In "Spending," the narrative revolves around Monica Szabo, a middle-aged, struggling painter in New York City who grapples with the challenges of balancing her artistic passion with financial stability. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets B., a wealthy commodities trader who admires her work and offers her an unconventional proposal: he will provide her with financial support, allowing her to focus solely on her art, in exchange for being her muse and lover. This arrangement challenges Monica's notions of independence, creativity, and intimacy, as she navigates the complexities of this modern patronage while exploring themes of power, gender dynamics, and artistic integrity.

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