Against the Edge

The Road to the Spotlight

The day of the photo shoot has arrived, Adam navigated the car smoothly through the streets, a grin on his face as he threw a quick glance at Harvey, who was seated comfortably in the passenger seat. In the back, Miguel and Ethan were trying to keep straight faces, but the teasing between their fathers was contagious.

"So, Harvey," Adam began, giving his friend a mock-serious look, "do you remember that one case back in the day when you forgot your opening statement and had to wing it? The jury must've thought you were making it up on the spot!"

Harvey laughed, shaking his head. "Hey, that's called improvisation, Adam. Not everyone can stick to a script! Besides, I still won that case," he added proudly, then glanced back at the boys. "Lesson number one, never let your old friends forget you won the case they doubted you on."

Ethan chuckled, leaning back with a grin. "Maybe that's why Dad went into business. Couldn't handle the heat of the courtroom."

"Oh, no, no," Adam replied, feigning indignation. "It's just that I prefer to make my cases in boardrooms, where I don't have to rely on theatrics to get the win."

Miguel joined in, smirking at his father. "Dad, are you saying all those dramatic pauses and intense courtroom stares are just theatrics?"

"Absolutely not!" Harvey replied, raising his hand as if swearing an oath. "Each intense stare is perfectly calibrated to strike fear and respect at precisely the right moment."

Adam snorted. "Yeah, well, I'd rather strike respect with numbers on a balance sheet."

Ethan nudged Miguel. "Seems like our dads are trying to outdo each other with their 'wisdom,' huh?"

"Or just rehashing old rivalry stories," Miguel replied with a smirk.

Harvey glanced back at Miguel, a glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes. "Speaking of wisdom, Miguel, remember this, the courtroom can teach you a lot, but some lessons only come from years on the job. Like... always have a backup plan."

"Oh, you mean like that time you mixed up your notes and presented the wrong argument?" Adam chimed in, grinning. "Classic Harvey. Boys, let that be a lesson to double-check everything."

"Glad I learned that from you two instead of the hard way," Miguel joked, shaking his head.

Ethan couldn't resist. "So, I guess that means Dad's advice for business is always to bring an extra pen and for law, always have an extra argument?"

Adam and Harvey exchanged a look, laughing in agreement.

"Exactly," Harvey replied. "And remember, if all else fails, act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't."

"Which is how I got through most of my career," Adam quipped, earning another laugh from everyone in the car.

The playful banter continued as they shared more stories, advice, and memories. By the time they neared the publisher's office, the air in the car was thick with laughter, the nerves about the upcoming interview completely forgotten. For Miguel and Ethan, the ride felt like another reminder of just how proud they were to be in the company of these two men, each a legend in his own way.

—

As they arrived at the publisher's office, the assistant manager met them at the entrance, a warm smile on her face as she greeted each of them. "Welcome, gentlemen! We're honored to have you here today. If you'll follow me, I'll take you to your dressing rooms to get ready."

Before they split up, Harvey held up a hand, grinning. "Wait, before we get all serious and professional, we have to get a photo of the four of us."

Miguel chuckled, pulling out his phone, but Adam swiped it from him. "We're doing this right. Here, let me handle the photo-taking for once."