Page 39 of The Titan and the Trainer

“What look?”

“It’s the look, Callum. The gym-bunny horn dog look. Don’t you think I know you well enough by now?” Jack teased, his tone curious. “You’ve been distracted for a week or so. Who is he? Come on, spill the beans. I don’t want all the graphic details, obviously, but what’s going on, big boy? What’s getting the big guy going?” And with that, he playfully attempted to grab Callum’s bulge, failing easily as Callum just stepped back. This was just what Jack did.

Callum felt the heat rise in his neck. He hadn't told Jack the specifics. How do you explain that you're falling for a client whose name is on half the buildings in Midtown?

“It's complicated, Jack; he’s a client.”

“A client?” Jack whistled, his brain rattling through their membership trying to work it out. Not that new tall guy with the dark curly hair. Alexandro is it? When I saw him, I thought he might be your type, but I’m not sure which way he swings?”

“No, Jack, definitely not him, and thanks for the thoroughly shit attempt at matchmaking.”

“Must be some hell of a client to make you forget we’re currently drowning on a sinking ship. Is he rich? If so, can you just marry him please and get him to pay for our bloody roof?” He laughed at his own joke.

Little did Jack know how close he was to the truth. Callum thought to himself that Julian could probably pay for the roof and the building without breaking a sweat.

“I don't want his money; we don’t need his money. We’ll work this out on our own, right!” Callum snapped.

Jack’s expression altered, he realised he’d gone too far. The business partner stepped back, and the best friend stepped forward. “Look, Cal, we’ll figure out the gym. I’ll try and patch the roof tonight if Mario can lend me his ladders again. You around later?”

Callum was at Julian’s tonight, and he wasn’t going to miss that.

“No, sorry, I can’t. I’m seeing him; it’s all arranged.” He was genuinely sorry, but he wasn’t changing his plans. If it came to it, the roof could wait another day. “Can’t we try the roof on Tuesday night? Gives you more time to organise the ladders?”

Jack laughed. “You’ve got it bad mate; this I see. Whoever this guy is, he’s clearly doing something to you that I haven't seen in a while. Just... be careful. Those high-flyer types. They don't always know how to handle guys like us.” He smiled at Callum, playfully. “Well, I’m just glad that my little gym bunny is getting his carrot,” and with that, he badly mimed getting a blowjob, dropped, and scooted back to deal with the bolt situation.

Callum laughed. Jack was very straight and often made gay jokes or innuendos to Callum, but done with affection, not with any malice. That, along with the playful grabbing was all part of being friends with Jack. Their friendship was mature enough that Callum never took offense, often making jokes about sick hetero. stuff to Jack, so the ribbing was mutual.

With Callum’s help with the machine, unbolting it from the floor and resting it sideways, they managed to pry the bolt loose and fix the issue. A few clients came for lunchtime workouts; Callum helped out where needed. The 2 p.m. group came; the kids were somehow hyper today, but mostly behaved.

A couple of Callum’s gay clients who were well known as his fans commented how nice his legs looked in the short blue shorts. He just laughed it off and said, “Don’t skip leg day then, you pussies, and yours could look like mine too!” They laughed, enjoying the banter the guys had created, despite the failing building. He had great rapport with all who came into the gym and was much loved.

Around 5 p.m., he and Jack cleaned up, and he left. As he walked home to freshen up and pack his overnight bag, the weight of the gym’s future sat heavily in the pit of his stomach. He loved The Iron Works, but for the first time, he felt the pull of two different lives. One was a struggle for survival in the neighbourhood he lived and loved; the other was a secret, bright and shiny, ten floors up with great views.

Although Julian only knew sparse details about The Iron Works and his business, he still worried that he would think less of him if he failed and lost all that he’d built. Could someone with such success still the same attraction for someone who’d failed?

Chapter 19 - Nothing is Next to Normal

Mon. 20th Jan. 25

Callum hadn’t thought to make any arrangements to get to Julian’s, so he just got an Uber. Whilst not the fanciest way to arrive, it was functional. He caught sight of his reflection in the rear-view mirror. He was smartly dressed, brown brogues, tight blue jeans, and a thin woollen mustard jumper that showed off his chest and arms.

He had his small holdall but hadn’t brought a gift or wine this time. Should he have? If this was going to become a regular thing, you don’t bring a gift every time, surely.

Callum’s phone bleeped – message from Julian:-

Julian: Hey gorgeous, I’m stuck at the Met for a little while – let yourself in and relax. Don’t stress. I know you x

He typed a quick reply but was close to arriving at the building.

Callum: OK, understood. See you soon x

OK, so I have to go in solo, he thought, regretting not bringing a jacket if he ended up waiting outside because the thumb thing didn’t work.

The Uber stopped outside the main lobby of the building on Peck Slip, and Callum stepped nervously out. He’d not really seen the building from street level on his previous visit, and he noticed it was architecturally impressive. He liked the modern and sleek design and crossed the street to take a few photos. The windows reflected the setting sun, fading now from orange to pink, and his bridge was large. The silhouette of the dark metal against the dramatic sky was a good layout. He was chuffed with the photos.

Julian had explained to him that the thumb scanner was right beside the main door. He could see into the lobby through the large glass windows. There was a dark-haired man in a smart suit sitting behind a marble desk. Probably Julius, who had been mentioned. Callum pressed his thumb firmly against the pad. There was a small bleep, the green tick in a circle, and the door opened automatically for him. Happy, Callum entered the lobby area for the first time.

It was a beautiful space. Dramatic double-height ceilings and walls of cream marble with gold streaks darting across it, cut in tall sections of differing lengths with bold lighting. A huge cascade of shattered glass, suspended in different ways from a central golden triangle, looking almost like it was falling to the floor. The lobby had Art Deco stylings to it, which Callum found very attractive. There were low cream sofas, small white tables with lilies, and against the side wall a long, low white storage unit. A gold lift door was visible on the rear wall, and two other doors beside it. He made his way to the desk where the man was smiling at him.