A/N: Okay, there is definitely a correlation between the further you get into writing a multi chapter fic and the amount of paranoia and self doubt that ensues. My poor betas have had to talk me off of more ledges and listen to me ramble more and more as this story progresses. I hope it doesn't show in the final product. Thank you so much to Steph, Heather, Nat, and Sarah. You ladies are the best. And to my sister from another mister "FayePegJo" for stepping up to the plate with some last minute advice.

Thank you again to all of you following this story. Your love and support is a source of tremendous happiness!

Chapter 18 - Foreboding

Harvey sips on his coffee as the plane reaches its cruising altitude. The smile on his face as he looks out the window is completely out of character. Generally, a departing flight for a road trip that will have him away from New York for nearly two weeks would bring a scowl, not a grin. But this trip is different.

"Can I get you anything else, Mr. Specter?"

"No. Thank you. I'm fine." He offers a half smile to the flight attendant and turns his focus back to the clouds. The flight isn't even two hours and he's chasing a headache from the celebratory drinks and lack of sleep last night. Again, he can't help but grin.

Last night was one of the best nights of his life. Getting the All-Star nod had been a dream of his since he was 8 years old when Derek Jeter, his favorite player, was selected to the All-Star team for the first time. Now he, himself, would be a part of the Mid Summer Classic wearing a navy pin-striped jersey of his own.

But, while it was a dream come true, that wasn't the only thing that had Harvey's head in the clouds, so to speak. He'd shared an incredible night with Donna. And as his mind drifts to thoughts of Donna, his eyes fall shut and blood rushes to his crotch.

…..

They barely made their way through Harvey's door before their hands were all over each other. They were both drunk which meant two things, sloppy kissing, and compromised balance. Donna tripped over Harvey's clumsy feet and the harder he tried to hold her up the less he could regain his footing. They both went down hard.

Thanks to being drunk… it didn't hurt.

Harvey removed his clothes and Donna's jeans with surprising dexterity, but when she moved to unbutton her new jersey, he stopped her.

"Leave it on."

Donna just giggled and buried her fingers into his hair instead.

And as he glided in and out of her on the floor of his apartment, her long auburn waves spread carelessly around her face, wearing nothing but a All-Star jersey bearing his name, he realized she had never looked more beautiful. And as he emptied inside of her while she screamed his name, he wondered absently if that made him romantic or incredibly vain.

…..

He opens his eyes and glances over his shoulder self-consciously. Worried that someone may be watching him and be onto where his mind had gone. He just isn't sure if it's his shit-eating grin or the tent in his pants that might be giving him away.

Luckily, Tanner is fast asleep across the aisle and no one else is close enough to notice. He unlocks his phone and swallows thickly at his new screensaver. Donna looking back at him over her shoulder while pointing both thumbs down at the name SPECTER printed across her back.

He is such a fucking goner. His chest swells with an overwhelming combination of love and pride.

This morning Donna had surprised him with a plane ticket of her own, another reason for his impenetrable good mood. She is meeting him in Cleveland, following him to Boston, and then the two will spend four days together in Toronto for the All-Star festivities. He's never been happier.

Getting to spend so much time with Donna is going to be amazing. They both have such demanding schedules, and as much as he loves how talented and successful Donna is, there is a small, selfish, part of him that wishes she could just spend all her time with him.

….

Donna is half-naked and working her way toward the shower after her morning yoga class when her phone starts ringing on the nightstand. It seems too early for Harvey to have landed in Cleveland, so she's guessing it's Rach.

She's wrong.

The name Thomas Kessler has her display brightly lit, and there is just no getting used to that.

"Thomas?" She doesn't hide the surprise from her tone.

"Donna. I'm glad I caught you. Do you have a few minutes?"

Donna looks down at her naked bottom half and then glances into her bathroom at the open shower door with the water running.

"Or, if it's a bad time—" Thomas says when Donna doesn't respond to his question.

"No, no. It's fine. Can you just hang on one second?" She's pretty sure she's blushing as if he can hear her nakedness through the phone.

She sets her phone down and runs to shut off the water in the shower. She grabs a pair of pajama shorts from her drawer and throws them on before picking up her phone from the bed.

"Okay," she says into the phone awkwardly as she heads to her living room sofa. "Sorry about that."

The next fifteen to twenty minutes are like a scene straight from an episode of the Twilight Zone. And when Donna eventually hangs up, her hand is shaking as she sets her phone on the coffee table. It's a little early for a drink, but she heads straight to the kitchen to pour one anyway. She just spent an hour doing hot yoga to rid her body of the alcohol from last night, but despite that, she opens the freezer and pulls the bottle of vodka from it. As her hand trembles on the glass, she brings it to her mouth and does her best not to pour it down the front of her. She tilts the small glass back and empties the clear liquid right down her throat. Both the burn and hiss it brings, a necessary and welcomed distraction.

Thomas Kessler had just offered her a job.

In California.

The range of emotions she had just experienced reminded her of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride at Disneyland. While it may seem a strange comparison to some, it was the first thing she thought of when the call had ended. Maybe it had something to do with her visit to Disneyland on her one and only trip to California.

Donna steadies herself by gripping the countertop with both hands and attempting to regain control of her breathing.

Thomas is beginning the casting for his first film as a producer. He explained that it was a suspense-filled drama about the disappearance of a young aspiring broadway actress. He thought she was perfect for the role. Apparently this had been the reason he sought her out in the first place, but the film hadn't been picked up yet, and he didn't want to get her hopes up until he knew for sure it was moving forward.

Donna had been shocked and flattered of course, but it was so much to take in. California? A movie? She was a stage actress. The theater was her first love, and despite her respect and admiration for screen actors, it had never been a dream of hers. A move like this could change her entire career. Her life.

His offer, and all the wonderful things he had said about her talent, made her heart race. The idea that she could star in a blockbuster film in Hollywood… is beyond anything she had ever imagined for herself.

Her eyes wander around the room and then settle on the envelope on the counter in front of her. As she reaches down and slides the contents out of it, her heart skips in her chest. Her plane ticket.

She closes her eyes as she thinks of Harvey. The smile on his face when he kissed her goodbye early this morning. The sparkle in his eyes when she told him of her plan to spend this road trip by his side. The hurt and jealousy she had seen in those same eyes weeks ago when they had fought about Thomas.

She presses her eyes closed tighter as she turns and leans her back against the countertop. Both hands coming to cover to her face as another wave of emotion washes over her. Her mind racing with questions she doesn't have answers to.

How is Harvey going to take this news? Is this even something she wants to do? Could a long distance relationship between an actress and an athlete actually survive?

She considers looking for the answers at the bottom of another shot of vodka but opts for the shower instead. A quick glance at the clock reminds her she has a plane to catch.

….

By the time the wheels hit the runway in Cleveland, Donna has made up her mind. Made up her mind, that is, that she's not ready to make any decisions. Thomas told her she could take her time, and she is going to do just that. If she does decide to make the trip to Los Angeles, she wouldn't need to leave for a couple of weeks, and even if she does go, she doesn't have to commit to the role right away. Thomas had simply asked that she come out, read the script, run some lines, check out the studios, and then decide.

She has also made up her mind, not to tell Harvey about the offer. Yet. She hadn't even called to tell Rachel. Granted, there hadn't really been time, but when you have a friend who is married, telling her basically means telling them both. And when her husband is best friends with your boyfriend, no secret is really safe.

She wants to make this trip about him. Sure, it's about them, as well, but mostly it's an opportunity for her to celebrate his success and enjoy her two new loves. Harvey and baseball.

She has missed so many of his games, with her schedule being just as demanding as his, and there is a reason she requested this break. They need some time together to just be Donna and Harvey. And the thought of that soothes her far more than the vodka had. This week will be about Harvey and supporting his career, and once they were back home, she could think about hers.

Donna bobs and weaves her way through the sea of people on her way to the baggage claim carousel. She had tried, and failed, to pack light with a simple carry on. She wasn't sure who she was trying to fool.

Once her bag is offloaded, she heads outside to find the Uber/Lyft pick up area while digging back into her purse for her phone.

"Miss Paulsen?"

Donna nearly runs smack into the man in front of her who is holding a small sign with her name on it.

"Oh!" she practically yelps. "Yes, I'm Donna Paulsen."

"Excellent," he responds. "My name is Jonathan. Mr. Specter sent me to bring you by the hotel and then on to the stadium." The man looks as though he takes his job very seriously, and when he sees the hesitation in Donna's eyes he adds, "He said he sent you a message?"

Donna looks down at the phone she'd finally fished out and reads a text from Harvey that must have come in when her WiFi resumed.

H: Be nice to Jonathan. He's no Ray, but he'll take good care of you. XO

A slow smile spreads across her face at what has become his new signature. The man refuses to use emojis. Jonathan clears his throat to remind Donna he's waiting to take her bag, and she slides it toward him with a soft smile.

The ride to the hotel is quick and Donna tells Jonathan she'll only be a few minutes. Harvey had explained in his excitement about her coming on the road trip, that while she may not always be able to travel with the team, she can stay with him in the hotels.

A quick show of her ID and she's on her way up the elevator, key in hand. The room is huge. An over-sized suite with a balcony overlooking the city and a large bathtub that catches her eye. She will definitely be taking advantage of that. She knows she told the driver she wouldn't be long, but the large bed is lifted high above the floor and the down comforter is calling out to her. As she flops backward onto the bed she can almost hear her mom scolding her. As a child in the Paulsen home lying on top of the down comforter was strictly forbidden. Donna feels like such a rebel, and it makes her laugh.

As she lay there, looking up at the crown modeling around the ceiling, she thinks about the luxuries of being a star like Harvey. She knows it comes with its pressures and drawbacks. And she has tasted some of that kind of attention in her line of work. But she can't help but wonder what it would be like on a larger scale. What if she took this job and ended up a famous Hollywood star? Is a life on the front page, with every move under a microscope, worth a personal driver and a fancy hotel room?

She pushes herself up from the bed, brushes those thoughts away, and quickly freshens up before heading back down to Jonathan.

When they pull up to the VIP area of the stadium about 30 minutes later, she gets out and thanks the driver graciously. She tries repeatedly to tip him, but he assures his fee has been more than taken care of. It's not until she turns and faces the stadium that she's hit with an influx of butterflies. She's not sure why exactly, but she finds it equally exciting and nerve-racking to head into the stadium alone.

Harvey had asked if she wanted to sit with some of the other women who would be on the trip, or if she'd like a seat next to the bullpen where he'd be spending the majority of the game. She chose the latter. Not that she wasn't interested in meeting the other women, but she knew that they were mostly wives and not girlfriends and she'd prefer to meet them in the company of Scottie or Rachel, neither of which would be attending this series.

In Boston, she'd have Harvey's family. In fact, she's pretty sure they were going to be watching from a luxury box, similar to the one they had at Yankee Stadium. And in Toronto, for the All-Star Game, Mike, Rachel, Scottie, and maybe even Gordon and Marcus were all coming. In fact, it looks like even her dad might be coming to the game. Now that would be interesting.

…

Harvey is in the bullpen playing grab-ass with his buddies when he catches a glimpse of red hair from the corner of his eye. It actually causes a flutter in his gut.

He turns his head and takes a tossed ball to the chest, but it bounces off of him like he's made of steel.

Donna.

He saunters over to the gray padded wall that separates the outfield seats from the pen. Considering the way the seats overlook the field level, he has to step on a folding chair to reach her.

"You're here."

He reaches up and slides his hand through the guardrail to take hers. It never ceases to amaze him how her beauty takes his breath away.

"I'm here!" Donna smiles and shrugs both shoulders up in excitement.

Harvey matches her smile with his own and neither says anything more for a solid minute. He had been excited for her to come. To spend this whole road trip by his side, wearing his jersey, cheering for him in the stands, being his… girl. He'd always convinced himself he didn't need that. Want that. That he wasn't jealous of the guys who always had a girlfriend or a wife waiting at the end of the tunnel after a long night. But as he stands here, in this moment, looking up at Donna's beautiful face, he knows he could never imagine living without it now. Without her.

"You wash that?" he jokes, flaring his nostrils, and eyeballing the jersey she was wearing.

"Why would I do that?" Donna lifts the front of the jersey and takes an exaggerated whiff. "It smells like sex with Harvey Specter. You know what I could get for this on eBay?"

Harvey chuckles out loud at the serious expression on Donna's face. Her wit and sense of humor make her that much sexier. They chat for a few more minutes about her flight and the hotel suite before Harvey has to get back to his team.

Once the game starts, he is all business and his game face is plastered on throughout all the action. But that doesn't mean his eyes don't wander in Donna's direction. He can't help the way his gaze drifts over to the seat where she's perched above him. He knows it's not rational, but a part of him feels like if he doesn't keep checking, she might just disappear.

…

Donna can't get enough of this fangirl stuff. Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians, is almost as impressive as Yankee Stadium, and she thinks she likes this perspective even more than the view from the luxury box. Or maybe she just likes the view of her super sexy boyfriend. Her seat is right along the railing between the right field pavilion and the bullpen, and the vantage point from the way it overlooks them is amazing. She has been watching the game, mostly, but she has a hard time keeping her eyes off Harvey. As she sips on her cold beer and cracks peanut shell after peanut shell, it reminds her of the night in Boston when she nearly creamed her panties watching Harvey stretch. She almost spits out her beer at the thought and it makes her choke.

"Are you alright?" The older man sitting to her left reaches over and places his hand on her shoulder.

Donna gulps down the beer in her mouth and smiles at her new friend, Jerry.

"I'm fine. Just…," she shrugs her shoulders, "wrong pipe, you know?"

The couple sitting next to her had become her new best friends. Jerry and Barbara were visiting from California for their anniversary. They had met in Ohio when they both attended Dayton University and Barbara was a die-hard fan of "The Tribe".

Donna just loves meeting couples like them. Still so in love after more than 50 years of marriage. Listening to their story, combined with enjoying watching Harvey in his element, causes her mind to wander to the call from Thomas, and the looming decision that hangs over her. She had always thought her career was the most important thing in her life, but as her eyes wander down to Harvey, and he lifts his chin to meet her gaze, she wonders if all that has changed.

….

The Yankees lose the game 3-1 and although Harvey never gets in to pitch, Donna did get to watch him warm up and the view was enough to heat up her body despite the drop in temperature after sunset. The thing that really caught her eye was the power of his thighs and the way he'd balance on one leg before driving his weight forward when he pushed off the mound. Who knew how hot watching a pitcher warm up could be. She curses Mark silently for turning her off of athletes for all these years. She's beginning to realize she had really missed out.

Harvey has to ride to the hotel on the team bus, and Donna finds Jonathan waiting for her in the same spot he'd dropped her off. Apparently, he's going to be her personal driver for the next couple days, which is actually really nice since she'll be mostly traveling without Harvey.

The two finally find their way into each other's arms as Harvey wraps her in a bear hug and spins her around. Donna had beaten him back to the hotel and the minute he walked through the door, he'd gone straight to her.

They order room service, take a bath neither of them really needs, and climb into bed still damp under their robes.

"How about a massage?" Donna says lifting the lotion from the bedside table.

"For you or for me?" Harvey answers her question with another. "Nevermind. Either way, it's a yes."

Donna giggles as Harvey wriggles his eyebrows at her.

"I meant for you, but if one thing leads to another, who am I to stop natural progression?" Donna moves herself down toward the end of the bed and lathers the lotion in her hands.

"Now, let's start with your thighs…"

…..

The charter plane that carried the team from Cleveland to Boston landed at Logan International about 30 minutes before Donna's commercial flight, so Harvey is waiting for Donna by baggage claim.

The team had taken the next two games, and therefore the series, and Harvey had picked up another save. Donna got to know a few of the other women on the trip and even chose to sit with them for the game last night. Harvey can't remember the last time his life had ever felt so perfect. Deep down he knows that's because it never has.

Since today is an off day for the team, Marcus will be picking them up to head to Gordon's for an early Fourth of July Barbeque. Independence Day had always been a big deal for the Specter family, and despite the fact that today was just the 2nd, they'd take what they could get. You can't grow up in a town with a history as deep at Boston's and not be a Patriot. It's in your blood.

He spots Donna coming down the escalator with her hair pulled back and her Yankee cap pulled down low. She almost looks like she's in some kind of disguise.

Not that Harvey can talk. He's wearing a hat of his own, not Yankees, but a Chicago Bulls cap he'd picked up when he was in town, and a pair of dark glasses despite being inside. Airports are one of the places you can really get mobbed.

"Hey." He leans in for a soft kiss and slides his fingers through hers as their palms press together and find their familiar place.

"Miss me?"

"Terribly."

They grab Donna's bag the minute the carousel starts to spit them out and Marcus is right on time when they step out to the curb. The strange thing is, he's not alone.

Marcus jumps out and runs around the car to give both Harvey and Donna a hug. He knows his brother all too well so he leans in close before Harvey has a chance to say anything smart.

"Her name is Katie. We've been dating for a few weeks and she's coming to Dad's with us."

Harvey smirks at his little brother's rambling and sees this as a perfect opportunity to torture him.

"A few weeks?" Harvey whispers. "And you're bringing her to the Specter Circus? Either you're crazy about her or you're trying to get rid of her, I'm just not sure which." Harvey chuckles as he slaps Marcus on the back and puts their bags into his trunk.

"Seriously, Harv. I really like this girl. Please don't embarrass me."

"Me?" Harvey puts his hand to his chest in mock offense. "Never." Harvey crosses his chest and puts his fingers in the air like they did when they were kids. "Scout's honor."

Marcus shakes his head and climbs back into the driver's seat as Harvey whispers to Donna, "Let the games begin."

Introductions are made all around as the two couples make the 30-minute drive to Gordon's. They learn that Katie grew up in the suburbs of Boston and is the oldest of three. She recently graduated from UMASS and moved back to the area to look for a teaching job. She and Donna hit it off right away, and they spend most of the drive talking about the theater.

After the divorce, Gordon had purchased a small two-bedroom fixer upper and spent most of his weekends working on it. Harvey spent quite a bit of time there during the offseason and helped his dad with much of the needed repairs. It had been a big part of the healing process for the two of them and for Marcus. Honestly, he felt like this place held a piece of him.

"Oh," Marcus says nonchalantly over his shoulder as they walk toward the front door. "Dad has a surprise to share."

His younger brother raps his knuckles on the door and then opens it without waiting for a response.

"Dad! We're here."

"We're out in the back!" Gordon's voice carries through the sliding screen leading from the small living room out to the backyard. For as small as the house is, the yard is actually perfect for entertaining.

Harvey makes his way outside and sees that his mom and Bobby are already seated with cold drinks in hand. He knew that Bobby would be here and after some extensive role-play with Stan in his last therapy session, he was sure he could handle it. He walks over to give his mom a kiss and Bobby's hand a firm shake.

As Harvey turns to greet his father at the grill, he bumps straight into a very unexpected face. He stands there just blinking rapidly as he lifts his sunglasses to the top of his head. He's pretty sure he hears Marcus snickering but everything's gone a bit hazy.

"Harvey!" Gordon walks up and slides his arm around the waist of the woman in front of him. "You remember Mrs. Garfield, don't you?"

Harvey swallows thickly and nods. He knows he should say something, but instead he just stares. Her red hair has much more gray than the last time he'd see her. But he definitely remembers Mrs. Garfield.

"Harvey!" She leans in and plants a kiss on his cheek. "Richard just can't stop talking about what an amazing year you're having! Gordon tells me you're an All-Star. Congratulations!"

Harvey smiles bashfully and tries again to find his voice.

"Thank you, Mrs. Garfield. How is Ricky?"

"Oh, he's just fine. Still coaching football at the high school. And please, call me Charlotte."

Now he's certain he hears Marcus snickering.

Harvey makes his way to the cooler and downs half a beer before Donna finds her way to him.

"What was that all about?" There is humor in her eyes as she gives him a knowing look.

"What was what all about?

She shakes her and laughs at his weak denial. "So you've always had a thing for redheads, I take it?"

"I… what... no…" Harvey shakes his head as his eyebrows pull together.

"It's okay, Harvey." She kisses him softly on the lips. "We all have a Mrs. Garfield in our past. Yours just happens to be sleeping with your father." She taps him on the nose and lets him finish his beer in private.

…

Donna was having an amazing time with Harvey's family. Gordon made some delicious steaks and corn on the cob on the grill and Lily had brought a fruit salad that Donna couldn't get enough of. They all talked and laughed and drank until before she knew it, the sun began to set.

The women looked on as the men played cornhole. Harvey had been partnered with Bobby and they were just about to beat Marcus and Gordon in best two out of three. She was so proud of him. Not for the cornhole, but for the way he was handling everything. She wondered if Gordon put the two of them together so they could work as a team, or because it meant they stood on opposite sides of the yard. Either way, it was a good call. Harvey seemed to be getting some quality time with his dad. Probably getting details he didn't really want on his dad's new romance.

She and Lily share stories about everything from where they grew up, to Harvey's childhood, to Mike and Rachel's wedding. Donna is on her third glasses of wine, and her lips are getting looser by the minute. But when Lily asks her what's coming up next with work, Donna almost swallows her tongue.

"Oh. Um. I'm not sure." It's the first time since Thomas had offered her the job that she feels like she's hiding it. And she doesn't like that feeling one bit. And to make matters worse, enter Harvey.

He plops down in the chair between Donna and his mom with a cold bottle of water. "Okay," he looks back and forth suspiciously between the two women. "You two have been gabbing nonstop all evening, and now that I'm here, you've run out of things to say?"

Donna swallows another gulp of her wine and prays that Lily doesn't repeat her previous question.

"Donna was just telling me about you singing Billy Joel for her. She says you and Mike set her up."

Harvey lets out a booming laugh and Donna exhales the breath she was holding. Lily had just covered for her and she knew it.

"Well this has been the best day I can remember having in years, but Bobby has to work in the morning and we should be on our way." Lily stands up and so does Harvey. "I can't tell you how excited I am to see you play this weekend, Harvey." Her eyes fill with tears and Donna decides to give them a moment alone.

She heads into the house to use the restroom and stops to take in the photos adorning the walls. There are photos of Harvey and Marcus everywhere. From black and white baby photos, to color action shots of them from football and baseball games. There is even one of Harvey on the pitcher's mound on the cover of a mock Sports Illustrated Magazine.

"I knew it back then, you know?" Gordon's voice startles her and she looks back at him. "He was always special. Just a little better than everyone else."

Donna smiles softly and nods. She doesn't doubt it one bit.

"Can I ask you something?" Gordon says softly.

"Anything."

"Has Kessler made you an offer?"

Donna is so caught off guard by the question she just opens and shuts her mouth.

"I know it's not my place to ask." Gordon looks away and wipes his mouth with his hand. The gesture is a spitting image of Harvey. "I'm sorry. I overstepped."

"No, Gordon," she croaks. "The answer is yes." She has no idea why she's always so quick to open up to this man.

"Does Harvey know?"

Donna's bottom lip trembles as her eyes grow misty. She shakes her head from side to side.

"He's not going to like it?"

Donna just looks up into his concerned eyes and swallows.

Gordon pulls his lips tight as he gives her a curt nod. "He's never been in love before, Donna. He's kept his heart guarded for so long now." Gordon takes her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. "Just, be careful with him, okay?"

She reaches for his arm as he turns away, and quickly swipes at the tear that escapes from her eye.

"It's not that I don't want to tell him." She bites the inside of her cheek hoping to keep the tears at bay. "It's just a lot to take in, and I don't even know how I feel about it yet." She looks away from him and drops her hold on his arm. "I don't know. Maybe that's just an excuse."

"Donna." He looks over his shoulder to make sure they are still alone. "There is nothing wrong with needing time to process it before you talk to Harvey. It's probably smart that you know what you want before you hear what he wants." He takes her hand in his again. "This is your career and your future." He pauses briefly before adding, "I'm always here if you need to talk."

She forces a soft smile and nods in agreement before finding the bathroom she'd come in for in the first place.

….

The Friday night game had been a blowout. The Yankees beat the Sox 5-0 and Donna enjoyed every minute of it from the luxury box Harvey had set up for his family. The whole gang had been there and even though they were all disappointed Harvey didn't get to pitch, Donna was secretly relieved. She knew that despite his vehement denial, he was nervous to pitch with his mom there. She hadn't seen him play since high school and he had really wanted to do well.

Tonight, however, is the Fourth of July and the energy in the stadium is downright electric. Fans decked out in patriotic garb, USA mini-flags passed out to every fan in attendance, and Lee Greenwood blaring through the speakers before the National Anthem. Donna gets a flurry of goosebumps when the Air Force jets fly over the stadium and the sky lights up with an explosion of color. The long tradition of fireworks has always been one of Donna's favorites.

For a few brief moments, the team colors are forgotten. There are no Yankees or Red Sox, just Americans and the feeling of unity and pride is palpable.

But the minute the first pitch is thrown for strike one, the Boston fans roar with excitement and the rivalry is back on. Just like that.

"What do you think of all this?" Donna asks Katie gesturing to the suite, the food, the stadium. It wasn't long ago when she was quite overwhelmed by it all herself.

"It feels like a dream." Katie smiles with a sparkle in her eye. "My dad and brother are huge Sox fans. I mean my whole family, really. They would die to be in here."

"Well, they should come! There's plenty of room. Have them come to the day game tomorrow!"

"Oh, I don't know. I'm not sure how Marcus would feel about it." Katie looks away like she regrets bringing up the topic.

That comment sparks Donna's curiosity, so she pushes a little deeper. "What? Why? I'm sure he wants to get to know your family better." Donna gives Katie a little elbow jab. "Anyone can see he's crazy about you."

Katie blushes at Donna's comment before answering her question awkwardly.

"It's my brother. He's got such a big mouth." She looks at Donna with trepidation, seemingly unsure whether or not to go on. "He told Marcus that I've always had a crush on Harvey. I used to have his posters up in my room."

Donna disguises a burst of laughter as a cough but Katie isn't fooled.

"I shouldn't have said anything." She says looking down. "It's just, I really like Marcus. But I'm not sure he can get past this. It was just a stupid crush. I mean, every girl in my town was in love with Harvey Specter at some point."

Now, it's Donna's turn to force a smile. She doesn't doubt the truth in that comment one bit, and it brings back the weight of old baggage that she quickly pushes past.

"I'm sure it hasn't been the easiest thing for Marcus, to grow up with Harvey as a big brother, but I can see what the two of you have is special." Donna means it completely. "Let me talk to Marcus. I think this would be a great opportunity for your families to meet." Donna offers Katie a cold beer from the ice chest. "You know Gordon is a Red Sox fan, right?" Donna laughs and Katie smiles back at her, the worry mostly gone from her eyes.

"I'd love that, Donna. Thanks."

…

Harvey absently spins the baseball in his hands as he sits in the bullpen staring up at the scoreboard. The game is still scoreless in the bottom of the seventh inning and he knows his manager will have him start warming up soon. If the game remains tied or his team scores a run or two, he'll be out there for the ninth.

He stands up and walks to the fence, leaning over it and taking in the stadium. He'd grown up attending games at Fenway. His dad had brought him and Marcus countless times over the years, never giving up hope that he could turn them away from being Yankee fans.

But when it came to Harvey's own games growing up, it had always been his mom who was there. Driving him to every practice, cheering for him in the stands. She was his biggest fan and everyone knew it.

When they finally had it out, nearly 10 years ago, he had told her she wasn't welcome at his games. He didn't want her there. And it had taken a piece of them both.

He glances up behind home plate where he knows his entire family is watching. Other than Mike and Rachel, every single person that matters to him is up in that box. His chest swells with a mixture of pride and gratitude. A sudden crack of the bat, and a roar from the many Yankee fans in attendance, wakes Harvey from his trance. Tanner had just slugged a solo home run to lead off the eighth inning.

Yankees - 1. Red Sox - 0.

Time to get to work.

…

"Here he comes, here he comes!" Marcus shouts like a proud kid brother as Harvey makes his signature sprint from the bullpen to the mound.

Donna is struck immediately by the difference in atmosphere here than in New York. Granted, she had just seen Harvey pitch on the road in Cleveland, but this. This was not Cleveland.

Instead of the iconic ACDC Thunderstuck, it's the riff and bagpipes of I'm shipping up to Boston, by the Dropkick Murphy's. The Red Sox fans scream and boo and heckle Harvey mercilessly, while the Yankee faithful do their best to cheer over them.

It's one of the most amazing things Donna has ever seen.

Lily comes up from behind her and wraps her arm around Donna's as if she needs her help to balance. Lily's eyes are already spilling over as she looks down at her son with a sense of pride that only a mother can feel.

Boston will send the heart of their lineup to the plate including two players who will be joining Harvey and Tanner in Toronto in a couple of days. With a measly one run lead, Harvey has his work cut out for him.

Devers leads off and drives a fly ball to centerfield that the Boston fans think will tie the game, but it is well short of the fence and caught, for out number one.

Lily bounces up and down next to Donna and she squeezes even tighter onto her arm.

Bogaerts, the Red Sox shortstop, steps into the box. An All-Star himself, he digs in his back foot and waggles his rear end confidently.

"Better be careful with Bogaerts, Harvey," Gordon pipes up and earns a smack on the arm from Lily. "What?" Gordon objects. "He's a dangerous hitter."

Before the words are out of his mouth, the shortstop hits a bullet down the left field line for a stand up double and the home crowd erupts!

"Oh my God, Gordon!" Lily squeals. "See what you did!"

Gordon mumbles something about not being the one with a bat in his hand and walks to the far side of the suite.

You could slice through the sudden tension in the room with a knife as the potential winning run steps to the plate. A base hit here would time the game.

Harvey starts him out with a changeup and the hitter is fooled by the off-speed pitch, swinging and missing badly. But the ball bounces in the dirt causing Tanner to drop to his knees to block it and keep the runner from moving to third base.

"Atta boy, Tanner! Way to work back there!" Marcus screams as if Tanner can hear him over the hundreds of feet and thousands of screaming fans. Donna can't ever remember feeling this nervous in her entire life.

The next pitch is a high fastball that Benintendi can't catch up to and Harvey is quickly ahead of the batter with no balls and two strikes.

"Come on Baby! Sit him down!" Lily yells with fire in her eyes and Donna's eyes widen in shock. This is a whole new side to the Specters, and she loves them even more for it.

"Yeah, sit him down!" Donna repeats, not sure exactly what the expression means, but guessing it's a good thing for Harvey.

And sit him down he does, as Harvey paints the outside corner of the plate with a perfectly placed fastball and the umpire wrings out the batter with a violent pump of his hands.

That quiets down the Sox faithful and ramps up the Yankee fans and Donna is flooded with confidence that Harvey has this completely under control. There is a reason he's an All-Star.

She leans over to his mom and says with conviction, "He's the best damn closer in the game, Lily. He's got this."

And moments later, the batter grounds out to end the game and it's nothing but hoots and hollers and clapping and back slaps for the Specter family and their guests. Tonight, in this room, there are no Yankee fans or Boston fans, there are only Harvey fans.

….

The adrenaline pumping through Harvey's veins makes him feel like Superman. As Tanner comes jogging toward him on the mound he feels like he's literally invincible. Man of Steel. The majority of the fans at Fenway Park are pouring out of the exits as fast as they can, but those who came to see the first place Yankees are loud and proud and on their feet.

"Nice work, Harv—" Tanner slaps him on the back.

"Nice work to you, Tanner! You hit the game-winning dinger." He slaps his friend's glove with his own and the two men lineup to bump elbows with all their teammates.

Harvey showers and changes as quickly as possible and meets his family by the player exit.

"Oh, Harvey!" his mom exclaims as soon as she gets her arms around him. "My God, you were amazing out there. It's so much better in person."

Harvey squeezes Lily tightly in both arms as her words fill him a warmth he had dearly missed. He pulls back so he can see her face. "In person? You mean you watched me on TV?"

Lily places her hand on her son's cheek and looks into his deep brown eyes. "I never missed a game, son. Not a single game."

Harvey pulls his mom into his arms again and fights the urge to cry.

…

Donna fumbles with her phone on the nightstand for the third time in five minutes. She thought she shut it off the last time it started buzzing but apparently not.

The beautiful hotel room that Major League Baseball had provided them in Toronto was still dark. They had pulled the thick drapes shut tight when they arrived from Boston late last night. She finally gives up, fearing that her constant rustling will wake Harvey.

She stumbles out of the bedroom and into the small living room of their suite. When she finds her way to a chair she sits down and unlocks her phone. While the 3 missed calls from Rachel are just coming into focus, her phone starts to buzz in her hand. Rachel. Again.

"Rachel?" Donna answers, her tone somewhere between worried and annoyed.

"Donna! Finally!" Rachel responds with exasperation. "I've been trying to reach you since last night."

"I'm sorry, Rach. What is it? Is everything okay?"

"Donna. There is something I need to ask you before Mike and I join you guys in Toronto this afternoon."

"Okaayyy," Donna exaggerates the last syllable having no clue where this is going.

"I had drinks last night with my friend Stacie. The one from college?"

She phrases it like a question so Donna confirms. "The one who works in Hollywood now?"

"Yes. Exactly."

Donna doesn't want to be rude to her best friend, but she hasn't had any coffee and this conversation seems to be going nowhere.

"Donna, she heard Thomas cast you in a role for his new movie?" She hears Rachel gulp through the phone line. "Are you… moving to L.A.?"

A/N: I have to give credit where credit is due. Mrs. Garfield was the idea of genius author/beta/friend coopaulsen. I said I wanted a redhead, she came up with this. LMAO!