The next morning, Arteta walked Carlos out toward the front entrance as staff members hovered at a distance, waiting for their own cue to start loading luggage, but the space around the two coaches felt almost private.
Arteta adjusted the cuffs of his shirt and let out a quiet breath.
"I should be telling you to enjoy the break instead of letting you go."
Carlos smiled.
"I don't think you ever planned to let me rest anyway."
Arteta chuckled, sticking his hand out as the two shook hands.
"I never thought about letting you rest," he said, causing Carlos to chuckle.
"Good luck," Arteta said. "Truly."
Carlos nodded once, then glanced past him to Albert, who stood with a folded itinerary in hand.
"Take care of this for now," he told him. "You know what matters."
Albert held his gaze and nodded.
"I'll keep things steady."
Carlos slung his small bag over his shoulder, also pulling another one behind him, gave them one last look, then started toward the exit.
