Impossible Love

Impossible Love 68

Maxieplus

Gran and grandpa arrived early the next morning and I was telling her about our encounter with Rick Conner's, she surprised me by saying she had some of his CD's but only the nice ones, not the noisy ones.

She went about sorting out breakfast and I had the opportunity to talk to grandad as he sat on the sofa with Lukas. I took my coffee over and joined him. I had to be quick because Gianni was in with the babies getting them ready for the day and the boys were still in the shower.

"Grandad I need to speak to you urgently in private, and what I tell you goes no further than us, please you must promise not to say anything especially to Stavros, please.

"What is going on Antonio, of course I can keep my mouth shut, I promise."

"Here is the spare key to Iris's apartment, when we all leave can you go there and pick up the envelope on the table and look through a contract for me." "What is the contract for?" I steeled myself because he can be quite loud when it comes to my (our) money.

"I have bought into Iris's winery in Rutherglen, and the paperwork needs your eyes before I sign it."

"You what?" He screamed.

"Grandad you promised, please tone it down, please." I begged him. His face was flushed and he didn't answer me until he got his emotions under control.

"What have you done Antonio, is the business even viable?"

"Yes it is, they have just landed Gianni's multi million dollar account we will make stacks of money." His mouth gaped open and he stared at me, luckily the boys had come out and were now distracting gran.

"Please look it over, no one knows about it except Iris and us."

"How much did that cost you?"

"My wedding present and then some." He nearly choked on his tongue and he looked as mad as hell.

"I will look today Antonio, after you have all gone, and I promise I will not betray your confidence, you will be telling everyone soon though won't you?"

"Yes grandad as soon as its all gone through, then you can have the bragging rights."

"Poor Stavros, I think we just blitzed him for good." As I said it's our money and our businesses, according to my grandad.

I got up and moved to grab a baby from Gianni, he had all three in his big arms, I took Luca and kissed him he giggled because he likes me to nurse him. The boys moved over to take the other two but Gianni stopped them in their tracks.

"Mine." He proceeded to sit at the table.

"But they want to see us too Gianni that's not fair." Leon whined.

"When I am finished greeting my sons for the day then you can have them." "But it's not fair."

"Okay then you can have one but not the other."

"Which one?"

"I have not decided yet." He smiled at his sons and kissed their heads which were full of dark floppy curls.

They turned to me and I said.

"No, he's all mine."

Then they started complaining to gran, she grunted and listened to their whining until she placed food on the table, they were quick to sit down to eat.

No boys this morning, they did late shifts last night so will still be in bed. I saw gran wrap some eggs and bacon in foil to put in the oven, she will call them up later on.

I could see grandad looking at the lift and his watch, he is eager to get started on the contract of sale, and that glint in his eyes assured me he won't say anything just yet.

"Did Sabines stock arrive yesterday I saw her unpacking boxes?" I looked at Leon.

"Yes Antonio, two containers, mama was very eager to get her stuff unloaded she had the men stacking boxes everywhere then she took a couple to her little dress shop."

"Was Iris's stuff amongst it?"

"Yes but Iris has to wait until they are all emptied." Carlos answered.

I looked at his eager face and handed Luca to him, he is happy now.

I stripped the bed and Gianni helped me remake it, we do this so gran doesn't have to struggle with doona covers. Then I showered and dressed for work, my husband had to watch me in case I slipped over. After his first blow for the day he stood up straight and ordered me to hurry up he wanted to get into work. The boys had prepared the babies and Lukas wanted to come with us, that will make Alice's day.

Gran was agreeable and said she might go home a little earlier and do some tomato sauce.

"You will come for lunch on Monday Antonio, I want to show Lukas how to do the bottling."

"He's too young gran."

Hands on hips and sour look was telling me she knows best and I wasn't to argue.

We drove to work with a full load, the café was open and before I did anything I peered into Sabines frock shop window and saw six racks of overcoats and a wall of shelving with knitwear piled up on it. I did what I had to do while Gianni was settling the kids in for the day, Alice was there and ready to man the troops.

The boys scooted upstairs to do something and I could hear workers hammering away, they would be doing the offices. Nina arrived and ordered coffee she said it was too noisy upstairs she had bought a stack of paperwork with her, so I guess this is her new office for the day.

"What are the boys doing?"

"They are setting up another computer for Pat, and the internet has been installed so they will check that also."

"Good, I hope this all turns out the way we hope it will."

"Well it is a brave move for Gianni, but I don't see any problems with his brand being made here, the Cartasso should be doing that also. It's the shipping that will cost the most we are so far away from Europe."

"Hopefully when the wine hits the American shores it will take off there, but Iris said her winery can cope with it all."

"Yes very doable Antonio, I think she's putting in a new computerised bottling plant to speed up production." "I think so." I know so, she told me about it.

"All finished Nina, now for some play time." Leon said as they came to sit with us.

"Is mama in her little dress shop?"

"Yes boys I saw her a few minutes ago." I said.

"We want to look at her new stock." They ran off to do just that. It was just another day at the market and Gino spent a few hours with Gianni up in the office, he had let the one guy and three ladies take over his stall for the afternoon, so they can get a grip on what is going on. I believe Pat isn't starting work for another week she will show the new people how it's all set up and run, I suppose it will be easy and they needed the man to drive the fork lift and to carry heavy boxes when needed.

I was once again sitting out the front and heard someone behind me, it was grandad greeting Stavros and his mates.

"I will just have one small wine Antonio, I need to be calmed down."

"Where's nonna?"

"I dropped her at home she was a bit lost today without the babies so she cleaned as she cooked."

I went to get grandad a glass of wine and sat down again, I had moved us over to another table that was as far away from Stavros's as I could, as you know he has good hearing.

"How did you go?"

"I don't know what I did to you in your growing up Antonio, but that contract of sale is fantastic. There were no hidden notes or any small print it's a standard sale contract, so you sign it tonight."

"I will grandad and thank you." I think he's a little proud of me at the moment. "It does very well Antonio, and with the Gianni contract it will be a great investment for you." You mean us don't you grandad. I smiled and thanked him then he saluted me.

"Do you want me to do the books son?"

"No grandad, Iris has a team of accountants that look after that side of things and of course there will be no cash in hand it's all legit."

"Yes I see they don't trade in cash, Antonio I estimate within five years you will get your investment back, it's almost unheard of but they turn over millions a year just in the processing plant only, that doesn't include the wine they make for their own company."

"Iris never said she had a brand of wine I though they only made for other local brands."

"They make a cheap wine, and a lot of cask plonk Antonio a few reds and others but nothing like Gianni's or the Cartasso."

I thought about it and wondered if Iris has handed this to me on a platter to get Gianni to do some wines for her business, sorry our business. The thought disappeared when she appeared with a glass in her hand.

"Was it okay with you?" She sat next to grandad.

"Yes more than okay Iris, but my question is why?"

"Why what?"

"Why hand my grandson a multi-million dollar business for almost peanuts?" She took her time answering.

"My two sons are over it, they want out because they were struggling with the winery, and Tony isn't interested at all. Gianni is a force to recon with, he's a brilliant wine maker. Sure I could have asked him to be my partner, but I don't think he's got it in him to actually run a winery, he's more of a worker than a suit. Antonio on the other hand is a lateral thinker, he doesn't invent wine but he is a very good business man, things fall into place with him and that is all thanks to his nono and gran." Grandad sat up straight.

"Now he did get it cheap, the sale price is for the business only, but he brings millions in sales with him, so that was factored in. My sons are happy with the result they have made a lot of money over the years, but as I said they are sick and tired of it. I needed a partner with benefits, one that can bring more business and life to our winery, and Antonio is the perfect choice."

"But Iris..." I was about to protest but she went on.

"Antonio, I did this to keep sixty five men working and dozens of seasonal workers employed. It is imperative our winery goes on otherwise I would have to sell to some overseas investors who will turn the land into a housing estate. I am using your Antonio, Nonno, but if I didn't love him and his family so much he would never have been approached. Gianni is a godsend and a big bonus for our business, I have to keep it alive and if I drop a few million in the process to have peace of mind then I will."

"How eloquently put Iris, I now understand." Grandad answered while I was still trying to understand her reasoning.

"Antonio my lovely friend, between you and me, I can't have people running my business who don't care about it. I offered my sons the money, they signed straight away, so much for family loyalty. You would never let me down and if your very good I may even let your little family continue my work long after I'm gone." The tears were real and they ran down my face as she spoke her kind words and I see now what she's doing. She's handing over the winery to myself and Gianni who I know will be teaching our boys all about making fine wines. I then remembered my gypsy boys face when he told me about his job at the Cartasso winery, he was so proud of it at the time and he still is.

"I am speechless Iris but thank you."

"I thank you also Iris." Grandad was humbled.

"There are cash transactions Nonno, but we use that money for the staff Christmas party and cash bonuses. Whatever is left we give to a charity." She smiled and clinked our glasses. I pulled myself together and asked grandad if he had told gran, he said he told her to mind her own business.

"And what did she say?"

"She slapped me." He started laughing.

"Just keep it under your hat until Iris and I announce it to Gianni."

"You want to tease him don't you?"

"Yes grandad its time he got his comeuppance." I smiled at Iris who was smiling back.

"You won't win Antonio." Grandad whispered, I almost also slapped him.

We started laughing and when I looked up at Stavros's table he was staring at grandad intensely, I suppose he knows by now somethings up. I thanked him for his help and he said he replaced the contract on Iris's table then he handed her the spare keys back. After a few words with Stavros he headed off home and I opened another bottle. I could see Sabine watching us also from her little dress shop and I spied a small boy hanging from a doorway so I called him over. Lukas was in my arms once again and I wondered if he would make wines in the future, he doesn't have to go to college to do that.

My boys were very excited when they came to join us, mama's clothes are wonderful and Gino had mastered the computer with their help, he had discovered solitaire.

"Iris, do you want Gianni's orders now or will we send them directly to the winery?"

"To the winery boys, my manager will sort through them." She smiled.

"They are big Iris many container loads."

"We can cope, and the upgrades will start Monday morning they won't take long to do, just computerising the production line that's all."

"We can come and have a look one day with you." "Of course you can boys we should make a day of it, and Gianni has to see it anyway so we will make a time."

"That would be cool Iris how far away is it?" "Just up the freeway, a few hours' drive and there's lots to see on the way, we will go for lunch we have a café for the tourists."

"Okay that sounds nice for us, we are looking forward to it."

"Me too Carlos, I think you will love it there." She smiled.

Gianni joined us and he took Lukas off me, now I'm cold again.

"Is grandad okay Antonio?"

"Yes Gianni, he popped in because gran is driving him crazy."

"Okay, it's nice to see him here sometimes." "Well he was bored without Lukas being at home so he dropped gran off and thought he might like to come here for an hour."

"How did Gino go?" He looked at Leon.

"Good Gianni, he's going to be very good for your business and Iris's." He smiled at her.

"We are all excited to be doing the Gianni's wines Leon, now I must go and have a look at Sabines stock before she sells out." She left to go buy some woollen overcoats and to talk to Sabine.

Lukas was getting antsy again so Gianni placed him on the concrete and he dashed off to see his other Nonna Sabine.

I looked over at Nina she was deep into looking at her paperwork and as if on cue she picked her glass up and shook it at me. I filled her glass and she went back to work, not even a thank you, well, maybe a small grunt.

Gianni got customers so we went off to help them and the boys moved to the back room, five minutes later Nina joined them and then Gino came by and sat for a while.

"How is Pat coping?"

"Good Antonio, I just rang her she said she doesn't have to do much the ladies come from fruiter families so they knew the basics. It's going to be a great sideline for the Italian club Antonio, they are even talking about renovating it with the money from the stall."

"That will be good, they need some more room." "Since the Cartasso have arrived the crowd has also got bigger, so yes it will be good."

Gianni opened some mail and then he handed the paperwork to Gino who looked it over, he nearly chocked when he saw the orders.

"These go to the Cartasso winery boss, they are from America." Gino said business like.

"Boy I had no idea what kind of income your wines generate Gianni."

"The wine industry is a billion dollar world-wide business, and that doesn't include the reds and the sparklers which is double that."

"You had better begin making reds baby, if that's the case."

"I don't know much about reds Antonio I only know whites."

"Okay then you work on it, I know it takes a lot longer to make a good red, but how long I don't know."

"I will think on it Antonio." He grinned.

Iris came back with some bags and she asked Gianni if he would swing by the warehouse on the way home and pick up her boxes of new clothes she had made in Italy. He said it would be okay he might drop us off at home first then he will have more room in the van.

I wanted to go and look at Sabines winter collection when I get the time and I need to go and look at Gianni's offices but for now we are having a vino with our mates.

After I filled the cake cabinet I went to check the babies, Lukas wasn't there he was helping Sabine sell clothes and my other three were fast asleep, Alice was on guard and she had a smile on her face from ear to ear.

"When it all settles down they will be here permanently lovely lady."

"Good because I love having them here."

"Just a tip, why don't we get some seedlings and a big pot from my council shop and start a small garden for Lukas to look after, he seems to love doing that the best." I winked she smiled.

"I didn't want to take grans pleasure off her."

"He has a garden at the farmhouse in Italy and another at Ramones place, I doubt whether she will get all twisted about having one here also."

"I will go across tonight and get something will that be okay?"

"I will come with you and Lukas can pick out what pot he wants to use we have many coloured ones."

I left her to it and headed for the upstairs market office, there were three security guards in one room having lunch and after I said hello to them and Jimmy, Stavros's son I looked into the two offices that Gianni had rented. They were okay but I felt they were a bit too market like but maybe will do the job. I headed back to my spot outside the café, Gianni and Iris were serving up a storm and Nina and the boys were still seated out the back. I grabbed a cheap plonk and sat on my own with a note pad so I can scribble things down on.

The chair next to me was pulled out and a grinning Italian sat down.

"Are you winning Stavros?"

"Yes Antonio, what's going on?" I knew he couldn't help himself.

"Nothing, why?"

"Meetings with Iris, your Nonno calling by and not playing cards with his friends. Just a general feeling that something is up that's all." He's fishing for information.

"Grandad was having a break from gran she is preparing to make her tomato sauce today. Iris wanted him to look over some account book so he dropped her keys back. Iris is also giving us heaps of ideas about Gianni making his wines here in Australia and I'm about to redesign his office space upstairs." I smiled.

"So that's all, why did Nonno wink at me?" Bugger I thought grandad wasn't going to do that.

"Don't know Stavros maybe he fancies you." I laughed then offered him some of my wine.

After heading him off at the pass, I felt a little easier when he disappeared to make some phone calls. Gianni came and sat with me, I think he wants to go to the bathroom. He wasn't there more than a minute when the boys arrived complaining that Nina was giving them work to do out the back, they told her they would be back in a minute and placed their bottle and glasses on my table. I smiled at them because I had more work for them.

"Boys you remember when Luca came to Australia to redesign the city shop?" Leon's head bowed and Carlos's eyes glassed over. I didn't want this to happen but it must be done.

"Yes Antonio very much we remember."

"Please don't make this about Luka, I only mentioned his name because he did a wonderful job refurbishing it." "He did Antonio, what's this all about?" Gianni said.

"Did he redo Federico's office also?"

"Yes Antonio, uncle Federico got a really nice office, leather chairs and a big oak desk so he could write on, he wanted it that way in case big buyers came in." Leon answered.

"Ok, so what happened upstairs?'

"What do you mean Antonio?"

"Your brother owns a million dollar wine business and you give him second hand furniture an old school desk with no facilities for him to entertain his wealthy clients, not even a coffee machine."

"Gianni wanted it that way he made us do it like that." Carlos whined. I looked at Gianni he looked back.

"I am but a simple gypsy man Antonio, I don't need stuff like that."

"I give up." I threw my arms in the air and downed my drink then went to talk to Nina.

"Nina this is a list I would like you to go through, and anything I have forgotten, add it and spare no expense this has to be done right."

"What is it Antonio?"

"I can't have Gianni's clients sitting in what looks like a classroom, he has to have an executive office, and maybe a client boardroom he needs more space and extra special fittings and so does Pat she will be the voice and face of his company after all."

"I told them that, but he said to use whatever was there, all he needed was office space for Gino and Pat."

"Well I'm changing it, can you do this for me?"

"Of course Antonio, who do I send the bills to?"

"Gianni."

I filled my glass and went back to where the boys were still sitting.

"Where did you go Antonio?" Gianni asked.

"To the toilet I played with my dick waiting for you."

"Really?"

"No, I was talking to Nina."

"Okay." He thought about it for a minute or two. Iris had finished her work and sat to have a wine with us.

"Why were you talking to Nina?" He eventually asked.

"Because the office space you have organised is rubbish, it's not fit for your business. It needs to be redone properly Gianni."

"Why I like it simple like that." Iris was grinning because she knows what I want.

"No, Its fit for a market office not a Global wine company. Federico's office was designed so he could sell the Cartasso wines to wealthy clients, yours is designed to sell cheap back door plonk. I won't see you go down that path Gianni, I just won't have it. It needs to be redone, so Nina now has that very important job because your brothers didn't do that in the first place."

"But Antonio he wanted it that way?" Leon moaned.

"You should have reminded him he's no longer a gypsy boy unloading grape trucks, he's a global businessman."

"I don't feel like one Antonio."

"You don't have to, Gino does, he will be the one selling your wines so he must look the part. Pat will be greeting them and answering the phones, she will be the face of your business to any future clients. They must look like they know what they are doing, at the moment I didn't get that vibe. Also why we are at it, both Pat and Gino need a few sets of new clothes they must be dressed well, we need top label clothes too Gianni, not market jeans and t-shirts."

"Did you cum Antonio?" Gianni asked, my head whipped around to look at him.

"What?"

"When you went into the toilet and played with yourself, did you cum?"

"No, of course not, I said I was talking to Nina."

"You look a little flustered Antonio, better you come with me."

He held his hand out and I shook my head.

"I fucking well give up, I really do." I then followed him to the toilet, Iris was laughing her head off as Leon poured her another vino.

When we were spent he wanted to hold me near, our clothes were strewn all over the floor but he wanted to spend some time with me.

"You are so good for me Antonio, I would be nothing without you."

"Thank you Gianni, and you are so bloody good for me also."

"The workers will start for real tomorrow, Gino and Pats clothes have been ordered through Cody Mitchells Armani collection. But you did good today my Antonio, I love you so much." I froze, those buggers are at it again. I quickly dressed and walked out red faced.

"Don't you dare say one word Nina, don't you just even dare." I pointed to her as I walked past.

"Your zips down Antonio and I can see your willie." She lilted out.

"Get stuffed Nina." I pulled my zip up and went to find another drink.

A shy boy with long dark wavy hair followed me out and he and his brothers slapped hands as I topped my drink up, Iris winked and whispered.

"Was it good?' "Excellent as usual Iris, you can sit in on the next session if you like."

"That would be very nice thank you Antonio."

"Better still I will send you a small movie the boys took, it will last longer." I laughed.

Shortly after five burly tradies went upstairs followed by some very expensive high end furniture and fittings. I didn't go up to supervise because I know Nina and the boys won't let Gianni down. Word had gotten around about Sabines new collection and the ladies were filling her shop all afternoon, Lukas sat with us in a high chair and I fed him some cream cake then I made him a frothy baby chino which he absolutely loved. Stavros stared at me all afternoon and I am sure he's losing at cards because he wasn't concentrating.

My phone buzzed at one stage and it was Alessio sending Lukas more photos of his Italian garden so I plugged it into the TV and he clapped his way through them.

My babies had disappeared and were over talking to the ladies in Gino's stall, the boys had decided they will go and show them off to the new owners. I went over and talked to Remo for a while he was flat out and his smile was large. I looked into his display case and that's when I saw them, a dozen containers of Grans fresh pasta sauce, now I know why she's doing tomatoes, she's started up her own business.

"How long has this been going on Remo?" I pointed to the containers.

"While you were away she approached me and she is doing very well indeed, and so am I because she pays me too. It's called paying it on Antonio, but in a small way." That grin again.

I went over to see how the kids were and Luca started whining so I took him and he settled down a little, Pat was beaming I think she has had her final fitting for her work suits and skirts so I winked at her.

"Are they picking it up quick?"

"Yes Antonio, they know their veggies and fruits, so I see no major problems for them. It will be so good to get out of the cold for a change."

"Yes it will, I shiver when I think about how it was. Your warm coffee was the best first thing."

"Well I will be down for your coffee when I start upstairs." "Good, just put it on Gianni's tab my lovely." I winked at her.

Back at the café I grabbed a coffee and sat with my son who had decided to start slapping my face then giggling, I was warmed and so in love with him. My other boys came back but Luka got antsy when I tried to exchange him for Gianni so I guess in the pecking order he will always be number one. It wasn't his famous name that drew everyone's attention it was his genuine soft personality that we all loved. The other two were beautiful kids and they seemed to stick together they baby talk more than Luca, he just wants to be held. I won't get started on Lukas, our first born he was, and is, just so damn awesome. I looked up and saw Alice looking at me from the flower shop she came over and said.

"What's happened?"

"What?" I stared back at her.

"Why the tears?"

I hadn't realised a few tears had slipped out.

"Tears of joy my lovely."

"He needs to sleep."

"I need to cuddle him."

"See you soon then." She knew how I was feeling she always knows.

My moment was broken when Gianni and Iris started arguing as they brought wine out, I looked down and Luca had gone to sleep so I took him over to the flower shop to tuck him into bed. When I came out the boys had joined them.

"You have to do this Gianni, it's your business." "But I don't like all that stuff Iris."

"Antonio talk to him, I can't get through his thick skull."

"What's it all about Iris?" "He won't come on my radio show, he has to make some sort of announcement and I think that's the best way of telling my wine followers he will be making in Australia."

"So what's the problem?" I turned to Gianni. "Gino should be doing it."

"Why, you're the owner you should be the one announcing changes to your processing."

"But I'm no good at it."

"Iris write out some questions and Gianni can practice his answers."

"I can do that."

"See fixed, just stick to the script what could go wrong. You will be awesome baby." He blushed.

"Aww okay."

"Done." I looked at the boys and was waiting for them to stir him up but instead Leon said.

"It's easy Gianni we have done it several times in the past, we will groom you."

"It's radio boys no need for grooming." I offered.

"But he might have to have photos taken with Iris." "Now you are turning it into a meet and greet the big Italian wine maker stud." My man said.

"But you are Gianni." My eye lashes flittered and I lowered my head a little. He sat up straight and grinned, the man of the house is back again. I played along for an hour or so then we started locking up to go home. Lukas was jumping up and down because his show starts in a half an hour, signs of things to come I think. I wondered how many sports he will be doing after school and on the weekends I think Gianni will be driving a lot in a few years' time. Iris was taken to the warehouse to get her stuff and Gianni helped her carry it into her apartment, she will come up later for dinner, no need for her to be cooking because of gran. As soon as the babies were settled on the floor, the boys came out with a bath bag then made Gianni sit down at the table.

They plucked shaved and moisturised him into next month, although I must say his thick eyebrows looked beautiful.

"You need to get a trim Gianni, Antonio do you still see that twinkie you fucked?" Leon's at it again.

"Yes Leon why?"

"Because Gianni needs a trim." "Over my dead body, I will be looking after his hair thank you very much." I smiled at my husband.

"Okay have it your own way Antonio, a professional would do it better."

"If I told a professional to trim an inch off they would take five inches. They have no concept on what an inch looks like."

"Gianni can we trim it for you?" Carlos asked.

"When is the radio talk Gianni?" I changed the subject because I do take a proper inch off his hair every now and then, I like it sitting just below his shoulders, that is easy for me to do.

"I don't know, she said she does it on a Thursday but I will talk to her again tonight."

"Okay and when she hands you the questions we will go through it."

"Can we help?" Carlos said.

"Yes you can because you have done this before, but no hair cutting do you hear me." "Yes Antonio no hair cutting."

I leaned over and kissed them both and said.

"Thank you.".

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