Impossible Love

Impossible love 113

Maxieplus

After a half-hour I spied the Angelo's and Bella walk up, another two chairs appeared and our Angelo sat on the steps so his girl and father could sit in a bit of comfort.

"So what's the plan Angelo?' I asked.

"Getting to know these two, going into work, flying to Sydney so papa can meet Bella's parents, all that kind of stuff." He smiled.

I got the feeling that something was up, but I am sure I will find out because our Angelo was being very reflective and Bella did hold his hand and say.

"It's right, it has always been right." He kissed her passionately which isn't unusual, and I now have to do my thing by opening my big mouth.

"Are your parents coming down here for the wedding, or are you having it in Sydney?"

Angelo nudged me and whispered.

"Shut up Antonio."

It made sense that his papa would marry him off to this very lovely girl he has chosen. I giggled like a naughty boy, then I shut up, it's their business but if they think they are going to get married without us all they can think again.

"Camorra, I have a job for you in a few days. I will need you for five hours, just surveillance."

"I will have to check our diary mister Vatican Camorra and get back to you," Leon said rather offhandedly.

"Leon it's a job, come on let us do it." Carlos was eager.

"My Carlos says we are not busy, what time do we pick you up?"

"Thank you Camorra, nine in the morning, I need you two for lookouts while I visit the Melbourne accountants."

"Is this official?" In other words, do they wear their boots?

"Yes, boots only do not wear suits you have to blend in."

"We will pick you up at nine then." Leon was so excited I could see him almost shaking.

I smiled at Angelo the older and he winked at me, I have no idea what he has in mind but I'm sure the boys will have fun.

It was just before we decided to put the kids to bed that it happened, it had gone unseen by many in the packing up but a man with Camorra boots on, walked past and handed Angelo a note, I saw it and so did Leon, he nearly pissed himself.

Angelo put the note into his pocket and looked at my boys, he said quietly.

"Be vigilant, they know we are here."

That was it, the game started then and there, they insisted they escort the Angelos and Bella to their home and made sure the place was secure.

They also went through our apartment and deemed everything fine, and for the next twenty-four hours, they played the game, as their boots were on display and phones in hand. At the cafe the next day they went overboard and stood outside it with suits and boots on, I was forced to wear mine and to ride in the van with them, no running today.

"I worry sometimes Antonio, I think they take it too far, I feel like I have to follow them around in case they get into some troubles."

"It's a game Gianni, Angelo is only going in to check some account books, there is no threat, it's all a setup."

"Oh, and when they find out they have been made fools of?"

"That will never happen, all they have to do is watch the office building from across the road. They will have a lot of fun husband." I smiled.

"I do not like it."

I thought about it and couldn't see any problems, but I must have a word with Angelo and find out if there was going to be any drama.

That night they patrolled the apartment I could hear the doors opening and closing and by the time gran arrived they were fast asleep on the sofa.

The pool was being used and grandad was supervising when I came out. Very quietly gran and I ventured to the back of the house and she made breakfast there. Later on in the day, I made them go home to get some rest they were so tired of guarding the cafe.

I had collared our Angelo and asked if he knew what his papa had in mind. He told me it was as he said the other day, just sit at the cafe and observe, nothing too dramatic. He laughed because his papa felt guilty about teasing them.

"So when is the wedding?" He smiled at me and replied.

"You do not mind Antonio, I wanted to talk to you in private before it was announced?"

"Of course not, you have my blessing, it is not our time yet."

"Good because I want to marry Bella, not you" He laughed.

"When?"

"When I tell you." He walked away chuckling to himself.

The boys were ready, they had changed fifteen times until they got it right, the babies knew something was up and watched them from the sofa. Carlos walked over to them and told them to be good boys and asked if he looked good. He got plenty of hugs and yes's off them.

The big production played out and gran huffed, she has Lukas today and we have work, Gianni left it for the last moment to leave, then we watched the boys walk up the street to meet Angelo the older. When he appeared they went to the carpark and they all got into Gino's car, Leon drove while Carlos rode in the back with Angelo keeping a lookout.

"I still do not like it, Antonio." Gianni was concerned for his brothers.

"Why don't we drop the boys off then go see what they are doing?'

"Can we?'

"Of course, we can, we can watch from the car for an hour or so then come back to work."

He dumped the babies with Alice and Bianca and he then drove swiftly into the city. As luck had it we found a park just down the street and I could see the boys sitting outside the cafe across the road from an office building. Now and then Carlos or Leon would walk up the corner, look around then walk back. They had ordered vino and sandwiches which sat on the table untouched. It was about twenty minutes on that a big van pulled up and our view was disrupted for a moment Gianni got worried, he was out of the van in seconds running across the road, the big van sped off and the boys were nowhere in sight.

Gianni fired up our van and chased it up the street, he lost it when the traffic lights turned red. I got my phone out and rang Leon's number, no answer then I rang Angelo the older.

"What is happening with the boys Angelo, they have just been kidnapped."

He chuckled and answered.

"They are having some fun Antonio, and will be dropped off at home in an hour or so."

"I hope they aren't damaged in any way."

"No, they are helping the Camorra do a job, just a simple identity line up to see if they know any of our suspects."

"So they are safe then?"

"Perfectly safe Antonio, you and Gianni go off to work I can handle it from here." Now I was worried because I don't know how the boys will react to this game. I told Gianni, and he didn't relax, he drove on blindly through the traffic.

I sent Carlos and Leon messages that read 'it's a game, do not be worried'

It had gone too far, a simple lookout game has now turned into a full-on Italian production, I also prayed the boys will be okay.

"Let's go back to work."

"No Antonio, we go home and wait for their return." I looked at my watch, then rang Iris to tell her to take charge, I didn't elaborate I just said we had car problems.

At home he opened a wine, he was shaking and I tried several times to be calm and talked to him quietly reassuring him it would be all right.

As the minutes ticked by Gianni became very agitated, and he rang Angelo several times, at one stage shouting at him over the phone, and by now I was very worried. Eventually, we heard the lift come to life, four men stepped out. They were laughing and Leon's face was priceless he had been crying, we were introduced to the guys and Carlos got the glasses out and the wine was produced. Gianni was smiling and I took his hand he looked at me and said.

"I wasn't worried Antonio, just a little concerned."

"Yes, just a little concerned Gianni." I smiled.

They had been taken to a warehouse where they, had drinks with four other Camorra then they were asked if they could help them by seeing if they recognized any criminals in the photo album on the table. They said they didn't know any of them but they will keep an eye out, they were then told the rules for being Camorra and Mafia, Leon said they were not scared in the least.

They were on a high for the rest of the afternoon and when the men left they were laughing so much I could hear it in the lift. A half-hour later Angelo appeared at our door, he came up and had a wine with them, he told them they had done such a good job today he wanted them again in two days' time. He also said they shouldn't have got in the van with his men, they could have been anyone.

"So next time we fight them off?" Carlos said.

"No just find out who they are, get them drunk or something but do not attract any attention." Angelo laughed.

I know Carlos can fight but I don't know if Leon can. It turned out to be a great day for them and when gran and Lukas arrived they couldn't stop telling him all about it as they all hit the pool. Gianni and I left to go and pick up the babies who were more than ready to come on home.

"We had better take Iris with us, she's hanging off that counter. I think she's drunk all your wine today." We made sure she was settled and when we got home she was put to bed. She had missed us, maybe a ten-minute nap will do her good and her constant singing was doing my head in.

Back at the house, the kids didn't even lose their nappies they all jumped in the pool fully clothed. Gran and grandad were in the pool and they grabbed them as they hit the water, my kids have no fear now thanks to Sam. They babbled along with Carlos and Leon we stripped off and got in with them.

"And what are the Camorra rules Leon?" I asked.

"Secret business Antonio, I cannot divulge them to you."

"But I am Camorra."

"We are better Camorra Antonio, we know more than you."

"Okay, I will ask Angelo tonight then."

He smirked at me and replied.

"Good luck with that Antonio."

I guessed they had been told to shut up and keep their secrets to themselves.

Gino and Anna arrived with Sam who raced to the edge of the pool and did a belly flop much to his mate's amusement, then they all had to try it the giggling was awesome. When the boys finally settled down we move to the front steps, Iris was there with Alice, she was looking a bit off so I asked her if she had done well today.

"Yes Antonio, I sold heaps and had to get the staff to help me, a very busy day, see what happens when I am left on my own."

"We should do it more often." I laughed.

She lifted her glass and said.

"Well here's to round two."

I had seen something in Iris I hadn't seen before a sort of loneliness in her eyes, I had better get onto finding that man for her.

I had searched my brain and came up with nothing, maybe he's just around the corner or maybe he doesn't exist for our Iris.

The night was great, the boys were walking on air and when we went to bed they talked nonstop about their adventure, then they went to their room, I could hear them giggling, alone at last with my man we immediately tried everything sex-wise before going to sleep.

We had also received an email from Nicky, he sent heaps of photos of places we had already seen, and we understood it was his first time overseas and he was very excited. He said he will ring the boys when he works out the time difference, but he was having such a good time.

Everything settled down the next morning I was treated to an unexpected sight when I came out, four boys sitting in front of the tv with toast in their mouths, gran was supervising and grandad was tucked up in between them.

"The pool?" I hugged gran and whispered.

"They have missed their cartoons also Antonio," She smiled and shrugged.

They must have rang Sam because he was nowhere to be seen this morning.

Gianni was as surprised as we were when he arrived and after he kissed all of them he sat at the table and opened his laptop to read his mail.

The boys arrived and I asked them when the next Iris Wilson show was, they said in three days.

"Have you got a killer yet?"

"Yes Antonio, and if you had been watching closely you would know who it is."

"It's gran."

"What?"

"Gran is the killer."

"How do you know?"

"Because I watch the show, Leon." I giggled my way over to sit with my man.

"I agree with my Antonio Leon, the killer is gran."

"No one had guessed it yet, how do you guess Gianni?"

"I read your secret script," Gianni said, and I burst out laughing.

"That is top-secret for the mafia only Gianni."

"I am a gypsy prince I can read anything." He laughed, Iris was coming up in the lift, I pushed the button and let her in. She looked refreshed and ready for another day behind the wine counter, and after her good morning greetings were said, she sat with Carlos who automatically held her hand and then scratched his balls. Iris's smile was priceless. They really shouldn't do that to her, she's an old lady.

I got the chance this morning to bathe the babies, it was a hard ask for them but they were also excited because something big is happening at the market. The costume rental shop is opening today and we have already booked their seats to have some photos taken.

The car park is also opening and is fully operational they will all sit at the back door and watch the cars come and go.

We dressed them and then went to shower, it was a short one today because I had taken my time to talk to each one of them, just to tell them to be good today, and they agreed they would be. Lukas said he would watch them also, he's a good boy.

The screaming started when we pulled into the parking spot, they now have our shop names on them, so people know not to park there. I could hear the music as soon as I got out of the van and that's when the panic to get there began.

Alice tried to calm them down but two of them wouldn't have any part of it and wanted their trikes. I had a little time to empty the rubbish before taking them over to the shop. The music was for the girls that were doing a small welcome show in the middle of the court, there will be more entertainment throughout the day, the market was busy and I'm sure they were mostly here to watch the shows.

The bikes were forgotten as we carried small boys to the shop and after saying welcome they were swept away by their colorful friends to have photos taken. They were dressed in sparkles and feathers and joined by a very enthusiastic Sam who had been waiting for them. They looked gorgeous and the photos turned out to be so magical. They danced around the shop, customers were everywhere and I heard the register ring more than twenty times while I was in there. I tried a feather boa on and Gianni wanted to buy it for me but I insisted we buy some more for the babies, they love them.

They were also given five little sequinned outfits the girls had made up for them, and they had to try them on. It was all in fun and Miss Lucy was smiling from ear to ear because shoppers lined up to have photos taken and make-up done, it was like a big production line. I was warmed because it was not only the adults it was teenagers and kids that were the bulk of the lineup.

Another tune blasted out of the speakers and three drag queens ran into the market to get on stage, we all watched their numbers and the babies were wide-eyed for ten minutes. When they had enough of that, they wanted Sam to sit with them while they watched the cars, so that was out cue to move us all back to work.

Bottles were produced and one had been found for Sammy and a seat front and center for him was provided. They screamed, moaned, and generally cheered as the cars came down the ramp and left, even the auto gate got a few cheers. I went and did the cakes and then made a coffee, my big son wanted froth which I made him one with loads of chocolate like the way he loves them. He was sitting up at the table in a high chair, he thinks this is the most comfortable seat and he can put his cup on the tray so it doesn't run away.

He looked gorgeous in his outfit and once or twice I saw gran take photos from where she was sitting playing cards.

Leon and Carlos were dolled up because they had to have a photo taken and when they screamed everyone looked, then they did a small show for us, miming the current song that was coming from the center court.

They had to have a vino after that performance and Iris helped them open the bottle. All in all, it was a very exciting day and unbeknown to me Fanny arrived in her finery and sat beside me, I laughed so much I got a slap on the head, Lucas, on the other hand, thought his papa looked wonderful, I stuck with my feather boa. Brent arrived with the kids and Jack ordered his froth while Lukas talked nonstop.

"We have just been to get photos taken they looked so cute," Brent said. I showed him our photos and he passed his ones over. Curtis was having an in-depth conversation with Lukas by now and his froth was all forgotten, Jack on the other hand grabbed it and started eating it.

"No Jack that's Curtis's you have your own." Brent snatched it off him and placed it back where it came from. It only took a minute and Curtis pushed it back to him, he's such a sharing kind of little guy.

"So what has been happening Brent it's been ages since we have seen you and Conner?"

"He's at home writing, I thought I would bring them here to give him some space."

That didn't work because I could see Conner with his cap and sunglasses on coming through the entrance. He greeted us and kissed Brent.

"Did you miss me?"

"Yes, baby." He smiled then picked the photos up, and after congratulating the boys he asked where Brents was.

"I didn't get one done baby, too many eyes about."

"Give." He snapped his fingers and Brent giggled as he pulled out an extra photo. It was gorgeous he was with the two boys and dollied up a bit, but no makeup.

"Very nice Mr. Richards." Conner was swooning.

"Are you arriving Friday night Mr. Conners?" I heard Leon say.

"How much are you paying?"

"Nothing, so you can stay home then."

"Aww, Leon but I want to come over, please.'" he begged.

"Well, no more talk of money."

"I won't." He dropped his perfect lips.

"We need a bouncer to hold off our fans." Leon sniggered.

"Okay." Con agreed to do it. I couldn't stop laughing and I knew that the black clouds had gone at last. He stood up and straightened himself, just after he got a text.

"This is me guys, wish me luck."

I saw three minders follow him and one stayed within reach of Brent and the kids.

"Is he singing?"

"Yes Antonio, he offered, he wasn't working on his writing he was warming up his voice, sorry for the little white lie."

I laughed because that's so Brent.

The announcement was made and Conner ran onto the stage, he said a few nice words about the new shop and then went into the fabulous song he had prepared, it was the Lady Marmalade song from Moulin Rouge, three gorgeous drag queens were his back up singers and dancers, it all worked and the applause was thunderous from the crowd.

He only did the one number which is unlike him, so I asked Brent if anything was wrong.

He replied with a standard comment.

"Loose lips sink ships Antonio, there is an issue, but will tell you about it in private." He winked but he didn't seem too concerned, or did he?

He took his time to return I suppose he's signing autographs, he will probably have his photo taken a hundred or so times with his fans, and maybe one in the drag hire shop.

The boys huddled with Iris and they were deep in conversation probably about the show, then they looked at me.

"What are you three up to?"

"Nothing Antonio," Leon whined, he whines when he's up to something, this is a well-known fact.

Iris told me later they were discussing whether to dress up in drag Friday night or stay with the mafia theme, I think the mafia won.

"Have you done the interview, Iris?"

"Yes Antonio, the other day I interviewed the manager of Collectors Cellars, he is a lovely man and needs a leg up."

"Good that's what I like to hear."

I spied Sabine come into the market, the boys had a seat ready for her and she sighed as she sat, the fawning and commiserations started immediately, and she lapped it up like an old pro.

Brent started talking to her and Conner came back, a spot was found for him and I am sure half the crowd had followed him. I took the opportunity to go see how the babies were getting on, they were still wide-eyed watching the cars, and Sam, I think was naming them. When Anna arrived back from seeing Gino she checked out Sam and then sat to have a vino, then she and Sabine started talking about babies. That was my cue to play with my son's wayward curls, I could see that Curtis wanted to do it so I took his small hand and brushed it over Lukas's long locks. He giggled a lot, and Lukas didn't mind the attention, gran who had been sitting with Stavros had finished her game and placed her winnings into her handbag then she came over.

"Lukas we need to go shopping." I had no idea what he needed his cupboard is always full of clothes, some he's never worn. She took his hand and Curtis wasn't amused, so now he wanted his daddy's knee.

I grabbed us a cake and cut off bits for the kids, that will occupy them while Lukas is away. Brent had half and Conner and Gianni had one each, and so did Sabine.

I didn't say anything about her weight because I know she will bounce back quickly after the birth.

"So what episode is playing Friday night Leon?"

"Number five Antonio, a real blockbuster, we have to show."

"Good." I was excited to see it, the other four were pure genius and I could see the pattern forming with the murder of Rick Conners being investigated. Iris didn't play a big part she was just window dressing, well, except for the drunken night she had with Leon and Carlos and had to be put to bed, they had added that bit in for some unknown reason.

"Ok, come on Iris, Carlos, leave the bottle." They all stood up and went into the market, I think they are performing, in fact, I know they were as the mc announced them. The crowd roared and they did two numbers, to the delight of the crowded onlookers.

They were also followed back to the cafe, it was now very busy and I suggested we all go out the back, that frees up some space. Gianni had gone to serve behind his counter and I winked as I passed by, he is a handsome devil. Sabine and Anna were still talking and the first thing Iris did when she got back was to open another bottle.

"We took your advice Antonio, well Gianni's advice, and have shelved the airline idea, we will leave it as it is, minimum passengers more cargo."

"Good, I think there are better ways to make money."

"When John and Ray got to London they failed to get investors interested so when Gianni talked to them they saw sense, more ships are the go." He laughed.

My boy is very clever I think, the word on the street is some new airlines struggle to make a dollar, I can see airfares going up in the next six months, and I think Gianni likes boats better.

His arms went around me and he kissed my neck, that was when Leon and Conner started their argument about him being on the show again. I didn't get into it I was gobsmacked at grans face, she was all dolled up and I know where she had been because Lukas was also made up.

She looked great but when she sat down she started taking the eyeliner and big lashes off, I did a Conner and snapped my fingers, she passed over the photos, they were good, really good and my son's smile was just one of his best ones.

We all made a fuss and Curtis couldn't stop laughing at Lukas's face, then he started fixing his hair for him, which came with a big sloppy kiss on the nose.

It was one of the market's better days and when Miss Lucy and her cohorts caught up with us for a vino out the back, she said they had taken loads of cash and had plenty of bookings, she was very happy. They played with the boys and then went on into the market greeting everyone. I was told later on they were heckled by a bunch of teens, but they took them on word for word until they left. I think they are going to be very good for the market.

We loaded up the van and Gianni carefully drove us home. I took some food out of the fridge and left it on the bench. The kids were in the nuddy shortly after the lift delivered us to our destination. Lukas ran to put his bathers on and the little ones screamed at their papa and uncles because time was wasting away and they had things to do. Maxie and Tommaso were already in the pool with Sam, the babies screamed again and without any fear, all four jumped in, the kids caught them as they went under, and Sam laughed his head off.

I watched as Lukas started dog paddling over to Leon who praised him for his effort. Gianni went in and I followed, wine was passed to me and Iris sat on a chair to watch her nudo show. Gino and Anna came up and he jumped in but she sat with Iris, I have never seen Gino so relaxed it's been a long time coming and it looks like he's had a new haircut style, but he didn't get it wet I think he wants us to notice.

"It looks very nice Gino, takes years off your look," Leon said.

"Who did it?"

"Miss Lucy she's a hairdresser by trade and gave me a free cut as a thank you present for thinking about her for the shop."

"Well she did a good job it looks great," I said then added.

"I will suggest to Miss Lucy to set up a barber chair there isn't a hairdresser at the market, yet."

"Great idea." He smiled.

It was a good night for all and finally, when Gianni and I went to bed there were no visitors, they had gone to their room again.

"Are they sick of us Gianni?"

"No Antonio they are worried they might talk in their sleep about Camorra secrets." Again, it couldn't have been that simple could it? I should have told them they talk in their sleep months ago.

Anyway, it was good to be with my man alone, we did the usual things but took our time then we kissed each other goodnight.

Gran was onboard again in the morning, no pool just cartoons today, sometimes they like to do that. When I came out I collected cuddles and complaints, none were particularly that important. Gianni came out and started playing with them and Maxie and Tomas knocked so Gianni let them in. We talked about a few details about their houses, they were on top of the world then Gianni checked his emails.

"Antonio, you should see this email from Matteo." He was smiling.

"What is it, baby?"

"A photograph."

It was a photo of Nicky and Matteo the caption said.

"It wasn't a lake it was the beach, how awesome is this guy" Then a heart.

"I think Matteo may be in love Gianni."

Gran came over to have a look she huffed then went about her work again.

I guess she's not impressed, I had better show her Federicos letter that may help her understand.

We sent back photos of the babies and Gianni asked many questions before he said.

"I will ring him tonight or maybe today"

"Maybe message him first he might be busy." I winked.

So that was some good news, at last, at least they have met and talked. Matteo didn't know Federico that well, so I suppose that wouldn't be an issue. Gran and Tomas started placing food on the table, grandad got up and grabbed the babies and Lukas's dishes then the boys arrived just as Iris was coming up in the lift. They had shorts and t-shirts on today much to Iris's disappointment, their excuse was they had to be at the ready in case they are needed again.

After feeding the boys and myself I went to find some cool clothes for Lukas. I

cleaned up some toys and clothes as I went then checked through the pockets because little kids hide things in them. I came up with nothing and threw them in the wash basket. While I rummaged through Lukas's drawers I spied a pair of underpants on the floor so I got down on my knees and checked under his bed for any bits of attire that may have been pushed there. I grabbed a plastic bag and pulled it out, it was full of money, my god gran what are you doing.

I knew it wasn't Lukas's, it had to be grans.

I went outside and nudged her.

"I found your stash, why didn't you put it in the safe?"

"What stash Antonio?"

"Under Lukas's bed." I winked.

"Not mine, ask your grandfather." I turned and looked at him.

"Can I see you in the boy's bedroom grandad?"

He followed me in and I shut the door then looked at the bag of money.

"Explain."

"Something for my great-grandson, your safe is full again."

"It's yours?"

"Yes son, your gran isn't the only one with cash laying about, I thought it would be safe here until I can take him to the bank."

"It's too much grandad, everything is too much he's a little kid he doesn't know money."

"Have it your way Antonio, but we will never make that mistake again, we should have done this with your father and you. You already know what your father did, and we were cautioned and waited for you to make the first move before we started helping you. Lukas is different Antonio, he will grow up surrounded by money whether he likes it or not, and this is just laying around our house so I thought it better to just give it to him."

"Are you money laundering through my son?"

"What is that Antonio?" He laughed took the bag and threw it under the bed.

He then winked and said.

"Leave it to us grandson."

I stood stunned for a minute then restarted my search for some cool clothes for my son.