Page 98 of The Titan and the Trainer

“Mr. Newman, are you confirming a romantic involvement with Mr. West?” one reporter shouted over the din. “Julian, there have been rumours about your private life for years, and the pictures in Central Park too. Is this your official coming out?" another yelled, flashbulbs creating a strobe-light effect that mimicked the frantic energy of The Vault. “Is this a lifestyle brand choice following the magazine article, or is this real?”

The barrage of questions was relentless. Callum felt the familiar instinct to flinch, to pull back into the shadows of the gym where he felt safe. This was the glass side of Julian’s world, the shattering, invasive light of public scrutiny.

Julian turned and walked to Callum. “Cal,” he said, “you 100% sure about this? There will be no going back.” His eyes were intently reading Callum’s face.

Callum looked at the man he loved. He’d seen him vulnerable in a bathtub, dominant in a gym, and master of his empire. He knew all the faces of the Titan. He wanted the world to also know who Julian was, and who he was too. He took a breath. “Yes, let’s do it.”

Julian took his hand, and they walked back to the microphone together. At the sight of this, the reporters and photographers drew their own conclusions about what was to come and erupted into a complete frenzy, bulbs flashing, a constant barrage of questions being shouted.

Julian indicated for quiet. He squeezed Callum’s hand and held up both their hands, in plain view of the crowd. Flash, flash, flash, cameras going wild, reporters leaning in to hear every word.

“To answer your questions about Callum and me,” Julian said, voice strong and resolute. “Yes, I am a gay man. I’ve always been a gay man. I just never had a reason for you to know this. It’s nothing I’m ashamed of, and it’s nothing anyone should ever be afraid of. For the longest time, I believed I had to sacrifice personal happiness for professional success, but I could not have been more wrong. Through fitness and training, I found Callum West, and I fell in love with this man beside me the moment I saw him.”

Flashes, questions, shouting, cheering, crowd out of control, but silent at every word, not wanting to miss a beat.

“I hired him to train my body. He ended up capturing my heart.”

“I’ve spent my life searching for a legacy, but I realised recently that I was actually just searching for Callum. He is my soulmate, and I want the world to know that I’ve finally found personal happiness, and we found love.”

Shouts morphed into cheers; people were now clapping with cries of ‘Bravo’, ‘Good for you two’. Reporters still shouted their questions; photographers captured every moment.

“I asked Callum to marry me, and he said yes.” Julian turned, and Callum instinctively did the same, and they kissed and embraced proudly in front of the world as the crowd applauded the simple joy emanating from them both.

The flashbulbs spewed a blinding white wall of flickering light, capturing an image that would dominate every headline the next morning. The Titan, unmasked and unafraid, kissing the humble man who had rescued him from himself.

Epilogue - You Don’t Have to Hideaway

Tue. 18th Nov. 25

The day of Callum’s birthday was a memorable one, for many reasons, but there was also much secrecy and organisation that he was blissfully unaware of.

They spent a wonderful day together out in the city, walked the High Line, followed by a leisurely lunch at Bar 54 and some shopping where Callum was well and truly spoilt, and managed to not feel even slightly guilty.

After dropping bags off to Markus, who even managed to raise a laugh, they decided to walk Central Park and revisit the grassy knoll where they had lain the day of the half-marathon. This time they had no qualms about kissing in public. The world knew they were happy and in love.

They headed back to the penthouse at 6 p.m. where Julian had told Callum to be ready for 7 p.m. for his surprise. Callum had zero idea what this could be, now used to Julian’s randomness, generosity, and devotion. He just accepted it now.

They both showered and dressed. Callum took his lead from Julian, who was smart casual. Julian suggested he wear a new Christian Lacroix T-shirt he’d bought him, with a sparkly crystal skull on it which glittered in the light. Callum paired this with his skinny black jeans and black boots. He looked smart.

“Is this okay for whatever we are doing?” He asked, fishing.

“Yes, you’ll do nicely,” was all he got back.

They went to the lounge, but it was empty. Julian took his hand, and they headed off downstairs. Where are we going, thought Callum, maybe a helicopter ride?

But instead of turning left, they turned right to the ballroom. At the double doors, Julian paused. He looked at Callum and said, “Happy Birthday, husband-to-be.”

He kissed him, and then knocked loudly on the door, three times. He waited for five seconds, then pushed both doors wide open, ushering Callum into the room.

It was dark inside, but Callum could sense there were people there… a lot of people. The lights came up slowly, but not normal lights. These were spotlights pinpointing a crowd of people spread wide.

Sophia was there in the front, with Jack, Rosie and her husband. Markus, Liam, Dimitri he recognised, all dressed in party clothes, all beaming at him. Blake was there in a smart black suit, along with Coco and Ben. He spied the guys from The Vault.

Then Callum spotted his family and his nephews, who shouted, “Happy Birthday, Uncle Callum!” sprinting towards him.

At this point, the crowd all joined in shouting Happy Birthday, Callum.

Streamers went off, glitter cannons exploded, and they were all covered in shimmering paper strands. The opening chords of ‘Who Needs Love Like That’ by Erasure started. Fantastic, thought Callum. A disco, I love a good dance. But when the vocals kicked in, it sounded more like a live recording, Andy’s voice strong and clear.