Poppy

Associate Season

Sure she was COO. Sure she had plenty on her plate. Sure she could mind her own business, but it was the Associate interviews, and that had been her favorite part of being Harvey's secretary.
She glanced into the hallway to see the Harvard drones. She slipped into Harvey's office as a candidate walked out.
"Donna..." his annoyed expression almost made her laugh. Almost. He hated this. Every year it seemed like they settled on the candidate that sucked the least, and if she were being honest, it hadn't been working.
"Listen I have six more interviews to get to," Donna turned to the extremely well dressed man of twenty four.
He stood casually with his hands in the pockets of his blue trousers. By the cut, it looked like a Tom Ford suit.
"I know you like the best. Well, I am, so I took a risk and cut the line. I doubt the zombies even noticed," he stood straighter and buttoned one of his suitcoat buttons, then checked his watch.
Donna stood stock still as she stared at a younger version of Harvey. His ego barely fitting into the room.
Harvey glared at him, "We follow protocol here."
The kid raised his hands in surrender.
"Look, if you'd rather go with Napoleon Dynomite, fine by me. I'm just streamlining the process. The names Cole. Lucas Cole."
Harvey rolled his eyes, "You trying to be James Bond?"
"Bruce Wayne, and Albert called. I have another interview with Bratton and Gould. I'll show myself out."
"Wait."
Donna looked at Harvey. He liked him.
"What if I said yes?"
"I'd say, I have a condition. "
Donna was curious.
"You have a condition for us hiring you?" She arched her perfect ginger brow, and he paused.
"It's you," he seemed momentarily caught up.
"Hey, Bond. Spit it out," Harvey grouched, thinking he was oggling his wife.
"I bring my own secretary."
Harvey and Donna paused. Both taken aback.
"Associates don't get secretaries." Donna stated.
"I know, but we're a package deal. I don't win cases without her." He shoved his hands back into his pockets. A nervous tick in his jaw was the only thing that gave him away. Donna saw it, the slight vulnerability entering his gaze, but he was quick to hide it.
Harvey harrumphed.
"She must be pretty special."
A grin split his face, "She is, believe me. She is."
"Donna, tell the rest of the kids to go home," Harvey smirked.
"I am not your secretary. And Lucas, the firm isn't paying for yours."
He shrugged as he walked out of Harvey's office with her.
"I sorta figured. I'm going to pay her myself, but can we keep it between us?"
A lump formed in Donna's throat. Was history repeating itself?

Hope's phone buzzed the familiar ringtone.
"How'd it go?"
"Meet me for ice cream."
"Now?"
"God! Poppy just meet me in five minutes."
He hung up. She grabbed her purse and made her excuses.

"Well?"
"I got it, what do you think," he smirked.
"Did you jump the line like I told you?"
He nodded shyly. "He got mad."
"Of course he did. You were out of the norm, which actually landed it for you in the end. Dad respects risk."
"You're mom is no joke."
"You met her?" Poppy grinned.
"Met her? She conducted half the interview!"
Hope sobered.
"Wait. You interrupted them?" Her shock palpable.
"Was I not supposed to?"
"I just can't believe they let you..."
"Listen, Poppy. I can't do this alone. You know that."
"What are you saying?" She felt butterflies all over.
"I'm saying come work for me. It's your dream to work in that building, and I want you to have it. You've done so much for me, you deserve this..."
He was right. It was her dream. She knew that this was an amazing opportunity, so why did she feel so let down by his words? I mean, did she actually expect him to grab her and kiss and tell her she was his everything? Of course not! That wasn't what this was. So she smiled and arched a brow as was her way.
"I will come work for you on one condition."
He rolled his eyes.
"What?"
"I get a helluva signing bonus..."

Early the next morning, Donna heard the distinct sound of Steve Madden heels in the lobby. She glanced up. Something was...she couldn't put her finger on it. It was an odd feeling. It was an energy. A vibe. A...green Zac Posen mid length, with flesh tone Steve Maddens?!?! No one here dressed with such class! She stood abruptly and stared after the figure...
"Hope?!"
Her awkward tone of surprise, caught even her off guard. The young red head paused and turned.
"Mom." She nodded and smirked.
"Look at you. I have never been prouder, but what are you doing here?"
Hope kept walking and Donna kept up. Their pace and stride seemingly identical. Hope walked over to Donna's old desk, set her things down and opened a calender.
"Wait. You're the secretary..."
"You do know everything," Hope arched a brow. Donna took in a sharp breath.
"He's the goof from St. Louis?" Hope sent her mother a withering look.
"He's not a goof. He's the best." She bit back in measured tones.
Donna knew that tone. It was a tone she'd used often. It was odd hearing it in Hope...
Hope sighed in frustration.
"I told him 7:15, where the hell...?"
He suddenly appeared around the corner.
"Poppy, what are you doing?"
Hope stepped forward to straighten his tie.
"You think I'd miss your first morning at the firm?" She smiled coyly.
"I didn't eat breakfast," he whispered, "I figured. " She handed him a banana.
"Look. Listen. Learn. Take notes. Don't try to be funny. Don't try to be arrogant. I know how smart you are, when its your time to shine, you'll knock 'em dead," she leveled him a sincere look.
"Where would I be without you," he joked as he walked toward his office.
"St. Louis. You'd be pumping gas probably," she smiled innocently.
"Shut up, and be my secretary," he narrowed his eyes and shut the glass door.
Hope turned. She'd forgotten about her mother. Not a word was spoken between them, but when their eyes met Hope's face reddened. Had her mom seen? Of course she had. She was Donna. Did she see how pathetic she was for pining for him?