Julien Baker Partner Novels & Stories

The next morning, Sebastian left for a three-game road trip. Julian stayed behind. His knee was getting worse. The doctors had told him to rest, but he could not. He had to keep digging. He spent the days at his computer, sifting through files, making calls, following leads. He talked to former business partners of Richard’s, people who he had wronged and had pushed aside, people who had been cheated. Most of them were scared. They did not want to talk. They did not want to get involved. But some of them were angry. Angry enough to help.

“Julian—” “No,” Julian cut in, voice steel. “I’ve worked my entire life for this company. Built it with blood and sweat. But I won’t apologize for loving him. Not here. Not ever.” The room vibrated with silence. Afterward, the partners filed out, whispering. HR muttered about “next steps.” Marlene looked like she’d swallowed a lemon. Only Julian and Jamie remained. Jamie slumped back in his chair, trembling with adrenaline. “You just—torpedoed your career.”

For a brief moment, something flashed across his face, surprise, recognition, and something warmer. Sarah continued talking. “Julian has worked at some of the biggest agencies in New York. We’re lucky to have him. He’ll be leading the new campaign for the Thompson account.” Julian smiled politely at the team. “I’m excited to be here. I’ve heard great things about all of you.” His voice was deeper than Lila remembered, more smooth and steady. When his gaze returned to her, he gave a small, professional nod. “Nice to meet everyone,” he said. But his eyes stayed on Lila a second longer.

I close my eyes. I walk out of the kitchen with Willa's coat half on. Julian is standing in the doorway holding a small paper bag from the boulangerie on Rue Cler, and he is looking down at Ace with the patient warmth of a man who has decided that whatever the small person in front of him says next will be received rather than corrected, and Ace has his hands on his hips in the pose he adopts when he is conducting an interview. "I am," Julian says. "Which friend?"

"She is my business partner, Leon. And more importantly, she doesn't even want you here." "I don't give a damn about your partnership!" Leon hissed, stepping closer until he was pressing right against the opposite side of my bed railing. "She is my ex-wife, Julian! This is my personal business, and you need to back the fuck away from her right now before I make you."

“I’m sorry you think you get to have an opinion, Noah.” He smirked like I’d said something quite amusing. “Same old Savannah. Always with the attitude.” “Only when it’s deserved.” I shot back. Julian, who’d been standing off to the side trying to stay out of it, finally stepped closer. “Everything okay here?” Leo looked him over, the tension in his jaw obvious. “And you are?” “Julian,” he said. “Her partner for this contest.” “Partner,” Leo repeated slowly. “Right. I see.”

he said with a wink. He shifted beside me, a playful grin spreading across his face. "Alright, since I’m officially on distraction duty, let me tell you about the time my college roommate decided he was the next big baker." I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Oh, this should be good." Julian chuckled. "Good isn’t the word I’d use. So, it was for his sister’s wedding, and he volunteered to bake the cake. Mind you, the guy could barely make toast without setting off the smoke alarm."

“I wanted to be sure. And I wanted it to be mine.” Charlotte tilted her head. “Yours?” He nodded. “You fight with power. Eleanor fights with presence. Sophie fights with narrative.” “And you?” Julian poured another inch of wine into his glass. “I fight with exposure.” Charlotte leaned back, processing. Then: “You leaked it?” “I gave it to someone who will.” She exhaled through her nose. “You’re learning.” “No,” Julian said. “I’m remembering.” By morning, two brands had already paused partnerships with Aurashift.

I was busy with my camera and laptop when the door opened, revealing Alicia and…shit. My eyes widened when I saw Julian walking inside in a gray tailored suit. His hair is brushed up in an elegant manner, making everyone see his handsome face without his hair as a hindrance. His eyes scanned the room until he met mine. I was stoned on my spot as I saw him and Alicia walking closer to me. “Darren, this is Mr. Julian Greene. He’s the featured restauranteur for today,” Alicia beamed. “He has several restaurant chains under his belt and his story is definitely an inspiring one.”