Impossible Love

Impossible Love 66

Maxieplus

I slept soundly because we were alone and the babies slept through the night, except Lukas, who had made his way in sometime during the night. He has grans today and his garden so he's excited and wants to go as soon as possible. I was a bit heady like a hangover thing, but it's just jet lag, and Gianni surprisingly had two babies in his arms and was feeding them while little Antonio rolled around on the floor.

I bathed them and Lukas kept giving me daggers because I was taking too long.

"Nonna won't be ready for another hour baby." I knew bloody well she would be up at sparrows fart, and so did he.

"Now!" He shouted.

"Okay okay let me get your brothers ready." He turned the TV up so he didn't have to listen to me.

The boys helped us get them into the van and Gianni drove us to grans place. Lukas was out of that car in no time and gran was on the porch waiting for him, there wasn't any time for cuddles as he screamed into the house and out the back slamming it behind him.

"Wow." I could hear him yelling. We all had to go and have a look and his pots were blooming with flowers and herbs, he was talking to them when I arrived.

The table was set and we sat down and talked about our holiday, we didn't even scratch the surface last night it was just a case of catching them up on the stuff we did.

The babies will go with us because gran has enough to do, but we assured her we will be back in the afternoon to collect that hyperactive toddler called Lukas.

Breakfast was wonderful as usual and when we hit the café it was a case of who to hug first, Angelo smelt so familiar when I hugged him I think he missed us because he lingered a little. The babies were whisked off by Alice and Bianca and a nice space was set up for them to spend a few hours in.

Nina arrived and was looking around after we hugged her and I told her they were in the florist shop, so she also disappeared.

The café looked wonderful to my eyes and the boys had already set up out the back hopefully after their naughty holiday they will help whenever they can, but I feel Nina will collar them very shortly.

No Iris today I told her to stay at home and nap, she said she will go to Gino's and play with Sam for a while, but she was relieved she didn't have to come to work. The holiday had taken a bit out of her and I hope she recovers and settles down now she is back at home. I looked around the café and nothing had changed, the boys had done an awesome job of keeping it alive and I thanked them many times. As in the past, they will get a large bonus in their next pay packet.

"You two, with me please," Nina shouted from the front, although she couldn't see them she knew they had heard her because they ran out with a bottle in hand to do her bidding.

I giggled as they were marched upstairs and then I went to have a look in Angelo's, he had renovated the third dining room and installed an entrance that led to the street. This will make it easier for his nightly customers to access his restaurant.

"It looks so good baby." He grinned.

"I take it business is good to you?" I went on.

"Better than ever Antonio, but I didn't pay for it, the market did."

"I see grandad's been looking out for you, is he?"

"No, I did this one all on my own over a bottle of wine with Nina."

"Umm, and the lashed flittered and maybe a good look at your buns?"

"Exactly." He laughed.

He's using sex to manipulate Nina. I must try it sometime.

"Come on Antonio, I am waiting."

"Waiting for what?" He has already had sex this morning what else has he in mind.

"Remo's"

"Good, let's go, stop lagging Gianni come on." I laughed as he followed me over to the other side of the market.

"You're back!" Remo shouted from his counter.

"Good to see you kiddo, how's business been?"

"My god, where do I start. I am already looking at buying dad a new truck, I have so much to be thankful for and I thank you both so much." He took some pasta out of the cabinet and weighed it for his customer.

"That good is it?"

"I haven't stopped, gran comes every other day to help us and the ladies have a half dozen bakers to help make the pasta, my customers can't get enough of it." I leaned over the counter and asked.

"It's not just the Italian community buying is it?"

"No hardly at all Antonio, the aussie's are my best customers the Italians can make their own." He laughed then looked at his customer.

"That will be twenty-five dollars thank you, Janice."

"You're welcome Remo, I will be back next week for some more, my family is so hooked on your pasta." The customer walked off and I knew then Remo is going to 'rock' it.

"Where are the babies?" His face lit up.

"In the florist shop."

"I will be back in fifteen minutes Maria, got babies to welcome back." Maria smiled and I winked at her because I knew she would be next in line to see them.

He rattled off all the things he has been doing while we slowly walked to the shop, it sounds like he's looking for apartments, he's thinking big which is very good. I had better talk to Stavros about Angie's money also.

A big cuddle from Alice and Remo was out the back to see his cousins, I sat and talked to Stavros and Gianni went to serve behind the wine counter.

"So you had a good holiday Antonio."

"Yes Stavros it was nice, but I do get homesick a lot."

"Maybe you're not meant to go there so much Antonio, maybe the allure of Italy is right here in your very own backyard."

"I think your right, I only go to see the other family members and as soon as I get there I want to come home again." He smiled.

"Now have you spoken to Angie?" I went on.

"Yes Antonio, I now have her money to spend and have put the feelers out for a nice apartment in your area. Your grandfather owns several maybe you might talk to him also."

"Oh no you don't, this isn't family business it's an investment for Angie our friend, if you like I will search one out."

"Please don't be disrespectful Antonio, it was just a suggestion."

"How many?"

"How many what?"

"Apartments does my grandfather own?"

"Not many Antonio, not as many as your grandmother does."

"What?"

"Your nonna is well known for her frivolous real estate interests Antonio, hasn't she told you?"

"No, she hasn't, I am under the impression she doesn't own anything."

"I have said too much Antonio, please don't repeat my slip of the tongue, your nonna will skin this old man alive."

I left it and changed the subject because I don't want to know, but the more I thought about it the more I was intrigued. I know Nonno has property and probably money, but apart from a few poker machine wins now and then nonna doesn't talk about money with me.

I finished with Stavros then went to help my husband behind the counter.

"What business did you have with Stavros?"

"Angie's money baby, he's looking for a flat for her."

"I see, has he found one yet?"

"No, he told me to ask grandad."

"And not your grandmother?" He raised his eyebrows.

I stared at him intensely then grabbed a cheap bottle of plonk out of the fridge then proceeded to open it. I am not going to bite, not in this lifetime anyway.

Before I flipped the top off I went to the florist shop to check on the babies once again. They were sleeping peacefully and I prayed they will like it here with us. Alice said they fell asleep just after Remo and Bianca changed them. I told her to hire another woman for the shop but she insisted they can handle it, and if the shop got busy she will call me in.

I went back and poured myself a drink, Gianni was still standing behind the counter smiling, no I'm not biting.

The boys came back, moaning their heads off. Nina was getting them to sign loads of documents and they were worried that they may be signing their wealth away to her they didn't know what she was making them do.

"Okay firstly you both bloody well know what you were signing, so don't complain to me I know you both so very well." They shut up then tried a different tact by pouring me another vino. Gianni poked his head in and asked if he could have one too. I smiled and got a glass for him, no I am still not biting at his comment.

We sailed through our day and after the initial shock of being back to work it settled down to business as usual. The babies were awake when we picked them up and after a minute or two of giving them their gentle kisses, we loaded them into the car.

Lukas was happy to see us and we had to go and look at the weeding he had done today. I had lost the idea of making one for him at home, this way he gets to watch TV with his grandad and attend to his garden with his grandmother, and we get takeaway food.

It was packed into a carry bag and we were assured there was plenty for everyone including Tommaso and Maxie, I hugged gran and yes I lingered. I wanted to smell her perfume, she never really wears any but to me, she has a very special scent, so I lingered.

Back home I rang the gang and except for Maxie who was working late the rest came up including Iris. She had gone to see Sam and Anna and then slept her day away. She said that Sabine and Tony did almost the same and they will be on board tomorrow for another meeting that was scheduled. She couldn't get down on the floor so now and then I handed her a baby to cuddle while I warmed up dinner.

"Take some home for Maxie Tommaso, he can have it when he gets in."

"I will Antonio thank you, those labels are great by the way."

"You can thank Iris for that one."

"Thank you, Iris."

"My pleasure baby, are you excited?"

"We can't sleep with worry, Max thinks it's going to be a big bomb but I keep telling him to settled down it will all work out."

"It will, and we must find something else for you to sell, like mixed olive platters but let's do the cheese first."

Poor Tommaso his face was red and he was speechless.

We ate grans wonderful food and I noticed the pasta was homemade tonight and wondered if she made it or bought it from Remo, knowing my gran she shopped at Remo's for it.

The get-together tonight was awesome, everyone was there and Gino was as usual asking all sorts of questions and was eager to get to Italy when Sam is a little older.

His pots were all just about finished he had done well with them so I have to find something else that he can keep over winter. The city will have winter plants just bushes no flowers they can be boring but they look good also. I had been warned not to place any really expensive ones in the public pots because they sometimes get pilfered by over-eager home gardeners.

"Gianni you have to start advertising your collector wine and try and get some orders in before it arrives," Iris said.

"I will start tomorrow and make space for it, that means the last Cartasso fridge will be used." He looked at Federico who had little Luca in his lap.

"We are open Gianni, no need for you to keep any Cartasso wines we will do well anyway. Your collector wine should be kept in a special place not in the fridge because I doubt whether anyone will buy it to drink straight away. Have you decided on a price?"

"I think twelve hundred dollars uncle,"

"Twenty-five hundred Gianni, not a penny less," Iris murmured.

"What?" I said.

"It's worth every penny Antonio, he asks that price and no arguments." A sly grin appeared on her face. I don't know whether she still does the radio spot or not but if she does Gianni is going to be busy taking orders I think.

"I believe we are getting two top-shelf ones also Gianni, we are very proud of you." Gianni puffed up.

The boys were back in our bed and Carlos's ass was in Gianni's face in the morning, I left them arguing after a few slaps were heard. I went to the toilet then checked the kids, Lukas was waking up and the others were happily playing in their cots. After kissing them all I went and put some bottles in the warmer. Gianni came out and kissed me then he wanted the babies, so he went to get them and he changed nappies on the floor. The sun was coming up this morning but there was still a chill in the air.

When the boys came out they helped with the kids and Lukas even got some eggs on toast to sit in front of the TV. Gran will be here soon if she feels up to it, and we will take the kids to work. Lukas can make his mind up where he wants to be for the day. Gianni started checking his emails and there was another one from the gypsy's so he read the posted announcement then voted.

I have no idea what it was about and didn't want to know that's his business. The lift started and gran and grandad came up, she grabbed Lukas, and then the babies and positioned herself behind the large kitchen counter to start breakfast.

"Ring the boys Antonio." I did that chore and five minutes later they arrived, they grabbed babies and grandad sat on the couch with Lukas.

"Ring Iris Antonio."

"Of course gran." Silly me I should have done that minutes ago. She arrived and was passed a baby to play with, she looked at me and that grin was still on her face.

"I think we should go in early Gianni, I think we are going to be busy."

"Why do you say that Antonio?"

"Because I think Iris did a radio talk last night."

"Really?"

"Yes." I knew she did because when I looked again she had a big smile on her face.

I should have listened to it but she has never told me what station she was on and when, but I thought it was maybe a local community one. We all ate grans wonderful food and then it was time to go, I bundled up the kids and asked Lukas if he was coming or staying.

"Stay here daddy." I took a second look at him and smiled, he's stringing his words together, and gran smiled. He kissed his brothers goodbye then we all piled into the lift but not Tommaso he has a book day at the university, so he was heading to the station to get there by train.

Maxie was on edge and he was worried that he might be cruised at Uni, he didn't fully support Tommaso's decision to go there, he wanted him working with him. I know what his fears were once Tommaso is fully at Uni, he may be a target for anyone that wants to bed him or god forbid attack him, he told me last week that he's already been asked to join the gay group by some school mates.

"I might lose him, Antonio. I couldn't bear it if he left me."

"He won't, he loves you too much." I think Maxie overthinks things in his head.

"But he might want more than I can give him."

"He won't."

"I might buy him a special ring or something really expensive if the business is good."

"Buying something for him is nice Maxie, but it won't solve anything. Words are your greatest asset, if you tell him how much you love him and treat him well, he will be putty in your hands. Buying expensive gifts isn't what love is about, just a few choice words here and there will cement any doubt you have in your relationship."

That's all I could say and I must sit down with Tommaso and have a good brotherly talk with him. If their business pans out the way I think it will, Tommaso will be leaving University within months and Maxie will have nothing more to worry about. Because he will do it to be with Maxie more and there is always the online university.

We were met by Ted, he said he arrived early and the people waiting for coffee were here to see Gianni, yep thank you very much, Iris. She sat with them and talked the wine up, they knew it hadn't arrived yet but wanted to be first on the list. I helped with the coffee's and Gianni got out a new order book then went to sit with the five buyers.

At one stage Iris had her hand on his and he was looking a bit lost so I moved to the table and looked at what he had been writing. These guys were wine cellar owners, they deal with expensive collectible wines, it was as good as cash in their world. I learned from Iris that the orders wouldn't be for sale through the normal channels but was assured the price would be doubled as the word got out to the overseas fine wine communities.

"Now Gianni, this order is for the US, can it be shipped directly?"

"Yes sir, that is very possible."

"Good, we didn't know whether you dealt with the American wine industry as yet."

"I don't, but the Cartasso does, we have to be careful there because we don't want to upset the local wine industry which you would know is massive."

"Well they also want your wines Gianni, so take this order and any taxes and shipping will be paid by the buyer where applicable." He was almost smiling when he handed the printout to Gianni. The stool fell from under him as he stood up, Iris tried to grab his arm before he fainted but my man being himself burst out in tears, and we all know why.

He couldn't speak for a long time and I looked at the order it wasn't for a pallet of wine it was twenty-five container loads.

"This will take some time boys, I think Gianni has underestimated his wines once again," Iris said.

"No problem when it's done it's done, but they will need it and the order is firm, any down payments will be paid by the end of the week."

Gianni still couldn't speak so I leaned over and said.

"It's the Italian thing, he will come good soon."

"We understand completely Antonio, we had to get these orders in before the rush." The head man smiled.

"The rush?" I heard Gianni whisper.

"Yes, the rush, all these orders are for wine collectors you can expect the small website dealers to buy and of course those looking to turn a quick buck by selling on Ebay, at twice the price."

"As a Cartasso you would know the volume of wine consumption in the world, billions of dollars are spent on it every year, so we congratulate you on making the perfect wine, and our industry thanks you also." They finished their coffee's and got the relevant bank codes from me, then patted Gianni's shoulder and left. He was in such a befuddled moment he stood up and tried to thank them but his words came out in Italian which the guys accepted wholeheartedly, he is so adorable when he's befuddled.

I went to get him a glass of wine and Iris eyed me off, okay you get one too, and I may as well get one for myself, we have a celebration to toast.

"How can we ever thank you, Iris."

"You don't need to thank me boys, all I did was make one phone call."

"So you didn't announce it on the radio last night?"

"No my lovelies, just one phone call to a wine expert friend, who happens to be the president of the American wine collectors guild, he spread the word for us overnight." She grinned.

"How the hell did he do that?"

"He's a real gossiper and he couldn't wait to run up an expensive phone bill." She laughed.

"Now I want to talk to you about something that I think is very important... friends."

"Yes Iris, what about friends?"

"Only one in particular Antonio, Gino."

"So what can we do for Gino?"

"He's struggling and Anna is worried he may be heading down a slippery slide, she told me he's tired of going to the wholesalers, and with winter coming again he's struggling even more. She said he shouldn't have bought the second apartment but she understands why little Sam's future" I know how he feels about winter, I did it for nearly three seasons it was awful.

"He is also getting moody because he thinks he will never get ahead in this world, while people close to him succeed easily."

"We can't have that Iris, what can we do. I have to tell you it hasn't gone unnoticed, I have wracked my brain for something to help him get a leg up, but I keep coming up with nothing."

"You didn't ask me, Antonio." I looked at Gianni and realized I hadn't included him, because of Gino and my history.

"What have you in mind?"

"I need a personal assistant Antonio, one that doesn't slack off drinking all day and hitting on our neighbors, like Angelo. I need someone to coordinate all these orders and I need something like a private secretary. Is that what you had in mind Iris?" He looked at her.

"Yes Gianni spot on, Gino knows his wines, if you had taken more notice, Antonio, he knows them as much as I do, well almost. Gianni can't do all this by himself and he loves selling his wines but I doubt he loves the paperwork that comes with it. I was wondering if you offered Gino an obscene amount of money then talk to Nina and maybe you could set up an office for him to sit in, one of those unused spaces she has, and he could be Gianni's second in charge."

"Will he go for it?" I said.

"He will," Gianni said.

"What about our history Gianni?'

"What history Antonio?" He leaned in and kissed me.

"Then we do it."

"Antonio I have been thinking for some time I need someone to assist me. I don't want you to because you have business and babies to look after, even though I think you would be brilliant at the job I don't think we would get much done." He grinned and blushed.

I understood Gianni likes it the way it is and so do I and I was awake to what Iris was doing, she was taking Gianni's mind off his big order shock, and I was pleased as punch Gino will be included in our business. Now the biggest problem is how do we tell him?

I got excited because of all our friends its Gino that needs us the most, especially now he has Anna and little Sam.

Gianni was deep in thought as he looked at the orders again then he had a brilliant idea.

"We can send them to Italy to the winery and he could see for himself how big it is."

"Or I can show him my photos Gianni, this job has become rather urgent now," Iris said all business-like.

"Would Nina and the boys let us rent the office space?" She asked.

"I think she might Antonio, there's only her and Jimmy up there, there's plenty of space."

"What's an obscene amount of money?" I laughed.

"I don't know, but he will be worth his weight in gold. Maybe seventy thou a year and point five percent of the sales, that's got to be a lot more than he earns now."

I calculated that the sales alone will outweigh the monthly wage.

I slipped the piece of paper over to Gianni and in the grand scheme of things, it was a princely sum, but well worth it.

"Keep in mind he will probably need an assistant," Iris said then she sipped her wine.

"Pat," I screamed.

"Maybe, but we let Gino pick, he has to trust this person with loads of top-secret recipes." She laughed.

Gianni kissed me again, then it happened. People came from nowhere, sellers home collectors, and customers that wanted to know what was happening. I slinked off to see my babies and was grateful Gianni didn't want me as his number two because I wouldn't be in the office much at all. They were all smiles when they saw me and started groaning because I was taking my time to pick each one up to kiss. Luca laughed the most and his little fingers wouldn't let me go, he wanted plenty more.

"What's happening over there, Antonio?" Alice was curious.

"Gianni's new wine, the collectors one, it's been noticed and is taking off, no stock yet just heaps of future orders to place."

"My God," She crossed herself.

"More like my Iris I think Alice."

"Have some respect for the Madonna Antonio." I looked up and crossed myself and said.

"Sorry, Madonna." I shouldn't have said that because for the next three hours I was playing 'like a virgin' in my head and my ass strutted as I walked about the café, and it didn't go unnoticed by you know who.

Gianni had seven order books filled by the end of the day and he was smiling from ear to ear he couldn't wait to tell Sabine but she was AWOL today, with the jet lag, I think or was it a case of Tony interfering.

I had a moment after lunch to go see Nina, she sat and listened to my plan, and that smile on her face was priceless. We agreed on a few things then I told her I would send Gianni up in the morning after we get Gino on our side.

I was excited for my friend, and Nina's girls at the same time, and when we arrived home and gran and grandpa said their goodbye's I took the opportunity when the boys were laying on the floor playing with the babies to take Gianni into our bedroom. I locked the door and pushed him on the bed, he moaned.

"Thank god I have been watching your ass all day."

It was a wonderful get-together and most welcomed, I think I got him covered in spit and kisses, he looked very satisfied.

"Now before we eat I want to know what you said to Nina." He doesn't miss a thing.

"I asked her about some office space, she agreed we will need some and was okay to rent us whatever we wanted. Then I asked her if the Italian club would like to take over Gino's fresh fruit and veggie stall, as a collective. They can take it in turns to go to the market or have it all delivered. She jumped at the chance but I have to tell you, it's a gift, we won't get our money back."

"Okay, how does it all happen then?"

"We offer to buy his stall for the Italian club if he will agree to come and work for you."

"For us." He corrected me.

"Will he?'

"We will have to offer him money, more than it's worth but he will sell."

"Yes, I am all for giving Gino more money he is a good friend and lover for you."

"I thought that was in the past."

"Only for sometimes Antonio." He grinned.

I slapped him and told him to have some respect for me, he blushed I gave him another suck, I think we agree now.

The food was on when we got back and the boys were onto their wine, they are being very quiet since we got back from Italy. I will let them off the hook because I do love them. Carlos had Gianni and Leon had Antonio, Luca played blissfully on the floor until Gianni picked him up and sat on the sofa with Lukas. I placed the dishes on the table and called the boys from downstairs. They didn't need a second invitation and were up those stairs in no time.

"How did you go at Uni Tommaso, did you get all you wanted?"

"Yes Antonio, they are pretty expensive even the second-hand ones." I looked at him.

"No, we don't need a handout but thank you for thinking of us though." Mindreader. I need to do two things tonight, talk to Tommaso and Gino.

The food as usual was superb and Maxie said he will meet us downstairs and he will bring his cheese. He helped me load the dishwasher and I gave him the rest of the food just in case they got hungry later on. I bundled the babies up and we all went downstairs. Alice Iris Gino Anna and baby Sam were waiting on the steps. Not a big crowd tonight but true friends except for those pesky brothers of mine, who I love dearly.

"You don't like sitting with me anymore Carlos?" he had sat on a chair.

"Yes I do like to sit with you very much Antonio, but I thought you might like to be by yourself." His head dropped. I leaned over and took his hand and smiled.

"It's a bit lonely over here baby." He was sitting beside me in an instant then Leon followed as I took his hand also.

"Winters coming Gino, another four months of chilly mornings." I smiled at my friend he groaned Anna placed her arm over his shoulders and kissed him.

`I am not looking forward to it Antonio, I would much rather be warm in bed with my family."

"You need to look for a better job my friend."

"I don't think I could do much more than what I am doing Antonio."

"You can order stock, do bookwork, and talk on the phone can't you?"

"All basic things to do in my business." He tried to smile because now I'm being stupid.

"I will give you a hundred thousand in cash for your business and you can come and work for me." Gianni interrupted. I didn't care who asked Gino as long as he is listening.

"No you can't it isn't worth that, there's no stock to talk about and all I have to sell is a cool room, the forklift, and bins. What could I do for you Gianni being stuck behind a coffee machine isn't much good?"

"You won't be, I need a personal assistant, in fact, I'm now desperate for someone to do that job."

"What about us Gianni, we help you." Leon moaned.

"You do boys but you also have a market and some events to do, you can't be on call all day." The boys arrived with their cheese and it was handed around.

"Listen to me Gino, Gianni's business is now out of control, between the babies, Antonio and the café he doesn't have much time to spend on his real customers, that's where you come in. You know your wines." Iris said.

"But I don't." He protested.

"You do, I watch you and you know the basics and can talk wines with me all night, so don't try and downgrade yourself. What Gianni wants is someone to run his wholesale business, you will choose your very own assistant. You have to dine with buyers make sure the orders go out every day, and now he is going to crack the US market you will probably be required to travel a little." Iris has it all worked out. Anna was nearly pissing herself because she knows we are right, and we are stitching her husband to be up.

"I won't be able to do it, I'm just a greengrocer."

It was the boys that convinced Gino he wasn't just a shop assistant he had many qualities, they will help him from the start they know everything that goes on.

"I would love to be home with Anna and Sam out of the cold Gianni, do you think I can do it?"

"One hundred grand says you can, we want your business for the Italian club they have many charities to donate to."

"They won't want it, it's hard work."

"Not the way they are going to run it, my friend, we leave that to them."

"I will donate it then."

"They will pay for it?" They won't, we will.

"Fifty grand then."

"Do you want that in cash?"

"Of course." He has taken the plunge now there's no going back.

"Okay seventy-five grand a year and a percentage of the orders, that will triple your wages." Gianni is into this stuff.

"That's too much I don't even make that much in my pocket each year."

"That's what you are worth to us Gino and if you try and argue I will send Antonio to your house to sort you out." Gianni was being assertive.

The conversation turned to what he would be doing and while Iris the boys and Gianni did, I rang Nina.

She had spoken to her group and they were all excited to run the business. She said they know wholesalers and will have the veggies and fruit delivered, they will take shifts because of the children, and job sharing is their business. I told her to tell the ladies to start trading from next Wednesday. Nina said she will sort out the contracts and Gino will be affectedly gone by the weekend the ladies wanted to pretty up the stalls. I hung up and looked at Gino.

"Done, Nina's ladies will take over next Wednesday Gino start having a closing down sale." I grinned. Like Gianni, it was all too much for Gino and a tear escaped from his eye as he stared at me.

"You are the Padrino Antonio, the leader of the Italian community, thank you for this opportunity." He smiled at last.

"Your welcome my friend."

"I guess we had better get that suit hunting done as soon as possible," Anna said as she held Sam close.

"A suit?" He looked at Gianni.

"I told you only for customer dinners Gino." No, he didn't, I didn't hear Gianni say that to him, then the penny dropped.

Gino winked at me.

I threw my arms in the air and screamed.

"You fucking knew, he told you, and you fucking sat there and watched Iris and I prattle on like fools, I'm fed up with you lot I really am this time." I wasn't mad, I just had to do this because it's expected of me and it was a good excuse to get drunk.

I looked at a blushing Gino and he pointed his thumb to the boys.

"So, it was you two shitheads, never again never never never will I ever tell you anything ever again." They blushed and started complaining that it was Gianni that told them to tell Gino. I sat down again and took a baby to cuddle, then passed my glass to Leon.

"You're on drinks duty tonight, let's celebrate."

"Antonio?" Gianni's eyebrows lifted.

"Game on," Iris said once again.

"And while I'm on the subject of dealing with frustrating children, Maxie and Tommaso get your fucking act together." They looked scared of me.

"You have a computer Tommaso?"

"Yes, Antonio." He gulped.

"Then bloody well use it, do your courses online for god's sake, how hard do you want to make your life anyway."

"What?"

"Do your uni online that frees you up to help in your whats going to be a very lucrative business, I'm so over dealing with you all. Just do it." I nearly screamed, poor Iris cringed because I think she thought she may be next in my firing line.

Donations are gratefully received by Nifty