Page 97 of The Titan and the Trainer

“You did it, Cal,” Julian whispered. “Look at this place, it’s got a soul.”

“We did it,” Callum corrected, turning to him. He looked at Julian, the man who had been his student, then his secret, and now his partner in every sense. “The kids have a place, Jack has a future, everyone looks excited. It’s exactly what we set out to do.”

“It’s just the beginning,” Julian murmured, reaching into his jacket pocket and pulling out a leaflet. It was the first flyer for the W.S.N. Community Trust. “The board approved the first scholarships this morning. That’s twenty kids from the neighbourhood getting full athletic and academic funding.”

Callum looked at the name on the brochure. West-Silva-Newman. His name, intertwined with Julian’s, forever alongside Jack’s. He turned to him, crushing him in a hug.

Rosie walked past at that moment, so she joined in the hug. She winked at Callum, “Well, S.C.A. worked out pretty well, Cal,” she said, heading off.

Julian inhaled. “Ah, yes, our first session so long ago, you never did tell me what that stood for?”

“Some Corporate Asshole, Callum said, voice low, embarrassed Julian even remembered.

“Well, did I turn out to be?” Julian asked, earnestly.

“I’ll let you know,” Callum said with a wink.

“Promises, promises,” Julian replied, eyes dark.

“Everyone out front, please,” Sophia announced, shepherding them all out through the reception area.

A low stage had been erected in front of the building with a mic, balloons and banners. The press were gathered, patiently waiting, being carefully managed by Agatta and team.

After the success of the Men’s Health cover, every news channel was desperate for more information on Julian and even more on Callum. The re-opening of a small independent gym wouldn’t normally attract such media attention, but the throng of over forty photographers and journalists said otherwise for this particular re-opening.

“Mr. Newman! A word for the press?” a reporter called out, flanked by photographers already snapping picture after picture.

The Julian of old would typically offer a cold, short statement and confidently walk away, but today was different. He knew his support was needed to relaunch the gym and share the good work planned for the community.

He threw an arm around both Callum and Jack’s shoulders, placing himself between them both. “You guys ready for this?” They both nodded, somewhat nervously, and all three stepped onto the stage to face the media. Julian approached the microphone first.

“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I’ve spent my career building things that go up,” Julian started, voice clear and strong, with the practiced authority of a man used to public speaking. “Skyscrapers, portfolios, my business empire. But I’ve come to realise I was building on a hollow foundation. The Iron Works and the men standing here with me have taught me that strength isn't about what you own or earn. It’s about what you’re willing to give to protect what matters. Callum and Jack set out to do something very special here, and they are making their dreams come true for the good of their community. I’m glad to play a small part in their big story.”

Julian stepped back as reporters shouted questions and cameras flashed.

Jack next took his turn at the microphone, taking a crumpled card from his jacket pocket. “I’d like to extend a personal thank you to Julian for his support in turning our dreams into a reality for this community, and just to clarify, Julian’s part is certainly not small.”

Callum smiled quietly to himself despite his nerves and caught Sophia’s eye, who also was beaming at the inside joke, lifting her hand to her mouth to stifle a snigger.

Jack continued. “I’d also like to say to Callum that I’m sorry for ever doubting you. I should have believed in our dreams with the same unrelenting positivity and ambition that you always did. I love you, buddy.”

Jack turned as Callum stepped forward, and the two embraced in a genuine hug. Jack stepped back, leaving Callum centre stage.

The reporters shouted and went wild at this point. After the Central Park paparazzi exposure, the world was keen to know more about Callum West. Cameras clicked in a rapid artillery fire of flashes which temporarily blinded him.

Callum also had notes which he looked at nervously. He looked back at Julian, who gestured to take a deep breath. He turned back to face the crowd, paused, and took a very deep breath before he started.

“I want to say a few words, but public speaking is definitely not my thing,” he said, smiling. “Like Jack, I want to reiterate our commitment to this community and affirm our goal to continue to support the people and youngsters who live here in Brooklyn. We know the streets are unrelenting and can swallow you up. Our dream, with the community trust in place and our new scholarship scheme, is that we can offer hope and help to as many as we can.”

Cameras flashed, and there were calls from the reporters for information about Callum and Julian, but he ignored them and turned, walking to the back of the stage. This was an orchestrated press conference, with a focus first on The Iron Works, then on more personal matters.

The reporters continued to shout their questions, whilst flashes blinked continuously at them as Julian stepped forward once again. The throng went silent at this point, realising there was more to be said.

“I know you have further questions. We’ve talked about The Iron Works, and I trust you will report fairly on the great work being done here. You know that I became aware of this project when I hired Callum to train me for the Men’s Health cover, which a few of you might… have heard about.” He paused and smiled, which caused a huge laugh amongst the crowd.

“Personally, Callum didn't just train my body; he actually saved my life.” Julian paused. “He taught me what has real value in this world, and in life. It’s love.”

The silence that followed lasted a heartbeat before the reporters erupted. The professional decorum of the event shattered as the press surged forward, recorders thrust like weapons towards him.