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

27

Logan

As I wake up the next morning, the memories of yesterday flood back, bringing a smile to my face. I glance down at Charlotte, still nestled comfortably in my arms. Her breathing is soft and steady, and she looks so peaceful

Careful not to wake her, I shift slightly to get a better look at her. The sunlight filters through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Everything feels perfect in this moment.

As I watch her sleep, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. For a while, I had worried that my mistakes had ruined any chance of being close to her again. But now, with her in my arms, I know that we have a real chance at something special.

I gently brush a strand of hair from her face, unable to resist the urge to touch her. She stirs slightly, her eyes fluttering open. When she sees me, a sleepy smile spreads across her face.

"Morning," she whispers, her voice still heavy with sleep.

"Morning," I reply softly, leaning down to place a tender kiss on her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

She nods, snuggling closer to me.

We lie there for a while, savoring the quiet intimacy of the morning. Eventually, the world outside will call us back to our responsibilities, but for now, I'm content to stay here, holding Charlotte and dreaming of the future
future.

After a few moments of silence, Charlotte's phone buzzes on the nightstand, breaking the tranquility. She reaches over to check it, her brows furrowing slightly as she reads the message.

"It's Mick," she says, glancing up at me. "He's wondering where I am."

I nod, understanding the importance of keeping things balanced. "You should probably let him know you're okay."

She nods, typing out a quick response before setting her phone back down. "I told him I'll meet him at breakfast."

"Good idea," I say, brushing my thumb gently over her hand. "We should probably get up and get ready too."

We reluctantly untangle ourselves from the comfort of the bed, each of us taking turns in the bathroom to freshen up. As Charlotte finishes up, I pull on a clean shirt and jeans, feeling a mix of excitement and contentment.

When she's ready, we head down to the hotel restaurant together. The dining area is already bustling with activity, and we spot Mick sitting at a table near the window, chatting with a few of the other drivers.

As we approach, Mick looks up and a knowing smile spreads across his face. "Morning, you two," he greets us, a hint of teasing in his tone.

"Morning," Charlotte and I say in unison, taking seats next to each other.

The conversation flows easily as we eat breakfast, the atmosphere light and friendly. Despite the busy day ahead, there's a sense of support among the group.

As breakfast wraps up, the drivers start discussing. There's a mix of anticipation and routine as they talk about strategy meetings, media obligations, and last-minute preparations. Charlotte and I exchange a few glances, silently acknowledging how different this morning feels compared to the others we've shared.

As we all walk out of the restaurant and head to our rooms to pack, I can't help but think about last night. The moments I shared with Charlotte were everything I hoped for and more. The way she smiled at me, the warmth of her touch—everything felt perfect.

Charlotte is in her and Mick's room, packing her gear and making sure she has everything she needs for the trip to Canada.

I text Charlotte to check if she's ready. Almost immediately, she replies with a quick "Almost done!"

I grab my bag and head over to Charlotte and Mick's room. As I walk in, I see Charlotte zipping up her suitcase, a determined look on her face.

"All set?" I ask, leaning against the doorframe.

"Yep, just finished," she says, smiling up at me.

We all head down to the lobby together, meeting up with a few other drivers. Everyone is in high spirits, looking forward to the change of scenery and the next race.

The drive to the airport is filled with light banter and laughter. I keep sneaking glances at Charlotte, feeling a surge of affection each time our eyes meet. At the airport, we go through the usual motions of checking in, security, and finding our gate. It all feels routine, yet there's an underlying excitement knowing we're heading to a new destination together.

The flight to Canada is long, but having Charlotte by my side makes it feel easier. We talk, share snacks, and even manage to catch some sleep. Every now and then, I find myself looking at her with a softness in my eyes that I can't quite hide.

When we land in Montreal, the cool Canadian air is a welcome change from the heat we left behind. We gather our luggage and make our way through customs, the anticipation of the upcoming race weekend mingling with the excitement of exploring a new city.

Outside the airport, we catch a taxi to our hotel. The cityscape of Montreal unfolds around us, vibrant and full of life. Charlotte's hand is warm in mine as we take in the sights, both of us eager to see what the city has to offer.

Once we check into the hotel, we quickly settle into our rooms. The first thing we do is freshen up, shaking off the fatigue of the flight. I suggest exploring a bit of Montreal before it gets too late, and Charlotte eagerly agrees.

We spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets, discovering local cafes and boutiques. The city's culture and history are palpable, and we both enjoy the chance to relax and take in the new surroundings. It's the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the busy days ahead.

As evening falls, we find a cozy restaurant for dinner. The meal is delicious, and the conversation flows easily. We talk about the upcoming race, our plans for the weekend, and share stories from our past. With the glow of the city lights around us, it feels like the start of something new and exciting.

Back at the hotel, we relax and watch a movie, enjoying the quiet moments together before the chaos of race preparations begins. As I hold Charlotte close, I can't help but feel grateful for her presence in my life and the adventures that await us.

Soon after she heads back to her room, and I slip into sleep