Page 9 of The Unexpected Lineup (Lost in Translation #2)

MY REPUTATION PRECEDES ME, IT SEEMS

RASMUS

T hree days ago, I was packing up my life in Minneapolis, unsure what to expect from my trade. Now, I’m carrying the last of my boxes into a third-floor loft apartment in Brooklyn.

When I walked through the unit yesterday, I was blown away by its character.

Built in a former factory, the place has exposed brick walls in every room, high ceilings, and old-world charm.

It’s the kind of real estate that makes me, a kid who grew up needing a sponsor to play hockey, feel like I’ve finally made it.

I never could’ve imagined that I’d be standing here, owning a space anything close to this.

It’s all a dream. The three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom loft cost me more than three times what I paid for something similar in Minnesota.

But this is New York, and with that comes a higher price tag.

I thought moving to the City would be a hassle.

But when my agent, Emerson Merryweather, called and told me that the Peacocks were interested in me, I didn’t even think twice.

I told her, “Get it done.” Sure, there was the pressing question of playing in the same team as ?kerman, but that’ll be managed in one way or another.

It's not a small feat, considering our history. But I don’t stress about it too much; the only thing I want to do is play hockey.

The rest? I’ll deal with it as it comes.

Yeah, yeah, I might be oversimplifying the whole trading teams and moving cities thing, but that’s how it felt—quick and straightforward.

Everything fell into place so damn seamlessly. The universe seemed to be giving me a green light. For once, things weren’t a struggle, and I got what I wanted on the first try.

The hardest part about moving was saying goodbye to the team, especially my linemates. I’d played with some of them since I joined the League for the 2017-2018 season, almost six and a half years ago.

One thing I definitely won’t miss, though, is the constant risk of running into my ex, Petra, who used to work for the Lynx front office and lives near the arena.

It was a mistake to date someone within the organization, but I learned my lesson after what happened with her.

It all appeared to be a good idea at the time, but things got complicated fast.

Petra was always around, pushing for more, for us to take things to the next level.

When she started dropping hints about moving in together after three months, I knew I wasn’t ready for that kind of commitment.

It was also clear she was hoping to start living her dream WAG life, not seeing me beyond my star reputation.

Breaking up with her was anything but easy, and the aftermath was even worse.

Ten months ago today, she slashed all the tires on my car.

Needless to say, it was her last day working for the Lynx organization, and I was branded as that one player who treated her so horribly that she went overboard.

The media loved the story, but I was done with it from the start .

That’s all behind me now, and I can breathe easier for the first time in months. The Peacocks’ management was surprisingly flexible and accommodating, much more so than expected. My contract came through almost unchanged from my previous deal, making the transition even easier.

Speaking of the Peacocks management, my phone rings, and GM Jeremy Lavigne’s name appears on the screen. He’s the only GM in the League who also happens to be a team owner, making him that much more powerful.

I swipe to answer. “Hey, Mr. Lavigne,” I say, setting the box down. “What’s up?”

“Mr. Lavigne was my father, call me Jeremy.” His voice is calm and easy. “I wanted to check in and see how your move is going. Need anything? Settling in okay?”

“Yeah, all’s good. I’m getting used to the new surroundings,” I answer, glancing around. “It’ll take some time, but I’m excited to be here.”

“Good, good. Glad to hear it,” he says with a warm chuckle. “Look, I won’t keep you long. Just a heads-up that we’ve got a team meeting tomorrow at the rink. It’s mostly about getting you familiar with how things work here.”

“Sounds good,” I reply, my voice lighter now. “Anything I should be prepared for?”

“Not much, to be honest. We’ll do some intros, you know, the usual stuff. And then you’ll do a little media. A few photos and such to get your face out there. You’ve been in the League long enough to know the drill.”

“Yeah, I can handle that. ”

“But there’s one thing…” Jeremy hesitates his words. “You’re coming into a new locker room with some big personalities, and there’s bad blood between you and ?kerman. Any reason we should be concerned now that you were traded?”

I breathe out slowly, trying to gather my thoughts in a way that makes sense to him. “We’ll figure it out,” I say, keeping my tone light. “I’m here to play hockey, sir. I’m honestly not worried about the rest.”

“That’s exactly what I like to hear.” He sounds relieved. “Alright, man, I’ll let you get back to it. I'm looking forward to meeting you tomorrow. Welcome to New York.”

“Thanks. I’ll be there at noon.”

When the call ends, I grab the closest box and start unpacking. And the small smile doesn’t leave my lips the entire time I organize my new place. I’m finally feeling lighter about the future.

“Okay, now look this way,” the team photographer directs me. “We need to see that broody energy you were known for in Minneapolis.”

His comment makes me frown. “I’m sorry, what ?”

“You must know your reputation. I was expecting to have a broody, bruiser type of player here today,” he explains nervously. “But you’ve been pretty lowkey all afternoon with the media stuff.”

“My reputation precedes me, it seems.”

He looks uncomfortable, avoiding my eyes. “I’m sorry. ”

“No worries.” I wave my hand in dismissal. “I’m trying to be more authentic and less what was expected from me by my old team management. So, let’s chill and finish taking these headshots. I’ve got a meeting starting in thirty.”

“Got it, no problem. Let’s get a few more shots in your purple home jersey. Then we’ll switch to the white away one.”

It doesn’t take long until I’m on my way to the media room for the meeting. As much as I’m not worried about ?kerman in the same team, it’s still something that needs to be addressed. It’s a massive elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about.

I plan to do something about it in the next week or so. But not today. Hockey has always been my sanctuary that welcomes me to its arms after a grueling day. That’s why my goal is to keep everything chill during my first meeting with the new team. I don’t want to fuck this up from the beginning.

The room is buzzing with conversation when I enter, but they notice me at the same time, quieting down.

“Hey, look who’s here!” Felix’s cheery voice calls from across the room. “It’s the one and only Rasmus Westerholm.”

A few guys laugh at his comment, including Shane “Papa Shane” Donahue, the team captain and a damn good D-man. He’s the first one to offer his hand.

“Donahue,” I nod in acknowledgment. “Looking forward to being your teammate and not your enemy.”

“You too,” he says, clapping me on the back a little too hard. “We’re gonna have a good time playing together, I can tell.”

Everyone seems to be looking at me with curiosity. Well, everyone but ?kerman. He’s sitting in the corner, assessing me while talking with Silas Howard, the second line center .

Ignoring him, I notice how the energy is different here than what I’m used to in Minneapolis. Players seem more friendly, even if the stereotype is that Midwesterners are warmer than New Yorkers. Maybe that doesn’t fit when everyone’s originally from outside the City.

“Alright, settle down,” a sharp, commanding voice calls from the doorway.

Coach Presley walks in with Assistant Coach MacBride right behind him.

Presley is tall and lean, with a stern expression that makes it clear he doesn’t tolerate bullshit.

He has a shiny bald head, and I can only imagine the jokes guys make about him.

MacBride, on the other hand, has a more relaxed vibe, his easy grin contrasting Presley’s seriousness and grouchiness.

“Let’s make this quick.” Coach Presley clasps his hand behind his back as he surveys the room. His eyes land on me briefly. “Westerholm, welcome to the Peacocks. We’ve been looking forward to having your talent on the roster.”

“Thanks, Coach,” I reply.

“I expect the rest of you to show Westerholm what being a Peacock is all about,” Coach urges. “That means putting old crap aside and focusing on the game.”

My eyes flick to ?kerman, whose expression is unreadable as he leans back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest.

“?kerman, Anderson, Donahue, Orsak—you’re his new line. I expect you to help him get up to speed with our system starting today,” He says next.

“Got it, Coach,” Papa Shane responds, his deep voice cutting through the silence.

Hell yes, I get to stay on the first line! I wasn’t sure I’d make it after the trade, but it seems the coaching staff wants to see how I perform with their other star players .

“Coach MacBride has some housekeeping stuff next,” Coach Presley steps back, letting the assistant coach take over.

He flashes a quick grin as he steps forward.

“Our first practice with Westerholm is tomorrow morning at ten. We’ll go over our main plays and run drills to work on chemistry.

For today, we’re keeping it casual, watching game tape.

We’ll leave you to show Westerholm the facilities and around Brooklyn. You too, ?kerman.”

That gets a few laughs out of the guys, breaking some of the tension. I glance at ?kerman again. He’s flashing that million-dollar smile of his, acting relaxed. Fucking golden boy who always gets everything so easily.

The next hour passes quickly as we analyze our next opponent, Dallas Revolt, trying to find their weaknesses.

As the meeting wraps up, the players start filling out in small groups. Papa Shane lingers, waiting for me.

“Come on, Ras,” he says, using my nickname. “Let’s get you introduced to everyone properly. Might as well start with your line.”

We walk over to where ?kerman and Lee Anderson are standing. Lee, an extrovert based on what I’ve heard about the guy, greets me immediately with a fist bump.

“Westerholm, it’s good to have you here,” he says, his smile wide and genuine. “I’ve seen what you can do on the ice. We’re gonna tear it up this spring.”

“Appreciate it,” I reply.

Then there’s ?kerman. He doesn’t move, doesn’t even offer a hand to shake. For a moment, we stare at each other, the unspoken tension thick enough to cut with a skate blade .

“You’ve got a lot to prove here. Barrera and Ellis were both great players and we hated seeing them go,” he finally says, his tone cold but measured. “Let’s see if you can manage the pressure.”

“Looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table, too.”

Adam Orsak, the other D-man in our line, steps between us with a laugh that’s a little too loud to be authentic. “Alright, save that energy for the ice.”

We’re old teammates from the time he played for the Lynx before being traded to the Peacocks, so we need no introduction.

“C’mon, Rocket, it ain’t that serious,” I jokingly tell Orsak, using his hockey nickname.

He throws an arm around my shoulder, steering me toward the door. “Now that introductions are over, let’s go and have drinks to celebrate your first official day as a Peacock.”

“Aren’t you supposed to give me a tour first?” I ask with a raised eyebrow.

Lee waves my question off. “That can wait until tomorrow. Besides, Papa Shane’s on a clock. He’s gotta be out in an hour for Brooke’s ballet recital or something like that.”

“Ballet, huh?” I glance at our captain, amusement lacing my voice. “Didn’t peg you as a dance dad.”

“Gotta support my girl. She’s worked so hard for tonight.”

“How about your little boy?” I ask Lee, recalling seeing pictures of his firstborn on social media last summer.

“Oh, he’s living his best life at home with Mama. He’ll barely notice I’m gone. ”

“Well, let’s go then,” I say, loosening up. “Lead the way.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Shane quips, already heading for the door that leads us outside toward the local bar where the team frequently visits. Felix has told me about the place before.

As the others joke and tease each other, it becomes more evident that I can fit in here and enjoy my time playing in Brooklyn.