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

11

Charlotte

I wake up the next morning to Mick shaking me gently.

"Your phone's been buzzing nonstop," he groans, handing me my phone.

I look at my phone and see a few missed calls from Logan. Concerned, I call him back immediately.

"Hey, Logan, what's up?" I ask, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep from my voice.

"Sorry for waking you," Logan replies, his voice tense. "I just needed someone to talk to. I'm kind of overthinking and stuck in my head right now."

Sitting up in bed, I signal to Mick that I'll handle it, and he nods, giving me some space. "It's alright, Logan. What's on your mind?" I ask, hoping to calm him down.

"I just can't stop thinking about yesterday. Qualifying last in my home race... it feels like I've let everyone down," he confesses, his voice heavy with frustration and disappointment.

"Logan, you did your best. That's all anyone can ask for," I say, trying to reassure him. "Everyone has bad days, even the best drivers. You have to remember why you're here and focus on the race ahead."

"I know, but it's hard to shake off this feeling," he admits.

"Take a deep breath," I instruct gently. "Focus on the positives. You have the talent, the drive, and a whole team behind you. Today is a new day with new opportunities. Let's tackle it one step at a time."

Logan sighs, and I can almost hear him nodding on the other end of the line. "Thanks, Char. I needed to hear that."

"Anytime," I reply, smiling softly. "We'll be at the track soon. Let's catch up there, okay?"

"Yeah, I'd like that," he says, sounding a bit more at ease.

As I hang up, Mick is watching me with a curious look. "Logan having a rough morning?"

I nod, stretching my arms. "Yeah, but I think he'll be alright. We should get ready and head to the track."

As I go into the bathroom to change, I grab a blue sundress and a pair of sunglasses I had borrowed from Mick a while ago. I quickly throw on my jewelry, brush out my hair, and secure it in a half-up, half-down style with a flower claw clip.

With my paddock pass around my neck, Mick and I head to the track. As we walk in, I spot Logan waiting outside of the Williams hospitality area.

"Hey, I'll meet you in the garage before the race. I need to talk to him," I say, handing Mick his Mercedes jacket and walking towards Logan.

Mick nods understandingly. "Alright, see you soon."

Logan looks up as I approach, and a small smile tugs at his lips despite the tension in his eyes. "Hey," he greets me, his voice tinged with a mixture of relief and anxiety.

"Hey," I reply, trying to offer a reassuring smile. "How are you holding up?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Better, thanks to you. I've been trying to clear my head, but it's not easy."

"I'm glad to hear that," I reply, standing beside him. "It's a new day, Logan. Focus on what you can control and do your best out there."

He nods, looking more at ease. "Yeah, you're right. I just need to get out of my head and focus on the race."

"Exactly," I say with a smile. "And remember, you've got people here who believe in you."

Logan's expression softens, and he looks at me gratefully. "Thanks, Char. That means a lot."