Donna wasn't sold on the new associate, Mike. When he requested help with paperwork, she saw it as a chance to show him the ropes (and the ruthlessness) of Pearson Hardman. Her initial tough act worked for a while, but Mike was unexpectedly charming.
He wasn't a shining star, but his loyalty was undeniable. Donna and Rachel had both witnessed him defend Harvey's work ethic and even stand up for his new colleagues. Mike seemed to have a natural instinct for taking the side of others, perhaps a bit too readily. Donna guessed that the kid must think he was born to be a lawyer with the way he rushes to everyone's defense.
Despite her reservations, Donna found her defenses weakening. She couldn't deny Mike's genuine efforts. There were mornings when Mike was late with his work, and if Harvey wasn't in yet, Donna would sneak it onto his desk. It wasn't a lie, exactly, but she wouldn't volunteer the information either.
Harvey wasn't oblivious. Every time he picked up a late brief and saw Donna place it there, a knowing smirk played on his lips. Donna understood body language. Harvey's message was clear: "Let him get to you huh?"
Of course, if Harvey dared to call her out, she'd point out his own growing fondness for the "brat." A raised eyebrow was enough to convey that message. Harvey, ever the coward, never brought it up.
Mike, with his unwavering loyalty and dramatics, reminded Donna of the Titanic: a slow-motion disaster that inexplicably captured hearts. She didn't want to like him, but there was something undeniably magnetic about his tragic earnestness.
Donna sighed, took a sip of coffee, and shuffled through her paperwork. There were other tasks to complete, tasks she didn't particularly relish. But as they say, there's a strange allure to the tragic, even when you try to resist.
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