#professor deeks

***

Class is Dismissed

“Excellent argument, both of you, but I’m gonna side with Lizzy today. Better luck next time, Josh. Ericka and Carmen, you’re up next,” Deeks announced, reading off of the two slips of paper he’d pulled from a bucket on his desk. He leaned against the edge of the desk, facing the forty or so students in his Intro to Law class.

For their last session of the semester, he’d set up a mock trial experience. Each random pairing of “lawyers” had to defend a ridiculous argument, using the laws and strategies they’d learned throughout the semester.

Before Deeks could read out the next argument, a student raised her hand?

“Yes, Selena?”

“Professor Deeks, can I follow you on Instagram? You know, since this is our last day together?” she asked shyly.

“First of all, I’m still not a professor. Secondly, if I had an Instagram account, none of you would know about it.”

“Ok, what about Facebook?”

“Absolutely not.”

“We could meet up for weekly bagels and coffee,” a tall, red-haired boy suggested.

“They just opened a Dutch Bros. down the street,” another student with short brown hair said.

“Sweet! You better bring your mini van, Professor.”

“Marcus, as wonderful as that sounds, you’ll have to fund your own coffee habits for the summer,” Deeks told him not unkindly. Marcus had suggested everything from weekly catered breakfasts to skipping the midterm for a group trip to Hawaii.

“But aren’t you gonna miss us? We’re your favorite class,” Marcus insisted.

“You’re definitely my most entertaining class. I’m pretty sure my own children will help heal my heartbreak,” Deeks responded, unable to contain a chuckle as Marcus faked distress and several of his classmates teased him.

“I bet Rosa could convince you.”

“Oh no, you are not using my own daughter against me,” Deeks said, shaking his head before that idea gained any traction.

“You can bring your wife and the twins,” Selena offered kindly.

“Oh my god, they’re so cute!”

“Not happening.”

“What if we babysit in exchange. A little quid pro quo,” Ericka suggested.

Deeks pinched the bridge of his nose and held up a hand. “Ok, let’s not use that term in relation to any interaction we have.“

“If you won’t get us coffee, can you teach us how to surf?” Marcus continued.

“I already know how to surf.”

“Yeah, and you suck at it, Jason.”

“Alright, let’s get back on track,” Deeks called out, pointing to Ericka. “Come up and pick an argument.”

“What about,” Marcus said, holding both index fingers in the air. “Coffee and surfing lessons?”

***

Deeks, as students trickle in: Grab a paper from up front. We’re going to be working on debate and professional speaking skills today. *he glances at a text from Kensi*

Student: Hey, Mr. Deeks, what are you smiling at? Must be something good. You gonna show us?

The girl next to him: Michael, don’t be rude.

Michael, shrugging: What? I’m just interested in his social life.

Deeks, dryly: I’m so touched, Mike.

Another girl, knowingly: It’s probably his wife. You always smile like that when she visits.

Michael, eagerly: Ooh, Charity’s right. Say hi to Mrs. Deeks from us.

A student from the back: Can she bring us snacks?!

Deeks: No.

Charity, shyly: Then can she bring the twins again? They’re so cute!

Deeks, firmly: Absolutely not. Last time I couldn’t get you to focus the rest of the class.

Michael, shaking his head: Dude, you’re no fun.

Deeks, with mock offense: Hey, do your other teachers let you listen to music during small groups or bring you donuts after tests?

Student from the back: Can your wife bring us donuts?

***

Fraternization

“Does this look right to you?” Rosa asked, holding up her notebook, covered in formulas and numbers. She nudged her half full cup of coffee to the side, so Deeks could see the math problem she was referring to.

Around them, other students and faculty were lined up to grab a drink or snack before their next class. Fortunately, she and Deeks had found a table before the afternoon rush his the small on-campus cafe.

Deeks leaned closer to examine her work and grimaced a little. “Yeees. Except I think you might have missed something in step two.”

Frowning, Rosa flipped the notebook and read through the problem, rolling her eyes when she finally noticed the error Deeks had picked up on. “Ugh, why do I have to take algebra? It makes no sense for a lawyer.”

“Eh, it comes in handy sometimes, but I also agree it’s horrible and cruel punishment.” He offered a sympathetic grin. “How about I get you another scone to help drown your sorrows? Then I gotta—”

“Professor Deeks, Ms. Reyes, mind if I join you?”

Rosa and Deeks looked up together to find one of the law department professors, Josh Richards, standing next to them, a coffee and pastry in his hands.

“Hi Professor Richards. Of course,” Rosa agreed, quickly clearing a small area. Richards taught several of her classes and she liked him enough, but if she was being fully honest, she’d never choose to spend extra time with him.

“Good to see you, Josh.”

Deeks and Richards made small talk while Rosa checked the last two assigned algebra problems.

“Ok, I think I could use that scone now,” she said with a prolonged sigh when there was a pause in conversation. Deeks chuckled, starting to get up.

“Absolutely. I’ll be right back.”

“Hang on a second,” Richards interrupted, gently pushing Deek back down, which Rosa personally thought wasn’t the best idea.

She gave Deeks a questioning look, but he just shrugged.

“Something on your mind, Josh?” he asked lightly.

“I just wanted to remind you that fraternization among faculty and students is discouraged,” Professor Richards said carefully.

Rosa frowned, completely confused at the seemingly unrelated comment. “I haven’t been fraternizing with any teachers.”

“You regularly spend time with Professor Deeks.”

With a knowing sigh, Deeks nudged Rosa’s shoulder. “He thinks we have an inappropriate relationship,” he said.

“Oh, no!” she blurted out in horror. “That is—that is not happening. At all.”

“Josh, remember how I mentioned I have a daughter in college?” Deeks gestured between him and Rosa and Richards nodded. “Yeah, Rosa’s my daughter.”

Professor Richards’ eyebrows ascended into his bangs as he quickly glanced between them, maybe questioning if Deeks was lying.

“I’m adopted,” Rosa added.

“Oh! You didn’t mention that part,” Richards said to Deeks, looking embarrassed. “Or that she attended the same college you work at.”

“The first one never came up. And, we try not to emphasize the whole father-daughter element to avoid conversation about bias and favoritism,” Deeks explained.

“Even though I’m not in any of dad’s classes. Yet.” Rosa smiled wryly. It was always interesting when someone on campus made the connection between them. Though today’s accusation had been a first.

Richards cleared his throat awkwardly. “Well, I guess I owe both of you an apology.” He squinted at Rosa. “Now that I know, I do see some similarities. You have a similar argument style to Deeks. Not to mention, most pre-law students don’t come in with as much base knowledge as you.”

“Thank you?” Rosa said uncertainly.

“We appreciate you trying to set us on the straight and narrow,” Deeks joked, earning a glare from Richards.

“You better not mention this to anyone,” he warned, gathering his coffee and uneaten food.

“No promises.” Once he was out of earshot, Deeks leaned back in his chair, shaking his head. “That was a first. Sorry you have to deal with those kinds of things.”