Chapter 35 - Palatable Solutions
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...”
Julian put his hand up to stop him from saying anything else.
“The Trust provides the funding for your wellness centre vision, but the decisions, the management, and the equity are all yours. It’s a partnership, Cal, not a gift.
You’re going to have to work your asses off to meet the community goals we’ve proposed in the charter, which you need to review and agree to.
But, most importantly, your roof won’t leak anymore, and no one can ever evict those kids and get in the way of what you’re trying to do for your community. ”
Callum was speechless. It seemed they had found the perfect middle ground.
It protected the gym and the neighbourhood, but it kept Callum and Jack’s hands on the steering wheel.
This was Julian using his intelligence and power not to buy Callum, but to build a floor beneath him, so he’d never have to worry about falling.
This was the kind of safety net he’d only dreamt of.
Callum felt the tension melt from his shoulders. “I need to look at the detailed plans, but yes, this sounds like a great solution.”
Jack was beaming. He banged the table with both his palms. “Yes, yes, yes! Oh, thank God. Julian, we did it!” Jack reached across the table and shook Julian’s hand, then got up and wrapped his arms tightly around Callum, standing behind him.
“This is it buddy, this is the moment we’ve sealed our future, together.
” He leant down, kissing the top of Callum’s head.
Now practically convinced this was the right solution with Jack’s enthusiasm, it started to sink in for Callum. He turned to Julian. “I don't know what to say,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
“Then don't say anything, Cal,” Julian murmured, reaching for his hand.
“We can go through all the details over lunch. You can be certain of what the plan involves. Jack can try to calm down and maybe let go of my boyfriend at some point…” He looked up at Jack, who was still hugging Callum tightly.
“Yeah, sorry.” Jack let go and sat back down as their drinks arrived.
They celebrated with the famous Quality Meats dry-aged prime tomahawk rib steaks at $115 each, along with sides including parmesan waffle fries and broccoli and cheese bites with cheddar fondue.
Julian had everything he wanted from the menu, Jack was satisfied that they had a way forward for The Iron Works, and Callum not only had a gorgeous boyfriend, but also an almost certain answer to all his worries.
Life was good, and so was the steak, the broccoli bites, and the fries.
Julian had found a brilliant way to make things work that worked for everyone.
***
A few weeks later, the launch of the ‘Men’s Fitness : The Titan Edition’ didn't just hit the stands; it detonated across New York City, America and the world.
The cover picture of Julian was everywhere, from digital billboards in Times Square to newsstands in the subway and featured on every news channel and media outlet. It went viral in a way no-one could have envisaged.
The article that accompanied it talked about the Titan, but also the human.
Julian had given the most candid interview of his life.
He opened up and said that he had found love, how it felt, and how it had changed him as a person.
Respectfully, the reporter hadn’t pushed for specifics, happy at the admission alone.
The words he’d captured were still a huge exclusive for the magazine, from someone who’d never spoken so candidly in the past. The interview was the first time Julian had ever talked about his emotions or feelings.
It showed Julian Newman in a way the world had never seen before: raw and powerful, yet undeniably human.
For Callum, it was also monumental because they used two of his photos within the article, and he was credited for them.