There's Twice as Many Stars as Usual| L.S

2

Charlotte

The next morning, I was rudely awakened by Mick.

"Hey Char, we need to get up so we don't miss our flight," he said, shaking me gently while yawning.

Reluctantly, I got up and dressed in something comfy for the plane. We headed downstairs, quickly ate breakfast, and said our goodbyes to Corinna and the dogs. With everything set, we made our way to the airport.

As we drove to the airport, a knot of anxiety tightened in my stomach. Each mile we traveled brought me closer to Logan and the world I'd tried so hard to avoid. I kept replaying old memories and unfinished conversations in my mind, wondering how I'd handle seeing him again. Mick noticed my silence and squeezed my hand reassuringly, but the fear lingered, making my heart race with uncertainty.

At the airport, the bustling crowds and constant announcements only heightened my anxiety. As we moved through security and found our gate, I couldn't shake the dread gnawing at me. Mick, ever perceptive, tried to distract me with light conversation and jokes, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Logan. What if he hadn't changed? What if I hadn't? The questions circled endlessly, making the wait for our flight feel like an eternity.

Finally, we boarded the plane and found our seats. Mick continued his efforts to keep my mind off things, chatting about everything from his racing anecdotes to random trivia. I appreciated his attempts, but my nerves refused to settle. As the plane took off, I stared out the window, watching the ground fall away. This trip was a leap into the unknown, and I could only hope I was ready for whatever awaited me.

When we touched down in Baku, the reality of the trip hit me even harder. The city's unfamiliar skyline loomed outside the airport windows, and the sounds of a foreign language filled the air. Mick grabbed our bags and led the way, his confidence a stark contrast to my growing unease. As we navigated through the bustling terminal, I felt a surge of panic. I was really here, about to possibly face the one person I'd spent years trying to forget. Mick glanced back at me, offering a reassuring smile, and I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves for the days ahead.

We were met at the airport by one of the team representatives, who had come to pick us up. Stepping out of the airport, we were greeted by the familiar sight of the Mercedes logo on the waiting car. Mick exchanged a few words with the team member while I stood by, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. As we climbed into the car and drove towards the hotel, I couldn't shake the sense of anticipation building inside me.

The drive to the hotel was a blend of awe and nerves. Watching the cityscape pass by through the car window, I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement at the thought of exploring a new place. Yet, beneath the surface, the thought of facing Logan in such unfamiliar surroundings weighed heavily on my mind. Mick sensed my unease and offered words of encouragement, reminding me that he was there every step of the way. As the hotel came into view, I took a deep breath, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

Arriving at the hotel, Mick and I were greeted by the sleek, modern facade and the welcoming lobby. The Mercedes team member escorted us inside, where we were swiftly checked in and shown to our shared room. Stepping into the comfortable space, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over me. The familiar surroundings provided a temporary respite from the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside. Mick and I exchanged a glance, both silently acknowledging the magnitude of the journey we were embarking on. With a deep breath, I unpacked my belongings, steeling myself for the challenges that awaited us in the days ahead.

"Hey, the team invited me to a team dinner, and they were wondering if you would like to join us," Mick asks as he grabs an outfit to change into.

"Sure, I'd love to," I say, rummaging through my clothes to pull out an outfit. Excitement and nerves tangled within me at the thought of meeting the team, adding a new layer to the already swirling emotions of the trip.

As Mick changed, I took a moment to compose myself. Joining the team dinner meant stepping further into the world of Formula 1, a world that had once been so intertwined with my past. Despite my apprehension, I couldn't deny the thrill of being included, of sharing in Mick's experiences firsthand. With a deep breath, I selected an outfit that struck a balance between casual and presentable, hoping to make a good impression. As I slipped into the clothes, I reminded myself to stay open-minded and embrace whatever the evening had in store.

Once we were both ready, Mick and I headed out of the hotel room and made our way to the designated meeting spot. The anticipation grew with each step, my heart racing in sync with the rhythm of my footsteps. As we approached the restaurant, I caught glimpses of Mick's easygoing demeanor, his confidence contagious. His presence offered me a sense of reassurance, a reminder that I wasn't alone in this journey. With a final deep breath, I pushed open the door and stepped inside, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As we approached the table, I couldn't help but feel a rush of excitement mingled with nerves at the sight of the other drivers, Lewis and George, along with the team principal Toto and the race engineers and pit crew. Mick guided me to my seat, pulling out the chair for me with a gallant gesture, and I settled in, feeling a mixture of gratitude and anticipation as he took the seat beside me. The atmosphere buzzed with energy and camaraderie, and I braced myself for the conversations and connections that awaited us at the table.

As we settled in, Toto greeted us warmly, and the conversation flowed effortlessly. Mick introduced me to Lewis and George, and they welcomed me with friendly smiles. We exchanged pleasantries and small talk, discussing everything from the upcoming race to our shared love of racing. Despite my initial apprehension, I found myself easing into the conversation, enjoying the camaraderie and sense of belonging among the team. Mick's presence beside me provided a reassuring anchor, and I felt grateful for his support as we navigated the lively discussion.

Throughout the dinner, I found myself immersed in the world of Formula 1, listening intently as the team members shared their insights and experiences. Toto spoke passionately about the team's goals for the upcoming race, while the race engineers offered fascinating details about the technical aspects of the car. Lewis and George shared anecdotes from their own racing careers, their enthusiasm infectious. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, I felt a sense of belonging that I hadn't expected. As the evening drew to a close, I realized that this dinner had been more than just a meal—it had been an opportunity to connect with Mick's world in a deeper way, and I was grateful for the chance to be a part of it.

As the dinner concluded, I exchanged farewells and thank-yous with the team members, feeling a newfound sense of connection and appreciation for the Formula 1 community. Walking back to the hotel with Mick by my side, I couldn't help but reflect on the evening's events. Despite my initial hesitations, I had embraced the opportunity to immerse myself in Mick's world, and in doing so, I had discovered a sense of belonging We made it back to the hotel, the quiet elegance of the lobby offering a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the dinner. As we stepped into the elevator, I couldn't shake the sense of contentment that washed over me. Tonight had been a turning point—a glimpse into a world I had once shied away from, but now embraced wholeheartedly. Mick squeezed my hand in silent understanding, his reassuring presence grounding me as the elevator ascended. With each floor we passed, I felt a renewed sense of excitement for the adventures that lay ahead, grateful for the newfound connections and experiences that awaited us in the days to come.

As we headed back to our room to sleep, one thought consumed my mind: Logan. Despite the whirlwind of the evening and the camaraderie shared with Mick and the team, the looming presence of my past weighed heavily on me. Memories of our shared childhood and the rift that had formed between us flooded my thoughts, leaving me feeling unsettled. Mick must have sensed my unease, for he offered a reassuring smile and a comforting squeeze of my hand as we entered the room. But even in the comfort of our shared space, the specter of Logan lingered, casting a shadow over the excitement and anticipation of the days ahead. With a heavy heart, I knew that facing him would be inevitable, and I braced myself for the emotional whirlwind that awaited me.

Despite the tumultuous thoughts swirling in my mind, exhaustion eventually caught up with me. As I settled into bed, the soft embrace of the blankets provided a fleeting sense of comfort. I closed my eyes, willing sleep to wash away the worries and uncertainties that plagued me. Slowly, the rhythmic sound of Mick's breathing beside me served as a gentle lullaby, soothing my restless mind. With each steady inhale and exhale, I felt a sense of calm wash over me, easing the tension that had gripped my body. And as the darkness of sleep enveloped me, I surrendered to its embrace, finding solace in the temporary reprieve from the tumult of emotions that awaited me in the light of day.