Each level had gold leaf applied to it right on site, in Bette and Tina’s new home before the level finished with gold leaf was slowly pulled up with a set of special pulleys.  There were six different types of glass components used, selected after Bette and the interior lighting designer had gone over a hundred different ones available, and many discussions with the glass provider.  Over 230 glass drops encapsulating LED lights were used, all in all.  Several broke during the installation, which caused consternation from the designer, but which Bette shrugged off.  It had taken four days to hang this particular lighting feature alone.  “The chances of something much worse happening were pretty high, let’s face it,” she said soothingly to the lighting designer, in a reversal of roles between client and designer.

Bette was recounting to Tina her conversations with the lighting designer as she put up her feet in the couch, Angelica resting on her stomach, Tina massaging her calves and feet, and the girls sitting around her on the floor, listening in also.   Bette was rhapsodizing about the last lighting feature installed.  “It’s magical, T, not so much just light as in a task, but sculpture, light sculpture.  The gold leaf work was masterful, and the choices we’d made for the tempered glass really worked out well for the space.  Together with the table you selected, a beautiful one that the designer wanted to buy from us, by the way, but I said no way, since you’d made several trips to upstate New York to watch them make it!”

She continued, “Anyway, together with that table, the chairs around it, altogether a statement piece by itself, and this lighting feature — just fits the space perfectly.  Per. Fect. Ly.  That room is a work of art. Art, baby.”

“The designer almost cried leaving our place today; she was so moved by the effect of everything.  Although she can’t stay for the party, she promises to come back with her partner. To “luxuriate” as she says.”

Someone broke the silence that ensued.  “Wow! Bette, are you sure we’ll be able to eat in that room at all?,” Alice’ signature voice cut through.

They all laughed.  “Well…we’re having the party catered by a hot new chef, Lara something, trained out in that temple of French cuisine in Napa Valley … courtesy of Logan, by the way,” she told Tina.  “So I think so, yes, you should be able eat!”