Impossible Love 26
By Maxieplus
We all piled into the car to go to the racecourse, Gianni didn't say anything to Sabine which she was grateful for, and I was very excited to go see this Birdcage event. It is the last day any workers will be allowed in so we had to go today. He drove carefully with Nina and Sabine in the back with Lukas, the boys were right up the back talking their heads off and talking up their hard work. I saw Nina roll her eyes several times at them.
It was a lengthy drive but we all made it in one piece, there were people everywhere but I managed to avoid them with the stroller.
At the entrance was a huge wooden pergola covered in what I thought were real grapevines but they were fake, you couldn't tell, or I couldn't at least. The big Cartasso Winery sign lit up in the morning sun and you knew who owned this display tent. Inside was a magical world of Italy the pergola stretched the length of the two tents, hanging from them would have been at least a dozen crystal chandeliers and along each side was a row of farmhouse tables, which will have my blooms and food on them. Round tables through the center will have cakes, a centerpiece on each surrounded by cakes and sweets. The displays will be cakes made of the Colosseum, the Trevi fountain with running water, Michelangelo's David, and the leaning tower of Pisa, god knows how much they will cost to make. The second tent had the wine with a champagne fountain in the middle serving tables and crystal flutes by the thousands, there were seats but not a lot because they didn't want people to linger all day.
Entwined in the grapevines were ropes of millions of crystals and when the chandeliers were on they looked like billions of stars in a ribbon-like pattern.
The flooring was slabs of marble with the same crystal lights mixed in the diamond pattern grooves. I wanted to stay there forever it was so magical, the boys pointed out the lights they had installed and I had to laugh at them, even I could do that. But all in all, they had done a wonderful job, the plates were white with Cartasso winery in gold written on them the napkins were the very colorful flower ones fanned out on all the tables. There were big bowls at the door on the way out filled with home-made biscuits and sweets for the guests to take home. The whole thing screamed money I didn't ask how much it cost but Carlos had told me it was a lot cheaper than usual. Sabine was very proud of her boys and apart from a few tears, she made sure they were thanked properly by giving each one a kiss and a hug, even Nina Gianni and me.
We had vino and looked some more I couldn't see anything out of place it was perfect.
"Gianni here are the invitations for the race day girls at your café, can you make sure they have them." Nina passed an envelope to him.
"I will Nina." Then he pulled her aside and hugged her. I overheard him say.
"Thank you for being my mother's best friend and for what you did for her many years ago." Nina's eyes opened wide.
"Thank you Gianni that means a lot to me."
When she left to speak with Sabine I asked him how he knew all that, I had thought he hadn't heard that part of Sabine's story.
"Lukas was antsy so I stood at the balcony doors for a while listening, sorry Antonio."
"That's okay, I think Sabine and Ramone are ready to stop hiding Gianni, I feel so sorry for them having to hide all those years ago."
"So do I Antonio, so do I." He was being reflective, just something else he has to cope with.
The boys were unaware of their mother's relationship with Nina and I suppose they will cope with it also in their own time if she ever tells them. I was blown away by the corporate tent it was superb the only downside of going there was we weren't allowed to enter any of the other ones to compare it with, everyone was being quite hushed about their different events.
Gianni drove us home and dropped Nina and Sabine back to their apartment, she wanted Lukas to stay but I said they could have him after he settles down with his new teeth which won't take long. Sabine was more relaxed and she will call in tomorrow and take him for a walk in the park or something.
I changed his nappy and put him into bed so he could have a nap then I got some food out of the freezer and sat with Gianni who was having another wine.
"Who is going to change the labels baby?"
"I will give your ladies that job if you don't mind, they can do it in their spare time. I have to register the wine business also but I will ask Stavros all about that."
"Well and good Gianni, what do you want to do now?"
"Fuck Antonio, then eat I am a little hungry I was hoping we would have gone out to lunch."
"Sorry I think the ladies wanted to go home and the boys are in there making love, come on let's get you sorted out, by the time we are finished the food will be defrosted." I held my hand out and he followed me to the bedroom, I pushed defrost on the microwave as I passed by.
After another round of wonderful lovemaking where we both touched every part of our bodies we lay there and talked for a half-hour about Sabine's problem. He didn't mind either way what they did, and he did think Tinker was the best man for the job. He and Gianni were best friends growing up so he trusted him.
The boys rattled the sliding door I think they were ready for lunch so we dressed and I unlocked it.
"We could have had a foursome, Antonio, why didn't you call us?" Carlos smiled at me.
"One Cartasso is enough, if there were the three of you it would take me all day to get you off." I laughed.
"Did you like our little display Antonio?"
"Of course I did, it is amazing you all did a great job, it's so elegant looking yet peasant Italy too."
"We did the crystal lighting Antonio did we do a good job?" Leon whined.
"Yes, you did. I believe you put one string up and it took you two days." I laughed at their faces, just a couple of kids looking for a pat on the head.
"Will the flowers be ready by Monday Antonio?" Back to business again.
"Yes the ladies are onto them, they will be delivered Sunday ready for the Cup Tuesday."
"Thank you." They both kissed me and Gianni groaned, I think he wanted in on the scene.
"Cut it out you two." He almost roared, maybe he doesn't want a foursome maybe he's just plain mad at them.
"What's the matter, big brother?"
"He doesn't like those kinds of kisses, you have to tweak his nipples and throw your tongue down his throat, he likes that much better," I screamed because they grabbed me and threw me like a rag doll onto the sofa, then they took turns of trying to choke me with their tongues and I won't mention the absolute agony of having my nipples pinched.
I looked at Gianni sitting at the table laughing quietly and said.
"I will get you for this Gianni when you least expect it, I will get you."
The food was delicious and I must ring gran and see if she's coming over tomorrow. I would prefer her to rest up a bit, but knowing her she's sitting at her front door ready to start cleaning and babysitting.
My world is expanding every day and now I have loads of friends who love me and when the boys went home to do their washing, I lay on the floor with a curly-haired boy who wanted to play with his daddies. Gianni had gone to get him when he stirred so we decided to let him roll around in the nude, of course, the drapes were drawn and we had to be nudo also. He was telling me about his childhood and all the friends he had at school, he said he never saw the gypsy people much at his school, but Tinker was gypsy, and he got along with him the best. He married one of their school friends and had four children he wasn't a roving gypsy his parents had decided his education was more important than fleecing unsuspecting tourists of their hard-earned money. He missed his friends at the winery but he loved his new life with me. I told him when Lukas is over all his baby pains we will go back home and spend a month or so there. I had loved my time in Italy so much I could easily live there. We were torn between both worlds and one day we might even retire there.
Lukas hit his head on the leg of a chair he had been trying to pull himself up.
"No baby they hurt don't bang your head on it." I moved the crying baby over for a cuddle I must get some foam rubber to put around all the sharp edges, maybe grandpa will have some ideas.
We settled him down and apart from a red spot he was deemed okay to go again. He had been trying to hold onto it when his hand slipped, Sabine was right he will be walking soon he won't linger at the crawling stage too long.
"What do you want to do now Gianni?"
"Give me five minutes will you Antonio?"
He started licking the two round globes between my legs so I opened them while he went to work.
Two bottles of wine and two glasses appeared on the table, he was trying out his new recipe and wanted my opinion. As expected they were wonderful and he got the thumbs up from me, his grin had started at the first sip, I suppose he knows it's good. We took our boy and the two wines downstairs to share around, he put three extra bottles in his backpack because he couldn't carry everything.
Gino was sitting by himself and he smiled and took Lukas off me. He's a different person nowadays and is getting into the fatherhood thing.
"I have been looking at getting a housekeeper for Anna, she's slowing up now and can't do all the work on her own." Gianni was waiting for his opinion on the wine.
"Sorry Gianni, this is the best wine I have tasted in a long time, well done." That smile was back.
"Well I would suggest gran but she's not so young anymore she might not be able to cope. Maybe talk to Nina about it next week at the Italian club."
"Yes I think I will do that Ant, I can't do it as well as a woman can you know how I used to live. Now I can't drop even a shirt without being told to pick it up." He laughed.
"Married life suits you Gino, and admit it, you love being screamed at." He smiled at me and nodded.
"Yes it's better than being screwed money-wise, that's for sure."
"So you like it then?" Gianni's not finished his wine tasting just yet.
"Yes Gianni, it's wonderful."
Lukas was laughing at his funny faces and Gianni was helping him by making his own, I sat and drank my wine then the boys came down and he shared what was left with them.
"Antonio, we had so much washing to do, because we have been busy it has built up. We used your clothesline also, is that ok?" Leon said.
"Of course it is, be mindful gran will be here tomorrow and she will need it."
"You are so lucky Antonio to have a housekeeper."
"Talk to Nina when Gino does, maybe you will get two for the price of one." I laughed.
Gino passed Lukas over to Gianni and went inside he returned with two chairs just as Alice arrived, she took Lukas with no arguments.
I could see Gianni getting the other two sample bottles out so I touched his hand.
"Perhaps save them for Stavros and his mates, they know their wines baby much better than this mob." He grinned and I had a good idea again, he will get an honest answer from them.
"You are coming to the cup aren't you Alice?" Carlos said.
"Yes I think I should make an appearance, Federico said the Cartasso event is amazing I have to go and have a look for myself." I got my phone out and showed her some photos I had taken, she was suitably impressed.
"You did such good job boys, I love it." She passed the phone to Gino who nodded his head, I had hoped he and Anna were coming to the cup he said it all depended on how she felt on the day.
"What's with the red spot on his forehead Gianni?" Alice asked.
"He was trying to pull himself up on a chair, I don't think he's strong enough yet and he bumped his head."
"You had better get your grandfather onto it, Antonio," Leon said.
"I will do it, I can do it after work tomorrow we go to the hardware shop on the way home." Gianni is the man of the house so I suppose he should be doing all the baby proofing grandad had forgotten to do the other week. I won't say anything to Nonno otherwise he will do it and Gianni will get mad.
Anna arrived and a chair was produced for her, she was having a soft drink tonight, no alcohol from now on. Her morning sickness had left her fatigued and a bit wearisome, but she said it was only temporary she should be fine by next Tuesday's event, hopefully.
I woke the next morning with Carlos's ass in my face again, the pull was too strong and I ventured a gentle kiss then I was poked in the back.
"Stop it." Gianni was on the ball this morning he knows my weaknesses. I rolled over and kissed him.
"Yuk." He wiped his mouth.
"But I never...."
"Shut up Antonio." He kissed me deeply and I melted into his arms. Laying there in perfect peace with my best friends I gently caressed Gianni's body until I got to his iron rod. He rolled me sideways and tried to have his wicked way with me just as Carlos rolled to meet me face to face, this is going to be awkward so I got out of bed and went to the toilet.
I grabbed the boy and put the coffee on while Gianni showered, I think the boys were having a bit of a feel in private. He was wet and poopy this morning but he managed to give me some smiles. By the time I sorted him out there was knocking on the door.
"Gran Grandpa, your early." They kissed me then gran took over, well she took Lukas and cuddled him.
"How are you feeling nan?"
"I am fine Antonio, it will take more than a fall to get rid of this old Nonna." She smiled.
As she said that, Leon came out of the bedroom in his birthday suit.
"What? hello Nonna Nono, how are you today?" Cool as a cucumber he stood there bare naked, I could see gran was trying not to look but she was losing the fight.
"Umm, Leon can you put some shorts on at least?" I said.
"Oh sorry." He went back to grab a pair of my shorts, Gianni arrived and he kissed nan and patted grandad on the shoulder.
"What is this Antonio?" She was pointing to the pink spot on Lukas's forehead.
"He tried to pull himself up on a chair leg and fell."
"Your grandfather will look after all that today, he will be an early walker I think. Such a clever grandson you are." She proceeded to give Lukas loads of nanny kisses.
"I will childproof the apartment grandad, I just have to get to the hardware shop." Gianni was enthusiastic but I know exactly what is going to happen. By the time Gianni gets around to it, Grandad will have it all done.
"How was the corporate event, Antonio?"
"Nan, it was amazing I can't believe they did all that it's magical."
"We will see it on Tuesday Leon."
"You're going to the Melbourne Cup nan?" I was amazed, she never goes.
"Yes Antonio, we have to see all the hard work the boys have done." Leon's chest puffed up. Carlos came out and did the same kissed gran and patted grandad. My baby was passed over with a cautionary word.
"Don't let him near the kitchen cupboards, Antonio, now what does everyone want for breakfast?"
She took orders today but they were all pretty much the same, I could see grandad had snaffled a piece of paper and was making a list. Leon went into next door and got another invitation for them, you can't get into the Birdcage area without one so nan carefully placed that in her handbag, safe and sound.
Breakfast was wonderful and I was hungry today, Gianni stuffed himself stupid then he had to dress for work. The boys were coming with us today because they had worked so hard they needed a big rest. We kissed our visitors and son goodbye and left in the van for the market, I will miss him today and so will Alice.
The shop had been opened and the three staff members were wiping everything down, Gianni is expecting another wine delivery sometime this morning his bulk specials are walking out the door. His cakes are low too and they will be here this morning also, Angelo told me he had ordered more coffee beans so everything will be ready for the lead up to the cup, we expect to be busy.
Sabine was going to take Lukas today but I had put her off because nan gets priority over her, she wasn't happy but ceded to the older woman and she will get him tomorrow. I think she's coming in today to see everyone, but there was no time agreed to.
I watched as the market filled up, Alice and Bianca were doing the usual display in the window of my shop, I waved and got a smile back. I wanted to ask them about a housekeeper for Gino and Anna but that can wait, there plenty of women that want casual work. I grabbed some coffee and walked over to his fruit and veggie stall to talk to them. They were set up and Pat was ready for her morning brew. The guy that had taken over my old spot was doing good business fixing mobile phones and gadgets I waved to him he smiled back then I saw Cal watching me.
I ignored him but will wave when I am leaving. I can't be a total pratt, but he shouldn't be partying on my turf, he has the gay club to do that in. It annoyed me he and his mates had turned up at the Italian club. Anyway, I spoke to Gino about speaking to Bianca to see if she knew of a housekeeper but he said to leave it for now, he will talk to Nina Saturday night.
I waved to Cal and walked back to the café the other way today, I wanted to have a look at something different, a shadow, just a shadow was seen out of the corner of my eye and my stomach dropped but I could have been imagining it. A man in a long overcoat but when I looked again he was gone. Bloody hell if he's been let out there will be trouble for sure. I didn't know whether to tell Gianni or not, but by the time I got back Stavros was there so I talked to him for five minutes, maybe his grandson the police officer can shed some light on the problem. The wine was being delivered so I helped my boys stack it in my cool room then in the back room of the café, I think he's overordered but he did say he may not have enough. My little problem was running around in my head and I couldn't shake it off.
The boys started selling wines behind the counter and I helped the ladies bring the cakes in, I looked up and down the car park but no sign of Basilio. The cake unit looked great by the time I stacked it and the ladies were paid in cash for their wonderful work, then Sabine walked in looking a million dollars and done up to the max. After hugging her boys she ordered champagne and sat talking to Stavros, then she was dealt some cards. I could hear her laughing and thought it was time she took off her businesswoman persona and become a regular woman, but it's hard to separate the two even though she's not doing business she always looks like she is.
The race day girls came in and ordered wine, they were also dressed to the max and were so excited to receive their invitations to the Birdcage event. They were talking about what they were wearing and yes they will all enter the fashions on the field, I almost saw Sabine's ears prick up. I guess she has a special outfit for the day, she also had a stack of matches in front of her, Stavros didn't look too bloody happy.
I had been hanging around the front tables in case he wanted to talk to me but he didn't in the end, Sabine did. She collected her money and empty glass and walked out the back of the shop, she did look the girls up and down and smiled.
"Got it in the bag Antonio, no competition from them at all." I laughed because I knew what she was talking about.
"While I have you to myself, Antonio, Stavros was telling me a very interesting story he said you saw Basilio."
"I think I did, it was just a fleeting moment out of the corner of my eye but when I looked again there was nothing."
"Well, maybe you did see something because his grandson rang and told him Basilio has been bailed and is free to roam the streets again until his hearing."
"That's so not on Sabine, I have to do something about it."
"I have already, leave it to me will you son?"
"I suppose so but there will be trouble if he comes near Gianni or Lukas again I am pretty sure of that little fact."
"No guns Antonio, he has an ankle tracker on and can't come within a hundred yards to you all, his court case is in four weeks so all we have to do is be mindful he's around."
"I will, and do you think we had better tell the others?"
"Yes, they need to be aware he is on the loose again. I will hire a private detective to follow him Antonio maybe two."
"Is that necessary Sabine?"
"Yes my son, he is quite mad and could do anything, if I thought he might go away I would give him some money, but he's fixated on the vines and winery. He wants that and Giannis money, but he won't get what doesn't belong to him."
I dropped my head and was thinking again, maybe we should go to Italy for a few months until it's all over, then I had a thought.
"Who bailed him out, did he say?"
"The gypsy did, they hired a lawyer and he got him bailed out, if there's money involved they will do anything to get their hands on it, not all of them Antonio but a lot of them." She squeezed my hand and that brick was back and I felt tears arriving, how stupid are these people.
"They will soon drop the quest because I have instructed my solicitor to meet with the family king and explain everything to him, to be truthful Antonio they have more money than we do in their coffers. Basilio can't touch it he can use it being a prince but he can't touch it for personal use, only for the good of the tribe."
"I suppose he will start his shit again we had better warn the others."
"Not necessarily Antonio, he has been warned to stay away and if his brother finds out he has broken his bail conditions he will be wiped by his family I believe that's the way it goes. They put up a very hefty bail for him and if they lose that, there will be big trouble."
"Well I have to worry because he's a madman and could do anything, I doubt whether he gives a flying fuck for his family or tribe."
"Let's wait and see Antonio no need to panic just yet. And you are quite right he doesn't give a fuck about his family." She got Leon to get her another wine when he popped his head in, and she and I had a few on our own and I talked to her about her filthy mouth.
Gianni had given Stavros his precious sample wine and he got a resounding yes from them all it was better than the Cartasso gold label one. His smile never left his face all day after that review.
The day was long and the drinks were just going down just fine. Sabine had left me all alone but it wasn't long before I had two more drinking buddies. I curled up in a corner and went to sleep much to Gianni's disgust. They loaded me into the van and the boys drove me home and I was dumped on the bed trying not to listen to Nona's lectures. I slept well and when I woke there wasn't a soul in the house, so I ventured downstairs. Gianni glared at me, Leon placed another glass in my hand so I skulled that one and felt much better. After the fourth one I staggered back into bed but I believe I gave Gianni a mouthful for lusting after Angelo's bottom.
It was the shame I felt the next day when I arrived at work the boys couldn't wait to show me the small video they had made of me giving Gianni hell and then there were the photos. Not what you think, they had left me alone at the apartment but at work when I had fallen asleep in the corner they had Angelo laying on my back his shorts were down. The embarrassment I went through that day was enormous and I vowed I would never drink again, then I got Leon to send the photos through to me. Angelo licked his lips every time I looked at him. My baby has gone off with his grandmother for the day and Gianni was still not talking to me. Eventually, he poured me a drink and sat out the back with me, just staring that's all he has to do to make me feel guilty.
"How did you know I fucked Angelo?"
"What?"
"How did you find out?"
"I didn't, you just told me."
"Ask me how tight he was?"
I gulped and asked.
"Sweet as a twinkle virgin Antonio, sweet as." He grinned and licked his lips.
I lowered my head in shame, I had driven him to it.
"You were so funny Antonio, he got on top of you and he humped you. You didn't even know he was doing it. I love you Antonio you make me laugh all the time." He was now grinning from ear to ear. I knew he was joking, but then again stranger things have happened in this family.
"I said it before and I will say it again Gianni, I will get you big time one day."
He laughed so loud eyes were peeping into the storeroom to see if everything was all right.
"Look Antonio, my new screen saver." Angelo shoved his phone in my face, there we were he was fucking me dead drunk on the floor.
"Enjoy it Angelo, and let me be the first to congratulate you on your first man sex experience."
"What? are you mad, my first? Not likely Antonio, I like all sorts of sex and I am very experienced with gay sex thank you very much."
"What?" I said beck, he smiled.
"And female sex and some bondage sex and some bestiality sex was thrown in there somewhere." He walked away laughing his head off, and I didn't believe him one bit.
"I am sorry once again Gianni, I was having so much fun yesterday I lost my control."
"Don't worry about it Antonio, we have all succumbed to the demon drink now and then. The biggest headache is, are you ok?"
"Yes I'm fine now, and I will lay off the wine for today." He leaned in and kissed me, then he poured me another wine and I saluted him.
"Where did Sabine take Lukas?"
"She only said he was going to help her out with her shopping whatever that means."
"She might be trying on dresses for the Melbourne cup baby, she did have a funny look in her eye when she saw the girls yesterday."
"Let's hope she's not feeding him rubbish."
We had a good talk about his new wine then we had to do some work, it was getting busy again. My day got better and I bantered back and forth with Angelo as he made his coffee, I think he is coming out of his shell because he's very talkative today. Alice was a bit down today she misses Lukas I think but I told her to take the day off tomorrow to go get herself a new outfit for the cup, she looked at me in horror what a silly thing to say.
At the body corporate meeting, that night Gianni and I both went with Gino and we put the feelers out for an apartment in our building. No one was interested and all they wanted to do was go home because these meetings are boring. The girls were sitting outside with my boys when we got back and there was no Lukas. I rang Sabine and she said she will be having him for a stayover and will bring him into the market tomorrow, I wasn't happy about that but I did say it was fine.
Two bottles later and loads of talking she pulled up in a cab and handed Lukas to me.
"He won't settle in Antonio, what have you done to my grandson. I got fists and legs going at fifty miles an hour when we came face to face, he's home now with his dads and much happy. I didn't have him long before Alice took him off me. Sabine had a glass of wine with the boys and I asked her what color dress she bought for the cup.
"I only had to pick it up Antonio, Cody had it made for me and I had to go into his shop to try it on. It is perfect."
"He made my black suit too."
"Yes I know he's a very creative designer Antonio."
I was happy she did that and I would be happier to meet this man Cody Mitchell he's a real spunk.
She left around nine and I took Lukas to bed, he wanted to play because he hadn't seen us all day but his eyelids got the better of him and it was lights out before Gianni opened another bottle.
"I love you so much Antonio, you make me laugh too much and I nearly pee myself."
"Sorry, I will tone it down from now on we don't want you getting all wet in the groin."
"Antonio?"
"Yes, my Gianni." I leaned in and kissed him.
"What is Bestiality?" I laughed my head off and the boys came out, they had showered.
"It's when you have sex with animals, like sheep horses, things like that."
"Really?"
"Really," I confirmed my statement.
Leon started laughing and as he poured me another drink he said.
"I had sex with a sheep one night I stuck it right in."
"Eww," I said.
"Stop it, Leon you did no such thing don't give Gianni ideas."
Gianni started laughing it was nice to hear his deep sounds.
"It's a nice night tonight boys, do you think everything is done now?"
"Yes Antonio, all we have to do is turn up in our new suits."
"You got new suits?"
"Yes, they are the same maker as yours, hipster style."
"I had better check if mine is still intact, the last time I saw my pants they were flying across the bedroom."
"Do you have a suit, Gianni?"
"No, I will wear my old one it still fits."
"The one you wore to Luca's funeral?"
"No, my really old one."
I haven't seen that one in the wardrobe maybe it's in Lukas's room I will have to check it out.
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