Impossible Love

Impossible Love 111

Maxieplus

We had a relatively early night, Nick stayed over after the babies cried when he said he had to go home. I can't understand how they pick their friends and ignore others, maybe he does remind them of me, in any case, I drew the line when they wanted to sleep with him. It was a stand off until Gianni herded them into our bed. Lukas was all tuckered out he had a big day at school they had been making play dough people, his was placed on the bench and everyone had fussed over it. I was making them all comfortable in-between Gianni and myself when I heard it.

"Piss off," Nicky screamed.

I laughed, the boys were probably trying to get into bed with him. It wasn't unheard of in our house and when the morning came I sat and had coffee while Antonio slept on in my arms, Leon and Carlos both arrived with Nick in tow. They went off to their room and I offered him coffee.

"Did you sleep well?"

He groaned and sat with me.

"I couldn't get rid of them."

"Happens every night here, they hate sleeping alone."

"But they are not alone, and what is with the bum in my face this morning?"

"It's Carlos's thing Nick, don't read too much into it, they are very committed to each other, they just like to welcome new people to the family in their special way."

"They nearly had me, I had to use all my willpower not to give Leon one."

"He's gorgeous honey but I doubt it would have gone that far." I giggled Antonio stirred. When he realised Nick was there he sat up and pointed.

"Beach."

"Not yet baby go back to sleep, it's too early."

"Sorry." He said.

"Don't be, they normally don't take to strangers that quickly, you should feel very honored." I grinned.

"So what have you on for today?"

"I have to go to the lawyers at one, wish me luck."

"You won't need it, the hardest thing about having money is worrying how to keep it, hopefully, the lawyers will set you straight."

"I am worried I may lose it all, I'm no good with all that stuff."

"They will see you right Nick, maybe they will put you on a yearly wage or something."

"Like Federico did?"

"He did?"

"Oh come on Antonio, I know you all think I was his bit of fluff on the side, a kept lover."

"Never entered our heads Nick, why on earth would you think that?"

"I don't know, he owned the apartment and he did give me money, but you know Antonio he never made me feel I was his toy boy, it certainly didn't start that way because I genuinely like older men."

"He wouldn't have thought that Nick, and neither would anyone around here, Federico just liked to keep all that bi side private, he was genuinely being a friend, and if money was involved it would only have been to help you out, not payment for sex."

"I guess your right I am glad I met you all, things get a little clearer with every conversation." The boys came back with jock straps swaying in the wind. They made coffee while we two enjoyed the show. >From out of nowhere Iris appeared and her eyes were everywhere, Carlos raised his leg to give her a better look and Nicky nearly choked on his coffee.

"If I had known his ass was that nice I would have had a go at it." He laughed.

Iris glared at him.

"Okay Iris I know they are yours." he and I both laughed, which bought Gianni and the babies out and the tv went on because grandad and nona had also arrived.

"You cheeky boys go and place something decent on, you have guests." She chided them, Nick shrugged along with Iris.

"How did you go with Tony and Sabine my lovely?"

"Good Antonio, we are going shopping next Monday for baby stuff, it's all so exciting." She smiled.

"So what is the setup here, who belongs to who?"

"We don't know." I laughed.

Gianni did the honors and grabbed his brothers then said.

"These two are my brothers, they are mafia and Camorra, I am mafia and gypsy prince, Sabine is our mama and gran is Antonio's nona. Antonio is my husband, he is Camorra mafia and gypsy and our older brother is Matteo he is in Italy. Gran is a Contessa, Antonio is a count and grandad is watching tv with our Lukas whose mama had all our boys and a beautiful little girl who is living in Italy." Boy Gianni that was a mouth full and now I'm confused.

"But Sabine looks too young and Leon and Carlos are lovers?"

"Adopted a very long time ago Nicky, Gianni is Sabine's sister's son." I whispered.

"Can you write it all down for me it's very confusing."

"I will get the paper and pencil Nicky our new brother." Leon smiled.

The three babies were now fully awake and staring at me, and there was one winking, he got it at long last, practice makes perfect.

"Looks like we are eating outside again gran."

"You go, I will wait for the kids to come up they can give this poor old nona a hand for their shameful display yesterday."

I felt guilty again, why does she always do that to me?

Again Nicky was pulled into the pool, I noticed this time Lukas was with Carlos and he was teaching him how to paddle, the jets were turned on and Gianni had two while Nick bobbed the other one up and down. I didn't go in and Gianni put on a sad face, I then went to help gran.

The kids were there and talking up a storm, they had done some planning last night and a list had been produced, gran was looking through it.

"Property boys, the sooner the better, prices are rising very fast." Was her very good advice.

"We were thinking we may buy a shop and sell directly to the public."

"And lose the supermarket deals in the process?" I offered. Tommaso crossed something off the list.

"Start our own cheese-making business?"

"Too much trouble starting it off, hard work and why would you want to do that when it's all done for you."

Another item crossed off the list.

"Buy property."

Both gran and I laughed as we both said firmly.

"Yes."

They had a few other items on the list but they were just ridiculous so I crossed them out.

"Buy the best properties you can, some of those cottages over Conners way are begging for renovations, maybe buy a few of them and do total makeovers on them, maybe pull them down and build."

"They are old worker's cottages."

"Look at the big picture some have already been renovated and if you do another few then the street will become very sought after."

"Boys, keep them for a few years let them make money for you and it will be a sound investment no one is going to steal or take them away from you. After they are renovated forget about them."

"Okay, but do we rent them out?"

"Yes of course you do, you will pay a bit of tax but in the end but you will also get plenty of rewards. Grandad will help you with the tax side of it"

"What are you going to do with your apartments Antonio?"

"Do not ask me, please don't ask me."

"Ask you what?"

"If you can buy the one opposite your apartment to make it all into one."

"That's a great idea Antonio, we never thought of that," Tommaso said.

"One point two million," I said.

"That's too much," Maxie complained.

"Good, so I keep them then." I took some food out the back with a smug look on my face, I did jump in the pool to join the others. I hope they don't bang on about it, I wanted to own these apartments. Breakfast arrived and everyone got out of the pool. I told Gianni what the kids had said and about the price I had placed on them, he was shocked and told me in no uncertain terms they were not for sale. Good that's exactly what I wanted to hear.

The kids were talking more to grandad and all I could hear from him was.

"You buy property there is no other option and it doesn't matter where you buy them they are all rising rapidly."

Gran was still listening and she shook her head and almost slammed her hand on the table.

"Maximillion, Tommaso go to the real estate agent down the road and ask if there are any apartments or houses for sale in this area."

"Yes nona there are some but we want them to be near here."

"Go and talk to them, Nono drop us off please this will not take long. I will ask the questions for you then."

"Thank you nona these eggs are delicious." Tomas smiled at her she huffed.

They have absolutely no experience in buying property their flat was almost forced on them by me, I do not regret it at all because I get some very nice looking healthy boys to be friends with.

"Maybe you can help me also Nona," Nick said.

She looked at him and asked.

"How many?"

He laughed his head off and said.

"One or two."

"Such nonsense, you will all never learn to have a business if you make decisions like that, you have to watch the market every day."

And I was very sure that's what she does every morning when she gets her newspapers.

"Nick it's not a bad idea, that you buy a couple that will take your portfolio to three, out of the two new ones you will make a fair bit of rent money to live on."

"I do not have any skills, not like you all, I left school early because I was no good at it. Yes, I have had jobs but they were all heavy lifting and I felt like a slave at some places." He dropped his head.

"Well if you're wanting to work you can do some shifts at the Cafe or Antonio will get you some work in his garden business, but I doubt you will be needing the cash," Gianni said.

"All taken on board my friends, I will wait until I talk to the lawyers."

"Yes speak to them first but if they try to steer you to the stock market have a really good think about it, it's fickle, bricks and mortar are the best." Leon offered his opinion.

"Thank you, I will know more this afternoon."

"Call into the cafe and let us know how you got on," I said.

"I will."

He left and we went to shower, I asked Gianni why he didn't offer him a full time job. He replied that maybe when he goes on his holiday he may not come back. I thought about it on the way to work and with all his gorgeousness, my Gianni is a pretty smart cookie, I was to find out how smart in the coming weeks.

The babies were excited because the workmen were there today, they were finishing off the finer details and I could see Dave walking around with a notebook and pen. I settled the kids in and went to find him, they wanted to come but I explained it was too dangerous.

He was measuring something and writing it down when I approached.

"Good morning Antonio how are things?" He smiled.

"Good, and at your house?"

"He's not going to settle down as yet, he's talking about a house in the suburbs at the moment, I had to walk away it's his decision Antonio I have done my best trying to center him."

"Well we all have his back Dave, Alice is going to talk to him when she can. Did he go to the lawyers?"

"He's there now I dropped him off." He grinned.

"For what it's worth I know he will make the right decisions for you all."

"I don't want that Antonio, I want him to be happy and not to worry about Queenie and me. This is his time, but I will watch what he is spending." he winked.

"Good man, I will see you all Friday night at the Italian club."

"For sure Antonio, have a good day. They will let the customers park here from next week so be prepared for some traffic."

"We will, talk later."

I did the circle and popped my head into Remo's pasta shop but he still wasn't back so I journeyed back to the cafe for some coffee."

"How many do you need Antonio?" Stavros was behind me again.

"How many what?"

"Apartments."

"I think two or five so far but we don't know which way Remo will head he's talking about a small house now."

"Oh is he?" He lifted his eyebrows.

"How many have you for sale?"

"My partner and I are discussing it, if we leave it for another year we should make a lot of money but we are open for offers." He grinned.

"I will let gran know she's the one on the lookout for the kids."

"She should offload some of hers then."

"I will talk to her tonight, or she may even come to the market this morning. I know she's stopping off at the estate agents."

"Then she is the best to look after them then, she knows her properties."

"To tell you the truth I'm a bit over it, I only ever wanted one apartment for myself, now I have to think about all the money he left me and I can't even think about it too much because it hurts."

He laughed and replied.

"Well keep it in the bank Antonio, interest rates will bounce back, they have to, but you won't make as much as you would with the property."

"I know, it's so daunting Stavros, I even toyed with the idea of demolishing the shops and building a block of apartments in High street."

"That big, well I wish you luck Antonio, and let me know what is happening with the kids and Nicky."

"He will be in this afternoon I will know more then."

He went back to his game and Little Antonio waddled out, his arms raised for me to pick him up, I cuddled him on my lap.

"Antonio have you done your chores?"

"Yes Gianni, sit with us please."

"I will get you a fresh coffee."

"Thank you." He ordered the drinks and took Antonio off me, I think he was bored with his brother's company and just wanted his dad's today.

"So what have you learned this morning?"

"I have no idea Gianni, it's all hitting me at once, and I have no clue what I am going to do with Federico's money, what are the boys doing with their share?'

"They leave it in the bank Antonio, you know they do not spend it, maybe you and I should start up a new company they are good for tax purposes."

"Maybe, I have no idea, what about Conners airline?"

"No, I do not want to invest in that, I like something very solid in my life."

"Then I am out of options, do you know what Federico did with his investments?"

"Yes Antonio, banking and a few properties, and Antonio?"

"Yes my love?"

"You do not have to think about investments so much, what will be will be, and the Cartasso industry looks after my big money so I do not have to worry about it. There is something I might like to talk to you about."

"Yes?"

"Maybe instead of more properties, we may also think about letting the bank look after it for us like they do with the Cartasso big money."

"That's a thought baby, get it sorted will you?" I smiled. I knew he had a solution to all my woes.

He kissed me because he couldn't resist and Antonio had gone back to sleep in his arms so then he took him to the flower shop and placed him in front of the tv to continue his nap.

"Gianni is this for us or are we inviting the boys?"

"No Antonio, they also like to have cash in their investment bank in Italy."

"Okay but I didn't want to freeze them out."

"They want for nothing Antonio, like me, they are simple folk."

There I have spoken to him about the elephant in the room and I will leave it up to him.

"Is it good interest baby?"

"Yes the Vatican bank lends money to all sorts of countries and investors, the returns are very good."

"The Vatican?"

"The biggest bank on earth Antonio, you should know that. I will call Roberto tonight."

"So the boys and the Cartasso money is all in there?"

"Yes my love."

"Good, then I will be in excellent company." I smiled then he wanted to check out the bathroom, I think all this money talk is making him randy.

Remo had appeared in the florist shop, he was talking to Alice who was trying to calm him down. I didn't go and listen in because I know he will be okay in the end, Dave has a good head on his shoulders and won't let him make any rushed decisions.

Nicky came by and he told us he was advised to buy more properties and invest the rest in an interest-bearing account. He was happy with that and now he has to find some properties.

"Have fun with that, all the ones in our area are being snapped up as soon as they hit the market."

"They said I should be looking further afield, more bricks for the dollar." He smiled.

"Good idea, where is your flat?"

"In Caulfield Antonio, maybe I should look around that area."

"Glenhuntly or Ormond Nicky, on the same train line but at the moment cheaper." I at least know my suburbs.

"Okay I will look there, they said if I find something just ring them with the details and they will negotiate the purchase on my behalf. I am so relieved I don't have to do it all."

"You don't, and anyway you are surrounded by investors."

"Where are the babies? And who is that spunk standing outside the restaurant?"

"Asleep in the florist shop, and that is our friend Angelo, he's straight." I smiled.

"Damn." He smiled.

"A very nice young man that's his grandfather over there playing cards."

"Well if he ever wants to play I'm his man, sometimes I make exceptions." He smiled.

"We all would like to do that man Nick, believe me." I grinned but didn't drool.

He sat with me for some time, Gianni and Iris did the same and the boys arrived with an open bottle.

I felt a tug on my T-shirt and turned around, it was Remo.

"What's up kiddo?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"Of course, be back handsome." I looked at Gianni then went with Remo out the back.

"What did they say?"

"They said to buy a property and pay off my flat, and I will have ample money left to start up another business at the South Melbourne market. It is all too much for me Antonio what do I do, please help me?" He leaned in and his head bumped on my shoulder.

I felt sorry for the little fella, it's too much money for him to even comprehend at the moment, I will make it simple for him.

"The first thing you do is pay your flat off."

"They are doing that today for me."

"Good, now we will find you a house, not a new one, a renovator's dream they are still around in this area. Your dad can renovate it slowly with the money you get from renting your flat out. You start planning the new business at the other market that's all you have to do. You leave the rest to me and Dad and maybe gran."

"That sounds better, they confused me at the lawyer's office, so I do not have to do anything except the new shop?"

"That is correct, leave it to us to find you a beautiful old home and after you see it then I will come to the lawyers with you and they will purchase it for you, then they will invest the balance into your bank accounts and leave a little for play money."

"Thank you, thank you once again you have saved me again." He hugged me then he started crying. I let him go on for a while then held him at arm's length, he was frightened.

"The one thing you have on your side is your dad, he will never let you make a wrong decision, you must trust him Remo. Now when you leave I will go and talk to Nina, she can get her crew to look around for a house for you. She will probably only give us a couple of addresses to look at but you can be confident she will know all about them well before she hands us the papers."

"I like Nina, she has gone out with dad a few times he said she makes him laugh again." Something I didn't know.

"Well she is a wonderful woman Remo, your dad is very lucky to have her in his life."

"I think so Antonio, yes, let's leave it up to her then."

"Good boy, is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No I am good now, thank you I was getting messy in my head but you make so much more sense."

"Good." He walked me out and I grabbed a new bottle on the way. After waving him goodbye he ran off to stand behind his counter with that big smile on his face.

"What is wrong with him Antonio?"

"Too much money too many accountants talking in their language to him, he didn't understand what he was being told so I simplified it for him."

"And?"

"I have to go talk to Nina, he needs to buy himself a house." I smiled.

"Okay, we will go together I need to speak with Pino also."

"To get his number?"

"Yes." He laughed his head off, I slapped him.

It wasn't more than twenty minutes later when gran and grandad arrived with Lukas, they had deliveries to do at Remo's shop.

I got them coffee while Lukas went to say hello to his brothers and Alice, then I spoke with gran.

"How did you go gran?"

"The kids are good, we found three cottages four streets away, they are looking at them now." She grinned then Stavros slapped her hand, she set them up.

"Nicky?"

"Yes, I will speak to him because I have found two one-bedroom apartments in the next suburb." She laughed then slapped grandad's hand.

"I have had it up to here with you lot, why didn't you just say something this morning why all the dramatics?"

"There is no fun in that Antonio, we like to laugh also." grans straight face was back.

"Okay then smart asses, Remo wants a house in this area, a cottage a renovators delight, and keep it under six hundred."

"Have some respect Antonio, boys what can we do for our Remo?" Gran said.

Stavros was furiously writing an address on a piece of paper he handed it to gran who nodded and then gave it to grandad who did the same.

"One street over behind your garden plot Antonio, get Nina to take Dave there to check it out. It needs work but is a great little investment at five hundred and ninety nine grand." Stavros put his sleazy smile on then added.

"Anything we can help you with Antonio?"

I threw my arms in the air and caused a scene as usual. I sent Nicky over to talk to them and his smile was as big as Lukas's by the time he came back.

"Now how do I handle them?"

"You put them in a real-estates hand and let them do the hard work for you, then leave the rest of the money in the bank." I smiled.

"Drink Antonio, you must be exhausted with all that business, my brain is reeling just looking at you." Gianni loves me when I do business, at least his decisions are instant.

"Yes please Gianni, Iris another one?" I looked at her, she was still celebrating Sabine's news with the boys. Nicky left with a spring in his step I think he's going to look at the flats, if he likes them he will talk to Stavros, he's the elected agent.

Lukas came back and sat on my knees, he was telling me how much money Remo gave gran and he tapped his pocket so we will get a new envelope out when we get home.

Dave was going upstairs and I will collar him on his way back, he can take Nina and go and they can look at the property for his son.

We started to get busy and I moved out to the staff room where we set up more drinks. After the fourth one, I felt strange and quickly ran to the bathroom and threw up. Gianni was beside me in an instant the others were very concerned and tried to find out what was wrong.

"Gianni can you drive me home, I don't feel very well, I feel like I want to sleep for a week."

"I will take you baby, just let me get the kids."

"No, no kids if they go in the pool I won't be able to watch them, just drop me off."

"Leon drive us home, I will get Angelo to send in someone to help Iris."

He gathered up the kids and we were all placed in the van, by this time I was shaking and my eyes were so heavy.

I managed to get in the lift but I didn't undress I flopped on the bed and was out like a light instantly so Gianni told me.

I woke several hours later and he was holding me, I was also naked so I guess he had a fiddle in the process. I smiled then went back to sleep.

"Exhaustion Gianni, he's exhausted, complete rest for a few days, and then you can bring him into the surgery for the results of the blood test." I overheard Dr. Mike say and my arm throbbed a little from where he took the blood. I stretched and smiled.

"My god, how long did I sleep for?"

"About six hours Antonio, please rest."

"What do you think Mike?"

"Exhaustion from what Gianni tells me, how do you feel now?"

"Okay, I think I just needed a good sleep that's all."

"Maybe some vitamins also let's wait and see." I can't remember the rest because my eyes closed and yes, I went back to sleep.

I slept off and on for fourteen hours total only waking for Mike, and going to the toilet. Everything was very quiet when the morning came around, I could hear gran in the kitchen but not the kids, Gianni must have them in the pool.

I threw back the covers and stood up, reeling a little because I was dizzy but I came good again and went looking for coffee.

"Good morning gran, how is everyone doing?"

"Good morning grandson, they are all fine how do you feel?"

"Okay, I think all I needed was a good rest I feel okay now."

"Then drink this first."

"What is it?"

"A little of this and that, nothing too medical just my booster drink it will help."

"Good thank you." I skulled it and was hit by heaps of sugar I guessed that honey and lemon were in the mixture. I made the coffee and sat at the table, gran got herself a cup and sat with me.

"You know Antonio, you cannot do it all. Some of your family and friends have to learn to do things for themselves, and they are quite capable of doing it also. You are coming down from a very long high, it has hit you hard. I recommend rest for a week, no going into work and no bambinos to look after either, I will take them with me. I have had a word with Gianni he has promised he will go to work and leave you to rest."

"That's a bit full on gran."

"No it is not Antonio, someone has to look after you and that person is me, they would not dare to question my orders."

"Thank you gran but I will be fine in a day or two."

She glared at me.

"Or a week, maybe." I smiled.

"That is better, now have your coffee and then eat something."

She got up and rinsed the glass then began cooking.

I wasn't hungry that was the furthermost thing from my mind, I wanted to see the babies.

"I will take this outside gran I want to see the kids."

"And if you have the flu or are getting the cold you will pass it on to them?"

"It helps with their immune system gran in some ways them getting a cold helps them to become resistant."

"I know that Antonio, go then but let it be on your head if the babies get sick."

I groaned and now she has placed me in a quandary. Lucky Gianni came in the back door and up the hallway.

"Your up Antonio, it is good to see you standing again." He hugged and kissed me.

"I don't understand why this is happening now, it should have happened a few weeks ago."

"Delayed reaction Antonio, now I will get you into bed again." I didn't resist because I was hoping for a quickie, I was a little randy.

He made sure I was comfortable and then he almost fed me, I started laughing.

"I'm not an invalid Gianni I can feed myself."

"Better I feed you Antonio, gran has gone out the back to do breakfast, we are alone." I reached for his package and squeezed it gently, now I was more than randy I was now dick hungry.

"You want some dessert?" He smiled.

"Yes, please, and now."

"Are you sure you are sick Antonio?"

"If you do not give me your dick now I will throw up all over you."

He undid his shorts and everything fell out, mmm choices I have so many choices today.

After our interlude, I dressed and we went out the back to be greeted by some very excitable babies and the boys. I felt a lot better when they decided the pool was a lot more fun than my company, so I took the lounger next to grandad and did what I was told, I rested.

"Antonio, I have passed the house address to David, he is going to look inside of it today, Nicky has looked at the apartments and he has instructed the accountants to buy them, they will do everything that needs to be done. The kids Maxie and Tomas have agreed to buy the cottages and the accountants are doing the same thing. There are no loose ends and nothing for you to do at the moment except to have a small holiday, you did very well with your friends, I am proud of you."

"Thank you grandad, it was getting to be a headache. I feel like I'm the only one that can organise stuff, but I am pleased it's all working out."

"You need to delegate Antonio, the others know how to buy a property and negotiate prices. You should have learned you cannot do everything after the sale of your bicycle." He grinned, I shuddered at the thought, I had sold my old bike to a friend who sold it on to another friend, he couldn't pay me until the other friend paid him. The second sale guy didn't pay for months and I was being blamed for everything that was wrong with the bike, which drove me nuts. I remembered at the time I vowed never to do anything for anyone ever again I was only eight at the time.

"Yes grandad I didn't learn a thing back then." He started laughing and replied.

"Well you did learn how to repossess property, it took guts to take on those two idiots."

I laughed.

"Whatever happened to that bike?"

"We put it on the nature strip when you were at school, it was in your nonna's way." he laughed louder.

The kids came over all grins and groin they started telling me about the cottages and I told them we will do a drive by on the way to work, or Gianni can take me later in the day. I saw a new confidence in them and maybe they now realise that there are others out there that can help them with the big stuff.

By the time everyone left I felt like I could run a marathon, I even toyed with the idea of walking around and having a look at Remo's house, but instead I dragged a blanket out and laid on the sofa to watch daytime tv. Gianni rang several times so I had no hope of resting. He came home at one because he missed me, I talked him into having an olympic style love making session on the floor.

We lay there for ages then he moved to kiss me again and said.

"Once again we ignored your health Antonio, we are all sorry."

"Don't be, I took on too much anyway. I should have concentrated on just us the others would have been helped. As soon as gran grandad and Stavros heard about the bequests their brains would have had the solution, which happened anyway it just took me a while of mucking about."

"Yes they are only unloading properties they owned together, gran said it will simplify their lives."

"So they owned those properties equally?'

"Yes Antonio, they have a few more, and gran said she will keep the ones she owns outright."

It didn't surprise me much, they have been in the property business for years.

"Do you think you can go again?"

"Try me." And he did.