***

A few days later…

The Bette Porter Gallery is unusually busy for a Friday afternoon. Preparations for Joy Moon’s farewell exhibition are well underway, and with opening night just three weeks away, Bette is determined to ensure that every detail meets her exacting standards.

In her office, she sits behind her desk, one hand moving swiftly across her keyboard while the other holds the telephone receiver to her ear. Her monitor displays a detailed exhibition schedule.

“Right, so I’ve reviewed the revised installation drawings, and I think we’re almost there,” Bette says, scrolling through a digital rendering of the main exhibition space. “But I still have some concerns about the lighting in the west gallery.” She pauses, listening to the exhibition designer on the other end of the line. “No, the placement is fine. It’s the intensity I’m worried about. Joy’s larger pieces have a lot of subtle texture, and if we wash them out with too much direct lighting, we’re going to lose that depth.”

She clicks open another document and compares the proposed lighting arrangement with photographs of the artwork. “Exactly. I want the work to speak for itself. We shouldn’t be competing with it.”

Bette listens for a moment, then nods. “Good. And while we’re discussing installation, I need confirmation that the custom pedestals for the sculptural pieces are going to be delivered on schedule.” She leans back slightly, reaching for her coffee. “Mm-hmm…” Her brows draw together. “Thursday? No, that’s cutting it too close. The installation crew is scheduled to begin work that Monday, and I don’t want them standing around waiting for equipment.”

She sets her coffee down and resumes typing. “Look, this is Joy’s farewell exhibition. She’s been an extraordinary part of my art history, and I want this show to reflect that. We’re expecting collectors, critics, and several representatives from institutions she’s worked with over the years. I don’t want any last-minute surprises.”

Bette pauses as the designer offers an alternative delivery date. “Tuesday would be much better.” She opens her calendar and checks the following week’s appointments. “Actually, I need everything finalized by next week. I’ll be unavailable the following week because I’ll be out of town, and I want the installation plans, lighting adjustments, and final display specifications approved before I leave.”