To Build a Home

New Year's and Hardman

CHAPTER 15: THE ONLY LIVING BOY IN NEW YORK

"Are you sure you've got everything?"

"Yes, Harvey. For the millionth time, yes, I have everything. I only brought one change of clothes, remember? You complained the entire weekend about me wearing your socks," Paul said in exasperation, hefting his duffel bag over his shoulder.

"Because your feet are disgusting, Paul," Harvey said, fishing around in his wallet. He pulled out some bills and handed them to Paul. "Here. For the taxi."

"Oh, come on, Harv. I don't need your money," Paul said. "But I'll take it anyway." He grinned, grabbed the cash, and wrapped his arm around Mike in a loose headlock, drawing him closer sideways and messing up his hair. "Bye, Mikey. Nice meeting you. Take care of Harvey, would you?"

"Nice doo mee you too," Mike shouted into Paul's sleeve where his face was pressed, his voice muffled.

Paul released Mike, who gasped for breath, and then he grabbed Harvey in a hug. "See you over Easter, right? You're coming my way?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be there," Harvey said, waving Paul away. "Now get out of here."

"Mike, are you coming too? Because you should!" Paul said.

"What—coming to Easter? In Chicago? I don't know," Mike said nervously, not meeting either of the Specter men's gazes.

"Oh, come on, you're basically family now— we're so low on Specter clan members right now that Harvey and I may as well just have an open casting call for new people. And you've made Harvey's cut— which, might I add, has never happened before— so you're in on my end too. And you can meet my girlfriend then. Come on, it'll be fun! What do you say?" Paul cajoled. Mike glanced at Harvey uncertainly, looking for guidance. Did Harvey want him to come?

"If I can wrestle him away from Edith for the weekend, he'll be there," Harvey said decisively, and Mike beamed shyly at the thought of being included in Specter family activities.

Paul's phone buzzed then. "Oh, that'll be the taxi. Alright, well, it's been real. I'll see you guys in a few months," he said, smiling warmly and waving goodbye as he headed down the hallway towards the elevator.

"Text me when you land so I know you haven't done something stupid and gone and gotten the plane crashed!" Harvey called.

"Okay, mom!" Paul shouted before disappearing into the elevator.

Harvey rolled his eyes and shut the door. "Well that's that," Harvey said.

"Things are going to be a lot quieter around here now that he's gone, aren't they?" Mike asked, wandering aimlessly into the kitchen. He would miss Paul, he decided. He had that feeling of a cool uncle or much older brother that turned up every once in awhile to cheer everyone up and then disappeared again.

"Just you and me, kid," Harvey said.

Mike sighed. He was used to it just being him and Grammy, and Grammy was a very constant figure in his life. He liked having new people in his life but he was starting to realize that it was hard to see them come and go. "And then there were two," he mumbled grimly.

"You liked him, huh?" Harvey said. He approached Mike and gently flattened down his hair where Paul had messed it up. "Everyone does. Don't worry though— we'll see him in a few months."

And although Mike was still bummed about Paul leaving, he couldn't help but smile in spite of himself. A trip to D.C., a possible trip to Chicago— it was nice to have things to look forward to.

New Year's Eve came around a few days later. Jessica was forcing Harvey into attending a black tie banquet to try and woo a potential new client, and upon learning this Mike had made plans to hang out with Rachel and Harold.