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

30

Charlotte

I wake up the next morning to my phone blowing up, mostly with my friends sending me posts from the media.

I quickly sit up and scroll through the posts. Most of them are speculating about a new relationship brewing, which isn't entirely wrong, but I'm not going to confirm or deny anything.

"Good morning. I guess you've seen all the media" Mick says as he comes out of the bathroom.

I nod, yawning. "It's not like they're necessarily wrong," I say, laughing.

"Yeah, but it's going to be hard to keep it a secret now," he says.

"Yeah, but it's not like they can prove anything," I say, getting up to grab Logan's hat and an outfit for qualifying. I head to the bathroom to change.

When I come out, Mick smirks. "Oh yeah, they totally can't prove anything," he says, looking pointedly at the hat.

"Him and I are friends, that's the cover for it," I say as I put my paddock pass on.

"Okay," he brushes it off.

We head over to the track and are instantly met with flashing cameras and journalists.

We ignore their questions and head to the Mercedes garage. As they prepare for qualifying, I listen to the strategies and watch them work on the car.

As soon as qualifying starts, the atmosphere completely changes. We're all hyped up and really excited. The energy in the garage is electric, and everyone is focused.

I find a spot near the back with a good view of the monitors. Watching the cars speed around the track, I can't help but feel a surge of adrenaline.

As Q1 comes to an end, I look at the eliminations and see Logan's name. I sigh, knowing that he definitely feels defeated.

As I sit in the garage for the rest of qualifying, I can't help but feel a little bit guilty for not going to see Logan immediately. I watch as Lewis and George celebrate their results, their smiles bright and infectious.

After qualifying ends, I congratulate Lewis and George. "Great job, guys!" I say, giving them each a hug.

"Thanks, Char," Lewis replies, grinning. "We'll see you later, yeah?"

"Of course," I say, smiling back before making my way out of the garage and into the paddock to find Logan.

I weave through the crowd, dodging journalists and fans until I finally reach the Williams hospitality area. Spotting Logan sitting by himself, staring at the ground, I feel a pang of sympathy.

"Hey," I say softly as I approach him.

Logan looks up, his eyes reflecting his disappointment. "Hey, Char."

I sit down next to him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "I'm sorry about qualifying. I know you gave it your all."

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, it just wasn't enough today."

"Tomorrow's another day," I say, trying to lift his spirits. "You still have the race. Anything can happen."

Logan nods, but I can tell he's still frustrated. "I just wanted to do better, you know? Especially with you here."

I squeeze his arm gently. "Logan, you did your best. That's all anyone can ask for. And I'm here for you, no matter what."

He gives me a small smile, appreciating the support. "Thanks, Char. That means a lot."

"Of course. If you need anything, I'm always here," I say, smiling.

"I have some briefings to do, but if you want, I can meet you back at the hotel," he says.

I nod. "Just let me know when you're back, and I'll come up to your room," I say quietly so no media could overhear.

He nods and smiles at me. I give him a quick hug and then head off to get my stuff from the garage before returning to the hotel.

When I get back to the hotel, I change into a hoodie and spandex shorts. An hour and a half later, I get a text from Logan saying he's back. I grab my room key and head up to his room. When I knock on the door, it opens almost immediately.

"Hi, love," he says, hugging me.

"Hi," I say into his chest as he pulls me into the room, shutting the door behind us.

"Nice hoodie, by the way," he laughs, letting me go.

I look down at the hoodie I put on, just now realizing it's his Williams hoodie. I lightly push him away.

"I know, it's cute, isn't it?" I say, flipping my hair.

"Yeah, but you're cuter," he says.

I roll my eyes and flop onto his bed, patting the spot next to me. He sits down and pulls me into him.

"I don't think I'm ready for the race tomorrow," he says sadly.

"Hey, you'll do great. And even if you don't, I'm here and we can talk and do stuff afterward to cheer you up," I say, my thumb rubbing his cheek.

He nods, pulling me closer, softly kissing my lips. The kiss is gentle and comforting, and I can feel his tension easing a bit.

"Thank you, Char," he whispers against my lips.

"I'm always here for you, Logan," I reply, resting my head on his shoulder.

We stay like that for a while, wrapped up in each other's arms. The world outside seems to fade away, and it's just the two of us, finding solace in our connection

"The team was asking if you wanted to watch from the garage tomorrow, by the way," he says.

"I'm not opposed," I reply. "Also, can I sleep in here tonight?"

"Duh?" he says with a grin.

"Okay, well, let me get some clothes for tomorrow so I don't have to wake up early to go grab them," I say, getting up.

He nods. "I have an extra Williams shirt if you want to wear it."

"Hmm, maybe," I say, grabbing my room key and quickly leaving to get my stuff.

I reach my room quickly.

"Let me guess, staying with Logan tonight?" Mick yawns.

I nod, sifting through my suitcase to find a pair of jeans and Logan's hat. I find a bodysuit to go with the outfit, grab my paddock pass, and head back to Logan's room.

He lets me in immediately, and I put my clothes on his room's desk. "Do you have an extra jacket I can wear?" I ask.

"I mean, I have like four with me. Take your pick," he laughs.

I check his suitcase and grab his dark blue rain jacket. "I'm stealing this," I say.

"Go ahead, I have two of those," he says. I nod, placing it with my stuff, and then join him on the bed again.

"The media was so insufferable today. Like, every two questions, I was getting asked about you," he says, looking at me.

"Sorry," I say, feeling guilty.

"Hey, it's fine. It's not your fault. We can just ignore the rumors," he says, stroking my cheek with his thumb, reciprocating the action I did earlier.

"Yeah, I guess that could work," I say.

"It'll all work out, I promise," he reassures me as he pulls me in to lie down. He grabs the remote and puts on a random TV channel. We just lay there and talk for a while before I feel sleepy and end up falling asleep mid-conversation.