It was to the point, informational, and absolutely heartless.
The next hour was a haze of goodbyes, see-you-soons, and the most awkward ride back to the apartment with Nyberg. Though now it was only his apartment, and his alone.
This isn’t how I wanted today to go, you know, he said, brows furrowed as he leaned against the doorway to my room as I pulled together what I could into a suitcase.
But we both saw it coming, I replied, my voice still void of any emotion. It’d been that way since I’d received the trade news, and honestly, would probably be like that until I got a moment to myself to process that this was really happening.
I was headed back to the west coast. To Los Angeles. To play for the Royals.
Nyberg shrugged. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t suck. I mean, who’s going to yell at the TV with me while I watch our opponents play one another, or carpool to practice with me, or help out with Scout by taking him on walks ?
Whether it was hearing his name, or the word ‘walk’, Scout began bounding down the hall, barking up a storm as he skidded into the room. Circling Nyberg for a few seconds, his attention was quickly refocused when he noticed the state of my room. Sniffing around, it was like he could tell that I was packing to leave-and not just for a road trip.
Hey buddy, I said, combing my hands through his fur as he looked at me with sad dog eyes. I know you can probably see that I’m leaving, but I just want you to know that it’s not by choice. I’d stay with you forever if I could. His tongue darted out to lick my cheek affectionately. I love you too, but I’m going to need you to pretend Nyberg’s your favorite from now on. I know it’ll be difficult, but-
You do know he’s my dog, right ? Nyberg cut in, quirking a brow. He’s always loved me more.
Are you sure about that ?
Of course, he said with a scoff, crouching down and tapping his knees. Scout, come over here boy. Here, Scout.
While my expression didn’t show it, it was much to my amusement that Scout glanced his way for a moment before nuzzling his nose into my neck.
See, I said, wrapping both arms around Scout as I hugged him close, he loves me more.
He’s only being affectionate because he can sense you’re leaving, Nyberg grumbled, though his features became sheepish as he realized what he’d said. Not that, you know, you leaving is a good thing or anything, just-
Don’t worry, I got what you meant.
Apparently this trade was also affecting the way one of my best mates shot the shit with me off the ice. Great.
Speaking of which, I said, running my hand through my hair as I stood up, think you can drop me off at the airport ? I should be done with this mess in twenty minutes or so.
Sure thing man, whatever you need.
And about rent…
Don’t even worry about it, man.
But-
Seriously dude, don’t worry about it, he said adamantly. I know we leased this place together and you feel responsible for your half, but I’m more than capable of paying the full rent. I mean, you know my salary, it’s not going to put that much of a dent in my finances. Maybe I’ll even turn your room into a workout space. His lips curved during his attempt at a joke, but the expression swiftly turned sober as his gaze arced around the room. All you need to be worried about moving forward is how you’re going to fit into the Royals lineup and what the next couple months in L. A. are going to look like. No need to be thinking about Boston.
His words made a small fracture in the armor that I’d built after receiving the trade news, making it evident that I was leaving a lot more than just a team here. I was leaving men that had become my brothers over the years, and Nyberg was the closest of them all. Now, instead of being a few meters away, he’d be miles away. A country would span between us, and while I knew we’d stay in touch, it really was the end of an era for our friendship.
Thanks, man, I said, clearing my throat in an effort not to get choked up. Walking over, I pulled him into a tight embrace and clapped him on the back. I’m going to miss you.
Though Nyberg’s voice seemed just as scratchy as mine as he returned the hug and said, I’m going to miss you too.
Well, I guess this is it then, Nyberg said as he pulled into a drop-off parking space at Logan Airport. At least until you’re out here with the Royals in a few weeks for a game.
Because as if starting with another team mid-season wasn’t stressful enough, this season’s schedule had me flying back out to Boston to play the Knights in just three weeks’ time.
I guess it is, I replied. Not wanting to get into another goodbye like back at the apartment, I unbuckled and grabbed my carry-on from the back seat. Thanks for the ride, and I’ll call you once I’m settled to coordinate shipping my truck and the rest of my shit out.
Sounds good. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. You need help with the stuff in the trunk ?
I shook my head. I’m good. Holding my fist out, he bumped his own against mine. I’ll see you later.
Later.
It took a while to locate a luggage cart to load my bags on, because while I’d only had about forty minutes to pack up all I could, I also had my hockey equipment and game day suits to lug across the country. Which left me with three large bags and a backpack as I waved once more to Nyberg and stepped through the automatic doors of Logan International.
Though I was thoroughly unprepared for what awaited me.
Before I could make it to the Delta baggage drop and check-in, a small huddle of photographers and sports journalists spotted me and immediately jumped at their chance for a story.
Having not wanted to deal with the aftermath of the trade becoming official, I’d shot off a quick text to my agent after receiving the news to let him know that I’d call him tonight once I landed before powering down my phone. Though clearly I’d been naive enough to think that just because I was still letting it sink in, the rest of Boston-hell, the country-would too.
The trade deadline itself was probably one of the top trending things on Twitter right now, and given the speculation around my own situation before things had gone through, I wouldn’t be surprised if half the Knights fans in the city were currently letting their thoughts be known right this minute.
And I’d unknowingly walked right into a trap, because of course the press would follow the guy getting booted from his team to the airport.