He had some research trips to Nicaragua and Cuba, and Deja had decided to head home for a couple of weeks to see her family, but besides that, they’d decided to spend as much time as possible just hanging out together around town. And as soon as students left for the summer, they could have more moments like this, walking hand in hand, maybe even making out in front of the burger joint after a couple of drinks with their friends before walking home on a cool summer night. Normally, he couldn’t wait to get out of Centreville, but he was looking forward to staying put for a bit.

“Hi, Jerome,” Deja said once he was close enough.

“¿Qué pasa, Jerome y Hector?”

“What’s up, Profé and Profé’s girlfriend,” Hector said.

Deja huffed a shocked laugh.

Alejandro rolled his eyes. “Dr. Evans,” he corrected.

Hector shrugged, “Profé and Dr. Evans.”

“Nice to meet you, Hector. What are you two up to?” Deja asked them.

“We’re heading to the library.”

“Studying for Profé’s hard ass final,” Hector said.

“Just study the review sheet,” Alejandro said, exasperated.

“The review sheet is hard,” Jerome said.

Deja laughed.

“Doc,” Jerome said gravely, “your review sheets are worse.”

Alejandro turned to her, laughing, and Deja glared at him. “Shut up,” she mumbled.

“Oh, hey,” Jerome interrupted, “since you don’t have any more office hours, I just wanted to let you know I settled on History.”

Deja’s mouth fell open. “You’re changing your major?” She sounded close to tears.

“What? No,” Jerome said, “I’m double majoring. I just put the paperwork in.”

“Oh,” Deja said, turning to Alejandro.

“So now you have to share him,” he said.

Deja glared at him and turned back to the boys. “What’s your major, Hector?”

“Alright,” Alejandro said, waving his hand at the two boys carefully, so he didn’t spill his drink as he shooed them away. “Go study.” He steered Deja around them and back on their way.

“Hector, the Sociology department is in Mark Hall if you’re interested.”

“See you two at the final,” Alejandro yelled, pulling Deja forward.

The boys’ laughter faded, replaced by Deja’s giggle. “It’s not fun, is it, when someone tries to poach your best student?”

“I didn’t poach him, but if you want to make this a competition, I’m sure Sheila would love it.”

“I bet she would.”

“Here we go again,” Marie mumbled as they settled into their seats.