Bittersweet Honey

28. Maroon

"The burgundy on my t-shirt
when you splashed your wine onto me
and how the blood rushed to my cheeks
so scarlet, it was
The mark they saw on my collarbone
The rust that grew between telephones
The lips I used to call home
So scarlet, it was maroon."

- Taylor Swift

Toni.

The next couple days all happen so fast. I think it's a mix of getting used to different time-zones, travelling so much, working on the go and being surrounded by the sound of loud engines constantly. The Vietnam race was a wreck for Aston Martin, leaving Checo in P14 and Seb in P16, but it was a breeze for Daniel, keeping a steady pace and ending up in P6. That led us to some long media meetings and trying to keep everything afloat.

We quickly pack up and go on to the next race spot, which is Bahrein. I'm excited about my first time in the Middle East, and so far, Bahrein is a beautiful country. Made up of many islands, and it already looks so beautiful and I'm glad we have a couple extra days here to explore before the race and them head on to Singapore.

The situation with Daniel has improved a lot since we made up at the rooftop party. We ended up dancing until late, and I stopped by the McLaren garage before the race to wish him luck. I like the little ritual we're starting to have, it gives him encouragement and it gives me some peace of mind. We've also been more consistent in our texting habits, and whenever we're free and there are no cameras around we meet for an early breakfast or late night dinner.

We're still a couple days away from practice, and I actually got the day off, so Daniel and I already have plans. It feels so good to actually have something planned with him among this chaos.

Daniel Ricciardo: I'm outside, just across the street.

And this is how we've managed to keep it all a secret. I always keep an eye out for trending topics and pictures and articles that mention Daniel on social media, and so far we're still good, under the radar. But I'd be lying if I said it doesn't give me the worst anxiety I've had in a while. It's a mix of emotions, but I don't think I'm ready to go public, and I don't think I'll ever be. I'm enjoying the secrecy of it for now.

People here are quite conservative, and we're not required to cover our heads as tourists, but it's a good opportunity to put on a nice silky scarf that I packed as an accessory. It can also cover a bit of my face while I'm out in the streets today.

I walk out of the lobby and cross the street like Daniel said. I find him wearing his usual attire when we go out, jeans, oversized tee and a baseball cap with sunglasses.

"Hello perfect thing, blending into the city, I love it." Daniel greets me, with a quick kiss on my cheek, because we also have to be modest in that aspect. Still Daniel always finds new ways to sweet talk. I'm a little more used to it now, but I still think it's corny.

"Hi you. Ready for the schedule I made for us?" I ask. And I know he's more into winging it, but I thought we could schedule our time to be more efficient and really get to know the city.

"Sure Tones, where to?" He's always the one with the map, though.

"So, I was thinking we could go to the Manama Market first, just walk around, do a little shopping. Then I actually have a surprise for you." I raise my eyebrow at him while we start walking down the street. And I do, I'm at this point where I just wanted to do something special, and I found just the place.

"Really? Look at you! Planning romantic getaways with me." He squeals and throws his arm around my shoulder. I love this feeling of warmth he brings, and yeah, it's very unlike me to plan stuff like this.