Impossible Love

Impossible Love 7

I looked like I had gone ten rounds with a shark, I was wet and red-eyed but I wanted to know more and cleaned myself up in the gents as much as I could. I placed a fake smile on my face and as soon as he saw me Carlos had a drink in my hand which I skulled.

"Thank you."

"Did he speak to you?"

"Yes he spoke to me, he said all the right things to me and now I know he will come back." "Good, because he misses you very much."

"He said he had a break down, can you tell me, I need to know."

"Antonio, can we speak of that later because it's a long story and it's certainly not for here. For here it's smiling and laughing, eating and drinking and my brother is getting jealous that I am taking your time away from him getting to know you also. Please don't be surprised if he asks you for a dance, he's the party animal. I'm the shy one." He grinned so much I nearly kissed him because I was now doing the same.

We moved back to our respective tables as the food had arrived and gran had made a plate up for me, so I sat with them and tried to nibble on something. My mind was confused and I wanted to know about Luca but I understood that story isn't for now.

Another hand went on top of mine and it was grandad's, he winked at me and said,

"Everything is going to be all right Antonio. I have Federico's assurance that it will all work out in the end." He patted my hand and smiled.

"I hope so," I lightly said.

Gino was staring at me and I winked at him, then later on I said I would tell him when I know something. He then went to the serving window and started chatting to a very lovely young lady who was dressed to impress, boobs and all resting on the counter. Then another hand and a whisper,

"My niece Anna." Pat winked at me.

"I see what you mean."

"Sexy, isn't she Ant?"

"Very," I replied.

We both laughed our heads off and my mood was broken for the time being.

I kept watching Carlos and Leon who were talking between themselves and I had a thought. I got up and asked them to join us at our table as we had room, they accepted and I marched them over. The boys danced with Gran and Pat while Gino danced with the niece, most of the night. Gran was in her element, she loves to dance and Luca's brothers were experts, I guess their mum taught them. Alice was whirled around by Federico a few times then I took over, I do know some steps. All in all, it was a fun night except for my dummy spit, and when it was time to go home, Alice got a ride and she must have invited him in for coffee because his car was out the front when we all walked by. We dropped Gino and Anna off at his flat then we three walked upstairs.

"Are you very tired Ant?" Leon asked.

"Not at all Leon, I might sit up for an hour, it's been a big night."

"Can we sit with you?"

"Of course you can, I'll put the coffee on."

"Carlos will get the wine." He ran off to get a bottle of wine but I didn't want anymore so I put the coffee on anyway, the boys can drink the bottle.

He came back and opened it and as I handed him two glasses and he stared at me.

"I've had enough boys, coffee for me from now on." I smiled. I made it and sat with them both and I think they want to talk, but I don't know how to bring the conversation up so I sat and enjoyed their company.

"Antonio, Luca had a breakdown in Brisbane, it's the only way I can describe it, he was sent home on the next available flight so he could go back to his doctor who has been treating him for heavy depression."

"Good God, I had no idea, is that what he meant when he said he had a breakdown, my heart feels for him." I was genuinely concerned for Luca.

"It's not well known and it was nothing to do with you Ant, it's been coming for a long time. What did he maybe tell you about his ex-boyfriend?"

"That he was a selfish pig that forced him into doing some stupid things with others. But he didn't elaborate."

"That's correct, if Leon and I hadn't turned up unexpectedly one day he would have been dead by now. He was black and blue all over and was tied by the neck to the bedpost, his ankles had been handcuffed to chains hanging from the ceiling and the two guys with him were beating him then taking it in turns to fuck him, just to let you know in private those two men will never be seen again on this earth. His ex-boyfriend had disappeared before we went back to clean the apartment of Luca's things, and yes he had been selling him to fetish men who have no morals at all."

"My god no, I didn't imagine that at all, oh my God." That was all I could say because I was also busy crying for his poor brother. I then had to get a glass because I needed a drink.

"We have to get through this Ant, then you have to make a life-changing decision."

"What decision?" I whispered.

"We will get to that."

"He spent some time in hospital he was in bad shape and nearly bled to death, the doctors got him well and up and walking again, and five months later his psyche had him smiling again. We adore our little brother Ant and we are very protective of him, but he never said a word about his abuse and acted as if everything was well whenever we saw him."

"He was sent to Australia to do the job of setting up corporate events because he is good at those things and we missed him terribly, we also worried about him. Something happened here in Melbourne that triggered his memories so he left abruptly, this wasn't because of you, he sometimes has no control over his feelings, this is the way it has always been. He lasted two days in Brisbane before he crashed and so our uncle up there placed him on a direct flight home. Our father and mother have been looking after him all day and night and they sometimes sleep in his room, he keeps saying your name and he has said more than a dozen times you were his impossible love, that he had held your heart and it comforted him." I reached for the tissues and blew my nose then I got up and stretched because someone had just walked over my grave and I felt cold.

"One important question Ant, do you know what may have triggered his buried memories?"

"Yes."

"Can you tell us?"

I weighed out the rights and wrongs but I kept coming back to Luca's illness, so I told the boys what happened with me and Gino, how he used me up, and treated me badly like I was nothing and I mentioned the rape. They were looking at each other and I saw tears for their brother.

"Your life-changing decision Antonio, if Luca comes back here to you, are you prepared to put up with his memories, maybe his depression, what we want to know is will you still help our brother?"

"What sort of question is that? Of course, I want to help him, I love him so much it's tearing me apart inside. Yes, he will be safe here with me, and if I didn't think he would be then I will move him back home and go with him. Does that answer your question and soothe your fears?"

"Yes Ant, thank you very much, the reason we ask is that he doesn't talk about anyone but you. There is a connection between you two and we think he would fare better being around you, his parents agree also and have instructed us to let you know if there's anything you want you are to tell us and they will make it happen. And Antonio, it wasn't the affair with Gino that set him off, I think it was your rape." I hadn't thought of that but maybe now I know better, he was getting flashbacks.

"I need for nothing and I don't need to be paid to love your brother, but thank them from me. He will be kept safe, I promise he will." I just wanted him back and I didn't care if we never make love, I wanted him in my life and I am certain about that, he's my friend.

The wine had been finished and I didn't want to open another bottle. I had a question and I wanted an answer.

"What happened to the two abusers?" They once again looked at each other before Carlos said,

"We donated a statue of a local hero in the village square, it came with two extra bags of cement." He smiled.

"Good, and the ex?"

"He hasn't been seen for some time, but we have spies everywhere. He will slip up someday and we will donate another statue to the village." He didn't smile, this time he was serious.

"Well boys I have a lot to think about and I need to get up early tomorrow, thank you for all the information. I thought it was me and the Gino episode that sent him away but I see now how wrong I was."

"You have a good night's sleep Ant. Do you want us to be with you tonight?" I smiled and said,

"If you did there won't be any sleeping, I can assure you."

"Okay, maybe sometime in the future, we are out of here for now and will see you tomorrow."

I hugged them both and thanked them. It couldn't have been easy for them to tell me all that private business so I was immediately grateful and now I have two new friends who I can trust and maybe lust after.

I leaned on the door after I closed it and was dead on my feet so I headed for bed and was asleep in no time, not even a little hand loving, I was too tired.

I was still wrung out in the morning but at least I didn't have to go to the wholesalers. I cleaned up and washed the glasses then I sat having a coffee and thinking about last night, it was a highly emotional one for me and in the cold light of day, I thought about what I was told and asked to do. Am I strong enough for Luca, am I going to send him crazier? I thought about my love for him and how I loved a challenge. I will do this for his family first, and for me second, it's not about me or Gino, it's about someone that needs fresh eyes and a clear mind. I started walking to the market today because I had a small spring in my step and I was also excited that Luca will come back to me soon, maybe, but I don't expect to see him for some time yet.

I arrived on time and set up the shop serving a few customers along the way. Pat was first to bring coffee over and we chatted about last night, she said her niece spent the night at Gino's, she was a bit shocked because she thought she was a good girl. I reminded her that Gino was a hunk and her niece was beautiful so it's good they got together, now the trick is to keep them together.

Gino was next and in between customers I told him what had happened and what went on last night. He hugged me and whispered,

"Ant, together we will get him right, we will make him believe in himself again, and maybe we will have some vino and a few laughs along the way."

"Thank you Gino, I knew I could rely on you. How was your date by the way?"

"Awesome Ant, she's a really special person, she seems to want everything I want in life and she has a high powered job that pays more than I get a week." He smiled.

"Good one Gino, maybe you can fleece her of some of the money for a change."

"No Ant, you know that I wouldn't touch her money."

"Well it looks like both our lives are looking up, did she give you head?" "Stop it Ant, not on the first date, but she did promise if I was good she would consider it, she likes my dick for some reason and wouldn't stop playing with it."

"Well don't tell Pat, she thinks she's a good girl." He laughed as he walked away to go do some work.

My next caller was Alice, and she was looking very coy today.

"Did you have a good night Alice?"

"Yes Ant, I had a lovely night, it's been a long time since I have danced the night away. Federico had coffee then left, he's a very nice man." She blushed.

"Oh, did he go home without his car because it was still there when I walked past this morning?" She shifted into shop assistant mode and said,

"I'll do the roses then shall I?" "You do the roses lovely lady, I suppose Federico is picking his car up tonight."

"Don't bleed it Antonio, I had a fantastic night." I laughed and went to get the roses for her.

The day was a busy one and after the lunchtime rush I had two visitors, Leon and Carlos, they were dressed to the max and didn't fit into the market crowd at all, but they did remind me of a couple of college kids playing dress-up.

"Are you all right Antonio, did you sleep well?"

"Yes thank you boys, I had a good night and I haven't even had time to scratch in here this morning, we have been busy, thank God it's settled down now." They looked over at Alice and I heard Carlos giggle.

"Don't do it, she's feeling rather special today so don't burst her bubble."

"We would not do that Ant, uncle Federico is dancing on air this morning too, we figured he and Alice had a very good night." "Well she's a lady and sometimes they like to have some fun too. Is there any news or is this just a visit on your way home?""Business Antonio, can you afford twenty minutes for coffee with us?"

"Sure, if you would like to order it from the café next door and grab a table, I'll be five minutes." I smiled, my god they looked good and I was bursting to show my visitors off a bit.

I told Alice that I would be sitting out front and if she needed me to yell.

"Thank you, Ant."

"What my lovely?"

"I have very good hearing and I overheard your comment, so thank you." I winked at her then took my apron off to go have coffee with a couple of spunky Italians.

As I sat down I was wishing that Cal would walk by and see us, the gossip mongers will have a field day at the club when they find out I was being courted by two of the finest looking men in Melbourne.

"Now how can I help you, and what do you need me to do?"

"We have just come from the Huntingdale corporation Ant, they are major investors in BMW and they have secured our business to supply the wines at their annual shareholder's function to be held here in two months."

"Wow, that's a good sale for you, how many people will be attending?"

"About six hundred Antonio, investors are flying into Melbourne from all over the world for the general meeting, and we do the function."

"Just wines boys?"

"No, we do everything, entertainment venue decorations, food, wine, right down to the gold leaf place setting cards, everything."

"That's a big job how the hell do you coordinate it?"

"We have a basic list of what we need to do, organizing suppliers and such. Next week we will have a meeting with the managers and their coordinators, the Crown group will do the catering and supply the venue, they are best equipped to perform that task, we, of course, will do the wine list and we will also set up a small booth so people can order our wines, and it always does very well."

"So it's more to sell your wines then?"

"No Ant, it's our business to be event managers, coordinators of the evening to use a better word, the wine sales are secondary but we will make more out of organizing the event than the little booth will."

"So what do you want with me?"

"Flowers, big arrangements, exotic blooms, here is the plan of the ballroom at Crown. There will be thirty five tables that will need exotic table centers, four huge displays for the foyer, eight more dotted around the ballroom, big but not too big, we don't want your blooms to overshadow the event, there are specific measurements and color swatches in the contract. Do you think you could handle it?"

"I doubt it Leon, you need space for all that." I looked behind me and no my shop isn't big enough.

"So you rent space and hire people to help. The list I will give you is also your timetable, the flowers must be installed the morning of the event and the map to get to the deliveries dock is there also. Luca has done some of the work before he left and we have to finish it.

The knot in my stomach lurched at the sound of his name, and I rubbed it while fighting back the heavy yearnings that re-surfaced.

"Are you okay Antonio?" "Yes, it's just that you mentioned Luca's name and it struck an emotion."

"He is up and about today, mamma told us he wanted to sit in the garden and it's something he doesn't usually like to do, but he wanted to get some fresh air. Of course she's fussing around him so he won't get a moment's peace." He laughed. I told them about my Nonna and what she did to me and everyone was looking at us because we all had a belly laugh.

It was about that time Cal walked past to get a coffee.

"Good afternoon Cal, are you busy?"

"Yes Ant, Pat is looking out for the stall while I get a coffee." His eyes were darting from Leon to Carlos to me and I know he was getting a boner because his jeans started stretching in that particular region.

"This is Leon and Carlos Luca's brothers, who they are here for the big BMW event at Crown in a month."

They shook hands and like the slut he was he honed in on Leon pretending to brush some invisible hair off his shoulder.

"Now that's better." He's cruising him and the smile didn't leave his face as he tripped over a chair on his way to the café.

"I think he likes you Leon."

"He has a nice bottom, I would much like to destroy it." He laughed. I didn't know if he was gay or not but I know Cal won't stop at one cruise.

"Stop it," Carlos said.

"Okay, I was just being friendly." I got the feeling Carlos wasn't happy with him.

"Where do you know him from Antonio?" "He has the leather goods stall around the corner and he's a sort of mate from the gay club I sometimes go to, but I don't go much, I hate his friends."

"Okay Ant, we will talk much on that later. Do you think you can do the job, it's just that Luca thought your creations were the best he had seen, he and was going to offer the work to you but life got in the way."

"Yes, I think I know of a warehouse I can rent so I'll give you a quote tonight, is that alright?"

"No Antonio, we will set the price if you don't mind, the centerpieces will be five hundred dollars each and the twelve larger ones will be one thousand dollars each." I nearly dropped my cup, it's too much, far too much, the flowers don't cost anywhere near that much, and workers come cheap. I held back from laughing because they looked so serious.

"No that's too much, let me do a proper quote?"

"No Antonio, these are our set prices, if you charge less then we have failed. This night has to be the top of the range everywhere, top prices, top entertainment, top food, and wine. The arrangements must be wonderful and we must charge them this price which we hand onto you. What you pay for the blooms is of no concern to our business. If we pay you less the clients think they are getting less quality, so the prices are fixed and they stand firm. Do you want the work?" Carlos was ranting I think. I bowed down to their knowledge because I have no idea what I am doing, but I would love the job.

"Okay boys, we have a deal." We all shook hands and the deal was done.

"This is your timetable you must stick to it and if you slip up for even ten minutes you will throw everything into chaos. This other sheet has the dimensions and colors that are required, it may aid you to do a few trials before the event." He handed the folder over and winked at me.

"Now where is Cal's leather goods shop, I think I might like to tease him again." Leon smiled at Carlos who made a grunting sound. They left soon after to look around the market and I watched them arguing, well I think they were but maybe they were just being Italian.

"Sorry Alice, they just handed me a huge contract and I think we are going to be busy in the next few weeks."

"That's good Ant, how much?"

"Thirty-seven grand." She nearly fainted.

"Is that cash?" She laughed

"What have you done to Cal Ant?" it was Gino in my ear.

"What do you mean?" "He's got himself all excited about Luca's brothers, he's planning on visiting you at home I think, maybe." I laughed and said I didn't think Luca's brothers were all that interested in him. I got us all a coffee and we talked about the big contract, Gino was so happy I had been handed it.

I started reading the schedule and realised there is so much to do and I will have to decide what I'm going to use because I definitely will have to order in advance from the growers. No pretty ribbons in these, they will be top shelf and the footnote said I might profit from getting some elegant business cards to place near the blooms. White card and gold print, they haven't left anything out. Bloody hell, I'm quite happy with my little shop, Luca what have you done to me? I smiled when I spotted them coming back as they had a following of a few girls that were trying to look inconspicuous and one guy called Cal.

"We have to go now Antonio, much business to do, so we will see you tonight, maybe have a vino on the steps with you and your friend Gino, is that possible?"

"That would be great, and thank you for the business, I don't know how I'm going to achieve it, but I promise I will."

"We have something else in mind Antonio, but will talk to you about it later if we can pull it off." I laughed at his words, pull it off I know what I would like to pull off at the moment, those girls lurking are right, they are a couple of spunky men.

We locked up for the day and Alice had stayed back because I had my head buried in the schedule and had started making notes, they even had the color theme written down so all I had to do was decide which flowers would stand up to the test.

I was famished when I got back home as I hadn't had time to eat so I grabbed some pasta sauce from the freezer and started making myself a meal, but then the phone rang. A number I didn't know but I answered it anyway.

"Antonio?" "Luca, it's so good to hear your voice, how are you feeling?"

"Good Antonio, I sat in the garden all day today, the sun was out and it warmed me as I watched the workers in the vineyard. Did you get a big surprise today Antonio?"

"Yes and thank you, I don't know if I can achieve excellence but I will try my utmost to make you proud."

"I know you will Antonio, I am getting better now that I can talk to you, have you been running?"

"Yes, I am trying to run every night but with your family here it's not always practical, they are going to join Gino and me on the steps tonight and I'm looking forward to it."

"They are my beautiful brothers Antonio, they will make you laugh so much, but watch what they give you to drink, they are well known to get unsuspecting people drunk." He laughed and it was good to hear.

"Hang on one moment." I could hear him talking Italian to someone in the background.

"It's just my momma wanting to know who I was talking to, she heard me laugh."

"That's fine Luca, I like it when you laugh, it sounds like you are sixteen again."

"Do you like young twink Antonio?"

"No Luca, I love you and I love that we might get old together, or whatever you want."

"Because we are our own little family Antonio, that impossible love maybe has turned into a possible love."

"I know it is my love, when you have time can you at least send me a photo of yourself, I will message you my email address and I would love a nice one of your sweet face to look upon?"

"I can do that Antonio as long as you send me one or two also, my momma wants to look upon you also so send the nude ones separately." He laughed again and it took some time for us both to settle down, and of course I got an immediate stiff.

"I just got a stiffy Luca."

"So did I Antonio, I better not let my momma see it." He laughed.

"I can't wait to see you." I dropped my voice.

"Antonio, I used to sit in the park and watch you run by sometimes in the dark, you have a beautiful body and I can't wait to hold you to me."

"Me too, that night before you left it took all my willpower not to jump in the shower with you."

"I had to masturbate when you left."

"So did I. Luca do you want to masturbate with me over the phone?"

"That would be nice Antonio, but I am surrounded by workers and family and I can't go to my bedroom because they will follow me."

"I'm horny," I whined.

"Go for a run and place your dick in the hole." "Never again Luca, I will wait for your mouth."

"I have to go Antonio my mother is waiting to find out your news."

"Okay my sweet wine, I will be hearing from you again soon. I love you and thank your momma for my new business."

"Antonio, don't forget the photos, especially the nude ones?"

"I won't, but I don't photograph very well."

"Get Leon to take them for you, he is a very good photographer."

"What? No way is he going to see my goodies."

"I don't mind Antonio, because he's family and I am the only one that holds your heart." I understood exactly what he meant and after a slow goodbye we hung up.

My spaghetti had overcooked while bubbling away and I wanted to have a pull badly, but my tummy grumbled so it won in the end. I was walking around my house with my head in the clouds, I changed into shorts and tank then I ate while playing with my balls and thinking about Luca. After filling my tummy, I felt so much better and at least that knot had disappeared for now, but I'm sure it will be back. I grabbed a bottle of wine and headed out the front, and both Alice and Gino were there, and a pretty lady called Anna. Because the footpath was quite wide Gino had placed two kitchen chairs there so the ladies could sit in comfort, I sat next to Gino and opened my bottle then poured myself a drink.

"I just got off the phone from Luca, he sounds like he's in much better shape today."

"That's good Ant, did he say when he's coming back?" Gino was interested.

"No, he said he had been up most of the day sitting in the sun, so I think that's a good sign, I can't wait to see him again. "Is he your lover Antonio?" Anna asked.

"I think so, I don't know until I see him again, but I suppose you could say that." I wasn't used to talking about Luca to strangers, only Gino.

"I see we are going to have to have a talk Ant because you don't seem too sure." She smiled and I gathered Gino hasn't told her, but I kind of liked her attitude, no condescending comments and total acceptance that I am gay. Just one sentence can bring a person closer or push them away in my world, and she is saying all the right things. I had a sly burp, the food was repeating on me, it's just that I ate too fast.

"Bolognaise Ant?" Anna once again was talking to me.

"Yes, how did you know."

"It repeats on me also." She had a great laugh and Gino couldn't stop looking at her, or her tits, I couldn't make out where his eyes were.

"Here come the boys, Anna these are Luca's brothers, I will introduce them when they get here."

"Very nice Gino, you do have some very classy friends."

"I can do classy if I have to Anna." He lifted his bushy eyebrows.

"Well, you weren't being very classy last night when I stuck my finger in...." She suddenly stopped talking and blushed.

"Don't stop on my account Anna, with this one I've heard it all ten times over today." Alice pointed her thumb at me.

"Sorry signora, my apologies." The blushing kept going until the two boys arrived and were introduced, but then raced upstairs to change, Anna leaned over and whispered to me,

"Which ass is the best Ant, I can't make my mind up?" I gave her a shocked look and said,

"Gino's." Then I laughed.

Gino leaned over and said to me,

"Correct answer."

"I agree." A blushing girl giggled then wiggled her finger at him. I think Gino has had a foreign object poked in his ass, I hope he liked it.

When the boys came back they brought three bottles of wine and two more chairs with them. People were stopping and greetings were thrown around randomly up and down the street so I think we should open a bar on the steps and make us more money.

"Did Antonio tell you about his new business?"

"Everybody knows Carlos, we are all very happy for him," Alice said, well that's a comment I did expect.

"He will do well in the business Alice. We are happy to have him on board." Leon smiled at me then leant over and whispered,

"I believe we have to take some nudo photos tonight, our brother is hanging out like a rent boy on heat for some."

"What? No way is that ever going to happen."

"We have his permission and we have a good camera." I boned up at the thought of it, but I won't let that happen, it's not right.

"We will see, another drink Antonio?" He lifted his bottle so I offered my glass. It wasn't until after it was filled I remembered Luca's warning about his brothers getting people drunk, I will have to watch that and start counting my drinks.

Anna went inside to fix some bread and cheese for us and Alice kept looking at her watch.

"Hot date lovely lady?" It was Carlos that asked her, not me.

"No not really, but I am expecting a friend to call by."

"He will be here shortly, he had a meeting to go to but he hasn't forgotten." Alice went scarlet, I laughed.

It was getting dark and I missed having a run but these drinks were going down quite smoothly. I lost count of what I had and I didn't care because I was happy to be surrounded by my friends and family.

Anna started cleaning up and when a certain man in a red car pulled up outside Alice's she went home, much to her disgust she was followed by a lot of wolf-whistling.

"Hey Gino, get your fine looking ass in here, goodnight boys, and Ant." I heard her laugh, a very Italian thing to do is to scream from the front window so everyone in the neighborhood can hear you, it's also good for calling the kids in to eat.

"Well, that's my cue guys, duty calls." Gino grabbed his stuff and said goodnight while the boys escorted me upstairs, they virtually had to carry me in and put me to bed. I kept saying to them I would be all right but they insisted, what nice boys.