Monday, June 17th, 2019

Graeme's POV

Now that Jackson is gone, we will need another actor/actress for the movie. Just great. Lou is thinking about scraping the picture. We need to find someone fast.

"What's going to happen now that Jackson is gone?" Janiyah asked.

"Lou is thinking about scraping the picture. We have close to half of the filming done, but it's not enough."

"I'm sorry, Papito."

"Well, think of it this way - we get to spend more time together until my next offer happens." I sure did drag Janiyah from her office chair to the couch in her office.

"True. But that was supposed to be a big movie. I hope you can find an actor or actress to take the spot."

Lexie, Brownie, Smoky, and Tigger all ran into the room and jumped on the couch.

"Arf! Arf!"

"I'm hoping too."

"Let me finish up my work for the day and I'll get started fixing dinner."

"Damion and I will fix it. What would Mrs. Harrison like to eat?"

"You know me, so whatever you guys fix is okay with me."

I stole a kiss, then went to find Damion. The patio door was open, so I'm guessing he is outside. And, he was - swimming in the pool.

"Graeme, I know this may be a long shot, but what about Janiyah as a replacement? It was originally a female co-star. She would be perfect for the role. The only thing is she doesn't have any acting experience."

"I never thought of that. She would absolutely be perfect for the role. Carrie was terrible. How she even got the role I don't even want to know. We need to convince Lou first before even asking Janiyah."

"I agree. I'll call Lou so we can meet up tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan. Let's start buttering up Janiyah now. Hopefully, she won't get suspicious. I'll go to the store and get something for dinner."

"I'll go with you. Give me a few minutes to take a shower and change my clothes."

"Okay. I'll meet you in the foyer."

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"You guys, dinner was fabulous - lobster mac and cheese, salad, and a glass of champagne. I am stuffed. What's the occasion?"

Damion and I glanced at each other, not knowing what to say. "Uh, well we are celebrating Jackson being gone."

"That is a good reason to celebrate. What a weasel. You both sure know how to spoil a girl. I appreciate it. I'll go get started on the dishes."

"Oh, no, no, no! I'll take care of them, Niyah. You go relax for the rest of the evening." Damion stood up and cleared the dishes from the table, then took them in the kitchen.

"Thanks, D." Janiyah and the pets left the enclosed patio and went inside. I better help Damion with the dishes. The dishes left on the table I carried inside.

"Hey Graeme, Lou agreed to a meeting tomorrow at 1:00 pm. He told us to meet him at Vistas. It's the restaurant by the beach."

"Okay. I'll drive us tomorrow."

While washing the dishes, Janiyah entered the kitchen. "My boys are fully trained. I came to get another glass of wine." Janiyah poured her glass of wine and left the kitchen. Damion and I finished up the dishes, then went our separate ways.

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Tuesday, June 18th, 2019

After putting in our food orders, we made our pitch to Lou. Damion went first.

"Lou, Graeme, and I found an actress to fill in the co-star role. You can take the movie back to Graeme having a love interest."

"You have? Who is it because I really don't want to scrap the picture."

"Uh, it is my wife, Janiyah."

"Are you both being serious?" Lou says after sighing, loudly.

"I am dead serious. Lou, we don't want you to scrap the picture. You are almost halfway finished directing the movie. You did say that Janiyah has a movie star vibe. Lou, you had Carrie as the co-star, and she was beyond terrible."

"Your wife would have to take a crash course in acting. I can't believe I am going to say this, but I am desperate. If you can get your wife up to speed by Monday, the role is hers to keep."

Yes!! "Thanks, Lou. I promise you won't regret it. I love this movie and the direction you have it going in."

Now, I have to convince Janiyah.

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Before I made my way home, I called Janiyah and told her to get the jacuzzi ready. I picked up dinner from her favorite place, some wine, and roses.

I pulled up in the driveway, put my SUV in park, grabbed everything, and went inside. After sitting the things down, I locked my truck doors.

I then went to change into my swim trunks and went back downstairs. I took the food to the kitchen and placed it on one of the trays that we had and two wine glasses. Then, I walked to the jacuzzi.

Janiyah had candles and slow music playing, as I asked her to do.

"Dinner is ready, Mrs. Harrison."

"Dinner, roses, wine, and romantic music? What are you up to, Mr. Harrison?"

"Can't I treat my wifey to a romantic dinner? Let's eat. I got your favorite - stuffed salmon with crab meat, baked sweet potato, salad, and red velvet cake with a bottle of your favorite red wine."

"Yes, you can. And, I love it. But I know there is something you want to ask me because you seem nervous. Graeme, are you okay? Are you sick or something?"

"Okay, let me get a glass of wine first." I poured myself a glass of wine and drank it straight.

"Okay, here it is. You know how we are looking for an actor or actress to keep the movie going, right?"

"Of course. You found someone?! That's great news! Who is it?"

I poured another glass, took a sip, and whispered, "You."

"Come on, Graeme. Stop playing. Who is it?"

"It's you. Damion and I suggested you for the role. Lou was okay with it. You'll need a crash course in acting by next Monday."

I waited for Janiyah to explode. But, she didn't.

"That's what I thought you said. Pass that bottle." She drank straight from the bottle.

"What possessed you and Damion to suggest me? I don't have any acting experience."

"You have me and Damion to help you. You know we would never let you fail. Niyah boo, everyone has to start somewhere when it comes to acting. And, you would be a major upgrade over Carrie. She was terrible."

"I'm glad you both think highly of me. And, what about my business?"

"I wouldn't think no other way about you. You're my wife, queen, and mean everything to me. Plus, we will be together. Lou is one of the best. His movies have are always been nominated for awards. And, he has won so many of those awards. We spoke about it at lunch today. I told him about your company, and he is adjusting the script for you at this moment. And, guess what? Damion will have an increased role."

"You thought about everything, didn't you?"

"I sure did. This is a dream of a lifetime, working with my boo on a movie. We could be like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Well, at least we will stay together. Please, Mi Vida?"

Janiyah's POV

Graeme is really excited about this. What if I mess up? I'm nervous already. But his movie career means everything to me. How can I say no?

"When do I start? And, won't I need an agent?"

"Already got that covered. My agent would like to set up a meeting to go over a contract offer. I can't leave my boo hanging. Other than our wedding day, this is one of the best days of my life. I love you so much for saying yes. You're a lifesaver for the movie."

"You're my husband, and Damion is my brother. I love both of you and will do anything to help your careers. I'm a nervous wreck already. What time is the meeting with your agent? And, with Lou?"

"I suggested that we have a dinner meeting at The Crystal View Restaurant at 7:00 pm."

"Okay, but if I do this, I want to talk to my dad. It would be special for him to be my agent. I will still go to the meeting tomorrow. I'll finish up early so I can be ready." Oh boy, wait until my family hears this news. I'm going to act in a movie.

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Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

(Janiyah's outfit for the dinner)

Graeme and I are on our way to dinner. Even though I was a nervous wreck all day, I was able to accomplish a lot at work.

I was up pretty late last night, talking with my dad. He said he would love to be my agent. He sent me over the contract he uses for his clients. I checked it over, signed it, and had it sent next day for him to sign and file. I will get a copy too.

This is exciting and nerve wracking. I hope I live up to the expectations of Graeme and Damion.

For this movie, my dad and Graeme's agent spoke this morning. Since my dad is in Texas, Graeme's agent will represent me this evening. Then, he will conference with my dad. My dad will give the final approval.

Graeme parked in front of the restaurant, then got out to give his keys to the valet. There were fans standing behind a velvet rope. Graeme then came to help me out. The fans were screaming both of our names, "Graeme!! Janiyah!!!"

"See, they are already screaming your name. You got this," Graeme says as we waved to the fans while walking in the restaurant.

"Hi, the reservation is under Alessandro Tutino. I am..." Graeme didn't get to finish his sentence.

"Right this way, Mr. & Mrs. Harrison." We followed the hostess to the table for dinner.

"Lou and Alessandro, this is my wife and future star, Janiyah."

"It's nice to meet you, gentlemen." I shook both of their hands, them Graeme pulled out my chair so I could sit down.

"Mrs. Harrison, let me just say a big thank you for coming through in the pinch. I know this is your first movie appearance, so I adjusted the script for you. If you are okay with action scenes, there are a few. I also need to ask if you would be comfortable doing a love scene with your husband."

"Please, call me Janiyah. Action scenes are fine. As for the last part, you mean I would be compensated for being intimate with my husband on screen? Uh, can I get a glass of wine, please?"

Lou waved a waiter over and he ordered a bottle of wine for everyone.

"Yes, you will. It's in the contract. Take a look at it and let me know if it is suitable. Also, the last page has the amount you will be paid for the movie. And, the percentage amount listed is what you will receive from royalties of the movie - from DVD/Blu-ray sales, movie ticket sales, etc... Your saying yes really saves the movie from being scraped. Your salary for the movie is what Carrie was supposed to receive," Lou then says.

Mr. Tutino handed me the contract. The waiter came back with the wine. Graeme poured me a glass while I looked at the contract.

"Janiyah, for an actress, this is an excellent contract. And, call me Alessandro. Your father and I go way back," Mr. Tutino says.

Wow, he wasn't kidding. I can agree with everything included in it. Even the intimacy scene. When I got to the last page, I choked on my wine. Graeme patted my back. "Janiyah, are you okay?"

"I'm shocked at the amount on the last page for a first-timer. I'm okay with everything in the contract. Do you have a pen for me to sign it?" The pay for the movie is $3.5 million dollars. Alessandro handed me a pen so I could sign the contract. Lou signed it also.

"Janiyah, I'll get this over to your dad asap. Once he signs it, you and Lou will get a copy. Your dad will keep a copy as well. Congratulations, and I hope everything works out for you."

"Thank you, Alessandro." I'm hoping it does too. Wait until my dad calls me about the love scene. I know hubby is happy. We ordered dinner, and more wine to celebrate me joining the cast of the movie.

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Narrator's POV

Janiyah's father called her as soon as they got home from the restaurant. But she was surprised. He didn't lecture her. Steven gave her tips on how to cope with the Hollywood types - directors, actors, actresses, etc. Granted he was not going to be comfortable with his daughter being intimate with Graeme for everyone to see. But he realized Janiyah is a grown woman and respected her decision.

Damion and Graeme prepared Janiyah over the weekend for her debut on Monday. She was a nervous wreck but survived it.

Monday has arrived.

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Monday, Jun 24th, 2019

After finishing my work for the day, I went to take a shower and change my outfit to a more casual look.

I told Graeme that I would be driving over, but he said not to. Transportation was on the way, which means he got a limo for me.

Lexie, Brownie, Smoky, and Tigger sat with me on the couch. "Kiddos, my stomach is in knots."

Brownie and Lexie barked, "Arf! Arf! Arf!"

Smoky and Tigger meowed. It was too cute. I heard a car horn, so I stood up from the couch. "Well, my babies mama has to go now. I will see you all later." I left the television on because they like to watch it. I grabbed my bag and phone, then left the house.

Why am I not surprised? Graeme sent a Hummer limo to take me to the set. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Harrison. Please sit back and relax. My name is Will and I will be your driver today."

Will opened the door, then I stepped in. "Thank you, Will."

Let the nervousness commence.

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