When the Lights Go Down

(II) Treasure, Treasure

Song: Ai Du by Ali Farka Toure

~*~

Wednesday/July 27, 1988/London, England

Past a golden gate, topped with the Burberry Equestrian Knight logo, was Lula's mansion. It was made up of red brick and white stone, fronted by four tall pillars. Garden lights, strategically placed all around, lit the landscape beautifully in the sun-setting hour. 

I arrived to my visit late. Though I wasn't working that day, I was still busy with other things. But I was glad I showed up when I did. True beauty always seems to shine brightest when the moon is prominent.

Lula's beauty reminded me of a 50s Pin-Up Girl. 

The way her dark curls layered and swept to one side. The wings cornering her eyes. Her red stained lips. Red was also the color of her heels and the band wrapped around her rib cage. From there, her black dress ballooned out in vintage style.

Jazzy Blues poured delicately from hidden surrounding speakers, scoring the scene she set perfectly. We ate dinner in the dining room. The crimson walls, with golden leaves accenting the far corners, stood high, holding a four-tiered crystal chandelier that gave the room a canary glow.

The lavish décor and her English accented words were nostalgic. It was like being in France again with Mary Sharon.

Learning of my vegan nature, she claims she whipped up herself our meals of grilled veggies over wild rice, all soaking in a savory pumpkin sauce. To ease nerves, for the first half hour or so, all we did was talk about food and the vintage Dom Pérignon in her chilled glass.