Hi Folks! This is the real Chapter 4. I miscounted previously. Thanks for the heads up! Sorry, this took so long, but I am embroiled in a PMP Certification Graduate Level Course and with my singing I had to work through some logistics. I appreciate the all the ones who have favorited this story and who are following it. Please drop and review. I would love to hear what you like about it. Enjoy! Love - Carebearmaxi
Loving Each Other Out Loud
Chapter 4 - Cat's Out of The Bag
Donna's phone vibrated causing a low rumbling sound as it sat on the table in the conference room.
"Excuse me, I have to take this," Donna said as she took her phone and walked out of the conference room.
"Hi Rache. I texted you I was in a meeting. Is there an emergency?" Donna asked knowing that if her best friend had called her after she, herself, had texted her there was a problem.
"Yes, there is definitely an emergency. My mother told me my father was disbarred three weeks ago by his own volition. However, I know my father. He had no plans to retire for another four years. What happened Donna? If you don't tell me, then I will be on the next plane to New York to confront you and Harvey face to face!"
"Woah, Rachel, there's no need for that! Robert did what he wanted to do," Donna attempted to explain quietly as she walked away from the conference room. I really need to get back in there
"No need for what, Donna? For my father to have retired in disgrace because of something that your new boyfriend probably caused? I know Louis lost Thomas Kessler as his client. I remembered him all the years I was a paralegal. I know all of this has to do with Thomas Kessler and some deal that should never have been done."
"Rachel, like I said, I am in a meeting right now. I need to get back in there because we are trying to hammer out a merger between First Fidelity and First NY," Donna said trying to calm Rachel down and at the same time give herself some breathing space while she planned how she wanted to explain how her father decided to take the bullet for her. Although she knew it was Harvey's licence that was on the line Donna knew he had taken the hit because of how she coerced Harvey to tell her of the problem with Thomas' deal.
On the day of the hearing, Harvey had called Mike to let him know what was happening. Harvey missed Mike horribly especially on those days when he had felt most alone as he had been the day he was to try not to perjure himself and explain how he had inadvertently broke privilege. After the hearing and Robert's abrupt transition into retirement, time had not stood still. That same night Harvey had shown up at Donna's door and their time together had finally begun. Two days later, Mike had called Harvey and Harvey had told him what the outcome had been of not only the hearing itself, but the situation between she and Harvey now as well.
Donna remembered overhearing Harvey's half of the conversation. He had been in her living room and she was just coming out of the bedroom.
"Mike," Harvey had said. " I just wanted you to know you were right."
Donna could almost hear in her mind what Mike's response would have been.
"Right about what?" (Then probably something sarcastic from Mike)
"Donna is the one," Harvey said with a smile on his face.
Then she heard Harvey laughing and conversing with Mike like a teenage girl with her first crush.
"It feels great, Mike. Now I understand... She loves me, Mike."
Donna smiled at that. Of course I love him the big galloot. I never stopped!
After that Donna had heard Harvey hang up and they resumed their morning.
Now, however, Rachel was fuming and Donna had to return to the meeting or suffer a lecture from Louis.
"Look, Rachel, I really have to go. I promise you, though, I will Facetime you later and then we can talk. Ok?"
Rachel had calmed down and said, "Ok. I am going to hold you to this. This is not over, Donna."
"I know, Rachel. I know," Donna said sympathetically. She hit the red button on her phone, looked up to the ceiling almost in obeisance from God and then returned to the meeting.
Harvey's eyes immediately turned to Donna as she came back into the partners' meeting. He could tell something had upset her by the slightly abashed look she gave Harvey as she entered the room. So far only Samantha, of the partners, had figured out they were a couple now. Louis and Alex of the other major partners had not been told or figured it out. Katrina surmised and Gretchen who was not a partner but one of those secretary clairvoyants had figured it out. As she had said to Harvey and Donna on the way in day after their first night:
Well, Mr. Specter, I'd say I have never seen our COO look more radiant. You, sir, have got a little extra pep in that step and only one thing can put that in after all the bullshit from yesterday. So all I can say is I am happy for you both and...it's about goddamn time!
Harvey had laughed at that moment and almost kissed Gretchen on the cheek he was so happy. He restrained himself at the last minute when he saw the admonishing look Gretchen gave him. He swore her to secrecy which she accepted seriously and then broke out in a big smile and wished him a good day.
Harvey knew something was wrong. Donna took her place next to Louis at the right of him and Harvey sat across from Donna. He gestured to her and tried to mouth if everything was all right. Donna nervously took a glass of water, took a sip, and then shakingly placed the glass on the coaster set out in front of her.
Louis noticed Donna's shaking motions. He put a question to the partners that he knew would take a minute while they shuffled through the voluminous merger agreement in front of them.
"Donna, are you ok?" Louis asked in hushed tones.
"I'm fine. I'm fine. Just had a disturbing conversation with a family member," Donna placated looking up at Louis who's expression knew she was lying to him.
"Well, if you need to talk, you know I'm here for you," Louis said and then resumed his speech on merger strategy.
Harvey tried to reach Donna's ankle under the table with his foot but all he managed to do was fall off his chair to which Donna burst into laughter. Everyone must have thought Harvey Specter had temporarily lost his senses to overdrinking after his close call of nearly losing his license and now was just showing the effects.
Donna had to apologize and ran out of the office in hysterics. Harvey regained his composure, apologized, and then ran after Donna who had taken refuge in her office.
When Harvey walked in her door, Donna's laughter had turned to tears welling in her eyes. He immediately went to her side and kneeled on the floor. He turned her chair so he could kneel in front of her as she sat. He took her hand in both of his and began to inquire who had been on the phone and why did it make her so upset.
"It was Rachel. She just found out that Robert resigned and the reasons for it. We know that Mike understood but Rachel is blaming you outright and now she knows we're together she's indirectly blaming me. I tried to tell her her father made his own decision, but that first chance I got I would call her or Facetime with her to allow her to know all the facts."
"I thought Mike would have told her," Harvey said wondering.
"He probably did, but Rachel is very protective of her father and his reputation. So this smirch on his law record will fall heavily on Rachel who will then inadvertently blame herself for working for the firm in the first place. I know that's irrational, but sometimes Rachel can see things from only one perspective."
Harvey looked up at Donna and thumbed away a tear that had inadvertently fell while she was talking.
"Look, how about we fly out to Seattle this weekend. Then you and Rachel can have a girls' night and Mike and I can catch up."
Donna tilted her head in that way when she wanted to convey to Harvey just how nice but inconvenient his suggestion was.
"We can't this weekend. Did you forget?"
Harvey looked away searching his fogged brain for what Donna was talking about. Then his jaw dropped into an O shape and his eyes showed recognition.
"The merger affair at The Park Regent. I totally forgot. Can't we skip it?" Harvey wondered sarcastically as his mouth took that sarcastic upturn and his eyes pleaded for a quick and positive answer.
Donna tilted her head the other way letting him know that he was being silly.
"You're an idiot, pretty boy," Donna laughed and said. "Not only are you the first name on the wall now, you happen to be dating and sleeping with the COO and cultivator of this whole shindig. I can't be absent from my own affair unless I am lying on my deathbed."
Donna smiled and waved her finger as Harvey's mouth started to open she knew with some smart ass comment.
"Don't!"
"All I was going to say is that we could run away together, change our names, fake our own deaths and then we wouldn't have to worry about this stupid merger."
"Harvey! They are going to be our clients and since you were the one to seal the deal they would especially miss Harvey Specter."
"Of course they would. We all know I have the schmooze gene in this family."
"Then you'd better be schmoozing big time Saturday night. We'll just have to fly to Seattle another weekend," Donna said and cupped Harvey's chin in her hand.
He decided to rise at that moment and plant his hands on both sides of Donna's chair and move in for a gentle but deep kiss.
"What the hell!" Louis exclaimed as he walked into Donna's office.
"What's the matter, Louis? Can't a guy kiss his girlfriend in the office where he is a name partner?"
Louis put his fingers together almost like he was picking at them and looked away. He gave them both an incredulous accusatory look.
"So, I assume you're sleeping together now?" Louis said walking into Donna's office with a haughty look.
"Amongst other things," Harvey could not help saying smugly.
"Harvey," Donna said smiling.
It had not solely been up to Harvey to keep their change in relationship quiet. If it had been Harvey's choice alone, he would have been shouting to the rooftops like Curly in Oklahoma: "Donna Paulsen is my girl! " That was the only part he could remember from that musical that Donna had dragged him to when they were still just platonic friends. Momentary thought fleeted through his mind: Were we ever really platonic?
"Louis," Donna began.
"So how long have you been doing this? Does everyone else know?" Louis asked quietly harboring a menacing theme to his tone.
Harvey had removed himself from hovering over Donna to coming over to Louis.
"Hey, buddy, we were going to tell you but we just wanted to keep it quiet for a little longer. You understand, right?"
Donna had risen from her chair and came over to where Harvey and Louis stood. She took Harvey's hand in hers intertwining their fingers.
Louis looked down and he had moment where he really saw the look on Harvey's face. Louis was only trying to look out for the both of them. He knew how hurt Donna was by the innuendoes always rampant that she attained her present position by sleeping with her former boss. Now with them together it seemed a self-fulfilling prophecy. Both his partners looked so happy. Who was he to stop their happiness knowing how much they felt for each other? Who was he to interfere knowing that he was always embroiled in making sure the other knew of the other's current romance status? Harvey had agreed again to be Louis' Best Man at his wedding to Sheila after the baby came.
The one Louis really worried for was Donna. The first time Harvey had really hurt her she came to work for him. Now Donna is her own boss if things went sideways with Harvey what could she do but leave?
"Louis, look at me. Look at us, please," Donna pleaded with Louis as he slowly turned around and really saw them. Their eyes were shining and they tightly held hands with their fingers so tightly interwoven that he could see their fingertips turning white from the pressure. I know they love each other, but I have a firm to think about as well.
"This is what we both want, Louis. This is what I have always wanted, Louis," Donna pleaded looking into Louis eyes. She needed him to understand that this would have no impact on their work or work ethic. They were still partners and knew the risks in others knowing that she and Harvey were now a couple. Hell, they thought it when we weren't a couple so now that it's real why does it matter?
"What do you think is going to happen when this gets out to our competition? They already have us in the toilet because of our latest faux pas and Robert's disbarment."
Harvey said, "Louis, who cares? People are going to think what they think regardless of anything Donna or I would do or say. Our firm is much more than just the sum total of our partners and associates. We have a long good history which should outshine the bad, but we can overcome again. We have before," Harvey finished.
Louis looked down at his fingers and then looked up. He pursed his lips and then examined Harvey and Donna again.
"Let me just say that as your friend I am very happy for you two. However, Harvey if you hurt this wonderful woman, again, so help me I will put you through a plate glass window," Louis said.
"Still friends then?" Harvey asked holding out his hand for a handshake. Instead Louis swiftly put his arms around Harvey and squeezed. Donna laughed as she watched Harvey's horrified look. Harvey patted his back and said "thanks". Then Louis hugged Donna who smiled and when released squeezed his cheeks.
"Oh, Louis, you had me so worried!"
"Why? You had to know I'd be happy for you?"
"I thought you'd be whipping out the bylaws stating why there can't be any fraternizing among the staff."
"Well, when it comes to the associates or paralegals and associates, I definitely remind them of the bylaws. But you guys are my friends as well as my partners, so I really have no place to interfere unless, of course, it does start affecting your work."
"Ok, then, we won't let it affect our work," Harvey smilingly agreed.
Before Louis walked out of Donna's office, he turned and said, "I thought you've been glowing these last few weeks, Donna. Just remember to name your first after me."
"Uh, Louis..." Harvey started and Donna stopped him, turned him around and kissed him full on the mouth in view of anyone who happened to be looking through the glass panes into her office. The COO of SpecterLittWheelerWilliams was kissing the first person whose name was on the wall of the firm for all to see.
The rest of their day was full. Both did not see each other until it was time to go home. Donna knew she promised to contact Rachel for a FaceTime talk as soon as she went home from work.
"Ready to go, Donna? It's after 8," Harvey said smiling standing in Donna's office doorway.
Donna had been examining her phone as if it was a foreign object. She was actually contemplating calling Rachel while still at work because she knew that by doing it at home with Harvey nearby he would flip if something should catapult Donna into tears. He had said once a few weeks ago, as they were heading into the office from her place, when she fully realized what she had done by betraying her family and telling Thomas about being a stalking horse that it had all been her fault.
"Donna, this was not all your fault. I opened my big mouth. I trusted you, though, to have the faith in me that I could find a way out for Thomas. Anyone would have done the same thing who knows you like I do. So what happened in the interim is my fault just as much as yours."
"Yes, but..."
Harvey kissed her tears away and took her in his arms to hold her. Then he let go and held her far enough way so she could see the no nonsense look he gave her.
"Let me repeat. The loss of two clients, the hearing, Hardman's involvement, and Robert's resignation are not all on you. People act in certain ways when they find situations they feel they cannot solve without leaving, like Robert, and some people just insinuate for revenge like Hardman. So no more tears for them."
"But Harvey, Samantha doesn't say but I know she blames me, and Rachel is going to blame me as well."
"So, if they can't see the bigger picture, then they weren't worth it in the first place," Harvey had said taking her back into his arms.
When their embrace had ended, Donna stared back at Harvey and asked, "Since when did jyou get to be a grownp?"
"Since I woke up and learned from you," Harvey said before he walked away from her. Donna smiled.
She smiled at the last thought and then looked up at Harvey who had entered her office and stood before her desk.
"Yes, I'm ready. Let's go. But I'm calling Rachel because I promised her."
Harvey held out Donna's coat and helped her on with it.
"Of course, you can figure dinner out later," Harvey said knowing he sounded like an old fashioned male chaunvinist when he said it to see what her reaction would be.
"Well, in that case, I'm going to be figuring a long time. I'm not the cook in this duo. Just remember that." Donna wavered a forefinger in his face.
"Yes, ma'am," Harvey stated as he walked out the door behind her.
"Donna, how could you? You knew Harvey was breaking privilege when he told you about Thomas' deal?"
"I know Harvey asked me not to tell Thomas, but you know how it is when you have someone you care about and you know something that they should know. I was torn," Donna explained.
"So you tell Thomas put everyone in a bad position..."
"Thomas took out the press release and then..."
"Then Louis and Harvey tried to play clean up by getting Simon fired which worked because I know Simon Lowe is basically a sleaze, but..." Rachel went on but her anger toward Donna and Harvey began to cool.
"Rachel, Harvey was prepared to take whatever the bar handed out even losing his license if it had gone that way. He was as surprised as anyone when your father bore the brunt of all of us and was forced into retirement. Believe me, Harvey was stunned."
Harvey was standing in the kitchen while he half listened to Donna and Rachel's Facetime call. He wanted to reassure Rachel that he had really been surprised by Robert's move and he would gladly tell her. However, Donna felt it better that she speak with Rachel first before Harvey show his face. Mike had relayed the issue, and Donna knew that Rachel had confronted her father first but Donna understood Rachel's loyalties and reacted to her father's sudden coerced retirement without thinking.
After listening to Donna defending herself, him, and try to explain the scenario, Harvey had had enough. He placed the dishtowel on the counter which had been slung over his shoulder while he watched the pasta noodles boil on the stove and his bottle of water on the counter as he walked the short distance to the bedroom where Donna had insisted she would make the call to Rachel. He sat down on the bed behind Donna.
"Harvey," Rachel said as she could see Harvey's face behind Donna.
Donna turned and said, "Harvey." She knew better than to argue that she wanted to continue to speak with Rachel alone. Harvey was here as a comfort and her defender. Donna decided not to stand in his way.
"Rachel," Harvey said addressing her taking the phone from Donna who rose to get a tissue.
"Dinner is almost done. Why don't you check the sauce, ok?"
"Sure. I'll be right back Rachel. Don't let Harvey hang up," Donna said to her friend as she walked to the kitchen.
"Rachel, I know you think your father did this to save our asses or the firm or whatever lofty reason. I know he wouldn't tell you straight out what was in soul and why he did this for us because I wanted to know so I could thank him or take it back or whatever, but he told me "I'm good with it" the night he was disbarred. I believed him, Rachel," Harvey said as he watched Rachel's face gain recognition.
"Look, I'm sorry, Harvey but you do not know my father as well as you may think. This is tearing him apart, I'm sure."
"Are you sure, Rachel? When did you speak with him last?" Harvey asked feeling like he was cross examining a witness rather than wife of his best friend.
"I spoke to him yesterday. I was trying to get him to tell me the real reason why he did what he did," Rachel said tucking her hair behind her ear. The door shutting could be heard. Mike's "Hey Honey" could be heard in the background.
"Hey Mike," Harvey called as he saw Mike come up behind his wife.
"Hey, Harvey, propose yet?" Mike asked eager trying to diffuse the heaviness in the air he felt when he found his wife on the phone.
"Not yet. Believe you'll be the second one I tell when it happens."
"Harvey was just trying to convince me that my father retired of his own volition."
"Rachel, we've been over this. No one tells your father what to do. I am sure something was working in his soul to make him do this."
Mike put his hand on the back of Rachel's head and brought it to his lips to kiss her forehead.
"Mike, I'll be out in a minute. I just have to finish with Harvey and Donna."
"See ya later, Harvey. Give Donna my love," Mike said waving to Harvey.
"See ya, Mike."
"Harvey, I understand. Could you please get Donna? I need to finish with her."
"We're good, Rachel?" Harvey said with his eyebrows raised with the question.
Rachel nodded. "For now."
"Donna, Rachel wants to finish. Is dinner done?" Harvey talked while he traveled to the kitchen and saw Donna had set the table and placed the food in the serving bowls and poured the wine.
"How did you do all this so fast?" Harvey asked pecking Donna on the lips while he handed over the phone.
Donna shrugged. "I'm Donna."
Harvey laughed and sat down to eat after he handed Donna the phone.
"Well, Rachel, I'm sorry if you can't forgive me. However, if you want me to tell you that I would take the decision back to tell Thomas, I'm not sure if I could nor do I think it would have changed much."
"Because of you and Harvey and your relationship now. I understand that, Donna. I truly do and I am so happy for you both. Mike and I knew you both would be much more happy together than separated, and, perhaps, you're right, my father may have still done what he did. I have no right to blame you and Harvey and put a blemish on your happiness."
Donna wiped a tear away. "I love you, Rache. I miss you so much,".
Rachel wiped a tear away from her eye as well and said, "I love you too, Donna. I wish I could give you a big hug."
"Well, I will text you one. I'm glad we talked. Love you, bye." Donna said and pushed the off button.
Harvey smiled because he was glad Donna and Rachel were glad to have nothing hanging between them any longer.
Harvey was twirling his fettucine onto his fork when Donna finally came to the table.
"Everything back to normal?" Harvey asked shovelling his forkful of fettucine into his mouth.
Donna's eyes did not quite Harvey's as she looked at him. She looked like she was still reeling from the shock of being blamed by her best friend. In the cold light of day, Donna was still having problems forgiving herself for wreaking havoc on the delicately rebuilt foundation of SpecterLitt Wheeler Williams. If she voiced her doubts once again to Harvey she would only piss him off because she would begin to sound like a whiny broken record and Harvey had little patience with whiny broken records no matter how much he may be in love with them.
Harvey wiped his mouth and put his napkin on the table beside him. He reached over and took Donna's hand.
"Everything back to normal?" He asked again.
"For now. I'm sorry, Harvey. I'm suddenly not very hungry."
"Oh, no. You are eating, woman, even if I have to shovel it in your mouth myself," Harvey said twirling some fettucine on her fork and holding it in front of her.
"This is your favorite dish that I make..." Harvey began.
Donna tilted her head and smirked. "Every dish you make is my favorite because I can't cook," Donna said and then took the forkful Harvey was holding out for her.
He smiled and said, "That's my girl."
Donna smiled while she chewed on the forkful her boyfriend had given her. He is a wonderful cook. I don't think Marcus has anything on him. I would be a fool to let this go to waste.
So Donna put her napkin in her lap and began to eat heartily of Harvey's wonderful pasta dish.