Money Changes Everything

Dimitri can't pick up the smoked salmon canapé from the long skinny ceramic tray. His hands, meaty thick paws covered in scars, calloused and worn, are ungainly. Functional, strong, weathered but not fit for delicate hors d'oeuvres. Standing on brushed granite stone floors imported from the other side of the world, a long sleeve of microbrewed beer in one hand, a napkin of sugarcane shrimp in the other. Rogerio, Vlad and Justin awkwardly socialize with the gang of tradesmen representing at least 15 different cultures and countries. A thank you gathering for the workers who put together this monstrosity of a house, all 4000 square feet of custom designed opulence. Still an empty shell, yet to be filled with furniture and art and life, it's lines are bold. Clean, angular, severe. No curverd space, no soft edges. Sharp, purposed. Windows from floor to ceiling overlooking what will surely become a meticulously manicured back acreage falling deliberately into the preserved ravine. A front facade belieing more of an art gallery or musuem or industrial modern corporate temple. Dimitri feels uneasy. Awkward and out of place. Roberto and Adrian are picking apart the design in the kitchen, from a stone masons point of view. It's an exorbitant contract they're a part of. Three years in the making with a rotating crew of the finest tradesmen, architects, designers, builders and artisans in the city, the entire province. Money bridges the gap between dream and reality. Love the idea of a chandelier you saw in Venice? Done. The stairwell of the second level in the new wing at the MET? We can do that for you. In your new, built to suit, downsized, made for two, luxury abode. Most of these men, and they are all men, not a female trades person in sight, are at the top of their game. Generation after generation of family built craftspeople. Most of whom are in the house tonight. Roast  tenderloin sliders on egg washed buns, Peking duck spring rolls with a hoisin sauce, lobster salad rolls, and a tower of individually crafted red velvet, chocolate and vanilla cupcakes with a tiny plaque on each one that has a picture of a backhoe under the words Thank You. Chalk and cheese. A celebration for the help with the other help helping to feed and water the true masters of design behind the work of art yet to be completed. Money changes everything.