Page 93 of The Titan and the Trainer

Julian put his hand up to stop him from saying anything else. “The Trust provides the funding for your wellness centre vision, but the decisions, the management, and the equity are all yours. It’s a partnership, Cal, not a gift. You’re going to have to work your asses off to meet the community goals we’ve proposed in the charter, which you need to review and agree to. But, most importantly, your roof won’t leak anymore, and no one can ever evict those kids and get in the way of what you’re trying to do for your community.”

Callum was speechless. It seemed they had found the perfect middle ground.

It protected the gym and the neighbourhood, but it kept Callum and Jack’s hands on the steering wheel. This was Julian using his intelligence and power not to buy Callum, but to build a floor beneath him, so he’d never have to worry about falling. This was the kind of safety net he’d only dreamt of.

Callum felt the tension melt from his shoulders. “I need to look at the detailed plans, but yes, this sounds like a great solution.”

Jack was beaming. He banged the table with both his palms. “Yes, yes, yes! Oh, thank God. Julian, we did it!” Jack reached across the table and shook Julian’s hand, then got up and wrapped his arms tightly around Callum, standing behind him. “This is it buddy, this is the moment we’ve sealed our future, together.” He leant down, kissing the top of Callum’s head.

Now practically convinced this was the right solution with Jack’s enthusiasm, it started to sink in for Callum. He turned to Julian. “I don't know what to say,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

“Then don't say anything, Cal,” Julian murmured, reaching for his hand.

“We can go through all the details over lunch. You can be certain of what the plan involves. Jack can try to calm down and maybe let go of my boyfriend at some point…” He looked up at Jack, who was still hugging Callum tightly.

“Yeah, sorry.” Jack let go and sat back down as their drinks arrived.

They celebrated with the famous Quality Meats dry-aged prime tomahawk rib steaks at $115 each, along with sides including parmesan waffle fries and broccoli and cheese bites with cheddar fondue. Julian had everything he wanted from the menu, Jack was satisfied that they had a way forward for The Iron Works, and Callum not only had a gorgeous boyfriend, but also an almost certain answer to all his worries.

Life was good, and so was the steak, the broccoli bites, and the fries.

Julian had found a brilliant way to make things work that worked for everyone.

***

A few weeks later, the launch of the ‘Men’s Fitness : The Titan Edition’ didn't just hit the stands; it detonated across New York City, America and the world.

The cover picture of Julian was everywhere, from digital billboards in Times Square to newsstands in the subway and featured on every news channel and media outlet. It went viral in a way no-one could have envisaged.

The article that accompanied it talked about the Titan, but also the human.

Julian had given the most candid interview of his life.

He opened up and said that he had found love, how it felt, and how it had changed him as a person. Respectfully, the reporter hadn’t pushed for specifics, happy at the admission alone. The words he’d captured were still a huge exclusive for the magazine, from someone who’d never spoken so candidly in the past. The interview was the first time Julian had ever talked about his emotions or feelings.

It showed Julian Newman in a way the world had never seen before: raw and powerful, yet undeniably human.

For Callum, it was also monumental because they used two of his photos within the article, and he was credited for them.

Chapter 36 - Home Gym Hookup

Tue. 29th Apr. 25

Callum arrived at the penthouse first. He knew that Julian was still working in the business centre because he’d texted him earlier.

He made his way straight to the gym, understanding that Julian would join him there as soon as he was done with work. The pressure was off now, magazine shoot done, but Julian wanted to continue with their twice-weekly sessions to maintain what he’d achieved.

In the gym, he put his bag down on the table, where the iPad sat, but next to it was a gift-wrapped parcel in bright blue paper. There was a card on top with ‘Cal’ written on it in Julian’s handwriting. He opened it eagerly.

The card was a picture of the Chrysler Building. He opened it to read the message. ‘You’re not the only one who visits Soho, handsome. Get dressed and get ready, please. See you soon.’

He ripped the paper open to discover a bundle of heavy black fetish gear he’d never seen before. There was a strappy chest harness in black with glossy red trim, matching chaps shorts and a jockstrap. The material was neoprene, and it felt soft and warm to the touch.

The air in the room suddenly felt heavy and charged with unspoken expectation.

Callum was instantly aroused. The thought of putting this gear on, and how Julian would be turned on by it, was a real turn-on.

He liked the demand.