Impossible Love

Impossible Love 67

Maxieplus

After the boys put me to bed they went out to the balcony and had a few more drinks with my husband. I was sound asleep when he came in and only remembered turning into him and thanking God for this wonderful man. The morning was different and the babies had been fed by the time I got to them, breakfast curtesy of gran was nearly on the table.

"You must not drink so much Antonio especially around the babies." She started in on me.

"Do you think we should have Lukas's hair cut gran?" I changed the subject and looked at our boy his hair was nearly halfway down his back now, it was beautiful like him.

"I will look after his hair Antonio, you look after your liver."

I sat at the table with my tail between my legs and started eating. When I looked up the five boys were smiling at me.

"Oh don't even go there you lot, you all knew what was happening and I must say I am more than pleased Gino caved so easily, so thank you."

"He was jumping up and down when we told him. I think he will be very good for Gianni's business." Carlos said.

"And a new drinking partner for you both also."

"We have Nina." I guess they have, but one more wouldn't hurt.

"I think it's going to be chilly today Gianni, we should dress the kids in warmer gear."

"Yes Antonio, all taken care of, I have someone coming to install a bigger heater at the back of your shop. Alice said it won't affect the flowers so I went ahead."

"Thank you, they will appreciate it immensely." I kissed him.

"You will get the bill, Antonio."

"Good, I will take my wages today to pay for it." I laughed as I kissed gran again and picked up a baby, my eldest son was going with gran to see his garden today and he promised me he will come to work with us tomorrow. I felt sorry for Alice but she does get to sit with him for an hour or so after work.

We opened up and I turned the heaters on then sat with Pat who was first to come and confirm what Gino had told her was true.

"It sure is Pat, you're not to worry, we can find work for you or you can work in Sabines or the flower shop it will be your choice."

"I was worried that you will all forget me." I looked her up and down and said.

"Never going to happen, now we are back together we are going to have so much fun."

"That's cool Antonio, Gino did say he needed an assistant but I think he needs a secretary more than anything."

"You will be in the running for that job, you have people skills and can answer phone calls you have a lot of plusses Pat. Just like Gino he doesn't know how good with people he is, it's natural for him to be a people person, and for you."

She had a skip in her step when she left for the veggie stall and I know Gino will do everything in his power to make her his second in charge. They both will be learning at the same time so I don't see any problems.

Iris sat with me after I went to oversee the heaters being installed in my shop, the babies were in their playpen and the TV was on for them to enjoy the noises, they hadn't noticed it yet, but give it time.

"So they got you again Antonio, you must be sick to death of it."

"Well I am, and I am not, I kind of love it in a way but they do my head in sometimes. When I finally think I have the edge something happens and I lose it from under me. But I love them all to death Iris." I smiled as I watched Gianni write up some more orders.

"My biggest worry is the wine, there must be a limit on what is pumped out of that winery it's going twenty-four hours a day now apparently. If Gianni goes on to make different recipes he may not be able to fill the contracts." I mused.

"Want to have some fun, Antonio?"

"What have you in mind my partner in crime." I smiled at her.

"At the moment, Gianni is still young and if these recipes he's thinking of are going to continue, he is going to need another winery to fill his orders. He may come up with better ones or he maybe will diversify into the reds, which he needs for his range and some more bubbles. My point is he is going to need his very own winery."

"We spoke of that a while back and he said the Cartasso was equipped to do his production there was no need to buy one."

"There is now, it's become rather urgent actually. He can't see it because he's a family man and being true to the Cartasso brand."

"I will have to talk to him again about it, starting a new winery is huge and will take time to set up, I suppose he will want to do it in Italy."

"Not necessarily Antonio, most of it can be produced here under the Gianni brand but with Australian produce. It's a minor thing to change a label and the quality will be exactly the same. The good thing is it will rejuvenate the flagging grape market here."

She has been thinking hard about this and I appreciated Iris's input because she knows wines and wineries.

"Come on let's have some fun, Antonio."

"What do you actually mean, Iris?"

"Let's you and me buy a winery and make Gianni's fine wines here in Australia. There is stacks of money to be made in the wine industry."

"Iris, you have a winery in Rutherglen don't you?" She grinned and answered.

"I'm looking for a new partner." She winked.

"Tell me more my dear friend." I moved in closer.

"My two sons want to retire and travel the world, and I don't blame them, they have worked hard at keeping my business going. So I need a new partner." Her eyebrows lifted. I was thinking that Gianni would be in it, a working winery that can do all his cheaper plonks.

"Gianni would probably love his very own winery, what are you asking?"

"You are not listening. I'm fed up with you lot, that's it, no more, my friend." She waved her arms in the air.

I looked blankly at her and opened my hands.

"Enlighten me."

"This is why they get the better of you. Basically, you're quite thick Antonio, I think you should have gone to college after all." The penny dropped.

"You want me to be your partner and we can make Gianni's wines together?"

"Now he gets it." She did the arms thing again.

"I don't have that sort of money Iris, the Cartasso winery is priceless what is yours worth?"

"A lot Antonio, it's only numbers in the end and you have plenty to cover the cost of buying my sons out. It's a case of getting everyone back without them knowing, then leave Gianni to me "

I giggled to myself and decided there and then I would open a bottle of wine.

Iris went off after having one glass, Gianni needed her help with some customers, but I could see her smiling to herself every now and then.

Sabine came by to pick up her takings and to talk to her girls, then she sat with me and held her arms out.

"He's at grans tending to his garden today, but he assured me he will be here tomorrow." She got up and went into the florist shop and grabbed little Gianni then she played with him for the next half hour.

"Where have you been?"

"I had some smiling to do Antonio, Tony had a big luncheon yesterday at the house and I was needed for decoration." She smiled.

"Did you rock it?"

"Yes I certainly did, the ladies loved me, and the men wanted me." She giggled.

"You will be so good for the business Sabine, well done."

"What's this I hear about my son getting more staff?"

"Gino is going to be his assistant lovely, he needs staff for the wholesale part of it. Did he tell you about the orders he's been getting for his collector wine?"

"Yes, he's doing very well for himself and our new Cartasso label wine will be launched on the market next week I expect a big rush on it also."

"Can the winery handle it, Sabine?"

"No Antonio, as you know we use other wineries also, but even they are working around the clock. You know how Italy is baby, pretty relaxed and the workers don't like it, but it has to be done."

"It may settle down soon maybe."

"If my son keeps inventing wines like he's done in the past year we will have to think about expanding, but I don't want to ruin the Cartasso wineries name by pumping out loads of cheap plonk."

"I see, well good luck with it all."

"By the way have you been looking for a new housekeeper?"

"No, we are doing it ourselves it's working well and gran is still coming twice a week and the boys and us keep the place pretty clean and tidy."

"Good, maybe a housekeeper isn't the way to go as yet. They don't need much at this age it's when they start walking you may need some help."

"They will go to grans and start their own little gardens, maybe I should look for a housekeeper for her."

"Maybe you shouldn't, you maybe will be slapped to death." She laughed.

"How's business?"

"Very good Antonio, I hope my shipment arrives soon it's got all my winter clothes in it. It's getting chilly now and I want to get it all in the shop as soon as possible."

"You will do well with it Sabine, the ladies don't get much choice apart from wind-cheaters and leggings."

"Well it's time to change that, my winter overcoats are to die for, some knock off's of old Dior designs."

"Sounds very posh lovely."

She was over little Gianni, and he wouldn't settle anyway he missed his brothers so she took him back. When she returned she grabbed the bottle and said.

"Let's go out the back Antonio, are my boys there?"

"I think so,"

We walked down to the back and sure enough, they were propped up at the table with a bottle of wine.

"Why didn't you come out the front and sit with me?" I asked.

"We were going to but you were talking to Iris and we didn't want to disturb your meeting."

"You know I love your company you should have pushed in." Now I'm almost begging to be with them.

"Antonio, why were you talking to Iris?"

"We were only talking about Gianni's new venture."

"He needs someone to take over Antonio, God knows where his business will end up." Sabine smiled.

She knows how clever Gianni is, and he's not going to stop with his current range he will expand it.

"What's up?" He poked his head in and I poured him a glass of wine.

"Nothing much husband just talking about your new venture."

"I want it to happen as soon as possible the orders are coming in so fast Antonio I don't have time to scratch my bum."

"Good, the boys will give you a hand with them shortly." I grinned and he can always ask me to scratch his bum.

"No, we have to go and help Nina," Carlos said.

"No you don't, I just saw her going out." I lied.

"Oh." His head dropped again.

"He's your brother you have to help him." Sabine almost shouted.

"Yes mama," Leon replied.

I finished my wine then went out to sort through the orders, it had settled down a bit and I could hear Iris talking to my husband.

"You have to do this Gianni, take it from me, if you keep going on this way you are going to ruin your business."

"What do I do Iris, it's made from the finest Italian grapes."

"What do you think they use in Australia, Australian grapes? I don't think so."

"I will think about it Iris, it's all too much for my head to understand."

"Gianni my boy, I have a winery, and with a few upgrades we can do your cheaper wines there, our vines were bought over by the Italian settlers and they are from the Cartasso area. All you have to do is add to your labels, made with Italy's finest grapes and bottled in Australia. Let the Cartasso bottle up your expensive ones, people will still buy the cheaper ones it doesn't matter where you make them, they are that good."

"And your winery can cope with it all Iris?"

"Yes, we are in the process of changing management and when that's done we will upgrade our processing plant, it will be up and running in a few months, and in the meantime, we can do the cheaper ones anyway, we are well equipped for that already."

"Where do I start?"

"You start by talking to Tinker and see where he's up to with your cheap plonk orders, then you shift the rest of the orders to our winery which will take the heat off the Cartasso because we are at the ready to do them."

"Okay, I will talk to Antonio about it." He looked at me.

"Do it," I said.

"Antonio I want to talk more to you."

"Just do it, Gianni, I have nothing to add, it makes sense and it's better than going out of business you may damage the Cartasso brand in the process."

"I will ring Tinker then." He put down his order pad and went to make a phone call.

"This is why he needs Gino, and this is the best decision he's made for ages Antonio."

"Thank you Iris I was getting a little worried he might burn out and I wont let that happen to him."

Gianni joined us again and started talking about his phone call to Tinker, and Iris was telling Tony who had arrived she has offered to do the Gianni brand at her winery.

"When does Gino start?" He asked.

"Hopefully next Wednesday, it can't come soon enough I have babies to pay for now." Poor Gianni, he doesn't know how successful his business has become.

After lunchtime Iris and I had the chance to be on our own again, the boys were up in the office doing something on the computer for Gianni, and he was serving at the wine counter which had settled down.

"Have you thought any more about our venture?"

"He will know." I felt guilty.

"He won't until we announce it at a meet and greet dinner." I guess Gianni won't know, he doesn't look at my bank accounts anyway.

"Okay, I will do it." I smiled.

"You are getting a wonderful business Antonio."

"And you just landed a multimillion-dollar account for our winery." I leered at her, she looked at me and sat back.

"I might make something out of you yet Antonio Cartasso, I didn't go to college either." She laughed.

"Welcome partner, we are going to do great things together." I hugged her as best I could because she is frail but she doesn't know it.

We drove to grans to pick Lukas up, he was ready to go and play with his brothers but not before we had to look at his garden again. It was gorgeous and I noticed his hair was three inches shorter, but it still looked awesome.

A bag of takeaway was placed into the car and hugs all around and we left for home. I walked Iris to her door and stood looking at her, I was feeling guilty.

"I will allow you to let your grandfather look the contract over but not Stavros or anyone else, we keep this our secret."

"And don't worry about the money, believe me my boy. I didn't acquire forty-five hotels from doing bookwork, it was the winery that bought them." She grinned.

"That good is it?"

"Better now thanks to our Gianni contract." She grinned.

"Are you coming for dinner?"

"Yes, Antonio just let me change."

"Okay see you soon." I kissed her forehead and left feeling a little bit better.

"What took you so long Antonio, and what's with talking to Iris all day today?"

"We were just talking about how her winery is going to handle your wines. She has some pretty good ideas Gianni I was interested in what she was saying,"

"You were maybe going to ask her if you could buy her winery I think." He winked at me.

"Well yes and no, she won't sell it, but she will give you a good deal, much the same as the Cartasso is." I kissed him then he held my hand on his shorts.

"Okay if you are quick about it, I'm hungry."

"Hungry for some of your Gianni dick I think maybe Antonio."

I'm busted again.

"Come on, boys look after the kids we won't be too long."

While we were sitting on the steps later on, the talk was all about Gino and what he will be doing, he also said he has asked Pat to be his assistant. She knows computers and has experience with customer service, we thought it was a great idea and wished him luck. Gianni, with Iris went through the things Gino would be doing it didn't sound hard but it was involved and he would have to be on top of it all the time.

He was excited and so was Anna because with the warmer office space she could bring little Sammy in to have lunch with his daddy sometimes.

"I am having your prices for the processing and bottling sent over Gianni, and then we do a tasting before any of it goes out of our loading dock. You get onto Tinker and get the templates for your cheaper wines we will do the labeling at our winery"

"I won't be doing that Iris." Gianni abruptly said.

"Why?"

"Because that's Gino's job." He giggled.

"You will have to know the labels back to front Gino we can't afford any mistakes.

"I have Pat to do that, she's excellent in picking up the finer details," Gino said.

"Spoken like a true personal assistant Gino, well done." Iris saluted him with her glass.

Alice was talking to Lukas and she was running her hand through his tresses, she knows gran has been at it, but I don't think she cares it does look wonderful. I usually tie it back at bedtime because it gets knotted, and he isn't a fan of the hairbrush in the mornings. He was telling her about his garden, and I heard an invitation to go see it one day with him, she accepted and said she will come after work one night, he clapped his hands.

"Grazie nonna Alice." She beamed.

I had been holding Luca in my arms and Gianni had Antonio while the boys shared Gianni. Maxie and Tommaso came down with a bottle of wine tonight, I think they are celebrating Tommaso's start at Uni next week.

"What's the celebration for Maxie?"

"We fired up the computer." He smiled at me, no he beamed.

"So you will do it online Tommaso?"

"Yes, and thank you once again Antonio, it was the last thing on my mind, but I went to ask my tutor and he has set it up for me."

"So no going to uni then."

"Maybe once a fortnight but I am very happy to be able to stay home with my Maxie."

Maxie was blushing because I know that what he wanted in the end anyway.

Just as Maxie was going to kiss him a courier van parked on our curb, a young man jumped out and asked for Iris. He handed her a big envelope and she signed for it. This is not unusual she sometimes gets deliveries and is always something to do with her hotels or winery.

She opened the envelope and looked through the paperwork then she separated them. One she placed back into the folder the other she handed to Gianni.

"The contract with the winery my boy, I had it rushed through and there's a price list for the making and the overseas delivery prices also. I think you will be happy."

Gianni took it then handed it to Gino.

"Don't be staying up too late tonight Gino, you can give me the short version tomorrow."

"Maybe you should get Stavros to look it over Gino he's good with that sort of stuff," I suggested.

He thought about it and looked at it again then laughed.

"Maybe I will Antonio what does he charge?"

"A hundred."

"I will get it back to you tomorrow afternoon Gianni, and you owe me a hundred, just like that." The laughing started then and it continued into the night on our fire escape. Everything is coming together for my Gianni and he was smiling all night. The boys slept with us and it was like old times and I kissed Carlos's ass cheeks before I got up to tend to the kids.

Two destroyed nappies and one wet one greeted me as I smelt and kissed my boys. Gianni was close behind me and started on one baby while I checked Lukas out, he was dry, but wanted some cuddles. I then proceeded to do my duty as a father and cleaned up the babies, they will need a good bath this morning.

Lukas was in front of the TV when I finally arrived, and surprise, Leon was making toast for him. The coffee was done so I poured myself a mug full.

The sky looked dark and it assured me it was going to pour down today, so I will rug the boys up and make sure they have extra blankets. I sat with Carlos while Gianni filled the baths, we will have breakfast at Angelo's this morning no one here cooks very well anyway.

"Antonio, is there something going on with you and iris?" Oh no you don't Carlos, I am awake you your moo-cow eyes.

"No my lovely, why do you ask?"

"You were talking to her very much yesterday I thought something was maybe wrong with her."

"Not at all, just shop talk my friend, she's as fit as a fiddle."

I didn't give him what he wanted and felt good about myself, even kind of smart inside.

We ate at Angelo's and I watched the staff open the flower shop and the café, there were box's of goods going into Sabines, her stock has arrived and she was there to supervise her ladies.

Lukas had some scrambled eggs with us then when he saw her he had to go and talk to her about something. I allowed him to move about the three shops, but he was banned from entering the market fully. He is a wonderful little boy and his legs were very well coordinated now he wasn't falling over at all, I miss those days.

"Gianni, what have you organised for Gino's office?"

"Two computers some desks and a small room for meetings."

"Will it be done by Wednesday?"

"Yes Antonio, the boys fixed the computers yesterday and Nina has some old desks they can use. I need to organise phones and internet today."

"Do you need me to do something?" He winked.

"No my heart, just walk around and look handsome for me."

"All right I can do that." He didn't get his end in this morning he will be frisky all day.

I finished up and watched Lukas for a minute then went to do my morning chores, Angelo was hovering and he wanted to know what was going on. Of course he knew, but he wanted the gossip from me because he only had bits and pieces.

"How is the new entrance working out Angelo?"

"Really good Antonio best thing I have done for ages." He smiled.

I do get nervous around him he's such a gorgeous man, and I can't stop looking into his beautiful dark green eyes.

"Any sign of a wife yet?" I had to know.

"Nope, not yet, but you would have to be looking if you wanted one of those, and I'm not looking."

"Your still young baby, take your time."

"I don't know why you are pushing it Antonio, you know I am your forever man." He grinned again then took his fine ass back to work.

"What I wouldn't give for a piece of that ass Antonio."

"Me too Gianni." I didn't care what I said, and he shouldn't have crept up behind me while I was daydreaming.

"Coffee my beautiful husband?"

"Yes please, my amore."

Yep, it's going to be a very nice day today, I said this to myself as the rain hit the roof and the noise from it dampened my day.

I made sure the babies were warm. Lukas had finished his morning business and was now in front of the TV, he had a juice in his hands and sipped on it now and then. The babies will go off to sleep at their own pace so I made sure they had blankets covering them before I left, under Alice's supervision of course.

I helped Gianni with some orders and then he went out to talk to Stavros, I believe Gino had dropped the contract off to him earlier and I think Gianni has been summoned. Iris arrived and was full of beans she was almost hopping up and down on the spot. I had been filling that cake cabinet again.

"Antonio, my sons have accepted your offer and I have some papers for you to sign. Will you have to go to the bank?"

"No Iris I have plenty to cover it, I just need your bank codes."

"Good, because I was going to lend you some, but if you're okay then we will go ahead. I don't know how you're going to do it but only tell your grandfather I believe he's the only one you can trust. Are they coming to your apartment tomorrow?"

"Yes."

"I will give you my spare key and leave the contract on the kitchen bench for him to read."

"Thank you, I will try and talk to him on his own, but he may tell gran."

"Doesn't matter as long as he doesn't gloat to Stavros."

"Is Tony happy with the situation?" I was worried that Tony may be wanting the winery."

"He knows Antonio, and he's as pleased as punch he has enough to do with the hotels and charities, he doesn't want the winery. He isn't going to tell Sabine either." She winked.

We left it at that and she passed her bank account numbers over for me to transfer money after grandad reads the sale documents.

"It's all above board Antonio, and your grandad will agree."

"Good."

Gianni came back with a big smile on his face he looked at Iris and held his hand out.

"We have a deal Iris, you can start production anytime, Tinker will email the label program, we should get it this afternoon and I will get the boys to send it on to your winery office."

"Okay, I will get the ball rolling partner."

"I have to go see Gino now want to come for a walk Antonio?"

"Okay just give me a minute I want to clean this up first." I had to rinse the cake tray, it seems I spend all my day filling up that display cabinet.

"It will be good to have an assistant Antonio, then I can get back to just being in the café."

"Is that all you want to do baby, don't you want to expand your interests?"

"No I just want to be with you and our sons, and Alice and Iris and the boys, I like it best."

"What are you going to Gino's for?"

"To tell him everything is almost set and he can start his new job anytime."

"You will have to give the winery your recipes baby, have you got copies?"

"Gino will do that today he has an email doesn't he?"

"I think so."

"Then I will email them to him." He laughed.

"What's funny."

"I like being the boss of Gino,"

"Okay but don't push it too much you don't want him to quit do you."

"No Antonio, I am the boss of you I think, and you haven't left." He smiled I replied.

"Yet."

"Antonio, I was only joking with you."

I filled my day by cleaning, talking to babies and making up arrangements for a big order Alice received. She was busy looking after the kids and sitting with Lukas trying to teach him numbers, but failing miserably, the TV was still going and he wasn't interested in her scribble and I think he is too young for all that yet.

Gino and Gianni were deep in conversation at one stage and I saw him hand an envelope over, Gino gave it back but Gianni insisted. I guess it's the money for the stall. My bank account will almost be empty and my wedding present gone, thank God I have cash stashed away, and hopefully, I will be getting dividends from the winery starting next month.

I was sitting out the front enjoying a quiet time, the gas heaters above were warming the area and I was pleased they had been installed while we were away, just flick a switch and everything is nice and toasty.

"Jack behave I won't tell you again." I heard someone say as they passed by. He stopped and looked at Gianni's and decided he would sit down. A young good looking man with two kids in a stroller was behind me.

"Now." One little toddler yelled.

"Ok, we get it now, behave yourself."

"Will you need high chairs?"

"That would be great thank you, sometimes it's easier to give in to them than argue." He giggled.

I went into Angelo's and grabbed two chairs and placed them at the table I was sitting on.

"It's warmer here if you don't mind company for ten minutes, what can I get for you?" I heard a baby scream "Daddy" and the stroller rattled as he gave the kid a blank stare.

"Jack, stop it, I will get you some froth in a minute, the guys have to make it first." He smiled at me.

"Thank you, can I have a flat white no sugar, and two baby chinos, large ones if possible, one of my kids is very fussy."

"They are flipping gorgeous, I will get your order straight away."

"Brent, my name is Brent, and noisy one is Jack the other adorable one is Curtis, my sons." He smiled I shook his hand.

"I'm Antonio pleased to meet you."

He smiled and started getting the kids into the chairs, I didn't see any parcels so I guess he's not buying today.

I went and made them their drinks then I bought them out, he was talking sternly to Jack who, when he saw the cups of froth screamed again.

"He's a bit hooked on them Antonio, as you can see."

"Here I'll help you." I grabbed one and gave it to the other little guy he smiled at me as he took it.

"Ta." He said quietly.

"Jack baby, take this one." He also handed over the frothy treat and the kid was straight onto it.

"Slowly Jack." He laughed looking at me.

My man is onto it and he watched me from his counter then he decided to join us. With another coffee in hand, he came over and made a big fuss of the babies, they lapped it up as if butter wouldn't melt in their angelic mouths.

"You have two how amazing, what's their names?"

"Jack, and Curtis twelve months old, going on twenty and another nearly seven year old at school, his name is Teddy." The kids started looking around and calling Teddies name.

"When dad picks us up boys, we go see Ted ok?"

"I have four," Gianni said.

"Wow, you have been busy, four?"

"Boys, three identical and one adorable big brother, like you have."

He held his hand out and said.

"Brent, and you are?"

Gianni sat up straight and replied.

"I am Gianni, Antonio's husband our babies are in the back of the flower shop if you want to look later."

"Of course I want to look, identical how do you cope?"

"We know them now and can see their differences, but we still keep them colour coordinated." I offered.

Alice moved over and she was talking quietly with the boys.

"You can't have them you already have enough." I laughed.

"Have some respect for your old babysitter Antonio." I blushed.

"So you two are married then?"

"Yes married in Italy to my Antonio and the babies are mine to a surrogate mum."

"Really? that's cool. Ted is nan's grandson, I don't know whether you knew her, she had the café on the corner of High street it's the one being renovated.

"Nice lady I used to wave at her on my way to school. I think one of her workers took it over."

"Yes, he did and is doing a fine job. I was working at the halfway house and rescued Teddy from Nans wayward daughter. When nan passed she insisted we adopt him, some ups and downs along the way but he has a beautiful little soul just like his gran. These two came along later, similar circumstances and spoilt to the max by their grandfathers."

"I know there's a big story in there somewhere," I said.

"For another time Antonio, now where are these cherubs of yours?"

"Want to come with da and see some bubbas?" The kids screamed and we lifted them out, Alice took one in hand and lead us into the florist shop.

"Wow, oh wow, they are beautiful." My chest puffed up.

My babies were awake and the little boys loved them as they kissed and stroked their heads, Lukas was distracted and walked over to meet them. Brents phone rang and he went to answer it.

"Yes Con we are at Gianni's café in the market, just park out the back I will ask if you can come in the back door." I nodded it was okay.

"Yes, Con just come to the back door of the café."

"Me too." And he hung up.

He had a nurse of the boys and Gianni had his.

"Now who is up for some more of the froth."

"Me me me me me." Jack screamed, Curtis smiled adorably, he doesn't say much.

"Do you live in the area Brent?"

"Yes, just down Mills street."

"Great so we are neighbours then, we are in High street, maybe the kids will get together when they are a little older."

"You can bet they will, and when my Conner sees them you may not get them back." He laughed, Gianni looked worried. We went to our storeroom and guess who was there with Iris having a wine, she took one look at Brent and held her hand out.

"Brent it's been too long, are these your boys, my they have grown so much since I saw them last?"

"Yes Iris, good to see you too, how's Tony?"

"Good he's got himself a beautiful lady at long last, she's Gianni's mama, Sabine Cartasso." He looked at Gianni and then me and laughed.

"Well it is a small world, I hope one of those wines is for me."

I passed one over and my boys were eyeing him off.

"Leave it alone boys he's married, with kids."

"Antonio?" Brent looked at me.

"These rascals are Gianni's brothers Leon and Carlos, boys this is Brent Jack and Curtis." They shook hands and took a toddler each.

"I know Brent and Conner from the charity board I am on. Brent, you will get the chance to meet Sabine at the next meeting I have handed her all my engagements and have finally retired. Well not really retired I'm working on the wine counter here." She laughed and clinked glasses with him.

"That's great, I will look forward to meeting her I have heard so much about her from different sources."

"Well, she's a beautiful woman she will do well for the charity."

Angelo came by and wanted to know what all the fuss was about and we introduced him to Brent.

"We are coming for dinner one night Angelo, and have heard so many good reports about your restaurant, it's all about getting time to ourselves, and if the foods as good as we hear, I might get Con to sing a ditty or two." He laughed the confusion on Angelo's face was obvious.

"Brent is Rick Conner's husband Angelo, you must know him." The penny dropped they have been in the news a lot lately, all for the wrong reasons, I had read it while sitting out the front one day.

"Of course you are, stupid me I was reading all about your wedding in the papers."

"Thank god it's settling down now, Con was about to move us all to the south of France at one stage."

"It must have been awful for you both, how the hell did it all start?"

"Short version. Lost wedding photos found by a blackmailer, we got in first and announced the wedding. Not a lot of fallout but plenty of intrusions into our private lives. Disney movie disc is another huge hit for Conner and now sell-out concerts at the Casino."

"I am happy it's all settling down for you there's always a seat at our table for you if you need to get away." What could I say but offer support for two of Australia's most famous gay identities? Rick Conner's is a world-famous rock star, it sounds like his career wasn't affected much. I looked over at the peanut gallery their mouths were wide open and I lifted my hand and shut Giannis.

"Lose that thought Gianni, Angelo is first on the list." I smiled at my gorgeous husband he was in awe and he hasn't even met Rick Conner's yet.

"Sorry guys but I think around thirty million fans were in line first, god knows how many gays, poor Conner." He laughed.

"Why Conner I thought his name was Rick."

"Okay listen up. He was born Conner Richards but for the stage he took Rick Conner's, these two and myself are Richards. Antonio, it's a huge story and one day I will tell you but it's too long and confusing to tell now, even I get confused." He laughed.

The frothy liquids were delivered and the babies jumped onto them. One gulped his up and the other only had half then handed it to his sibling, who gulped that one too.

There was a knock on the door and a gorgeous man poked his head in.

"Where's the party?" The kids screamed and he picked them up off the boy's laps kissing their faces endlessly.

The air was sucked out of the room as Rick Conner's had arrived, a glass was handed to him but he said.

"Thank you but I'm driving, kids and all." Gianni puffed up as Rick looked at him and held his hand out. When all the introductions we over Brent said.

"Con don't get too excited, but in the florist shop next door, three identical boys and one gorgeous older brother who belong to Gianni and Antonio." He didn't even bother to hand his kids back he was off like a shot.

"He loves babies." Brent once again laughed it was nice.

"So Iris you have retired to do shop work then?"

"Yes Brent, I'm more suited to this work, going back to my roots, and letting Tony and Sabine take over is the best decision I have ever made."

"Well I know someone that yearns to get back to his roots also, you're lucky to be able to." He was being reflective.

"Do you think he will sing in my restaurant, I mean I heard he sings up at Nan's place they might get upset?" Angelo said. I had forgotten he was here I was busy with Rick's awesome butt. Brent leaned over and touched Angelo's arm.

"Flash your gorgeous bum at him and give him a free meal and I will see what I can do." He winked, I think Brent wants a good look at Angelo's bum also. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was all mine.

The elephants in the room appeared again and there was little to say after my boys wanted to talk to Brent about the size of Conner's dick.

"You know no one ever asks how big mine is, it's always Conner's dick and ass, so I will tell you. I am quite large myself and my ass is tight, but it's for one man only. But if Antonio would accommodate me some time I might see my way of talking Con into a threesome with you both, sorry Iris." He winked at me.

"Don't be sorry, now you know why I work here." She sipped her drink and grinned.

"Antonio, are you being rude to our guests again?" Gianni had been listening at the door and I heard Conner laughing.

"Husband I think I just organised a date with Brent."

"Can I come too?" Gianni whined.

"Of course you can, being a gypsy prince you can do anything." Brent made a wanting sound and wiggled on his seat, I think he just noticed Gianni's earring.

"Brenton Walsh behave yourself," Conner shouted.

"Sorry Con, he's no fun anymore, but play away he's an extra-large." Angelo nearly fainted.

"Okay Con we must go get our boy, but one night bring me here for dinner will you, and can you sing a few little ditties while I dine."

"Sure baby anything, I will bring my guitar." Angelo was puffed up now.

We helped them place the boys in their car seats and Conner turned to Gianni and said.

"Tell Angelo I will ring him when I get the time." He winked, I laughed.

The boys suddenly came to life when they left and the chatter was like listening to chooks in a hen house. Iris was full of information and she recommended us to read about Brenton Walsh on the internet, there is a shit load of write-ups about him.

I went to check the shop and clear away the empty bottles then I went to see my sons. Lukas was back watching TV again and the others were being held by customers which I didn't mind I knew them from the Italian club.

My brush with fame has arrived and now I am proud to say that Rick and Brent are now our friends and neighbours, I think.

The café was hyped up because of our little visit and Angelo was walking on air all afternoon.

"They are renovating Nan's café so Rick has a showroom. I think he's going to retire from the full-on concerts." Iris was telling us.

"They won't mind if he sings here then."

"I don't think so, it's not ready yet and he is a wonderful person, pure of heart I would say. Teddy the oldest boy plays football in the park over by the school Rick was the one that had it landscaped a few years back."

"Wow, maybe Lukas will play with them," Gianni said.

"He will Gianni, and if you think Rick is gorgeous wait until you see his minder, Grant." Iris picked her wine up and sipped it with a glint in her eye.

"Well I guess we will meet him at some stage."

"You will, you sure will." She grinned.

After cleaning up we locked the café and headed home, Iris was humming a tune in the back so I guess she's a little tipsy today, I had better watch her.

(For my readers who don't know who Brent and Conner are, please read my Ask Me story.)

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