Chapter 29
Molly
“What if he doesn’t like it?” I say to Ryan, pacing back and forth in the hotel room.
He rolls his eyes at me.
“He’s crazy about you and loves you. He would love anything you did for him, Molly,” he says.
I stop in my tracks, letting out a breath as I look at him.
He’s right. Peter will be happy. He always appreciates whatever I do for him. This feels slightly bigger though. They’ve won the Constructors’ Championship today, and Peter is on his way over with my dad.
The portrait I’ve made of him rests against the wall. Is it too much? Will he think it’s self-centered to have a picture of himself like that?
I’ve spent months on this piece, and it’s been difficult to keep it a secret from him. We spend most of our time together, which means I’ve worked on it in the editor’s trailer when I’ve finished working and am waiting for Peter. That also seemed like the best place to hide it from him.
Peter isn’t one to step willingly into the spotlight, rather wanting to focus on his racing and performance. Which is what I’ve tried to portray in the canvas in front of me.
I’ve never drawn anything like it. It’s enormous compared to my usual sketches. A piece I hope he’ll want to bring home and keep as a memory.
The memories of the season are all there. His first win. The hug with my father. His own family coming to his race in Miami where he took the victory. That’s the main component in the drawing. Peter is cheering with the trophy above his head.
I’m so proud of all his accomplishments this year, not just on track but also off track. He’s grown so much and developed deeper connections to his family and his team. Experiencing that alongside him has been amazing, and I’ve poured my heart into this project to make him see how I see him.
The canvas also has smaller elements in the background. The coffee stand. A crème br?lée. The cabin from Japan.
“Okay. Help me set it up,” I tell Ryan, and we go straight to work. I do my best to wrap it carefully.
When the door opens, my man walks in, laughing together with my dad about something. My heart tumbles at the sight of them. The two most important men in my life who have become companions in many ways.
“Hey, baby.” Peter comes over to me, giving me a quick kiss—Arthur appropriate as he usually tells me. He’s still the only person he’ll turn down the PDA around.
“Congratulations again, babe,” I tell him, running my fingers over his as he brings an arm around me. Peter gently squeezes my waist as Dad picks up two of the champagne glasses, handing one each to us.
“I’d like to propose a toast to Peter. An outstanding driver, and even better man,” he says, and Peter swallows beside me, nodding his head in gratitude to my father as we clink our glasses.
“Speaking of the man,” I chime in, and I can tell he’s curious as I step out of his embrace. Then Ryan comes with me to carry the canvas from the bedroom. We carefully set it down before I tell Peter to open it.
He takes his time, my heart pounding in my chest as he unveils the canvas. When the paper is torn off, Ryan helps him get it off so he can study the picture more closely.
“Wow,” I hear my mom whisper quietly. Ryan is the only one who knows about this project. And even him only learnt about it a few days ago when I needed help transporting it.
“Molly. This is amazing,” comes from Peter before he turns to me and pulls me into his arms. I let out a breath as I wrap my arms around him.
“I’m happy you like it,” I murmur against his chest, Peter stroking my hair as he continues looking at the canvas. My parents also come closer to examine it more closely.
I’m praying that they don’t see the small piercing I’ve added in the background. I really don’t need for them to ask about that specific detail.
“It’s perfect. Thank you, baby,” he says before he kisses my hair. I considered giving it to him in private, but as the others start pointing out all the little details, highlighting Peter and his character, accomplishments, and victories, I’m glad I did it together with them.
“You could start selling this stuff,” Ryan says, and Peter looks offended at his best friend.
“Hell no. My woman isn’t drawing any of the other drivers.”
If I needed any confirmation about how Peter really feels about the picture, this is it. He likes it enough not to want any others to have something similar.
“I do kind of have this weak spot for portraying this specific driver,” I say, gazing up at Peter. He kisses me quickly.
“As you should, baby.”