Now that Ross was an Associate Professor, and not a graduate student or struggling economist, he was suddenly very attractive to college coeds. He was the young, "cool" professor. The rules said that you could not have a romantic relationship with any current or prospective student. Everyone else was fair game.
Relationships between professors and graduate students, for example, were common. Relationships between professors and undergraduate students were not forbidden or illegal, but frowned upon. Many such relationships deteriorated into messy affairs.
Ross longed for the day when he could, once again, wear a wedding band to deter students from seeking him out. Other instructors told him that, perversely, wearing a wedding band seemed to stimulate greater interest from young women. Most who sought relationships with professors did not want anything lasting or serious.
There was a pretty PhD candidate, in history, who very aggressively courted Ross, or so he thought. Her name was Maryanne. She often stopped by his office, and made conversation with him. She also made a point of positioning herself so that he could see down her blouse.
Ross decided to tell Rachel about Maryanne. He was not seeking absolution. He was seeking advice on how to fend off the woman's advances, "Rachel, this Maryanne is hounding me, and I'm sure she wants a relationship."
Rachel was skeptical, "With you?"
"Of course, with me. I'm not such a bad catch. Professors are very attractive to students. That's a fact."
Rachel pondered, and said, "Does she know you're in a relationship?"
"No."
"Uh, why the hell not?"
Ross was defensive, "We're not married, so I don't have a wedding band to wear. Besides, a wedding band is more likely to attract students than repel them. They want a sexual relationship, nothing serious or long-term. The fact that I'm in a relationship means nothing."
"Get over yourself, Ross. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll give you a photo of me to keep on your desk. I'll also accompany you to work a few times, and you can show me off. I'm not afraid of a mousy little grad student."
Ross cautioned, "She's not mousy, Rachel. Maryanne is a beautiful woman. She speaks several languages, and has traveled the world."
"Boobs?"
"Perfectly proportioned, just like yours."
One day, Rachel found time during the day to go to Ross's office at NYU. He led her around by hand. At every open door, he introduced her to the occupant as his girlfriend. Rachel was looking especially great for the occasion, of course. Most of the people he introduced her to were left shaking their heads in wonder that Ross Geller had got hold of such a hottie. Ross specifically sought out the office that Maryanne shared with two other grad students. She was in her cubicle. He said, "Maryanne! Maryanne, this is my girlfriend, Rachel."
Maryanne stood, smiled and shook hands with Rachel. She was delightful to Rachel. After a short chat, Ross and Rachel left. Back at Ross's office, he said, "Well, now you know."
Rachel conceded, "Yes, she is pretty, and yes, you are a desirable man, especially to these people, in this environment. Ross, I really think that getting with a student is something you will always regret missing out on. The only coed you've been with turned out to be a lesbian. This is unfinished business. Why not Maryanne, if she's willing?"
Ross asked, "A threesome with Maryanne?"
"No, not a threesome. You'd have to work without a net on Maryanne. You should find out if she is still interested after having met me."
Rachel had planted a large seed in fertile soil. Ross decided that there was no downside to feeling out Maryanne, no pun intended. Ross would have some protection from any blow to his reputation from the fact that everyone now knew he had a hot girlfriend, prettier than Maryanne.
The next day at school, Maryanne stopped by, as normal, and they sat and drank coffee with the door open. Then, Maryanne reached back and shut the door. She turned to Ross and said, "I understand you have a fantastic woman in Rachel. Personally, I'm not looking for long-term relationship. Who knows where I'll be after I complete my PhD? I need something casual, you know?" She sipped her coffee.
Ross was cautious, "I understand. I was in the same position just a few years ago. Even now, I need to maintain a work/life balance. You know, a boundary between the professional Ross and the personal Ross. Rachel is not interested in professional Ross."
Maryanne looked him steadily in the eye, "Well, I am very interested in the professional Ross."
He said, "The L train stops a half block from my apartment."
"Rachel doesn't live with you?"
"No."