The guys finally decided to meet in one place and discuss the changes. They felt the same excitement as years ago, when the world heard about the new explosive boyband. Only this time, everyone was choosing a personal priority, forging their own path to success, and were confident they were heading in the right direction.
Logan arrived at the café before anyone else, as he wanted to discuss the possibility of a gig with his manager. Even before looking for grants for future medical workers, he had spotted several places with live music. Already two places hadn't turned him down, and wasn't that a breakthrough? Bills were unfrozen and preparations for medical school were well underway. Logan had never been so motivated and passionate. He was finally feeling every line of his former band's first song, and he was already experiencing the tune playing in his headphones in a completely different way.
Once inside, he turned off the music and looked around. The stage was spacious, and the attendees didn't look poor, so the price for the show wasn't exactly cheap. Logan continued to analyze and noticed the table on the far left with a man who was wearing what he thought was an original Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Logan had once wanted a Rolex himself when he saw one in Los Angeles... Eh. Anyway, a customer like that would leave at least a twenty dollar tip. Lucky waiter... Carlos?
Logan recognized the man serving the table as his friend. Same haircut, same shirt. No, even with the dim artificial light, he couldn't have mistaken him.
Though how could he not have guessed it right away? Carlos had chosen the meeting place, so of course he wanted to introduce the other guys to his new job. They didn't know about his endeavors yet. While the manager was out of sight, he decided he'd observe him.
Carlos was engrossed in his work, so Logan wasn't on his radar. Having served the previously mentioned customer, he rushed to another table with an undisguised smile and a clearly quickened pace. Squinting, Logan realized the reason for his joy. Fifty! Fifty bucks in tips!
A moment later, Carlos was stopped by a tall man in a burgundy jacket. Logan began to recall the outward signs of the general manager and realized that this was exactly who his friend's interlocutor was. He continued to watch the situation closely. First, the man said something, then threatened Carlos, who tried to answer, and... then he took the tip from him?
"Bitch!" Logan couldn't stand it and even said the thought out loud. He couldn't see his friend's facial features well, but even from a distance, he could see his faded gaze and lowered head. Logan wanted to run up to the insolent manager and tell him what he thought of him, but he refrained. Not for the sake of his career, no, now he would never want to deal with such an arrogant manager. Logan was only being humble for Carlos's sake, because he wouldn't forgive himself if a loved one was hurt by his temper.
Gritting his teeth, Logan took a deep breath, barely able to calm himself down, and walked out of the café. The meeting with the other guys wasn't due for another hour, but Logan didn't want to be in this place until they arrived. He went to the nearest park and tried to immerse himself in reading an anatomy textbook. Alas, the diagrams of muscles and skeletons didn't stay in his head, and the rest of the time Logan thought only of Carlos.
"We were finally able to get together without any incident. I propose we toast and raise the first glass of light lager to us."
"To us!" the boys said in unison as Kendall solemnly raised the beer mug. Katie also repeated the toast a little more quietly and clinked her class with the guys. She felt out of place and wanted to leave as soon as possible, but she knew she had to tell one important piece of news first.
Logan looked much less anxious than he had looked an hour ago. He was happily taking sips of his refreshing drink and was already anticipating telling the guys about the grand plans.
Kendall, too, seemed carefree: his loose speech, open gestures, and wide smile gave away his optimism.
James, on the other hand, showed no emotion. He smiled occasionally and kept the conversation going so as not to arouse suspicion, but his heavy gaze betrayed a certain detachment. He was also the only person in the group who flatly refused any alcohol, even if it was harmless light beer. Carlos couldn't help noticing it and asked the obvious question: "Why aren't you drinking?"
"I have a modeling shoot tomorrow, and I want to look flawless," James answered, making a signature gesture near his face that made everyone in the group laugh. "When my mom gets here, I'll be ready for any photo shoot! How's the conversation with our parents going, by the way?"
Logan blushed visibly after James' question. "Well, they're not coming for another month, so you'd better work on your own for now. I talked to Mrs. Knight and told her we're on tour..."
"On tour? Are you crazy?" Kendall reacted so violently that he involuntarily stood up from his seat.
"Yes, I'm a liar, but doesn't that make us feel better? Think about it, when they all come back from vacation, they'll see grown-up, established individuals. James, for example, is getting back into the modeling business, and I've done some good..." Logan hesitated for a moment, but seeing the intrigue in his friends' eyes, he continued. "Anyway, I give concerts in places with live music. But it's just a part-time job. The main goal is to save up money for medical school."
"I'm so happy for you!" Carlos expressed genuine admiration and put his arm around his friend sitting nearby. "We're in need of performers. Would you like to try it out?"
Only Logan wanted to confess and discuss with Carlos what he had recently seen, but James beat him to it.
"In this place? Do you work here?"
"You're not the only one who's cool. I am, too!" Carlos grinned.
Kendall patted him on the shoulder, and James began to ask about his position and other details. Only Logan felt depressed, for he'd seen Carlos's true condition. The bruises under his eyes and his far less expressive tone gave away his fatigue, which didn't seem surprising at all. Carlos himself had mentioned in conversation that his shift today lasted until three, but Logan had caught him with his tips taken away at about four. There's no telling how many of these delays Carlos has had before.
"I'm going back to my old dream, too, so you'll soon see me in a Minnesota Wild center's uniform," Kendall proudly interjected.
"Aren't you afraid of getting hit in the head again?" James grinned, but his face changed when he remembered the kiss.
"Believe me, it is much more pleasant than getting hit in the head by Gustavo!" Kendall joked, and then the group laughed again. Katie was the only one who remained serious and unconcerned. She was preparing to say something really important, and the mention of the composer came at just the right time.
"Guys—" she began uncertainly but loudly, and then she silenced her interlocutors. "Gustavo came to visit us the other day, and he suggested reuniting Big Time Rush."