Logan was feeling great today. His application packet was on his desk, a letter of recommendation from Dr. Hollywood was in his briefcase, and he'd been paid well at the restaurant where he'd performed covers of The Beatles songs. He was ready to conquer Los Angeles for the second time, but the not-so-pleasant conversation with Carlos left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Assuming Carlos was at work, Logan headed there after the show.
He'd been right. Despite the number of waiters scurrying around the room, Logan recognized Carlos immediately. A little awkward, but at the same time focused and diligent, smiling genuinely at even the most frowning customers. Logan glared and didn't even immediately react when Carlos made his way to his table.
"I'm ready... Buddy, what brings you here?"
"Hey, Carlos. I just wanted to say something. Anyway, I'm sorry I was a little harsh the other day. If you like being a waiter, that's your choice." Logan suddenly switched to a half-whisper. "But don't destroy yourself in these inhumane conditions. Your manager is being a greedy asshole."
"I take no offense. You're right. You're all striving for something. You're so good. I don't even know what I'm going to be or what I'm going to do." Carlos sighed dejectedly and put his head down. From this angle, Logan could see how tired he looked, as well as his pale complexion. "But I can't leave this place. I can't find a better place for money with my skills."
"All right, Carlos Garcia," Logan began with a slight smile but firmness in his voice. "You're a smart and hardworking man, so I know you can do it! The main problem is that you don't have a goal to strive for. So close your eyes for a second and imagine who do you see yourself as? Think of your hobbies, skills, maybe some preferences."
"Thanks, but it's no use, Logan. With my eyes open or closed, I can't see myself as anything. Anything."
"Well," Logan was a little confused, but he tried to keep his tone reassuring, "it's okay. We'll go to Los Angeles soon, and you'll have time to think about it."
"Los Angeles? Big Time Rush back together?" Carlos dropped his notepad in surprise. He picked it up and looked around, then sat down at the table. "But you were against it, and so was Kendall!"
"There was actually some truth to James's words. My favorite girl lives in Los Angeles, and all the career opportunities are there. And the letter of recommendation I got from Dr. Hollywood… Carlos, you should see it. Just a second." Logan rummaged through his briefcase and found an envelope with a doubled folded sheet of paper and handed it to his friend.
"Wow, let's read it."
"I met Logan Mitchell as a musician, but on April 1, at the age of 20, he performed as my assistant at a clinic at the Palm Woods Hotel. At the time, he displayed such qualities as:
- a good knowledge of medical terminology, disease symptoms and treatments,
- empathy in treating and questioning clients,
- logical thinking, helping to select the right recommendations and medications, even in non-standard situations.
As a successful graduate and doctor at a prestigious private hospital with many years of experience, I recommend Logan Mitchell for admission to UCLA School of Medicine."
"Buddy, that's great!"
"I hope this letter will save me with my not-so-high GPA," Logan said hesitantly, looking off into the distance. "I'll have to take the placement tests, too."
"Oh, come on! I'm sure you'll get in with your knowledge and your performance." Carlos smiled sincerely and patted his friend's shoulder encouragingly, but suddenly he felt someone nudge him.
"Garcia, did you come here to work or to talk? Customer service now!"
"Sorry, Mr. Brooks. i'm coming."
"Don't just come. Run. And there's a ten-buck fine for dereliction of duty."
Before Carlos could step away, Logan asked him to take the order and blunted the manager's attention. As soon as the man turned away, Logan moved closer to his friend and spoke barely audibly.
"Told you he was an asshole. Okay, I'll meet you at Kendall's tonight to discuss the reunion."
"Okay, just call him beforehand in case he's at a hockey game. I'm off." Carlos quickly pulled away and looked around, hoping not to see his manager again. Even though he was out of sight, Carlos didn't take any chances and headed to the first table he could see. At the same time, Logan left the café he already hated.
Kendall heated up the fish sticks and worked on the salad while Katie talked with Gustavo. Kendall didn't go into details and didn't speak to her until she came into the kitchen, having smelled the spicy odor coming from the oven.
"Wow, they didn't even burn this time. See, you're capable of doing something without Mom here," Katie said sarcastically and impatiently served herself a freshly-dressed salad.
"Hey, wait a minute! We've got company coming over!" Kendall automatically pushed his plate away and glanced at the oven. "Thanks for the compliment. I'm learning. It's all about being calm and centered, just like I am right now. Food doesn't like noise."
"Nobody likes noise. But I can see you're in the mood for a serious conversation, not like the other day."
Kendall looked away guiltily and rummaged in the closet for something. "Just forget it. Everything's clear to me. I want a normal, stable life, and I'm staying in Minnesota. I think Logan and Carlos made the same decision."
"What about James?"
"I invited him over today, but he couldn't make it because he was doing a photo shoot. Of course he made time for that. Anyway, it's getting late."
"You realize you're going to have to talk to him anyway, right?"
"I do," Kendall replied with slight annoyance, and reminded himself that it wasn't just about the group. "But I've already thought of something to say."
"Well, you can be persuasive... Do you hear the knocking?"
"I'm watching the oven. Open the door."
Logan was standing impatiently in front of the door, shuffling from foot to foot. Not even the Minnesota south wind could dampen his fervor. The puzzles in his head had formed a complete picture, which seemed to him the only possible one, and he was ready to reveal it.
After greeting the others, everyone finally sat down at the table. Despite the fact that Logan hadn't eaten anything since the show, he barely touched his food. In all colors the boy described their unexpected meeting with Camille, Dr. Hollywood's letter, which he had read fluently, and even some financial calculations, from which the listeners understood only one thing: together, with the money from the card and the expected income from the group, Logan would have enough money for his studies. Only from time to time did he get distracted and refill his water before continuing his story. Kendall listened dumbfounded and processed the information, occasionally responding with nods or one-word remarks. He still didn't know how to react: in a matter of an hour, his confidence that Big Time Rush would never happen again had been trampled like a sandcastle.
"You have no idea how happy I am, Kendall! This time away in Minnesota has been good for me, I guess you could say."
"Eat up. The fish is getting cold."
"You're right, I got carried away." Logan began to eat with enthusiasm and a great appetite. "What's your news?"
Kendall still couldn't find the right words, but luckily for him, Katie stepped in. "Gustavo sent me his accounting statements, asset information, and all sorts of other papers. He can't expect a buyout of Rocque Records."
"Wait, what are we supposed to do?" Logan asked suddenly and almost choked.
"He'll probably open his own recording studio. We'll talk about it later. It's hard to understand the situation without a business plan."
"That's what I'm talking about!" Kendall stood up abruptly from the table, which instantly drew attention to himself. "It's too murky, we can't trust Gustavo. Logan, don't take this the wrong way, I'm very happy for you, but... I mean, imagine, we come here, we resume our music career, and then bam, it doesn't pay off. You can't pay your tuition, we're out of business, and we don't make any money.
"Or another option: Gustavo changes his mind again, he doesn't need us anymore, and everyone is left—pardon the expression—with a bare ass."
"Virtually all of these things can be avoided with the right contract..."
"Katie, I haven't believed in the power of paper for a long time, unless it's dollar bills," Kendall began, but he was distracted by the doorbell ringing. "Carlos must be here. We're just short of a third party, so let's hear it."
Relaxed and still unsuspecting, Carlos was clearly perplexed at being thrust into the escalating conflict. Kendall argued one thing, Logan another, and Katie was putting food on his plate and occasionally looking at him in confusion, as if she didn't know what to do either.
"Okay, stop." Carlos took a deep breath, willing himself to adjust a little to the unaccustomed conviction. "Guys, I realize this is a tough choice. Kendall, you've wanted to play for the Minnesota Wilds since you were a kid, and you probably love this city more than all of us combined. Of course, when the opportunity to get back into hockey came up, you didn't back down from it. And I support you!"
"You mean—"
"Wait, Logan, listen to me." Carlos took another breath and continued. "I understand what you're saying, too. Everything I said in the café is true: you're very smart, and I'm sure you're going to be a great future medical student. Camille is also a good girl. With her support, you will not be lost..."
"Carlos, we know you're very understanding, but what exactly are you suggesting?" Kendall frowned and looked at his friend carefully.
"You don't know how hard it is for me to say this. I'm suggesting we split up. I don't want to part with either of you, really, but your happiness is what's important. If it's what's best for everyone, let Logan go to Los Angeles, and Kendall, you stay in Minnesota."
The room was suddenly quiet. Only a visibly slumped Carlos, moving food around on his plate, made any noise.
After a minute of looking at one of his sheets, Logan broke the silence. "But where am I going to get the money I need for tuition? And don't even suggest borrowing."
"Do the same thing you planned to do: sing. But not in a band. As a solo artist."
"By the way," Katie interjected. "Gustavo is really missing you right now. I think Logan's return will cheer him up a little."
"What are you going to do, Carlos? Are you going to stay with Logan or with me?" Kendall asked.
"How should I know? You're like brothers to me, and I don't want to leave either of you! But at least you have personal motives, and I have nothing behind me. So I don't know, I'm confused." Carlos dropped his fork and rested his hand on his cheek, looking down.
"On the contrary, you've unraveled everything! You've really helped us a lot." Logan moved over to his friend and gave him a comforting hug. "Now it's our turn to help. I've been thinking about what you could be, and I remembered something. Remember what you said when the boy band first broke up?"
"What?" Carlos perked up a little and looked at Logan carefully.
"That you wanted to be a superhero."
"That's a great tip. Of course I'll do that," Carlos said sarcastically. "Are there any more realistic options?"
"You're focusing on the wrong thing. Remember, in elementary school you went to the theater club, then you were interested in spy and superhero stuff..."
"Oh, Carlos's Spy Kids parodies were great!" Kendall remembered and smiled.
"Yeah, and you're very emotional. So why don't you become an actor?"
"It doesn't sound any more realistic than space exploration," Carlos said with a bitter grin. "But it's a great profession."
"You know how skeptical I am, but it's a viable option. You've been to theater school, you've been in a band. So I'll take the class portfolio, and Kendall can look for acting courses."
"Okay, I'm convinced. The 'Becoming an Actor' challenge is on. Let's go!" Carlos straightened his arm like a superhero, which made the other two smile.
"You guys are great, but at least let James know what you're doing," Katie added.
Logan and Kendall's expressions became more serious, perhaps even thoughtful.
"You're right, sis. I'll go to him right now."
"Kendall, it's almost nighttime," Logan said indignantly, pointing to his wristwatch.
"Let's go together," Carlos added.
"No. I've already thought out what I'm going to say. Besides, you're tired after work. Stay the night at my place, and I'll take a cab, okay?"
"Whatever you say." Logan shrugged his shoulders in confusion. "I'll borrow your laptop, if you don't mind, and we'll make Carlos a portfolio."
"No problem. I'm off to get ready. Don't miss me."
Kendall retreated to another room and felt his hands sweat. The mere thought of James and the conversation he was about to have made him anxious. Kendall didn't know what scared him more: James's reassurance that there would be no more band, or the questioning about their kiss. Either way, he wanted to stay calm. He took a few slow breaths, repeated the therapist's phrases to himself, and seemed to tune into the meeting.