“From Constitutional Law. It’s a great class. Professor Sharpe has so many interesting stories. I can’t believe he’s argued before the Supreme Court.”
“Professor Sharpe,” Justice Sanderson said with a laugh. “I remember when Wendell argued a case in front of me years ago. He was, shall we say, rusty.”
“Dad, you don’t have to talk about work.” Greg wouldn’t look at Ethan.
“What brings you to Browerton, Justice Sanderson?”
“I was visiting a colleague in Pittsburgh and thought I would pay my son a visit, make sure he’s applying himself.”
“I am, Dad.”
“Are you? Did you sign up to take the LSATs yet?” Every question that came out of Justice Sanderson’s mouth sounded like a cross-examination.
“I’m working on it,” Greg said through gritted teeth.
“By the time you work on it, the admissions deadlines will have passed.”
Ethan tried to hold himself back from fangirling, but this was the first time he had ever met a judge. “Your Honor, it is…an honor to meet you, I just have to say.” He couldn’t stop staring. He was surprised he could talk. He was having a conversation with a real live judge! Now he wished he had worn a suit, too. “I’m curious what you think of that immigration case making its way through the Texas courts.”
“I think there’s a good chance it gets turned over on appeal.”
“Like Ardsley v. State of Arizona?”
“Precisely!”
“Dad, let’s not talk shop all day long.”
Justice Sanderson pointed at Greg. “My son, the reluctant legal scholar. I’m glad I’m finally meeting a friend of yours who has more on his plate than drinking and chasing around girls. Walk with us, Ethan.” He led them downstairs to a bench outside the building and ran his wrinkled hands over the dedication plaque. He signaled for Ethan to come closer.
A gift from Grover and Missy Sanderson, Class of ‘51
“That was my father, Gregory’s grandfather,” Justice Sanderson said, his chest bulging with pride. “Browerton has been good to the Sandersons. It’s educated us, given us character.” He clapped Greg on the back, and Greg seemed to wince at the touch. The air had a crisp breeze, and yellow and orange leaves swept across the pavement. “So what type of law do you want to practice, Ethan?”
“I would love to stay with constitutional law, possibly work for the state’s attorney.”
“It’s a great training ground. You can go anywhere after that. I never got those lawyers who just wanted to work in some cushy law firm where you get no legal experience. I know lawyers who haven’t stepped inside a courtroom since they passed the bar. Sure, you get a nice paycheck, but your brain turns to mush.”
“That doesn’t sound so bad,” Greg cracked—a glimmer of the Greg Ethan knew. Not Gregory.
“Gregory, please. You don’t want that. You aren’t going to Harvard Law just so you can file motions and do document review all day.”
“I didn’t know you got into Harvard Law?” Ethan asked.
“He hasn’t yet. But it will happen. Once he finally takes the LSATs.” Greg kicked some stray leaves. “I will.”
“Has he talked to you about his preposterous plan to take a year off before going to law school?”
A simple question, but Ethan felt the pressure to answer correctly. He had wanted to see a new side of Greg, not get stuck in his family drama. Greg had never looked this beaten down. His smirk had gone into the witness protection program.
“Greg’s smart and savvy. I’m sure he’ll make good use of his time.” Ethan gave Greg a half-smile, but it may have been too little too late.
“If you take a year off to bum around, then you look like a slacker. How about you, Ethan? Where are you headed next?”
“Well, I’m only a sophomore. But I’m hoping to intern at a law firm this summer.”
“Hopefully, your enthusiasm will whip my son into shape.”
Greg pursed his lips like he was holding something back. Ethan didn’t want to know what.
