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

8

Charlotte

The next morning, I awaken to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a warm hue over the room. Stretching out languidly, I yawn and rub the sleep from my eyes, feeling the remnants of exhaustion lingering from the previous day's journey and emotional whirlwind.

As I sit up in bed, my thoughts immediately turn to the meeting with Logan. As I sit there, nerves fluttering in the pit of my stomach, I take a moment to collect myself. The weight of the impending meeting with Logan hangs heavy in the air, but I know that I can't let fear hold me back. Today is about closure, about confronting the past and finding a way to move forward.

With a deep breath, I rise from the bed and begin to ready myself for the day ahead. As I get dressed and gather my wallet and keycard and a few essentials into a purse. With a final glance around the room, I gather my courage and head out the door, determined to face whatever the day may bring. As I make my way downstairs to the hotel lobby, a sense of anticipation builds within me.

As I step out of the hotel and into the bustling Miami streets, the warmth of the morning sun envelops me, Heading towards the café where we agreed to meet, I can feel my heart pounding in my chest. As I reach the café and step inside, a wave of nostalgia washes over me. Memories of happier times flood my mind, but I push them aside, focusing on the task at hand. With a deep breath, I scan the room, searching for Logan's familiar figure.

Ready to confront the past and finally find closure. My eyes dart from table to table, my heart racing with each passing moment. And then, there he is. Sitting at a table near the window, a faint smile playing on his lips as he spots me.

Taking a deep breath to steady my nerves, I make my way over to him, every step feeling like an eternity. As I draw closer, I can see the uncertainty in his eyes, mirroring the emotions swirling within me.

"Charlotte," he says softly as I approach, his voice tinged with a mixture of apprehension and hope.

"Logan," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. And in that moment, as our eyes meet across the crowded café, I know that this is where our journey towards closure begins.

We sit down at the table, the weight of our shared history hanging heavy in the air. For a moment, neither of us speaks, the silence filled with unspoken questions and emotions.

Finally, Logan breaks the silence, his voice hesitant yet determined. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. For everything."

"Then why'd you do it" I say pointedly

Logan's gaze flickers with a mixture of regret and remorse. "I'm sorry, Charlotte. I let someone convince me that you were a distraction," he confesses, his voice laced with guilt. "I thought I had to focus solely on my career, and I pushed you away because of it."

My heart clenches at his words, and a surge of anger courses through me. "So you let someone else dictate your decisions?" I snap, my tone sharp with frustration. "You let them convince you that I wasn't worth fighting for? That I was just some obstacle in your path to success?"

Logan's expression softens, his eyes filled with regret. "I know it sounds like a weak excuse, but at the time, I was so consumed by my ambitions that I couldn't see past them," he admits, his voice tinged with remorse.

The anger inside me simmers, fueled by years of hurt and betrayal. "You could have fought for us, Logan," I say, my voice trembling with emotion. "You could have stood up for what you believed in, instead of blindly following someone else's agenda. But you chose to take the easy way out, to sacrifice our relationship for the sake of your career."

Logan's gaze drops to the table, unable to meet my eyes. "I know I messed up, Charlotte," he says softly, his words heavy with regret. "And I'm not asking for forgiveness. I just want you to know that I understand the pain I've caused you, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make things right."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. Despite the anger and hurt, a part of me longs for closure, for a chance to finally put the past behind us. But forgiveness won't come easy, and rebuilding our friendship will take time and effort from both sides. With a nod, I acknowledge Logan's apology, a small step towards healing the wounds of our past.

A heavy silence hangs between us, filled with the weight of unspoken words and shattered dreams. Despite the anger simmering beneath the surface, a part of me yearns for reconciliation, for a chance to mend what's been broken. But for now, the wounds are still too raw, the pain still too fresh.

With a heavy heart, I finally break the silence, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm willing to try," I say, my words tinged with uncertainty. "But rebuilding our friendship won't be easy. It will take time, trust, and a lot of hard work."

Logan nods, understanding shining in his eyes. "I know," he says softly. "But I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust, Charlotte. I promise."

As we sit there, the weight of our past mistakes hanging heavy in the air, I can't help but feel a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for us to move forward, to heal the wounds of our past and forge a new path together. With a tentative smile, I reach out to grasp Logan's hand, a silent gesture of forgiveness and acceptance and with that Logan and I head back to the hotel, which I found out we're both staying at, along with most of the drivers.

We step into the elevator, the tension between us palpable. I press my floor button, and Logan presses his, the silence weighing heavily on us both. As the elevator doors slide open, I offer him a quick goodbye and step out, feeling a rush of relief as the doors close behind me.

Swiftly making my way back to my room, I push open the door and step inside, greeted by the empty space. Mick is still at a meeting with the team, leaving me alone with my thoughts. Collapsing onto the bed, I let out a heavy sigh, the events of the day replaying in my mind.

Mick walks in about an hour later, a flat look on his face.

"Have you seen the media today?" he asks, his tone serious.

I shake my head. He hands me his phone, the screen open to a series of headlines.

My eyes widen as I read the words, a mixture of shock and disbelief washing over me. The headlines scream sensational stories about my relationships with Mick and Logan, twisting our interactions into something they weren't.

"Unbelievable," I mutter, scrolling through the articles. "They've blown everything out of proportion."

Mick sits down beside me, his expression softening with concern. "I figured you'd want to know before it gets out of hand."

I nod, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Mick. I appreciate it."

One headline reads: "Love Triangle? Charlotte Seen with Mick and Logan!" Another proclaims: "Close Friends or More? Charlotte and Mick's Relationship Questioned."

"God, absolutely not. No offense, but you're like a brother to me," I say to Mick, trying to lighten the mood.

"None taken. You're like a sister to me. My mom thinks of you as her daughter," he replies, nodding in agreement.

I giggle, feeling a bit of the tension lift. "Should we post something to clear this up? Or maybe we should talk to Logan about it? I don't know what to do," I say, putting my head in my hands.

Mick places a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Let's take it step by step. First, let's address the media. We can post something together to clarify our relationship. As for Logan, we'll figure that out afterward."

I nod, appreciating Mick's calm approach. "Okay, let's do that."

We quickly draft a post together, explaining our friendship and expressing our frustration with the media's distortion of the truth. After a few edits, we settle on the perfect message and hit "post."

As the responses start to pour in, mostly supportive and understanding, I feel a sense of relief.

"I think I'm just gonna go to bed and sleep on it" I say tucking myself in

Mick nods and moves to his bed as I let myself drift to sleep