Impossible Love

Impossible Love 42

Maxieplus

I parked the stroller in the foyer and we walked into the very noisy club. I hope Iris doesn't think we are all crazy people because the first off the line was a lady in a sparkly gown, she kissed me and took Lukas, Bianca looked lovely tonight. I turned to Iris and said.

"We will rescue him later, follow me."

I took her over to grandad's table, I don't know whether she was shocked or pleased, she has one of those faces you can't read.

Gran was very pleasant and Grandad welcomed her with open arms, the boys already knew her and Tony and made a space for everyone. Gianni had gone off with his bottles and I saw he placed one in front of Nina and one on Stavros's table then he moved to our table.

"Where is Sabine?"

"She's in the powder room Gianni, what's up?" Leon was now all business, Gianni grinned.

"Is she sitting with us?"

"Nina's got business tonight so mama's with us. Why are you almost dancing on the spot brother?"

"I'm celebrating that's all."

"So the tasting went well then." He looked at Iris who smiled.

"Very well Leon, this man is a genius." She silently clapped Gianni.

"What is happening son?" Gran has to know.

"Iris and Tony are the top wine experts in Australia, they have just done a tasting of Gianni's new wines and he has surpassed the Cartasso brand by miles, the orders will be enormous gran."

"Well done my boy, come on give us a taste." Grandad had overheard me.

Gianni popped the lid and went to get some small glasses, Iris and Tony were all eyes when Sabine arrived back, Gianni placed small glasses on the table.

"The flagship of Gianni's wines." He grinned at Sabine.

"Hello again Iris and Tony good to see you both," Sabine said.

"You too Sabine it's been a while," Tony said.

"Yes it has Tony, now how did my son go?" She was ignoring Gianni's enthusiasm?

"Mama?"

"Let mama get the rundown first baby, I know they're good, remember I had some sent to the house."

"Oh, yes that's right Mama, but they weren't mine they were Cartasso wines, Tinker is my friend, you forgot that." He giggled at his mama's face, he got her good, her face didn't change.

"He blitzed everything on the market today, have you tried it yet?"

She looked at her son and said.

"Apparently not Iris and apparently Tinker isn't who I thought he was." Gianni was almost dancing on the spot then he said.

"I went to school with him, I did his homework mama, I wanted to surprise you that's all."

"Well you have son, now let me alone for a minute."

She picked her glass up and saluted her son. It didn't go unnoticed that Tony had eyes for Sabine and not in a professional way, more like a lusting moment.

"Oh my, Iris this is very good I have never tasted wine like this before are you sure it's legal?"

"Yes I am very sure Sabine there's a slight hint of something I can't name, it takes the sting out of the grape. Pure genius Gianni, pure genius."

"What is it Gianni tell mama?"

"No." He danced some more and was about to kiss me when Stavros appeared, he was the first to talk to Gianni about the wine then Nina, they both wanted to sample more. He told them it will be made available by Monday at the café, then he handed them both a bottle each.

"Ten million for the recipe." We heard.

"No."

"I won't pay anymore."

"Good because I'm not accepting any offers." She didn't go on she knows he's onto a winner and she wouldn't spoil his time in the sun.

It wasn't long before our guests were settling in and because we are a friendly lot they were introduced to just about everyone there before we all decided to eat.

"You have to stand in line, but I will go see what's on offer and get it for you if you like Iris," I whispered to her.

"No, I will do as the Romans do and help myself Antonio, what a gem of a place this is I am sure we will be back here again."

"Well the ladies auxiliary run the kitchen, they are just the best cooks apart from my gran that is." Gran puffed up.

She stood in line like the rest of us and her plate had a little of everything on it, there was plenty of chatter at the table, Sabine had taken over and as per usual she looked a million dollars, well to us she did, and to Tony. I felt they already knew each other on a personal basis.

"Who is Tony Iris, I mean I don't know who he is. Like is he a nephew, a driver, a friend?"

"I would like to say lover Antonio, but you wouldn't believe me. He's my grandson I am training him up. Well I have been training him for years now since he was twelve, he's just as good as me, but don't tell him that." She laughed.

"This food is amazing Antonio, it goes well with Gianni's wines."

"Good, the ladies will love you more for saying that, they do Angelo's restaurant at the market also, very popular place too."

"Oh young Angelo, how is he going?"

"He's doing very well his little shorts and tops are a big hit." I chuckled then I noticed gran had Lukas finally.

"I will call by one lunchtime and have a look, maybe I will send in the food experts to evaluate the food."

"Don't let him know he will be a nervous wreck all week."

"I won't believe me, he will never know he's being set up."

I looked over at Angelo's table Maxie Tommaso Ted and Pedro was with him and the parents, the smiles on their faces were priceless. The band started and that's when it got a little fussy on the dancefloor or didn't. Gianni asked me for a dance and I felt rather self-conscience out there on our own.

"Would you all please salute and welcome our club's newest married couple, Mr and Mr Gianni and Antonio Cartasso may they live long and be happy," The mike had been taken over by Leon. The music got louder and Gianni and I did the bridal waltz to a lot of cheering and clapping. Maxie and Tommaso were the next up then Carlos and Leon, the rest followed because the ladies had their frocks to swish around.

Gran and Iris got in quite a few dances, Stavros especially asked Iris for many dances she was puffed out, so in the end, she and he sat together talking business. I think he was smooching her to talk about his grandson's restaurant, but I have already organized that for him. Tony asked Sabine several times and they did look good together but I didn't know how she would cope with a relationship so close to her awakening. I have to talk to her again and find out how her therapy is going, I know she has found one that deals in her sort of area, but she hasn't said anything to me yet.

Angelo was on his lonesome tonight he didn't have a date and I wondered if the well had run dry and he is at a loose end. I remembered what Gianni had said, I was retired from the park toilets so I can't really help him out but once again lusting is good too.

I went to find Stavros who was surprisingly showing Iris how to play cards so I left them to it, I will talk to him tomorrow at the market. My son was yawning and gran took him to the children's room in his stroller he's had a big day at the market. Two attempted escapes and one dummy spit, he's going to be a handful when he realizes he can manipulate his Nona's. I was grabbed from behind when I returned to the table it was Tommaso's father who wanted a word with me, he wanted to thank me for getting the boys together. They had been sidestepping each other throughout school and he was glad they finally took the plunge, he also danced with me to the shock horror on Maxie and Tommaso's faces. I laughed as he escorted me back to the table and Gianni's face was unreadable until he leaned in and said.

"I thought you were off the market Mr. Cartasso." He emphasized my name.

"I am Mr. Cartasso, but sometimes my allure is too much for some men." I laughed so loud grandad slapped me. Iris eventually returned and she had a handful of matches.

"They forget I run a chain of hotels, now where do I cash up?"

"At the servery Iris, the ladies will look after you and have a look at the deserts they are amazing."

"Would gran like a dessert Antonio, she's with Lukas and probably won't leave him there on his own," Grandad said.

"I don't know grandad why don't you go and ask her?"

"Don't be disrespectful Antonio, go now and see to your grandmother."

I jumped up and saluted grandad then walked off giggling, Tommaso's father was watching me, I felt special.

Gran wanted a small cake so I went to get it for her, Lukas was fast asleep.

When I did my chore I went back to my seat, grandad and Gianni were in talks so I grabbed a piece of sweet ass and led Carlos onto the dance floor.

"You are having so much fun tonight Antonio, it's nice to dance with you also."

"And you too Carlos I have missed your buns." I placed my hand gently on his left cheek.

"Bun away anytime Antonio, they are yours to command." He laughed.

Eventually, we went back to the table, well that was after Gianni cut in which I wasn't too annoyed about.

"What did grandad want?"

"He wants to buy into our wine business." He smiled.

"And did he?"

"No Antonio he couldn't come up with the twenty million I was asking." He giggled.

"Seriously what did he want, or is it a secret?"

"Nothing for you to be concerned with Antonio he just wanted some advice."

"Okay baby I will leave it all up to you."

"Yes, I am the man." He whirled me around the dance floor and came to a sudden stop and kissed me. The clapping went on until I sat back down again.

It was time to go and I was surprised that Iris lasted so long, it was late and people were leaving with their kids by eleven-thirty. We walked iris and Tony up the road and waited until they drove off then we all walked home. There were people everywhere because it had been a busy night, so we spoke to many of them on the way, it took some time to lock the door behind us. The boys headed for the walkway and Gianni continued to kiss me. We put Lukas into his comfy bed and went out to see the brothers.

"It was a great night Antonio, we had a good time," Leon said.

"It was a monumental night Leon, especially for my husband." He kissed me again and smiled for miles.

Leon and Carlos were being very quiet I hope there's nothing wrong, or are they up to something you never know with those two.

I hadn't drunk too much tonight so they can't be planning another filming, but they were quiet.

"So what are you two up to?" I looked sideways at Carlos, he's the one who tells me everything.

"Nothing Antonio, we were talking at the club and thought we might buy an apartment for ourselves."

"You have one and don't think for one moment you are leaving this block of flats, I won't stand for it," I said just to make them feel wanted.

"No Antonio, we would never do that we just thought we might make mama an offer for the one we are in and knock a hole in the ceiling so we can access your apartment better."

"Not going to happen but if you want you can move in with us?"

"Antonio?" Gianni questions me all the time.

"Well if they're not happy in their flat why not live with us they practically do anyway."

"Good point."

"So when does Sabine want to move in?" I looked sideways at Carlos.

"As soon as possible."

"God help us." I moaned.

"Well she is happy at Nina's but she wants to be closer to Lukas, and Nina has a life, she's always having meetings at the flat, mama would like some space of her own sometimes."

"And she knows the baby is due in five months also."

"She's just being a good Nona Antonio, you are always suspicious, she likes babies."

Those moo-cow eyes of Carlos's were on me again and how can I resist them.

"What do you think Gianni, do we let these imps move in with us?"

"I don't mind at least they are clean." He giggled.

"Ok it will be finished soon so you can move into the bedroom with the ensuite."

"Thank you, Antonio."

"The rents two hundred and fifty a week."

"What?" Leon screamed.

"You heard me." I grinned.

"I do have a better idea, what about setting up your place and making it a home, rent my place and cut a hole in the wall?"

"We will get lonely Antonio." Leon moaned.

"I give up, I really give up this time. Gianni pour me another drink, then I'm going to bed. Get the cameras ready boys I want to be fully awake for this one, Carlos grease up."

It didn't happen because I think the thought of it all turned them on as they headed for their flat, I was left alone except for one very randy Gypsy prince.

In the morning two were in bed and one very animated little kid that needed changing. I got up and took him to the kitchen where I wiped him down as he told me about his morning, which in reality hasn't started yet. One clean nappy and a play on the floor will start his day off beautifully. Gianni came out looking for us he kissed me and then he played with his son on the floor, in the nude.

Sometimes I feel I'm living in a nudist colony so I went back to the bedroom and got him some shorts to put on. The boys were knocking on the door and I let them in, at least today they had jocks on, I went to put something on when I realized I was still naked.

Coffee was made and we sat staring at each other, I have had enough so I won't be cooking breakfast.

"I know, how about we go out for breakfast?" Leon said.

"How about you cook," I replied.

It was fate at that very moment the doorbell went and guess what, it was gran. Suddenly everyone was hopeful.

"Good morning boys, have you eaten yet?"

"No." We all said in unison.

"Well give me a minute and I will get you something." The clapping started. I don't know how I am going to do it but I have to discourage them from moving in with us otherwise I would be cooking every day. Grandad wanted to go look at the new build so Gianni took him upstairs to show him. The boys went next door to dress, I did think about locking the doors but that's just plain nasty.

"What's the matter grandson you look a little lost?" So I told gran about last night's revelations while she scrambled some eggs.

"So I'm going to have to be the bad son and put my foot down. I want this apartment for us only. We need to spend more time with Lukas and when the new baby arrives it will be chaos." She listened with her hands on her hips then she said.

"A simple no would suffice grandson. Just say no, then leave it at that."

I hadn't thought of that I must try it and see if it works.

"Thank you gran I knew you would have an answer."

"And anyway why would Sabine with all her money want to move into this building. I think the boys are having a little lend of you, again."

"Maybe gran." I picked up Lukas because he was standing up and staring at me.

"Has he eaten yet?"

"No Gran I was just about to do that when you knocked."

"I'm sure you were, here's some eggs for him and a piece of toast."

Everyone was seated by the time the food was placed on the table, I don't know how she does it.

Gianni had to get in early to unpack his new wines, he also wants to set up a tasting table. I showered and dressed then kissed my baby goodbye and we left by the back stairs, it was early but he assured me we had plenty to do.

I unloaded the cartons from the van and trolleyed them into the back room, I then started opening them. He had made space in the display fridges and had got himself a coffee, I stood hands on hips and looked at it, he smiled then went to make me one too.

I had noticed he had a fridge for each of his wines and the other side of the shop was four of the Cartasso ones. The expensive ones had big chunky gold chains on the doors with padlocks to match, I doubt whether they were strong enough because they were plastic, but they looked very elegant. Everywhere I looked I saw Gianni's name he had some extra signs stored away and as he used a fridge, he changed the display headers to his name.

Matt Ted and Pedro, then the boys arrived to start work. Ted and Pedro were eager to get started, it will be their first day without Maxie and Tommaso. They raved about last night and although they had been there before, it wasn't as much fun, they felt more comfortable with the surroundings. I was pleased for them and if they had taken the time to get to know people there they would have realized how tolerant they all were.

They weren't a couple and have known they were both gay at school, they were looking for their ever afters like Maxie and Tommaso and myself and Gianni. I told them not to be so eager to wait for that special person to walk in the door. They both giggled then got to work.

Gianni had set up his tasting table and was ready for anything that will be thrown his way. He went out the back and when he reappeared he had his wedding garb on, he was playing Gypsy today green scarf and all, his hat tilted back and his white blowsy shirt was opened to the max, with his wide braces holding the pants up, that chest, it so needed to be worshipped.

"So you're going the whole look for today baby?"

"Yes Antonio, I must look the part, do you like it?"

"I like baby, I like it a lot," I answered as I checked him over and rubbed his boobs.

"Good because your outfit is on the table out the back, please don't take too long to change I am expecting to be busy."

"I have a uniform also today, well lucky me."

"Yes it's a gypsy woman's dress." He nearly collapsed laughing.

I went to check out this dress but luckily for me it was the same as Gianni's outfit, less the scarf. The boys were already dressed but not the serving staff, Will, Ted and Pedro had sexy shorts and tank tops on I didn't know where to look first. Gianni's first customer was the guy from the event at the casino, he didn't want a tasting and again asked Gianni how much was Iris's order, he looked it up and told him, then he said he will have the same and to put it on his account.

"You don't want to taste it?"

"No thank you, Gianni. I gave up drinking twenty years ago I leave it up to Iris to let me know if it's good or bad, here is another order for the cheaper ones we already are keeping they are doing exceptionally well my boy." Gianni puffed up the boys opened a bottle then went out the back. I poked my head in and Leon said.

"He doesn't need us Antonio, we have to plan our move today anyway." I guess this is as good a time as ever.

"What move?"

"To our new apartment on the roof."

"Not happening, sorry boys, but if Sabine wants to move into your apartment then it's your problem, not ours, so it's a big fat no from me."

"But Antonio, we have made plans and are almost ready."

"Unmake them, ask Sabine to buy you a bigger one." As luck would have it they didn't argue but they moaned a lot, thank you gran.

I went to see if I could help Gianni, he wasn't busy but I think that will change after lunch, it's still early yet. I watched as he was writing something on a piece of paper then he passed it to me, four containers. The orders will show up on the warehouse computer and the men will start sending them out, I hope he's got more stock coming.

My ladies arrived with cakes for us and desserts for Angelo's, they looked amazing I must order one later on. They filled the display cabinet and took away the old ones from out the back then filled it. It's a good money spinner and they are delicious.

I made us a coffee and we sat behind the wine counter, I heard the boys sort of arguing out the back room.

"What's the matter with them Antonio?"

"I just told them they can't move in with us."

"Really? How did they take that?"

"Well as you can hear they aren't happy."

"Maybe they can, maybe they will get lonely." I started laughing.

"They can't move in Gianni, I want our home to be just for us three, and when bubs arrives there will be four. They have a great apartment and I doubt whether Sabine wants to move in there I think it's all a ruse to get me cooking and washing for them."

"Well that is your own fault Antonio, you started doing that when I first came with you. One thing I know about my brothers you never give them an inch because they will take a mile. It has been always a problem with them Antonio."

"Well I'm not giving them an inch on this move, believe me."

"Can I come too Antonio?"

"You may come with Lukas and me. I like watching you in the nudo" I smiled and walked off to tell the boys to be quiet. I then went to see Alice and Bianca, they were flat out so I served some customers until the shop was empty. Gianni was flat out when I got back so I poked my head out the back and yes the wine was flowing.

"Your brother needs some help out here, do you think you might do some work today?"

They jumped off their seats and started helping customers, not so many orders just the everyday wines. I pitched in and started with the customers out the front the boys also got busy. Three men in business suits needed attention so I headed their way and took their orders for coffee, they asked if they could try the new wines so I placed their coffee order with Matt, then went to get a tasting tray.

In the meantime I got a text from my friend at the casino, she was placing an order. I had couriered sample bottles to her early yesterday morning. I took the tray back to the guys and they wanted water to clean their pallets, they were from the Australian winemakers co-op a government organization.

"Good morning Iris, Tony." One man said as Iris and Tony turned up.

"I was wondering how long it will take you guys to turn up here, what took you all so long?"

"You know we always wait until the rush settles down Iris but this one is too good to pass up, it's stunning." Not a word I would use but he's close.

"Well I'm here for lunch, would you all care to join me? Hello Antonio, please forgive my rudeness."

"That okay Iris, it's good to see you both again." She winked at me.

"Leave this one to me baby." She whispered.

"Who are they?"

"Co-op buyers, Australia wide, don't stress leave it to nanna Iris." She laughed.

Shit I know they buy in bulk for all those little shops that don't get the discounts the big outlets get.

They took their coffees and didn't leave a drop in their tasting cups and joined Iris and Tony inside Angelo's. I ran back inside and took two bottles into Angelo's, I made sure they served them to Iris's guests, then I went back to help Gianni.

"Where have you been Antonio, I have been busy?"

"Are the boys helping?"

"Yes, but I want you to help too."

"Okay, I will just enter this order from the casino then I can do the one from Dan Murphy's and Duncan's bottle shops, and then I am all yours."

"What?"

"Well I have been working Gianni, I don't just sit on my ass all day and drink wine. I shipped samples out to my friends early yesterday morning, so the orders are piling up on my phone." I stared at the boys they blushed.

"Also, be aware the Australian wine co-op guys are here with Iris, they have just done a tasting and Iris has taken them to lunch, I have just taken two bottles of your best into Angelo's to be served to them." I wiggled my eyebrows then my bum as I went out the back to have a wine.

"Thank you." He poked his head in.

"My pleasure handsome." I winked.

I had stopped entering orders and served customers instead, they were all wanting tasting trays. I think Gianni should have charged for them.

When Iris and Tony came in they were taken out the back and wines were produced. She said she now has two new places to dine at and just had the most amazing luncheon on the co-op tab.

"Yes Gianni, they are going back to the office to place a large order with your business." She smiled.

"Thank you, but why?"

"Why what Gianni?"

"Why are you doing all this for us?"

"Because your new, you're brilliant, and I love your wines, your friends, your son, and this place. Don't ever change the concept boys it will make you less noticeable."

"So you're saying we are breathing new life into the wine industry."

"Exactly Antonio, but you didn't hear that from me. The boys I just had lunch with think Gianni wines will begin a new adventure to change the Australian wine industry. It's been a little stagnant these past years."

"Excuse me please." Tony took a bottle with glasses out to the front Sabine had turned up with Nina.

"He's smitten with her Antonio."

"So he should be, she's a wonderful woman."

"They have a small history he was devastated when she left." Iris looked sad.

"She has a few problems to work on first she's doing that now."

"I understand Antonio, we all have some sort of baggage. Tell me if I'm being forward but is there a divorce in the wind?"

"Not what you think, quick rundown. Ramone and Sabine were forced into marriage, they are now realizing they have missed out on a lot in their drive to be famous winemakers. I don't know whether a divorce has been discussed, but they are going their separate ways."

Iris smiled cheekily and saluted me.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome."

"Iris there's a man here to see you."

"Can he come back here?"

"Of course he can." The scruffy-looking man poked his head in, he held up nine fingers and did a small tap dance, then he left. What an extraordinary thing to happen, I looked back at Iris and she was smiling from ear to ear.

"So?" I said, she laughed.

"He said he's giving Angelo's a nine out of ten, and he's as happy as the leading lady in a Broadway show." She laughed.

"The foodie?"

"Yes my friend, tell Angelo to hold onto his hat, it's going to be a big ride for him. My foodie knows everyone in the business, so when his write-up appears on Saturday Angelo will be looking at extra space. My friend has never given a restaurant nine out of ten, a seven maybe but never a nine."

She and Tony had to go she said she has never had so much fun for a long time and she will be back, I noticed her talking to Stavros on the way out.

I was so pleased for Angelo and Gianni, I went next door to see if he is doing anything about the hole in the wall to join the other shop. Nothing had been done, so I pulled him out the back and told him to get every available tradie and try to set up the new area by the weekend. He was full of questions, but I was tight-lipped and I urged him to do it as soon as possible.

The last I saw him he was talking to Nina and Stavros.

I did know the article would be in the Saturday papers they usually have epicure lift-outs, which gives Angelo four days to get set up.

"Antonio, please tell me what happened for you to make this so urgent. I need to know because I am worried."

I looked him up and down and said.

"It will be revealed in Saturdays Epicure lift out."

"What? I had a food critic in?"

I zipped my mouth then went to help my husband laughing my head off.

"Antonio where have you been mama's been looking for you."

"I'm right here sweet cheeks want to go to the toilet and fool around?"

"No stay here and help me." Then he paused then grabbed my hand and took me to the toilet, I passed Sabine and the boys and said.

"Sabine won't be a moment, Leon, get in that shop." He darted out as fast as Gianni had my shorts down.

Both the boys were in the shop when we reappeared, Sabine rolled her eyes and I sat and had a drink with her. She was wanting to know about the orders we had taken.

"About five containers lovely, there will be more as the week proceeds."

"That's very good Antonio, I am pleased for my son." I didn't detect jealousy just pleasure for her son.

"Are you going to date Tony?" She dropped her head her long dark curls covered her face.

"Antonio, I know he likes me, we met at an event in Hong Kong a few years back, We had a couple of dinners and I do like him a lot but I still have concerns."

"Okay in your own time, have you started with the therapist yet?" I was almost whispering because it's nobody's business, not even mine but I wanted to ask.

"Yes, we are doing good things together, he's very gentle and listens to this old woman's stories without judgment."

"He won't have anything to judge you for Sabine, you are the victim."

"I know, it's just I find myself blaming me for it all, I have to change my mindset. He is helping me with that."

"Antonio, I will come to your walkway one night and tell you my concerns, it is not the right place here." She smiled.

"Okay when your ready baby." I kissed her cheeks and poured her another wine. We moved out the front and instantly a baby appeared. I cleaned tables as we talked about her living with Nina, she said the boys were making it all up and she's very happy to stay where she is.

"Don't let them control you Antonio, they are very good at manipulating people that's why they do the events they have the knack of selling that extra container load when the client isn't interested." My mind went back to them telling me they cruise clients to get orders but I think that's stopped now.

For the next four days, I watched Angelo's expand and workmen were rushing to get it finished.

"Have you got enough staff Angelo?"

"I wish you would stop that Antonio, I would have told you." He wasn't happy with me, I held up nine fingers his jaw dropped and he rushed into his business to help the tradies.

As it turned out when I grabbed the paper on my way to work there was a full page write up the foodie wrote it like it was a fabulous journey around Italy and he did give it nine big stars. Angelo was there when I arrived he was sitting on his own in the darkness of his restaurant. I waved to him and he rushed out and grabbed me.

"Thank you, thank you I have been here since three am cleaning how did you manage it?"

"Iris did, she knows people, and expect to give her some free lunch's she has launched your business in a huge way. You couldn't pay enough money for that advertisement kiddo. I am so proud of you I could burst. He held me to him and I detected a slight bump.

"Do you feel it?"

"Yes."

"Well it's for you whenever you want it." I laughed, he kissed my cheek then whispered.

"Seriously Antonio, it's only for you." Then he winked and the moment was lost. My head was spinning for the rest of the day and so was Angelo's tush it didn't stop moving from my eyesight, Gianni said he could use two of our tables and he moved the extra one from out the back to help out, his restaurant was packed. Of course it's not only the service, it's the food and the ladies had pinned the critic's write up to the walls of the kitchen and plenty made it into the restaurant, I think Angelo is having a couple framed for his walls, I know I am.

Donations to Nifty are much appreciated.