\-oOo -/
Alex stared at the clock for what seemed like the 20th time in half an hour. After their argument Rosalie had gone to bed in the spare room. It wasn't the first time she had done that but it seemed all they did was argue recently. He had to get up soon but it seemed that sleep was not happening after a night of tossing and turning. He turned his head towards the clock again and saw that it was nearly 5am so he decided to get up for an early morning run. So not to disturb the girls or Rosalie he moved quietly as he got ready for his run. He didn't notice Rosalie peeking out the window off their Upper East Side townhouse as he took off at a brisk pace in the cold November dawn through Central Park.
He noticed the horizon turning a burnt orange as the sun began it's ascent into the day. He marveled at the changing colour and saw that even at that such an early hour people were going about their business. Music thumped through his earphones as he found his rhythm. So deep where his thoughts that he didn't notice the black town car until it was almost too late. He jumped back onto the pavement as it honked at him and then sped past him with the passenger gesticulating angrily at him. Alex flipped the bird at the car and was surprised to see that the passenger was Daniel Hardman.
Alex didn't know the man personally but obviously had heard about him from Harvey and Louis. He stood and watched as Hardman's driver stopped at The Belmont Apartments and opened the trunk of the car to remove some luggage while Daniel assisted a young woman from the car. Daniel briefly looked towards Alex standing on the corner but turned his attention to the woman and then disappeared inside the hotel. Alex took off on his jog again.
Daniel glanced nervously back again as he and Abigail entered the lobby the hotel.
"What is it Daniel?" Abigail asked noticing the change in his demeanor.
"That was one of the name partners at the firm," he replied. "Alex Williams."
"Oh my god! He saw me!" exclaimed Abigail.
"You've never met him," Daniel said.
"I haven't but it's risky going there today especially since Donna is already suspicious. They've already met with Jack. Their investigator is good! I'll cancel my meeting with Harvey today."
"No. We need to keep the plan in motion. Let them believe Jack is involved. It will take the heat off us," replied Daniel.
"Daniel. It's too risky!" Abigail said in a lowered voice. She really wasn't happy taking such a chance on their plan.
"Stop panicking. I told you. It will be worth in the end. That firm will be back in my hands soon!"
He pulled his keys from his pocket and headed towards the elevator without waiting to see if she was behind him. She rolled her eyes and let out a deep sigh as she followed him.
\-oOo-/
Harvey lowered himself wearily into his seat. He felt worn out especially after having such an emotional weekend in Boston but he had made a decision. He wasn't going to stand in Donna's way if she wanted to be with Thomas. She deserved to be happy. He owed her that much. Harvey checked on his emails and schedule and groaned when he saw that he had a meeting with Abigail today. The merger between her company and Gallipo foods just needed to be finalized.
"Harvey! Have you seen this?" Louis barged into the room holding a copy of The Manhattan Digest magazine in his hand.
"No I haven't Louis. You know I don't read trashy magazines!" he replied with a role of his eyes.
"The Manhattan Digest isn't a trashy magazine Harvey! It's an outstanding publication!" Louis said plonking himself down on the seat in front of the other lawyer.
"Whatever," smirked Harvey.
"But before you say anything Harvey. I want to let you know that we will stand by you in what you decide to do," Louis said.
"What now?" Harvey asked in confusion. He really was wondering what the hell Louis was going on about.
Louis pushed the magazine across the table. "Page 25."
"What about page 25? If this is one of those stupid lifestyle quizzes.. "
"It's not Harvey," Louis said in a more serious tone.
Harvey glanced at him and saw the serious look on his face. "Ok Louis." He thumbed through the pages till he got to the one in question. He was surprised to see a photo of him staring out from the publication. "Harvey Specter. Best Closer? Or Con Man?"
"We can sue the asses off them. We can get them for slander, defamation of character..." Louis started to say but noticed the look of amusement on Harvey's face while he read the article.
"We're not going to sue them Louis!" Harvey said with a chuckle looking up from the publication. "It's true anyway. Although I do like the way the writer compared me to Jordan Belfort."
"He was a con man and criminal Harvey. You're not. But even if you're not upset by this it can hurt the firm," replied Louis.
"No it won't Louis. No one reads The Manhattan Digest anyway."
"Yes they do," Donna said coming into the room. Harvey noticed that she was wearing a royal blue dress which had a slit on one side which showcased her legs. "I had a number of calls from clients this morning telling me that if you don't demand a retraction they will put us in review."
Harvey leaned back in his chair sighing deeply as he looked thoughtful for a moment. "Ok. This is what we will do. I'll go and see this... S R Munroe. Demand a retraction and if they don't...slap them with a defamation lawsuit."
"We can sue them for injury too. In fact... I can think of a half a dozen lawsuits..." Louis said appearing to relish the opportunity to sue the journalist.
"Easy Tiger," Harvey said glancing up at Donna. She gave him a slight smile as she twisted her hands together.
"It will be all hands on deck! Maybe I should ask Samantha to go to see S R Munroe with you!" Louis said getting to his feet.
"No Louis. I'll go by myself. And Donna... Tell any other clients who call that we are dealing with the situation, " Harvey said standing up and grabbing his suit jacket.
"Will do," replied Donna. She knew this wouldn't be the right time to tell him about the engagement. But then again when would there be a right time.
"I have a meeting with Abigail Walston today. If you see her before I get back just leave her in the conference room. Marcus should be here with the restaurant contracts later too. Let Katrina or Alex look them over before he signs."
"Hey isn't that big news about Cece?" Louis said.
Harvey glanced at Donna and then back at the other man. "Yeah it is. But she seems happy about it."
"I wonder what will happen with Stu now. They were getting pretty close."
"Louis. You know what happens when we gossip?" Donna said.
"Yeah but this isn't gossip. It's showing concern for our friend."
"It's gossip Louis," Harvey said striding out of the room.
"How did your weekend away with Thomas go?" Louis asked waiting for Harvey to be out of ear shot before he and Donna started to walk back towards their offices.
"He met my parents. My father loved him," smiled Donna.
"Wait a minute! Does this mean you said yes?" exclaimed Louis grabbing her hand but was disappointed to see no ring on her finger.
Donna stopped and turned to face him. "It's not official yet but yes. I haven't told Harvey so I would appreciate if you kept it to yourself."
Louis' eyes grew wide as he looked at the redhead standing in front of him. "Of course I won't tell anyone Donna. Your secret is safe with me. I'm happy for you though. Thomas is a good man."
"He is and thank you Louis," replied Donna fixing a smile on her face. Patting his arm lightly she turned and sashayed into her office. Once she knew Louis had gone to his she sat in her chair with a heavy sigh.
\-oOo -/
Celia half listened to the conversations going on around her while she waited in line to be served at the coffee cart outside the firm. Digging her hands into the pockets of her coat she huddled up to keep warm in the cold November morning. After ordering a ginger tea and bagel she walked towards the building desperate to get out of the frigid temperatures.
"Celia!"
She turned at the sound of her name being called and was surprised to see Barbara Harris the HR Manager from Boylston Technologies standing behind her.
"Barbara? It's good to see you. What are you doing in Manhattan?"
"Save the niceties Celia. You promised you wouldn't do it but yet you did," Barbara almost shouted.
Celia glanced around her noticing that people were looking back at them as they hurried past. "I'm sorry Barbara. I've no idea what you are talking about."
Barbara shoved a file into Celia's hands. "Richard gave us notice. He's moving the production plant to Jersey. We're all out of jobs! After the hospitality we showed and you turn..."
Celia flipped through the file and saw the letter Richard Franklyn had sent to his employees. "Shit. I didn't know he'd do it so soon Barbara. You have to believe me."
"You were part of the group that came to the plant that time and you didn't know?" scoffed the other woman.
"Barbara. I will get to the bottom of this. I promise!"
"Your promises mean nothing Celia," Barbara said angrily before shaking her head and walked off leaving Celia standing in the middle of the street staring after her.
"Gloria. Do me a favour will you? Pull up the Boylston files," Celia said once she had reached her office.
"I was just about to tell you. Those files are on your desk. The relocation contract is on top," Gloria said following her in.
"Shit!" exclaimed Celia picking up the file and going to the signature page. "Get Franklyn on the phone. I'm going to see what Samantha has to say about this!"
"Right away, " Gloria said as the lawyer left the room.
"What the hell is that?" Celia demanded shoving the file into Samantha 's face in the bathroom.
"I don't know Celia. I can't see because you shoved it right in my face," the other woman said taking the folder.
"As it f you don't know Samantha. It's the relocation contract for Boylston Technologies. I wouldn't have agreed to this!" exclaimed Celia.
Samantha put the contract down on the counter and placed her hands on her hips as she turned to face her. "You authorized me to make any necessary decisions. I thought it was a good deal and your BOYFRIEND agreed with me!"
"I certainly didn't authorize you to agree to this!. This puts 100s of people out of work! There was another way..." Celia's voice began to rise.
"Well maybe if you didn't fob Richard Franklyn off he wouldn't be questioning your professionalism!"
"What did you just say to me?"
"He said he would be forced to look elsewhere for representation. And he has a right to do that because you are not doing your job which is to keep him happy!" replied Samantha.
"What the hell is going on here!" Donna came into the bathroom to find the two women shouting at each other.
"Celia's lack of professionalism because she had some sort of tiff with her boyfriend," Samantha said rolling her eyes.
"He's not my boyfriend and I explained to Richard already that I couldn't go..." Celia started to say.
Donna glanced at Celia and realized that she hadn't told Samantha about the pregnancy. "Ok. You both need to calm down..."
"I am calm," replied Samantha.
"Well I'm not," Celia said grabbing the file from Samantha and stalking out the door. Donna glanced at Samantha who was leaning against the counter with a look of anger on her face. "Are you ok?"
"Yes Donna. Please leave me alone," snapped Samantha.
Donna nodded and left the bathroom. Samantha angrily knocked her handbag off the counter. It's contents clattering against the marble tile. She leaned over to pick up her bag and the items which had fallen but winced when she felt a sudden sharp pain between her breast and her ribs. Gingerly placed her hand on the side of her breast and gasped when she felt something there. She stared into the mirror not recognizing the image staring back at her.
\-oOo -/
Stu sat at his desk watching the latest stock changes on the market. He glanced up and saw Celia coming towards his office. She does not look happy he thought. He got to his feet and walked towards the door. "I guess by that look on your face you know the situation."
She pushed passed him and turned to face him. "You son of a bitch!"
"It was a business decision Cece," he said.
"And this is how I found out about it?" she exclaimed pushing the folder into his hands. "You didn't even have the courtesy to tell me!"
"You've ignored my calls for the last week Celia. You sent Samantha to the meeting instead. How was I supposed to tell you?"
"You promised those people that you would find another way. You stood there in front of all those people and made a promise. And it makes me look like a goddamn liar!"
"There wasn't any other way Cece and you know it. You are over reacting a bit don't you think?
She glared at him and shook her head in disbelief. "I'm over reacting?"
"I didn't mean like that Cece, " Stu said cursing himself for saying the wrong thing.
"You know what? Save yourself the apologies Stu. Business decision or not. I have no trust in you anymore. We're done!" She shot him a look as she brushed passed him as she left the office.
"Goddammit Celia," Stu exclaimed following her out the door. "Wait up!"
All the other traders in the office lifted their heads and watched as their boss ran out the door after the woman.
He got to the street and saw her getting into her car. "Celia!"
She held onto the door of the car as he caught up to her. "There's nothing more to say Stu. Just stay the hell away from me."
"What about us?" Stu asked taking her arm which she angrily pushed off.
"There is no us Stu. We're done!" she exclaimed getting into her car and banged the car door shut. She instructed her driver to take her back to the firm and he took off leaving Stu standing on the pavement staring after the car.
\-oOo -/
Harvey strode into the Manhattan Digest office in Battery Park and demanded to see S R Munroe. The receptionist told him that the staff were in a meeting and were not to be disturbed.
"I'll wait," he said sitting down on one of the chairs in the waiting room. He tapped his hand against the side of the chair while the receptionist glanced over at him from time to time. "They'll be quite some time."
"I've got all day," he replied. "But tell S R Munroe that I would like to see him as soon as as he is out of his meeting."
"Sure," smirked the receptionist as she sent a message to the journalist.
Half an hour later Harvey was pacing the waiting area. He was pissed off to be kept waiting for so long. He had called some clients to arrange meeting them for another time.
"Mr Specter," a voice said behind him.
He turned to see a dark haired woman in her late 30's standing by the reception area. "I'm Stella Munroe."
"Munroe? But you're a..." Harvey stumbled over his words expecting to meeting a man not a woman.
"Yes I'm a woman. Now what can I do for you?" Stella asked knowing full well why he was there.
"This!" Harvey said pushing the offending magazine towards her.
"So you're not happy with the piece?"
"You're damn right I'm not! Retract the article or expect to be hit with a dozen or so lawsuits!"
Stella stood with her arms folded glaring at him. "That's just typical! Those in powerful positions always think they can push around others. My article was right on the money!"
"Then you can expect a lawsuit on your desk first thing in the morning," replied Harvey. "Because I think you have forgotten that this high powered lawyer has the full force of the best law firm in New York behind him! See you in court."
Stella watched as Harvey strode out of the magazine office. She let out a deep shaky sigh while she leaned against the desk.
"What are you going to do?" asked the receptionist .
"One thing I'm not going to do is be intimidated and bullied by the likes of him! In fact I may just have another idea for my next article." Stella looked back towards the exit and then smiled at the receptionist before heading back to her office.
\-oOo -/
"Richard, I understand that but the County Land Development Commission were willing to sell the land at a reduced price," Celia spoke into the speakerphone in her office to Richard Franklyn.
"It was a good deal Celia. It won't be happening straight away. There will be a transition period and those who don't want to transfer will be given a very generous severance package," replied Richard. "I would like you to oversee the transition contracts however. I've emailed you the specifics of each department."
"I'll look them over and make the necessary adjustments," Celia said opening her email.
"I'd like Stu's input on this as well so I've cc'd him as well."
Celia sighed as she hung up from her call. Swiveling her chair around to face the view of the city below her.
"Everything ok?"
She turned to see Donna leaning against the door. "Yeah. I guess so."
"Did you go see Stu?"
"I did. We're done."
"I'm sorry," Donna said coming into the office.
A small laugh escaped from Celia's mouth. "It wasn't meant to be I guess."
"So how do you feel about a baby shower?"
"How do YOU feel about a bridal shower?" grinned Celia.
"Probably about the same way you feel about a baby shower," smiled Donna. "Unnecessary!"
"Ok then if neither of us are having one then we're definitely going to have a bachelorette party for you!"
"Oh please. I think I'm a bit long in the tooth for one of those!" exclaimed Donna.
"Nonsense!" grinned Celia.
A smile formed on Donna's lips as she sat down on Celia's couch. "When you married Phillip how did you know you loved him enough to marry him?"
"I don't think I'm the best person to give an answer to that Donna, " Celia said with a wry grin as the redhead let out a small laugh.
"I look at my parents and they've been through hell and back and even separated for a while," she said. "But they got back together. That's real love!"
"And you don't think you and Thomas have real love? " asked Celia sitting on the couch beside her.
"I don't know Cece. I guess it is love..."
"If you aren't sure about marrying Thomas then you need to..." Celia started to say before being interrupted by the other woman.
"What if this is my only chance to get married? To have a family? I don't want to end up having regrets because of not taking a chance?"
"Donna. I can't tell you what to do. This is your decision. But if you are settling for Thomas because Harvey is too blind to see what's in front of him."
Donna's head shot up at the mention of Harvey. "It's not about Harvey. It's about me!"
"Ok so if it's about you then you need to do what is best for you," Celia said.
"You're right Celia," smiled Donna getting to her feet. "I still don't want a bachelorette party though!"
"Who would have thought this time last year I'd be a single mother to be and you would be getting married?"
Donna stood at the office door and noticed Harvey returning to his office. She looked back at Celia and smiled. "Who'd have thought."
\-oOo -/
"All you need to do is sign your name on the dotted line and you will have merged with Galippo Foods," Harvey said pushing the contract over to Abigail sitting in front of him.
Abigail took out her pen and flipped the file to the signature page at the back. She paused with her pen in her hand.
"Is something wrong?" Harvey asked noticing the hesitation in the woman.
Abigail let out a deep sigh and closed the file. "I'm not sure if Gailann and Galippo Foods are the best fit after all."
Harvey raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You what now? You were the one that wanted to merge with Galippo Foods!"
"I know," shrugged Abigail fidgeting with the edge of the manila folder. "But I did some research and I don't like their practice of using palm oil in some of their products. Orangutans have lost their homes because of palm oil harvesting you know... "
Harvey leaned back in his chair and rolled his eyes while he listened to her. "Abigail. You should done your research before you came to me about merging. I now have to go back to Galippo and tell them the merger is off. It makes me and this firm look like shit!"
"Oh please Harvey. You're going to well compensated. I'm not happy with the terms and their practices so I won't be signing. You can tell Galippo whatever the hell you want but the merger is off! " Abigail got to her feet picked up her bag and without a a look behind her she strode out of Harvey's office.
Harvey watched her leave the office in disbelief before swiveling his chair around to face the window. He pensively looked out on the darkening November skyline of Manhatten. Lights in other buildings twinkled as the setting sun turned the sky all kinds of red and orange.
"Harvey, do you have a minute?"
He turned at the unmistakable and familiar voice. "What now Donna?"
"What's wrong?"
"Want a list? Abigail Walston pulled out of the merger deal. The Manhattan Digest are refusing to retract that bullshit article and I just heard from Marcus that the restaurant renovations will cost twice as much as what it was supposed to be."
Donna sat down on one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Harvey. You of all people can find a solution to each of these problems."
He smiled and wearily rubbed his eyes. "I know. I'm dropping Abigail. I don't care if her account is worth millions the woman is unbearable. Louis or Alex can take her."
"See. One problem solved already!" smiled Donna.
"I can always rely on you to help me come to the right decision." His voice was low and his features more relaxed as he gazed at the redhead.
Donna shifted in her chair and unconsciously stroked her ring finger. She and Thomas still haven't bought an engagement ring yet. Not that they didn't have time to go looking. They did. They went looking when they were away for the weekend but Donna didn't see any that she actually liked. Thomas eventually offered to have one designed for her to which she reluctantly agreed to.
"Harvey. I need to tell you something," she said knowing that there was no actual good time to tell him.
"Don't tell me. You've accepted Thomas' proposal," he said with a smile.
"I have," she replied.
"I guess congratulations are in order," he said walking over to the couch and pulling out a large pale blue gift wrapped box from behind it.
Donna's eyes widened when she saw the package. In all the years they've worked together he never bought gifts for anyone. She always took care of that. "You didn't have to buy anything."
"I knew you would say yes to Thomas," he said. "I'm happy for you."
"Thank you Harvey. That means a lot."
The two stood in the center of the office without saying anything for a moment. "I better get back to these contracts," Donna eventually said with a smile.
Harvey watched her walk towards the office door. "Donna."
She turned on her heel to give him a quizzical look.
"I hope he makes you happy."
She felt a lump in her throat and her mouth went dry as her eyes pricked with tears. She smiled and left his office.
To be continued
