A/N: I've always wondered about Donna's uncanny ability to read and anticipate people's needs. So here's this new fic in which we will explore this skill of sorts. It will most likely be a 3-part story and well, bear with me as we go through different points in her life. Will be K+ for now but might become M later on. I'll let you know when it does. I hope you enjoy it and let me know what you think. Here's the first chapter for now. XO

Chapter 1- Read

The jazzy melody fades and becomes part of the dissonance. A disparity of conversations, the occasional clinking of glasses, and the shuffling of chairs and stools seem to get louder for moments at a time to slowly drown once again as a new song begins to play. The low lighting provides the bar with a rich, warm ambiance and enough intimacy to allow the patrons to feel at ease. While the dark oakwood decor gives it enough class to attract the up and coming New York career-driven crowd looking for a way to network and destress at the same time.

"Donna Roberta Paulsen, you can do this!"

The image that reflects on the large, rectangular bathroom mirror is that of a beautiful redhead, not a single bang out of place, self-assured and looking tall in the expensive heels she'd acquired with her last paycheck. She might not earn much at the NY County D.A's Office but she always makes sure to splurge on a classy pair of shoes.

Well-dressed and beautiful, men ogle her. Witty, intelligent and charming, her bosses describe her as so. Sociable and knowledgeable, is how most coworkers would characterize her. But there is always the complex relationship she's always sustained with the female population, both loving her and keeping her at a safe distance. Nevertheless, her claircognizance and empathy paired with her gregarious nature have been key in sewing any patches of distrust in order to win them over. After all, that was her specialty.

Applying some lip gloss, she gives herself one last glance. Adjusting the plaid short-sleeved shirt with a round neckline and straightening the black skirt one last time, she allows herself an exhale to rid the nerves the same way she does right before an audition. Then setting her jaw and giving herself purpose, she makes her way through the crowd.

She scans the three main bar areas and that's when she sees him. He had accepted a celebratory drink from his colleagues and watches how he hides his distaste for the sweet drink. She knows he hates it, after all he is a man who enjoys bitter, stiff drinks. Cocktails and fruity concoctions have never been of his preference. But of course, she knows that. She's spent the past couple of months studying him from afar. Not stalking. No! Donna Paulsen doesn't stalk. Donna Paulsen reads, analyzes and fixes. And she had become somewhat of an expert on all things Harvey Specter. Well, at least the obvious, because he's not an easy man to read. Behind his tailored suits and loud ties, hide too many layers to peel in one go and a plethora of secrets that can't be unearthed at once. However, one thing she is certain of, is that he is fiercely loyal and devoted to the law, his clients and the D.A.'s office.

And that was enough for her to know that he will soon become a force to reckon.

And of course, she wants in.

Harvey Specter's firm, confident stride and handsome face draw her attention as he makes his way back to the bar. He looks handsome in his well-fitted suit and she knows he is very much aware of it. He has that aura of a man that is used to getting female attention and which has never lacked an invite to share their bed. But she was not here to either give him her attention or offer him company, at least not in that sense. She watches him call the bartender with the familiarity of a male in control of his surroundings; she can also hear that rich, pleasant baritone of his as he orders his drink of choice: Macallan 18. And she uses this chance to approach him.

To say that she charms him with her Donna-ness is a given. Capturing his attention with her quick wit and charm.

"You're not just a pretty face, are you?" He asks and she can tell that he's enjoying the exchange.

And she knows that she has him at her mercy. His brown eyes sparkle with interest and his smile is wide and mischievous. The attraction between them is strong and increases tenfold when they touch as they shake hands. He's getting ready to make a move and she has to tread carefully. He's deliciously attractive but she has to keep her goal in mind.

"No, I'm not," she says and with an air of sober flirtation adds, "so maybe you should buy me a drink and we can continue this conversation in the corner."

He plays it cool when she informs him that she's not interested in sex. And she's vastly surprised to see that he's so forward about it. Claiming that being honest saves time, Harvey gives her his charming smile and drinks the last of his whisky. She smiles right back at him and takes advantage of his confession to tell him what she really wants, which is to work for him. It's his turn to be surprised then, but accepts her explanation about needing to work with someone who understands that this is an interim job and there are bigger things achieve in the long run. In this sense, Harvey feels that this beautiful redhead and him happen to be extremely synchronized.

They are interrupted by a waiter who brings him a drink courtesy of what Donna assesses as a shady person. She tries warning him but Harvey Specter does as he pleases. She knows that she has to let him get burned by the flames. He won't learn to trust her unless what will happen needs to happen.

This is the reason why she's not disappointed when he turns her down. Donna knows, yes she does, that he will come back and beg her to work for him. And that's exactly what he does when he comes searching for her on a Tuesday night at the same bar. She'd even calculated the number of days it would take him to figure it out. That's why she was there that specific night. And it's during her first day at the job that Donna does what she does best and shows Harvey the way she has arranged his monthly agenda and also makes him fall in love with black coffee with two splashes of vanilla.

Yes, Donna Paulsen knows how to anticipate all sorts of situations and how to read people.

Sitting at her desk, looking at him through the glass window that separates her desk from his tiny office, she bites her lower lip and realizes that maybe Harvey Specter is her favorite one so far...