Page 92 of The Titan and the Trainer

Sunday 27th April 25

When they woke up on Sunday, Callum expected a lazy day after the photo-shoots and the rushing around, but Julian told him they were going for a nice steak lunch in town later.

After grabbing a light breakfast, they did their usual Sunday morning gym routine, but with a much more relaxed tempo. Julian commented, “It’s so nice to know that the photo-shoots are done now, and we can just go back to normal exercising.”

Following this, they had a swim, larking around in the pool, followed by a nice sauna and steam, before showering.

“Where exactly are we going for lunch, Jules?” Callum asked, as he dried himself.

“We are going to a favourite of mine, Quality Meats on 58th Street. Do you know it?”

“Never heard of it,” Callum answered, truthfully.

“It’s just a really good place for steak, and they do these Parmesan waffle fries that are amazing, and broccoli and cheese bites that come with a cheddar cheese fondue.”

“Hell yes, I like the sound of that,” Callum declared, his stomach applauding the idea.

They got ready and were driven into town, accompanied by Coco and Markus.

The restaurant was on 58th Street with a large rustic wooden door and nice décor inside. Callum liked it immediately, and the smells were very appetising.

Julian spoke to the waiter, who led them to a private dining room at the rear. When they walked through the door, Callum spied Jack sitting there.

“Jack, I didn’t know we were meeting you.” He walked over as Jack stood, and they hugged. He could see a blue folder on the crisp white tablecloth that definitely wasn’t a wine list or menu.

“Sorry for the secrecy, Cal, but Jack and I need to talk to you about our proposal for The Iron Works.”

A leaden feeling punched hard in Callum’s gut. The thought of raking up the old argument again felt imminent. “Our proposal?” He was intrigued by the wording.

“We’ve got a revised idea for The Iron Works that we want to discuss with you.”

They sat.

The waiter took a drinks order, leaving them alone as Julian continued. “I’ve been working with Jack on this behind your back because I know how much it stresses you out.” He paused. “I just needed to get the photo shoots out of the way to clear my head and be able to talk to you about it.”

Callum was still. “Ok, I understand. Go on?” He was genuinely surprised Julian would do that behind his back, but interested to know what this proposal was.

“Without wishing to drag up the previous conversation, which obviously wasn’t a viable option as far as you were concerned, Jack and I have taken some time to explore other ideas.

“When was this?” Callum asked.

“Oh, we met a couple of times after work and on your day off,” Jack said, almost proudly at having time alone with Julian. Callum was quite happy about that, even though the thought of these discussions going on behind his back was mildly surprising.

“So, the current idea, which Jack and I both favour and I’m hopeful you do too, is a very different proposal,” Julian explained.

“Go on, please,” Callum said, now rather intrigued.

“I'm not going to buy you the block, Callum. You were 100% right. It would have changed things between us. I know you better now, so much more now that I wouldn’t even suggest it. It would have made me a benefactor and you a project, and I never want to look at you that way.” Julian reached for his hand, caught by a moment of emotion.

Callum felt a weight shift in his chest, but before he could speak, Julian continued.

“What we are proposing is the creation of a non-profit foundation. The W.S.N. Community Trust, obviously ‘West-Silva-Newman’ - all our names.”

“Oh, OK. Wow, that’s an interesting idea. Go on, please.” Callum softened.

“I’ll put enough capital into it to buy the block, including your building, from that snake Cott. My lawyers are currently drafting paperwork in the hope you agree to this proposal. But importantly, I won't own it at all. The Trust will own it. Yes, I will be there as a trustee, but most importantly, the board of directors will consist of only two people with voting rights: namely you and Jack.”

Callum’s eyes widened. “Julian...”