It was one thing to watch someone fake an orgasm in a movie, it was another to witness dozens of people do it firsthand. But it was when the pack of corgis joined in, barking and howling, that Julia truly lost it. She wondered if she could slither off her chair and hide under the table from the group orgy in which she suddenly found herself.

After a few more uncomfortable seconds, Andie and Kat started to taper off. Soon they had stopped completely, their full attention on Sally. The woman had an impressive set of lungs … and stamina. The rest of the room quieted while Sally continued to yell and moan, climax ebbing and flowing.

Kat had mentioned fireworks, and that’s exactly what this was—like watching a fireworks show. Sally would start to really gather some steam, to the point that Julia was sure the grand finale was about to happen, but then she would ease off, shifting into a series of slower, more sensual noises. And then she’d increase the tempo again, louder and faster, until Julia was once again convinced the climactic end of the show was approaching.

Finally, the big O arrived. Like her movie predecessor, Sally came. And came and came and came. In the immediate aftermath of the orgasmic explosion, the dining room felt obscenely quiet. No murmur of conversation. No clatter of plates or clank of silverware. Even the dogs had gone completely silent. Several people were gaping, their mouths wide open.

Should she clap? Julia felt like she should clap. A performance that epic deserved some applause. The rustling of lavender silk abruptly broke the silence as Mrs. Weatherfork stood. The entire dining room turned toward their brightly dressed hostess. She cleared her throat and coyly announced, “I’ll have what she’s having.”

Laughter burst across the room, followed by thunderous applause. The owner of the resort approached their table. “Well done.” She handed Sally an envelope. “Enjoy.” She waggled her artistically arched eyebrows. “I’d say you’ve earned it.” With a wink, the woman returned to her seat, ever-present entourage of corgis in tow.

“Take a bow honey, they’re clapping for you,” Harry said.

“Oh, stop,” Sally demurred with a bashful grin.

“It was a spectacular performance,” Kat chimed in.

“Very impressive,” Andie agreed. “You definitely went all in.”

Sally ducked her head shyly but managed to stand up and take a bow. Growing bolder, she began blowing kisses to the crowd.

“I don’t know whether to be impressed or concerned,” Harry admitted. But his voice was playful, and his smile was warm and genuine as he pulled his wife onto his lap and gave her a kiss.