After Janiyah loses the pool game, Graeme gleefully says to her, "Ms. Frazier, I want you to have an all-day date with me next Sunday. And, dress casual. I'm not really a dress up guy, really only around award season."

"A bet is a bet, so I'll dress casual. People think I am always serious and don't really have fun. If they got to know me, they would see that I do have fun. What time does this 'date' start? I have to warn you though, I do not like eating out a lot. I like to cook, so I eat mostly at home." Graeme was surprised by Janiyah's answer. He thought she would have made a fuss about losing the bet. He gets more and more impressed by Janiyah every minute they are together.

"How about breakfast and dinner here at your home? And, lunch we can eat out." Graeme advises to Janiyah.

"Okay, that is fine." Janiyah says back to Graeme.

"Janiyah, we are going to be heading out now. Don't worry about the kitchen. We cleaned the dishes and put the food away. Janelle is staying with you." Janiyah's friend Danielle says.

"Thank you, ladies. I'll see you on Tuesday, Danielle." Amira and Danielle then made their way upstairs and out the house.

"Graeme, we should be leaving too. Back to shooting on the set tomorrow. Thanks, sis for the last minute change to your house." Damion says while hugging Janiyah.

"The pleasure was mine. We will have to do this every Sunday. Well, except for this coming Sunday. I miss having our sibling game nights. And, thanks again for the wine and flowers, Graeme." Once again, Graeme inwardly blushes hearing Janiyah say Graeme, and Mr. Harrison.

"You're welcome. And, thank you for the lovely dinner. It was delicious. I don't get to have a home, cooked meal often with filming and rehearsal, so I thoroughly enjoyed it." Graeme says with a huge grin on his face.

"Well, prepare to have two home cooked meals on Sunday." Everyone walked upstairs. "Damion usually takes some food back with him. You are welcome to do the same thing."

"Thank you. I think I will." Graeme and Damion headed to the kitchen and fixed a plate to go back to the hotel. After fixing their plates, along with Janiyah, they walked towards' the front door. She watched them as they got in Damion's SUV. Once she saw them pull off her parking pad, she locked up her door.

*****************************************************

Meanwhile, Amira makes it to her apartment and has a surprise visitor. "You have to stop scaring the mess out of me, Dylan. How much longer do I have to put up with this facade of being Janiyah's friend? You have no idea how hard it is to like her. I can't stand her. The only thing I like about her is her money."

He grabbed her hands and sat her in his lap on the couch. "I don't like it no more than you do. But, we have a job to do. Besides, I knew you would need some attention tonight after going to her house." He started kissing her and slowly removing her shirt. "You know I have to get her to be my girlfriend. I have to get as close to her as I can so we can get our hands on her money." Clothes started flying everywhere. 

"We haven't gotten to that stage yet." He then says to her as he carries Amira to her room.

"Well, that was your fault when you showed up late for your date with her last week. And, we may have another issue - Graeme Harrison has the hots for her." She then says as they begin moaning and groaning in the heat of passion.

"Not much longer, missy. Then, we will have what we want and need - her money. Let me worry about Graeme Harrison. But for tonight, let's forget about Ms. Frazier. It's you and me, baby."

"Yeah, let's forget."

*************************************************

Throughout the week, Janiyah was looking forward to her date with Dylan on Saturday. And, Graeme was looking forward to spending Sunday with Janiyah. Damion even told Graeme was Janiyah's favorite breakfast and dinner dishes were. 

He was so excited for Sunday that he had an excellent week of rehearsal for his new movie. He would talk about Sunday after every rehearsal. Carrie was seething on the inside that he was spending Sunday with Janiyah. She got so mad that she stormed off the set several times. That is nobody's problem but her own. But, if she keeps it up, there will be issues.

****************************************

July 2018 

Date night with Dylan

As Janiyah finished getting herself ready for her date with Dylan, her phone begins to ring. She looks at it and sees that it is Dylan. "Let me guess - he is going to be late." Janiyah snapped as she read his text message.

Dylan to Janiyah: "I am going to be late. I'll meet you at the restaurant. I'm really, really sorry."

At this point, Janiyah is irritated and is wondering if this guy is really worth it. "Who is late to a date twice, and on a Saturday nonetheless?" Janiyah decided she is going to question Dylan this evening.

Janiyah grabbed the keys to her Denali and drove to the restaurant.

***********************************************

As Janiyah headed into the restaurant, she saw Dylan pulling up to park his truck. What she didn't know was that Amira was in the truck too. Dylan told Amira to stay out of sight of Janiyah. Once he was done with their date, he would come join her. Dylan gave her a kiss and got out of his truck.

Dylan then walked up to Janiyah, who was obviously irritated. She didn't even say one word to him, just walked into the restaurant with him following.

"Welcome, Ms. Frazier. Your table is ready. Follow me please." Janiyah and Dylan followed the hostess to her favorite table - a beautiful outdoor seating area with a view of downtown Houston.

Janiyah said "Thank you" to the hostess. As soon as they sat down, Dylan received a text notification. And, then he read it. That annoyed Janiyah to no end.

Amira to Dylan: "Caught a cab home. Her friend, Danielle is the owner of the restaurant. Be prepared for dessert." 

Dylan quietly muttered, "Dang."

Janiyah was about to tear into Dylan about answering his phone on their date. But, the waiter approached their table.

"Hi, Janiyah, what would you like to start off with?"

"Hi, Tim. A glass of red wine and shrimp cocktail for appetizer." She politely replies to her best friend's younger brother.

"And, for you sir?" Tim asks Dylan.

"The same thing for me. Thank you."

"Got it. I'll be right back with the wine and put in your appetizers. Let me know when you are ready to order your entrees."

"Thanks, Tim." Tim then walks off to get the two glasses of wine. Now that he is gone, Janiyah can ask Dylan her question. She tried to be as calm as she could, while her arms were crossed.

"Dylan, answer me this. Why in the world were you late last weekend and today? It is a Saturday, for goodness sake!"

Dylan was stumped, but he can't tell Janiyah that he was having some 'fun' with Amira. That would mess up the job he was supposed to do. The waiter came back with the wine. Dylan took a sip and then says, "Family emergency in California. I was coming to the date straight from the airport." Dylan gulped, took another sip of the wine and waited for Janiyah's response. He hoped she believed it.

"Why couldn't you just tell me that in the first place? You just left me hanging, especially last week with no reservation and you were late. Look, I totally understand that family comes first. I would do the same thing, but I would at least call you to let you know. You didn't even do that." Still irritated as she answers Dylan.

Tim brought over the appetizers for Dylan and Janiyah. "Would you like me to go ahead and put in your entree orders?"

"Yes, that would be great. Order whatever you would like, Dylan. Tonight is my treat." Dylan realizes at that moment he can't risk any more slip ups with Janiyah if he wants to gain not only her trust, but her money.

"I would like to order the barbecue platter. And, another glass of wine." Tim jots down Dylan's order, then turns to Janiyah.

"I think I will order the same thing. No more wine for me. I'll have a Dr. Pepper, please." Tim jotted down Janiyah's order.

"I'll be right back with your drinks and put your entree orders in." 

********************************************

Janiyah and Dylan had a great time on their date. Dylan didn't tell Janiyah everything, but he told her enough - his likes, dislikes, etc. Janiyah did the same thing. Janiyah did tell him about her plans for Sunday.

"I do have to tell you that tomorrow I am spending the day with Graeme Harrison. You see my brother and Graeme are filming their movie in Houston. So, my brother introduced me to him. Granted, at first I couldn't stand the man. But, it turns out I misjudged him. He is really a cool guy. Anyway, they came over my house last Sunday and we played a game of pool. I lost a bet and that is why I am spending tomorrow with him."

Dylan was irritated but didn't let Janiyah see it. He realizes he needs to come up with a plan to get Graeme away from Janiyah.

"As long as he knows it is just a bet. You are going to be mine, Ms. Frazier. Count on it. How about dinner at your place for our next date?"

"Sounds great. I leave my office at five o'clock. We don't have to wait until Saturday you know."

"How about Wednesday?"

"It's a date." Tim came back over, and Janiyah gave him her card to pay for dinner. After paying and giving Tim a nice tip, Dylan and Janiyah left the restaurant.

Dylan was at least gentlemanly enough to walk Janiyah to her car. "I had a great time with you tonight, Janiyah. I'm sorry about being late."

"It's fine, Dylan. I had a great time too." He tried to go in for the kiss, but Janiyah wasn't having it. She retorted, "Not tonight, mister. This was our first actual date, and kissing is one thing I don't do on a first date. You have to earn it." She did give him a hug. "Good night, Dylan." She got in her Denali and made her way home.

If Janiyah was going to kiss him, Dylan knew exactly where to go. He drove straight over to Amira's house. He got his kiss and more.

**************************************************

Sunday - Date day with Graeme

Graeme was super excited to spend the day with Janiyah. First, they were going to make breakfast together. And, he didn't come empty handed. Graeme grabbed his bag of groceries and knocked on Janiyah's door.

"Ding dong!!"

Janiyah knew who it was, so she opened the door. "Hi, come on in."

This is the first time Graeme saw Janiyah in casual attire. "Whatever she wears, she rocks it." He quietly blushed out.

"I didn't know what to bring, so I bought orange juice, bacon, sausage, and bagels." Graeme says to Janiyah as they walk to her kitchen. "Oh, and I brought more flowers too."

"Thank you, Graeme. So, Mr. Harrison, what are you good at cooking?" 

"My breakfast specialty is omelets."

"Okay, you fix the omelets. And, I'll make my famous pancakes. I have a pan for you already on the stove." 

Graeme started on his omelets and Janiyah started on her pancakes. 20 minutes later, both had finished cooking. Janiyah poured a glass of orange juice for the both of them. Meanwhile, Graeme fixed plates for both of them. Then, Graeme followed Janiyah to the dining room, where they sat and enjoyed their breakfast.

"This omelet is delicious. I taste sausage, cheese, onions, green peppers and herbs." Janiyah mentions while savoring her omelet.

"You are correct madam. And, I added diced tomatoes as well. These are the best pancakes I have tasted. I can definitely taste the ginger, cinnamon, and bananas."

"I neglected to ask if you were allergic to anything? And, you are correct. I like to add nutmeg as well. Ginger and cinnamon are two of my favorite spices. Sometimes I add strawberries."

"That is okay. As far as I know, I am not allergic to anything."

Overall, they thoroughly enjoyed their breakfast. "You can put your dishes in the dishwasher. So, what are the plans for today - flat shoes or heels?"

"Definitely flat. What are some places you recommend? This is actually my first time in Houston."

"Okay, we are going to the Aquarium, the Zoo and another favorite place of mine is the Space Center. I'll drive. You can meet me by the door. I'll grab my keys and purse." Graeme placed their dishes in the dishwasher, then met Janiyah at the front door.

Graeme opened the door and Janiyah followed. They both made their way to her garage. Janiyah unlocked the doors to the Denali and then they made their way to downtown Houston.

******************************************

Janiyah took Graeme to the Space Center first. "This is one of my absolute favorite places to visit. I have a membership here, so we don't have to pay for tickets. Come on." Janiyah didn't realize that she linked her hand with Graeme's as they made their way to the members' line. Graeme was grinning from ear to ear. Quite a few people recognized him. He waved back. 

Several fans, well female fans, approached him. "Mr. Harrison, can we take a picture with you?" They totally ignored the fact that he was with Janiyah. It was pathetic what these women did to get his attention - batted their eyelashes, blew kisses, adjusted the buttons on their shirts, etc. But, Graeme paid them no attention. "Sorry ladies, but this beautiful lady next to me is my date. Enjoy the rest of your day." Janiyah was impressed at his response as they went to several of the exhibits.

***************************************

Next place they visited was the Houston Zoo. This time, several male fans approached him. "Mr. Harrison, do you mind signing an autograph?" Graeme was about to tell them he couldn't, but Janiyah looked up at him. "It's okay. They are your fans."

Graeme signed a few autographs. He stopped after a few autographs, then Janiyah and Graeme walked around the zoo. 

After their trip to the zoo, Graeme and Janiyah went to get something to eat for lunch. "What do you have a taste for?" Janiyah inquires.

"I could go for Italian." He answers to Janiyah.

"Italian it is. After Texas barbecue, Italian is actually my favorite. And, I know just the place to go." 

Janiyah took Graeme to Intermezzo's Italian Restaurant, just outside of Houston. "The Italian food here is the best."

Janiyah skipped an appetizer, but Graeme didn't. He ordered an appetizer, entree and dessert. 

After they finished eating, Graeme paid for the meal.

"Next stop is the Aquarium. And, after what we ate, we need the walking. I have a membership there too." Janiyah mentions while they walked back to her truck. 

****************************************

Their walk through the aquarium took two hours. Janiyah felt herself getting tired and Graeme noticed. "How about we make our way back to your house? I'll cook dinner. What would you like?"

Janiyah thought about it as they walked back to her truck. "A steak salad sounds nice. We can stop at the store for what we need. Here, I'll let you even drive my truck. I'll give you directions to the store." 

While Graeme followed Janiyah's directions, he couldn't help but think how far they have come.  Janiyah went from hating him to liking him in a span of weeks. His feelings for her haven't change since he saw her in that red dress at Damion's party. Graeme is smitten with Janiyah. 

At the store, they picked up what they needed for dinner, then made their way to Janiyah's house.

**************************************

"Do you mind if I use your grill?"

"Help yourself. It is a gas grill. I'll go get the corn and fix the salad." Janiyah tells him as she goes inside. Graeme grabbed some seasonings from Janiyah's cabinet. After seasoning, he placed them on the grill.

Once the steaks were done, Graeme traded spots with Janiyah - he went inside to slice the steaks and place it on the salad. Janiyah then went to grill the corn. 

Graeme searched Janiyah's cabinets for two plates. Then, he placed the steak and salad on each plate and carried them outside. 

The corn didn't take long, so Janiyah grabbed her plate and placed the corn on it, then carried it to the table. 

"I have to say Graeme, I haven't had a day like this in a long time. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It has been a while for me too. Most of the time I am shooting film scenes or attending award shows. It can be hectic at times. My down time I spend mostly with my family in California."

Janiyah took a piece of the steak and wrapped around her fork and ate it with a forkful of salad. "Oh my gosh, this is the best steak I have tasted." 

"Thanks. I learned how to grill from my father." Janiyah gave Graeme a high-five as they enjoyed their dinner.

After dinner, they both cleaned the dishes. Graeme realized that it was getting late. "Well, I guess I better be heading back to the hotel. And, thank you for going through with the bet."

"Hey, I lost fair and square. And, thank you for cooking. That steak was fabulous!" Janiyah walked Graeme to the door.

He wanted so bad to get a taste of her lips, but he settled for a hug. "Here is my number. Text me to say you made it back safely." Graeme took out his phone to put Janiyah's number in his contacts. Then, he got in his truck and drove off. 

Janiyah realized, "I had a great time with Graeme. And, he was on time, unlike Dylan." Janiyah took that thought with her as she got ready for bed.

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Janiyah's date night outfit with Dylan is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / jessicasinclair

Janiyah's date outfit with Graeme is courtesy of PNG Tree - ©pngtree.com / Nicia Mafra