Lunch with Dad

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After dropping Blanca off at campus, Miguel headed back to his apartment. The moment he stepped through the door, he tossed his keys on the counter, kicked off his shoes, and fell back on his bed. For the first time since the tournament, he let himself unwind, feeling the last traces of adrenaline from the game finally leaving his system.

He unlocked his phone and opened Instagram, scrolling through photos of the game and the celebrations afterward. There were team photos, a few tagged shots with his friends, and even one of him grinning like a kid as Blanca hugged him after the game, flowers in hand.

Just as he double-tapped on Ethan's post of the game-winning shot, his phone buzzed with an incoming call. He glanced at the caller ID-Dad. Miguel quickly sat up, a little surprised.

"Hey, Dad!" he answered, unable to keep the warmth from his voice.

"Miguel, my star athlete!" Harvey's voice held a proud edge. "I heard about the tournament, you crushed it!"

Miguel chuckled, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah, Ethan really saved us with that last three-pointer. We were on fire out there. Wish you could've been there."

"I know, son, I wish I could have too. But things got...a little messy at work," Harvey said with a hint of regret. "But listen, I'm actually in Cambridge for a case today. I thought it'd be nice if we grabbed lunch together, if you're not too busy being Harvard's new basketball star."

Miguel felt his heart lift. His father's busy schedule rarely allowed for moments like this. "Definitely not too busy for lunch with you. Where should I meet you?"

"Let's try The Brattle Room over on Harvard Square," Harvey suggested. "I'll see you in an hour?"

"Sounds perfect. Looking forward to it," Miguel replied, ending the call with a smile.

As he got ready, Miguel felt a mix of pride and anticipation. His father didn't often make it to Cambridge, and with his rigorous career as a judge, these were rare opportunities. And after the tournament, he couldn't deny it would feel good to celebrate with someone who had always inspired him to push harder and aim higher.

He grabbed his jacket, checked his reflection in the mirror, and headed out, feeling a renewed sense of purpose for the day ahead.

-

Miguel arrived at The Brattle Room, spotting his father at a corner table. Harvey, with his tall frame and signature sharp suit, looked perfectly at ease, casually skimming the menu. When he noticed Miguel approaching, he set it down, a smile of pride spreading across his face.

"Miguel!" Harvey stood up, extending a hand that Miguel shook before his father pulled him in for a quick hug. "There's the man of the hour. Congratulations, son! I heard you were unstoppable out there."

Miguel smiled, settling into the chair opposite his father. "Thanks, Dad. Wish you could've seen it, it was intense. We were down to the last few seconds."

"I'll bet." Harvey chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with pride. "You've made quite the name for yourself here, between law school and basketball. It's impressive, Miguel. Balancing both isn't easy."

"Yeah, it's... a lot," Miguel admitted with a grin. "But I guess I wouldn't have it any other way."

The waiter brought over their drinks, and as Harvey lifted his glass in a toast, he said, "Here's to your victory and everything you've achieved. I may not say it often, but I'm incredibly proud of you."

Miguel's smile softened, and he clinked his glass against his father's. "Thanks, Dad. It means a lot."

They sipped, and Harvey leaned back, curious. "So, how's life outside of basketball? Classes treating you well?"

Miguel nodded, setting down his glass. "Classes are challenging, but good. The professors keep us on our toes, especially in law theory. And then there's, the competitions... It's been a ride. But," he added with a slight smirk, "it helps that I have Blanca by my side."

Harvey raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Blanca Rosewood, right? I've heard about her brilliant, driven, and, from what I understand, the daughter of Boston's best attorney. Quite the catch, Miguel."

"Yeah, she's..." Miguel paused, his smile growing. "She's amazing, Dad. I've never met anyone like her. She's smart, ambitious, funny. And she's been there through everything highs and lows."

"Well, sounds like you found yourself someone special," Harvey replied, an approving twinkle in his eye. "But be careful, Miguel. It's easy to get lost in the chaos of it all school, sports, relationships. Just remember to keep your balance."

Miguel nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. But honestly, Blanca's one of the things that keeps me balanced. With everything going on, she's one of the few who really understands what this life is like."

Harvey considered this, nodding. "Sounds like she's got a good head on her shoulders. And you're clearly doing something right. Just don't lose sight of what you're here for. Law is your future, and you've got a real shot at making a difference."

They continued to talk about classes, upcoming basketball games, and Harvey's latest cases. Lunch flowed easily, and Miguel felt the rare comfort of having his father's undivided attention. For a moment, it was as if they'd both left the pressures of law and expectations behind, enjoying each other's company simply as father and son.

-

As their plates were cleared, Harvey leaned back, an amused smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "So, Miguel, there's something else I wanted to discuss with you. My secretary mentioned that a law-focused magazine reached out recently. They're interested in doing an interview with me... and they thought it might be even better if my son joined me."

Miguel raised an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and curiosity flickering across his face. "An interview? With both of us?"

"More than just an interview, actually," Harvey continued, a bit of humor in his eyes. "They're asking me to participate in a feature story. It's part interview, part photo shoot. The editor believes it could inspire their readers, seeing both sides of the legal journey a seasoned judge and his son, an up-and-coming law student and athlete. They'd focus on your achievements too, your balance between academics and sports. They think it's an impressive angle."

Miguel's eyebrows rose further. "A photo shoot? Really?"

Harvey chuckled. "I had the same reaction. But think about it. It's a great opportunity, especially for you. It's not every day that a student gets the chance to be featured like this, and it would get your name out there in the professional circles early."

Miguel mulled it over, leaning forward thoughtfully. "I don't know, Dad... I mean, being featured like that it's a little out of my comfort zone."

Harvey nodded, understanding. "I get it. It's definitely not your typical day in law school. But think of it as a way to reach people, especially other young law students or aspiring athletes who are also trying to find balance. You could share what it's like, the struggles, the victories, even the perspective of pursuing multiple passions."

Miguel smiled slightly. "You know, when you put it like that, it does sound interesting. And... I suppose it could be a good experience. Plus, it might even help when I eventually start applying for positions in the field."

Harvey grinned, sensing his son's growing interest. "Exactly. It's a way to highlight what makes you unique. If you're up for it, I'll let them know we're both on board."

Miguel took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright, Dad. Let's do it. It'll be... an experience, that's for sure."

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