章 400: Chapter 401: Disco's Over
[Chapter 401: Disco's Over]
Eric soon discovered that Becky Murphy, a woman around Kathryn's age, was now a lecturer at Columbia University. They had shared a dormitory back in college and, despite their differing personalities, they surprisingly became good friends.
By the time they stepped out of the auditorium where the lecture was held, it was already six in the evening. Eric and Kathryn planned to say their goodbyes but were firmly pulled by Becky to visit her home. Unable to refuse, they reluctantly agreed.
Becky's apartment was on the Upper West Hydee, and her husband, Charlton Hawkins, was also a faculty member at Columbia. They had been married for six years but had no children.
"Eric, after spending time with Kathryn, you need to be careful. Even though she seems like a gentle woman, she's got a violent streak," Becky said, her words flowing more easily after a few glasses of red wine during dinner.
"I haven't noticed that. How do you know?" Eric asked curiously.
Kathryn sat next to Eric, rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Becky put down her wine glass and glanced at Kathryn, almost seeking her approval, before continuing on her own, "Forget her movies. Back when we were students at Columbia, we all noticed it. There was one art class..." Becky gestured dramatically, "She painted a blood-soaked thigh on a huge canvas, and it was terrifying!"
"Becky, that wasn't a thigh! I explained that it was an arm," Kathryn interjected, a hint of frustration in her voice.
"Oh, I always thought it was a thigh!" Becky exclaimed wide-eyed. "But what difference does it make? They were both bloody! I and Pat were always worried you might have split personalities and, without any warning, turn into a female monster and start stabbing us!"
"Right now, I just want to sew your mouth shut," Kathryn said, shooting a glare at Becky.
Everyone at the table laughed.
Throughout dinner, Becky rambled on about Kathryn's quirky stories from their past, and Eric's understanding of her character deepened.
...
It wasn't until nine that Eric and Kathryn finally left Becky's place, where Eric's car waited outside.
Once they climbed into the car and said their goodbyes to Becky and her husband, they quickly drove towards Broadway.
After more than ten minutes, Eric noticed Kathryn, sitting beside him, occasionally rubbing her forehead. Concerned, he asked, "Did you drink too much? Feeling dizzy?"
Kathryn nodded. "I'm fine; I just need to rest for a bit."
Eric then instructed the driver to stop and opened the door. Though surprised, Kathryn followed him outside. The chilly air of Manhattan's nighttime quickly made her feel a bit better.
"Let's walk for a bit; it'll help," Eric suggested, stepping onto the curb first.
The bodyguard drove slowly behind them, and Eric walked alongside Kathryn, both observing the shops and traffic without talking much.
As they passed a nearby alley, Eric noticed a crowd of young people gathered outside a disco. Feeling adventurous, he tugged on Kathryn's arm. "Want to check it out?"
Kathryn glanced over and was about to shake her head but saw Eric already heading into the alley. Hesitating for a moment, she decided to follow.
Inside, the disco was packed. The bouncer at the entrance didn't let everyone in, perhaps due to the crowd.
Eric maneuvered through the throngs, reaching the entrance, only to be stopped by a chain across the doorway. Just as he was about to negotiate his way in, a suited man with his hands behind his back appraised Eric and Kathryn. He nodded toward the bouncer, who then lifted the chain, letting them in.
...
After checking their coats, they entered a long corridor, and Eric looked at Kathryn inquisitively. "It can't be your first time here, right?"
Kathryn shook her head. "I've never been to a place like this."
Eric laughed. "Actually, this is my first time too."
Before they even stepped into the main hall, the upbeat music filled their ears. Once inside, amidst flashing lights, they saw countless men and women dancing to the rhythm. Even though the temperature outside was below freezing, most women in the hall wore revealing outfits, showcasing their slender waists and legs, while many men paraded bare-chested, displaying tattoos.
Kathryn seemed out of her element. "Maybe we should head back. It's already past nine."
"Since we're here, let's sit for a while," Eric said, pulling her towards the bar.
Kathryn felt Eric's hand grasp hers suddenly and quickly pulled away, glaring at him. "Don't do that."
"Alright," Eric chuckled. Despite her words, he didn't sense much aversion in her expression.
They ordered two whiskeys, and Eric led Kathryn to an empty sofa in a corner.
"I can't believe I'm here with you," Kathryn said, sitting beside him. Unlike Eric, she didn't lean back, instead sitting up straight, her gaze wandering over the energetic dancing crowd.
"I can believe I'm here. It's hard to imagine you've never been in a place like this when you've lived nearby for so many years."
"Some people go their whole lives without doing things, even when they're right there in front of them."
"Oh, I see," Eric nodded, taking in Kathryn's youthful face that looked no older than thirty. If she didn't maintain such a composure, she would surely look different. A place like this could certainly wear down the body and spirit.
As he sipped his whiskey, Eric suddenly asked, "I remember a 'Disco Sucks' movement over a decade ago; do you remember that?"
Kathryn nodded. "Becky and a few of her friends dragged me to that event. Out of nowhere, someone set fire to a pile of disco records during the intermission. After that, youths took to the streets wearing 'disco sucks' T-shirts. It must've closed down a lot of disco clubs back then."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
週次パワーステータス
-- 推薦
ランキング 
-- 推薦
チケット