Alex Aoki, a talented and aspiring artist, has had an opportunity to paint full time for the last five years thanks to the very generous patronage of Lucia DelAlessio. In exchange for accompanying Lucia to events around the world and occasionally sharing Lucia's bed, Alex is able to focus on her art without worrying about day-to-day hassles and expenses. Lauren O'Brien has left the rat race of a large Manhattan law firm to live a more peaceful life in rural New York. She meets the vivacious painter Alex at the small town's library, and it is clear that the attraction between the two extends beyond a love of books. Lauren dismisses Alex's interest as a schoolgirl crush because of their substantial age difference, but discovers that Alex is both persuasive and persistent. Lauren soon learns of a bigger issue that Alex has been hiding-the rich, jet-setting patroness whose financial support comes with sexual privileges. While Lauren tackles her ideas of relationships and monogamy, Alex must face hard questions about what is really worth sacrificing for her painting. As they each search their souls for what is most important, they must sort out their feelings about age, passion, propriety, honesty, art, truth, and above all, love.