HI Folks! Ok now that the US election has been decided, can we get back to more important things in life (LOL) like this story of Harvey and Donna? This chapter is a little long for my writing and above my average word count for me, but I hope you enjoy it. I wanted to delve a little more into Harvey's side and introduce Gordon in the mix. Please R & R if so moved. I value your comments and critiques. Be well. Love - Carebearmaxi.

The Boxer Guy

Chapter 9

Donna awoke when Harvey's phone alarm started buzzing. It was 8:30 am. It was Saturday. She propped herself up on one elbow and looked at the man sleeping next to her. She had felt bad when he had decided to sleep on the floor, so she invited him into the bed as long as he promised not to try anything. She smiled as she watched Harvey sleep. He was a complicated guy, but there was something about him that drew her to him.

She smiled again as she remembered their conversation from four am settling the dispute between them about who was to sleep in the bed.

"Harvey, this is silly. You should not have to sleep on the floor," Donna had told him as she watched him try to get comfortable with a pillow and a thin blanket from the bed. She had her head resting on her bent elbow as she continued to watch him struggle.

"Donna, it's ok. Besides you don't know. Maybe I'm a really bad man who would try something in my sleep," Harvey responded wrenching his neck to turn and look at her.

"Yeah, well, let's revisit whether you're a gentlemen or not, another time."

She had paused and watched to see how he was attempting to sleep. "You don't know this about me yet, but I know people. I know you're a good person and that's why I feel that it is perfectly ok for you to sleep in here with me."

When he did not comply with her permission, she rolled out of bed on the other side. She walked around the bed and stood over him with her arms crossed.

"Come on," she said standing there waiting for him to move.

He pretended to snore.

Donna bit her lip and looked away. She then decided if Mohammed wasn't going to the mountain then she was bringing the mountain to Mohammed. She bent over and pulled the pillow out from under his head and tore the blanket from his body.

"Donna!"

"Get your ass in this bed or I'm going to Boston with you so you don't fall asleep on the road!"

They looked at one another at that point. Harvey then smirked and rose from the floor and got into the bed beside Donna.

"I promise. I just want to sleep," Harvey said as Donna gave him back his pillow and blanket.

Donna eyed him with a tilted head a side glance.

"You know I would let you share the bed with me, didn't you?"

Harvey hunched his shoulders and tried to look innocent.

"Well, ok. Now that you're in here, be a good boy and go right to sleep," Donna commanded in a whisper as she turned to the other side, shut out the light, and tried to settle for sleep.

With her back to Harvey and facing indecision as to whether she wanted him to hear her or not, she ventured, "Thank you, Harvey for tonight. I had a really nice time. Goodnight."

Harvey did not answer, for he had fallen asleep instantly the minute he was comfortable.

Donna slipped out of bed and coming around to Harvey's side hit the STOP button on his phone to stop the buzzing. She watched him sleep again for a minute loathe to wake him. She gently brushed his dirty blonde locks away from his face. He looked like such a little boy when he slept. His face in peaceful repose. She stopped her admiring for a minute and realized that he was probably going to be pissed he slept through his alarm.

Crouching down, Donna shook Harvey's shoulder and said softly, "Harvey, it's time to get up. You slept through your alarm."

At the third shake that Donna gave him, he woke with a start looking up at Donna and then around the room. He ran a hand through his hair and then his jaw where his morning beard had grown in.

"Oh, Donna! Thanks. We have to get going. I need to get to Boston as fast as I can."

"Well, I won't be long. I can shower at home. I don't have to be back at the Bistro until later this afternoon," Donna replied.

"So, you don't mind if I shave and get ready for my trip?"

"No. All I want to do is wash my face and brush my teeth. I always have my travel brush with me."

Harvey looked at her questioningly.

Donna made a face and said, "Why? It was just something I learned during my acting troupe days. I could always find soap and water to wash with but to brush one's teeth there was never anything around and we were always miles from a store."

Harvey then gave her a narrowed look.

"You traveled with an acting group?"

Donna looked back at him while she unpacked her toothbrush and toothpaste.

"Yes, I did. It's no different than what you do by going on the road with your band," she reasoned.

"Ah! I guess it isn't." Harvey watched her as she went into the bathroom.

Donna took refuge in the bathroom. She looked at her morning face in the harsh fluorescent light.

Well, not too bad all things considered. My makeup is a little smudged around my eyes and what is that! It looks like a gravy stain. Good thing, I guess, that Harvey didn't open the curtains and blind us with sunshine.

He looked so cute all cuddled up with his blankie and pillow. I can just imagine what he must have looked like when he was little. All that little cuteness with big brown eyes and a killer smile.

His smile is not the only thing that is magnetizing. He's a great kisser as well. I really wouldn't mind doing it again sometime.

Donna washed her face and brushed her teeth and listened to Harvey pack up and clean up their room.

While Donna was in the bathroom, Harvey pulled a new set of clothes out of his bag along with is toothbrush, toothpaste, and shaving kit. As he waited for Donna to emerge from the bathroom, he thought about earlier that night when they shared so much. Then he remembered how he spontaneously kissed her. Her reaction was not what he expected exactly, but it did not sit in his brain quite right.

It was not like she slapped my face and said never to do it again but she seemed like she did not want me to do it again. I know she explained that she wanted to take things slow, but I really want her. She's everything any guy would want in a woman. She's so talented, funny, warm, beautiful and the woman does know how to kiss. So, I know that she wants me, too…I guess. Time will tell.

Eventually, Donna came out of the bathroom and Harvey stepped in. He showered, dressed, brushed his teeth and then he came out. He found Donna already on her phone not exactly arguing but it did not seem to be a pleasant conversation either from the Donna's side of it. Harvey maneuvered around the room completing his packing and brushing his hair. He put his guitar back in its case as Donna was still on the phone in the middle of her heated conversation.

"No, dad, I can't. I have my job tonight; besides, I thought you and mom were coming," Donna said sounding disappointed.

After a quiet minute, Harvey heard Donna respond.

"Ok, I'll see you next time you're in the city. Love you. Bye." Donna hung up and sighed.

"Something wrong?" Harvey asked taking a seat on the mussed bed next to her.

"Yes. I called my parents to confirm they were going to be there tonight since they missed my opening night."

"Let me guess. They can't come. Some prior engagement?"

"Not exactly. My father is wining and dining some investors for a business property. The investors will not be in town come Monday, so he wanted to strike while the iron was hot…so to speak," Donna explained.

"I'm sorry, Donna. I would love to be there, but I can't. I have business in Boston and I am not sure what will happen when I return to New York."

They sat close to each other on the side of the bed. Harvey reached out his hand and placed it on Donna's comfortingly. He did not know what it was, but he hated to see her disappointed. He was rewarded for his effort of comfort by Donna's shy smile.

He winked at her then and said, "Let's get you home."

Harvey pulled up beside the curb in front of the brownstone she shared with her roommate Louis. Apparently, he was a lawyer who made money and was currently dating a woman who taught at nearby Columbia University. Of course, she taught law. Who said opposites attract? Donna's an actress and singer, and I'm a…musician and starting next week a mail clerk in a law firm.

"Sorry, Donna, what did you say? I'm spacing out. I need some coffee," Harvey responded realizing that while he was lost in thought he had not heard what Donna was telling him.

"I was just telling you to please call me when you get back."

"Yes. Sure. I will. Do you need help to the door?" Harvey asked seeing that she had her gown and her duffle bag with her. The snow was still in piles but the twelve steps to the enter the brownstone were completely clear and dry. He thought he should offer as any gentleman would.

"No, I got this. I'm fine," Donna said as she got out of the car and reached in the backseat hook to retrieve her gown.

"Now don't sprain your ankle again while I'm away. I want to make sure you stay whole," Harvey said with a smile.

"I'll be fine," she said as she slammed the car door with some difficulty. "Call me when you get back."

Before stepping toward her residence, she trod carefully into the street and around the car to Harvey. When he rolled down the window of the Mustang, Donna paused and then kissed his cheek and smiled.

"Thank you for last night," she repeated. "I had a great time. I hope all goes well in Boston whatever it is. Call me when you get back….or before. Bye."

Harvey watched as she stepped back around the car and made it all the way to the top of the Brownstone where she had her key to let her in the foyer.

He pulled away when she closed the door. He pulled away slowly because the business he had to do in Boston was not pleasant. He dreaded telling his father what Travis had planned and had done. From the conversations he had with Susan Garfield, he knew that Travis was had been in the studio recording their music or better yet Gordon Specter's music.

Harvey's mind suddenly wandered back to Donna. He had loved sitting in the audience. He felt so special when she sang last night especially when he took the seat at her piano. They sang together a ballad that was a favorite by both of them. When they had sung the last note, people who were paying attention actually applauded. He hoped that meant that Donna might consider him as a sometimes accompanist and/or duet partner.

He knew he saw something in her eyes before the moment between the end of the song and the beginning of the applause. That was why he took the opportunity to kiss her in the hotel. If Harvey was not careful, he told himself, he was falling in love with Donna Paulsen.

Singing brought his mind back to Travis and his betrayal. I'm taking this guy out in the ring if I have to. He just cannot get away with this!

Harvey drove faster as his thoughts became darker and angrier thinking of his onetime friend and band partner.

Meanwhile, Donna crept into her and Louis' apartment. As she came around the bend into the living room, she found Louis cooking breakfast completely naked!

"Oh my God, Louis! Put some clothes on!" Donna exclaimed as she averted her eyes and traveled around him down the hallway to her room.

"Hi Donna!" Sheila called from Louis' bedroom lying in bed with the sheet under her armpits. "Did you have a nice night with Harvey?"

"Yes, I did. Thank you," Donna responded putting her stuff down on her bed. She decided to go hang out in Louis' boudoir, as he called it, and talk to Sheila.

"We had a lovely time. His brother is a fantastic cook." Donna said.

"So?" Sheila said with an upturned smile and question in her voice.

"Sheila, we ate and talked. He also played his guitar for me, but we didn't…"

"You didn't? What was the use of the room then?"

Donna just rolled her eyes.

"Excuse me, Sheila, but I need a shower. I didn't get a chance before we left."

"I thought you said nothing happened," Louis said now clad in his velour bathroom holding a tray of food presumably for Sheila.

"Nothing did happen. Harvey had to leave for Boston. He had some business to attend to."

Louis shook his head. "I guess he isn't the one after all. Sorry for your bad night."

Donna threw up her hands and left Louis and Sheila to their breakfast not wanting to know if they were really planning to eat the food.

She discarded her clothes and laid them on the bed as they were clean and started the shower in the bathroom. This was considered the guest bathroom as Louis' boudoir had its own master bath.

As the hot water poured over her, Donna thought of the previous night and early morning. She really was happy about her opening night and the friends who came, especially Harvey. Again, she thought how coincidental and funny that Marcus and Harvey were brothers and she had not figured that out.

Her thoughts were random as she washed her red hair and then took her American Rose shower gel and massaged it all over her body. Momentarily, she wished that maybe she had let Harvey go further. She noticed how beautiful his hands were. Nails were clipped and nothing lodged in the crevices. He liked being clean which was a shot above some of the Neanderthals she had dated in the past. Usually in her profession the only men that possessed nails and hair as clean as his were gay.

He had not mentioned what his business in Boston was but he knew that it troubled him to have to go there in the first place. She did not want to pry but she needed to know if she could help in any way. She thought maybe Marcus knew why he was going to Boston. However, Donna would not bring up the subject with Marcus and only be attentive if Marcus mentioned it himself.

Donna thought about their quiet duet and was also surprised that they had garnered applause by the more attentive of the patrons. Who knew he would have known that old Frank and Nancy Sinatra song "Something Stupid" and be able to sing it so well?

Duh, Donna. He's a musician and his father is a musician. Of course, he probably knew it from his dad. Well, it was nice to sing with someone again. I haven't done that since I was in "Oklahoma" a million years ago.

She turned the water off and grabbed her bathrobe. She decided she needed a few more hours sleep before rehearsal and then her performances tonight.

As she climbed into her comfy quilted bed, her thoughts returned to Harvey and their duet.

Harvey continued his drive into Boston. Willing himself to compartmentalize Donna and his nascent emotions surrounding her, he wondered how he would approach Travis and the situation regarding the music. Harvey wished at that moment he was a lawyer and would have known copyright law of published and unpublished music. The main trouble was that the sheet music was not published yet because no one-not even his father-had sent it to a publisher.

It was early afternoon by the time Harvey pulled up at his father's house in Boston. He let himself in the door and called out to his dad.

"Harvey! I'm so glad you came up here this weekend. I am currently working on some new material and the guys and I are playing this weekend in the club, so…"

"Dad. We have to talk about something. I didn't want to mention it on the phone but we have to talk about it," Harvey said after being released from the bear hug in which his father greeted him. Harvey took in his father for a minute. They were the same height and build. Gordon had dark hair with some lighter shades of gray filing in. Harvey noted the familiar five o'clock shadow always even after Gordon sometimes shaved in the morning. Harvey's eyes were large and a deep brown; contrastingly, Gordon's eyes were buried in a somewhat wrinkled face and were small and blue. Harvey thought his dad looked pretty good for a man in his late 50's who had made a half decent living as a studio alto sax player and sometime headliner with his jazz band of 25 years.

"This sounds serious, son," Gordon responded. "Let's have some lunch before we get started."

"Dad, thanks, but I'm not that hungry."

"Nonsense. You look like hell. I think some food will help, and I normally feel bad news goes better on a full stomach." Gordon clapped Harvey on the upper arm.

Harvey followed him into the kitchen. Since his mother had left them many years before, the kitchen never felt or smelled the same to Harvey. One of the traits that Harvey inherited which Harvey loathed to acknowledge from her was the knack of being a good cook. Their dad was not the best cook, but in the years that Gordon raised Marcus mostly by himself Marcus had become the better cook of all three of them and reveled in it so much that he was making it his life's work.

"Grilled cheese, ok?"

"Dad, I'm not five years old. I don't need you to make me food," Harvey complained.

"I know I don't have to, but like I said, I think we need it. Also, it's not often that I get to make my son a home cooked meal," Gordon said smiling.

Harvey pursed his lips and scowled and watched as his dad stood over the hot frying pan making the melty cheese favorite.

There was quiet for a few minutes while Harvey watched his father flip the sandwiches to make them crispy on both sides. While Gordon was looking in the refrigerator for something, Harvey asked "So how was your night last night?"

Gordon shut the refrigerator door and perked an eyebrow in his son's direction. "Shouldn't I be asking you that question?"

"You got me. There's something else I wanted to tell you besides the bad news."

Gordon pulled a gallon of milk out of the refrigerator and some powdered Nestle's Quik from the cabinets above the sink and proceeded to mix a couple of glasses of the delicious concoction that went so well with grilled cheese. He took a little hot water from the teapot and poured just a bit into the cold milk to melt the last remaining lumps of undissolved chocolate powder. All the while, Harvey was silent not knowing how to broach the subject but really wanting to tell his dad about Donna.

When his dad finally sat down at the table across from Harvey and they both had their plates and glasses in front of them, Harvey hesitated for a moment but looked one moment into his father's coaxing eyes and began haltingly.

"Well, if I look like hell it's because I didn't get much sleep," Harvey began. When his father started to speak to accuse him of another one night stand, Harvey placed a splayed hand between them.

"No, dad, it's not what you think. I did spend the early morning hours with a woman but not in bed…like that."

"So, what was it like?" Gordon asked. "I know you must be reeling from Scottie breaking up with you."

Harvey's eyebrows went up and he momentarily stopped drinking his chocolate milk. He put the glass back down on the table and asked, "Marcus?"

"Yes, Marcus told me you were going through a rough patch and that you were back on the market."

"Dad, I was never not on the market. Scottie and I had this arrangement but she realized that I am not ready to commit, so she broke up with me for someone who was."

"Ok. So why is this other woman so special?"

Harvey lowered his eyes and then smiled. He took his sandwich into his hands and contemplated taking a bite before answering. Instead he just held the sandwich while he began to tell his dad about Donna.

"I met this woman or rather she approached me at the gym. Funny thing was I was looking at her looking at me from the window in the gym, but she didn't approach me until my sparring partner laid me out on the floor."

Gordon laughed at that and said, "That'll be a good story to tell your children of how you met their mother."

"Dad, it's not like that. I just thought it was amusing how we met," Harvey defended. He was not planning to propose anytime soon and maybe never would be. However, he wanted to convey to his dad how special Donna was.

"So, why didn't you get enough sleep if you don't mind my asking. I can think of the usual way, but obviously there's some reason why you two didn't…"

"Dad!"

"Does she have a nice personality but not attractive?"

"Oh my God, no, dad! She's beautiful, funny, talented…" Harvey continued to catalog Donna's attributes and sometimes stammering because he could not find the right words about why he felt she had become so special to him.

"I got it," Gordon said musing with his elbows on the table having finished his meal. "You're falling in love with her. Does she feel the same about you?"

"I'm not sure, but I'm not ready to settle down with anyone. Marriage isn't for me."

"Aha. You know that's what I thought when I met your mother."

"Dad, I don't want to talk about her."

"I know. It's ok. I'm glad you met this woman and she is becoming special to you. Do you think maybe some time you would like her to meet your old man?"

"In the future, perhaps. It's too early right now and besides we have the bad news that I need to tell you," Harvey said looking at his father's face.

Gordon rose holding his plate.

"Are you finishing that before you tell me the bad news or do you want me to reheat it while you tell me?"

Harvey smirked and handed his dad his plate. "Reheat it, please. I am hungry after all."

Gordon had Harvey lay his full plate on top of his empty one and dumped the sandwich back into the electric frying pan to warm up.

"Travis what!?" Gordon asked his voice rising in his surprise.

"He is recording the music we wrote and the music you specifically wrote and gave to us. Travis plans to publish him as the only composer because he signed a contract with the studio which allowed him to use the studio with no cost to him."

"Meaning that we're cut out of royalties when that music gets published. Son of a bitch!" Gordon exclaimed.

"Dad we have to get a lawyer. We have to fight this," Harvey said with a clenched jaw and fists wound so tight he looked like he was ready to lay out Travis again if he were right in front of him.

Gordon looked away in thought and finished the last dregs of his milk beverage.

"I don't know any lawyers let alone afford them," Gordon complained.

"Well, you remember Ricky Garfield in the band, Susan's son?"

"Of course, I do," Gordon responded.

"Maybe I can find some help from him. I told you that Susan was how I got all the information about Travis' deal with the studio. I forgot to ask her or Ricky if Lance could help with this."

"Lance, Ricky's dad?" Gordon affirmed.

"Yes, but his practice is in California now since he and Susan divorced. That's what Ricky said."

"Do the other guys know what Travis is doing?"

"Nope. I don't think so. Ricky didn't seem to think anything was wrong or he just didn't know."

"Are we sure that was how the contract was written?

Harvey nodded quietly. "Susan told me. She would know she's the coordinator for the studio and has to understand terms and the legalities for Columbia Records. The conglomerate that owns the studio."

"We do need a lawyer. Let me see if any of the guys know one."

"I'll do the same," Harvey said. "By the way, I got a full time job in a law firm in Manhattan."

"Really. Congratulations!" Gordon said smiling. "I know it's not what you want but that big break for you will come in time. I just know you are destined for better things than your old man."

"Dad—" Harvey protested.

"Now that the bad news is out of the way and we have a plan of attack, tell me more about Donna."