“Tomorrow we’ll start going over protocol,” Lex said as we headed back toward the themed rooms. “Basic positions, forms of address, how scenes are structured. Nothing too intense, just giving you the foundation.”
“And we’ll introduce you to the volunteer who’s helping us demonstrate,” Majesty added. “She’s experienced, easy to work with. You’ll like her.”
My stomach growled and both men chuckled. “I think that’s enough for today. Let’s get you back to the cabin so we can feed you.”
Back in the cabin, they worked to set up dinner on the large table near the windows, simple but delicious food, wine, and we had a comfortable conversation while they worked, not letting me lift a finger. There was lamb, garlic-roasted asparagus, and spaghetti squash with spinach, tomato, and Brie cheese. My mouth watered as I looked at my plate, ready to indulge.
“How are you feeling about all of this?” Lex asked when we sat down to eat. “Honestly.”
I considered the question and took a sip of wine. “Nervous. Curious. A little overwhelmed but in a good way.”
“That’s normal,” Majesty assured me. “We’d be worried if you weren’t at least a little nervous.”
“What if I mess up?” The question came out before I could stop it. “What if I forget something or do it wrong or…”
“Then we’ll correct you,” Lex said simply. “That’s part of the process. You’re here to learn, Cami. Mistakes are expected.We’re also aware that this is all new to you. When we agreed to have you as our assistant, we were aware of what we were signing up for.”
“And honestly,” Majesty added with a grin, “some of the best learning happens when things don’t go perfectly. It’s how you recover that matters.”
I chewed on that logic while trying my food. Lex knew his way around meat. You could tell because of the flavor he’d put in these lamb chops. They were tender and succulent, and I wondered if I’d truly had them before if they were supposed to taste like this. The side dishes weren’t anything to demean either. Though they were made by Majesty, the flavor complemented the lamb as if it were all cooked by the same person. I knew immediately that this was how it was going to be with them. Exciting together, palatable, and, frankly, irresistible. I needed to be careful or I was going to get used to being spoiled by them.
I tried to help clear away dishes but was told to go and sit down on the couch near the fireplace. Majesty built a fire while Lex poured each of them a glass of whiskey. I opted for fruit juice instead of more wine.
“So tell us,” Majesty said, settling into the chair across from me, “what are you most curious about? Not nervous about… curious.”
I wrapped my hands around the glass, feeling the coolness. “How you make it work. The communication, the balance. How you teach people to navigate jealousy and insecurity and all the things that come up.”
Lex said, “That’s complex. The short answer is that it takes work. Constant communication, regular check-ins, willingness to be uncomfortable.”
“The longer answer,” Majesty continued, “is that you have to build a foundation of trust first. Without that, none of the restmatters. That’s why we spend so much time on negotiation and boundaries in our workshops.”
“And why we wanted you here early,” Lex added, his eyes finding mine. “So we could build that trust with you before things get complicated.”
Something warm bloomed in my chest. “I appreciate that.”
We talked for another hour, the conversation flowing easily between serious topics and lighter moments. I learned that Majesty had grown up in Colorado, that Lex had a background in psychology before getting into furniture design.
When I finally stood to go to my room, exhaustion pulled at me. They walked me to the staircase.
“Tomorrow we start at nine,” Lex said. “Dress comfortably. We’ll be doing some physical work.”
“And, Cami?” Majesty’s voice was gentle. “Thank you for being brave. It means a lot.”
I smiled, feeling that warmth again. “Thank you for inviting me.”
In my room, I arranged my toiletries in the bathroom. Through the window, the mountains were dark silhouettes against a star-filled sky.
My phone buzzed with a text from Shelly.
Shelly:
How is it?? Are you okay??
Me:
It’s beautiful. They’re really wonderful. I think this is going to be good. There’s so much to see. I’ll have to send you pictures of the scenery. I know you’ll love it.
Shelly:
