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

9

Charlotte

It is now Friday, and the rumors have died down. Logan and I both chose to ignore the headlines and not make statements. Currently, I'm seated in the Mercedes garage during FP1, watching as the drivers get a feel for the track.

Mick is sitting next to Toto, both of them focused on the race and the analytics displayed on multiple screens. I sit in the back with a pair of headphones, listening in on the team's communications. Mick glances over at me with a bored expression, and I wave at him. He responds with a smile, a small moment of connection amidst the chaos of the race weekend.

As I watch Lewis and George navigate the circuit, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and anticipation. The weekend ahead is filled with potential, and I am excited to see how it unfolds

Just then, my phone buzzes with a new message. I glance down to see a text from Logan: "FP1 is done. Want to meet at the Williams hospitality area?"

I feel a flutter of nerves but quickly type back, "Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes."

I take off my headphones and make my way out of the garage, waving goodbye to Mick and Toto. Walking towards the Williams hospitality area, I spot Logan waiting outside. His face lights up when he sees me, and I can't help but smile back. Despite everything, there's a familiarity and warmth between us that feels comforting.

"Hey," he greets me as I approach. "How's the garage life treating you?"

"Busy as always," I reply with a chuckle. "But it's good to be back."

Logan nods, his expression softening. "I'm glad to hear that. It's been... interesting, to say the least, seeing you here."

We walk into the Williams hospitality area, where a few team members and other drivers are milling about. Finding a quiet corner, we sit down with our drinks, and for a moment, we just enjoy the silence.

"So," Logan begins, breaking the stillness. "I've been thinking a lot about our last conversation. I'm really sorry for everything that happened. I know it doesn't change the past, but I want to make things right."

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of his words. "I appreciate that, Logan. It means a lot to hear you say it. I think we both made mistakes, but maybe we can move forward from here."

He nods, looking relieved. "I'd like that. Let's take things one step at a time, see where it goes."

We continue to talk, slowly easing into more comfortable topics, reminiscing about old times, and sharing our current experiences. It's like peeling away layers of tension, one by one, revealing the friendship that once was.

After a while, Logan glances at his watch. "I should get back to my team, but I'm really glad we did this. Maybe we can catch up more over the weekend?"

"Definitely," I say with a smile. "I'm looking forward to it."

As we part ways, I feel a sense of closure and a glimmer of hope for the future. Heading back to the Mercedes garage, my steps feel lighter, my mind clearer.

Back at the garage, Mick is still engrossed in conversation with Toto. When he spots me, he raises an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Everything okay?" he asks, a hint of concern in his voice.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the encounter lift off my shoulders. "Yeah, just needed a quick break," I reply, settling back into my seat. "How's everything going here?"

Mick nods, satisfied with my response. "Smooth so far. Lewis and George are getting good feedback from the car."

Toto glances over, catching the tail end of our conversation. "Everything alright?" he asks, his keen eyes assessing the situation.

"Yes, everything's fine," I assure him. "Just catching my breath."

Toto smiles, giving a knowing nod before turning back to the screens.

As the drivers continue their practice sessions, I put my headphones back on and immerse myself in the team's activities. The atmosphere is a mix of tension and excitement, the kind that only a race weekend can bring. Data streams in from the cars, and the engineers analyze every detail, making adjustments and refining strategies.

As the session progresses, I find myself fully engrossed in the team's activities, my focus sharpening with each passing moment. Despite the earlier encounter with Logan, I push aside any lingering thoughts and throw myself into the task at hand. The drivers navigate the circuit with precision, pushing the limits of the car and fine-tuning their setups for optimal performance.

Throughout the afternoon, the garage hums with activity, the air filled with the sound of engines revving and the clatter of tools. Toto and Mick engage in animated discussions, analyzing data and strategizing for the upcoming sessions. I listen in on their conversations, soaking in every detail and learning as much as I can.

As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of the day's practice sessions, a sense of accomplishment washes over me. Despite the challenges and distractions, we've made significant progress, and I feel proud to be part of such a dedicated and talented team.

As the garage empties out and the team prepares to wrap up for the day, Mick turns to me with a smile. "Ready for dinner?" he asks, a note of anticipation in his voice.

I return his smile, feeling grateful for his unwavering support. "Absolutely," I reply, rising from my seat.

Together, we leave the bustling garage behind and make our way back to the hotel. The cool evening air provides a welcome contrast to the heat and noise of the track, and I find myself relaxing with each step.

Back at the hotel, we opt for a quiet evening in. Mick orders room service while I scroll through the selection of movies on the TV. After some deliberation, we settle on a classic action film, something light to unwind after a long day.

As we dig into our meals and the movie begins to play, a comfortable silence settles between us. The stresses of the day fade away, despite the chaos of the racing world, moments like these remind me of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the simple pleasures in life.

As the credits roll and the movie comes to an end, exhaustion finally catches up with us. With a yawn, I stretch out on the bed, feeling the weight of the day lift off my shoulders. Mick joins me, and soon we're both drifting off to sleep.