Chapter three has some very familiar, if not slightly reworked scenes. Let me know what you think!
The sun had gone down and the halls of Pearson Hardman had grown quiet.
It had been a long day. The longest that she'd had in a while. Since finding out about her pregnancy Harvey had been rather vocal about her putting in more reasonable hours. Most of the time she was quite happy to continue working beside him well into the evening. But there was also the odd day when she gladly took him up on the offer.
Today was a late day, after the phone call from Gordon that afternoon she had a feeling that Harvey lingering in the office so late had very little to do with work.
Earlier that day…
"Harvey Specter's Office"
"Well if that voice doesn't make my day I don't know what will".
The mellow timbre of Gordon Specter's voice travels down the line, automatically bringing a smile to Donna's face. "Very smooth Mr Specter".
"Argghh Red, you're makin me feel old with all that talk".
"Well you are going to become a grandfather".
"Don't remind me, it feels like yesterday that I could hold Harvey and Marcus in my arms, at the same time!"
"Must be something in the air with all these babies around", she sounds coy and Gordon picks up on it immediately.
"Something you wanna tell me Red?"
"Please. Like you don't already know!" Donna says, hedging her bets that in the last few weeks Harvey would have mentioned her pregnancy to his father.
"The boy might have let something slip. Congratulations" Gordon says, recalling the night Harvey told him.
Smiling down into the receiver, Donna replies "Thank you"
"Feelin alright?" Gordon asks brightly.
Donna just laughs.
"He's not pushing you too much is he?", asking protectively. As much as he loves his son, he wouldn't hesitate to chew him out if he got wind of Harvey mistreating Donna.
"Who Harvey? No he's been… he's been good", she says, thinking about the turn around in his behaviour since their "walk".
"Well you let me know he does. Lord knows the kid's insufferable at times. Can't get out of his own way", Gordon mumbles with every intention of letting Donna hear.
The sound of Donna laughing floats into Harvey's office but it's her smile that truly gets his attention. It's only a second later that their eyes lock across the room, Harvey's somewhat perplexed gaze reminding her of the other man on the line.
"I will. Though I've been doing a pretty good job of keeping him in line for a while now", she says, still looking over at Harvey.
Gordon's warm laugh echoes down the line, "You've got a hold over him like no one else Red that's for sure". The comment brings a rosy hue to her cheeks and leaves her a little lost for words. After a brief pause Donna clears her throat. "So, I suppose you'll be wanting to speak to the man in question?"
"Only if he's got a moment for his old man".
"I'll make sure he does. See you soon Gordon".
"Bye Red".
Transferring the call to Harvey, Donna watches him pick up the phone. Using the opportunity to take her lunch break, Donna grabs her bag. Waving through the glass, Harvey nods back as she heads down the hall.
The Harvey she saw upon return was unexpected. Normally after a conversation with his dad Harvey would be jovial, happily relaying the conversation to her. Today she saw him, basketball in hand, gazing out at the Manhattan skyline.
That was a Harvey that had something on his mind. Her suspicions confirmed as much when he left soon after for a meeting across town and barely mumbled a goodbye to her. Not having the chance to ask if he was okay Donna was left wondering what had gone on during his conversation with Gordon.
XXXXX
"Hey", Harvey says as Donna walks into the office. "I thought you went home".
"Well I probably should…" Taking a seat beside him, Donna casually puts her feet up on the coffee table. Sneaking a glance to his side, Harvey watches her take a deep breath as she closes her eyes and a hand slides over her slightly swollen belly.
"But I can tell somethings on your mind. So, are you gonna spill or are you gonna make your poor, exhausted, pregnant secretary squeeze it out of you?"
Harvey's gaze hadn't shifted, the only difference was the raised brow he was sporting. She probably knew it too, even with her eyes closed.
"You don't have to worry, I'm -"
Lolling her head to the side, Donna finally opens her eyes. "What? Fine? Urgh. I knew you'd take door number two"
"Donna," he pleads.
"You're never upset after talking to your dad. What happened?" Donna asks, genuinely concerned.
He doesn't bother asking how she knows he's upset. But he does take a moment and Donna happily waits for him.
"He mentioned in passing that he had been talking to Lily. And I guess… I just wasn't expecting to hear that", Harvey says, recalling the conversation:
"What do you mean just the other day? Since when?
Since for a long time Harvey", Gordon says. Whether he was ready to hear it or not, this conversation was a long time coming.
"But after everything she did!"
"Yes Harvey, after everything she did. And everything I did".
"You can't be serious".
"Harvey. You have to understand -".
"I understand everything I need to" Harvey says curtly.
"We made peace with each other a long time ago, Harvey. Lily for her infidelity. And me for being a shitty husband and father".
"Dad, you were never -".
"Yeah Harvey, I was. I was always away touring, barely home. Your mom was for all intents and purposes a single parent.
"And what about me?"
Gordon pauses, "What she did, made you do Harvey. It wasn't fair. At all. But ="
"But?..."
"She loves you Harvey"
"Yeah well. She has a funny way of showing it".
"I'm not saying what she did was excusable. Far from it and it can't be swept under the rug. It took me the longest time to even speak about it so I understand why you feel the way you do"
Harvey remains silent
"All I'm saying is… it's been a long time. And nothing will change if you leave it the way it is".
"I've been fine with the way things are"
"Well I'm gonna call bullshit on that one son. There is a whole life going on over there that you're not part of. And it's only getting bigger. We are about to welcome a new generation into our family. Don't you want Marcus' kids, hell even your kids one day to be able to have a Christmas or a birthday where all the adults can be in a room without ripping each other's heads off?"
"Dad", Harvey warns, entirely overwhelmed by the conversation.
"I need you to think about it Harvey" his dad says softly. "Just talk to her".
XXXXXX
Harvey doesn't know what to make of Donna's silence.
"Have you ever thought about it? Seeing her again?" she asks quietly
"Don't tell me you agree with him?" he asks incredulously as he watches Donna roll her eyes. "I'm not saying that. I'm just asking you if you've ever thought about it".
It's the most subtle of movements, but Donna swears she could see Harvey's bottom lip drop. And after he says, "It'd only end up in a fight. It's just better if I stay away", her heart drops right along with it.
Turning toward him, Donna urges, "You don't know that. They're your family Harvey and you need to reconcile with them".
"I can't" he barely manages.
"Hey. You will always have a family here" Donna says softly, reaching over to grasp his forearm she can see a vulnerability that has never been there before. "But you need to make things right with your mother".
It broke her heart to see him so conflicted. "Please. Go see her".
Finishing his drink in silence, Harvey takes advantage of the time to contemplate actually going through with it. But what if he went and he still couldn't find it within himself to forgive her? What would that mean for him?
What could he possibly offer anyone else? He thinks looking back at Donna, her warm hand gone from his arm, subconsciously finding its way back over her belly.
And the thought cements in his mind. He had to do better.
How could he think that he could one day manage a family of his own if he couldn't make the one he already had work? How could he think that Donna, growing a family of her own, on her own, would have the time to spend on such a broken man.
He knew he needed to make things right with his mother
And he was going to be the one to do it. With a final sip, he lets Donna in on the one last thing Gordon had mentioned.
"Dad says she's in town on Friday. One of her past students has an installation at some gallery in SoHo".
With pursed lips Donna contemplates Harvey's words. "It looks like Friday is going to be a big day for the both of us", she says knowingly.
"What do you mean?"
"Well… you get to see your mom in God knows how long and I get to see this little one for the first time, even if it is on a screen" Donna says, looking down at her belly with a smile, giving it a little poke for effect.
"You're 12 weeks already? Wow, that's gone fast" Harvey says, his thoughts now entirely focused on Donna.
"Ha! For you maybe" she says intently. "And how do you know it's a 12 week scan?"
Well you told me when you were 9 weeks and that was 3 weeks ago. It's a big appointment, right? The 12 week one".
Donna can't hide the curious look that emerges on her face.
"Yeah, it is".
XXXXXXX
FRIDAY
"You sure you don't want me to stick around until later?" he asks, fidgeting with his shirt cuff as he often does when she's this close.
"Harvey." Donna sighs as she adjusts his tie. "I'm leaving an hour after you. And if it goes as well as I hope for you and your mom. I'll be back before you too".
"There". She says softly, her hands firm on his chest. "You're ready". Harvey knows she means it in more ways than one.
This is a momentous day for him. He'd made his mind up and changed it a hundred times since speaking with his father but he also wasn't naive enough to think that it was an insignificant day for Donna either.
After finding out about the ultrasound Harvey had gently enquired if she was attending her appointment alone. Donna had immediately brushed him off, all but jovially, saying that she was happy enough going on her own. He wondered later if she knew that he would have gone with her, if she wanted.
"But what about you? Will you be okay?" Harvey asks softly.
"You don't need to worry about me," Donna says with her arms crossed, still standing as close as ever.
Harvey's hands slide into his pockets, giving Donna a penetrating stare "Doesn't stop me though… Look. I know you're fine with not having anyone else there. But if you need me, for anything just call okay?
With a genuine smile, Donna mutters an exasperated, "Okay. Now, go. You'll be late"
"But she doesn't know I'm coming".
"HARVEY!"
His cheeky smile permeates the room as he wanders out. Donna can't help but smile too. Watching him disappear down the corridor, the sense of pride in Harvey momentarily overtakes the nervous anticipation that had been building all day.
XXXXX
The cool ambience of the gallery did little to quell his nerves. Wandering around, he suddenly realises that she might not be there after all. What if her train was delayed? Or she decided to go on a different day and not mention it to anyone. Internally chastising himself, Harvey turns a corner and is greeted with the sight of his mother, quietly talking with a man probably ten years his junior.
Sensing the presence of another, Lily turns her head, only to be stunned into silence at the sight of her eldest son.
"Harvey". The word sounds gritty as if it had not been uttered for an aeon. But to Harvey, he could still feel the warmth in it and it urges him to respond.
"Hey. Mom".
Lily takes a step, approaching him slowly.
"Harvey, it's….. Good to see you" she says honestly.
"It's good to see you too," Harvey says. Finally feeling able to take a breath he asks, "I know that… Ummm, you were here for something else and I don't know if you have any other plans but I was wondering if maybe… you want to get lunch?"
"Oh. I'd love to".
"Great. I know a place, it's not far".
The hustle and bustle of the lunch crowd is certainly present but a waitress is quick to seat them in a booth and it's at that point that they both look at each other and wonder where they begin.
"This is kinda strange isn't it"
"Yup. it is. But I'm really glad we're here".
Lily's curiosity takes over, she asks.
"So.. Marcus or your father?" Lily asks with a smile. Harvey doesn't answer, but she is quick to elaborate. "Which one of them told you that I was in town?"
Flashing his mother with a smirk that she had missed so much, Harvey answers "Dad".
"Well I guess I'll be having words with him then. Not that I'm not happy to see you" Lily is quick to assure.
"Yeah, from what I hear, you're two Chatty Kathy's. I only found out that you speak. Somewhat regularly I'm guessing?"
"We have for a while now" Lily confirms
"Dad, he only mentioned it for the first time this week".
Wanting to be open and honest, Lily elaborates on her reason, "Well, that's on me, not him. I know how close you are and so I asked him not to mention that we are in contact. I didn't want to cause any arguments between you two".
Harvey nods his head solemnly, he understands why she would have done this. And maybe for a time it was for the best. Had he known earlier on that his parents were in contact with each other it probably would have strained the relationship he has with his father.
"So. What made you decide that today was the day?", she asks.
"I guess. I dunno." Harvey says, struggling to verbalise his motives for finally making contact with his mother. "I guess Dad made me think about having a family of my own one day. But I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that if I can't make the one I already have work".
The depth of her son's words strike Lily in the gut with the overwhelming feeling that despite the amount of time passed, her actions have had devastating consequences for her son. "Harvey. I'm so sorry -" she pleads with glassy eyes.
Despite seeing his mothers distress as well as feeling his own, Harvey knows that getting into such a loaded conversation so soon probably won't end well. Pausing for a moment, Harvey chooses his words carefully, "I know. And I know we have a lot to talk about. But maybe, for today, we could just have lunch?"
Heeding her son's words, Lily graciously accepts his terms, "Of course. Baby steps. Sounds good to me" Lily says with a smile that brings another out in Harvey.
"So. Tell me what Marcus is like with a pregnant Katie?"
Lily is quick to laugh at Harvey's question.
Their conversation remains light, steered around topics of their work, hobbies and the much anticipated baby Specter.
Before they knew it their plates were cleared and the afternoon breeze was catching their faces. He hadn't had a chance to ask if she was headed back toward the gallery when Harvey felt his phone vibrate. Glancing down at the screen he sees the caller, "Sorry" he says to Lily, "I need to take this. Hey.."
The voice was as familiar as his own, "Hi, so I'm going to be late getting back. There was an accident and-"
"An accident? Are you okay? Is the baby okay? What happened? Do you need to come and get you?" Harvey asks frantically.
"What? No, Harvey I'm fine, we're both fine", she says, trying to reassure him..
Taking a second to calm himself with the knowledge that Donna was unharmed, Harvey asks, "Then what accident? What happened?"
"I'm not sure exactly but it looks like at least 4 cars. There's police everywhere. The traffic is ridiculous. It's going to take a lot longer than I thought to get back to the office".
"As long as you're okay".
"We are. I'll see you soon Harvey" Donna says sweetly, almost amused at his concern.
Hanging up, Harvey misses Lily eyeing him inquisitively. Making their way down the street, Harvey begins to apologise for the interruption.
"Don't be. Sounds like that was someone very special".
"She is", Harvey says without much thought.
"And… Not that I was trying to eavesdrop but I hear that someone special is having a baby. Anything I should know about?" Lily inquires
"No", he says with a slight shake of his head, "Nothing like that. It was Donna. She's my… friend. We work together. Have done for a long time. But yes, she's having a baby".
"Ah", she says warmly.
Stopping suddenly, it takes a moment for Lily to realise that she is no longer in step with her son. Looking back, she sees Harvey. His face dawning in realisation. "Wait. Lemme guess. You know about her too".
The shameless smile that emerges tells Harvey all he needs to know.
"Her name may have come up once or twice".
He was definitely going to have words with his father. At some point.
Arriving at the entrance, Lily turns to Harvey, "I know you don't really want to talk too much but I just want you to know how much I loved seeing you today. I miss you. And.. I hope we can do this again soon".
"I'd like that".
Their embrace is brief but warm and full of promise and Harvey can help but smile to himself as he thinks about the surreal experience of the past few hours. One, only a few months ago Harvey would have sworn would never happen.
XXXXX
Returning to an empty office, Harvey finds it's nearly impossible to concentrate on anything remotely associated with work. So lost in his own thoughts he doesn't notice Donna until she's leaning against his doorway. Always a sight for sore eyes he thinks but today she seems particularly radiant.
"When did you get back?" Donna asks
"Ten minutes ago"
"How'd it go?"
"It went well"
The look on her face shows as much relief as his own. "I'm glad"
"What about you? How'd you go?
Donna's smile tells it all as she steps forward, sliding a small piece of paper out of nowhere. The black and white image is blurry but as Harvey rises from his chair, meeting Donna in the middle of the room he can see the very clear image of a tiny person.
"Would you look at that" he says in awe of the picture Donna placed in his hands. As they both gaze down at the tiny image, Donna proudly declares, "Pretty damn perfect".
What a day for our dynamic duo! I finally feel like this story is starting to get it's legs. Hopefully you are all enjoying it. I love reading your comments, it always makes coming back to write a new chapter 10 times easier.