Donna's feet pounded hard against the tarmac briefly side-stepping an old lady as she walked her dog in the park. As she continued her run, she tilted her face to catch the warm spring breeze that gently blew. It was a beautiful May morning and the sun shone brightly in the clear, blue sky above. There were various people jotted around as they took advantage of the perfect weather. Some were cycling bikes with their children following closely behind them. Others were just out for a stroll walking hand in hand. Donna was smiling as she passed by them enjoying the freedom she always felt when she ran. It helped her escape and gave her a chance to clear her head. God knows she was always so busy lately. Between school and her job, she very rarely had time for anything let alone time to think. That was why she loved the weekends. She got time out from her busy schedule to just slow down and catch her breath.
Donna exited the park and made her way along the street towards home. Her white t-shirt felt damp and it clung uncomfortably to her skin. It was so hot despite the slight breeze that blew and it was a sure fire sign that summer was on its way.
Just then a cab rumbled steadily past her and her lips curved into a fond smile. The cab reminded her of Harvey and the "date" they had shared last night. It had definitely been a fun time. She had really enjoyed herself despite the fact she was there on a professional capacity and Harvey had seemed like a really nice guy. He had been charming and fun not to mention extremely hot. That was definitely a rarity in her line of business. The majority of the men she accompanied were fifty and balding. Very few of them turned out to be young, gorgeous guys like Harvey.
As she turned a corner, Donna made a mental note to call Keira when she got home. She had promised she would and she would need to make sure she did before Thomas came over.
Just then Donna turned into her street. She slowed down as she approached her building, grinning as she recognised the small, brown haired girl in the floral dress walking her way.
"Rach!" she called.
She jogged over towards her friend and pulled her into a hug. She was surprised to see her. They didn't get to spend much time together now Rachel was a mother.
"I don't know why you insist on torturing yourself every morning." Rachel said, smiling as she released her. "And if you don't mind me saying so, you badly need a shower." She made a face as she rubbed her damp hands on her dress.
Donna laughed as she made her way to her apartment with Rachel following close on her heels. "So where is your beautiful daughter?"
"With her father." Rachel waited patiently as Donna unlocked her door. "He came home drunk last night. I figured spending the morning with a teething eleven month old baby was sufficient punishment."
Donna smiled in amusement as she walked into the apartment. She threw her keys down as she gestured towards the kitchen. "Can I get you a coffee?"
Rachel shook her head. Her brown curls bounced across her shoulders. "I'll make it while you grab that shower."
She smiled at her gratefully. Her skin was hot and sticky and she knew she smelled less than fresh. "Are you sure?"
"Positive. Now, on you go."
As Rachel waved her towards the bathroom, Donna didn't need to be told twice. She kicked off her running shoes and went to take her shower. She smiled to herself as she got undressed and heard her friend rummage around in the kitchen. Rachel was a total doll. Donna had met her when she had first moved to Boston. They had lived on the same floor at the dorms at school. She had been the first girl to introduce herself to Donna and had persuaded her to tag along to a party that night. They had bonded over boyfriend issues and beer and had been close friends ever since.
"Donna, where do you keep the coffee again?"
"Left hand cupboard, bottom shelf."
Donna waited for a second before getting into the shower.
"Got it."
She smiled as she stepped underneath the hot water grabbing the shampoo from the shelf. Another thing she admired about her friend was that Rachel was an amazing mother. She had been so scared when she had discovered she was pregnant especially as she and Mike had only been dating a few months at the time. She had even toyed with the idea of having a termination. She had been a top student with an amazing future ahead of her but after many heart to heart conversations with Donna and Mike, Rachel had decided that her future would be even more amazing with her baby in it. Mike had been delighted and Donna had been glad to support her friend in every way she could.
As she began to rinse the soapy suds from her hair, Donna heard the faint sound of the phone ringing through the hallway and she quickly washed it clean. She turned off the water and grabbed the towel beside her. She had noticed the phone had stopped ringing so she took her time drying herself off before padding through to her bedroom to pull on some clothes. She frowned as she heard Rachel talk to whoever had called. Deciding it must be Thomas, Donna pulled on her t-shirt and jeans and running her fingers quickly through her hair, she made her way through to the adjoining living room.
"Well, it was nice to talk to you too, Keira."
Donna raised her brow, surprised to learn it was her boss that had called.
"Here's Donna. I'll get her for you now."
Rachel smiled at her friend as she passed her the phone.
"I'll finish that coffee."
Donna nodded in appreciation as she took the phone and placed it to her ear, bending down to straighten the cushion on her seat. "Hey Keira. I was going to call you later."
"Well I've saved you the trouble. So, how did it go with Mr Specter last night?"
A slow smile crept across her face at the simple mention of Harvey's name. "It went fine. He was a really nice guy, Keira. A perfect gentleman in fact."
"Really? Well I'm glad you think so because he's asked if you could escort him again tonight."
Donna frowned as her plans for the evening began to fall apart in front of her. "Tonight? But it's my night off. I've got a date with Thomas."
"I'm sorry, Don. You know I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to."
Donna rolled her lips together reluctantly, brushing her damp hair behind her ear. "Is Mia still sick?"
"Actually no but it seems you made quite an impression on Mr Specter. He asked for you personally when he called."
Donna bit down on her lip at that little revelation and couldn't deny she felt a small twinge of happiness at the fact that he had asked to see her again. Plus it also meant she hadn't let Keira down. She had managed to impress Harvey and guaranteed her a new client. It was just a pity it was tonight. She just had to hope that Thomas understood and wasn't mad that yet again, she had cancelled their plans at the last moment.
Her mind made up, she turned round and smiled at Rachel who had wandered through with two coffee mugs in her hand. "So what time do I meet him?"
Keira's squeal of delight echoed down the phone. "Eight o'clock. He'll be at O'Rourkes, the bar by the river. And thank you, Donna. You're a lifesaver. I promise I'll make it up to you."
"I'll hold you to that." Donna promised as she said her goodbyes and hanging up, she accepted the mug from Rachels's outstretched hand. She took a mouthful of the hot liquid and cupped it between her hands as she sat down on the sofa. Rachel took the chair across from her.
"So, you're working tonight?"
Donna nodded her head as she swallowed her coffee. "I can never say no when she asks me."
Rachel chuckled. "I know what you mean. Keira could always be very persuasive when she wanted to be."
"I think I've worked every night this week."
Her friend gasped in disbelief. "Then you must be rolling in it, my girl. The next time we have a night out, the drinks are most definitely on you."
"Deal." Donna raised her mug towards her in a gesture and laughed.
"So, who was the perfect gentleman I heard you tell Keira about."
"His name is Harvey. Harvey Specter."
Rachel wore an amused smile as she watched Donna duck her head and begin to stare absently into her mug. If she wasn't mistaken, there was a definite dreamy look on her face. The crooked little grin was a dead give away. "He was a looker, wasn't he?"
Donna looked up as a soft sigh escaped her lips. "Rach, he was absolutely gorgeous."
"Well, spill it girl. I want all the details."
"Well what can I say? He's tall. Very tall and muscular too. Honestly, I have never seen a pinstripe suit look so good on a guy. And he had these beautiful brown eyes that you could just get lost in every time you looked at them. And his smile….God Rach, his smile was incredible."
Rachel stared wide-eyed at her friend. "Someone sounds very smitten."
Donna blushed as she scoffed at her friend. "Don't be silly. I was only describing what he looked like."
Her friend snorted in disbelief. "Yeah, right. Donna, you're practically gushing over him."
"I am not."
"You are too."
Donna took a drink of her coffee as she listened to her friend's amused chuckles.
"So he's gorgeous and a gentleman." Rachel's smile faded as her expression turned serious. "But he's a client, Donna. You will remember that, won't you?"
Donna sighed as she placed her mug on the table in front of her. "Of course I will. And don't worry. Harvey Specter may be good looking but he is no different to any of my other clients. I always keep things strictly professional and Harvey is no exception to that rule."
But as Rachel watched her friend closely, she knew better and wondered who she was trying to convince. Maybe it was her or maybe Donna was just trying really hard to convince herself….
Later that night, Harvey was tapping his fingers nervously against the wooden table, glancing around the room as he waited for Donna to arrive. He held his cold beer bottle in his other hand as he silently took in his surroundings. It was extremely busy in the bar tonight. The tables were full and a group of people were standing beside the bar. It was a birthday celebration by the looks of things. The girls wore streamers and party hats and carried coloured balloons and the guys, as usual, were more interested in the beer.
As he looked towards the other side of the room, he saw the door slowly open and his brown eyes eagerly watched for her, anticipating her arrival. He wasn't disappointed when he saw her walk through the door. His breath hitched in his chest as he watched her stand there searching the room for him and had to admit the girl looked amazing. Her hair was pinned up and she wore a black halter top and a skirt that more than showed off her long shapely legs. Harvey swallowed hard as he continued to take her in. Donna looked just as beautiful as he remembered.
As he stood up and eventually caught her attention, he exhaled slowly telling himself to stay calm. The last thing he needed to do was turn into a blubbering idiot right in front of her. This was a business proposition after all, nothing more. But as Donna stood in front of him and smiled that dazzling smile, Harvey had a hard time recalling what it was he had just told himself.
"Good evening." Donna said almost shyly as she held out her manicured hand towards him and smiled.
"Hey Donna." Harvey accepted her hand and despite his nerves, his handshake was firm. "Thank you for coming."
She smiled in acknowledgment and sat down in the seat he pulled out for her.
"Can I get you a drink?" he offered.
"Yes please."
"A white wine?"
Donna smiled and nodded her head and watched Harvey make his way to the bar. He looked great in a black cotton shirt and a pair of faded denim jeans but his choice of dress attire did make her question exactly why she was here. Harvey wasn't dressed for a business dinner – well not a formal one anyway and meeting in a bar, especially a busy Irish bar like this one, wasn't exactly the best place to conduct business either. But not that she had any reason to think this was anything untoward. He really didn't seem like that type of guy and besides, he had arranged this through Keira. Everything had to be pretty much above board and really, she had no cause to worry.
"One white wine for the lady."
Donna smiled at Harvey as he reappeared, placing her drink in front of her. "Thank you."
She picked it up and took a sip as he sat in the seat across from her. She watched his brown eyes dart around the room.
"It's busy in here tonight." she commented.
Harvey smiled as he sat back in his chair and picked up his beer. "You read my mind."
He took a mouthful of his drink before absently picking the label on his bottle. Donna realised Harvey seemed nervous much like he had last night and in all honesty, she found his behaviour kind of cute.
"Well at least I knew who to look for when I walked in here tonight." she said.
He chuckled. "A face certainly helps."
Donna smiled, shifting forward in her seat as she rested her elbows on the wooden surface. Her big blue eyes sparkled back at him. "So, Mr Specter." she began. "Who are we planning to charm the socks off tonight?"
She heard Harvey clear his throat nervously as he quickly glanced away. His big hand clutched his beer bottle tightly as he took another long drink. Donna frowned as he focused his attention on the bottle in front of him and continued to avoid her gaze. His actions only aroused her growing suspicions.
"Harvey, you haven't answered my question. What are we doing here?"
He eventually lifted his head slowly. Harvey saw Donna watching him, her brow furrowed as she waited for his reply. She was definitely going to think he was stupid and desperate for even asking her this and he wouldn't be surprised if she turned around and threw his proposition back in his face. But he had to at least try especially now he had to continue with his lie after his mother's phone call this afternoon. She had sounded so excited when she had informed him that their hotel rooms were booked including one for him and Donna and they were staying in Worcester from the Wednesday to the Monday. It had all been arranged. He couldn't back out now even if he had wanted to. Not without telling the truth and he was in far too deep to even contemplate coming clean. So all he had to do was try and persuade Donna to go along with his plan.
"Harvey?"
Sighing softly, he knew it was now or never. She was beginning to look really pissed at him. If he stalled any longer, she would be out that door faster than he could blink.
Putting down his bottle, Harvey licked his lips as he felt his mouth go suddenly dry. It was crazy and it unnerved him. God knows he sealed huge business deals every day of the week yet right now, this seemed a hell of a lot more daunting than all of those meetings put together. And on top of everything else, his stomach was performing somersaults.
"You either tell me what's going on or I'm straight out that door." Donna threatened.
Harvey's brown eyes reluctantly settled on her knowing he had finally run out of time and had to make her the offer. "I've got a business proposition for you." he finally told her.
Donna's mouth downturned in a frown as she looked at him, confused. She pushed her glass of wine aside as she clasped her hands loosely in front of her. "I don't understand. What kind of business proposition could you have for me?"
Harvey bit his lip anxiously as his fingers raked through his hair. "Well….." He paused sighing softly. "Look, there's no easy way to put this so I'm just going to come out with it. I want to offer you an agreed sum of money if you'll accompany me to a family wedding."
"What?" Donna sputtered out and her eyes were wide as they stared at him disbelievingly. "Are you crazy or something?"
Harvey slowly shook his head as he smiled at her sheepishly. "Crazy, no. Desperate, yes."
He sighed heavily as he pushed back his hair. He knew he needed to come clean. "Look Donna, the truth is I've dug myself a hole and I need your help to get me out of it."
Donna sat back and watched him tentatively from her chair. "What kind of hole?"
"The kind of hole where I might have lied to my mother and told her I was bringing a date to the wedding."
"And how does that involve me exactly?"
Harvey rubbed his beard and grimaced at his own admission. "I told her my date was called Donna."
Donna's hazel eyes widened in alarm. "And why on earth would you do that, Harvey?"
He pressed his lips together, throwing his hands in the air almost in defeat. "I don't know. You were the first name that entered my head when she called me this morning."
Donna shook her head still unable to fully process what was going on. "So let me get this straight. You want me to pretend to be your date for a family wedding."
"Yes."
"And you're going to pay me for it?"
"Well I'm not exactly expecting you to do it out of the goodness of your heart."
He saw her glare back at him and he quickly apologised.
"Look I'm sorry. Of course I'll pay you."
As she sat there mulling over what Harvey had offered her, Donna knew she was crazy for even considering it but she had to admit, a huge part of her was intrigued.
"How much?"
Harvey lifted his right shoulder in a casual shrug. "How much do you want?"
"I don't know. How much is the going rate for saving your ass for the day?"
Harvey winced apologetically as he braced himself for her reaction. "Make that five days."
"What?!" Donna's eyes looked shocked as they stared back at him. They were huge and were practically popping out of her head. "Harvey, you are definitely crazy."
He sighed heavily in defeat. "I know. But hey, it was worth a try."
The dejected look on his face tugged at her heart strings and Donna couldn't help herself as she reached out and touched his hand that lay outstretched on the table in front of her.
"So why did you lie to your Mom in the first place?" she asked him. "Surely there's nothing wrong with going to a wedding by yourself?"
Harvey slowly shook his head and there seemed to be a flicker of sadness that lingered in his deep brown eyes as he looked at her. "But see it's not just any wedding. My cousin is getting married."
He paused as he shifted in his seat.
"To my ex-fiancée." he finally admitted.
Donna let go of his hand as she sat back completely stunned, not sure what to say.
"And I just know that if I go alone, everyone will be watching me thinking "poor Harvey." Their faces will be full of pity and sympathy and it will drive me nuts."
Harvey sighed once more as he picked up the beer mat and began flipping it through his fingers. The corner of his mouth lifted in a hesitant smile.
"I guess I also wanted to show Andrea that I had moved on. That I had put her behind me for good."
Donna nodded, smiling sympathetically, understanding his situation and she didn't have to ask who Andrea was. She knew she was Harvey's ex-fiancée. An ex-fiancée that had obviously done quite the number on him but yet still expected him to be pining away after her; one of those women that didn't want him for herself but didn't want anyone else to have him either. And one of those women who, in her personal opinion, deserved to have her smug smile wiped from their face.
Feeling a rush of anger towards this Andrea person, Donna knew she was crazy for even contemplating it but for some reason, she felt inclined to help the guy out. Honestly, she wasn't entirely sure her answer was no.
Donna quickly took a gulp of her wine and her conflicted mind was working overtime as she placed her glass back on the table. Harvey was smiling at her and as she felt a faint flutter in the pit of her stomach, she tried to reason with herself.
"We hardly know each other. There's no way we could pull it off."
Harvey watched her curiously for a second before slowly nodding his head in agreement. "I know."
"It would be complete madness."
"Absolutely."
"So how much?"
Harvey blinked slightly thrown by her question, not quite willing to believe that maybe, just maybe, Donna would do it. "How much do you want?" he asked her carefully.
Donna swallowed hard and lifting her shoulders in a shrug, she said the first figure that came into her head. A figure that would surely put Harvey off going through with such a crazy idea.
"Five thousand dollars." she said confidently.
"Five thousand it is." Harvey replied without missing a beat. He saw her big blue eyes widen in absolute shock and waited anxiously for her reply. The girl got what she wanted. Now the ball was in her court.
Donna licked her lips, letting out a slow calming breath. "So just like that?"
"Just like that."
She bit down on the soft flesh inside her mouth in contemplation and had to admit she was really tempted by his offer. Five thousand dollars for five days was a hell of a lot of money especially for a third year student like herself. The question was could she trust this man, could she trust Harvey Specter?
As she mulled this over, Donna looked up and met those eyes. The warm brown eyes that told her she already knew her answer. She held out her slender hand towards him and smiled as he accepted it.
"Then I'd say we've got ourselves a deal
