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.I think I’ll go stand in another part of the room.I want the newbies to like me well enough to take my classes later.”“So, you’ll be sticking around? I knew you had a visiting spot, but I wasn’t sure how long your term was going to last.”Morgan realized she had made the statement about her future plans without conscious decision.Wanting to give herself some wiggle room while she reflected on her future plans, she said, “Let’s say I’m leaving my options open.”“Well, I’ll try not to scare you away.Here alone? I think Yolanda mentioned you are in a relationship.”“And that’s supposed to make me feel more comfortable? You’ve already checked me out?” Her tone was light and teasing.“Hey, I believe in checking out all my options right from the start.It’s good litigation strategy.Don’t you think I should practice what I preach?”“Morgan, is this man bothering you?”They both turned toward the voice of Dean Ramirez.Jim started to bluster a reply, but Morgan found words first.“Yes, Dean, very much so.I certainly hope the rest of the faculty possesses more decorum than I have seen exhibited so far.”Jim turned to Yolanda and began his protest.“Forgive me for trying to get to know the new professor and help her become acclimated to our school.I’ll leave you two and go harass some of the one-Ls.Lord knows they’ll take it better.” Jim reached out, grasped Morgan’s hand, and brushed it against his lips.“Have a wonderful evening, madam.” Smiling, he disappeared into the crowd.Morgan spoke first.“Yo, he’s incorrigible, but I like him.”“I figured you might, so I sent him over to talk to you.And I told him to be available for anything you need this semester.He’s been here so long he could walk the halls blindfolded.His office is next to yours.Jim is harmless, though he puts on such a big show about acting like a letch.”“Thanks for taking such good care of me.”“It’s my job, sweetie.Now, I need to mingle and I want you with me.One way to get the new kids invested in the school year is the promise of things to come.I plan to talk you into staying for a while and I want them to meet our new resident celebrity.Meeting you should inspire them to stick it out through the nasty first year so they can take fun classes like yours.”Morgan thought back to her time in this very law school and remembered the first year had been at once exciting and horrible.She pledged to do her part to help smooth the way and accompanied Yolanda on her first circuit around the room to meet a dizzying number of new students.Of course, she couldn’t tell new from old very well, since this was her first time to meet any of the students present.One student in particular tried mightily to monopolize her attention.She had to catch Jim’s eye from across the room, imploring him to intervene.“Gerald, I see you’ve met our new professor, Professor Bradley.” Jim positioned himself between Morgan and the student.“Yes, Professor Spencer.I wanted to get her take on the recent Supreme Court opinion regarding lethal injections.I know she advocated for the appeal, but my question to her has to do with how the decision will be applied.”Jim laughed.“Gerald, let me tell you what I think is cruel and unusual punishment.It’s talking about Supreme Court opinions at a cocktail party.Now, run along and mentor your new folks and leave the professor to lighter conversation.”Gerald glanced at Morgan with a puzzled look, nodded, and then made his way to the bar.As he left, Jim leaned close to Morgan, whispering, “In case you couldn’t tell, he’s an idiot.”“Isn’t he the class president?”“Okay, he’s a popular idiot.I’m sure he wants to endear himself to you.His father is a bigwig white-collar crime lawyer in town.Gerald has the same charm as dear old dad, but his smarts aren’t all there.You can bet all he knows about the opinion is what he heard on talk radio, but he figures if he can impress his father by relaying he discussed a case with you, he’ll look like a smartie himself even though none of his daddy’s famous white-collar clients are in fear of the needle.If you like brownnosers, he’ll be one of your best.”“Hate them.”“Again, I knew I was going to like you.Now, there’s a group of students over here who would love to meet the new celebrity on campus.I’ve already vetted them and found them to be worthy.Come with me.” Offering his arm, Jim led Morgan over to a cluster of excited first-years.*Parker hardly worked at all the rest of the night.Everyone at the bar wanted to either buy her a drink or take a turn on the dance floor.Irene laughed off Parker’s protestations and told her to have fun.She made it clear she had only gotten Parker to work this shift as a ruse to throw her the party.Finally, all danced out and a bit buzzed, Parker decided she need to head home.Tomorrow was Sunday, and Monday marked the start of classes.Knowing she didn’t have the resiliency of her undergraduate years, she would need all day tomorrow to recover from tonight’s festivities
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