It was an important day for Debbie professionally. As a scientist and tenured college professor with multiple accolades, she was in England currently attending a conference, representing her field of interest and presenting her research in international level, like she did all these years.
Her conference went well, got more and well deserved accolades from higher members and board. She was however alone. Nobody from her family, nor any other professors accompanied her. One of her extraordinary students, who was an ardent fan of Debbie's work, or fan of Debbie to be specific, Vianney Brennan had actually asked whether to join her but Debbie declined because it wouldn't be appropriate. Also, for some reason, that student really was into her personal life. She knew almost everything about Debbie when it came to her dating life. Everything didn't include the knowledge Tammy had on Debbie's love-life though. There was more to Debbie than what Vianney knew. Debbie isn't just an uptight scientist. She has her fun wild side which need not be known to her students.
The last night of her stay in Cambridge, she was asked by one of the lady professors of other college to join to nearby auditorium with other conference attendees. There was a celebration and they wanted to witness it. The lady who asked was a well-known professor and represented the top college of her country, and was more famous than Debbie herself. But Debbie politely declined. She was advised by Tammy via phonecall just couple minutes ago to enjoy what few hours left for her in Cambridge. And by enjoying, she meant real fun and not some boring talks with other professors. And that's why Debbie rejected the invitation. Instead, she went to a nearby pub, alone, as just Debbie Ocean, leaving behind the professor in her.
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Once at the pub, Debbie saw local Brits and couple of Aussies buying fish and chips even at this hour of time. Debbie never really understood why Brits and Aussies loved fish and chips. What's so much with a fish covered in batter and fries which, for some reason, these posh Brits and their ex-colonial residents down-under called it chips. She should once try it to understand the insane love for that snack. But she won't.
Debbie decided to drink instead of buying anything to eat. She sat on the bar stool and waited for the bartender to finish his commitment of other's drink orders.
While waiting, Debbie looked around, just to take in the environment. Typical English pub with English setups. Probably established a century ago. It wasn't like American nightclubs filled with hormone driven girls and boys fucking on every possible surface without a hint of shamelessness, gyrating their hips to godawful music. This was a family friendly pub. Adults, both young and old were around, enjoying their meals and drinks. A small celebration was going on at one section, probably arranged by a family. It was food themed and there was a buffet section that served traditional food. It wasn't however restricted to that family members. They were generous and everyone present were tasting the food.
Debbie however didn't try anything. She was hesitant. This cultural shock was bit too much for her. She instead continued her survey. She looked at another corner where few people danced.
While there wasn't a particular stage or a setup for dancing, some enthusiastic people danced on their own. A carefree and energetic dance. Didn't matter if they were alone or with a partner, they just danced and enjoyed. There wasn't any pervert gaze, nor a pervert hand 'accidentally' brushing intimate parts of females. The place was free from perverts and was safe for women. Probably high-end, Debbie thought. It was however encouraging Debbie who last danced in her early twenties in typical NYC nightclubs, trying to avoid getting touched by random men. Even if there were no such men around she didn't go to nightclubs after her professional life kicked off, and soon she failed to attend parties and social gatherings too. Yes, she was so into her work, she didn't have time to enjoy her life.
