Page 89 of And Everything In Between

Giovanni’s smile was unapologetic. “Had something more important to handle.”

“And what was that?” another voice asked.

He looked down at Paige, seeking permission. She gave a subtle nod and lifted her hand.

“Getting married to the love of my life.” The crowd erupted in surprise.

Inside, their friends were waiting, champagne already flowing. Spirit rushed over, hugging them both. They turned the corner toward the press wall, and there was Sienna. Posted up next to Darren, smile strained, eyes trained on Giovanni like she was waiting on a reaction. Giovanni didn’t flinch. His handrested firmly on Paige’s. His wedding band was shining and gleaming.

“I see the bitch showed up,” Spirit muttered beside them. “She better not try to ruin your night. I can turn into Suge Knight real fast.”

Sienna stepped forward, fake smile in full effect, her tone syrupy sweet and full of venom.

“Congratulations, Mr. Dowlen. The show’s a hit. And the marriage?” Her eyes flicked to Paige, “Bold move. Quick, too.”

Paige tilted her head, that classic slow blink loading like a warning shot.

“Not shade, when you couldn’t do it after what two years? Yikes,” Paige asked, catching the slick jab. She was gonna keep it cute, but Sienna should’ve known better than to even blink at Giovanni, let alone her.

Sienna’s smile faltered. Just for a second. Paige pressed on.

“But listen, I get it. It’s hard watching someone build what you fumbled. Especially when the only thing you managed tocustomizewas how to steal. I ought to run your pockets right now for my man money.”

Spirit choked on her champagne. Giovanni tried not to laugh. Paige stayed focused on Sienna because for some reason a bitch that thought she was untouchable was Paige’s favorite type of bitch to touch.

“Anyway. Good luck with whatever you’re plotting next. Just don’t steal anything on your way out. Because he can’t beat your ass, but I can.”

She kissed Giovanni’s cheek, then leaned close to whispering to him, but loud enough for Sienna to hear.

“Let her watch, baby. It’s the closest she’ll ever get to this kind of loyalty.”

Paige didn’t say another word. She saw her. Saw the tension in Sienna’s jaw, the hunger behind her stare, the death grip she had on Darren like she was still trying to save face.

Giovanni leaned down, a message just for Paige.

“That’s old news,” he murmured, placing a kiss on her lips that was a little too sloppy for public but perfect for the moment.

Giovanni appreciated her checking Sienna, even though she didn't have to. Still, having someone in your corner? That kind of ride-or-die? Felt good. Paigemadehim feel good.

“Get a damn room,” Spirit said, giggling and swatting at them.

Paige and Giovanni glided away, unbothered, unbent, and completely victorious.

“Congratulations, you two,” the event coordinator called. “They’re about to play the first episode. You made it just in time.”

As they were ushered to their seats, Giovanni kept Paige close, his hand always somewhere on her back, her arm, her hand. Like he needed the constant reassurance that she was real, that this night was too. And that they did the craziest thing either of them had ever done.

The lights dimmed. The room hushed. And the screen illuminated with the opening sequence of “The Build by Giovanni.”

The audience gasped as the first build was revealed, a restored ‘67 Impala with custom paint that shifted from baby blue to sparkling silver depending on the light. Applause erupted when the camera panned across the intricate detailing Giovanni had done himself, each line telling a story about the car’s history and its owner’s dreams.

Paige’s chest swelled with pride. This was Giovanni’s art, his vision brought to life. He didn’t just build cars; hebuilt beauty from broken things. Turned metal and muscle into something that made peoplefeel.

But as the show played on, as his voice narrated the journey and his work took center stage, Giovanni wasn’t watching the screen. He was watching her. The way Paige leaned in, eyes locked, a quiet smile tugging at her lips. Pride radiated from her, visible in every subtle shift, every breath held, every soft exhale.

She saw him. And that meant everything. This was success. Not the show, not the cameras, not the industry validation. His work reflected in the eyes of the woman he loved.

“What?” she whispered with a smile feeling his eyes on her.

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