stared at the blonde woman standing looking out the window.
She turned as he opened the door. "Hello Harvey."
He nodded as he strode over to his desk and sat down.
"I was sorry to hear about your dad."
" i haven't got a lot of time Celia. So if you are here to discuss the settlement then my clients are not willing to pay out more than $4 million. And you are legally obligated to notify your client. "
Celia let out a small laugh. "$4 million?. That's absurd. Your clients stole from mine and we can prove it!"
Harvey learned back in his chair and stared at the woman standing in front of him. "You haven't any proof."
" We do. And we are going to court.'
Harvey stood up and put his hands in his pockets. "No. We're not."
Celia smirked. "We are because I am not going to be bulldozed into a shitty offer."
Harvey had a look of exasperation on his face. " It's not a shitty offer Cece. It 's the best you are going to get. Take it "
Celia shook her head. "No. I will be recommending to my client that we go to court"
Harvey slammed the file down on the table and watched the retreating back of the blonde woman.
Celia breathed a sigh of relief when she got to the bathroom. That was harder than what she expected. She turned on the sink faucet and slowly washed her hands.
Celia's flashback
"Motion to dismiss denied." The judge banged his gavel down. Celia glanced over at the opposing attorney who was conferring with his client who looked pissed off. She smiled at her own client. "We won."
Her client smiled back at her. "Thanks Cece."
" Congratulations counselor. " the opposing attorney was now over at Celia 's table. "We will of course be appealing."
" No doubt you will be, " replied Celia as she placed a bundle of papers into her briefcase and left the courtroom . She checked the time on her watch and realized it was past lunchtime and she hadn't eaten all day. She thought about calling Harvey but he had been preoccupied lately with the battle for junior partner with Louis.
"Great work Counselor."
Celia turned in surprise to hear the familiar voice.
"Peter? What are you doing here? How did you know I was here ?"
"I hired a private detective," replied the dark haired man.
He laughed when he saw the look of confusion on her face. "I called your office. "
Celia grinned. "What are you doing in New York?"
" Business but I would like to take you to lunch if you are free. "
"Sure."
"You did a great job destroying the opposition in court." Peter said as they sat down in a small cafe beside the court house.
"You were there?" Celia asked in surprise as she had not seen him in the courtroom .
"I was. You've come a long way from being that shy girl that I knew in high school, " replied Peter.
"I was never shy," laughed Celia .
Peter smiled. "It's good to see you Cece."
Celia looked at the man sitting in front of her. "It's good to see you too."
Peter looked thoughtful for a moment. "Did you ever think what would have happened if you had come to San Francisco with me?"
Celia looked down and then back at him. "Peter, we both agreed at the time to do what was best for both of us."
" I know. Look I just didn't come here to reminisce. I also wanted to give you this, " Peter reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a white envelope. He handed it to Celia who looked surprised but opened it.
She raised her eyebrows. "Peter. This is a job offer."
" It is. We've just established a judicial mentoring program with Judge Macht. I thought of you. It's the opportunity to be mentored by one of the top judges in San Francisco to get you ready for the bench. "
"I'm flattered Peter honestly but I am not looking to make a move right now."
"Cece. I know you always wanted to sit on the bench and this is the perfect opportunity for you. Besides corporate law is not you and you know it. How long will it be before you make senior partner at Pearson Hardman. A few years am I right? Because there are probably people ahead of you. You will be coming in as Senior Partner right off the bat with the opportunity to get on the bench. "
Celia was silent for a moment. " I'm flattered I am but... "
"But what? Just consider it please. "
Celia smiled. "Ok. I'll consider it."
Jessica smiled at the younger woman sitting in front of her. She always considered the people who worked for her as her family. She placed the file down on the desk.
"You're right Cece. This is a great opportunity."
Celia sighed. "Yep."
" Senior partner at your age... "
"Let's face it Jessica. This is an entry level position. If I stay here it will be another five years before I make partner."
"You don't know that Celia. But it sounds like you already made your mind up. When do you have to give your answer?"
Celia sighed again. "Soon ..I'm seriously considering it but there are other things to think about."
"Did you tell Harvey about it? "
Celia looked surprised at Jessica's question. She didn't know that she was aware of their relationship. "Em...I haven't told him. He's so wrapped up and obsessed with winning this partnership thing between him and Louis."
"Celia...I can't tell you what to do but you know what Harvey would say if he was here? "
Celia smiled. "He 'd tell me to take it."
"Tell him ."
Celia stood up. "Thank you Jessica. "
"I just want you to know that whatever decision you make you will always be family Cece."
Celia nodded and smiled.
"What are you doing here?
Celia turned and saw that Donna had entered the bathroom. She grabbed a piece of paper towel and dried her hands with it and turned to face the red haired woman. "What do you want, Donna?"
"I'm just wondering why you decided to come back," replied Donna.
" McKay Bespoke is my client..."
" Cut the bullshit Cece. I checked up. They're not your client. You asked for this case. "
Celia placed a hand on the counter. "So what if I did?"
" You haven't even apologized for leaving.. "
Celia looked puzzled. "Why would I apologize to you?"
Donna shook her head. "It's not me you should be apologizing to. It's Harvey."
Celia let out a small laugh. "It's none of your business Donna. "
Donna smiled. "Yes it is Celia. When I 'm the one left picking up the pieces, it becomes my business. You told him that you weren't taking the job and that you we were staying. Then you left without saying a word."
Celia took a deep breath and pushed past the red head to reach the door. "I had my reasons."
"And are you going to give your reasons to Harvey? "
Celia turned on her heel. "No." she walked out the door.
Harvey and Celia sat opposite each other in the conference room.
"We have offered $4 million as a courtesy but as I told Celia this is the best offer we can give. If we go to trial you could come out with nothing," Harvey said pushing a blue folder over to Celia and Janet.
Celia looked at the folder and sighed. "and I told you that we are going to court. "
Harvey nodded. "We will leave you to discuss your options." Celia watched him as he stood up and strode out of the conference room.
"Harvey."
Harvey turned to see Mike coming up behind him. Mike glanced in at the conference room. "How did it go in there?"
Harvey sighed. "Celia wants to take it to trial."
"Why is it so important for her to go to trial?" Mike asked.
"I don't know...but I need you too find... "
"I'm on it," replied Mike.
"On what?" asked Harvey.
"Whatever you need me to do. I 'm on it," Mike said with a smirk. He turned and headed back in the direction he came from.
Harvey watched him go and then took another glance into the conference
Flashback
"Hey."
Celia looked up from her computer screen to see Harvey standing in the doorway. "Hey yourself."
" How did your motion go? " Harvey asked
Celia sighed. "Got a TRO but the community council have fast tracked an appeal which means I have to go to Buffalo tonight for court in the morning. Which means Louis has to come too. Just what I need. "
"What if I told you Louis wasn't going to Buffalo?" Harvey asked stepping into her office.
"Did he get run over by a bus?" Celia asked.
"Nope. Assigned another case."
Celia raised her eyebrows. "How did that happen?"
" Well...Jessica assigned me. We're going to Buffalo this evening, " replied Harvey sitting down on the edge of her desk.
"Really?" Celia stood up to place some files in a folder. She turned to look at him.
"Yeah. I thought we could get some dinner, book a hotel room..." Harvey said taking her arm and pulling her towards him. She glanced out the door and moved away from him.
"Can I take first chair? "
Harvey grinned. "Only if you behave yourself."
"I can behave myself. I'm a good girl," Celia said.
"You sure are."
She swatted his arm with a laugh. "This is a strictly professional business trip Harvey. "
"Course it is Cece." Harvey leaned over and patted her bottom.
"First things first. Let me bring you up to speed on the case. We need to find a way of stopping the community council rediverting the river."
"I don't get it. Why would Redditch divert the river in the first place?" asked Harvey picking up the file
"To get access to a piece of land on the other side. The river forms the county boundary but that land has been the center of dispute for years. Redditch say they own it but the council say they do. So they decided to divert the river. " replied Celia handing him another file.
"Who really owns that land?"
"That's the problem. No one really knows, " replied Celia. "Land Registry don't have any records. The Deeds office don't have any thing either. "
"Right of way access?" Harvey asked.
"Redditch had right of way for 35 years and used it accordingly. The council then decided they were trespassing and issued a cease and desist. It escalated and then Redditch diverted the river."
Harvey nodded. "Sounds complicated. You think the Council will make a settlement?"
Celia was silent "They might. What have you in mind?"
"I'll tell you over dinner tonight," Harvey replied with a whisper.
After a long day in court which included a field trip to see the land at the center of dispute Celia and Harvey arrived back at their hotel and flopped down on the couch.
"Oh my god. My back hurts, my feet hurt even my brain hurts," Celia complained as she took her shoes off. " What a day! "
Harvey closed his eyes. "I'm beat. At least we got the council to back off...thanks to your wildlife experts. Who woulda thought that the lesser spotted badger was an endangered species "
Celia smirked. "Who would have thought that?"
"Not me," replied Harvey.
" All I want to do is sleep for a year, " replied Celia trying to conceal a yawn.
"Me too."
Celia glanced over at Harvey. "I don't even want to have sex tonight."
Harvey opened his eyes and stared at her in surprise. "You don't?"
Celia shook her head.
"I'm so tired anyway. I'd probably fall asleep in the middle of it."
Celia inhaled sharply. "Oh my god. We're like one of those couples."
"One of what couples?"
"You know those kind of couples that go at it like rabbits for the first few months and then when they feel comfortable with each other they stop having sex."
"That's only couples in relationships. We 're not in a relationship. "
He looked over at the woman sitting beside him. She looked thoughtful.
"Unless..."
Celia looked at him. " unless? "
Harvey rubbed her leg and then placed her foot on his lap. "Unless you want to be? "
Celia glanced at Him. "I hadn't given it much thought. Have you?"
Harvey smiled at her. "No... But if you want to see where it goes..."
Celia grinned. "Ok."
Harvey nodded. "Ok!"
In the conference room Janet glanced at Celia with a look of concern. "Celia, I'd rather we take the settlement..."
Celia turned to look at Janet. "If we take this settlement you are as good as admitting that your product is inferior which it isn't."
"But if we go to court I could lose everything Celia and I'm not willing to take that chance..." She stood up and stared down at the lawyer who was still seated. "And if you don't agree with this I will call Peter and he will agree with me."
Celia stood up. "Janet!" She watched as the other woman left the conference room. "Dammit!"
Flashback -
Sunlight streamed in Harvey 's bedroom as he and Celia lay in bed. She lay in his arms with her head on his chest. He stroked her hair and then kissed her head. "Gotta get up."
Celia groaned. "Don't want to."
Harvey chuckled as he climbed out of the bed. "We have to. I have a meeting with Avery Mc Kernon. "
Celia nodded and then reached for her clothing. "Oh yeah. Your junior partnership with Louis."
Harvey kissed her lips. "It'll be fine. I'm gonna get it because I am awesome."
Celia looked at him and then reached for a shoe. She looked thoughtful. Harvey noticed the look on her face. "What is it?"
The blonde woman stood up. "I want in."
Harvey 's eyebrows furrowed. "In?"
Celia nodded. "Junior partner. I want in too."
Harvey stared at her for a couple of second s. "You can't."
Celia raised her eyebrows. "I can't? "
"This is between me and Louis. Not me and you." replied Harvey.
"Why? Are you afraid that you are going to get your ass kicked by me?" challenged the blonde woman with a smirk.
Harvey stood between the door that separated the living room and bedroom and shook his head. "No. It's going to get ugly between me and Louis and I don't want this to come between us...besides what do you know about cars?"
Celia let out a snort. "What? This isn't about what I know or don't know about cars. It's about making Junior Partner and I"m a great goddamn lawyer and I deserve this just as much as you or Louis...and for the record...I probably know a hell of a lot more about cars than you do! "
Harvey rubbed his head and considered what he was going to say next. "Cece. I know you are a great lawyer. Apart from me you are the best. But what happened to your plan of getting on the bench? Don't you still want that? "
"Of course I do but I'm a 5th year associate. I'm not going to get that opportunity until I make partner and I can't wait for another 10 years for that! "
Harvey sighed and then shook his head. "Sorry but this is between me and Louis."
Celia nodded but pushed past Harvey and walked towards the front door. She turned and looked at Harvey. "Fine."
Celia stood outside Daniel Hardman's office later that morning. She saw that Monica Eaton was with him. She couldn't hear what they were saying but she was struck by how intimate their body language was. Monica sat in front of the Managing Partner while he was perched on the desk leaning into her. She watched for a couple of minutes with curiosity. If she didn't know any better these were definitely two people who were intimate with each other. She almost felt like she was spying on them. Celia glanced around to see if there was anyone else around but everyone in the firm were going about their own business. She took a deep breath and tapped on the glass door. Hardman looked up to see Celia standing outside. He glanced at Monica who looked annoyed at the interruption. He motioned for Celia to come in.
"That will be all Monica. I look forward to working with you on the Walker Case."
Monica gave a small smile and she and Celia glanced at each other as they walked past one another. Celia noticed that Daniel gazed after the dark haired woman aw she left the room.
The man then turned his attention to Celia. " What can I do for you Celia? "
Celia cleared her throat. "Um... I wanted to ask if it was possible to be considered for Junior Partner."
Hardman regarded the woman standing nervously in front of him. "There's only one position for Junior Partner available this year Celia and that goes to either Harvey or Louis. "
"I know Daniel. I want in on that."
"That's between them Celia."
"Yes I know but I'm also..."
" I don't think you are ready for Junior Partner yet. "
"I just want the same opportunity that Harvey and Louis are getting! "
"Aren't you and Harvey involved? If he doesn't make partner this time it would be you up against him next time. How would that conversation go..."
Celia let out a sigh. "That's got nothing to do with this. "
Daniel was silent for a minute. He glanced at Celia and then picked up a large file from his desk. "Ok Celia. This is Boylston Technologies. They're being sued for Patent infringement on the development of their software applications process. I need you to go through the discovery and find anything that prohibits them from using their applications. Do this and it could be a stepping stone towards Junior Partner. "
"Patent infringement isn't my area of expertise... "Celia started to say.
"You want to be considered for Junior Partner. Then you will do this. Now if you will excuse me I have work to do. " replied Hardman shoving the file in her hand and then he went back to his desk and picked up another file and began to read. Celia nodded her head and pursed her lips. She looked at the file in her hand and left the room.
"Did you go to Hardman when I asked you not too?" Harvey asked stepping into her office a few hours later. She lifted her head in surprise at the intrusion. She had been buried deep in the discovery paper work and hadn't notice the time. "Hey. How did your meeting go with Avery Mc Kernon?"
"Don't change the subject Cece..." Interrupted Harvey . "I specifically told you not to go to him."
Celia raised her eyebrows. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. This morning I told you that this was between me and Louis and then next thing I hear is that you do the very thing I asked you not to do. What are you trying to prove?
"Hold on a goddamn minute. First of all..Yes! I went to Hardman and asked him. You know what he said. He said no...Because I'm not good enough...so you don't have to worry your pretty goddamn head about being in competition with me. " She slammed the folder she was holding down on the table and leaned back in her chair and glared at Harvey. "Now get out of my office!" Harvey stood for a minute in stunned silence but took one more look at her and went out.
"You need to go and apologize to her Harvey."
"She 's pissed off Donna. She's not gonna want to hear anything from me right now," replied Harvey. He paced his office as Donna watched. "Sit down Harvey. You'll wear out the carpet."
Harvey stopped but turned around to stare out the window.
"Let me ask you something Harvey." Donna considered her next question carefully. "Do you love her?"
"I care about her," Harvey replied after a moment.
"That's not what I asked," Donna said.
Harvey turned to look at her. "You're dating someone. How do you feel about him? "
"Mark and I are not the topic of this conversation. And we're together 6 months if you must know. "
Harvey 's mouth curled into a smile. "6 months?
"Yep 6 months. Our 6 month anniversary is coming up soon and we are planning something special. "
"Maybe we could go on a double date," Harvey said with a sly smile.
Donna laughed. "Somehow I don't think either Mark or Cece would be up for that. Besides she's pissed off with you. You are going to have to do something really amazing to get her to be unpissed off with you!" She then turned and strode out of the office. Harvey leaned back in his chair as he watched.
Celia sighed as she lifted another file box from the shelves in the file room. She was already bored going through the discovery but she was determined to get through it all. Even if it to prove to Daniel Hardman that she was a capable attorney. She sat down at the desk and opened the file box. Several cups of coffee later and she was still seated in the same spot a couple of hours later.
"So this is where all the hot attorneys hang out."
Celia looked up to see Harvey standing beside one of the file shelves. She didn't hear him come in. He was looking a little sheepish.
"I'm surprised you even know where to find the file room. What can I do for you?" Celia said as she took another folder out of the box.
'I'm sorry, " replied Harvey as he made his way towards her. He pulled a chair out and sat
"What are you sorry for? " Celia asked.
"You're not making this easy for me, " replied Harvey.
"No I 'm not," Celia said. She smirked as she looked at him.
"That's ok. I deserve it. I was wrong."
Celia laughed and raised her eyebrows in mock horror . "Do my ears deceive me? Harvey Specter admitting he was wrong about something! "
Harvey nodded slowly and leaned closer to her ear and whispered. "That won't be happening again. As you know I am always right."
Celia smiled and turned her head so that their lips were just inches apart. He opened the top buttons on her shirt. "Not always." Harvey leaned into kiss her but she stood up suddenly and picked up a file that was on the table and placed it in a box on the floor leaning over to give him a full view of her cleavage. Harvey sat back in his chair and watched her. "You are playing with me now."
Celia pushed her hair out of her face. "I'm working."
"I see that," replied Harvey standing up. "I'm helping you work." He picked up another box from the floor and placed it on the table. He moved closer to her. She reached across him to pick up a file. As she did her arms brushed against his. He moved so that he was standing behind her. "Excuse me. You're in my way."
"You're excused," replied Harvey. His voice was husky and his hand stroked the small of her back. He kissed the base of her neck as his other hand went around her waist and pulled her in closer to him. He moved his mouth slowly up to her ear and began to nibble on her ear. Celia's breathing deepened as she turned around and their mouths met in a frenzy of kisses. "Someone might come in," she said breathlessly .
"Door's locked," Harvey murmured as she pulled his tie loose. She grinned as they continued kissing. His hand squeezed her ass and pushed her skirt up. She pulled on his tie as she sat back on the table so that he was leaning on top of her. She reached down to open his pants and felt his hard erection. She could see the desire in his eyes as she took his hardness in her hand. He pulled down her panties. His fingers brushed against her slit and he could feel that she was already wet. She moaned quietly as he slipped a finger inside her. "Fuck," she gasped.' She let out a gasp of pleasure as he entered her. They moved in unison on the table and didn't notice when a file box fell off.
"Well that was an unexpected diversion, " Celia said as she got down off the table a few minutes later.
"Sure was," replied Harvey with a smile. "Just wanted to make sure you weren't too bored. Celia laughed as she buttoned up her blouse. " Not any more. "
Harvey checked his watch. "Are you going to be here long?"
Celia picked up the papers that had fallen on the floor. She glanced at them and placed them in one of the file boxes. " If I want to get this done probably all night. "
"Take the night off and we can continue what we started... " Harvey 's phone beeped. As he read the message a wide smile grew on his face. "Avery Mc Kernon agreed to sign me . Junior Partner here I come."
"Hey that 's great. Congratulations. "
"I'll go see Daniel. Look... take the night off and we can celebrate."
Celia smiled. "Ok. Give me a couple of hours."
Harvey grinned. "Meet you down in the lobby at 8 then. " He kissed her lightly on the lips and left the room.
A couple of hours later Celia rubbed her eyes with tiredness. Another pot of coffee was definitely needed. She entered the kitchen just off the bullpen and poured herself more coffee. She heard raised voices and realized that it was Harvey and Louis arguing. From what she could make out it seemed Louis had made Junior Partner over Harvey. She watched quietly through the door as Harvey stalked off in the other direction as Louis stood in the middle of the bullpen with a smirk on his face.
Harvey went back to his office after the argument with Louis. He was furious that Louis had made partner over him. He wrote a note to Donna for the morning and then picked up some files.
"Harvey."
He turned to see Lydia, one of the associates standing behind him.
"I was looking for Celia. I wanted to return some paperwork that she asked me to look over."
Harvey nodded. "She's in the file room but I'm meeting her in a few minutes. I can give them to her. "
Lydia handed him the folder. "I bet you will miss her when she leaves."
"Leaves? " asked Harvey looking puzzled.
"The San Francisco job. It must be exciting for her. Tell her everything looks in order ..." Lydia then realized that Harvey didn't know about the job. "I'll leave you to it."
Harvey watched the woman walk away and then opened the folder and read it's contents.
Mike stood outside Rachel's office thinking how beautiful she was. Rachel had her head stuck in a legal book but she looked up when she sensed his presence. They held a gaze for a couple of seconds before she smiled. She was glad that they had worked out their issues in relation to Logan Sanders. "What can I do for you today Mr Ross?"
"This is a workplace I couldn't possibly say Ms Zane," Mike grinned .
Rachel giggled. "Could you not?"
" You know it, " replied Mike. He entered the office and leaned against the window sill. "What do you know about Celia Laurence?"
Rachel turned in her chair to face him. "Only from what I know from Donna. She and Harvey were in a relationship and she left suddenly."
" Why would she leave like that? "
"What did Harvey say?" asked Rachel.
"He hasn't said anything and I haven't asked him about it, " replied Mike.
"I didn't really know her. I only met her a couple of times. Her last day here was my first day here."
"She was here when Hardman was? So she knew Monica Eaton then ."
"I guess so. Do you think she knew about Monica and Hardman? " asked Rachel.
Mike shrugged. "It's possible."
"What if that's the reason why she left. She found out about them. "
"From the information I got from Donna she got a job offer in San Francisco and took it. It doesn't really make sense if she knew about them. And what is she doing back here? "
Rachel swivelled her chair back to the computer and start typing. Mike looked over her shoulder. "She's due to take up a judge ship position in San Francisco next week. This must be her last case. "
"Which explains why she wants to win this case so badly ," reasoned Mike.
"And Hardman is so longer here," replied Rachel.
Mike was silent for a minute. Rachel turned to look at him. "She could have known about his embezzlement too. You need to tell Harvey. "
Mike nodded. "I know." He leaned forward and lightly kissed Rachel on the lips. "Wish me luck."
"You're gonna need it. "
Mike made his way down to Harvey 's office. Donna sat at her desk typing away. She barely glanced up as Mike passed her. He saw that Harvey sat at his desk but was staring out at the New York skyline.
'I think I have something. "
Harvey turned his chair and faced his protege. "What you got?"
"Celia is due to start a judgeship in the next week. This is her last case. "
"Which explains why she is so eager to go to trial. "
Mike nodded and considered what to say next.
Harvey noticed the hesitation. "What is it?"
"Celia worked here when Hardman was here. Did she know Monica Eaton? "
Harvey leaned back in his chair. "She knew her. "
"What if she knew about Monica and Hardman's affair?"
Harvey shook his head. " She would have said something to me. "
"This is just a theory. But what if she found out about them and Hardman's embezzlement. Could explain why she left so abruptly.'
"Only one way to find out," replied Harvey standing up and buttoning his jacket. Mike watched as the senior partner strode down the hallway towards the conference room.
"Peter. We can take this to trial, " Celia said into the speaker phone on the table in the conference room.
"Celia. When you asked for this case you agreed with me that a settlement was the better option," said the disembodied voice on the other end of the line.
"I know Peter but a trial brings out the facts. This case is about... " Celia paced the room
"Janet wants to take the settlement. I agree with her. I am ordering you to take it too."
Celia stopped pacing and stared at the phone incredulously. "You're ordering me? You can't order me to do shit Peter!"
"I'm your boss Celia. I can. Take the settlement." He hung up and Celia was left listening to the sound of the dial tone. She let out a long sigh as she stared out at the New York skyline.
"Did you know about Daniel Hardman and Monica Eaton?" demanded Harvey as he barged into the conference room. Celia turned at the sound of the interruption.
"What?"
"Daniel Hardman and Monica Eaton were having an affair. Did you know about it? "
"No, " she replied.
"Don't lie to me Celia. "
"I'm not. I didn't know about them."
"You went to see Hardman because you wanted in on the Junior Partner thing. He gave you Boylston Technologies instead "
"You know all that," replied Celia .
"Jessica and I found out that Daniel was embezzling from the firm. Boylston Technologies was one of the companies he stole from. Did you know about that? "
Celia shook her head. "No I didn't know Harvey."
Harvey was silent for a moment. "So why did you leave?"
Celia felt her stomach flip. She knew this question would come up yet she still hadn't prepared herself for it. She looked to the ground. Anywhere to avoid looking at Harvey. The question hung in the air for several seconds. "I..I..." she stammered . She then lifted her head to look at him. She could see the hurt in his eyes. "I had to leave. We weren't going anywhere. And... and taking the job in California seemed like the best thing to do."
"I cared about you Celia."
"And that was the whole problem. I loved you and you couldn't give me anymore. "
A muscle in Harvey's jaw tensed. "I'm sorry."
Celia nodded and smiled. She picked up her bag and phone and walked over to the door. She looked back at at Harvey who was leaning against a chair with one hand. "We're taking the settlement."
"Knock, Knock," Celia said as she tapped on Jessica's door.
The Managing Partner looked up from some paperwork she had been reading on her couch.
She gave the blonde woman a big smile. "Celia, I heard you were here." She stood up and walked over to her and enveloped her in a big hug. "It's good to see you Celia."
"I couldn't not stop by and say hello, " replied Celia.
"I'm glad you did ," Jessica said motioning the other woman to sit down.
Celia considered what she was going to say. " Harvey said something to me about Hardman embezzling from the firm. I just wanted to let you know, like I told him, that I knew nothing about it. "
Jessica nodded. "I didn't believe that you did Celia...I heard you are finally going to have your dream of becoming a judge."
"I am," replied Celia.
"Congratulations...but remember you are still family to me."
"Thank you Jessica."
Flashback
Celia paced her office. She took another glance at the job offer Peter had given her. She didn't know what to do. She looked out her door and saw Donna sitting at her desk. She put the document in a drawer in her desk and made sure that it was locked.
Donna looked up and saw Celia approaching her. She sat up straight and smiled at the other woman. "Celia, what can I do for you?"
" Do you know where Harvey is? He's not answering his phone. "
"Is this something to do with the job offer you got?"
" How did you know about that? "
"Because he told me," replied Donna.
"Donna ...I need you to set up a meeting with McMahon." Harvey came up behind the two. He handed some papers to the red head and without looking at Celia he strode past her and went into his office. Celia stared after him and then glanced at Donna who was busy typing on her computer. Celia sighed and followed Harvey into his office.
He barely looked up when she opened the door. "Do you have a minute?"
"Not really Cece... "
"Do you think you can take the time?"
Harvey looked up. "What is it Celia?"
" What is it? You've barely spoken to me since the other night. "
"What's to talk about Cece? You're leaving."
Celia glanced out the door and saw Donna was taking an interest in what was happening in Harvey's office.
"Can we go somewhere...more private?"
Harvey nodded and stood up. "You want to go to the file room again?" He smirked .
Celia smiled. "As tempting as that sounds I'll pass this time."
The two found themselves on the roof of the Pearson Hardman building a few minutes later. A cold wind was blowing and the two huddled up in their coats.
"Are you going to take that job? " Harvey asked after a few minutes.
Celia sighed. "What do you want me to do?"
Harvey swallowed. "If you want to take it then take it... don't pass up on a great opportunity like that because great opportunities don't come around very often. "
Celia felt her eyes filling with tears. "I know but..."
"Don't stay because I want you to. You have to do what's right for you. "
"I know."
Harvey reached out and took her hand. "Cece...don't stay because of me."
Celia smiled. "I'm staying but it's not because of you."
Harvey looked into her blue eyes and pulled her in closer. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "Yes I'm sure."
Harvey grinned. "Good."
She nodded and leaned in closer to him. Her cellphone beeped. She looked at it. "Hardman wants to see me."
Harvey nodded. "Let's go out tomorrow night. I've to meet a client for dinner tonight. "
"Ok." The two cuddled together as the cold wind picked up around them.
The next morning Louis came barrelling down the hallway towards Donna."Does anyone know where Celia is?"
"Is she not in her office?" asked Donna.
"No," Louis replied. "Her office is empty. Did she move offices again?"
"Not as far as I know, " Donna said. A feeling of dread came over her.
"Maybe Harvey will know," Louis said.
"Maybe Harvey will know what?" Harvey came up behind Louis. He was still pissed off for Louis making Junior Partner.
"I was looking for Celia. I need her on the Vitality deposition. Her office has been cleared out. Did she move offices?"
"What do you mean? " Harvey asked looking towards the office that she had occupied.
"Celia is gone ." Jessica came up behind the three.
Harvey looked like he had been punched in the gut. "What?"
"She left her resignation on my desk. Effective immediately, " Jessica said looking at Harvey
"Why would she resign like that? Goddamn it. Now I have to find someone else for the deposition. " Louis turned and made his way towards the associate bull pen.
"She took the job in California? " asked Donna aware that Harvey was silently processing the news.
"She did," replied Jessica. She glanced at Harvey who just shook his head and went back to his office without saying a word.
"Keep an eye on him," Jessica said to Donna who nodded. Jessica smiled and headed back to her own office.
Donna sat at her desk for a few moments. She could see Harvey picking up the phone and dialling a number. There appeared to be no answer and she could see him flinging it across the room. She watched as he sat on the small couch. His head was slumped forward with his arms on his knees. Donna couldn't stand to see him like that. She got up and stood in the doorway. "Do you need anything?"
"She's gone Donna," he said quietly.
"I know Harvey. I'm sorry."
He sat back all of a sudden and looked at Donna. "I lose Junior Partner to Louis. Celia leaves me. I told her I cared about her. She said she was staying and then she leaves. No goodbye. No nothing. She wouldn't even answer the phone. All she left was a stupid goddamn resignation letter. "
"Harvey..." Donna started to say.
"I don't want to hear it Donna." Harvey stood up. "Time to move on. Get back to work. Alex and I are playing poker tonight. "
Donna nodded. "You know where I am if you need to talk."
Harvey sat at the glass corner table in his office doing some paperwork.
"Hey."
He looked up and saw Celia standing at the door. "Hey."
"Can I come in or is that crossing into sacred territory? " Celia asked with a small smile.
Harvey grinned and stood up buttoning his jacket up. "Course you can come in. Want a drink? " He made his way over to the drinks tray over by the window.
"Sure," replied Celia taking the glass of scotch from him. She turned and looked at his vinyl record collection. "I see your collection got bigger."
" Bigger office, bigger collection, " replied Harvey with a smile.
Celia giggled. "I guess so." She moved in closer to the records as if in search for one.
"That's the first time I heard you laugh since you got back ."
Celia looked at him and blushed slightly. "Sorry I let you win."
" You didn't let me win. We would have won anyway. "
"No. You wouldn't. Oh, you still have it," exclaimed Celia pulling a vinyl record from the shelf and showed it to Harvey "I gave you this one.'
Harvey looked at her. "Miles Davis. You didn't give me that one. "
"Yes I did. That time we went to Buffalo for the Redditch Deposition... "
"Oh yeah that was when we..." Harvey started to say but his voice trailed off.
Celia turned to face him and shook her head. "It all went to shit after that. I'm sorry. I know I hurt you by leaving... "
Harvey swallowed. "You did but it's in the past now."
The two stared at each other for a moment. She looked into his deep brown eyes. "I just wanted you to know."
"I know."
Celia took a sip of her scotch and turned back to the record collection.
"I heard you are taking up a position with the court in Frisco. Congratulations. It's all you ever wanted. "
Celia smiled. "I start week after next." She looked at her watch. "I better go. I'm on the red eye back to San Francisco." She put the glass down and walked towards the door. "Bye Harvey."
Harvey watched her go. "Cece."
She stopped and looked back.
"Give 'em hell out there," Harvey said with a grin.
Celia smiled and nodded. "Thanks. I will."
Notes
To be continued
Celia returns in the next chapter which takes place in Season 5