Impossible Love

Impossible Love 117

Maxieplus

As the household woke up grandad and Iris both read the letter, then he sat with the babies to watch cartoons, in his mind nothing will change when the kids are around, life will go on as normal for them.

"What are you going to do about the cafe Antonio?" Iris asked.

"Bring more casuals in Iris, that's all I can do. I cant rely on Angelo, he and Bella will be having this week off work I guess. I will need someone to supervise maybe it would be best to talk to Nina."

"Maybe, which comes to my next question, with Sabine not being very well and that poor boy being in hospital I would like to take the week off. I understand if it's not possible but I feel I have to be with her and with you."

"And you will be with her, leave it to me I will ring Nina today. She knows how the cafe works and will know someone that can run it."

As it turned out I didn't have to say anything, Nina was already onto it, she has lined up three ladies who know a little about wines, and she has redone the casual list to bring them all into managing the cafe, there was nothing for me to do except humbly thank her. With Iris's help we planned to distribute the Cartasso orders throughout Australia, our winery already does the local and US orders but the top shelf wines were still made in Italy, they were the ones we wanted to help with.

I sent an email to Tinker and told him what we had planned, he answered me almost instantly and said he had it all covered, we should just go on as normal. The Italian government has become involved and rallied the wineries throughout the country to do the extra work to keep the Cartasso company alive. He also said an overwhelmingly rush of support was being offered and he was on top of it all. He was about to leave for Roma to find out more about Adamo. I rushed a pleading letter back to him and asked if he could keep us informed then I attached Roberto's mail. I figured Tinker's mail would be less heartbreaking than Roberto's and Gianni's will be, I needed facts, not sentiment.

Gino was a rock, he was worth his weight in gold, and along with Nina, they both closed the doors on me and my immediate family while they did our jobs. Iris had made some phone calls and said her contacts are keeping their eyes on Italy, she also said the winery was a total write-off.

"We had better have a look at fire prevention here too Iris."

"I'm on to it, the fire prevention officials are visiting the winery tomorrow."

I sat again at the computer when Maxie and Tomas came up for breakfast, they went through the emails and offered to answer them for me which I was so grateful for. They were asking me basically what to say and then they answered the inquiry. I am surrounded by good family members, nothing was too hard today and it gave me time to spend with the kids. Unknowingly they had all got together and decided to take over my life for as long as it takes. I guess they are remembering Uncle Federico's illness and me taking over to eventually crash in a heap.

The next email I received from family was from Ramone, he was at the hospital and consoling Roberto. He was trying to get him to go and have a sleep but he said he was insistent he stay right where he was. Tests have been done on Adamo and he had suffered a stroke, how bad it was they didn't know, but he was receiving the best treatment for it. His burns went down his left arm then down his hip to his calf, they were heat burns to his exposed parts and he couldn't tell if it was severe because of the ointment and bandages that were piled high on him. He said the doctors were confident he will recover and there shouldn't be a lot of scarring.

It was after I answered this email I looked at the tv, the babies had alerted me to it. A beautiful boy's face was on the screen and Adamo's hospitalization had been discovered by the newsrooms. I couldn't watch it they were saying he was fighting for his life and not expected to live, what a terrible thing to say, true or not true he has loved ones that cared deeply for him.

The first delivery came around three, a box of charms for the family was delivered from the Australian gypsy, and I nearly broke down because if there was ever a time when my family needed luck it was now. I gave some to Iris for Sabine, then she left to go see her on her own. I wasn't in the best frame of mind to go visiting.

By this time gran and grandad had the boys in the pool, I could hear their laughter from where I sat, the kids had gone into work but assured me they will keep an eye on the mail situation, I opened my first wine about the time the kids got in the pool.

Stavros Bella and the Angelos came by and coaxed me outside to sit, so I spent ten minutes apologizing to them for spoiling their celebrations.

"We will be in Rome next week Antonio, and will keep you well informed," Bella said.

"So you are going to honeymoon after all?"

"Yes, only two weeks, we will fly there with father Angelo, see his world and catch up with Gianni and the boys. Angelo is going to hire a car to get us around but I don't want him driving in unfamiliar territory."

"I will get onto Tinker, maybe one of his men can do the driving."

"Leave it, for now, we will do something when we get there." Father Angelo said.

"Okay, but let me know if you get stuck."

"We will."

At six I grabbed a bottle and went to sit on the steps with my old mate Gino. He didn't come upstairs only Anna and Sam, so I thought I would go keep him company. He asked questions, I answered as best I could. Mostly we sat in silence until Alice arrived and she asked the same questions.

Considering the big two days I had, I was quite alert, and I considered myself, on top of things. I explained to Alice that they will be with me for the next week until I settle down and get more organized. She said she will take time off to help with them, she can get in one of her part-timers. I didn't argue with her because she needs a holiday anyway and I guess gran could do with a break now and then.

"You do whatever you want Alice, and yes we probably could do with the help"

Anna arrived with the kids, gran was getting food ready while the babies all played ball. They haven't asked where their poppa is yet but I am expecting it. I know gran has business with Lukas tomorrow so Alice will come in handy, we may take them across the road to see Sam at work.

At nine I received a call from Gianni, he couldn't talk to the kids because they were all fast asleep, and he said he will ring them in the morning. They were on their way to the hospital after a very boring flight. He had no news and I told him what I knew and what was happening at work.

"Just close it down Antonio, I would be better if I know you were not there." So I explained what our friends had done, I also told him that his mama is okay and resting at home now. He said he will ring her as soon as they get to their destination. I felt lonely and cold but shook myself as I hung up after a long goodbye. Iris poured me another and then we went to sit on the balcony. We talked for ages, not too much about Adamo but more about business, I knew she was trying to get my mind off it all and I was so grateful because when I went to bed I was rather tipsy and had the best nights sleep.

By the morning I was ready to go and had kissed gran and started making a list of things to do with our sons. I didn't want to go too far from home but I also have to visit Sabine I can't get out of it.

The computer alerted us and my beautiful Gianni's face appeared with his brothers.

"Papas ringing boys." The screaming started and they all ran to drag chairs up to the screen. I sat at the back and watched their smiling faces, one had tears and the other three talked over each other.

"One at a time bubs."

Gran huffed as she cut up some tomatoes to place into her big pot.

She came over and stood behind me and waved, he had no news and was eager to get away, but he did take time to throw his kisses to everyone. It was a short call and I guess he will ring me from the hospital after he gets more information.

The kids were all hyped up and I dressed them and had decided I will take them across the road, maybe we can call into Alices on the way back.

"Not you baby, you have work to do today."

"Oh, I forget daddy." The apple of my eye thought he was coming with us but gran has other ideas, he has to measure out the herbs and get the jars ready. In there somewhere grandad will sneak him out the back for a dip.

We went down in the lift and they screamed as they ran out to the street, my god they are quick. I grabbed them just in time, although the traffic was almost nonexistent this time of the day there's always one car that is going too fast.

I waited and regretted not bringing the big stroller, so I took two hands and carried the third in the sling. I walked up to Alices and knocked.

"Can you help me get them across the road?"

She wiped her hands on her apron then took a baby and I took the other one.

"Any news?"

"No, Gianni rang they have landed and were heading to the hospital. He will ring back later on."

"Good, my sources said Adamo is off the ventilator and breathing well."

"Your sources?'

"Stavros." She chuckled.

"When are they leaving do you know?"

"In a few days, father Angelo wants to sit at the hospital with Gianni, so they have brought the flight forward."

"Good, they will enjoy themselves there, I am pleased they are going."

Sam screamed my babies screamed and I tried to settle them down but the garden and pots in the nursery were calling to them, so they scuttled off into the back where all the pots are kept. I watched them from Maxie's lunchroom door, the guys that work for me will keep their eyes on them for now. The small warehouse that Maxie and Tomas have was filled with empty pallets, they were getting orders ready to go out to their customers.

I didn't help I made the coffees as Anna entered some orders that had just come in.

"How is it going here?"

"Great according to your grandad, they have a backlog of orders to fill, the stock should be here by Thursday."

"That's great news, they moan a lot but I think that's for my benefit more than theirs."

"Yes they like to moan, I think they picked that up off Leon and Carlos." She laughed. Tomas came in and sat with us, I made him a coffee and one for Maxie who was twenty seconds behind him.

We talked about a lot of things, their parents were so proud of them and sing their praises to whoever listened, and the houses will be started soon as the land has now been cleared. All the questions I should have asked them I asked, so I am up to date with their lives.

The kids came in they were excited they had helped my guys, Sam was asking if he could go for a swim and Anna gave him over to my care. Alice said she will come up and help me with them, so we packed up and with two babies in my arms, we said our goodbyes and left for home.

Lukas was up to his elbows in biscuit mix, it was his job to make them under supervision. The babies all jumped on grandad and started dragging him out the back so I went to find some shorts to wear.

Alice grabbed a vino and we all went outside. I didn't check the computer so took the Ipad out and thought I would trawl through the emails out there. Alice and grandad got in the pool to supervise the rug rats, and I opened the emails. There were two conflicting messages, Gianni's was full of panic and promises. Adamo was off the ventilator but not awake, there were bandages all over the place, and the doctors thought he may never recover from the stroke that will affect his left side. They are looking at shifting him to a more specialist hospital. His brothers have started to plan the new winery but they can't do anything until the police investigation had concluded, they still do not know how it started.

The email was full of I miss you, I miss the boys but he will not leave the hospital until Adamo does. He said Roberto is a big mess and Menowin is making all the decisions.

The next email or message was from Tinker, he said Adamo was out of danger, he was opening his eyes and was aware of everyone but only for fleeting moments, the doctors said they are confident he will make a good recovery and with therapy will regain movement again. The burns were surface ones and he will be mildly scarred, but from what he has seen he doesn't think they will be soul-destroying.

I am keeping my eye on Gianni and his brothers because to them this is a catastrophic situation, he doesn't realize that Adamo was although extremely lucky to be alive, but to his advantage, a very healthy young man.

Ramone has taken over the winery rebuild and has plans being made and at the moment it is business as usual using the other wineries.

All Gianni talks about is you and his boys, it's getting to the point I am about to tell him to be quiet and go visit his daughter. Menowin is trying to calm them down but in the end, he and Roberto have the final say on Adamo's recovery.

So I have two different emails to answer and will take a few photos of the babies to send to my husband. I jumped in the pool and set myself and Alice up with a glass of wine then told her and grandad about the messages. It was good news and when Lukas and gran came out for a break, I told her just to keep her in the loop. I was more confident that everything will work out for the best, and apart from missing Gianni and the boys I was in a pretty good frame of mind.

"How did your biscuits turn out son?"

"Good daddy, they always good. We have some later with our milk." he grinned.

I looked at gran and she said.

"He's the best biscuit maker in the world, Antonio."

"I figured that." I laughed.

He dived off the side and practiced his swimming, no dog-paddling today he is doing the breathing exercises. I had guessed that the boys were giving him extra instructions while I'm not around. Grandad went off to do something downstairs and Alice and I got somewhat giggly. Iris arrived and dropped her towel, I asked her how Sabine was and she rolled her eyes.

"She has a house full of ladies today, they all wanted to visit and offer their support."

"So she's lapping it up."

"Exactly, she did receive a call from the boys and went sad for a while but we plucked her up."

"I will call her later, she shouldn't believe everything she is being told."

"Oh?"

"I will let you read the two emails I just received, they are a little conflicting."

"So Gianni is being a normal Italian?"

"Yes."

I handed her drink over and she said.

"Cheers my friends, here's to happy families and loveable Italians."

"I agree with that." Alice clinked our plastic cups.

It was all look at me in the pool, the babies have discovered they can bounce up and down so their heads go under the water, Sam was showing them how to do it properly so they wanted us to watch. I lasted another hour and then I had to get out and I had to get the boys in a bath. Anna and the kids arrived and there go my good intentions, they had to show them their tricks also.

Grandad had appeared and was sitting at the outside table, he told us he had gone to supervise the cleaning of the entrance hall, it will be a delicate job because the tiles were from the deco period and we didn't want any of them broken. At least he's on top of it all, I didn't have to make any decisions grandad's good at that job also.

The kids were at the computer when I went inside and Iris opened another bottle while Alice had absconded with one baby, she was going to attempt to bathe and refresh him but he was resistant until he received a biscuit.

Iris got a phone call and went outside to answer it, I could tell it was the boys because her face lit up and she smiled. She talked for twenty minutes then they wanted me. If they had been beside me I would have head-butted them both, all I could do was agree with them they didn't know I had a mole in the room, Tinker.

They missed us all and they are trying to talk Gianni into visiting Lily, they needed baby cuddles. I told them Angelo and Bella will be arriving on Thursday they can expect a visit. I heard a bottle pop and I think the celebration has started.

I sat with Iris and when the bubs came out I smelled them and told them they were very aromatic, of course, they didn't know what I was talking about but giggled anyway. Gran went to get them biscuits each and they headed for the sofa, there goes grandad's news channel. Alice grabbed another bottle and sat with us. The kids had disappeared but will return for dinner, oh to be a fly on the wall again.

"Now ladies what am I going to do with you both, I think maybe a night at the Italian club is in order."

"No Antonio, it will not be the same without Gianni and the boys." iris answered.

I knew what she meant, a little light went out when they left and yes Iris it won't be the same.

By the end of the night, we were laughing and the kids walked Alice home for me, and then I bundled Iris into bed. I sat alone and was looking through my thousands of photos on the phone, you know who was featuring. I watched a few small videos and barred up, kissing the babies again, and then going to bed myself I tossed off watching a particular movie, which involved a smiling husband as he entered me.

A good night's sleep and a long shower before I went out to greet my family. Lukas was showing his brothers how to play cards and grandad was on the sofa watching the world news.

I hugged gran and she told me they crept in with her again. I didn't want Lukas to miss out on his sleep and thought about putting the kids in with me when I told gran she did her usual thing by placing her hands on her hips.

"The cots have been moved to my room, leave the children to me."

"Okay don't get your knickers in a knot, I was only thinking about Lukas's lack of sleep."

"He will be fine Antonio, maybe he can sleep in your bed. That's if your current lover doesn't turn up." I took a deep breath and went with coffee in hand to watch the news kissing my boys on the way.

"Any news grandad?"

"Yes Antonio, they have found the cause of the fire, a new electrical box wasn't installed correctly."

"Good now they can start on rebuilding."

The boys came in and Tomas played with the kids while Maxie went through the emails.

It was a big task for him, he not only had the good wishes ones he had the Iris Wilson show to do also.

"Six more winners, do you think the boys will be back for the final show Antonio?"

"I hope so, they will disappoint many fans if they aren't back in time."

"I am doing an interview next week with Tony, but as far as I know the rest will be left up to Leon and Carlos." Iris was up and ready.

"Antonio there are two emails for you, one from Menowin and one from Gianni."

I made another coffee, kissed Iris on the head, and went to read them.

Gianni was full of hopelessness, Adamo seems to be in a lot of pain and they are helping him get through it. The doctors are no good and they still want to get him moved to a better hospital. He is going to go and see his daughter today and is leaving instructions for the nurses to do everything they can for his brother. He misses us constantly and asked if I would consider coming over to Italy, I will answer him later.

Menowin's email was the opposite. Adamo is out of danger his stroke had been mild, and he already has eighty percent movement in his left side. He is talking and smiling, the doctors are keeping up the pain relief and he and Roberto hold hands constantly, to the point it's annoying everyone. He told me my husband and his brothers are being a pain to anyone that will listen, he said it is sometimes like a party in the room so he has limited their visits to a few hours a day. They do not like it but at least Gianni can now go and see his little one and the boys hopefully will go with him.

Tinker has gone back to the winery to organize the clean-up, and Ramone has completed the plans for the new one which will be the same size but with twice the vino output if needed.

I am not to worry about my brother Adamo he is in good spirits and his burns will not slow him down or scar him too badly, he is eager to get back home and help with the rebuilding.

His mama is feeding him good wholesome meals and Roberto is stroking his arm constantly. I will have Roberto removed shortly he needs to sleep and rest. The doctors said they will get him mobile tomorrow so I will place guards on the door so no one can disturb his recovery.

So that's it, Gianni and the boys are doing what they do best, panic, and Menowin is doing my job by organizing them a little better.

I let Iris read them then I lay on the floor and played cards. I am hoping that someone will put them on the next plane home, and very soon.

"It is gone Antonio, there is nothing to see except scorched vines."

"So you are at the winery husband?"

"Yes Antonio we do not like what Menowin does at the hospital, so we decided to bring Lily here to be introduced to the family."

"Is Magdalena with you?"

"Yes Antonio, she would not let us bring her alone. I am starting to think we are not needed here. Papa is doing everything with Tinker we are just swimming and we miss you all very much."

"So you will be coming home soon then?"

"I don't know, we have to make sure Adamo is good before we leave."

"It will be just the best to see you again," I said.

"Antonio, are you nudo?"

"Yes."

This was the conversation I had with him three nights later, Menowin had written again and told me he has banned them from coming into the hospital. He told them they were needed at the winery he also told me that Adamo was walking around to exercise and will make a full recovery.

There were plenty of photos from the boys and Gianni, many with Lily by the lake and just to get me going, and many with the local boys who were helping with the clearing of the land. I know he paid them to be photographed with their shirts off, he knows what I'm like. I told him my current lover has been calling and I was tired of him, so I am on the lookout again. Angelo and Bella left today and surprise surprise Stavros went with them, he has a family he hasn't seen for ages so wants to have a small holiday on his own. I think he is there to keep his eye on his grandson, he's a bit of a mother hen where Angelo is concerned.

I did take everyone to the Italian club for dinner and we had a wonderful night even though our numbers were down. Conner and Brent came along but he didn't sing, he has a concert tomorrow night at his showroom. I was kept busy interviewing potential lovers and when Rose came up to me with her gorgeous, totally horny grandson, I drew the line, but I did have a few dances with him just to convince myself I'm still capable of pulling in the guys. He was a lovely man and we did have a long chat about being set up. I told him it wasn't in me to have an affair and he said he had a boyfriend but the family didn't know about him. He was keeping him a secret because when they all find out their privacy would not be their own. I chuckled and wished him a long happy life then I had to dance with Conner, they were keeping me busy tonight. Gran huffed at me when I returned to the table.

"To do such a thing to your beautiful husband is terrible Antonio."

"I didn't do anything, gran, seriously do you think I would do that to him?"

"Yes." She bounced little Luca up and down on her knees and laughed.

I looked over at Brent he was also in a laughing mood, so I grabbed him and gave him the once around the dance floor.

"How are you coping?"

"Fine, surprisingly, I'm not all fired up but I do miss him a lot."

"You will, he's also missing you fooling around on him." He laughed again so I sped the dance up.

"Are you going tomorrow night?"

"Yes Ant, no show without me being there. He likes to sing to me a lot so I have to make an appearance. Are you coming?"

"I haven't made my mind up yet, I would like to bring gran and grandad along she likes Conners songs."

"Well there are seats at my table, we can fit you in and I will leave instructions at the door."

I wanted to give gran a break shes run out of things to show the babies, I'm sure Alice and Iris wouldn't mind babysitting for the night.

Another night on my own and my mind was going crazy with want. Another few movies and another wank and I was dead to the world. The next day I got three calls from Gianni none of them were about the winery I guessed they were about his homesickness.

He said they were heading back to Roma and will catch up with Bella and Angelo while there. My emails from him were full of photos of Lily and her mum, she's a beautiful baby and growing.

One particular snap by the lake had Carlos with his legs in the air and Gianni and Leon were top and tailing him, nudo of course. I wondered who was taking the photo, I must ask him, another wank was in order. I remembered the old days when Luca would taunt me with such nonsense, so I searched for those photos just to see his face again. I didn't dwell on him so much as I did on Gianni who was in bed with him naked, If I was honest these photos are what caused me to fall in love with my gypsy boy.

"We are going out tonight gran, get your glad rags ready."

"Where do we go, Antonio?"

"To Conners showroom, a treat for us three. I have spoken to Alice she will babysit."

"I do not think I will go, Antonio. I have too much to do."

"Sure you have gran, be ready by seven-thirty." I smiled. I know she wants to be with the kids but she also needs a break.

We had a wonderful night and even had dinner there, gran rocked to the music and Conner sang an Italian song just for her. My throat was sore by the end of the night from yelling and now I am completely exhausted.

Five days later when I sent my daily message to Gianni I had some wonderful news. Lukas has a small concert at his kindy on the weekend, his first one in the world as he says. He is playing a nursery rhyme character, little boy blue, and gran has him outfitted with a horn he can blow into. He practiced all week and then we filmed him and I attached it to the email. I didn't get an answer from him right away but I did get a message from Menowin with photos of Adamo. He had shorts on and his leg was on show, I couldn't see much damage, in fact in the closeups there was only one patch that looked a bit scabby, a small movie accompanying the email had him walking around quite good but he was holding his arm like it had a mind of its own.

Menowin said it was getting better and it all takes time, he is taking him and Roberto home at the end of the week.

I wrote back to him and told him to send my husband home as soon as possible.

He sent back a wink.

So I decided that they were already planning to come home. I wanted to get to the airport to meet them, but firstly, I have to ring Angelo to confirm my suspicions.

The babies coped wonderfully while he was away, they asked about him often and I would sit them in front of the computer when he rang, which was every day. Lukas was a bigger problem he slept with me after his brothers decided grans room was better. I would catch him grabbing Gianni's pillow and exchanging it with his, I guess he missed his papa's smells. I watched them all for any signs of melancholic behavior but nothing was noticed.

Nina had assured me the cafe was all business as usual, and grandad made the money run every day to collect the takings from her. He has to keep his books up to date otherwise the taxman will come for us.

Plenty of cash was stashed in the safe and bonuses were made out for our staff and mine at the florist shop. I had heard back from Angelo and they were having a ball, all he said was he thinks they land Friday around eleven. I talked to gran it was too late to take the babies to the airport but little big ears were listening and insisted he goes with me. I didn't mind in the least but he would be tired. The night of Angelo's message Gianni rang, and the kids and I crammed in around the computer, he said that Adamo was now at home and they were nursing him back to good health, and it was thanks to them he recovered so quickly.

"Yes husband your a good nurse." I almost said sarcastically, but he ignored me.

"Baby show me how your concert will go."

"Yes poppa, in a minute." Lukas jumped off his seat and I pulled the kids back, it only took him three minutes to change and get back to the computer.

"Little boy blue come blow your horn. The sheep's in the meadow, the cows......." Then it happened, tears flowed, and he sputtered out.

"I miss you papa, please come home."

When one cries the rest cry, so gran and I had a mess on our hands, he can't get home soon enough for my liking. Gianni and the boys mirrored their woes, of course, but Lukas couldn't go on he was too upset. That was the night I told him poppa will be home in two days and I was going to pick him up. His eyes lit up and he said.

"He can come and see me in the concert daddy."

"Yes, he will be there son." That smile was back and he found a new lease on life.

My god Gianni do not let me down, or better still don't let your baby down.

I had also discovered I didn't need to beg Gianni or cry when he's away, I will leave it up to his bambinos in the future.