Impossible Love

Chapter 110

Maxieplus

The elderly lawyer read out several statements and a letter from Federico explaining his love for everyone in the room, and he hoped we all could put his bequeaths to good use. He handed me an envelope and one to the unfamiliar guy that was also with us.

"Personal notes for you Nick, and Antonio." I put mine aside.

"Now to the important bits and these wishes are Federico's final ones so please accept the gifts graciously, my secretary will get you to sign some paperwork before you leave." He smiled and the boys topped the drinks up.

I was looking at Nick he may have been a little under my age and he seemed very shy, I couldn't help but note he was extremely good-looking. I took a moment to think that maybe he meant more to Federico than just business, maybe pleasure also, Alice knew him and had sat next to him and I did see her hold his hand.

"To my dear loving niece Sabine Cartasso I leave my Cartasso estate shares and interests that come with the company, my Cartasso family fortune, and my homes in Italy.

To my beloved nephews Leon and Carlos Gianni and Antonio I leave from my personal wealth two hundred million dollars each and to Leon and Carlos the listed personal stocks and bonds that pertain to the events businesses. To my dear friend and confidant Alice, I leave five million dollars. To my dearest friend Nicky, I leave one million dollars and the title to his apartment in Caulfield." I looked over at him and he was nearly passing out, and he had tears streaming down his face. I poured a wine and handed it to him, he thanked me then skulled it.

"I am sorry Nickolo, do you want to take a break, we can come back to the reading in fifteen minutes."

"No please go on, I apologise to everyone it's just a shock. And I know like everyone at this table I would rather Federico's company instead of money."

"Well said my boy and we all agree." Alice took his hand again.

"We will continue then."

"I have no idea what this is all about, but Federico was specific about the wording. I also leave my true hero and friend Antonio Cartasso and my much-loved nephew Gianni Cartasso my five apartments on High street and beware Gianni, if he throws his hands in the air when hearing this, all legacies are revoked." The lawyer looked at me they all looked at me, then I heard Gianni say.

"Antonio, do not do it, please do not do it." I held my arms at my side and started laughing, then my tears arrived.

"Now to you young Remo, Federico has left you the sum of two million dollars and rental payments for the next five years for your market business." Tears so many tears were coming from Remo's eyes, he had to get a hug from Sabine who was talking softly to him.

"To my most genuine and trusted friend Gino, his wonderful wife Anna, and little boy Sam I bequeath five million dollars." I stared at Gino his face went bright red and his fists were white. He looked at everyone and said.

"I won't have it, I will not sign anything and you can't make me," Alice started to laugh followed by Leon and Carlos who said.

"He got you good Gino, uncle Federico got you so good."

"I have had it with you lot, all I wanted was a simple life and you have turned it into a headache for me, no more you hear me, no more." He skulled his wine and got up to leave.

"Sit down Gino, you may not leave yet, we have not finished," Gianni said to him.

"Gianni, I do not understand, I never wanted this all I wanted was a better job that's all."

"You are much more than a job Gino, Uncle Federico loved your simple life, to be truthful he wanted your simple life but he couldn't have it. In our family nothing is simple you know that." Well, he got that right.

"It's too much Gianni, you have to take it back."

"It is not enough Gino, please sit down and stop being a dufas." Gianni winked at me. He wasn't happy but he did sit down, and we will make sure he signs everything he has to.

"Now, Maxie and Tommaso whom I admire so very much, I leave five million dollars so you can grow your business and maybe buy some more property.

The kids were gobsmacked and like Gino they refused the gift until everyone at the table told them to stop being such babies and to accept it, when Leon said that, we all agreed.

"There is more, but they are staff and family members in Italy that could not attend the main reading, Roberto is letting them know at this very moment. Now my secretary will hand out the paperwork, and please sign the documents. Remo son, are you going to be okay?" He looked at our boy Remo.

"Yes sir, I think so."

"Good, when we have finished you will talk to our financial advisors, Federico insisted you be guided financially for the first six months and I believe you have an apartment to be paid for, they will help you with that."

"Thank you, sir." I was so proud of Remo, he has done very well, and now he can rid himself of any personal worries, and the boogie man he has had in his head. I quietly thanked Federico for his wonderful gifts for our young friends.

I had to stretch out so I stood up while the others talked, I got another wine and Gianni followed me to the big window where we both looked down to the street.

"I didn't want any of this Gianni, you know that don't you?"

"Yes my love, but he insisted because he loved you so very much."

"I loved him also Gianni, he was so good to me when I was looking for Luca."

"He was always the same baby."

"Do you know where the flats are?"

"Yes my love." He didn't elaborate but he filled my glass again, I will find out later.

Nick was a bit lost and I had collared Alice to have a word with her.

"So who is Nicolo Alice, I haven't heard him mentioned in our circles."

"I told you Federico and I were just best friends Antonio, he had another life and I certainly didn't mind in the least, but it was not spoken of in our circles."

"His bisexuality?"

"Yes Antonio, Nicky was his lover, his bi side would not allow him to be with only one person, but Nick and he did have a very close relationship that has been going on for about five years now."

"That explains the bequeath then."

"He is upset because he truly liked or loved Federico, and now he's all alone. It is not the money with him it is the loss of a dear friend, it has hit him hard I do not think he had been through so much sadness in his short life."

"I will talk to him then, why didn't I see him at the hospital?"

"Federico had said his goodbyes to him before he went in, and banned him from seeing him at his worst, to save him some more grief Antonio." I nearly cried again her story was so heartwarming.

"Alice do you know where these flats are he left us?"

"Yes, I do Antonio."

Before I could ask another question she had moved away. I went back to the table and started reading the documents with yellow stickers on them. I had to sign three times and when I saw the addresses a sort of calm rage came over me, that lying smart assed family of mine. I will get them one day, how bloody dare they.

I looked up and they had huddled together in a corner. Standing up with my arms raised and fingers pointing their way, I said calmly.

"You can all get stuffed, lying cheating sons of bitches, as God is my witness I will get you all for this, one by one you will all fall on your swords." I skulled the wine and sat down again to finish the signing. The only flats I don't own in our block are Gino's and the kids, the rest are now mine, well Gianni's and mine.

"Don't be upset Antonio, it was for your very own good we kept silent." Sabine was trying to keep the fallout to a minimum.

"Alice lied to me, Gianni lied, those two sad excuses for brother-in-law's lied, and you lied. Well, I hope you enjoy getting fat Sabine I believe motherhood is harder on older women." The room went dead quiet again.

"Mama?" Leon said.

"Did I hear right Sabine?" Tony asked. Oh shit, he didn't know.

Sabine smiled at me and said.

"I will get back to you later dear son-in-law."

She turned to Tony and said.

"Yes my love, we are pregnant."

The room erupted and Sabine once again was the centre of attention. Tony was now trying not to cry.

"You should have told me about mama Antonio, no secrets," Gianni said,

"You should have told me about the flats Gianni, no secrets." He kissed me to shut me up. I looked over at Alice, she opened her hands and she said.

"Not any of my business Antonio, sorry." She saluted me and went on drinking with Gino and Nicky.

"When all has settled down Antonio, we will meet for coffee I would like to get to know Federico's family better and play with the adorable babies he was always talking about."

"For sure Nicky, welcome to the family." I gave him a rundown on our movements and said he could sit on the steps with us if he wanted, that will be good for his introduction into the family, or should I say my, ex-family.

Remo was still reeling when they took him to another office and the kids were as quiet as they could be, shock comes to mind, we steered them to the lift then Carlos drove their car home with them sitting in the back staring into each other's eyes

I think they are going to their apartment to have a good cry.

Sabine and Tony were celebrating their good news, and when Iris came up to our home she was taken onto the balcony and told the news, you guessed it she was reaching for the tissues constantly.

"Good news Iris a great great grandmother at long last."

"Yes Antonio, Tony has wanted this for so long, and that darling daughter in law of mine is making it happen. I have so much to do Antonio, baby showers, a room has to be decorated a nanny organised.

"Hold up Iris, forget the nanny, you are going to be the best nanny ever."

"Oh shit I had better get my act together, I don't want it to think I am an old drunk."

"Your not, Leon and Carlos are." I laughed.

"But Antonio, I don't know what to do first will you help me make a list."

"Yes Iris, and I will pray with you every night also."

"Pray, what for?"

"Pray that it's a boy, we do not need another Sabine in our lives especially a very young pretty Sabine." Iris groaned and I handed her a drink.

The boys fussed over their mama to the point I felt like I wanted to be ill, she was lapping it up like the true celebrity she has become. I was so happy for them and she eventually thanked me for forcing her to talk to Dr. Mike, she said it wasn't her it was Tony, so he put him on some hormones to up his sperm count. She had fears also, plenty, but her excitement far out weighed them all.

"Maybe they will be twin boys, oh goody another Leon and Carlos." She reached for the bottle then put it back, no drinking from now on for her.

In all the fuss I had to do three things, make Nicky a member of our family, talk to Remo, and see that the kids are okay with it all. They didn't make an appearance that night but when I rang Maxie he said they had been sitting at the table staring into space, wondering why Federico did that.

"He loved you both that's why, don't ever underestimate the power of love Maxie, Federico kind of loved you both, to tell the truth."

"He what?"

"In his sweet way he loved you both, and he was so very proud of you, you both were more like grandsons to him Maxie, not lovers."

"Oh." I heard Tommaso groan and he said we should have got to know him better.

"You didn't have to, he watched and deemed you both fit to be in his family that was enough."

"Thank you Antonio, we never asked for this but thank you."

"Your welcome and maybe a small prayer for your uncle before you bang yourselves to sleep." I laughed.

No pool tonight and when Sabine and a very over attentive Tony left we headed for the steps, Gino will be onto his second bottle by now.

Babies screamed and started kicking balls around again, Anna grabbed me and asked if it was true, I just smiled and said.

"Does Gino look a bit unhinged?"

"Yes." She giggled.

"Then it's true."

"Oh my god oh my god, what a wonderful thing to do for my family."

"For Federico's family Anna, you are a part of his family."

I sat next to Gino and he was onto his second bottle, we clinked glasses and he said.

"Who would have ever thought we would end up here Antonio."

"No one my friend, they are a motley mob but they are from good stock, and are pretty well relaxed with their money especially where the family is concerned."

"I can't even remember how much he left us, I will have to look again."

"Five big one's Gino, five."

"That's a lot of money Antonio you will have to help me with investing it."

"I will and so will the lawyers after they settle Remo down." I smiled.

With that said a truck pulled up and a very red faced man got out, we are in for it now.

"Dave good to see you" I smiled.

"Will someone please explain to me why a perfect stranger gave my son an obscene amount of money and why that son is at home staring into space?" He looked at each of us and Alice was the one to take his arm and say.

"Walk with me Dave, just for a moment." She steered him towards her place I guess she has all the answers today.

When they came back you guessed it he was sniffling and wanting a drink badly.

"Did you find your answers Dave?" Leon asked.

"Yes, but I do not like it one bit."

"Join the club Dave." Gino saluted him.

"The lawyers told Remo if he lets them help him invest it in the property market, he will be a very wealthy boy in the coming years."

"He has to work also Dave, no getting out of that," I said.

"He is already sort of planning to expand to the South Melbourne market." He laughed finally and I handed him a drink.

"Federico had a lot of time for your son, he saw a lot of himself in him I loved his stories of him working after school in the winery for a wage from the age of seven, he and Remo did have a lot in common," Iris said.

"I know that now, but I did think...." he stopped abruptly.

"Not on your nelly Dave, it was never about that with uncle Federico."

"I misjudged him for a minute, I am sorry."

"No need, another drink my friend." Gino was also handling the drinks tonight.

One baby was bored and when Lukas crawled onto my lap he whispered.

"Beach daddy?"

"Okay just for one hour then you get ready for bed. Carlos, what are you doing that's important?"

He was very happy to take his nephew swimming, we did it on the quiet so the others wouldn't get too upset.

The night was full of glamor and glitter as our friends from the gay club waltzed by, Gino handed them a drink and they did a little show for us and the babies ogled their feathers and glitter.

"Have you found a shop yet?" he asked.

"Not yet Gino, we are thinking about selling online."

"Come into the market manager's office when you have time. I might have a deal for you."

"Really what do we need to bring, whips paddles vaseline?"

We all laughed, Gino shook his head.

"Just come in for a talk, we may have a shop for you."

"At the market? way to go awesome, our handsome friend."

They tootled off and Dave said his goodnights.

"I have a boy at home with many questions. I will try hard to answer them for him."

"You send him in to see me if he's still confused Dave, I will set him straight." Alice offered.

"Thank you Alice, and thank you for the drinks, goodnight everyone." Then he shook his head and drove off.

Now is the time to get nasty, I need to bathe the boys and I hope Lukas is in front of the tv by now, he promised me after one hour.

Goodnights were said and we traipsed upstairs and my sweet eldest boy was in his pj's in front of the tv, I winked at him he tried to wink back but it didn't work. The babies moaned but we distracted all three by getting in the bath with them, a good soaking and a long ball sac rub with my foot for my husband who seemed excited to get one. Iris was entertaining the boys with baby stories, they were as happy as she was for their mama, the news couldn't have come at a better time. It was a distraction everyone welcomed in this sad moment.

In bed that night Gianni and I were alone and the lovemaking was out of this world. I could still taste him as I closed my eyes and I said a small prayer for uncle Federico wishing him a safe and wonderful journey.

Gran was on board in the morning but grandad wasn't to be seen, I hugged her and asked where he was.

"He is having breakfast with Stavros Antonio, I believe he has a lot of gloating to do, and Stavros will just have to put up with it." She smiled.

"He will pick me up in an hour or so, is Lukas going to kindy?"

"Yes gran, how did grandad know?"

"He has eyes everywhere Antonio but I did hear him on the phone to Carlos last night. We are so happy with the baby news this old grandmother is looking forward to a new baby in the family."

"So are we gran, it's wonderful news."

"Are you doing anything special today?"

"No gran I think I will just hang around here, maybe take the kids to the park for a while."

"Good, I can take them if you like Antonio."

"I will think about it gran, but I need to spend more time with them."

"You do that grandson, maybe the park will be the best for them." With that said I heard bumps and little feet running, they are up. They wanted me to lay on the bed so they could jump on me today, I didn't mind they are so light, Lukas was watching and still trying to wink at me. The penny dropped and he was winking because he needed to go to the beach again, this could be a problem. I settled them down and then went to tell gran we would be eating outside this morning, she laughed, I opened my hands.

"What can I do, make them cry?"

"No Antonio, you do what you can to keep them happy." She kissed and hugged them all then I sang out.

"Come on you lot, follow me."

I had placed a coffee machine out the back so I turned that on, I need at least three cups to get me going, the kids were already in the spa they know they cant go in the deep part, and anyway, Gianni had purchased a cover for it which was on. They splashed then moaned a bit so I turned the jets on gently and they screamed some more.

"He couldn't sleep in because he heard the screaming," Anna said as Sam was welcomed for a swim. I was sitting on the lip watching with my coffee she made herself one and sat with me.

"This is going to turn our lives around so much Antonio, I was awake half the night thanking Federico for his gift, and I am still worried we will get it all wrong. It's a lot of money to have in the bank but it will make our lives less stressful."

"Is he going to pay the other flat off?"

"Yes that's first on his list even though the rent pays for it now."

"Maybe talk to the accountant first it may be wise to keep it for a tax dodge." I was referring to the apartment Gino had bought in Alice's block I think his own home is paid for and I know he got that one very cheap.

"Well there's a world of opportunity out there Anna but I still think a property is the best way to go."

"I'm trying to steer him that way Antonio, he's thinking he should give the boys the money for the car, and wants to buy gifts for everyone who has helped him."

"I will talk to him, the boys still use the car Anna. I doubt whether they would want any payment for it."

"Yes I have the same feeling, a boy that came from nothing worked hard and is now a millionaire is something Gino struggles with."

"He deserves it, your all still family whether you like it or not."

"Thank you."

"I feel sorry for Remo, he's come a long way since sleeping in the park."

"Yes he's next on my list then Nicky, I have to find a way of welcoming him into the family."

"The Italian club Antonio, that's the best way to do it."

"Maybe your right, perhaps we should go again maybe Friday night this time."

"That will be fine with us."

The kids came around the corner they looked like they hadn't slept all night, the babies screamed as they pulled back the cover and jumped in, my boys and gran were immediately behind them with food.

I grabbed some scrambled eggs and tried to feed the little ones, Sam wouldn't have any because he's already been fed and the others thought it was a good idea and refused also. Gran fixed that little argument with a firm talking to. She fed them and I fed myself, Gianni was in the pool laughing with the boys, somewhere along the line Maxie had lost his shorts and everything was poking out of his underwear.

"Leon fucking leave me alone will you?"

"Sorry Maxie my hand got stuck."

"Well cut it out."

"What sort of Italian are you that doesn't want to swim nudo with us, it is unheard of."

I think Iris was listening because she popped her head around the corner and said.

"Good morning, I see you all have started without me again."

"Good morning our Iris you missed the Maxie show." Carlos laughed.

"Damn." She grabbed toast and coffee then thanked gran.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes Antonio, I have to go to the house today and see what Sabine and Tony will need, then I may go shopping to look at pretty dresses."

I rolled my eyes.

"Stop it will you," Tommaso yelled.

"That's it, I am over you lot Tomas come with me." Maxie took Tomas's hand and he got out of the pool.

"This is the first and the last time you will ever see this." They both dropped their shorts, oh my Maxie what a long one, and dear Tomas who would have guessed you were that big.

They quickly pulled them up and joined us, Leon and Carlos slapped hands with Gianni.

"We did it, we did it Gianni did you see that?"

"Yes brothers magnificent specimens, I am sure of that." The kid's faces were red but they were sniggering and they apologised to gran. Iris was speechless but she did engage them in a conversation about manscaping, she told them that Leon and Carlos could help them with that.

When we were at the lawyer's office I had been handed a note from Federico, he had thanked me for all the fun times and for looking after his little family, and he had a personal request from me. I was to befriend Nicky and bring him into the family, he was very much like me in a lot of ways, and he would be sad at his death. They had a wonderful relationship and in his way, he had loved the boy very much. In making friends with him could I possibly find a way to send him on a holiday to see his Italy, and could I organise a chance meeting with Matteo. He gave several opinions and the ones that stood out for me was, Nick's outlook on life mirrored mine, and he needs someone a little bit older than him to love completely. In the end, he told me it may not work but at least he has now mentioned it, I may make it happen. I guess I would have come to the same conclusion myself eventually, but thank you uncle that's a great idea. I thought about it and firstly, I have to get to know Nicky better I cant send him on a journey of discovery without knowing he will be okay. I knew Matteo's relationship was over and was sad to hear James has moved out and gone back to his parent's farm for the time being, where I believe he has a new part time lover. The kids were telling me that after they spoke to him last.

I didn't tell Gianni, he will blab to everyone that will listen and I didn't want Nick to be embarrassed. I will need to speak to Sabine after I get to know him. Federico left her his house's in Italy maybe there's one nearby Matteo's place he can stay at.

Here I am only a few weeks after Federico's death setting his lover up with another lover, it rings bells with me because in a way the same thing happened to me, thanks to my dear Luca.

Babies were dried and changed into fresh nappies, Gianni had to be done twice. What is it with pooping in clean nappies as soon as they are attached?

The others laughed as they climbed all over their uncles.

"We will go to the park today Gianni, to get some fresh air for a change." He laughed.

"How much fresh air do you want Antonio, I think this place is better than any old park."

"I said we are going to the park."

"Okay Antonio, it will be good to get some fresh air with you."

I give up.

Gran was picked up and Lukas will be dropped off at kindy by them, Iris left for Tony's house and Anna went to ready Sam and Gino to follow us down to the park. I sent a message to Nicky to meet us there and to Alice to see if she would like to come. I gave them all one hour Gianni used up most of that hour in the shower with me, and now I know why he wanted to stay home.

The boys packed a picnic basket full of wine and glasses I packed bottles of milk two chickens and some leftover salad and bread in mine. We can get hot dogs if it's not enough. We all walked up the street and waved at the passer by's who wanted to talk to the babies, so our short walk took some time.

The babies are at that stage where they only wanted familiar faces around them so they weren't very welcoming to their admirers today, thankfully they understood about babies.

We placed blankets on the grass and set things up while the kids played with the babies and balls that Anna had bought. Alice had more chicken and salads and so did Anna so we had enough for everyone, The boys were onto their first wine and I joined them. Nicky turned up in running shorts and a tank top, the boys made him feel very welcome as they gave him a wine and a good bum touch up.

"It's good to see you again, I hope you didn't have anything to do today."

"No Antonio, are they always like this?'"

"Who?"

"Leon and Carlos they are a bit full-on."

"It's normal for them Nick, don't make anything out of it, when you have time come and have a swim, they swim nudo." I winked.

"They do, I was told they were a bit naughty but he didn't say how naughty.?"

"Yes, your information is correct." I giggled, he giggled along with me.

"I am sure I will come then."

"Oh, you will come." I laughed again.

"I feel like I am betraying Federico."

"Don't ever think like that, he loved you in his way, and he would only wish the best for you. That's why he left you something he's still looking after you."

"I know, he knew I didn't have any special skills, and he wanted to see me right for the future. I still don't know what to do with it all. I have made an appointment with the accountants tomorrow. I hope they know what they are doing."

"They will, if Federico trusted them, then you should also." He went quiet then he was introduced to the babies, unusually they took to him instantly and all I could hear was him laughing at their antics. I heard the beach mentioned a lot and leaned over.

"The beach is their word for the pool, they are inviting you for a swim with them."

"Really? how awesome."

"They are awesome kids Nicky and they must like you very much to invite you to join them."

"I like them too, I have heard all the stories about them, he loved them so much."

"He did."

"I am a little lost at the moment, he has left a gaping hole in my life."

"I know the feeling, I was in love with Gianni's brother Luca for some time, we never really got together but the connection was there. Unfortunately, he passed away and I went to Italy for his funeral, that's when I met Gianni by the lake on his property. The reason I told you that is you have to move on someday, you cannot be alone for the rest of your life."

"That's very sad Antonio, and yes I know I will go on, it's just hard to know what to do that's all."

"I will speak to Sabine, she has inherited Federicos properties in Italy, maybe there's one where you could go and rejuvenate yourself for a few weeks, months, whatever it takes."

"Sounds like a plan Antonio, I have never traveled but Federico insisted I get a passport he was going to take me to Italy, but it never happened."

"I can make sure you will be picked up at the airport and taken to the house, a housekeeper will look after your needs, and see a little of the countryside it's beautiful and peaceful over there."

"Am I being set up with a lake also Antonio?"

"No not at all, but if you fall over a cute gypsy like my Gianni, maybe you can move on after that, maybe not. But I know you will have an awesome holiday"

He didn't say anything else he was too busy with little Luca who wanted to know if he had a beach at his place." I laughed, he giggled. We ate and had more wine and now Gianni is talking to Nicky, they were laughing and looking at me so I gave my husband the finger and continued my conversation with Alice.

She was also worried about the boy, he's a sitting shot for scammers. She said he didn't work Federico kept him in basic needs. I told her to leave it up to me I had a plan, which under Alice's pressure I didn't divulge.

"Okay I get the point Antonio, I didn't tell you about the flats because I was asked not to. He said he was going to gift them to you for a wedding present before Sabine and Gianni stepped in. He was waiting for the right time. Anyway, I made up a story you would believe, so sue me for being a trusted friend."

"I'm sending him on a holiday to Italy, hopefully somewhere near Matteo's place. I will send Matteo over to see if he needs anything, and keep your fingers crossed." She looked at me and laughed.

"So soon Antonio?"

"Yes Alice the sooner he gets back on the horse the better, he's too cute to be left all alone and he is lonely now."

Three hours at the park took its toll, the babies were asleep and the boys were being very animated with Gino who would scream at them, often. They gave up on him and sat with me, my shorts were down in seconds and Gianni's knuckle on both their heads told them he wasn't amused, and he gently pulled them up again.

"Okay, you randy buggers time to go home," Anna said.

"Coming?" I looked at Nick.

"Yes please." He smiled.

"You can swim with us Nicky, we will look after you."

"I'm sure you will." He grinned it was good to see, he has forgotten his grief for the moment and was being himself.

He followed us to the apartments, then the babies had him by the hands pulling him outside.

"Boys behave yourselves do not forget who Nick is ok?"

"Ok Antonio, they dropped their shorts and jumped in the pool, Nicky's eyes were everywhere, he nearly fainted when Gianni did the same.

I kept my swimmers on and lowered myself into it, the babies hate being splashed. Luca was giving the orders and Nick took him in the deeper end then he jumped up and down moaning.

"He wants you to dunk him up and down, but no going over his shoulders."

He did just that and Luca was now a very happy baby.

The wine was produced and Gino bought Sam up, he stepped in the pool then Sam started moaning, yep no bubbles so Gianni turned them on.

"He reminds me of you Antonio," Gianni whispered in my ear.

"Does he, and you are going to do about it?"

"Nothing Antonio, I do nothing why do you always distrust me like that?"

"Sorry."

"You know what I am thinking though, do you not?"

"No." I looked him in the eyes.

"He would be perfect for my brother Matteo."

"You reckon?"

"Yes Antonio, he's like you, he's your age and he is available, not like you."

"Good idea Gianni, why don't we send him to Italy maybe there's a house or a cottage near Matteo's place he could stay at."

"Uncle Federico had a cottage about twenty miles from Matteo's vineyard, maybe mama will let him stay there."

"Umm good thinking husband, you did well."

"It may be too soon, but he will have a good holiday."

"Are you going to ask Matteo to call in?

"Yes Antonio, to look after our friend. Did I do good Antonio?"

"Very good."

"Thank you, oh in my pocket is uncle Federicos note you left it on the pool table."

"Dufas." I kissed him.

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