Impossible Love

Impossible Love 114

Maxieplus

Finally, on Friday we were all dressed and ready for the Iris Wilson show, Leon has insisted we all be in character. Gran had dressed the babies, they all had their little suits on, and as usual, they all looked so beautiful.

Brent Conner and the kids came up, Conner was in his black suit and of course ready to play the body again. I passed the drinks around and when everyone was finished we headed for the other apartment. Maxie and Tommaso were already there and setting up, Carlos opened more wine and they went through the show together.

"Who are you interviewing Leon?"

"The babies tonight Antonio, they know a lot about mafia things and murders."

"Sure they do," I smirked.

"Do you want to be interviewed, Antonio?"

"No."

"Then all we have are babies, our Lukas will be the spokesperson, nona will be the supervisor."

"Good luck with that." I grinned.

Angelo, Bella, and father Angelo came up, and the flat was looking a little cramped. I sat on the sofa with Brent and the boys, Lukas was distracted by his friend Curtis's questions about kindy, as he reached over and placed that curl back where it should be.

"Are you building behind your house?"

"Yes, my sister is Ant, two townhouses one with a gate to our place."

"They have a small son I think."

"Yes little Conner, he's a spitfire of a kid, so gorgeous and the apple of his daddy's eyes. They will have another one in six months."

"So many babies Brent, how are we going to cope?"

"Go with the flow Ant, I like having the kids around, I just don't want to make any mistakes, it's touch and go bringing up kids, as you know."

"I know too well, I feel like I'm always chasing them, especially Leon and Carlos." I giggled.

They were ready to go and Iris's interview started playing, the gentleman she was talking to was very distinguished, but my gaydar was at the ready and I figured he maybe had a boyfriend, not a wife, sorry Iris.

"Gran can you sit with the babies, and Mr. Conners please take up your position and no talking."

Conner laughed then slid onto the desk to play dead. Gran rounded up the kids and found them some seats, two sat on her knees and the other four doubled up in a couple of comfy chairs.

When the interview had finished the start of the show was played, then Maxie yelled.

"Action."

"Good evening listeners and lookers, and welcome to the Iris Wilson half hour. My name is Leon and this handsome man on my left is Carlos and the other handsome man is our brother Gianni. Tonight we are interviewing the stars of our show Lukas Jackson Curtis and little Gianni Antonio and the beautiful Luca. Our gran is here looking very nice and we thank her for looking out for all the babies. Now Lukas you are the spokesperson for your gang so I will ask you some questions." Lukas giggled.

"Now our Lukas who do you think put Mr. Conners in the box?"

"I don't knows uncle Leon, I only knows my numbers and drawing I am good at that, and swimming I am good at swimming too."

"Please focus our Lukas, who killed Mr. Conners?"

That was it, Curtis started crying and Luca and Gianni joined him, Jack, on the other hand, got mad.

"Not dead, just playing."

"We know he's not really in real life dead, he is only acting Jack."

"Don't say things."

"We are sorry our beautiful Jackson."

"Me Jack, and always nona did it. She cupcakes dead." The little boys went silent and they looked at their brother and friend Jack, I think his status just zoomed into stardom.

I took two of mine and Brent took Curtis we calmed them down and Conner from his awkward position kept winking at them.

"I see Mr. Jack, so you think our gran killed your daddy?"

"Yes, she makes him sick with a cupcake." That let the cat out of the bag.

"How do you know?"

"I know lots, my daddy teaches me he good at that."

Conner half moved to see his son and he also held his hand out to rub his back.

"Can I get up now, this is a painful position to be in."

"No you cannot, the show is not over yet and I don't think that's the most painful position you have been in today, Mr. Conners." Jack in the meantime had dragged his chair over and Conner pulled him up onto the desk, so they can both play dead.

It was Lukas that screamed "naughty boy" at Leon, and that rallied the troops and they started attacking him, Jack only had to jump on him from the desk and Leon's chair fell backward and he landed on the floor making a loud thump.

It was chaotic in that flat and Gianni took over the microphone and said.

"Roll the serial, boys behave." Which he did by pushing a button on the laptop. I grabbed one but it was Jack and Lukas that were the hardest to get off Leon, he couldn't stop laughing as he tried to kiss them all.

"You did very good tonight little ones, and Jack you truly guessed who the killer was, but do you know why?"

"Daddy does, he knows why?" Conner was jumping up and down to try and work out the kinks in his body.

"Yes son, but I do not agree with it, at all." He smiled.

"Mr. Conners do you want to share your thoughts with us?"

"No," Con answered then he laughed as he picked Jack up and started kissing him, then he said.

"I will tell you when we get home baby."

"Thank you, daddy, I know you will know."

In all the chaos I missed watching the show, so I will do that later when I get the chance. I asked Carlos why father Angelo wasn't featured tonight, he told me that Leon wasn't to be trusted to keep his secrets, and I agreed.

The serial finished and Leon wrapped the show up with some interesting thoughts on who had done it. Jack by now was having a quiet word with Conner and gran, I think they are trying to work it out together.

"Because she was sick of hearing your songs on the radio all day, nothing to do with the mafia," I whispered in Conner's ear.

"I thought that, but wasn't sure." He grinned.

We packed up and I began my trek up the fire escape to our home, Luca was tired and Gianni helped me put all three to bed, Lukas gets to stay up later because there's no school tomorrow, he has grans cooking classes.

When everyone left finally I got my husband to myself, Iris stayed the night and the boys went to their room, I don't think they were in a good mood but I missed them.

Gianni grabbed a bottle and we both sat on the fire escape and watched the moon.

"I will buy a telescope so the babies can see the moon closer Antonio."

"Good, they will enjoy that." I moved nearer to him.

"Do you think the boys will come and sleep with us again?"

"Maybe, but not until father Angelo goes home, he took many photos tonight to show his men. I think he will be a celebrity when he gets back home."

"I think so also, you should do a private interview with him without Leon and Carlos."

"I think Iris is doing that during the week, I believe the Vatican has a big wine cellar they sometimes use." He giggled.

"I see, good, then he will be on the final show then."

"Yes Antonio." He kissed me and my world was at peace again.

Maxie's lights went out and I thought we had better get to bed also, we were standing by the bedroom door after we passed on our final goodnight kisses to the babies, then I heard.

"Hurry up Antonio, we are missing you."

I knew it wouldn't last for long, I groaned and opened the bedroom door, our bedmates were back.

I heard voices and yelling when I woke up, then the thumping of little feet running up and down. They were full of energy today and playing chase, so early. Gran shrugged her shoulders and grandad waved as he sat in front of the tv. The babies were playing and Lukas was awake but still in bed. I kissed him good morning and then went to round up the others. No such luck, they were now in bed with their papa and uncles.

I grabbed a coffee, and hugged Iris, she looked like she could have done with another few hours' sleep. Gianni came out and the chase began again. I have no idea what is going on but they are full of beans today. Maxie and Tomas arrived and started weeding through the emails, we have some winners today and only six guessed the 'why'? It was good to see, I suppose they will announce the winners at the next show.

I started helping gran, and Gianni rounded up the kids, he had two on his knees and one on the table, I couldn't quite hear what they were saying but I did get a shout.

"Nonas"

"So they are going to your place today?"

"Yes Antonio, I told you yesterday, they have to replant some pots."

"No cooking?"

"No Antonio, they are too young, maybe next year."

"Lukas has pre-school next year, it's almost full-time for him."

"He will still come to me after school and maybe some weekends."

I'm glad she does that, I have no idea what it would be like if she wasn't in the picture, I don't cook much or spend too much time at home.

The boys came out and Iris sat up straight, they were in shorts today.

"Did you sleep okay boys?" She asked.

"We always sleep well in our Giannis bed Iris, our bedroom is too empty feeling."

I kind of giggled, I think they sleep with us because they are afraid of the dark.

We fed the kids then they ran off again, my eldest son was on the sofa with his grandfather, and we started eating and talking about last night's show. Leon said all the winners will get a golden boot award with Carlos's albums and they will send out Apple vouchers for them to buy a new iPhone each, which was very nice to hear.

Grandad answered his phone then he went off to do something downstairs. The babies were making a pile of clothing on the floor, they are excited to go with gran today. One by one they were wiped down and dressed then I put the rest of the clothes back in their room.

When Grandad came back he said.

"The cleaners are here to do the building Antonio, we had better vacate the property before they start."

Gino's flat had been started and I could sometimes hear the workmen banging away. We showered, dressed, and were ready to go while the babies played hurry ups with gran. After kissing them all bye-bye we all got in the van and Gianni drove us to the market.

When we settled into the carpark, Gianni kissed me and the others went ahead of us.

We were met by at least seventy Iris Wilson fans, good for the business, but not for us. We spent an hour trying to maneuver our way through them, cameras were going off all over the place and Iris's fingers must be sore from all those autographs she is signing. I told Alice what the babies were up to, she huffed, of course, then went about putting her flower buckets out. I cleaned and refilled the cake display case, Gianni was watching me and selling at the same time, he has devilment on his mind I think.

Angelo the older had arrived and he sat with Stavros and his mates, I looked over at his son who was smiling at me, so I walked over.

"That was a great show last night Antonio, are the kids okay?"

"Yes, it's all forgotten now, any news on when your dad is going back?"

"No, he will be here for at least another two weeks, I think he has another job for the boys he was talking about it last night." He giggled.

"Good, that will get them out of my hair for a day."

"Bella has something for you also." That grin was amazing.

"Okay."

I walked to the back of the restaurant and she said.

"Stay there."

So I waited until she grabbed her bag and opened it.

"This invitation is for you and your family."

"What is it?"

"Wedding invitation." I wasn't stunned I was filled with love and grabbed her for a big hug.

"Congratulations, it's about time."

"I think the times right Antonio, the girls are coming down for it and of course my parents, father Angelo will officiate it, I'm so excited."

"When is it?"

"Two weeks at the Italian club."

"That quick?"

"Yes, we want to have it while his dad is here, he has to leave soon, so this is it." She grinned.

"Got a dress?"

"Your ladies are helping me."

"They love a wedding, and did a magnificent job on Gino's and Anna's."

"They sure did, and they are doing everything for our night, they insisted to the point not even we know what's going on, do you think we can get Rick Conners to sing?"

"All done, I will ring Brent tonight." She grinned.

Angelo placed his arms around me.

"You don't mind?"

I laughed.

"Just a little bit my friend, but as long as I can see you two every day, I will be well satisfied."

"You better be." Bella laughed and I opened the invitation, black tie, awesome. Everyone always looks good in dinner suits and glittery dresses, especially the ladies who love to dress up.

I had better get to my warehouse and find out what we can do to make their night special.

They had to get back to work and I moved to the back room with a coffee so I can get some peace. Gianni poked his head in and smiled, I headed for the bathroom.

When we had finished we were confronted with the two boys and Iris, I think they were hiding and of course, the bottle was open. I handed the invite to Gianni and he smiled.

"Good another potential lover off the market."

I groaned, because of all our friends Angelo was top of my list to start an affair with.

"What is it, Antonio?"

"Angelo and Bellas wedding boys."

"We didn't get one."

"Maybe they don't want you there."

"Antonio! behave yourself," Iris said.

"Well go and see if they have one for you, they only gave me ours and the kids."

"I will be back, this is not right." Carlos went off to see Angelo.

"Grab mine while your there Carlos," Iris shouted.

When he came back he had the appropriate invitations in his hand and a big smile on his face. Father Angelo arrived and sat with us, he had a small vino.

"Did you win?" I asked him.

"No, they are card sharks that lot."

"Funny, gran wins all the time."

"She is the head shark Antonio, didn't you know that?"

I laughed, of course I did... not really.

Gianni was a little down because his babies were not around, he missed going into the florist shop and playing with them. I always know if he's not behind the counter or out the back he's in with them but today he is with me.

"Come for a walk."

"Where to?"

"I want to go and see Remo, so I thought you might like to accompany me."

"Okay Antonio, I will make time to walk with you." He didn't take my hand he just placed his arm over my shoulder and kissed me as we walked over to Remo's shop. He was busy as usual but made time for us, he looked less stressed and his smile was bigger than ever.

"So how is it all going kiddo?"

"Good Antonio, I can't get an empty stall at South Melbourne market they are full up, so I am going to concentrate on here for the moment. I don't know which way to go. Maybe a shop in High street would be better."

"Well, whatever you do we are with you, house?"

"Two townhouses, one to live in and one to rent out. Dad says that's the best option and Nina agrees so we are at the demolishing stage."

"Listen to them they know things Remo, and I agree it's the best way to go, maybe you don't need another shop, it would mean more headaches, you have to be making a load of cash from this one anyway."

"I am, it was just a thought to get rid of some built-up money that's all."

"Well something will turn up and I am pleased you are building." I looked at Gianni he smiled then agreed with me, we will keep our ears to the ground for some opportunity he can invest in. We said our goodbyes and looked in on Lucy's shop she was reorganizing space to put in two barber chairs. I asked how the business was going she rolled her eyes and answered.

"I am making more money here than at the club Antonio. Gino's suggestion to do hair cuts is the cream on the cake. Never in my wildest dreams did I think all this would be possible." She laughed.

"I knew you would do well here we need more creative people around us."

That arm went over my shoulder again and I felt a peck on my cheek.

"Get a room, guys." She laughed again so we left, thankfully that took some of Gianni's loneliness away and he walked me back to my seat out the front of the cafe. Father Angelo was in talks with the boys and they were very animated, I think he has another job for them.

Of course, they shut up when we sat down but I will find out later on.

"So you are going to officiate at the wedding I hear?"

"Yes, Antonio it will be my greatest pleasure to do that for my son. Then I must go back to Italy the work is piling up."

"Is there any talk about them following you?"

"Not yet, but I am expecting it."

"Well let us know we have apartments in Roma they can maybe use."

"I will be looking forward to it but that brings me to another decision. This is just a thought Antonio, but I am thinking I may come here to live and take over the running of the Australian accounts they are in such a mess."

"So you found some discrepancies then?"

"Yes more than one, a whole lot of them."

"What are the boys doing for you." I had to slip that in.

"There is talk of mafia movement, something big is happening and they are mentioning Australia, Carlos and Leon are needed for surveillance at the airport for a week, just monitoring the inward passengers. They will be safe and will be with fellow members."

"Well as long as they will be safe that's all I ask."

"They will be."

"Who is giving Angelo away, like who is his best man?"

"He didn't tell you? Stavros will be, of course." He smiled and yes a very good choice.

"I think I might take tomorrow off Gianni, I need to go to the warehouse its been a while since I have seen the ladies."

"You can do that Antonio will you take the babies?"

"I thought I might, why don't you take the day off also and come with me, you know they all love you." He puffed up and said.

"I might do that Antonio, I will miss the babies if I stay here."

Yes he will, and I might get to have a sneaky peek at Bellas frock while I'm there.

He couldn't wait to get home so we left it for the staff to lock up and were on the road by three, gran said they will meet us at home. Alice said she will come up to see them when she gets home I told her we would probably be beside the pool. We parked in our allotted place and grandad's car was there already. The building looked so bright after its clean although they had only done one side so far. All the city grime had been blasted off the backside and it looked like a new building. We almost ran to the lift even the boys missed the kids. They screamed and ran around in circles until we picked them up for cuddles, the tv was going and grandad was on the phone. Gran said they had a wonderful day and got a lot of work done in the garden. No mishaps and no complaints from them at all.

Gianni started playing with them on the floor and I made a coffee while the boys opened wine. Lukas was edging his way over and wanted to sit with me, so I pulled him up on my knees and played with his hair while he told me all about his day. It wasn't too stressful for him, all he did was play and do some drawings, he had something to ask me I am sure he is now working up to it.

Unfortunately, he has decided he doesn't want to go to kindy anymore, he thinks he should be going to a bigger school.

I told him to talk to his papa, he's good with kid problems and to my dismay, Lukas agreed with me.

Sam arrived full of beans and all four of them started being silly, so gran grabbed them and the boys then took them all to the pool, maybe it will settle them down.

I took myself into the bedroom and dropped my shorts and was about to get into my bathers when Gianni pounced, that's number two for the day he will want to sleep tonight I didn't expect a third round, unfortunately.

Gino and I tried our trick again and yes they followed us downstairs to the steps. He showed us all through his apartment the builders were doing a wonderful job, there had been so much more room made now it's being streamlined. A wall had been taken out to enhance the flow and to make the old pokey kitchen bigger and the whole apartment was opened up, it will be much the same as the kids one except Gino doesn't have a balcony.

Alice walked up and sat with us then gran and grandad said their goodnights and went home. She passed the day's takings to me and I will do them when I get back home, grandad will update the books tomorrow along with Gianni's cafe. The boys were excited to go to the airport tomorrow, they had their orders to observe anyone who looked suspicious coming through the arrivals hall was to be photographed. I have no idea what was going on but I did see Gianni tapping away on the gypsy site he uses. I guess he will tell me when he's got the time.

Father Angelo came down and bumped fists with Leon and Carlos, then he greeted us and sat next to Leon on the steps, the babies were playing ball again, they have discovered if they open the front door they can practice kicking it into the entrance hall. More room for them to play in at the moment but when it's finished the doors will be locked.

"I am going to the warehouse tomorrow, so I will need the babies Alice, sorry." She groaned and I felt sorry for her, she doesn't have anyone to talk to at home now and I guess the babies are better than nothing, no, she loves them to bits and does miss them.

"So what's going on in the mafia world Angelo, why the big surveillance thing?" I leaned over and asked.

"We don't know Antonio, but several operatives have let us know there is something we have to be involved with, there might be some mafias arriving into this country within the next week. We need to know what is going on and we have to observe their movements. Do not get upset this happens all the time."

"Are the gypsy involved?" Gianni nudged me.

"Not as far as I know Antonio, Gianni would know more than me about them."

"He never tells me anything." I smiled then looked at my blushing husband then added.

"I am a gypsy too you know."

"Yes Antonio, we are well aware of it you remind us every day."

"I do not."

"You do Antonio." Gianni is trying to goad me again. I will not fall for his rubbish this time, so I shut up.

I wasn't concerned for the boys, they will do just fine at the airport. I had one baby that wanted cuddles because he was sick of playing with the balls, so Alice picked Luca up and did that job gladly. Iris was talking to Gino and Anna about their apartment so while everyone was occupied I leaned into my husband and said.

"We will talk later."

"Yes Antonio, I promise." He kissed me, and I had my doubts.

After bathing the babies and settling them in we once again sat on the fire escape, it was a beautiful night and the boys were with us. While I read a story to Lukas, Gianni was once again on the computer he was talking to Adamo and Roberto, I sat for a while then they had to go, it was so nice to see their faces again and they told us they were going to Matteo's place on the weekend to meet Nicky. They thought that things were heating up and wanted to give Matteo the thumbs up, I assured them that Nicky was perfect for him.

We settled on the fire escape and Gianni placed his arm around my shoulder, the boys were so excited they had some work for a week they were bursting with questions, none of which we had answers to. They planned down to the finest hair follicle what they were wearing what they should take and how they should act, even having a little practice so we could okay or reject it. I chuckled at their enthusiasm so typical of them to be so thorough.

The wine went down very well and I was a little tipsy when we readied ourselves for bed. The boys had gone to their room to get their clothes ready, I could hear them laughing as I slipped between the sheets. Gianni's arm went behind my neck and he pulled me in. There was no lovemaking as I expected but a lot of kissing and caressing then I asked the question.

"Are you going to tell me or is it a private gypsy business?"

"Private for you and me Antonio."

I waited and when he wasn't forthcoming I nudged him.

"Ow! not so hard."

"Sorry."

"They are right, there is talk around the gypsy camps that something big is happening here." He giggled.

"I see, so maybe they are coming to cause trouble?"

"We do not know Antonio, like the Camorra, the Gypsy also watch the movements of the mafia, we have eyes everywhere even in the mafia society."

"Is that all you know, or is there something else?"

"No, that is all I know, except they keep talking about the Australian mafia, we have very little intel on the Australian chapters but we know they exist. They mainly import illegal cigarettes and drugs here and are watched closely. What Leon and Carlos think isn't what the real mafia are all about nowadays, they only think like little kids and the romance of the sect, they do not understand that they are one of the world's worst drug cartels."

"I see, so it's not the bikie gangs."

"They are mafia, the current mafia."

I wasn't too worried about it all, it's so foreign to me anyway, and in the end, if Carlos and Leon are happy then I am also. I kissed him goodnight and we drifted off to sleep, one little one was moaning but he went quiet when I heard one of the boys get up to see him.

We had the rare opportunity to make love in the morning and as usual, my Gianni rocked my world. I heard gran banging around in the kitchen so I got up while Gianni showered.

Grandad was at the table doing the books and counting money and two kids were watching cartoons, I kissed them first then gran.

"So you take the babies to the warehouse today Antonio?'

"Yes gran, it has been a while since they have seen them."

"They see them at the club."

"But the warehouse is more intimate."

"I see."

"How is business grandad?"

"The business is good grandson, your bank accounts are filling up again."

"Good." I made coffee and just as Gianni came out Lukas walked little Antonio out so I grabbed him and gave him a big hug and kiss.

"Did papa answer your question baby?"

"Yes daddy, he says I need to stay where I am, I still am learning."

"Then he knows the best son."

"He does daddy. I will stay for now."

What does he mean, for now?

I looked at Gianni he winked at me.

"Slowly slowly Antonio, by the time he realizes he is free to go to school it will be too late, he will have a new uniform to wear." he sniggered.

Grandad wrote on some envelopes and handed them to me, one for Gianni and one for me. I went to place it in the safe and immediately I had three babies behind me, each one had envelopes and each one wanted them to be put next to Lukas's money. I showed them how to do it and they jumped up and down and then ran to tell gran.

"How much did you give them?"

"A little Antonio, they asked me for money as our Lukas gets."

"Not too much I hope, they don't know money yet."

"A little Antonio, five dollars each that will be enough. Now, I must get my old lady's body moving, the ladies will need lunch."

"You don't have to feed them gran they usually bring in food anyway."

"But it is not my food Antonio, and we have to eat also."

"So you are coming too?"

"Yes someone needs to look after the babies." I sort of giggled, there are ten ladies in my workroom all of them love babysitting.

The boys arrived in jeans and t-shirts, one had a suitcase in his hands the other a backpack. The babies jumped all over them and collected kisses, Iris wasn't here today I believe she went to Sabine's house to stay the night.

She isn't missing much today because the boys are dressed to go do their mafia business.

"So what are you doing today, like will you sit in a cafe or just on a seat?"

"We will be doing our jobs properly Antonio, cruising up and down the arrivals hall and listening to conversations, very technical Antonio we do not expect you to understand."

"I see." I almost laughed. I took Luca and started feeding him he's easy to do because he likes me to do that.

Gran fed everyone and the kids were called to be fed and watered as well, they get it so good, and gran loves them, we all do.

The boys are taking Gino's car today, and after they left we gathered up our mob to go see our friends, Lukas wanted a piggyback from his papa and I got to use the stroller, we had better look for a bigger one soon the boys are growing like wildfire. One groaned so I picked him up and placed him in the carry sling, he laughed the others started moaning. It was a long trip because at every turn we were stopped and admired, and babies had to be played with along the way. Finally, we dashed to the warehouse door, I saw that gran and grandad's van was in the carpark so she will be setting up her food.

Luka wanted down and he ran into the workroom but he didn't get far, he giggled as someone picked him up and started giving him plenty of kisses. Gianni attracted a few admirers and I had Rose in my ear, my old friend Rose was very glad to see us as she pried Luca out of my arms, and just like that, I had no kids.

"Your grandmother is in the kitchen Antonio we will take the babies." She grinned.

I said hi to my head girl Tina she was working away on a big arrangement.

"That's beautiful Tina, who is it for?"

"A trial run for Angelo's wedding Antonio."

"It's so gorgeous."

"We are all looking forward to it."

"I would like to see the dress if I may?." She stood back and placed her hands on her hips and yelled.

"No one is to let Antonio into the staff workroom please ladies, he's on the hunt for Bella's wedding dress." I blushed.

"Maybe he wants to try it on, I did hear he had a new lover."

"So did I." Someone else yelled out, oh it was Gianni, how did he know?

Please consider a donation to Nifty