Chapter Text
February 19, 2011, Henrietta Hudson, West Village
The opening beats of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ begin. The bass thumping so loudly from the speakers behind her that Kate will probably hear phantom traces of it for days. She stares across the bar. Watching the bartenders work. Wondering how they can hear the orders over the music and rowdy crowd. A woman on the opposite end catches her eye. She’s short. Curly brown hair. Wearing a black bomber jacket and beanie. She’s beautiful. And she’s smiling at Kate.
Kate quickly looks away. Takes a sip of her gin & tonic. Stares at the napkin in her hands. Twisting it. Ripping it. Sighing. She’s not sure she can handle this right now. Talking. Flirting. Being human. She should have stayed home tonight. With her books or her bed or both.
There’s movement next to her. She glances to her right, sees a mop of curly hair—the woman from across the bar—, sucks in a deep breath, and returns her gaze to the napkin as she rips another piece off and piles it on the bar top. A shout breaks through the pounding music, “It’s a Saturday night, you’re in a dyke bar surrounded by beautiful women, why the sad face?”
Kate winces. Pivots slightly to make eye contact as she shouts back, “If you were a guy, I’d probably smack you right now.”
“Then, lucky for me I’m not a guy.” The woman smirks up at Kate.
Usually lines like that would have Kate rolling her eyes, turning her head, and ignoring the asshole who said it. She’s not a naturally smiley person, is even less of one these days, and hates the reminder of that fact. But Kate looks at this woman. Really looks at her. She’s even more beautiful up close. Her eyes are twinkling as she beams up at Kate. She’s flirting, sure. But there’s also genuine concern and curiosity written on her face. Like she’s pained by the sight of Kate sitting there at the bar. Alone. Twisting a napkin to shreds instead of letting loose and having fun.
Kate smiles as best she can. Feels her face muscles rebelling at the action.
It’s been too long.
“Lucky for me too. Because I would have no interest in continuing the conversation if you were.”
“Oh, we’re having a conversation?” The woman teases.
“Aren’t we? You asked me a question.” Kate shoots back.
“And you didn’t answer it.”
Good point.
Kate huffs a laugh. “Long week. Busy week. I’m tired. Have way too much to do. Forced myself here, thinking I could shut my mind off once I got here…but,” She drags the word out. Bobs her head from side to side, “It’s proving to be a challenge.”
The woman hums. Scoots closer. Peers up Kate. Her eyelids flutter as they catch one of the spotlights hanging over the bar. She’s so incredibly attractive. Kate finds it hard to breathe.
“Work?” The woman asks.
Kate shakes her head. “Law school.”
“Ouch! Yuck. Ok… Now I understand completely. A few of my cousins went through that hell recently. I can’t even imagine doing it myself. You have my sincerest sympathies.”
Kate laughs despite herself. “How about you? What brings you to this bar on a Saturday night?”
It’s a dumb question, but she’s out of practice. Can’t remember the last time she tried to flirt with a woman at a bar.
The woman doesn’t spare her. “Women. Fun. Duh!” She laughs. Winks. Kate can feel herself blushing. “No. I…Uhh… I’m in town for something work related. It wrapped up today. But I extended my stay until Monday night. Might as well take advantage of the long weekend to work in a mini vacation.”
“Smart.” Kate nods. “Where is home?”
“Texas. Dallas to be exact.”
Kate nods again. Finds herself at a loss for words. She goes back to twisting her napkin.
The woman plucks it out of her grasp. Bops her on the back of her hand. “I’m Lucy. What’s your name?”
Kate peers down. Can feel her heart racing as Lucy’s index finger continues tapping a rhythm against her hand. Answers, “Kate.”
“Nice to meet you Kate. Would you like to have some fun?”
Kate smiles. “I would.”
Lucy grabs her hand. Pulls her away from the bar. “Great. Let’s dance.”
Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance fades out as soon as they hit the dance floor. The Black Eyed Peas ‘I Gotta Feeling’ begins. Everyone screams. Throws their hands in the air. Kate doesn’t join them. She tunes out the terrible song and the memories associated with it. Tunes out the room. Focusing only on Lucy’s smile and Lucy’s curls and Lucy’s laugh as she shakes her ass on the dance floor…