Impossible Love 109
Maxieplus
That night all the family came back to our place, some swam, some drank, gran and I had placed some food out and our friends picked at. By one in the morning exhaustion caught up with us all and we went to bed, Gianni and I were not alone and I know tomorrow is going to be a heavy day and I won't get much rest. Before I went to sleep I could hear Carlos slip out of bed and three minutes later he was playing his pan flute, the lonely shepherd resonated through our neighborhood once more. I didn't think the neighbors would have been mad because they all knew a tragedy had passed by our door.
I didn't hear a sound when I woke up, and after I went to the toilet I walked out to the family room, no family, then I heard a familiar sound, splashing. Because gran and grandad had stayed the night she had organized the babies and they had taken them out to the pool to have breakfast.
Gianni Leon and Carlos were in the pool with the kids and grandad was looking over some paperwork he somehow had found.
"You should have called me gran."
"Nonsense Antonio, you needed your sleep, now go and greet your family for the day."
"Thank you." I walked over to the pool and sat on the lip dangling my legs in the water, Gianni pulled me into the shallow end and held me.
"Did you sleep well, my love?"
"Yes thank you baby, and thank you for the sleep-in also."
"It was our pleasure, now today mama's calling by later this morning and she is taking you out. I will go with my brothers and we are going to stock take the Cartasso shop, so do not worry about us."
"Where is she taking me?"
"To a spa Antonio, she thinks that is the best for you."
"Why the stocktake?"
"Because it needs to be done and then we will close the shop up."
"For good?"
"Yes Antonio, it makes sense we close it down my brothers have too much to do as it is, and I am looking after you full time, so I do not have the time to do it."
"You could put a manager in."
"We have thought about that, but our hearts are not into it, and anyway it was just there for our uncle to have something to do, Gino will take over the wholesale part of it and run it alongside our brand."
"He won't have time for that baby."
"We have it all done Antonio, now is your time so please leave it all up to us."
"I will Gianni, I don't think I could organize a picnic at the moment."
"You are exhausted, and we all are so grateful for what you have done for us, we did not think we could go through all that again."
"I know." He pulled me in and held me as the boys screamed their way through another ticklish moment with Leon and Carlos.
I ate something then we showered, I couldn't get it up so we decided that we would put our sex life aside for the moment, it didn't feel right.
Gran had cleaned everything up and she was taking the babies to her place for the day, I told her they will get bored, she said she is starting a garden pot for them. I looked at them and couldn't believe how big they had grown, even their facial expressions had changed, but they were still the same beautiful boys.
By noon I was ready by the time Sabine called in, it doesn't matter how distressed she was she will always look a million dollars. After kissing everyone goodbye I was loaded into a limo and driven five blocks to a run-down warehouse.
"Where are you taking me?"
"To the spa Antonio, we are going to be pampered for the next two hours."
"But this doesn't look like a spa its not even open."
"It is Antonio, the best spa in Melbourne is behind those old doors."
And it did, as soon as the door opened I walked into another world, chandeliers spotlights a huge reception area and class, there was class, I felt so out of my comfort zone.
"It's too posh Sabine, lets go."
"Nothing is too posh for my son-in-law Antonio, I have booked a double massage and facial so we can talk."
"Okay but no peeking." I smiled, she laughed it was so nice to hear it again.
I changed into disposable shorts and was escorted to a room with a water cascade running down the walls and soft sweet music. I know I am going to fall asleep I just know it. Sabine was already on one plush table and I took the other one. She had ordered a good-looking muscle guy to do me and a nice looking lady to do her. As he rubbed oil all over me I moaned so loud he had to ask if he was being too rough, I assured him I liked it rough. Every muscle every sinew started relaxing and fifteen minutes into the massage I felt like a big blob of jelly, and I did fell asleep.
I was woken up gently and after a few moments was led to a salon where I was given the works, facial, haircut creamed and plucked, nails and toes were done to the max as Sabine talked to me.
"We have to talk about some things Antonio, will you please listen and not get too upset?"
"Yes Sabine, I think all my upsets have left me this is just wonderful."
"Good, then I am pleased our day out is working."
"What is it you want to talk about?"
"Uncle Federicos will Antonio."
"Can we do it next week?"
"No, I am here to prepare you for what's coming. The sooner we get this out of the way the better for you."
"Hit me with it."
"Uncle Federico loved you so very much, as we all do. He has left his Cartasso shares to us, myself Gianni and you, so it will now be run with only three on the board. There is nothing for you to do, leave it up to Gianni and myself if you like. He has left Alice very comfortable, and if she needs anything we are to provide that for her. But I do not think she will be needing anything much. His interests in the event side of things will go to Leon and Carlos and believe me, they will not be missing out on anything it is huge. The rest of his savings property and stocks are to be distributed between the five of us and he has especially asked me to make sure the children are included in that. He has left Tommaso Maxie Gino and Anna a large amount of money equally." I felt a little better.
"He has to leave it to you and your boys Sabine, please don't tell me he's lumbered me with more headaches."
"He hasn't Antonio, he knows how the boys are, and it's his final little joke, he has told them if they run short of cash they are to ask you." She laughed.
I was so relaxed I almost didn't care at that moment now.
"I guess that's fine but I feel bad taking their uncle's money."
"Antonio they are as wealthy as me and Gianni are, do you hear me loud and clear?"
"I didn't know that."
"Well, they are almost. Ramone and I made sure of that a long time ago, it's just that they do a different kind of business from the Cartasso." I was processing it but will also wait until it's all done and dusted.
"He has also left Remo a little something special because they had become good friends and he admired him so much. He wants us to pay five years' rent for the boy, and there was talk about some cash."
"What a wonderful thing to do for him, now you have me crying." And I was, tears were now streaming down my face and some tissues were placed on my lap as the stylist walked away to give us some privacy.
When I let go, I let go, and it all came to the front I couldn't stop it.
"I am sorry Sabine." I keep saying.
"Get it all out Antonio, it is the best medicine I could think of for anybody, a good solid cry on your own."
She moved away and left me with my thoughts as I forced every emotion out of my body. After about fifteen minutes I sat up straight and wiped my face, then the facial girl came over and she started all over again.
Sabine came back and nothing was said. The finishing touch was the spa's cafe, it was gorgeous, plush chairs and finger food that was to die for. With a glass of champagne in hand, I thanked her, and with not a hair out of place she answered.
"It is my pleasure my beautiful son-in-law, and my personal thank you for making Uncle Federicos last weeks more bearable for everyone."
We clinked glasses and I skulled the elixir.
"What does it all mean?"
"The will Antonio?"
"Yes."
"Nothing changes Antonio but lives change and that's what Federico wanted to do, he has also left Tinker and Roberto some cash and a few others in Italy, but he wanted to make sure his family wants for nothing, Gino will get about a million dollars for starters and the two kids Maxie and Tommaso."
"What? he left them a Million?"
"I think so Antonio, don't be so surprised Uncle Federico has been at it longer than any of us, he had big money stashed everywhere."
"Okay hit me with it." I dropped my head. She took a deep breath and whispered.
"It's only a guess, but about twenty-five."
I took a moment to collect my thoughts and finally looked her in the eyes and said.
"Will that be cash?"
"If you want Antonio but I do not know where you can hide it, and Antonio?"
"Yes, Sabine."
"That's twenty-five hundred million."
"So no cash then." I nearly fell on the floor laughing, because that's all I had left in me.
We both had laughed and cried, then continued our mother and son in law day spa.
I didn't care and was so grateful the kids and Gino were mentioned, but with me, I only ever wanted Gianni. I didn't care if he was from a wealthy family or a poor one, he still would have been the same adorable goofy dufas he is now, and at this very moment, all I wanted was his big arms around me.
We were dropped off at the cafe and after receiving many compliments from staff and family, Sabine headed for her dress shop and Gianni tested out the walls in the bathroom.
"It was very nice of him to leave Gino and the boys something Gianni, he didn't have to do that."
"He was in love with Gino first until Maxie came along and blew him out of the waters Antonio."
"What?"
"You know Uncle Federico was bi, he was hot for Maxie he thought he was perfection plus, with Gino he loved him and his family for including Alice and him into their lives, but he loved you the best."
"Me? I didn't know that."
"He respects his family Antonio so never said anything, but he thought you were his perfect soul mate, and you know us Italians Antonio, we fall in love every day, amore is a big part of our lives, now can I do you before I get more jealous?"
"Go right ahead dufas, knock yourself out, this perfect butt is wanting you so badly. But first, can you tell me who you are in love with today?"
"Only you Antonio, I will let you know whenever that changes." he giggled.
So he did his thing, and I walked a bit funny for the next half hour, well I sat funny with my coffee with the boys who were chatting away and complaining about all the had work Gianni had made them do.
"So you are packing up the shop then?"
"Yes, Antonio we pack and bring the stock back to the warehouse and move the Cartasso bulk orders to Gino's office. After that we do not know yet, we would move Remo into it but he is better on the little corner shop."
"And you boys, are you going to be all right?"
"Very much Antonio, thanks to you and mama, we will go on, and we love you so much for what you did for us. I make my Carlos put everything to rest last night, he played for uncle Federico and that is the end of it." Leon kissed my cheek and Carlos blushed when he did the same.
"I heard you, it was so wonderful Carlos thank you."
"I like doing that."
"But not too often my friend."
We laughed.
"Have you told Remo yet?"
"No Antonio, it is the biggest surprise I think."
"It will be, he will go nuts."
"Nothing will change for him Antonio, we were instructed to make it pleasant for Remo, anything he wants will magically appear for him. he will still be standing at his little counter every day." Leon smiled.
I will leave it all up to them, I have done my time and now it's just me for the moment, I felt so much better and relaxed and thanked Sabine in my head many times.
We closed up early and went home to hug the kids, Gianni had said they were now back at our place, in the pool again with gran and grandad. They had gone shopping and bought some pool animals for them to play with, I guess grandad had the job of blowing them up.
We arrived home to screaming kids, they were playing with their new toys and gran was almost waterlogged, we all jumped in and she got out to dry herself and to rattle around in my freezer. Grandad also got out because the big boys were being very energetic, swishing the babies around and dipping them up and down.
Gianni grabbed me and pulled me to his side, he wanted to make out again I didn't resist.
We had decided not to tell anyone about Federico's business and will wait until the will was finally read. A half-hour later the kids arrived and jumped in with us, the argument started as soon as Maxie took little Antonio off Leon.
Tommaso swam over to us and I think Leon scared him a little, and I think my brother Carlos is bouncing back because he gave Maxie a tongue lashing about baby snatching.
Ready?" Gianni yelled out.
"Yes, papa." The babies replied.
The jets were turned on and the noise levels rose a few decibels. Gran was still in the kitchen and grandad was fast asleep. Carlos opened the back door and raided the extra fridge we have in the laundry he grabbed a couple of bottles of wine, then the party started. The kids were handed icy poles and they sat on the small plastic seats gran had bought to place in the pool. In-between eating them and the jets they giggled their heads off, I leaned back then went to sleep.
I don't know how long I was out but Little Antonio wanted my attention and was slapping my face when I woke. The others were at the other end of the pool, and they were laughing, I think they put him up to it. Little Sam screamed when he arrived and Gino jumped in spoiling my new hairdo. Anna had gone to help gran and I think it's time I got out and joined grandad on the lazy boy.
I was gently woken to have something to eat then I took my time to fully wake up. Everyone was eating and feeding the kids and when Gianni stopped kissing me he handed me a plate of food.
"That spa did you some good Antonio."
"It was the best Gianni, I feel so relaxed."
Iris and Alice had appeared and were sitting at the table with the others so I readied myself and went over to sit with them all. Alice placed her hand on mine and leaned in.
"I am all right Antonio, for a moment I had a wonderful man in my life and now he's gone. I do not want sympathy, I need to get back to work, and do not think me bad for wanting to do that."
"I wouldn't think that Alice."
"I know, but just in case you did I am warning you, I will bite back."
I started laughing at her gorgeous face then grabbed both of her cheeks and kissed her.
"So what has been decided with the Cartasso shop boys?"
"Nothing much Aunty Alice we are firstly going to close it down, but Nina said we have to find someone to rent it because we are the best at that, she said we bring good luck to our market."
"That reminds me, I was talking to Miss Behaving and Lucy Loose last night they were saying they had excess costumes and accessories from the shows they wanted to either hire out or sell, and are looking for a place to rent." Gino smiled.
"Wow Carlos we can have so much fun in their shops, Antonio do you think it would work at the market?" I didn't have to think about it, my mind had already gone into overdrive, I'm back.
"They can set up a wall with a great nightclub background and do photos of customers in drag, what a fun shop it will be. You all know we are in the gay central part of Melbourne, they will bring more business in for sure. My god, Conner can have a drag-only night at his club, they can hire out their costumes." I laughed.
"Thank you, Antonio. Gino please be our representative and ask them to apply for the shop. What a splendid tribute to Uncle Federico he loved the drag shows. They can call it Federico's Follies." Leon laughed.
I knew both of these queens from when I went to the gay bars and they always stopped for a wine on the steps on their way out, we have become very familiar with them since they moved in up the street.
"So you want me to talk to them when I see them next?"
"Yes please Gino, invite them to our market."
"Done."
We hadn't forgotten Gino's steps it was just that things have been a bit full-on for a while, but we will start again soon. The pool is going to be a worry and we have to make times when the babies can use it and when they have to play out front.
Then we all started planning the drag shop together, some were over-excited and some were looking at the mad Italians as wrists flopped and arms were flung in the air, I did a good job of doing that.
"You may talk to Nina and try and coincide the opening with Gay awareness week boys."
"When is Gay awareness week Antonio?" Carlos asked.
"It isn't an official day but you could make it official, create the day just for the market. The date should be when the hire shop opens, get the guys to walk around the stalls all dolled up and even maybe do a small show like they know drag and they know show business." I winked at him. He laughed. So I almost had everyone laughing at the table and the conversation lifted everyone's spirits, Gianni kissed me and gran huffed and said.
"Such nonsense Antonio."
"What?" I was surprised at her words.
"Well if the boys want to do it properly, a small stage in the center of the market would come in very handy, just shift the Kombi van over a foot or two." She laughed, that's my gran.
The night was wonderful and after the laughing died down our friends started to leave, Iris went with Alice then she was going to go home to her bed. I think she's worried she's outstaying her welcome, but she knows she can move in with us anytime she wants. With Federico's death still hanging over our heads the older people in our family would have been thinking about their fates, I didn't know how to lift their spirits but I will sure try to see that they have a fun time while they wait.
The boys slept with us that night Carlos had a nightmare and Lukas had crawled in with us, I heard Gianni softly talking to him, and then the room went quiet.
Pots were banging in the kitchen again when I woke up, the boys were still asleep but Gianni was gone, he had let me sleep in again, no Lukas so he will probably be in his room, or in front of the tv. I went to the bathroom then appeared in the family room.
I kissed Gianni then gran and I patted grandad's shoulder when I went to kiss Lukas on the head.
Screaming, I heard screaming coming from the baby's room then all three of them ran out, and they were screaming so loud I had to cover my ears.
"Beach beach beach." Nappies were lost on the way, and as they ran for the door I pulled them up.
"No beach this morning, breakfast, and a good bath." The room went silent and then it began, the crying was heartbreaking and Gianni was sought out for cuddles, I felt like a real prick.
"Antonio?"
"Yes, gran." I looked at her for help.
"Look after the eggs, come on my angels, Nona will take you to the beach."
My jaw dropped and Gianni started laughing as he opened the doors and let the now screaming again kids out, followed by a huffing Nona.
With my tail between my legs, I looked into the frying pan and started stirring the eggs.
"Good luck next time grandson, call us when it's ready, or better still bring it out."
"Take Lukas with you, grandad." I turned to look at him.
"He's already in the pool grandson." I could hear him chuckling his way around to the back, bloody fools.
They need boundaries, if they haven't got them they will run rings around us. I finished off the toast and took the whole lot out the back, maybe we had better install a small kitchen against that far wall.
I managed to feed them then I got out the plastic bath and filled it with sudsy water, they are going to have a bath whether they like it or not. I grabbed Antonio, he squealed while I washed his beautiful hair and then dried him, and with a fresh nappy on I put grandad in charge, little Gianni was next and he got the same treatment. When the boys arrived with the kids in tow, it took only seconds, and before I knew it the two clean babies were back in the pool, nappies were strewn randomly. I couldn't help but note Gianni and Gran's laughter in the background.
I threw my arms in the air and went to shower, powerful guns were around me in a short space of time, then the foreplay started, we are back on board again.
I cleaned the table up and gran helped, she whispered to me.
"I will bathe the boys at my house today there are no distractions there."
"Thank you, gran."
"Antonio it will settle down soon, it's all new to them they do not know about being clean yet." I groaned.
So I have lost my sons to their Nona, how can I be expected to be on top of their care if this is allowed to happen, but she made sense.
At work, I said my good mornings to everyone and went about my business. As I wiped tables down, Angelo came over and we had a small conversation about his papa, he had rung to say he will be in town in a few week's and I was very pleased for them all.
My phone buzzed and my solicitor wants me to sign some documents in the next few days, that will be for the flat we had bought. I had the money in the bank so I wasn't worried about getting any loans, we had decided I would pay for one he would pay for the other, I still think cash is always good but I didn't have that much left in the safe.
When I finished I greeted Alice and Iris then sat out the front to have my coffee.
The boys were upstairs with Nina and Gianni was already busy, I will go do the cheese platters when I am done here. Iris sat with me and had a coffee we had a short conversation about Alice and she assured me that she will be fine.
"There are things about their relationship you do not know about Antonio, the most important part was they were very good friends first and foremost."
"Well, I sort of guessed that, but thank you for confirming it."
"Your welcome." she smiled then asked.
"So do you think the drag queens will set up shop here?"
"I think they would be crazy to miss the opportunity Iris, this market is overwhelmingly gay and I doubt whether they will have any problems here."
"Me also, it will be fun."
"Yes, it will."
She left and I went to make up some trays, I got a comment from Gianni on the way through about doing some work, just the usual stuff.
"Don't ever think I missed the laughing this morning, but we do have to make some boundaries for the kids Gianni, otherwise they will walk all over us."
"Yes Antonio, I agree but for now they are so adorable."
"Adorable doesn't teach them to have any respect, Gianni, once they learn that they will be in a better situation."
"Okay Antonio, I will think upon it some more."
"You do that." I went to do my chore giving him the finger as I walked into the back room.
My day was slow and to tell you the truth I was hanging out to hold the kids and to get in the pool with them, if gran has bathed them then it will all be for nothing. I eventually got to sit outside again when the boys came downstairs, the first thing they did was open a bottle then took it out the front to sit with me.
"Did you have a lot to do today?"
"Yes Antonio, we were helping Gino to interview new staff."
"I didn't see anyone going up the stairs."
"No Antonio, we were reading applications, we need someone that knows about the wines and someone cute also."
"I see so a wine expert that's cute then." I smiled.
"That's is it Antonio, we will request photographs."
"That's not very professional boys, and pretty well biased."
"We have an image to uphold Antonio."
"No you don't it's an office job, no one is going to be ordering the wines because the guy or girl are good-looking."
"Look at us Antonio, we get a lot of orders without even trying." Leon was adamant.
"No, you get orders because the customers need the Cartasso wines."
"I do not think so Antonio." He grinned.
"Suit yourselves." I sipped my wine and looked over at the florist shop, they weren't busy, I thought I might go and give them a hand but I'm not needed.
I am also going to have a word with Gino about the new staff member maybe I can help.
An hour later I made my way upstairs and said my greetings to Pat, we talked for a minute or two then I went to see Gino waving at Nina as I passed by. On the way to his office, I saw a young man sitting at his desk, this one I haven't seen before, very nice. I knocked then let myself in, Gino offered wine and I took one.
"So you have come to drool at the new boy also Antonio?"
"I didn't know you had one, the boys were just telling me they were going through applications with you for the job."
"They were sitting at Nina's desk perving that's what they were doing."
"I see so you don't need any more staff?"
"Not at the moment, Pino will do just fine."
"Where did you find him?"
"He's Stavros's nephew knows a lot about wines apparently, he's worked a few bars and in a wine shop for some time. To be honest you don't have to know much about them, here the customers know what they are ordering. All he has to do is enter the orders, and take some slack off Pat and me."
"Has Gianni met him yet?"
"No, but he will be up soon and I will introduce them."
"You do that. I hope he turns out to be what you need." I drank the rest of the wine and left.
On the way back to the table I grabbed one of Angelos hard-backed menus and hit both Leon and Carlos on the head with it.
"Don't you ever disrespect me again you two. Looking at applications indeed, you were there to cruise the new boy."
They started laughing I poured another drink and one for Iris because she is on her way. Replacing the menu I sat and waited until their fun had ceased.
"Is the rush over Iris?"
"Yes Antonio, I am now on my way upstairs there's something I have to ask Nina about."
"Liar, you want to look at Pino."
"Oh is that his name?'
"Yes, and you know it too." She giggled.
I have to say one thing, Pino was very much like Angelo only with a little more muscle on his bones, you could see they were from the same family.
We sat for the next ten minutes and Gianni came out grabbed a vino then he and Iris left to go upstairs. If Gino and Nina were selling tickets today they could make a fortune.
"Now boys, you need to finish off the shop is there something I can help you with?"
"No Antonio, we have Dave looking after it for us, he is dismantling the wine racks and the next tenant will have to go through what shop fittings they want, Nina will do that."
"And my next question is where is your mama I haven't seen her since yesterday?"
"She is at Dr. Mikes today."
"Not at the bank?"
"No Antonio, we told you she's at the doctor's." I didn't ask why, Sabine is a healthy woman she's probably there for a check-up.
I took myself off to have a look at the shop, I was a little lost today because the kids weren't with us. Gianni is taking his time I hope he hasn't landed me in the divorce courts behind my back. I said hello to Remo he was his happy self and as usual busy. I wanted to buy some pasta but my freezer is full of it, so I went into the Cartasso shop and talked to Dave, he was happy and looked more relaxed now all the stress has gone from his face. He was telling me the carpark will be opening soon and he will be starting the finishing touches next week. The wine shop looked large with all the stock out of it, he is doing a fine job with those shelves, the girls are going to love it here.
Gran and grandad have taken the babies home so we didn't have to pick them up, I told her not to let them near the pool because I didn't want them to get into the habit of swimming in it when they arrived home each day. I could hear her laughing as she hung up.
My conversation was listened to by Alice she placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Let them have some fun Antonio, they will soon get sick of it and in winter they won't even want to go outside." She smiled and I poured her a drink.
"Antonio, on Monday the lawyers are going to read the will and you are required to be at the office."
"I don't want this Alice, can't you just tell me?"
"No my boy, everyone that's mentioned has to be there it's the way it is with the Italians."
"Okay but I still feel uncomfortable."
"No need, he loved you and the children he wanted to contribute to their care and yours. I am going to talk to Remo now he has to be there also."
"I thought he was just going to have his rent paid for a year or two."
"And a little money Antonio, Federico admired him so much and wanted to give him a leg up." I was pleased he had done that, Remo deserves a good pick me up.
She left to go and talk to Remo, he will be happy because Monday is a day off for everyone the market is closed.
Gianni was behind the counter when I came back and he spied me talking to Alice so he bought a bottle out to have a drink with me.
"Did you get his number baby?"
"What number Antonio?"
"Pino's of course, you did take your time."
"I was showing Gino some orders I received and no I did not get any telephone numbers."
"Good, so we are still married then?"
He almost slapped me but instead, he kissed my cheek.
"Not yet Antonio, and why do you think I liked the man upstairs?"
"He's cute, has a good body and everyone else wants to fuck him why not you?"
"I do not care for all that Antonio, I have everything I need right here." He warms my heart, but sometimes I need confirmation.
"So you are speaking to Alice Antonio?"
"She was just telling me about the reading of the will Monday."
"Yes, it is on Monday morning another sad day for everyone."
"Not so sad Gianni, it is what he wanted to do but I must admit I thought he would leave it all to Sabine, his only niece."
"She will get the bulk Antonio, we just get some small amounts he knows we do not need his money but he wanted to keep it in the family."
"So he should Gianni, have you any indication of what he left you?"
"Just a small amount Antonio a token of his love."
"Okay, then you do not have to tell me then."
"Two hundred Antonio."
"Million?" I nearly fainted.
"Yes Antonio, my brothers get the same." That was good to hear.
We packed up and left for home, I have decided tonight we will sit on the steps with Gino its been too long since that has happened. The babies will just have to put up with it, or will they?
Gran and grandad had them in the pool, I could hear the noise from the car park. Surprise surprise Anna and Sam were there also, he was playing with the others and Gianni grabbed Lukas as soon as he got in, then the babies covered him trying to get his attention. The boys jumped in and grabbed two of them and I grabbed the other one, Gianni turned the jets to gentle and all was well in their world.
I mentioned I wanted to sit on the steps tonight and they all agreed except gran and grandad they were readying themselves to go on home. Hamburgers and salads tonight and the babies had already been fed. It didn't take us long to realize we may never go sit on the steps again because the kids and Gino, Alice and Iris, arrived to sit by the pool.
Gino didn't mind he had already had a half-hour sitting there but missed Anna and Sam. I got out and started the barbecue, the ladies helped, and in no time food was being served.
I was asking Gianni if he had heard how Sabine got on at the doctor's he said he thought she went to the bank. I looked at Iris and rolled my eyes and I'm not getting into this again.
It was the next day things got weird with the babies, when we arrived home there was no Sam, they were most upset their mate wasn't with them so I rang Anna and she said they were having a night on the steps. When I told the boys they wanted their shorts and shirts on, they had to go and see if Sam was okay. He screamed my kids screamed and it was like old times again. Alice and Iris walked up the street with a bottle in hand and people stopped to talk to everyone as they were passing, I had missed this. When I sat down Gino poured me a drink and I decided that this was the best place on earth and I will leave it all up to Sam in the future, plus I had a word to Anna about the kids using the pool too much. In doing that she pulled him back and now we have some sort of balance back into our lives. The kids were screaming as they played with their balls on the steps, Alice and Iris sat on the chairs Gino has provided, and Gianni the kids, and the boys teased me to no end, yes this is the life I had missed. I was still running on empty, I watched everyone and tried to help when I could. The expected aftermath of Federico's death hadn't arrived, I thought I would crash in a heap after it was all over.
On Monday we readied ourselves to go to the lawyer's office, the kids asked several times if they were dressed appropriately and I once again smirked at them, of course, they were, they looked adorable in their suits. Lukas will be dropped at school and the babies will go with gran, they have gardening to do I believe. Gino was confused because he had planned to go to the park with Sam, but he had received a letter from the lawyer's office to attend and so had the kids Maxie and Tommaso. Plenty of questions had been asked and blank faces were practiced, we all said we didn't know anything. I believe Remo is being dropped off by Dave, he would be also as confused as the others.
At the office, we were taken to a board room and offered drinks, Leon and Carlos along with me and Gianni opted for wine. Alice was looking well, and when she arrived Sabine was glowing, and Tony was as handsome as ever. Remo and the kids were still asking questions so I told them they had been mentioned in Federico's will that's why they had to attend the meeting.
I sidled up to a glowing Sabine and said.
"When are you going to tell them?" She looked me up and down and shook her head.
"When the times right Antonio."
"Well done I am as pleased as punch for you both." I was so excited for them and another bambino in the family is just what was needed.