I'm making the most of the free time I have while not at work, so thought I'd post another update to Love & War, especially seeing as yesterday's new episode didn't have nearly enough screen time for Donna's on screen ex. As this story is all plotted out and I have the time, I'll aim to keep the updates coming. Keep the reviews coming (good or bad), as I love hearing what you think. Thanks again for the support!
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Chapter Nine
Harvey couldn't stop thinking about Donna that night. She's actually out with that guy? After how he treated her? Is she crazy? She can do so much better than that dick. His brain kept returning to watching her walk out of the office that night; confident, relaxed and so damn sexy.
He shook his head, chastising himself for such thoughts. He was happy wasn't he? He was with Paula, who understood him. He had a connection with her.
He raised his head at that moment and his eyes met Paula's across her breakfast bar. She was stirring a wok on her oven hobs, but was staring at him. She did not look impressed. Oh shit, what did I do? He gave her a weak smile.
"What?" he asked quietly. She stopped stirring and folded her arms across her chest. "You haven't heard a word I've said, have you?"
He swallowed, desperately trying to think of an explanation. Anything other than the truth! "Sorry Paula, it's been a long week. I'm tired, but you have my full attention now, honestly."
She studied him, her eyes narrowing a little, before she turned away from him, focussing on the food. He moved to the other side of the room and opened a bottle of red wine, pouring a couple of glasses.
"So, everything's fine at work?"
"Of course. Why?" He realised too late that his mistake was inviting the question.
"I just wondered if there were any problems between you and Donna."
Fuck.
He moved towards her, offering her the wine glass, wondering how quickly he could get her tipsy enough to change topics. "Donna and I are fine. She does her job; I do mine. We're fine."
Paula nodded, but didn't look at him. "And she's still fine about us?" He sensed from her tone, that she'd never believed that to be true. He didn't need this interrogation and felt his temper flare.
He pushed off the kitchen counter and paced around the kitchen. "If you have something to say Paula, then say it. I don't have time for a disguised therapy session!"
She whipped around at that comment, her eyes flaring with anger. "Okay Harvey, I'll say it. I'm not convinced she's fine with it. She certainly made her disapproval clear at your firm's event last month!"
Harvey frowned at that, having had no idea the two had even spoken that night. "What are you talking about?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "I spoke to her in the bathroom. She admitted that she didn't approve about me being involved with my former patient."
Harvey groaned. "We've been over this! There is nothing wrong with us seeing each other! Plus, Donna's certainly fine with it now. She said as much to me a couple of nights ago." He could feel the pitch of his voice grow louder, but she had hit a nerve - the Donna nerve.
"Anyway, I imagine our relationship is the furthest thing from her mind right now. She's out on a date with her ex for God's sake!"
Paula shook her head and closed her eyes. "Is that why you're so distracted Harvey? Is that what you've been thinking about tonight, because it isn't me that's for sure!"
Harvey rubbed his forehead with his hand, feeling a headache coming on. "Oh for God's sake. Don't turn this back on to me! You're trying to suggest that Donna has a problem with us and that's what's bothering me and I'm simply telling you she isn't interested. She has her own life that she's getting on with."
"And maybe that's the real problem here Harvey. She's moving on with her life and you don't like it, in case you stop being the object of her attention and affection."
He laughed. "You're being ridiculous."
Paula looked at him, doubt filling her eyes. "Am I?" she said quietly. He sighed and moved towards her. "Paula, let's just forget all of this and have a drink." She shook her head. "I think I want to be alone tonight Harvey. You should go home."
He stared at her, astonished. He moved to speak, but didn't have the energy and instead picked up his coat and left without another word.
…..
Donna was just out of the shower the next morning, following her yoga class, when her phone started to ring. She rolled her eyes, knowing who would be calling.
"Yes, Rachel. I am alone this fine morning," she answered, which was met with the laughter of her friend.
"Okay, okay. I admit that I was hoping for something juicier. Sue me! Seriously though, how did it go last night?"
Donna considered her answer and smiled, as she thought about her date with Jonathan. She really had had a wonderful night. "I had a lovely time Rach. We went to Coney Island and had a lot of fun. It was just what I needed." She paused. "I need to go. I have a few errands to run."
They agreed to have lunch on Monday before hanging up. Donna didn't really have much to do, but she needed some time to herself to think.
…..
Mike was surprised to see Harvey at his desk the next afternoon. Yes, they sometimes worked at weekends, but he wasn't aware of anything pressing that would require him to do so today.
As he entered the managing partner's office, he held up the file he had in his hand. "Hey. I was just dropping the Anderson file off. Didn't expect to see you today. It is Saturday you know!"
Harvey looked up. "Well, you're here aren't you?"
Mike laid the file on his desk and moved to lean against the window ledge facing towards his friend. "True. Rachel was meeting her parents for lunch and I just wasn't in the mood for Robert Zane's judgmental looks today, so I'm hiding out here."
Harvey nodded, his mind already starting to wander somewhere else. "Everything okay Harvey? You look like shit today."
"Gee thanks Mike. Such a motivational observation." He sighed and put down the papers in his hand. "I just needed to focus on work for a while."
Mike nodded and decided to subtly change tactics. "Hey, Rach told me to ask if you and Paula wanted to come by for dinner some time next week?"
He studied Harvey's face for a reaction and saw the uncomfortable look and knew immediately from experience what was wrong here. "I think that idea will have to wait for a while, but thanks Mike."
Mike decided to take a risk. "You guys had a row didn't you? I'm not the only one hiding out here, am I right? Could be worse, at least you don't live together!"
Harvey stood up. "I don't want to talk about it. I do however need something to eat. Is the bagel guy here at weekends?"
"Probably. This is New York after all. Or, seeing as we are both here doing non-urgent work, we could just go and get a proper lunch. You look like you could do with a drink."
Harvey considered the proposition and nodded. "What the hell, but you're buying."
Mike smiled and followed him out of the room. Time to get to the bottom of this mess, he thought.
…..
Mike returned from the bar at The Ginger Man with two very large beers and passed one to Harvey, who raised his eyebrows at the size of them.
"What? I ordered the food too!"
Harvey took the beer and took a large gulp. "This is pretty good." Mike gave a satisfied smile and took a seat opposite his friend. "So, come on. Spill it. Was it a small row, or a full scale blow out?"
"Well, she kicked me out of her house before dinner, so what do you think?"
"Ouch." Mike continued to drink his beer, watching Harvey, who had already drank half of his despite its size. He was clearly drowning is sorrows. "Are you going to tell me what you did, or do I have to start guessing?"
Harvey ran his hand through his hair and leaned back in his chair. "I love that it has to be me that stuffed up and not just her being ridiculous!"
He saw Mike's smirk, clearly amused at his defensiveness. When did I start looking to this kid for relationship guidance?! Jesus.
"I was distracted. I wasn't listening to her. It made her mad and she twisted things to see what she'd already decided was true. I'm remembering why I don't do relationships!"
He drained the last of the beer and headed to the bar, Mike still only halfway through his own drink. This is going to be a long afternoon, Mike thought. Returning with another round, Harvey slumped back down in his chair.
"What was she mad about Harvey?" he nudged. His friend shook his head vigorously. "Nope. I don't want to talk about this. How about we talk about how much Robert Zane dislikes you?!" he joked to Mike.
"Look, I took you to lunch to be nice to you. Where's the love?"
Harvey chuckled, continuing to drink his beer, as the waitress arrived with their sandwiches. Mike continued. "He doesn't dislike me. He's just still pissed about being lied to, which I understand. I'd be pissed too if I was him."
Harvey nodded. "You did him a favour. Had he known, he'd have only been in an impossible position and he knows it."
They ate in silence for a while, before Mike looked up at him again. "Just say you're sorry. Maybe send some flowers."
"I'm not sure that'll cut it. She's pretty stubborn."
"Oh, well, that's something you both have in common then," his young friend remarked. Harvey gave a long sigh and rested his elbows on the table, leaning his head on one of his hands. "Paula says that I don't like the idea of Donna not being bothered about our relationship."
Mike raised his eyebrows. Oh shit, this is new territory. He had to admit he didn't think Harvey would actually say anything. "Is she right?"
Harvey raised his eyes to Mike. "NO!" Mike could feel his friend's annoyance and he shrugged. "Not even a little bit right? You didn't look particularly thrilled last night with Mr Top Gun capturing Donna's attention."
Harvey downed the rest of his second beer, before responding. "The guy's a dick! She can do so much better! Do you know what he did? He cheated on her. And now he's back being Mr Smooth?" His exasperated tone rose in pitch, as the waitress cleared their empty plates and Mike asked for another round.
"People can change Harvey. Maybe he really is a decent guy now. Rachel seemed to like him when she met him and she's a pretty good judge of character." Harvey however, wasn't listening, his words continuing to tumble out of his mouth. "And what the hell type of date was that anyway? Being all Mr Flash on that bike?!"
Mike laughed, as he paid the waitress for the fresh drinks being placed in front of them. "From the guy who speeds around town in his flash cars to impress women, that's pretty funny Harvey!"
Harvey pulled a face at Mike's words and reached for the beer. "It's not the same," he huffed.
"Mmm, yeah, of course not buddy. Oh, and for the record, Rachel said they had a great time. They went to the funfair or something." Harvey smirked. "The funfair? What is he, twelve?"
Mike sighed and shook his head in amused frustration. Someone else was acting like a twelve year-old in his opinion. "I think the appropriate response Harvey would be that you're happy for her…..Unless of course, you're not…"
Harvey dodged the veiled question and waved his hand, as if waving off a redundant statement. "It won't last. He's not right for her."
Jeez, he's actually ridiculous. He wasn't kidding that time he said love wasn't his area!
As Harvey made his way to the bathroom, Mike's phone buzzed. "Hey Rach. How was lunch?"
"It was fine. My mom was sorry you couldn't make it….."
"Not your dad then?" He couldn't help it, the words slipping from his mouth. "Mike…..don't start."
"Sorry. I think I've been listening too much to Harvey. His bad attitude is rubbing off on me!"
There was a brief pause, before Rachel asked in a puzzled tone where exactly he was, so he told her. "You're getting drunk with Harvey in a bar in the middle of the afternoon?"
"Well, I'm feeling alright, but I'm not sure about him. He needed to let off some steam Rach."
"Is it about Paula or Donna? Or both?" Mike could hear the amusement and possibly irritation in her tone. Donna was her best friend after all. He couldn't lie to Rachel though, so went with honesty. "Both. I don't think he fully realises yet how confused he is and believe me, he's very confused."
He ended the call when he saw Harvey returning to their table. He'd removed his tie and unbuttoned the top few buttons of his shirt. As he reached for his drink again, Mike studied his friend trying to think of a way to make him start being honest with himself about what was really going on. Paula has a point. Harvey just won't see it.
"Do you know what I find interesting Harvey? This chat started as one about your girlfriend; the one you've pissed off and yet, all you've really done while we've been here, is talk about Donna and Jonathan. Don't you think that means something?"
Harvey closed his eyes, the beers starting to make him feel queasy. "What I think, is that I don't want to talk about this anymore."
Mike sighed, but gave up. An hour later, Ray being away that weekend, he dropped Harvey off at his apartment on his way home. As he unlocked the door to his own apartment and heard Rachel singing to herself in their bedroom, he was filled with a sense of thankfulness that he'd not been as stupid as Harvey was being right now.
…..
Rachel was sitting across from Donna at her desk the following Monday, as they ate their lunches. She'd practically tackled Donna to the ground for gossip about her date.
"I have to admit Donna, it wasn't the kind of date I'd been expecting."
Donna smiled. "What no fancy dinner, dancing or champagne? I imagine that'll be on his list of ways to woo me Rach, but I guess Friday was about more than who we both are now."
Rachel nodded. "It was about reminding you of your history and how not all of it was painful? As strategies go, it was a pretty good one. So, come on, tell me everything!"
Donna laughed and filled Rachel in on what had happened with Jonathan, including the kiss. She had to admit, he was always a great kisser. "And he just dropped you home?"
"You sound disappointed Rach! Yes, he was the perfect gentleman. He knows me well enough to know that I wouldn't simply fall back in to bed with him. It took him months to get me on a date the first time after all!"
"But you'll be seeing him again? Soon?" Rachel couldn't hide the teasing from her tone of voice. She wanted Donna to have some fun. She spent too much time focussed on other people and was due some attention of her own.
"I expect so," Donna murmured, a small smile on her lips.
There was a tap on the door as it opened and they saw Harvey hovering. "If you could let me know when you have the revised memo regarding hirings, that would be great. Louis and I want to get moving on setting up interviews."
Donna knew from his tone that he was annoyed about something, so simply nodded. "You'll have it in an hour Harvey."
He stood there for a few moments longer, as if unsure what he should say next. "Fine," he responded, before disappearing in to his own office next door.
Donna looked at Rachel. "What's wrong with him now?" Rachel chuckled. "He's probably still recovering from his drinking session with Mike this weekend," On seeing Donna's questioning look, she added. "Don't ask Donna."
She didn't. She was tired of wondering what was wrong with Harvey and what he needed. She was going to focus on herself for a while.
…..
Jonathan flicked through the document in front of him in Louis's office, as Louis continued to talk him through all of his proposed amends to the terms he'd been asked to sign. "This all looks great. How likely are they to roll over on all of this?"
Rachel answered. "Well, there are points we can potentially compromise on, if we have to, but it's worth seeing exactly what the sticking points are and then we can take it from there."
Jonathan nodded. "Makes sense. Let's see what they say. Thanks for all your work on this so far." Louis smiled broadly like a Cheshire cat. "No problem Jonathan. Anything else, just let us know."
Jonathan considered this. "Well, there is something I may need a legal opinion on, but nothing's definite yet."
Louis stood up. "I'll just check with Gretchen on whether we've had confirmation on when they'll meet with us to discuss." He disappeared, leaving Jonathan alone with Rachel.
"So, you and Donna are close aren't you?" Rachel was surprised by the question. "Yes, we are." He smiled. "So, care to give me a hint on how well I'm doing so far?" Rachel laughed at his boldness, but didn't have a chance to respond, as Louis reappeared.
They were just agreeing on a date for the next meeting, when Harvey appeared at Louis's door. "Louis, we need to discuss the monthly financials." He clearly hadn't noticed Rachel and Jonathan in the other corner of the room at first, but on seeing who was there, his jaw tightened. "Sorry, I didn't realise you were busy."
"No problem. We're pretty much done here, right Louis?" Jonathan moved to leave, stopping level with Harvey. "Nice to see you again Mr Specter." He turned suddenly, as if remembering something he'd forgotten.
"I'm running late for another meeting Rachel, so would you mind letting Donna know I'll see her later." Rachel nodded. "Of course. I'll walk you out."
He smiled and with a final nod to Harvey, whose face now wore a thoroughly pissed off expression, he left.
As they walked towards the elevators, he looked curiously at Rachel. "I'm sensing Harvey Specter doesn't like me very much. Now, why would that be?!" His eyes twinkled with humour and Rachel smiled, but said nothing. He gave her a nod farewell, as the elevator doors closed behind him.
…..
It was starting to feel a little more like summer that night, as Jonathan and Donna left the theatre. Donna was talking a mile a minute about the play and everything she loved about it, from the acting, to the direction, to the set and lighting. Jonathan let her talk, simply happy to watch her so happy. On a whim, he caught her hand and pulled her to him and kissed her. It was a soft kiss, but full of promise. Smiling, Donna broke the kiss a few seconds later.
"Is that how you plan to shut me up when I'm talking too much?" He put his arms around her and kissed her again. "No. I just wanted to kiss you."
They continued to walk and ended up in another quiet wine bar for a post-show drink. "How are your parents Donna? I always thought your mom had a soft spot for me."
Donna smiled. "They're both fine. You know how they are, but they seem to get along better, the older they get."
They continued to talk about their families and mutual friends from the past, that Donna had lost touch with. "We should arrange a get together with them. I know they'd love to see you."
Donna looked away and bit her lip. "Yeah, I lost touch with everyone back then…" Her sentence trailed off and Jonathan looked sad, reaching for her hand. "I'm sorry Donna, I know that was because of me." She sighed. "It was a long time ago. I chose a different path."
He nodded in understanding. "Did you meet Harvey at the DA's office or afterwards?" Donna looked up in surprise at the question, but answered honestly. "At the DA's office. I started working for him."
Jonathan was surprised. He couldn't picture Harvey Specter at the DA's office. So they have more history than I thought. "And then you moved with him to the firm?"
"I did." She didn't know what else to say, so she said nothing. Why the hell are we talking about Harvey?!
"You must be very close after all those years together. It makes more sense now."
She frowned, sipping her wine, trying to think of a new topic of conversation, but she wanted to know what he meant. "What makes sense now?"
Jonathan smiled. "Why he doesn't like me! I thought you said I was safe from a potential ass kicking!" He winked, an easy smile on his face. She knew he'd be more than capable of holding his own against Harvey and she knew he thought so too.
"It's not like that Jonathan. We're colleagues, friends. Nothing more."
Jonathan tilted his head to the side. He could still read her pretty well, even after all these years. He was sure there was more to this than she was admitting. "Now maybe. But I'm not so sure he's let whatever was there in the past go. Not from the glare he gave me today." He sipped his own wine.
Donna's mind was whirling. Was Harvey seriously causing problems in her love life again? Damn him! Is he the only one allowed to be happy?! She was irritated and it came through in her voice. "It was one night, over a decade ago! I think he's over it. I'm sure you've had a past too over the last 15 years Jonathan. Does it really matter?!"
He held his hands up in surrender. "I'm sorry! I just couldn't help but pick up on the guy's attitude. He seemed jealous to me Donna, that's all."
Donna shook her head and laughed. "Well that's just crazy. He's in a relationship right now, so why on earth would he be jealous of you?"
"Why indeed?" Jonathan replied, with a smirk. Donna finished her glass of wine and met his gaze. "I don't want to talk about Harvey. If you're so interested in him, maybe you should be here with him, rather than me."
Jonathan reached for her and brushed a hand through her hair. "I'm sorry. Point taken. Let's change the subject, but, for the record, I could kick his ass if required."
Donna appreciated his attempt to lighten the atmosphere and laughed. "Good to know. So, are we having another glass of wine or not?"
Jonathan nodded and disappeared to the bar to order some more drinks, leaving Donna with her thoughts. Why does my life always seem to come back to Harvey God Damn Specter?!
…..
Jonathan walked Donna back to her apartment building later that night. He could tell she as quieter since he'd brought up Harvey and he partly regretted it. Before she turned to go inside, he caught her hand and drew her close to him. "I'm sorry if me bringing him up, upset you Donna. That wasn't my intention."
She looked down. "I know. It's fine."
He put his finger under her chin and tilted her head up to look at him. "I'm serious about this Donna. Losing you was the biggest regret of my life and I want this to work. I just needed to know if there was anything I should be aware of about the two of you. I don't want to make things more complicated for you."
She looked in to his eyes and remembered there was a time in her life when he was the only man she had imagined spending her life with. Could he be that again? The image of Harvey crossed through her mind and she pushed it away and smiled at Jonathan.
"How about we just see where this goes Jonathan? We need to get to know each other again."
He put his arms around her and nodded. "Well, how about we go away this weekend? Spend some proper time together?"
She smiled. "I'd like that." She kissed him softly, before saying goodnight and disappearing upstairs. She closed the door and kicked off her shoes as she headed for the shower.
Lying in bed that night she thought about Jonathan, both the man she'd fallen for, who'd broken her heart and the man in her life now. She knew she could easily fall in love with him all over again. Her mind then went to Harvey, who'd taken so much of her life and her heart. She genuinely didn't know how she felt for him now. It was all so confusing. She'd thought maybe they had been moving closer a few months ago and yet, he'd run in to the arms of Paula Agard. She still couldn't understand that, not completely.
She sighed and closed her eyes, all too aware that she seemed to be reaching a crossroads in her life. She just wasn't sure if she was ready for it.
…..
Stupid Harvey Specter! Always messing with her head. Hope you liked it! :)
