Donna Meets Lily -
Chapter 35
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
"Mike Ross," Mike answered his phone as Amy had gone home for the night.
"Mike, it's Donna."
"Donna! How's Harvey? Rachel told me that Lily called her to say that he was just suffering from dehydration and stress." He looked at his watch. It was 10:00 pm.
"Hey expectant momma, shouldn't you be sleeping?" Mike asked hoping that Donna was not neglecting herself as she worried for Harvey.
"I'm fine. Baby is kicking away. Listen I won't be able to sleep unless I tell you something."
"Sounds serious. What's up?"
"I don't know if Rachel or Harvey ever mentioned it to you, but when I found out I was pregnant I left the movie studio and the producers in the middle of production. The two executive producers threatened a suit against me, but when one did not come a short time after I came home I thought they might wait until the movie opened..."
"You just got served with the papers, right? Sons of bitches," Mike said. "So what did you want to ask me? If Harvey knows I am sure he'll countersue for more money than they think they will get from you. What would you like me to do?"
"Mike, we have legal contacts in California. Harvey went to school with a couple and one of them used to work in the D.A's office when we were there. However, I don't want Harvey actually doing anything with this because he is already stressed and needs to work here in Manhattan. He doesn't have the time, nor do I want to ask him to fly to California to meet with these lawyers. I can call them because I have met them and the one I think I would want is the one for whom I used to work before I moved to Harvey's desk back in the D.A.'s office."
"Are you sure you want me to go with you?"
"Of course, you'd better clear it with your wife."
"I will, but don't you think you should clear it with your intended?"
"Mike, he's my husband. We eloped when he came to California. Lily and Bobby were there as well."
"Well, I know congratulations are a little late, but you have them. Why the secrecy?"
"Initially we didn't want to take the focus off your wedding to Rachel. Then no one suspected anything, so we just kept it secret. I still want to have my big wedding. I still want the world to know that Harvey belongs to me. I know that sounds silly."
"No, not at all. It just seems anti-climatic because anyone who ever met either one of you and saw you two together would realize that you belong together."
"Well, thank you for that. However, you are the only other person who knows besides Lily and Bobby. Rachel doesn't know, but you can, of course, tell her."
"Ok, if Harvey says it's ok, then I will meet with his friend the ex ADA and plan your suit strategy. Now don't worry or you'll be in the OBGYN wing having that baby. Good night, Donna."
"Goodnight, Mike. Thank you."
Mike half smiled and then hung up.
Harvey awoke and looked around at the strange surroundings. He realized with a sudden jolt that he was not in his spacious king-sized bed in his condo. Looking over, though, he did see his beautiful redhaired wife sleeping peacefully. Her hand lie dormant on her belly where there baby was spending his developmental time. It must be rather early because there was hardly any noise except for the nurses coming and checking their patients.
Harvey rose out of bed and took the one step over to where Donna lay. She looked a little tired but absolutely beautiful like a woman from one of Botticelli's paintings. Plump with their coming child. He rubbed her cheek with one finger and then kissed her forehead.
He sat down on the chair where Donna had sat the previous night holding Harvey's hand. This time he placed his hand on hers. She was quick to wake, so he did not want to wake her. She needed her rest. In a couple of months they would be parents and their marriage would be celebrated and revealed to all their friends and family.
Harvey stared lovingly a few minutes more and then spotted a manila envelope sitting next to Donna's bag near the far side of the room next to the bathroom.
Oh, it's probably something from work... Harvey thought. Then again, he decided to just take a quick glance and make sure it was something that did not require his legal attention.
As he approached it, Donna had awoken and saw him. "Harveee"! was all that ventured out of her mouth as she watched him retrieve the manila envelope and begin to read the papers she had left outside of their envelope.
"Donna...is this the suit from the producers?"
Donna sat up in the bed as best she could. She took the bed controls and brought the bed to an upright position. She then swung her legs over and got out of bed. She came over to Harvey and took the papers from him. He was reluctant to release them at first and then he acquiesced. However, he wanted to know what her plan was. He knew she had one. This was Donna. She always knew what to do.
Donna took the papers and walked back to her bed. Harvey walked back to his and sat on the side looking across from her.
"So, how bad is it?" Harvey asked.
"They are suing me for one million dollars," Donna said softly.
"One million dollars! What scheister lawyer do they have?"
Donna chuckled. "It's funny to hear one lawyer call another one a scheister."
"Well, it's the truth. California...pompous state!" Harvey exclaimed. "I assume we're going to California armed and ready. I read that contract. There is no way we're settling for that kind of money. They were impuning your rights. You signed it under duress. They wanted you to have sex on screen with your co-star. They baited you and then switched the terms. If we can't show they were not being open about your job then there is something wrong with me!"
"Harvey, calm down. I think there is something you should know before you want to jump on a plane to LA."
"What is it?"
"I've asked Mike to come with me. I've already made a phone call to Madison Reilly. He is willing to meet with Mike and me a week from tomorrow."
"Donna!"
"Harvey, I would trust you with my life and have. It's not that, but I don't need you to be missed again at the firm. Lord knows, I don't want to be separated from you especially now."
"Then don't...you want Mike to go with you? You always have all your exes defend you in court cases?"
Donna bristled at that remark. "What the hell does that mean?"
"You didn't think I knew that you wanted to come to my desk all those years ago because Madison was a sleaze and would sexually harrass all his secretaries promising to date them and then fire them when they tried to press charges. Him?"
"We did date and that's when I came up with that rule. I knew I was falling for you and I knew you were a good man and would abide by that rule. However Madison is a just as tenacious about justice as you are and Mike is. That's why I want him to help me settle this out of court."
"Donna..."
"Harvey," Donna said taking a step forward to him and put his arms around him. "I love you so much. I love this baby so much. I don't want you to overwork and get stressed out and die of a heart attack on me."
"There's nothing wrong with my heart, Donna."
"Yes, but you have high blood pressure. You need to stay out of stress for a while."
"Like I'm not going to be out of stress while Mike and you are in California? What the hell are you thinking?"
"Ok. Let's make a deal," Donna said coming to sit beside him on the bed. She placed one arm around his shoulders and the other snaked around his waist and her head on his shoulder. She loved feeling the solidity of him in her arms. When she held him or he held her, she felt like she could conquer the world.
"If you let Mike and I go meet with Madison, I'll put you on via cell phone conference. Then you can still stay here and put your two cents in if you would handle a settlement a different way."
"But Donna, I am the best closer in NYC and LA."
"I know you are, but you taught Mike very well. Any other time I would beg you to be by my side, but the firm needs you right now. Besides, Mike won't let anything happen to me or us. Like I said, you can be there via conference."
"Ok, fine. However, if he really mucks it up, I'm on the first plane out there to Madison and relieving him of his duties."
"Deal." Donna said and then kissed him on the cheek.
"Well, is the doctor coming to release me or do I have to walk out without his blessing?" Harvey wondered.
Donna just smiled.
Lily did not have to be back at school for another couple of weeks. She and Bobby had not seen Donna and Harvey for a few months now and they had arranged to visit them in late August early September. Plans, however, change quickly so Lily and Bobby's visit was not going to happen until perhaps October. Then when Rachel called that changed everything back.
Harvey came home to a warm welcome from his mom and Bobby whom he was not surprised was there.
"Mom, I didn't think we'd see you until October," Harvey said hugging Lily and then shaking Bobby's hand who then pulled Harvey into a manly hug.
"Well, you collapsing just allowed us to move up the timetable," Bobby said.
"I'm fine. I'm just dehydrated. I'm sure Donna told you," Harvey said smiling.
"Yes. Now sit right here and you can have the lunch I prepared for you...Where's your wife, honey?" Lily asked looking around for her.
"She went to see Mike Ross about the suit that the producers brought."
"She's not consulting you? You're not only the best lawyer in town, but you are also her husband. You're condoning this?" Lily asked aloud.
"Yes, mom. Donna knows I should not leave the firm right now. She has Mike going with her and then she is having one of our old ADA's be her counsel. However, she said I could be on Skype at the meeting."
"Oh, ok. This doesn't bother you?"
"Well, I'd be lying if I said it didn't," Harvey agreed pursing his lips in a flat line. "Donna needs me and she doesn't want me there because she says the firm needs me and that I taught Mike well enough for him to help her."
"What about the other lawyer?" Bobby asked.
"Other than being a sleazy human being, he's a good lawyer," Harvey said excepting a glass of water and a couple of Advils. Harvey had a headache from all his thoughts and his almost fight with Donna. He was so tired although he had rested and slept deeply for eight hours.
"Mmmm..." Lily said.
Bobby looked over at her and knew she was plotting something. Lily always had this sneaking busy look about her eyes when she was planning something. Bobby watched Harvey lie down on his couch and then approached Lily where she stood leaning against the kitchen bar.
"What are you plotting, Lily?" Bobby inquired softly. He did not want to disturb Harvey with this foreboding feeling he was experiencing.
"I'm not planning. I just want to talk with Donna when she gets home, that's all."
"That's what I was afraid of. Please don't alienate our daughter-in-law."
"Ok. But I am not making promises."
Bobby looked skyward and silently thought Lord Help Us.
Donna came home a few hours later. She thought everyone out until she spotted Lily sitting on the couch with a large glass of Cognac in her hand.
"Lily?" Donna said as she removed her coat.
"Where's Harvey and Bobby?" Donna asked after Lily gave her no response.
"Harvey and Bobby are at the bar. I sent them away because I wanted to speak with you."
"This is about why I don't want Harvey to be my lawyer in California, isn't it?"
"Of course it is! Donna, are you crazy? That man would go to the ends of the earth for you. He's your husband as well. Why would you not want him there?"
"Lily. It's not that I don't have faith in Harvey's abilities. He's not the best closer in Manhattan for nothing. I get that. However, Harvey needs to be at the firm right now. I would never question it, but some are beginning to wonder whether Harvey is using excuses not to do his job."
"How do you know this? It's not just idle office gossip is it?" Lily asked tilting her head to face Donna who had taken a seat next to her on the couch.
"I was speaking with my assistant and catching up when he brought up a couple of situations which could have used his attention instead they were stuck with Louis."
"Louis? Louis swore to Harvey that he would contact him if anything earth shattering happened."
"Well, Louis is Louis. He's not always going to keep his word. He wants Harvey to think he can do Harvey's job."
Then Donna sat back and thought aloud, "Sometimes I wonder if Harvey can do Harvey's job."
"What?"
"Well, he has not had time to really process that he has to make all the tough decisions. It was fine when Jessica was there because he could rely on her sound judgment. Our situation hasn't helped him that I know."
"So, you think that if he doesn't go to California and help you that he will be able to do his job and not think about what's going on out there?"
"Lily, I know you're trying to help. Harvey and I both appreciate it, but I think we'd better work this out between ourselves."
Lily took a swig of her Scotch. She was feeling a little unnerved at the statement Donna just made. Hell, Harvey and Donna would never have become a couple without her interference. There was just too much stubbornness between them to ever have let go the complications without her intereference. Now there was a baby on the way. Was she being too intrusive in this situation? Lily looked at her brandy glass and swirled the amber liquid.
"You know normally I never drink, but lately Harvey and you are driving me to it."
Donna just stared and Lily stared back for a moment and then they broke up into paroxysms of laughter.
Later that same evening, Harvey and Bobby came into the condo. Harvey slammed his keys down on the counter as he walked by. As Bobby protested he said not to wake Donna if she was asleep.
"Too Goddamn bad! She's going to get up whether she likes it or not!" Harvey yelled. His voice echoeing in the vast open space and seemingly reverberating off the walls.
"Harvey, what are you shouting about? I'm up!" Donna said rising out of bed with some difficulty. She was dressed in her yellow maternity nightshirt that had "A Star Is Born" printed on it in cursive writing. She rubbed her eyes and awoke immediately as Harvey held her by the upper arms.
"Harvey, that hurts! Are you drunk?" Donna asked crouching a little bit to see if she could find her husband in those dark glaring eyes.
Harvey let go. Donna rubbed her upper arms.
"What is it?" Donna asked again a little more sternly. She did not appreciate being woken out of a sound sleep.
"Donna, I was out with Bobby and he made me understand a few things about myself that I think you were the only other person who had."
"Oh, and what was that?" Donna asked rubbing her belly lightly. The baby must have been disturbed by the harsh noises outside the comfortable cocoon in Donna's womb.
"You know, going to California and not wanting me there! If for not being your husband, I am Harvey Goddamn Specter and Madison knows what that means. Why do think he turned tale after the DA's office and headed west? Because he knew he could not compete with me!"
"Harvey, we've been through this. I want you to be there, but right now the firm needs you. There's at least five cases that have been filtering through some of the partners and are need of guidance. Katrina has been helping as much as she can, but even she doesn't have enough faith in Louis to ensure we don't lose those clients. Not to mention that shit going on with the Robert Zane's firm as well Bratton Gould. You do realize that they have been taking advantage of your absence."
"Donna, I don't care! For once, I am choosing you instead of the firm. Just like what a good husband and lawyer should do."
Donna then looked at Harvey who was looking a lot less Harvey of PSL and more like the Harvey she knew in California. His beard had grown in and he had not kept it in check. He was wearing relaxed clothing and his hair was not gelled to spikieness. She rose from the edge of the bed where she had taken a seat listening to his reasons for not wanting to stay at home at the firm which bore his name but be there with her who also bore his name.
She rose and lightly stroked her tummy and blew out a breath. She came up to Harvey and kissed him.
"I was waiting for this. I wanted you to fight me. There's the Harvey I love. I knew you couldn't keep away. You're not going for me, but going for yourself because you like a good fight and you want to win so bad you can taste it."
Harvey smiled.
"You were tricking me. You wanted me to fight, so you made up this story about Madison, right?" Harvey smirked from the side of his mouth.
"Not exactly. I did employ Mike to accompany me, but I did not contact Madison. He had contacted me a few weeks back. He happened to have a condo down the street from where I was and he saw me outside while I was walking."
"What did he have to say for himself?"
"You know the usual... how's Harvey? Is he rich now? How many women has he banged in the last couple of years? Madison even gave me his number because he thought I was still available."
Harvey kept smiling. He was finally feeling more like himself. He had always been amused by Donna.
"So what did you tell him?"
"I told him the truth. Yes, Harvey's rich now. He's only banged a couple of women in the last couple of years and I'm one of them. I'm his wife and then I showed him my rings."
"You didn't!"
"I did. I then proceeded to tell him what he could do with his sleazy invitation."
Harvey smiled and took Donna in his arms and kissed her.
"You are an amazing woman."
"I know. Now can we please go to bed?"
Despite Donna's warnings, Harvey appeared in his office bright and early. He kissed his Firm's Operations Manager on the cheek as she lay sleeping and told her to not come in for at least an hour because she needed her rest. Donna told the Managing Partner to have a good day and she would see him in an hour. Then giving the baby bump a pat and saying a swift goodbye to his mom and stepfather who would be leaving for a hotel later in the day, jumped in the Lexus where Ray happily drove him to the office.
The elevator pinged and Harvey strode out onto the 50th floor. He was now PSL Harvey again: clean shaven, hair coiffed to the hilt, and impeccable power suit draped perfectly on his frame. He walked with determination into the other name partners' office who was currently having a meeting with Katrina (Louis' protege and senior partner), Rachel (Harvey's third year associate) and Mike (junior partner and Harvey's protege).
"Good morning all. Louis, may I have a word alone with you?"
Louis said, "Well, Harvey, this is actually a strategy meeting so I think whatever you have to say can wait."
Harvey's face looked a little pinched. His nostrils started to flare a tiny bit and his fists became a tad clenched.
"No, it's okay, Louis," Mike stated knowing that look on Harvey's face having been on the receiving end of the acid tongue contained in that face. "We all know what's happening. We're good, right?"
Katrina and Rachel nodded positively and hurriedly left Louis' office. Rachel shut the clear glass door as she left since she was the last one out.
Harvey waited until the door swung shut completely. He stood over Louis' desk. Louis sat with bent elbows on his desk and almost imperceptibly chewing a fingernail.
"So are you ready to be managing partner now or do you have some other physical ailment or has Donna gone into labor yet?"
"Louis, so help me, I want to be good to you and work with you because we have been through some shit together. However, every time I think I can rely on you your ego gets in the way and then you machinize some shit and PSL is sitting right in the middle of it."
"Well, someone has to run this place while you've been having some personal shit go on. First it's Donna and you and your love problems, then you're out with some hematoma crap and then you decide to faint once you and Donna come back and decide to make your situation permanent. It seems that lately your focus as been someplace else. Not on this firm! What would you have me do?"
Harvey took a seat. Before sitting down he unbuttoned his jacket, he looked down and told Louis.
"You're right, Louis," Harvey said shaking his head back and forth vigorously. "I have been focusing more on my personal life than I have this firm. Do you want to know why?"
"Not particularly," Louis said in a jealous tone. Louis had been losing more and more of his professional self since Tara left him taking the baby he was looking forward to fathering with her.
"I'm sure Donna told you about my reconciling with my mother and family many months ago."
"Yes. I was glad that that happened. You needed your family, Harvey. I understand that."
"I know. Then Donna and I finally happened which was fraught with its own complications. However, I know that's no excuse. You've done your best. I see that, so I need you to fill me in with the problems that the firm is facing. I hear that Bratton Gould is poaching and Zane is coercing his daughter to leave. Has Rachel come to you?"
"Harvey. I know Donna heard from Nick what's been happening. I would have come to you but you really weren't in any position to help."
"Yes, but I am now..."
"Except that you have to go back to California with Donna to help fight that suit that her producers brought."
"Well, she actually asked Mike to go with her and I am thinking that he's enough like me not to let us lose. I do need to stay here. I know there's another problem suit coming up from the ranks and I really need to be here. I told Donna that I would go with her but I am thinking that Mike should really handle it."
"So, why are you coming to me?" Louis asked feeling like the last one again to be allowed at the adult table.
"Because you are my partner and you have stepped up to do my job when I could not. I may not have agreed how you handled these situations but I am back now and I think we could work together to solve these issues."
Louis smiled and said, "No, Harvey, go with Donna. She needs you there. However, I can show you what's been done so far with the situations you heard of. Nick is a bit on the gossipy side so I wouldn't put much stock in what he's heard."
"He's Donna's assistant. I trust her, so I trust him. Amy is a good informant as well."
"Ok, Harvey, you made your point. I do need some of your strengths with some of these issues."
"Good. Now since I'm here do you want to dive right in?"
Louis said, "Sure, Harvey. Let's do it."
Harvey rose and put his hand out over Louis' desk offering a handshake on the deal and hopefully the end of the bitterness between them.
Louis took Harvey's hand in his and shook it firmly.
After Louis and Harvey had had their meeting with their game plan for the firms aiming for their firm, Harvey went to Mike's office to talk to him about strategy on Donna's suit. He walked in only to find his wife there and not his youngest junior partner.
"Donna!" Harvey exclaimed as he was surprised to see her in there. He looked at his watch and it was 9:30 am. He went over to where she stood against the window and gave her a kiss and a squeeze.
"Hey, I was only joking when I said you could sleep an hour," Harvey said smirking. "You should have taken the whole day."
"No. As for your knowledge, I was here at 8:00 am. So I only took a half-hour. I came in here to talk with Mike and tell him that you were going instead of him."
"About that, Donna. You see, I really listened to what you told me previously about how much the firm needs me and that Mike is as good as me to help you."
"So now you don't mind if Mike accompanies me?"
"Yes, I was just coming in to talk strategy and break down that contract with him."
"Oh, well, I need to jump on a call in about two minutes. I'll be next door if you need me."
"Ok. I'll see you later, Mrs. Specter," Harvey whispered and then kissed her deeply.