After settling into his new, small New York apartment, Harvey decided to take a stroll, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the streets and the beautiful weather that defined this July. He still had a few days before starting his job as a lawyer at the New York City District Attorney's office, his first job as promised by Jessica a few years ago. In the meantime, he took advantage of the opportunity to explore, as he couldn't quite explain it, but he felt a deep unease within him for reasons he suspected. While things had never been easy at home and his dorm at Cambridge had been a good escape for three years, being alone in New York — far from Marcus and his father — weighed on him a little. He had tried to distract himself by going out, frequenting bars, and clearing his mind, but once alone in his apartment, the loneliness crept in, especially when he spotted the turntable his father had packed among his belongings. As he wandered, lost in thought through the Soho neighborhood, he suddenly stopped in his tracks in front of a wall covered in graffiti and filled with stickers, the name of the store written by hand on a sign above the door.
A1 Records
Quickly, almost without thinking, he stepped into the store. At first, the scent of paper hit his nose as a sea of colorful album covers flooded the room — the center, the walls, the tops of the windows, and even the ceiling — while the few voices in the store blended with the music playing in the background, creating an atmosphere that balanced excitement with calm. Not really knowing what he was looking for, he wandered through the aisles of records, letting his fingers slide over the album covers until he found himself in the jazz section. In a second, he began scanning the records, trying to find a cover that reminded him of one that used to lie around the house when he was a kid. As he was busy studying the various images, he was startled to hear a soft voice behind him.
«Hey, can I help you?»
Barely turning around, the young lawyer swallowed hard as he found himself face-to-face with her. She was around his age, shorter than him, but tall enough to meet his gaze. Her long, red hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, half of it gathered in a bun at the back of her head, held in place by a pencil. Her eyes were large and round, a perfect mix of brown and green, while Harvey's gaze lingered on the faint freckles scattered across her cheekbones and nose. He stood frozen for a moment — unable to understand what was happening — before she chuckled, her perfect mouth twisting into a wide smile as she murmured.
«I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you»
«It's fine, it's me. I was just lost in my thoughts» whispered Harvey.
«I noticed — so, can I help?»
«Mmh, it's fine, I'm not looking for anything in particular, just browsing»
«Alright, but if I could suggest something, I'd say this one»
«Wayne Shorter?»
«Yup — he's good»
«Alright, I'll trust you then» smiled the young man.
«Great — do you need anything else?»
«It's fine. I'll start with this»
«Perfect, you wanna pay now?»
«Sure»
As he followed her to the register at the back of the store, Harvey could feel his heart race, unable to understand what was happening to him as he'd never felt this way before. Was it stress? Was he impressed or embarrassed? He had no idea. Usually, when it came to girls, he was well in control. Ever since he'd seen his mother with her lover, his perception of love and relationships had drastically changed, and quickly, Harvey had decided that to avoid betrayal, it was better not to get too involved. So, since he was sixteen, he'd preferred to makeout, then sex a few years later when he was older, and move on the next day. He had never been interested in a girl like this, at least not in that way. But as she moved in front of him, vinyl in hand, dressed in a simple white t-shirt and light wide-leg jeans, Harvey struggled to swallow, feeling his heart race. As she went behind the counter, she took care of the wrapping while Harvey held out a crumpled bill, hearing her talk.
«Thanks — by the way, if you're happy with your choice, you could come back? I could recommend some other stuff. I work Tuesdays and Thursdays all day»
«Sure, yeah... I'll come back, yeah»
Flustered by the redhead, Harvey stammered for a few seconds before grabbing the bag she handed him, thanking her, and stepping out of the store, a bit shaken and not understanding what was happening to him. That evening, he didn't go out, nor did he try to find a girl to spend the night with. Instead, he undressed until only his boxer shorts remained, using the turntable before lying down on his bed and letting the first notes of the saxophone fill his small apartment. That night, he fell asleep quickly, the familiar rhythm of the instrument lulling him into a reassuring slumber, giving him the feeling of being at home, and the next day he continued to wander the streets of New York. Thursday arrived quickly — but not fast enough for the young man — as he found himself standing in front of the vinyl shop, taking a deep breath before walking in and searching for the young stranger with his eyes. When she seemed to be nowhere in sight, he stopped dead in his tracks upon seeing her talking to another customer — a slightly older man who was looking at her with interest — while they stood amidst the '80s rock vinyls. The moment she spotted him, she quickly excused herself from the older man before making her way over to Harvey, flashing a bright smile.
«Hey, you came back»
«Yeah. Well, you told me that if I liked the choice you made, I could come back for more recommendations»
«And you liked it?» smiled Donna.
«Sure, I loved it»
«Really? Damn, I'm good»
«What?»
«Oh, well... I've actually never listened to jazz in my life, I just had to find an excuse for you to come back, so I picked up the first I saw. I'm glad you enjoyed it»
«Oh» muttered Harvey.
«Yeah»
As they both seemed a little awkward, Harvey chuckled before hearing the redhead murmur.
«I'm Donna, by the way»
«Harvey»
«Well, nice to meet you, Harvey»
«Likewise, Donna»
«Need help picking your next vinyl?»
«I thought you didn't know anything about music» smiled the young man.
«I didn't say I didn't know anything about music, I just don't know jazz. But if you have questions about '90s girl bands or musicals, I'm your girl»
«Good to know»
«Also, I asked one of my colleagues just in case you'd come back»
«Now I'm curious»
«Good, follow me then»
After a few seconds of following her between the vinyl racks, they ended up in the same spot where they'd met a few days ago, and Harvey took a moment to observe her. This time, her hair was tied back in a ponytail, and she wore black pants and a loose, fluffy, light gray sweater. As she searched for vinyl, Harvey realized just how good she smelled, which made him want to bury his nose in the curve of her neck, dropping kisses on her skin there — what the hell was wrong with him? Quickly, he pulled himself together when she turned toward him, flashing a big smile.
«There it is»
«Charles Mingus?»
«You know him?»
«I've heard of him, but I don't have any of his records»
«I'm glad — I hope you'll enjoy it»
Once again, Harvey walked with her to the register as they exchanged a few casual words, both secretly hoping for Tuesday to come sooner, no matter what that might mean for either of them. The days passed, and while Donna worked as a waitress at a luxury restaurant in New York as a second job, Harvey started at the New York City District Attorney's office, feeling a little stressed, his tie tightening around his neck. With his usual confidence, he walked through the doors of the imposing gray building, made a good impression, and immediately got to work, his typical arrogant smile on his lips. On Monday, he stayed late into the evening, and by Tuesday, when the clock struck seven-thirty, he hurriedly gathered his things and ran to catch a taxi to Soho, arriving just before the vinyl shop closed. Out of breath, he entered the large room, now nearly empty except for a few curious people. Desperately looking for the redhead, he couldn't find her until he heard a voice behind him.
«My favorite client — you came»
Immediately, his heart started to race as he saw her, her trademark smile on her face, and after breaking into a big grin himself, he noticed her looking him up and down as he murmured.
«Yeah — Guilty as charged»
«The suit looks good on you»
«Really? Well, I'm more of a jeans and sweater guy, but I started my new job, so a suit is required»
«You work in what?»
«Lawyer for the New York City District Attorney's office»
«Seems serious»
«It is, yeah» chuckled Harvey.
«Well, you look handsome» smiled Donna softly.
Harvey was used to compliments — he was good looking, he was hot, he was good in bed, he was charming — but he had to admit, hearing Donna say it made him feel like a kid with his first crush. So after clearing his throat, he murmured softly.
«What about you? You're... a record store clerk?»
«Oh no, not at all. Actually, I'm an actress, but this is New York, so let's say I'm versatile — record store clerk, waitress, sometimes barista, and in my spare time, an actress»
«Oh, alright»
«By the way, I have to close now»
«Oh sure, of course. Well, I'll be back Thursday then, I need a new vinyl»
«I figured. But... you can walk me home? I live not too far away»
Afraid of being too forward, Harvey hadn't dared ask, not wanting to seem like a creep following her after barely a week of knowing each other. But now, she was the one offering, and Harvey had to admit that, if he was already charmed by her, her directness and openness made him melt as he muttered.
«You don't mind?»
«I'm the one offering, so let's go?» smiled the redhead.
«Sure, yeah»
As he wandered between the vinyl racks, Donna closed the register, grabbed her handbag, and moved toward him, loosening her hair so it fell freely down her back. She ran a hand through it to relieve the tension from having it tied up all day, and Harvey couldn't help but wish it was his hands doing that for her. After closing the storefront, the two of them began walking side by side — him in his suit, her in much more casual attire — talking about everything and nothing, both feeling as though they were alone in the world. It was strange, neither could explain why, but they felt as if they had known each other for years, fully comfortable with one another in a way neither had experienced before. Maybe it was because Donna was open and genuine — something Harvey appreciated — or maybe it was because he hung on every word she said, as if he needed it to breathe, but twenty minutes later, she stopped in front of an old, dilapidated building.
«This is where you live?» murmured Harvey.
«Yeah»
«It's…»
«A shithole — agreed»
«I didn't want to say it» snorted Harvey.
«Well, like I said, I'm versatile. A twenty-two-year-old broke actress in New York, so for now, this shithole is what I share with a roommate until — who knows — maybe the big role comes along and I'll buy that huge mansion in Los Angeles with a pool. Or maybe you'll buy it for me with your lawyer salary when you make millions»
Clearly surprised but charmed by her playful little smile, Harvey chuckled before murmuring.
«You're gonna be that honest?»
«What? Save time» giggled Donna.
«True»
«Alright, I'll stop before I scare you. But we'll see each other again, right?»
«I'll try to stop by the shop if my boss doesn't bury me in work»
«Good»
Without warning, she approached him, stood on her tiptoes, placed her hand gently on his cheek, and planted a soft kiss on the other, making Harvey blush despite himself as she pulled away with a giggle, throwing one last glance over her shoulder before disappearing into the building. Harvey wanted to slap himself for being so... weak? God, he had no idea. He wasn't like this. Normally, he was self-assured, in control, but around her, he lost all of that confidence. It was clear she was the one in control now, and he was like a puppet, responding only to his heart, abandoning the little reason he had left. After standing for a few moments in front of the building, Harvey finally collected himself and left, deciding to walk to clear his head and reflect on everything that was happening. Donna was beautiful — he would even say, particularly perfect — and while normally he would have done everything to end up in her bed, this time, he wanted to take his time, get to know her first, something he had never done before, beyond their first names. But as they strolled through Soho, talking about their lives, he found himself obsessed with every little detail about her, eager to learn more. The moment they parted ways, it even... hurt? God, he was screwed. That was the thing that terrified the young lawyer the most: the thought of suffering. The thought that a girl could have so much power over him to break his heart and make him feel as hurt as Lily had made Gordon feel. He'd seen his father when his mother left, how broken he was, the anger replaced by sadness in his eyes, as if Harvey felt a part of him had gone with her. He didn't want to experience that, but it seemed like fate had chosen a different path for him. And while he hoped it wouldn't go any further, he couldn't deny that Donna didn't seem ready to let go of him, much to Harvey's surprise — and quiet delight. For a few weeks, Harvey worked a lot on weekends and throughout the rest of the week to leave earlier on Tuesdays and Thursdays, running to the store, out of breath, to see Donna waiting for him. Each time, he walked her home, both of them chatting side by side, sometimes taking detours to spend more time together, until they reached her place, where Donna would end the exchange with a simple kiss on his cheek. This little game had been going on for a month now, and even though Donna could see him giving in little by little, she could tell that something was holding him back — that he wasn't letting go completely. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
«Hey»
«Hey»
«I was afraid I'd miss you, but my boss asked me to do something last minute»
«It's fine, I would've waited for you anyway»
As she looked at him with a small smile, she could see a mix of emotions in his eyes — tenderness, fear, and a hint of satisfaction. Donna couldn't explain why she was doing this, she wasn't the type to chase after a guy — far from it — but as soon as she saw him walk into the store, she had immediately fallen for him without even knowing him. Aside from his attractive appearance, there was something in his demeanor that pulled her in like a magnet — a blend of confidence and vulnerability that made her legs turn to jelly. It had now been a month since she'd been sending him clear signals, and while he had been responding little by little, she decided it was time to act for real. So as he eagerly awaited Donna's kiss on his cheek, he was surprised to see the redhead looking at him with a big smile while whispering.
«By the way, I saved a vinyl for you today»
«Really?»
«Yeah. My colleague told me it was iconic»
«John Coltrane — thanks, Donna. How much do I owe you?»
«Nothing»
«Seriously, Donna. You're broke, remember?» smiled Harvey.
«It's fine, I'll skip a meal for you» smirked the redhead.
«Hey»
«I'm kidding — anyway, I hope you'll think of me tonight. I have to go, but we'll see each other soon?»
As she did every evening, she leaned in, placed a hand on his cheek, gently kissed him on the other, and then disappeared, leaving Harvey staring at the vinyl cover in the middle of the street. After about twenty minutes of walking, Harvey arrived home, still working on some files until a headache started to creep in, prompting him to stop for the night. So he decided to take his shower, stepping out of the stall with the towel low on his hips and his chest still damp. He then walked to his room, grabbed the vinyl, and stared at the black-and-white cover for a few seconds, the saxophonist photographed in the center. As he pulled the record out of its sleeve, he stopped dead in his tracks when he noticed a sticky note stuck to it, a feminine handwriting leaving a little message.
Maybe next time we could listen to it together. In the meantime, what about a date? Call me
Beneath the phone number written on the note, it wasn't signed, but the little smiley drawn underneath made Harvey chuckle as he imagined Donna writing that message for him in the back room of the vinyl store. He quickly removed the sticky note and stuck it on the wall above the record player before plugging everything in and letting the sound of the saxophone fill the room. For nearly twenty minutes, he lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about what he could send her to avoid messing things up — after all, this would be his first date. So after a few moments of thought, he grabbed his phone, dialed the number, and put the device to his ear, his heart racing as he heard the sweet voice of the redhead, tinged with a bit of sarcasm — her tone being his favorite these days.
«Hello?»
«Donna? It's Harvey»
«Hey, I was starting to think you were lying to me about the vinyls, that you weren't really listening to them.
«I do, it's just that I had a lot to do, and I just finished. Anyway, I saw your note»
«You did?» chuckled the redhead.
«I did, yeah»
«What do you think?»
«I think it's a great idea. Do you like Italian?»
«I love it»
«And what about Thursday night?»
«Are you picking me up at the vinyl shop?»
«I'll be there»
«I can't wait»
«Me neither» murmured Harvey.
«See you, Mr. Lawyer»
«See you, Donna»
After hearing one last chuckle from the redhead, she hung up, leaving Harvey alone in his studio as he reflected on the upcoming date. He was conflicted — on one hand, he felt a bit ashamed that he hadn't thought of it earlier, that it was up to her to take the first step, but on the other hand, he was panicking. Donna was amazing, and he knew he was already screwed, but a date... well, that was a big step. Anyway, at that moment, he was torn between the anxiety of what was going to happen and the excitement of going on a date with the woman who had been occupying his thoughts for weeks. As the vinyl continued to spin, he got out of bed, slipped on his boxers, and ended his evening reading through some files, all while the soothing music of John Coltrane played in the background. Days passed, and aside from a few exchanged messages, they hadn't seen each other again until the night of their much-anticipated date. Harvey had thought about it day and night, even searching the internet for tips on what a successful date should look like, making sure he was prepared. At exactly seven o'clock, after freshening up in the DA's restroom, he stood waiting in front of the vinyl shop, a huge bouquet of flowers in his hand, nervously shifting on his feet while staring down at his polished shoes, until he heard her enchanting voice.
«Hey you»
In a split second, he looked up, swallowing hard when he saw her. The redhead had traded her usual jeans and T-shirt for a navy blue jersey dress with long sleeves that stopped mid-thigh, revealing her long, pale legs. God, she was so beautiful.
«Hey»
«Are those flowers for me?»
«Yeah — here»
«Thank you. Red roses?»
«I hope it's not too cliché» chuckled Harvey, a little embarrassed.
«Well, I love clichés»
«Good to know — should we go?»
After an excited nod from the redhead, they both began walking side by side through the streets of New York, passing by Hudson Square and Greenwich Village before stopping in front of the famous restaurant his colleague had recommended. But as she gazed at the place with stars in her eyes, Harvey swallowed hard, realizing he probably should've checked it out online beforehand. Not sure what to do when she noticed the young man had stopped moving, Donna murmured.
«Del Posto? Seriously?»
«Well…»
Faced with Harvey's silence and feeling a wave of panic rise within him, she giggled.
«Did you at least make a reservation?»
«You knew you had to reserve?»
«I didn't even know it was possible to eat here. I mean for average people, you know» giggled the redhead.
«I'm sorry, Donna. A colleague told me about it, and said it was a cozy little place. I didn't check it out, though, like I should've, but I —»
«You asked a colleague for advice?» smiled Donna.
«Yeah…»
«You're so cute. Come on»
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed his hand, intertwined their fingers, and tugged him into the street as their hearts raced from the new closeness, a rush of emotions swirling between them. For Donna, she was touched that he had really tried to make the evening perfect, even if it was a little awkward — something she found adorable. Harvey, on the other hand, was embarrassed that his night was turning into a disaster but also relieved to see it didn't seem to bother Donna. As they walked hand in hand, the redhead stopped in front of a small pizzeria not far away and turned around to look at him.
«How about we get a mix and share?»
«Perfect» smiled Harvey.
As Donna started to order at the small takeout pizzeria, barely able to fit a few people inside while their fingers remained intertwined, Harvey moved a little closer to her to let someone pass behind him, his chest now gently against her back as the closeness sent butterflies fluttering in his stomach, and he couldn't understand what was happening to him. Physical proximity with women wasn't new to him — quite the opposite — but with her, everything felt different. He found himself yearning for a different kind of closeness, like pressing his lips against her exposed shoulder right now. Lost in his thoughts, too focused on counting the freckles on her shoulder, he was interrupted by the vendor calling out to him.
«Hey, bello. Tell me, you're paying for your beautiful girl, right?»
«Of course, here» Harvey replied.
As he handed the man a bill, Donna turned her head slightly, giggling. Their faces were now just inches apart, and Harvey felt his heart racing, panicking at the thought that she might feel it pounding against her back. Once the payment was settled, Harvey grabbed the pizza box with his free hand while Donna took the beers with hers, and together, they walked into the New York night, searching for a place to sit.
«Is this okay here?»
«Yeah, perfect»
As they sat down on one of the benches at Hudson River Park, Donna opened the pizza box, and they both began sharing slices, chatting about anything and everything. They couldn't quite explain it, but it felt so natural between them — talking about trivial things while also delving into deeper subjects, never once getting bored. The warmth of the moment melted away any chill the night had brought — even if Harvey gave her his suit jacket at some point — and with each new glance, they could feel their hearts race. As Harvey popped a bite of margherita pizza into his mouth, he murmured softly.
«Hey, sorry about tonight. I'm sure Del Posto would've been way better»
As they sat facing each other, Donna slid her thumb to the corner of his mouth, probably to wipe off a bit of tomato sauce, then brought her finger to her lips to lick it. Facing the moment, Harvey swallowed hard, watching her as his gaze lingered on her playful smile, trying to act as if nothing unusual was happening.
«Don't worry about that, tonight is great — really»
Not wanting her to think he was easily flustered — and feeling comfortable enough to tease her, just as she had been doing with him — Harvey smirked and murmured.
«I'm glad, but don't get used to it. One day I'll take you to Del Posto»
«Really?» giggled the redhead.
«When I'll be rich and famous, I'll take you there to celebrate our anniversary or something»
«Our anniversary?»
«Yeah. Our meeting anniversary, or some other occasion, who knows?»
As Harvey saw Donna's cheeks flush under the glow of the lampposts by the water's edge, he felt his heart race again, mirroring the young redhead's own as she gently bit her lip, completely charmed by her date. Once they finished, they decided to walk back to Donna's apartment, about a twenty-minute walk away with, once again, their fingers intertwined, and the conversation picked up right where it had left off. About ten minutes later, as they passed Abingdon Square, Harvey heard Donna murmur softly.
«I really enjoyed this date with you»
«Really?» smiled the young lawyer.
«I had a lot of fun»
«I'm glad, then»
«Me too»
«Can I admit something?» whispered Harvey.
«Sure. What?»
«It was my first date, actually»
«Seriously?» giggled Donna.
«Yeah»
«You're lying»
«No, really. I've been with girls — more than I care to admit — but this was my first actual date»
«How is that possible?»
«Let's just say I'm not the biggest believer in love, serious relationships, and all that shit»
«How so?» whispered Donna with worries.
Without fully understanding why, Harvey blurted it out, not thinking as he looked down at his feet.
«My mom cheated on my dad when I was a teenager and broke his heart. Since then, I've had a hard time believing that someone can love another person for their whole life and commit to forever. So I've never really had the desire to experience that»
For a few seconds, neither of them said anything as they continued walking slowly hand in hand. Harvey felt relieved to have said it but dreaded the redhead's inevitable questions, not wanting to discuss it any further, but when she turned her head to look at him and saw him turn away to avoid meeting her gaze — probably too hurt or ashamed — she murmured.
«I'm glad I asked you on a date, then. It would have been a shame to miss that, huh?»
Hearing her words, Harvey was surprised that she didn't push him to talk more and simply accepted it. So he looked at her again, a relieved expression on his face, as she smiled at him with an adorable look that melted the lawyer's heart. As they continued walking toward Donna's apartment, they both stopped in front of the building, now facing each other as Donna slid her thumb over the knuckles of Harvey's hand, gazing at him with hope in her eyes.
«So? How was this first date? What did you think?»
«I never would've thought I'd enjoy it this much»
«Enough to go for a second?» whispered Donna.
«Of course. But this time, it's my turn to make the first move, so I'll let you know, alright?» smiled Harvey.
«I'll be waiting to hear from you, then»
As she looked at him tenderly, Harvey had one overwhelming desire: to kiss her and never stop — but she wasn't like the others. For the first time since he'd started walking her home, he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek, letting his lips linger just a little longer than expected as his heart pounded as they pulled apart, exchanging a look full of tenderness and admiration. Donna stepped back to enter her building, casting one last glance over her shoulder before disappearing inside, leaving Harvey standing alone on the sidewalk. That night, neither of them could really sleep. The excitement of the evening was still too fresh, keeping them both wide awake as the anticipation of seeing each other again filled the air. After that date, they were inseparable — texting each other all day, calling from time to time, while Harvey impatiently awaited Tuesday, when he'd meet her at the vinyl shop. But as he sat at his desk, the day seemed endless, staring at his screen and the last message from Donna telling him she was on a break and finished at four o'clock. He could wait one more day — barely twenty-four hours... He could do it, right? Well, apparently not, as he quickly dialed her number, hearing her voice just a few seconds later.
«Do you miss me already?»
«Terribly — are you still on break?»
«I need to go back in a few minutes»
«What's the address where you work?»
«Why?» giggled Donna.
«How about a coffee together?»
«166 Crosby Street»
«I'll pick you up at the end of your shift, then»
«Can't wait»
As soon as they hung up, Harvey finally managed to get back to work, his impatience growing as he waited for the hours to pass so he could meet the redhead who had been making his heart race for the past few weeks. When they finally reunited, they walked hand in hand through the streets of New York, grabbing coffee to go and strolling along the Hudson River, chatting about everything and nothing, enjoying every second, and as they made their way back toward her place, Harvey murmured.
«Hey, what about tomorrow? Want to do something special? Nightclub?»
«How about we do that on Friday night? I'm working at the restaurant until 10, but I'm off on Saturday — so hangover's allowed»
«Friday works for me» smiled Harvey.
«Great. I can't wait»
In the end, waiting until Friday felt like torture for both of them. After Harvey finished his day and Donna told him to meet her at her place while she finished getting ready, he would have normally rushed there without a second thought. But this time... he was a little... nervous? He walked toward her apartment with a hundred thoughts racing through his mind, like a teenager about to lose his virginity — except, of course, he was far from inexperienced and had no intention of jumping straight into bed with the redhead. God, what was wrong with him? When he finally stood at her door, he took a deep breath and knocked. As he was looking at his shoes, the door opened just a few seconds later, revealing her beautiful face.
«Hey»
«Hey»
«Come on in, I'm almost ready, but make yourself at home. My roommate's not here»
Once inside Donna's apartment, Harvey saw the redhead in a black silk dress, a little longer than the one from their date, hugging her figure perfectly as he couldn't help but imagine slipping his hands around her waist and on that bouncy ass — dude, stop. As she headed to her bedroom, Harvey caught a quick glimpse of the interior — his mind wandering to all the things they could do in her bed — before he turned and took in more of her space, learning more about Donna. A few minutes later, she came out wearing high heels, slipping on her earrings as she talked to him with a soft smile.
«Are you ready to go?»
«Yup, let's go»
Barely had their fingers intertwined when they left the apartment, heading toward a nightclub not far from Donna's place. They ordered their first drinks at the bar, managing to converse despite the loud music around them. Normally, Harvey would've had a few drinks, letting everything fade into the background except for the color of women's hair, ensuring he'd wake up the next day with a blacked-out memory and a woman by his side. But tonight, he really wanted to enjoy the evening, and as he sipped his whiskey and Donna drank her cocktail, she leaned in toward him, whispering in his ear. The action sent a shiver down his spine, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
«Let's dance»
Soon they were on the dancefloor, getting closer and closer, Donna's finger caressing Harvey's neck while the young lawyer's hands wandered down her back, dangerously brushing against the curves of her ass. Little by little, their bodies inched closer, the drinks kept coming, and they were both completely obsessed with each other, as everything around them seemed to fade into the background. It was almost four in the morning when Harvey walked Donna back to her place, and as they stood in front of her building, the young lawyer tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes locking with hers, noticing the way they shimmered from the alcohol. Even if he wanted to stay, after a few seconds, he murmured softly.
«I really want to kiss you, but we're a bit drunk»
«Too bad, then» giggled Donna.
«Too bas… Yeah»
«You're a good guy, Harvey»
«If you say so…»
«You are, yeah — will we see each other soon?»
«I can't wait, yeah»
As Harvey stared at her lips, slightly parted, the urge to kiss her was almost overwhelming, but he sighed, instead placing a tender kiss on her cheek. He inhaled her scent — a mix of her delicate perfume and the sweat from dancing — before reluctantly stepping away, ensuring she was safely inside before he left. The days passed, and they tried to see each other at least twice a week. Their walks to her place and quick coffee breaks transformed into entire afternoons spent on picnics and late-night dinners as Harvey had never been in a relationship, let alone one that lasted long enough for him to consider the possibility of something deeper. Usually, the women he spent time with were nothing more than fleeting moments, their names forgotten by morning, but with Donna, he found himself wanting more. The idea of just being with her — sharing simple, perfect moments — felt like something he could hold on to forever. It wasn't just about the physical attraction, though he couldn't deny the many mornings he woke up aching from dreams about her. It was about the connection, as he didn't want to forget her or move on to something else. No, he wanted her — but it was new, it was terrifying, and he had no idea what to do with these feelings. What he did know was that he wanted to be with her, to hold on to the way she made him feel like he could breathe again amidst the suffocating demands of the DA's office. So, every chance he got, he'd join her at the vinyl shop or the restaurant where she worked, walking her home afterward, learning more about her every day as they kept talking again and again. Donna was perfect in a way that made him question everything he thought he knew about relationships. Slowly, he was stepping into a world that was unfamiliar to him but felt right. One afternoon, after nearly a month and a half of dating without anything more than a few stolen kisses on the cheeks and whispered words, they found themselves sitting at a café terrace, chatting about their lives, both of them aware that something was shifting, but neither knowing exactly what it meant.
«There is a new shitty Thai place near Sixth Avenue, how about Thursday night?»
«I can't, I have my theater performance»
«Oh yeah, right. Can I come?»
«Are you interested? I thought you didn't care about theater?» giggled the redhead.
«But I care about you» smirked the lawyer.
«I'll try to get you a seat, then»
As the afternoon faded into evening, Harvey walked Donna home, the weight of the upcoming night pressing on his mind. After parting ways with her, he made his way back to his apartment, eager for Thursday's plans — especially since Donna had confirmed a seat for him at the front row of the small theater in the Tribeca neighborhood. He could hardly contain his excitement about seeing her on stage, even though he had yet to fully grasp the depth of his own feelings. When Donna had joked if he needed any advice on what to wear, he was initially hesitant, unsure if a suit would be too much, but after much deliberation, he'd decided on a sleek, dark suit, paired with a large bouquet of flowers. The anticipation was palpable as he walked down the animated alley that led to the venue. The sounds of the city buzzed around him, but his focus was entirely on the night ahead — on Donna. As he approached the front desk of the small, cozy theater, he saw a young boy behind the counter, grinning up at him, and as Harvey couldn't help but smile back, the excitement of the evening's events building with each step he took.
«Good evening, how can I help you?»
«Good evening. Um, one of the actresses for tonight reserved a seat for me…»
«You're Donna's Romeo?»
«What?» murmured Harvey, a bit surprised.
«Well, she asked us to save a seat for her, and when we inquired and asked her to describe you, she simply said you were a handsome young man… We immediately understood you were her real Romeo. You're the first one she's invited, by the way»
«Oh… alright I guess?»
«Alright, I'll stop bothering you, lover boy. Here» giggled the young man.
«Thank you»
Once he had the ticket in hand, he didn't waste any time lingering in the lobby as he made his way inside the theater, found his seat, and waited for the show to start until, a few minutes later, the room was plunged into darkness. It was his first time at the theater, and he didn't know what to expect. Even though he thought it wouldn't be anything extraordinary, he was surprised to find himself completely mesmerized the moment she appeared on stage. She was stunning — breathtaking, even — and as she performed with emotion and confidence, dominating the scene and clearly in her element, Harvey had eyes only for her as he leaned forward to get a better view, his mouth slightly open, his eyes wide in awe. For nearly two hours, he was completely captivated by her, watching her play Juliet to perfection, as in that moment, he understood why the young man at the front desk had called him the real Romeo of the redhead. He hung on to every word she spoke as if it were sacred, but he couldn't ignore the way the Romeo on stage was touching her. It was probably part of the play, but as his gaze remained fixed on Donna from the start, he felt a twinge of something he'd never experienced before when he saw the other actor's lips approach hers. He quickly turned his attention to his feet in the darkness, feeling a wave of jealousy, and a few minutes later, as the play came to an end and everyone began leaving the theater, he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket as he saw that Donna had just sent him a message:
Meet me in my dressing room
It wasn't even a question, more of an order, and as his heart raced, he didn't question it. He stood up quickly and asked for directions to find the redhead, and as he passed by the different dressing rooms, he spotted her from a distance — her long, wavy red hair, the color that haunted most of his nights. Immediately, he approached her, whispering softly.
«Hey»
«Harvey. Hey — so? Did you like it?»
«You were incredible»
«Really?» giggled the redhead.
«Yeah. I mean, I was sure I'd hate it and get bored, but Donna... what you did back there, it was crazy»
«I'm glad you liked it»
As she moved closer to him and turned her back to him, pushing her long hair to one side to expose her neck, silently indicating she needed help with the zipper, he brought his trembling fingers to her dress, holding his breath. It wasn't the first time he had helped a girl undress — far from it — but in that moment, it felt like it was. As he dreamed of placing his lips on her pale skin, dotted with freckles, he was suddenly interrupted by the door opening and the sound of a male voice.
«Hey Red, how about —»
While the scene might have been misleading — Harvey helping Donna undress — it was when he saw that it was the young man from earlier — the one who had kissed the redhead on stage — that Harvey took a deep breath to steady his nerves. Seeing that his co-star wasn't alone, the guy quickly excused himself, stepped out, looking at Harvey with jealousy, and closed the door behind him to leave them alone. Once alone, Harvey seized the opportunity to pull the dress a bit more, drawing Donna closer to him, whispering softly.
«But you know what I didn't like? Seeing you kiss that guy»
Between Harvey's hot breath in the crook of her neck and the way his voice had deepened, almost like a threat, Donna's legs turned to jelly, and she wanted nothing more than to fall into his arms. But while she loved flirting with him and doing everything she could to make him lose his composure, she turned to face him, her eyes filled with desire. Without a word, she let her dress fall to the floor at her feet and walked away. Seeing her in only a bralette and a legging showing her bouncing ass, Harvey wanted to fall on his knees and begged her to take him to her bed, but not wanting to show her how weak he was when it came to her, he just kept talking while she put on a loose hoodie and took her duffle bag. Once she was ready, Harvey continued chatting as they left the theater, and while she greeted the few young people working at the reception, he couldn't help but smirk when he overheard the young man teasing the redhead.
«I didn't know you were into suit guys»
«Bye, Andy» giggled Donna.
«See you, Red»
That night, once again, they walked hand in hand back to her place, discussing the redhead's performance while Harvey felt like he was losing his mind every time he was with her, unable to understand what was happening to him. It had been weeks now that they had been circling around each other — a first for the lawyer, who had never experienced anything like this before. Even though he dreamed of moving to the next step, he was content with how things were — just the two of them, spending all their time together and talking about everything and nothing. So, once they were standing in front of her place, they exchanged a small, knowing smile as Donna whispered.
«Well, here we are»
«We are indeed»
«Thanks for walking me home» whispered Donna.
«Well, I'm at your service — see you Tuesday?»
«Unfortunately, I have to stay later and do inventory at the vinyl store…»
«Your boss won't mind you being accompanied?» smiled Harvey.
«He doesn't have to know» smirked the redhead.
«Perfect. See you Tuesday night then»
«Yeah, see you Tuesday night»
Once again, she stood on her tiptoes, placed her hand on his cheek, and pressed a tender kiss to the other while Harvey's hand rested at the small of her back, and he sighed contentedly as her lips touched his skin. After parting, they exchanged one last look full of tenderness before Donna entered her home as the lawyer left a few seconds later, calling for a taxi. In the meantime, things continued as usual — Donna alternating between bars, restaurants, and auditions, while Harvey stayed at the DA's office, working day and night to get ahead on his cases so he could spend all his free time with the redhead who consumed his thoughts. Then, the infamous Tuesday arrived, and barely having time to grab flowers, Harvey knocked on the half-closed metal shutter of the store to alert Donna of his arrival. As soon as she arrived, she opened the entrance just enough for him to slip inside, and the two found themselves face to face, only inches apart, while Donna whispered, a big smile on her face.
«Hey»
«Hey — here, this is for you»
«Flowers? You know how to touch my heart»
«Did I score some points?» chuckled the lawyer.
«You scored a lot of points»
«I'm happy to hear that, then»
«Come on, it'd be a shame to have come all this way for nothing, you can give me a hand»
With one last smile, Donna grabbed Harvey's hand and led him to the back room, where he hurried to help her unload some rather heavy boxes. Having removed his suit jacket, he was left in just his white shirt, which clung to his biceps while the redhead bit her lip slightly as she watched him — god, he was hot.
«Hey — aren't you going to help me?» snorted Harvey.
«I prefer watching you» smirked the redhead.
«Did you see those muscles?»
As Harvey began to flex his muscles, showing off his bulging biceps stretched out against the fabric of his white shirt, Donna had to admit she was dying to know what was hiding under that costume. So wanting to get into his little game, she reached out, touching his arm — her legs turning into jelly at the same time — as their bodies were now close to each other. If the moment was filled with unfulfilled tension and desire, they were quickly cut off when someone rang the doorbell — the delivery guy with the shitty Thai order from earlier. Reluctantly, they pulled away, and as they settled into the back room, the two dishes and beers now placed on a small table, the sound of a jazz album played softly in the background from the turntable near the register. Immersed in the romantic atmosphere, they allowed themselves to be carried away by the sound of the saxophone, Donna's soft voice blending with Harvey's deeper, more resonant one. They exchanged tender glances while feeding each other, savoring their meal until it was finished. After clearing everything away, they refocused on organizing the vinyl, which was supposed to go faster with two of them — if only they could stop interrupting each other to steal glances every thirty seconds. As they neared the end of their task, Donna stepped back to admire their work, only to trip slightly when she collided with Harvey's feet. Instantly, he caught her, his arms wrapping around her waist as her back pressed against his muscular chest as she could feel his warm breath on her neck, the butterflies in her stomach going wild. Holding her tightly, she whispered softly.
«You know, if you wanted a dance, you could have simply asked me»
«Will you grant me this dance, Miss Paulsen?»
Immediately, she turned toward him, hooking her arms around his neck as they began to sway on their feet, their gazes locked in each other while only the music and the sound of their racing hearts filled the silence. She was so perfect, so beautiful, that Harvey felt a pang in his chest as he looked at her. When Donna saw a wave of panic flood his eyes, she tightened her arms around his neck, pulling their bodies closer together as they both knew exactly what the other was thinking, but neither dared to say it aloud — well, Harvey didn't dare, as once again, Donna took control.
«When are you going to kiss me?»
Not wanting to hide behind his fears anymore or pretend — especially because he felt safe and at peace with her — Harvey leaned in, his nose brushing against Donna's before he whispered, his eyes closing as he braced himself for her reaction.
«Are you going to break my heart?»
«I don't even think I am capable of doing this»
Without another word, he pressed his lips to hers, an explosion of feelings and emotions overtaking them. Neither of them had ever felt anything like this just through a kiss, and yet, as Harvey caught her bottom lip between his before sliding his tongue against it, they both realized they were in love, completely crazy about each other. Quickly, Harvey held Donna's face between his large hands, pushing her body with his until she collided with a shelf full of vinyl. As they continued on and on, Harvey being completely obsessed with the taste of her lips, the redhead pulled away a little, letting the lawyer trail his lips down her neck as she whispered.
«How about we continue the evening at my place?»
Without even replying, he kissed her, making it clear that he was more than willing to accept her proposal, while Donna hurriedly picked up what was lying around, tidied everything up, and then closed the shop, with Harvey following her like her shadow, his arms around her waist, dropping kisses on her neck and shoulders non stop. He was addicted to her, completely crazy about this girl he'd known for barely two months, yet who made him feel like she'd always been by his side. He was in love with her, it was undeniable, and as terrifying as it could be, he was excited by the idea that he was finally experiencing this happiness too, that he wasn't doomed to be unhappy for the rest of his life. Even though the trip from the vinyl store to Donna's apartment wasn't that far, it seemed endless as Harvey struggled to let go of the redhead, even walking backward just to keep kissing her while she moved on. When they finally reached her place, Harvey didn't even wait for her to close the door behind her before he lifted her up and carried her three flights of stairs to her floor. As she was now pressed between the lawyer's body and the door, she couldn't help but search for her keys in her bag, with Harvey making the task far from easy.
«Harv, I won't be able to find my keys if you don't —»
As he broke the kiss to focus on her neck, Donna found it easier to locate the keys in her bag now that he had released her face, while he murmured against her skin.
«Is your roommate here?»
«Nope. She's at her parents' place in Vermont for the week»
«Good, we'll be able to make as much noise as possible» chuckled Harvey.
«And on every piece of furniture in the apartment» whispered Donna.
«Damn it, woman»
Barely inside, they lost their clothes in the entryway, starting with heavy making out on the kitchen island, then the living room couch, the hallway leading to her bedroom, and finally ending up in the redhead's bed. As they flopped down on the mattress, Harvey devoured Donna's neck before whispering against her skin.
«Fuck, you're driving me crazy»
«Harv» moaned Donna.
As she flipped them over and found herself straddling him, she pushed her ass against her crotch as he moaned, holding her hips tightly in his big hands to stop her, murmuring with a trembling voice.
«Do go too hard, I haven't had sex in almost three months — since the day we met — so it's a little more... sensitive right now»
«Will you be able to make me come?»
«All fucking night»
«Just tonight?» whispered Donna.
As she whispered in his ear, her lips placing open-mouthed kisses on his neck, Harvey swallowed hard, knowing this moment could change everything. Though he understood he needed to take his time to think, it felt inevitable, and this time, it was his turn to flip them over. Now above her, he leaned down to kiss her, his lips brushing against hers as he whispered softly.
«My entire life if you want me to»
After that, neither of them really spoke, taking turns undressing each other, discovering the body they had fantasized about for weeks. For a long time, Harvey was peppering every inch of Donna's skin with his lips, completely obsessed with the texture and taste of it while the redhead dug her nails into every muscle she touched, hearing him moan again and again against her body. The first time was quick and satisfying, as it should be, while the second time was more romantic and passionate, and as for the third time, it had been more languorous and fun. In the end, after almost three hours of intense and delicious sex — interspersed with moments of cuddling and talking to catch their breath — both of them fell exhausted next to each other. Immediately, Donna snuggled against him, caressing his wet chest while whispering softly.
«I'm happy I have the day off tomorrow»
«I think I'm going to call in sick» snorted the young lawyer.
As Donna was giggling at Harvey's insinuations, her body aching from so much physical activity and unusual position, she sighed before snuggling against him. For a few minutes, neither of them said anything, staying close, with Harvey running his fingers along Donna's damp back as he began to reflect on everything that's happening right now, how his life was changing, and how he had no idea what was going on. Feeling Harvey's heartbeat quicken beneath her head resting on his chest, she squeezed his hip before murmuring.
«What's going on?»
«I'm in love with you, Donna»
He hadn't thought it through, he had simply decided to confess everything because he was tired of waiting and hiding, wanting nothing more than to be fully happy with her. When he was with her, he felt whole, truly happy, and himself, as if nothing and no one could touch him. He was only twenty-three, young, with so much more to live and experience, yet when he was beside her, it felt like he already knew everything — as if he had already figured it all out. As he waited for a response from Donna, panic creeping in that maybe he had imagined it all and that she didn't feel the same, he let out a quick breath when he felt her kiss his bare pectoral, then rested her chin on his chest, gazing at him lovingly.
«That's a good thing, since.. you know, I love you too»
«Just…»
«What?» whispered Donna.
«Don't break my heart»
«Never — alright?»
«Alright»
After that emotionally charged moment, they talked well into the night until they fell asleep in each other's arms. That night, everything changed for them. As young and innocent as they might have been, they were convinced that their story was meant to last a lifetime, that they had found their person, and that nothing or no one could tear them apart. So, every morning, they woke up in each other's arms, had breakfast together — either in Donna's bed or in Harvey's living room — before heading off to their daily routines. Harvey continued climbing the ranks at the DA's office, while Donna alternated between the restaurant where she worked, the vinyl shop, and her auditions. Every evening, they found time for each other — often at Harvey's place since he didn't have a roommate. They chatted over beers, cooked together, and often ended the night dancing or making love in the middle of the living room, a jazz vinyl spinning softly in the background. Life was good — more than good — and neither of them could imagine their lives without the other now — well, Harvey couldn't even wait to put a ring on her finger, eager to show the world how deeply in love and serious he was. One morning, just after they had passed the one-month mark in their relationship, Donna was still asleep in his bed, lying on her stomach, her face half-buried in the pillow, and her red hair scattered around her, sparkling in the soft light. Harvey watched her, once again struck by how beautiful she was, the very definition of perfection. How could someone as simple as a 5'8 " woman shake up his world and change his life? She was the one he had been waiting for without even knowing it, the one who would save him from his demons. She was everything to him, and God, he was so in love with her, it was almost sickening. As she had come home late the night before from her theater performance and had to do overtime at the restaurant, they had planned to spend their Sunday together to enjoy each other. But seeing how exhausted she was, he let her sleep, taking the opportunity to study every little freckle on her arm and shoulder until, unfortunately, he was soon interrupted by his phone. To avoid waking Donna, he quickly left the bedroom, phone in hand as he quickly replied.
«Hello?»
«Hey, son, I'm not waking you up, am I?»
«No, don't worry, dad, I was already awake»
«How are you doing? I'm sorry, I just got back from tour, didn't really take the time to check in on you»
«I'm fine»
«And New York? I know it wasn't easy at first... being alone, not having your bearings, so far from home... how's it going now?»
Now in just his boxers, Harvey stood in the living room, his eyes drifting towards the bedroom where Donna was still asleep. She hadn't moved, and every time his gaze landed on her, it hit him, just as it did now. The moment he had arrived in New York, he had felt the weight of loneliness creep in, even though he was surrounded by people. Every night, he'd come home to an empty apartment, feeling isolated and sad. Despite his life finally taking shape — money, success, recognition — there was always this gnawing discomfort that never left, until the day his eyes had fallen on her. She had changed everything. She had shifted his world, who he was, and had given him moments of intense happiness, where he had never felt so loved and so comfortable. When his father had mentioned how alone he was, how he no longer had his bearings and was far from home, it hit him again. He wasn't alone anymore — he had Donna by his side, all the time, forever. He might be far from his old bearings, but he had created new ones here — with Donna as his compass. And while New York was still the city that had taken him in, he realized now that it wasn't a place he needed, but a person. He never would have thought that by following his instincts and walking into a random vinyl shop, he would change his life forever. Yet, here he was, spending a quiet morning with the love of his life, feeling completely happy and at peace, and with his gaze still fixed on Donna, he smiled softly, his heart racing, before he replied to his father with a voice thick with emotion.
« I'm home, dad »