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“Hey Edgeworth?” Phoenix called out into the hallway. His gaze was fixated on an enlarged portrait on the wall of the guest room.
“Hmm?” He heard the distant response.
“Why do you have a pin-up of your dad in here?”
Miles walked into the room himself.
“What? Wright, what would you possibly be talking about?”
Phoenix pointed up at the large photo. He was unable to look away.
“The pin-up. Of your dad. The scantily clad gentleman.”
“That’s–”
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s very tasteful!” Phoenix rushed to say, turning to Miles while holding his hands up defensively. “I just didn’t expect you to have something like that out so…openly…”
Miles scoffed.
“It is not a pin-up, Wright. It’s a photo taken to symbolize the vulnerability of the law. All defense attorneys get one.”
Phoenix stared at him.
“I…I never did one of these. And I know sure as hell Mia didn’t either…Grossberg? You think Grossberg got these done?”
Miles stared at him for a moment, gears turning on overdrive.
“I…I suppose I never thought…” Miles looked back up at the picture, in a new light. A light that can only be seen once you realize you have been publicly displaying your own father’s pin-up for years. “I’ve shown people this picture. No one ever corrected me on it or complained.”
“Your dad’s hot, Miles. Not much to complain about.”
Miles looked at him, mouth agape. “Why I never-”
“What? Everyone had to be thinking it.”
“That doesn’t matter!” Miles pinched the bridge of his nose. “This is ridiculous.”
Phoenix walked over and clasped Miles’ shoulder.
“Look, it’s fine. It’s nice you have a picture of your dad up. Even if it’s…this…” Phoenix glanced back at the picture. “Again, very tasteful.”
“This is one of the only photos I have of him. I thought it was taken in a professional manner.”
“Oh this was definitely taken professionally.” Phoenix blurted. He heard Miles intake a sharp breath. “Sorry.”
“No, no. It’s fine. It’s not your fault I was led to believe this for years. I think I was even at the photoshoot when these were taken, as young as I was. I didn’t see anything odd about it.”
Phoenix wrapped an arm around him.
“Are you gonna take it down?” he asked.
Miles sighed, “No. No, I have to believe that photos can take on new meanings. Otherwise I won’t be able to sleep at night.”
“Well you won’t be a stranger to that.” Phoenix stopped, “sorry again.”
“This is not a good day for us it seems.”
Phoenix looked over at him, “so…”
“Yes?”
“If these poses symbolize the vulnerability of the justice system and how lawyers need to lay bare before the law…are you gonna get some?”
“What?”
“Well, why didn’t you ever get one done before?”
“I’m not a defense attorney. I suppose I believed it was only an honor for the best.” Miles looked back at the image.
“You know, I took some photography classes in college.”
“Did you now?”
“Yep, part of my general courses for my art major.”
“And this is relevant?”
“I’m saying, I can get you some scantily clad photos on this level.”
“Do you truly believe in its meaning?” Miles tilted his head.
“I truly believe I’d like to see you pose half naked.” Phoenix grinned.
Miles pushed him away.
“Crass.” He started to walk out of the room. Phoenix trailed after him.
“So do you want to do the same pose with one leg on the chair? Or do you want to make it your own?”
“I’m not discussing this with you right now.”
“So, later then?”
Miles groaned loudly. Phoenix closed the door of the pin-up guest room with a grin.