“Would you have sex with me?” asks Kathy.
    “I might if you buy one of Theus’s paintings,” answers Mark.
    “Oh, well he’s out of my league,” says Kathy.
     Theus thinks of one last option.
    “The deal on the Ice Castle fell through yesterday,” says Theus.
     The group of four sits around the small living room. Kathy turns her head toward the dining room. It contains a collection of paintings including the Ice Castle. Kathy stands up and walks into the dining room. The three men slowly get to their feet and follow her.
     Kathy stands with her face inches from the painting. She studies the detail of the painting. Paint is so thick that it builds up in some areas. Theus used pointillism in other places to create a consistent scatter of green. In the center is the clear image of the ruins of a gigantic ice castle that towers over a road. Theus stands patiently behind Kathy’s left shoulder. Oscar and Mark view the painting from the other side of the room.
    “I want another beer,” says Kathy.
     She turns and walks hurriedly into the kitchen. Oscar chuckles to himself. He is Kathy’s friend and provides her with transportation to and from Theus’s get-togethers. Tonight, Oscar isn’t sure whom Kathy wants to take her home.
    “That painting looks like some kind of dream,” says Oscar.
     This evening, Kathy had thought of buying one of Theus’s paintings. She and Theus had difficulty agreeing on the terms of the sale. After about an hour, the conversation turned to sex. It was a topic Mark was uncomfortable with. Kathy could tell, so she persisted.
     Kathy hadn’t considered buying the Ice Castle earlier in the evening. She didn’t know it was for sale. There were a few other paintings that she had thought of buying before she made the offer for her favorite one. Theus did not accept that offer.
     Theus, Oscar and Mark stand silently in the room. They can hear Kathy in the kitchen. It’s after midnight. Oscar wants to go home. Theus thinks of the bills that he needs to pay. Mark is a spectator.
     Kathy walks back into the dining room with a can of Stroh’s. She stops and faces the painting.
    “I like that painting Theus. I really do,” she says.
     Oscar and Mark wait for the next move.
    “Same deal as that other one?” she asks.
    “Sure,” says Theus.
    “Done,” says Kathy.
    “It’s late. I’m going home,” says Oscar.
     Oscar takes a few steps towards the door and stops. Kathy grins and looks at Mark. Mark looks puzzled. Theus smiles.