Page 82 of The Titan and the Trainer

He showed Julian how, using an app, he could edit them, changing all aspects of the photo, resulting in some stunning effects. Julian insisted that Callum airdrop them to his phone, so he could keep them. Callum realised just how sentimental Julian was.

They lingered on the bed, enjoying relaxing together. Some gentle kissing led to eager mouths, caressing, pleasure-giving and ultimately, two happily satisfied men.

The rest of the day was spent chilling.

Callum noticed that Julian always liked to be physically touching him with some part of his body, be it a foot, a leg, an arm, or a hand. He clearly loved the physical contact and the closeness of having a partner. It struck him how this was such a contrast from when they first met.

***

Monday 17th March 25

After a lift to an early Monday bootcamp, Callum arrived at The Iron Works around 7 a.m. and opened up. He’d planned to grab a sandwich from Evalinas as soon as either Jack or Rosie arrived, but he was too early for either of them. Whilst at the reception, logging on to the computer to check bookings, his phone rang. He saw it was Julian.

“Hey, Cal,” he said. Callum could immediately tell something was wrong.

“What is it?”

“Well, I don’t really know how to tell you this, but my publicist has had a tip-off that some gutter-press photographer papped us in Central Park yesterday and has sold the pictures to some press agencies.”

Callum tried to understand, “I don’t get it, Julian. What does that mean?”

“It means that pictures of you and me relaxing and just being ourselves will probably make the fucking evening news and appear in all the gossip rags.” He was getting angrier as he said it. “As for me, I absolutely have no fucks to give about shit like this, but for them to put your face in their news is a huge invasion of privacy. I don’t want that for you, Cal. I’m furious.”

Callum didn’t really understand why Julian was so upset by this, but knew it wasn’t the moment to question. “Julian, listen to me, please.” He paused. “I seriously don’t care what they print. If you’re not ashamed of who you are, I’m not. If you’re not bothered, I’m not. I have no reputation to be tarnished, but you do. Can this hurt you and the business in any way?” That was more Callum’s concern.

Julian was silent for a moment. “I don’t think so, but my PR people are here working out various scenarios and damage limitation.” He paused again. “I’ve never hidden my sexuality; I’ve just always been a private person. I’ve nothing to hide, never have had.”

“Well then, I think it’ll be ok.” Callum offered optimistically.

“Hang on a second, Cal,” Julian said. “I need to answer this; I’ll just put you on hold a sec. Don’t hang up.” The line went silent.

Callum thought about this. He really couldn’t see the issue and how it could affect him in any way. He had been out since he was 17 years old. He was an open book, and he had no skeletons in his closet. He was more worried about how this could damage Julian. His empire seemed pretty solid. Surely something like this couldn’t cause it to come tumbling down?

“Hey Cal,” Julian was back, “can I send Ben to get you? I need you here. Is that ok?”

“Yes, of course, no problem,” Callum confirmed. He’d checked his schedule and had no personal bookings.

“Ben’s on his way, see you soon,” and with that, Julian ended the call. This was clearly more serious than Callum first thought.

Ben arrived, and he was soon at the business centre under the penthouse, where Julian gave him a huge hug and kiss. “Cal, I am so sorry about this; it’s just something I really never expected,” his face was a mask of concern.

“It’s ok, it honestly is. Neither of us was thinking. I guess it was when we were chilling near the finish line?” Callum was thinking back to the grassy knoll in the park.

“Hold that thought and come in here,” Julian said, escorting him into the large boardroom where a whole team of people Callum had never seen before were set up with whiteboards, laptops, TV screens, and papers.

“This is Agatta, my publicist, and this is her team from Sonic-K who manage my comms, PR, and shitty situations like this.

Agatta was beautiful. Blonde tresses, perfectly styled, slim, dressed for business, in a dark grey striped suit and white blouse. She stood and reached for Callum, shaking his hand.

“Don’t worry, Callum, we will deal with this as best we can, but we need your help first,” she said. My help thought Callum. What can she possibly need from me?

“Sit, please.” She gestured to the seat at the head of the table. Shouldn’t that be where Julian sits, wondered Callum, but sat as instructed.

“I need you to think back to yesterday, and I need you to describe everything you remember about the end of the race, and what you and Julian did in the park. I need details, and I mean everything.” She had a look on her face that meant business. Callum liked her immediately.

Julian sat beside him.

Callum started, giving details of all he could remember about them finishing the race and crossing the finish line.