In the early 1980s, recent Hampshire College graduates Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress navigate their entry into adult life while working in low-level publishing jobs in Manhattan. They frequent an exclusive disco nightclub, where their social lives intertwine with a colorful cast of characters, including their friend and lawyer about town, Jimmy Steinway. Alice, introverted and earnest, often finds herself overshadowed by the more assertive Charlotte. Despite their differences, they both grapple with the complexities of romantic relationships, friendships, and career aspirations.

As Alice and Charlotte attempt to find their footing in the post-college world, they encounter various socio-cultural challenges, from shifting gender roles to the rise of the AIDS epidemic. These experiences force them to re-evaluate their values and ambitions. The story follows their interpersonal dynamics and the broader impact of the waning disco era on their lives, capturing a nostalgic yet poignant snapshot of a bygone time.