Hey guys, I know the introductions of Paula and Thomas to the story were very rushed. Tbh, I planned the last chapter completely different but I struggled to much to write that. Then this idea came spontaneously and I wanted to take it immediately. I know it came very sudden, but I think you're gonna like where this is going…
When the black Lexus arrives at the little chapel Harvey is very nervous when he sees a certain redhead standing in front of it. Mike had asked his best man to accompany him before the other guests will arrive but Harvey hasn't wondered before that Rachel might has asked Donna the same. The real reason he has invited Dr. Agard in the first place was to avoid meeting Donna alone and now that's exactly what is happening. His heart is beating in his chest so loud that he expects Ray to hear it when he gets out the car. Donna on the other hand is to busy with her phone to see who's walking right in her direction.
"Enjoying the calm before the storm, hm?", he tries with casual smalltalk – and fails. Donna flinches when she hears the calm familiar voice. Her gaze is cold as ice as she gives him a disbelieving laughter and covers her chest with folded arms.
"Are you fucking serious right now?"
"Donna, look, I'm…"
"No, Harvey" she turns on her heels and rushes inside the church. What the hell is wrong with him? He was there yesterday. He knows what he said. How can he come up with smalltalk now like nothing ever happened? Didn't she make herself clear and told him that the time for light-hearted conversations was now over, once and for all? So much she would have liked to throw all that at him but she wouldn't. She wouldn't abuse her friends' most important day to yell at the best man. Rachel and Mike were having already a really hard time so she would pull herself together. Besides, that was exactly why she'd invited Thomas: he'd be the perfect distraction. With him by her side, the evening could actually be beautiful. And indeed, from the moment Thomas catches sight of her and she sees his overwhelmed expression, her mood lifts. The dress definitely didn't miss its mark. His compliments and his flirting are balm for her soul and a band-aid for her bruised ego. The other side of the coin, however, was that Harvey couldn't take his eyes off Donna and her stunning dress either. Though she secretly expected it (maybe she hoped for it a little?), she's surprised at how obviously he's distracted by a dress.
In fact he can't take his eyes off her: her red hair, the dress with the unbelievable back cut-out that allows a view of her countless freckles, her stunning curves - and her companion. Who is this guy? He knows he's seen him at the firm before but it's not one of his clients. How does she know him? And why the hell did she bring him here?
"Mr. Specter lost in his thoughts?"
"Miss Agard! I'm glad you made it."
"How could I say no to such a kind invitation?"
"Ouch! But you're here anyway."
"I have to admit: you made me curious. Your invitation came so suddenly I had to find out what's under the surface. Call it an occupational disease."
"There's nothing to it. I needed a plus one and you want to get to know me, that's all. But I'd say it could get worse. After all, you spend the evening with a really attractive escort and I heard that the catering is supposed to be quite good. Not to mention the free access to the bar."
"You're very cocksure of yourself, aren't you? But to make this clear: it's not a date and you should stop flirting with me, Mr. Specter."
"I can reassure her: that's just me, at least outside of therapy. But you should call me Harvey, at least for tonight."
"Okay. It's Paula. But only for tonight! Now you should really get us some champagne."
The ceremony is really beautiful. Rachel is already in tears as her father walks her down the aisle. Mike is absolutely speechless when he catches sight of his gorgeous bride. Harvey has to pinch his side to get him to finally pay attention to the pastor. After the emotional wedding vows, the church is absolutely silent. None of the guests want to even begin to imagine what lies ahead for the young couple. Thank good the two of them draw all the attention to themselves, so it's not noticeable how hard the bridesmaid and best man try not to look at each other. And then they're actually Mr. and Mrs. Ross.
While accepting congratulations and gifts from their guests, Donna and Harvey go about their business trying to make sure the rest of the guests are comfortable. Harvey coordinates the waiters and discusses song requests with the band. Donna, who also was in charge of the seating plan, leads everyone to it's intended chair. The fact that the witnesses to the marriage are usually sitting at the same table as the couple is a difficulty that cannot be ignored. She has placed Harvey as far away from herself as she could. Since they are round tables, that means they would be sitting right across from each other all evening. Certainly not ideal but at least he wouldn't be able to talk to her that way. But then he shows up with a plus one! Without informing anyone about it? So she has to change the plan last minute, and she hates it.
And who was this blonde anyway? Of course, it was not uncommon for him to have a woman by his side, but usually he didn't bring the winner of the month to any events. So it had to be something serious this time. . . Why is that thought so bothering her?
"It's pretty impressive how you've got everything and everyone under control here", Thomas say approvingly.
"What can I say: I'm Donna."
"What does this mean?"
"Oh you'll get it, believe me", she says with a wink.
"I can't wait to find out. I should get us something to drink. Are you more a champagne or a wine kind of woman?"
"Actually I'm more water kind of girl tonight."
"Wow, at the last few weddings I've been to, most of the guests couldn't wait to get drunk."
"It's just… I'm the maid of honour, you know? I've got responsibilities."
"You mean you have to top the bride's uncle from hitting on all the women and stop the groom's brother from giving an embarrassing speech?"
"Something like this." Situation saved!
"Thomas Kessler? What are you doing here?"
"Louis Litt! I'm very happy to meet you here. I accompany the beautiful bridesmaid here."
"Donna? I didn't even know that the two of you know each other."
"Actually we don't… We just met."
"Wow! You must have made a lasting impression when Donna brings you here right away. After all, it's really not an easy situation and for Donna this wedding means almost as much as it does to the couple themselves…"
"Louis, please take a seat at this table, next to Jessica." She points to the neighbor's table and tries to somehow prevent him from spitting out more.
She spends the rest of the evening mostly watching the happy couple. Despite the adverse circumstances, you can literally feel the happiness of the two right now. Nothing will break that today, she will definitely make sure of that. They should be able to fully enjoy every moment that remains for them as a couple. Thanks to Jessica's intervention, even Rachel's parents have come to make the day perfect for her. Although Donnas' planning has worked out perfectly so far, she is still very nervous. She barely touched the food, though everyone assured her the catering was exquisite. She just can't get a bite down but that's probably for other reasons. . . Ignoring Harvey most of the time is surprisingly easy for her. This is mainly due to Thomas, who really knows how to entertain them. He accepted her excuse for not touching alcohol, which saved her an unpleasant conversation. They talk about all sorts of things and he is a really pleasant conversationalist.
But then the meal is over and the band opens the wedding dance. Donna is still enchanted by how much the of them glow with love, when the frontman suddenly announces: "Before you all storm the dance floor, I now may ask the best men and the maid of honour to dance first. The parents of the bride may join them?" Donna squinted her eyes. You gotta be kidding me! But before she can intervene, she sees Rachel's parents heading out. She clears her throat and then looks Harvey straight in the eye. Harvey, not oblivious to how everyone was waiting for his reaction, swallowed the bite that had initially stuck in his throat. When Paula whispered in his ear, "Come on, what are you waiting for?" he finally tilts down the rest of the champagne gets up. When he stands in front of Donna, he formally holds out his hand. Now come on!, his eyes are begging. She doesn't want to. She doesn't want that at all. But she can already feel Rachel's disappointed look when she pinches now. So she also swallows her pride and lets Harvey drag her to the dance floor.
Thanks for over 30 reviews, I'm really pleased and I read every single one! Be sure to look forward to the next chapters, it's going to be interesting #Darvey