Feedback is greatly appreciated. Fair warning: Part 3 includes infidelity, so if that's a trigger for you, you might not want to continue. Standard disclaimer: This is a work of fiction; all characters, companies, locales, and situations are wholly imaginary.
Recap: Mary and Stan were two frequently arguing coworkers who, through an unfortunate set of circumstances involving money troubles and Mary's husband's badly broken leg, found themselves on the TV show "Intimate Explorations." They had just finished filming the three rounds of a cable TV show that combined counseling and nudity to resolve conflicts.
Round 4
"Congratulations! Mary and Stan, you both received all 5's; you're going home with another $2500. Let's keep those honest, in-depth answers coming. Let's begin our final round of questions. Counselor 2, why don't you tell us about this round?
"This round is focused on deeper communication about what you're experiencing and how it makes you feel. Our approach has you share an experience and communicate openly and honestly as you navigate it. We have an idea we believe could be ideal, but we have a few questions before we get there. We've noticed that neither of you has removed your pubic hair. Have either of you ever shaved or exfoliated it? If so, what were your feelings about it? Please answer one at a time: Mary first, then Stan."
"I've never shaved it completely. I trim it up for swimsuits, and I like it trimmed. But I don't shave because I'm afraid I'll cut myself." Blushing, she continued, "It's so full now because I haven't trimmed since we started the shop expansion six months ago.
"I shaved it once," Stan replied. "I lost a bet when I was on the wrestling team. It was embarrassing, but it felt good for a day or two until the itching started. I haven't shaved since."
"Let's do an audience poll; please bring up the house lights," Barb interjected. "Show of hands: How many women here shave or exfoliate their pubes?" Almost three-quarters of the women raised their hands. "Now, men, how many of you shave or defoliate your pubes?" This time, about one-third raised their hands. Barb smiled and said, "Wow, that's a lot of pretty crotches! Thank goodness for Hollywood. OK, let's get back to business," as the house lights dimmed again.
"So, counselor 1, what do you have in mind for our guests?" Barb asked.
"We propose that Mary and Stan both have their pubic hair removed and, as it happens, describe the process and their feelings to each other. We reason that communication is most important during a time of stress. Since they have both done this in the past without harm, this should be an acceptably mild stressor for this communication exercise."
Mary jumped up as the counselor's words sunk in and exclaimed, "I can't do this!"
Barb yelled, "Cut." Leaving her chair, Mary went to Barb and said, "I never agreed to this."
Barb replied, "You certainly did." Prepared, Barb waved a copy of the contract under their noses. "Right here, see where it says, 'I agree with all make-up, hair styling, and personal grooming as directed by the show.' That's as clear as it gets."
"But I can't," whined Barb as Stan, who had joined them, nodded in agreement.
"Sure you can," Barb said, leading with the carrot. "You've done most of it before. Remember how many women in the audience are bare? You'll just be one more."
"You could quit now," Barb said, bringing out the stick. "But you'll lose the $16,625 you've earned already, and you'll be liable for the entire cost of production, about 150 thousand dollars. I don't think you want to do that."
"Stan, are you OK with a little personal grooming?" Barb asked.
"I'm game if Mary is; it doesn't sound too bad," Stan replied doubtfully.
Caringly, Barb said, "I get it, you're nervous, but look how comfortable you've been so far. You can even have another gummy to calm your nerves if you'd like. You don't even have to do the work. We're bringing on professionals who've done the same for major stars. You can just lay back and enjoy it."
"So, Mary, what's it going to be?" Barb asked.
"I guess I don't have a choice; I'll do it." Mary sighed.
Barb smiled encouragingly, "That's the spirit! Take a few deep breaths here with Stan while we prepare the stage. Have a gummy and relax. I know you'll love it. Besides, I want to see more of Stan, don't you?" Barb murmured in Mary's ear as she moved away to ensure the stage was ready.
The drama had dimmed their arousal, but the drugs kept them sensitive. When Barb returned and ran her hand down Mary's back, Mary leaned into it to enjoy the caress. "Let's get the audience back on your side," Barb said as she wrapped her arms around the couple and let them back to center stage.
"Sorry, folks, about that misunderstanding. Of course, Mary was afraid of cutting herself," Barb explained. "But once Stan and Mary found out that professionals will be doing the work, they're rearing to go. Let's encourage them with a big round of applause. Once again, the massive wave of approval and adoring looks did their job as Stan's member engorged, and Mary's felt her nipples tighten and her folds moisten.
When Barb led them back to their positions, they found terrycloth-covered, reclining barber's chairs had replaced their stools. "These are a lot more comfortable than those stools. Just lay back and relax as I introduce our groomers," Barb said as she settled them in, knowing that this would give more time for the gummies to kick in.
Barb began, "Let's welcome our professional grooming team, Adam and Eva, founders of the wonderful Body Beautiful line of personal grooming products and the top stylists at the famous Body Beautiful Salon in Beverly Hills. Please give them a warm 'Intimate Explorations' welcome!"
An attractive couple, Adam and Eva wore mid-length lab coats as they entered and bowed to the audience's welcome. "Please tell us a little bit about yourselves and your company."
"We met in cosmetology school and hit it off immediately. We worked in the adult video industry to raise startup money to open our salon. Once we started working, there were times we'd shave immediately before a scene, and it took the fun out of filming. That led us to change our focus from the salon to improving personal grooming products and techniques. We worked for a few more years to hire biochemists to develop better products while we worked on techniques and equipment.
"Our company, Body Beautiful, now offers the best personal grooming products on the market. We sell shaving creams, depilatories, and soothing creams. We opened the Body Beautiful Salon to showcase our products and techniques, and now we're here to showcase our work."