HI Everyone! I'm sorry I haven't updated for a while but my mother just died two weeks ago and it has been difficult for me to want to write especially a fan fiction concerning a mother. Anyhow, this chapter is a little bit of a filler. However, a quick update is in the works! Thank you to all the faves and followers. I really appreciate it. Thank you - carebearmaxi

Donna Meets Lilly

Chapter 7

Who Invited You?

Donna rode the train into Boston against her better judgment. He's going to be furious with me. He'll get over it. Donna thought she did not want to disappoint Harvey's mother and in that way she would not be disappointing Harvey. I've always known what's good for him, and I am always good for him Donna thought. She resumed looking out the window of the train as the miles sped by.

It was early Saturday evening and Harvey was dressing for his mother's party. It was to be a family formal occasion given at Marcus' restaurant in the private dining room. All of his mother's students were to attend as well as some cousins, aunts, uncles, and other non essential relatives that had not seen Harvey since his brother's wedding many years ago. I am sure every one of those people were wondering where the hell I've been for the last 20 years. Do I care? Harvey thought. No, there's only one person I care to be here and I really should have invited her. After all, my mother was expecting it and I don't want to really have another 20 year argument with her. Harvey kept thinking and regretting that he had not asked Donna to accompany him.

The private room where Lilly's party was being held was in the larger banquet room in the back of Marcus' expanded restaurant. When Harvey had obtained the money for his brother's restaurant it was nothing but a small diner but after 20 years' of good investments and a location where people would frequent it became the center of the universe for many people. Marcus kept investing any profit back into the business to improve it. It now had three banquet rooms, a gourmet chef, and could entice the most elegant of guests.

The lights were dimmed and conversation was brimming quietly as they saw Lilly enter the room not only escorted by Marcus but by Harvey as well. All eyes were on Harvey and he knew it and, for once, he was uncomfortable. He looked all around not realizing he was searching for someone until he spotted her.

There she was. She was sitting way in the back at the bar. She was wearing a stunning dark green plunging halter style dress which brought out the dark emerald of her eyes and her luxurious red hair was swept to one side with a large rhinestone comb. Harvey's eyes when he finally spotted her were captivated. He smiled broadly in his happiness at seeing her feeling that she, as always, had anticipated his needs.

Harvey and Marcus escorted their mother to the table where her closest sister, Sally and her husband John sat to one side and Bobby was on the other. Marcus released his mom's arm as Harvey did from the other side and then he looked at the place card and noted that he had not been seated near Donna as he had hoped.

Instead he was sitting next to his cousin, MaryBeth, whom he had not seen in over 20 years.

MaryBeth was dark haired and blue eyed like her father. Harvey never got on well with most of his cousins, but he did this one. So he was mildly happy that at least he was able to sit next to someone with whom he was fond.

"Harvey!"

"Is that you, MaryBeth?" Harvey exclaimed.

"In the flesh. I am so happy you came to your mom's party. I suppose this means you made up with her?" MaryBeth asked. Harvey had complained to no one of his mother's infidelities growing up, but MaryBeth had always known something was off in his relationship with his mother. Hence, why she asked.

"Just did not too long ago. I gotta tell you. It is fantastic to see you!"

Donna searched the tables for her name and finally found it at a table next to the one where Lilly and immediate family sat. A large older man happened to be placed next to her.

"So how do you know Lilly?" The older large man inquired of Donna.

Donna swallowed, "A friend."

"Really. I thought you were going to say a student." The man must have partaken of too many fishy appetizers because when he spoke the odor reeked from his breath. Donna tried to turn her chair so she could not inhale it and also so she could focus on Harvey and the dark haired woman with whom he was animatedly speaking.

"No. Not a student," Donna said succinctly. Normally she flirted with most men who seemed attracted to her, but tonight the last thing on her mind was another man and another empty night. She knew her purpose here. She would not abandon it for any distraction.

Tonight she was determined that either Harvey and she would be a couple or she would have to look for employment in some other field or at some other firm.

In an attempt to find out more who the beautiful woman was speaking to Harvey, Donna decided to utilize the odorous gentlemen sitting next to her.

"So, what's your name, big guy?" Donna said flipping her head in a flirtatious way. Somehow he reminded her of Louis although not as full of himself.

"My name is Giles Lorcroft, milady," Giles said bowing over Donna's hand in an overweening way.

"Well, Giles, how do you know Lilly?" Donna asked.

The big guy winked and said, "Well, let's say we're a little more than co-workers."

"Really?" Donna said. She hoped that he did not come into contact with Harvey. It was bad enough for him when he found out that Bobby had married Lilly after having an affair for years behind Gordon Specter's back. Harvey had confided in Donna that Marcus' cancer had come out of remission and Bobby and she did all the heavy lifting and kept any trouble away from Harvey. Harvey felt bad because he had not really understood how deep the rift had been cut between he and his family until that moment. If no one had informed him of his brother's illness maybe seeking help from him then Harvey knew that they had survived without him. He felt bad that no one could even tell him, so Harvey decided to finally forgive Lilly and accept Billy as part of the family.

Donna proceeded with her pumping this former lover for information.

"Giles?"

"Yes, beautiful lady," Giles said in a most flirtatious way.

"Do you know who that dark haired woman is who is speaking with Harvey?"

"Yes, that's his first cousin, MaryBeth. I hear those two were really tight when they were kids. At least that's what Lilly used to tell me," Giles said laughingly with a wink.

"Really? I didn't know Harvey had cousins?"

"How long have you known Harvey? Do you know him in the biblical sense?" Giles asked still trying to flirt with Donna and get her story with the infamous son of Lilly.

"Well, that's for me to know and you to find out. Though I hope to make it your life's work because you may be disappointed," Donna said and then prepared herself for the toast to Lilly's continued good health.

"Happy Birthday, Lilly!" Everyone cheered and raised their glasses. First Bobby said something about how happy he had been all these years with Lilly. Then Marcus, Kate, and his kids toasted her. It was now Harvey's turn.

"Well, mom, I am so happy that I could be here for your special birthday. I love you, mom," Harvey said and kissed her cheek and then he raised his glass and they toasted her again.

Before the formal dining began, Donna watched as Harvey approached.

"Who invited you?" Harvey said smarmily.

"Who d'ya think, hot shot? It certainly wasn't you. If I didn't know better, you are happy to see me," Donna said.

"You know I'm happy you're here. I'm sorry for not inviting you. Yes, I know my mother had included you in the invitation," Harvey said looking straight at Donna and then taking a sip of his champagne.

"Thank you, Harvey. I'm glad I came, too," Donna said rising. She took Harvey's hand in hers and said, "See ya later, Giles."

Then to Harvey she said, "Take me to your mother. I want to let her know I arrived."

Harvey sniffed back a laugh and captured Donna's hand tightly in the crook of his arm.

"I will take you to see the birthday girl."

"Donna!" Lilly said opening her arms and giving Donna hug. "I am so happy you came. I am sure I am not the only one."

"Who else would be happy to have me here except you? Harvey doesn't matter. Happy Birthday, Lilly," Donna said patting Lilly's back as they embraced.

"What do you mean, "I don't matter?" Harvey piped up faking hurt.

"You know, Harvey," Donna said.

"Mmmhmmm," Harvey said and then was distracted by his cousin who had claimed him for a dance before the formal dining began.

"You're next," Harvey said pointing to Donna.

"Sure I am. Don't forget," Donna said noting the questions in his cousin's eyes.

Turning back to Lilly, she said to Donna, "Can you come with me for a minute? I wanted to talk to you about something."

"Well, if it's anything about my ensemble, I can't take the credit," Donna quipped.

Lilly just laughed and then taking Donna's arm led her to the Ladies' lounge.