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

50

So sorry about how long this took me, still sobbing about Logan getting dropped 😔 you're gonna hate me but it's a filler chapter :(

Charlotte

Here's the expanded scene with additional narrative:

Mick's gentle shake pulled me from sleep, his voice thick and low. "Hey, hon, we've got to get up and catch our flight."

I groaned, burrowing deeper under the covers, clinging to the warmth of the bed. "Do we have to?" I mumbled, a sleepy whine slipping out.

"Yesss, we do," Mick replied, clearly as exhausted as I was. "We've got to get to Texas at some point," he added, tugging the blanket away with a playful persistence that only half-masked his own reluctance.

I let out a long, resigned sigh, then finally rolled out of bed. I grabbed the sweatpants and Mercedes shirt I'd set aside the night before and stumbled into the bathroom for a quick shower. As I reached to slip off my bracelets, my fingers lingered on the one Logan and I shared. A flood of memories rose up, unexpectedly sharp. I paused, then slowly set the bracelet down with the others, feeling its familiar weight leave my wrist.

The hot water washed over me, soothing and grounding, and I let my mind drift, allowing the memories to melt away with the steam. By the time I stepped out of the shower, I felt a little lighter, more ready to face the day. I dried off and quickly changed, slipping my jewelry back on—including Logan's bracelet. There was still a piece of that past I wasn't ready to let go of just yet.

Back in the room, I grabbed my suitcases and followed Mick to the door, the early morning still cloaked in a gentle, sleepy haze as we made our way to the airport. But as we approached the terminal, a familiar wave of anxiety crashed over me, sharp and insistent. I tried to push it down, but the thought of facing Logan again sent a ripple of unease through me.

Being back in the paddock wasn't the problem—actually, I was looking forward to it. Over the break, Lance and I had become close friends, with late-night talks and easy banter that turned into a genuine bond. At least there was something good waiting for me on the other side of this flight. But despite my best efforts to focus on that, the fear of seeing Logan clung to me like a shadow I couldn't shake.

Mick must have sensed my tension; he reached over, took my hand, and gave it a comforting squeeze. I looked up, meeting his steady gaze, and managed a smile, grateful for his silent reassurance. Once we boarded the plane, some of the anxiety began to subside, but a lingering restlessness simmered beneath the surface.

Then, a memory surfaced—Alex and Lily warning me that she would be in the paddock this weekend. Just the thought of it stung, more than I cared to admit. But I knew I'd have to deal with it, keep my cool, and avoid any drama. That was the plan. Even if it hurt, I'd hold it together for the sake of peace.

The flight passed in quiet contemplation, and before I knew it, we were touching down in Texas. The familiar hum of the airport, the energy and bustle of people moving around us, helped distract me as we made our way to baggage claim.

As we waited for our luggage, Mick gave me a sidelong glance. "You okay?" he asked, his voice gentle but searching.

I hesitated, but finally nodded. "Yeah... I think so." I forced a small smile. "Just... nerves, I guess. The paddock, Logan... you know."

He nodded, understanding in his eyes. "One step at a time," he said, giving my hand another squeeze. "We're here for the race, remember? Focus on what you love."

I took a deep breath, his words steadying me. "Yeah. You're right. One step at a time."

As we left the airport and headed toward the car, a feeling of determination began to take root, pushing back against the nerves. I had friends waiting, a race weekend ahead, and, no matter what, a part of me was thrilled to be back in this world again. Whatever was waiting for me in the paddock, I'd face it.