Chapter 70
Maxieplus
The night of Iris's interview we had to stay away from her apartment, it was just her and Gianni talking, so no onlookers. She had prepared the questions and he looked them over, then he rehearsed what he was going to say about his wine business.
We gathered around the living room computer and the boys found the online station, then Gianni left wearing his good suit and tie. I had to giggle because he was being very professional about it. He kissed everyone goodbye and left with a big grin on his face, that was after Leon and Carlos checked him over several times.
When the time came Iris was introduced by an announcer and she, in turn, introduced Gianni Cartasso. He sounded so beautiful on the radio but I could tell he was nervous, the boys had erupted in applause and I spent the first two minutes trying to calm them down. Luckily Tommaso had the computer on record so I can replay it to Gianni when he gets back home.
It was a worldwide radio show and was relayed over the internet the total count of listeners was well over five hundred and fifty thousand.
"So we have Gianni Cartasso in the studio and I want him to tell our listeners a little bit about himself. But before I do there is some interesting background I would like to talk about first, welcome Gianni."
"Thank you our Iris, it is very good to be with you in this lovely studio." I could almost hear him smiling.
"Gianni Cartasso winemaker extraordinaire, your mother is well known to my listeners as the owner of the Cartasso wineries, what role do you play with the company?"
"I am also an owner from my birth mother, my real alive mother Sabine is one of four owners as you know Iris. She is very beautiful and should have won a prize at the Never Give Up fundraiser ball where she went with your Tony."
"I agree Gianni, but we digress, you worked at the winery for a few years didn't you?'
"Yes Iris, I worked very hard for my family, not much time off for this gypsy man, I had many hours of gathered-up holiday hours I never took and lots of sick leave I didn't take at all."
This went on for fifteen minutes Gianni was giving out information the listeners weren't expecting, he was making it personal and his genuine humbleness showed in his answers, being a pureblooded gypsy prince and all, which he mentioned several times.
"Well thank you Gianni for this most inciteful interview, I'm sure our listeners have a better understanding of your products and your family life."
"Can I talk about my precious babies now Iris?"
"How many children do you have Gianni?" I could hear the tension in her voice.
"I have four sons three identical ones and one adorable big brother for them. Lukas is the apples of my eyes he loves gardening and is often at his Nona's place attending to his plants, hello Nonna and Nonno and my Lukas and Antonio Leon Carlos, hello mama." He went to go on about his other three sons and Iris cut him off, she's very professional.
"So we can't talk about my babies then iris?"
"We will leave it for the next interview, Gianni, we are almost out of time.
"Oh, so no time for talking about my babies, so do you want to talk about your new business partner Antonio do you now?"
The airwaves went silent I think Iris pulled the plug, an announcer came on and thanked them and it was back to an advert break, I sat there stunned. I couldn't move I was so furious with grandad. I wanted to ring him and blast him but knew I had to calm down before I did anything rash, but the other side of me wanted to laugh very loudly.
"Iris's show hit one million listeners, wow!" Maxie said.
"That's very good." I seethed, then stood up to go and pour another drink, I could feel the boy's eyes watching me as I downed the liquid.
"Antonio why are you so quiet, our Gianni did a beautiful interview with your Iris?"
"How did you find out?"
"Find out about what Antonio?" Carlos asked.
"About me buying half of Iris's winery."
"We always know Antonio, we thought everyone knew. We talk about it all the time." He smiled.
"Did grandad tell you?"
"No Antonio I forget who told us but we are very happy for you to do business with Iris." Leon said.
Gianni and Iris were coming up in the lift and they were arguing with each other, I could hear them. When the door opened Iris's face was bright red, and she was furious.
"You shouldn't have said anything on my radio show, it is my business, not yours."
"But Iris, I was just giving Antonio's new winery a, what do you call it in the business, a free plug?"
"No free plugs the whole show was designed for you to give yourself a free plug Gianni, I'm furious with you."
The boys welcomed him with kisses and hugs and Iris got the same treatment, and of course, they are up to something.
"Wow!' Maxie screamed out.
"Iris look at this." He pulled her over to the computer.
"Look you had well over a million listeners tonight, and the replay is already up to over two million, your show is trending all over the internet."
"What?" She screamed, then her phone rang.
"I have to take this, but I'm not finished with you yet Gianni Cartasso."
She walked outside and started talking to the caller while I poured another drink.
"Antonio, did you like my interview?" He grabbed me in a bear hug.
"It was awesome Gianni, you rehearsed that very well and it all went over beautifully." What could I say he looked so happy.
"I got her good Antonio, she wouldn't let me talk about my babies, so I got her good." He laughed.
"Yes you did my friend, and you got me also."
"Not you Antonio, we got Iris she was not letting me finish about the babies so I got her on her blindside, she didn't even say goodnight to her listeners."
Iris came in and started pouring herself a drink, she looked even more flustered when she turned on Gianni.
"I don't know who you are, or what you did on that show. But my producer has just been on the phone insisting you be on it again next time. I have a good mind to tell the station to go and take a run and jump. But they have threatened me with cancellation if you are not interviewed again." She was now talking through her teeth and she had to go on.
"I am fed up with it you lot, never ever again will I ever do something nice for anyone. What you did was evil, and I won't stand for it, do you hear me Gianni Cartasso, don't fuck with Iris Wilson because she has a nasty sting in her tail."
Gianni looked confused but to his credit, he did answer her.
"I wanted to talk about my babies, my wine sells itself Iris, why are you getting so mad with me?"
"I'm fed up with you lot it's over, no more missus nice guy, you can all go and get stuffed and kiss my bony ass." She put her glass down and waved her arms in the air, then she quickly skulled her wine.
"Are you okay Iris?" I ventured into unknown territory. She shook herself the poured another drink
"The biggest audience I have ever had, in fact, the biggest amount of listeners of any show on that station happened tonight. The replays are going insane on the net and the messages are they want to hear more about this dufus's babies, not his bloody wine."
"Don't call our Gianni and dufas Iris, that's only for Antonio to call him." Carlos seemed a little upset. I started and couldn't stop for several minutes, my ribs ached and I had to sit at the table to calm down. My laughter brought tears to my eyes and an ache in my gut, and when I looked I could see iris was doing the same. The rest of the group stared at us, and when there was nothing left Iris and I took a fresh bottle of his best wine and sat on the balcony.
"It was a great interview I can see why your listeners went insane, he sounded so sexy on the radio."
"I will listen to it when I get home Antonio, my boss even offered money to have him as a regular spot on my show, I have never heard of anyone getting paid before."
"Are you going to allow it?'
"Of course I am, this is too good an opportunity to pass up. He will be on again next week and I will allow him to talk about his babies all night if he wants to."
"For my next problem, I have to find out who told them about our business arrangement." I saluted my partner.
"That's to be determined." She grinned, and it was one of her evil ones. The boys joined us and the kids were still in the dark as to what was going on, so I enlightened them. They were very happy for us and Gianni kissed me several times and congratulated me. I wasn't mad by now but I was very concerned that I couldn't trust anyone.
After she went home and we kissed our son's goodnight, Gianni wanted to listen to the broadcast for the fifth time, so I sat quietly until he let out a sigh and took my hand to go to bed. The boys had decided they wanted to listen to it again in their bedroom so we locked our door and stripped to get into bed.
"Don't you ever think I am happy for you Antonio, you did a bad thing by not telling me."
"I'm sorry baby, it was all Iris's idea not to tell anyone." When in trouble shift the blame.
"No it wasn't Antonio, it was a scheme dreamed up by you and Iris to get us back for all the troubles we cause you." He pushed me onto the bed and slowly licked his way up to my red face.
"Did you use your wedding present money?"
"Yes baby, and some more I already had."
"Good, I will replace it tomorrow."
"You don't have to do that, I am willing to lose it if I have to, but I doubt whether I will, it is a great investment."
"I will replace it because it's your wedding present and it's for you to buy something nice with for yourself.'
"How did you find out?"
"We are so happy for you Antonio, can you part your beautiful legs for me now I want to lick you some more down there?" I did as he bid and he dived right in with his tongue, I guess I am never going to get an answer.
Before we went to sleep he did have the last word.
"She should have let me talk about my babies, that's all I am going to saying." My laughter started again shortly after that comment.
In the morning gran was at our doorstep with a very flustered grandad. He said his good mornings and gran started breakfast, I stared at him a lot but I didn't say anything until I got him alone outside. He had no idea how anyone would know about the business, he was genuinely sorry it was broadcasted because he wanted to be the first to tell Stavros.
"Does he know now?"
"Yes, my ears are ringing from his angry phone call at six this morning."
"He wasn't happy for you?"
"Absolutely not, Antonio, I had to hang up he was using his filthy words and I didn't want your grandmother to hear them" He started laughing and I believed him. Gran was going to do the vacuuming today then she is taking Lukas to her place to make more tomato sauce. I asked her how her little business was coming along and she harrumphed under her breath, another answer I will never get.
The kids were all excited because money was being deposited into their business account just about every day and their balance was growing at a rapid rate. It wasn't until the supermarket money went in that they believed they could make a good living from it. Tommaso played with his gold band as he told us he had heard the cheese was flying off the shelves and they were to expect a bigger order in the coming future.
"Have you got enough stock, you must keep your eye on that?"
"I have ordered much the same again from Matteo, I sent it off last night in anticipation, plus I will get more of those extras sent over." Maxie is getting into it beautifully and I can see him leaving Angelo's restaurant very soon. I will probably get a good talking to for pilfering his staff, but he of all people should understand how the kids feel.
"How are your sauces going nonna?' Tommaso said.
"Very well son, Lukas and I have our own very lucrative little business going."
"So Lukas is your partner then?' He asked.
"Yes, my great-grandson is a very good businessman." She smiled at Lukas he smiled back, he's definitely going to go to college.
"Isn't he a bit young gran?" Gianni asked, see how I get my information?
"No he's doing a good job and he's learning about money and cooking."
"What are you writing Gianni?" I broke their chummy conversation.
"Questions for Iris to ask me, Antonio." He had grabbed a pad and was writing in between eating his breakfast.
"Antonio, how do I spell dufas?"
I have no idea what the questions are about and I don't want to know. Sometime today we will have a good talk about the winery and why he wasn't invited to share in it, but if he insists I will sell him half of my share.
Iris thought if he owns the winery people will think he's moving onto the Australian winemaker's territory, but if he's a customer then he's helping them. It made sense at the time but I still can't figure out the wine industry. I guess it's a closed shop to international owners.
I kissed gran goodbye and we took the babies with us to work, that will make Alice happy. Gianni carefully drove us there and the boys helped him unload the bubs and take them inside out of the cold, I grabbed a trolley and unloaded the boxes of wines Gianni had picked up on the way to work.
Four trips and I had them all in the shop, I could see they already had coffee and were sitting out the front with Sabine so I made myself one and joined them. They were talking about the interview and laughing, my man's face was pink as Sabine laid on the accolades.
I was tapped on the shoulder and Angelo wanted to have a word with me, it wasn't anything really bad but I expected to be ticked off.
"Just wanted to say how happy I am for the boys, you are so good to all your friends I am proud to call you a mate." He hugged me I lingered.
"Well talk to Nina, she will have staff that knows your business."
"I have hired Elio and want to steal Matt if I can he's family, and grandad is insisting." He rolled his eyes.
"That's fine, I thought Elio was going to disappear from his family."
"He talks big Antonio but he doesn't tell truths, his family lives here in Melbourne, he's in awe of Leon and Carlos and he wants to live the mafia life." He laughed.
"So you are hiring him, although I found him nice I think he is a little nutty now?"
"Nina said he's trustworthy and a good worker and he wants to get out of that bar in high street, so yes I will give him a go, but Gianni needs another waiter."
"Okay that's fine and why is grandad insisting Ted works with you?"
"He wants him to settle down to a full-time job he's only part-time with you."
"Understandable baby, have you spoken to him?"
"I will now I have spoken to you, but you have to talk to Nina." I almost kissed him and when Nina comes in I will send Gianni up to talk to her.
A good-looking man in a well presented suit was sitting at the table with my crew when I got back. Gino looked wonderful and if I didn't know any better the boys had groomed him into next week, he looked very tidy I must say.
"Gino you look fabulous, are you excited to start your day?"
"Yes a bit nervous but excited Antonio, I have appointments lined up now so I guess it's time to start working for real." He smiled.
"Where is Pat, I want to look at her all dressed up?"
"She just went upstairs to turn everything on, she looks lovely."
"I will catch up with her, I need to go see Nina anyway."
"What do you want to see Nina for Antonio?" Gianni wants to know everything.
"Angelo is pilfering Ted, so we will need another waiter."
"Okay, I will come with you then."
"Of course you are coming with me, I just wanted to look Pat over you can talk to Nina."
"We will come also Antonio, we want to look too," Carlos said.
"Of course you do Carlos, it's got nothing to do with the fridge full of wine up there," I smirked. It's a bit early for them but they don't drink that much first thing, just a pick-me-up tonic, I think.
"Are you going to be busy today dear mother-in-law?'
"Yes, Antonio I am expecting a big rush." I could tell by the cartons she had stacked at the back of her shop, she will empty those today if she's lucky.
"I have a big luncheon to go to tomorrow so I won't be around boys."
"Well, we wish you luck with your entrance Sabine," I said.
"It will be spectacular, especially with Tony as my escort."
"What's it for mama?'
"Another charity dear Leon, spending Iris's money is very rewarding." She smirked.
"Well I hope you win a prize mama, you deserve one."
"No prizes Carlos, but maybe a few good photos for the social pages."
We were starting to get busy and I hadn't made up the cheese platters yet, I like to do them fresh so I have to have it all ready to go. I excused myself and made another coffee and went up the back to start my job. I was halfway through the third one when Gianni arrived with a big grin on his face. He had walked Gino to work and Pat was going crazy answering emails with orders attached, he said she looked beautiful, as he nuzzled my neck.
"I got to do this Gianni, otherwise I will get behind."
"Come on baby just one quick play, I will not ask for more just one."
"Gianni you have customers." Ted sang out. I laughed to myself because he did get a rise out of me. I did six platters and covered them with cling wrap. When I went to check on the cake cabinet Gianni was busy counting out cheeses from his fridge, I recognized the guys from the other day they are having a party and wanted to have his cheese on offer. So they dropped a couple of hundred dollars and left Gianni with a big smile on his face.
"Antonio, one large platter for table six."
"Coming up, one large platter."
I went to do that job, and then I walked upstairs to have a look at Pat.
"You look stunning Pat."
"Thank you Antonio, Fred liked my new look too I nearly didn't make it to work." She giggled.
She was sorting paperwork out from the printer, stapling them together then placing them on Gino's desk. It all looked very efficient to me so I hugged her and wished her luck and left. I could see the boys sitting with Nina with wine on the desk so I disturbed her to ask about hiring a part-time waiter.
"I will look through my books and get back to you Antonio. If I can't come up with anyone I will ask around my ladies. It won't take me long." She smiled.
"Okay thank you, just come and get me when you're ready to talk." I then went to open the cartons I dragged in earlier, Gianni's fridges need filling. While I was doing that job two men in suits came in and presented Gianni with an order. I recognized them from the government department that had containers sent to embassies all over the world. Gianni spent some time with them and when Iris arrived she took over the wine counter. I sent a message to Leon to get his ass down to help and within minutes the two boys were helping Iris and selling up a storm. In the meantime, Gianni had taken the men upstairs. He winked as he passed.
"He's in here somewhere I saw him a few weeks ago when I had coffee." One lady said to her friend.
"I hope he's as gorgeous as he sounded on the radio."
"Believe me Judy he is."
I guess I now have to put up with the Gianni Cartasso fan club.
I knew who they were talking about and although I was proud of him I didn't want this much attention, okay I was kind of jealous which is definitely unlike me.
I looked around and realized there were a few ladies here today it's usually an equal mix but today I think is ladies day at the café. I also noticed Stavros wasn't in his usual seat so I went over to talk to Pedro. He told me that Stavros was ill and having some time off, he got some shocking news last night and is at home recovering. He winked at me, and I knew exactly what the news was.
"You have opened another can of worms Iris, the Gianni Cartasso fan club has started to arrive," I said to her.
"Serves himself right Antonio, see him get out of this one." She grinned.
"Where did the boys go?"
She nodded indicating they were in the back room. I went to chastise them but they looked so gorgeous having a kissing moment I didn't disturb them. I poured a wine and let them finish, I think they are heading for the bathroom. So after waiting for a few minutes I went back to help Iris. I am being pushed from pillar to post this morning and I am also a bit behind in my duties.
I started doing more platters and Gianni's cheese fridge was now half-empty, we had better go and get some more after work.
I heard clapping laughing and loads of giggles coming from the front so Iris and I went to investigate.
Gianni had little Antonio in his arms and the ladies had the other two under Alice's supervision, he was showing them his babies.
"God help me." I heard Iris say under her breath.
"This is my Antonio he's a little bit shy but a tyrant when he wants his milk, I think he's going to be a winemaker like his papa."
"He's gorgeous Gianni, where is his mother?" one lady said.
"She is in Italy and the babies stay with me."
"So you're a single father then?"
"No, I have my other Antonio." He started looking around but I was too quick, cheese platters to make and all that. I didn't want to be involved in it all, this is Gianni's time. I noticed the two government men coming over they sat at the only spare table and ordered some cheese and wine, the best stuff.
Gianni had the winery bottle up some labeled collectors wine so he could sell it a little cheaper to his customers but not much cheaper, they don't have the trimmings the others had.
I guess when you work for the government you get a pass to order anything you fancy, and they ordered the best wine. Alice called time out and she and Bianca took the babies back to their playpen.
The ladies ordered a cheese platter which Gianni fixed, then he grabbed himself a wine glass and sat with the guys.
I was watching the girls ogle my husband and thought I might burst his bubble so I went over with my wine and sat also. I know it's only a matter of time he will kiss me, then my little world is mine again.
"We heard you on the radio last night with Iris Wilson Gianni, it was a wonderfully funny and inciteful interview, you did very well for your first time." One guy said.
"It was nice to be on our Iris's show she's the best."
"She certainly is, and it looks like she's busy also."
I looked down the shop and sure enough, she was flat out so I downed my drink and went to help. There goes my time in the sunshine because Gianni didn't even notice I had even sat down.
We worked our asses off for the next half hour then Leon and Carlos with flushed faces took over so we could have a break. Back to my husband's side I went, the ladies had gone but all the seats were taken. I went to get two from the back room and Iris and I enjoyed our sit down with the men.
"Is this your cheese Gianni?"
"Yes and no, it's made by my brother in Italy and his friend, and shipped to Tommaso and Maxie's company they have it rebranded for me to sell in here."
"Can we have samples?"
"I'll get it," I said as I moved off the stool and went to prepare a box for them. If I didn't know any better I think they will place a big order with the kids. I also placed a few cards and a price list for their business in the box, then took it out for the two men, one winked at me.
"So what brings you here today?" I asked them.
"Another order, collectors wines are great for gifts and Gianni's are well presented so we need some for our embassies."
"Big order Antonio, Gino is tearing his hair out."
"He will be fine, I will send the boys up later to check it all."
He leaned over and kissed me, bingo.
"Iris your show was something special last night, congratulations."
"Thank you Bob, I am glad you enjoyed it, and stay tuned for the next one I think it's going to be a doozy."
"Is Gianni on again?" She pursed her lips and answered.
"Yes." Gianni sparked up and we slapped hands.
They left an hour later and ten thousand dollars lighter, when I did the sample box I also placed a price list for the biscuits, just in case.
"How much was the order for Gianni?" Iris was curious.
"Fifty-four embassies and a hundred and five consulates worth, one pallet for each to be delivered as soon as possible." He puffed up and grinned.
"Fuck me." I mused.
"Okay, Antonio if you want me to." He went to take my hand and I laughed so much, but not because of that statement because I could see in my mind's eye Gino tearing his hair out for real.
"That's awesome Gianni, I will mention it on our next broadcast."
"No Iris this is government business there is a code of silence on it."
"Not in my book, yes, we can talk about your government contract Gianni. I think our listeners will be very interested." Gianni put a shocked look on his face, then he started laughing.
"You got me good Iris, see we knew you could do it." She smiled and now I am in awe of Iris the radio star.
While all this was going on a crowd of women were tearing Sabine's shop apart as she was opening boxes at a rapid rate. She had three assistants today and some very excited ladies were trying on her winter collection. I also noticed a young man and a very pretty lady searching through the racks. Brent was special, I had read up on his abuse when I had time and shed more than a few tears for him. He had been abused badly by some drug lords a few years back. I am guessing, but the lady with him must be Dianna his friend, they were laughing their heads off but no sign of his babies today.
I also noticed a young man jumping up and down waiting to talk with me. Remo was as excited as a new battery, he sat with me and related his news. His dad Dave had been approached by Nina and will now be working for the market full time for good as a maintenance man.
"He will be out of the cold Antonio, my life couldn't get any better and it's all thanks to you and Gianni." He took Gianni's hand and shook it, he's growing up so fast.
"It was all our pleasure Remo but you have to take a lot of the credit for yourself, it's you that impressed us and it's you that made your business successful. We are all so very proud of you." I said.
"Well I had to come over and say a big thank you for dad's new job, now I have to deal with a very business-like nonna, she's dropping off her sauces today." He laughed.
"Sauces?"
"She has expanded her range, she said she now has an assistant to help her."
"Lukas, it's Lukas that's helping her."
"But he's a baby."
"I know but he is good at cooking I believe."
"No." He was dumbfounded. He left a few minutes later and I sat staring at my husband who was laughing.
Iris had gone off to do some work and the more I looked into Gianni's eyes the bigger my rise got.
"Come on." He grabbed my hand.
"Where do you think you're going?" I heard a voice behind me.
"Brent hi, I didn't see you."
"Sneaking off to get into trouble I think." He laughed.
He sat down with his friend and she had a few bags of clothes in her hands.
"This is my friend Dianna, Dianna this is Gianni and Antonio."
"Pleased to meet you boys, what a wonderful place you have here. I have seen it many times but didn't have the time to stop." She smiled, she was so gorgeous.
"Well your all family now so feel free to drop in anytime, we are always up for a friendly chat."
"I will bring the kids by to meet your sons."
"How many do you have Dianna?"
"Just the two, but I need a few more apparently I'm not busy enough."
"Don't blame Marty Di, it's you that wants more." Brent chastised her.
"Maybe." She blushed.
"Wine my dear friend?"
"Yes please, Brent." He grabbed Matt and ordered a wine. Gianni handed his keys to him and said.
"The best one."
"Well you are special he's ordered his top-shelf wine." I smiled.
"I have heard of it, and thank you, Gianni." She gave him her million-dollar model grin.
"Where are the babies?" She asked.
"Come with me." Gianni is all for showing off his sons to anyone. He took Dianna's hand and they walked into the flower shop.
"When she comes back tell her she has some soot on her nose."
"What?" I nearly yelled.
"Just do it for me." He grinned.
"Am I missing something?"
"Not really, it's a game we play."
"I get it." I didn't but I will do as I was told.
I heard Sabine laughing as she arrived with her coffee, she looked like she had just walked out of a salon, there was not a hair out of place.
"Hi Brent, good to see you again so soon." She smiled.
"Hi Sabine, your very busy today."
"Yes flat out, and I got plenty of orders to do. I don't know where I will find the time."
"You will, one step at a time." He smiled, I don't know if there is a hidden message in there somewhere. Dianna and Gianni came back and she sat across from me, I looked sideways at Brent he winked so I pulled a tissue out of the box and handed it to her.
"You have soot on your nose." She stared at me took the tissue then she started in on Brent.
"Why would you do that to me in public. I have never been so humiliated in my whole life, sometimes Brent I could strangle you, I'm fed up, you hear me, fed up."
Brent went bright red and slunk down in his seat, I looked at him and said.
"That went well."
"Shut up Antonio." She said through gritted teeth. Dianna sipped on her drink and started talking to Sabine while Gianni laughed his head off, while they were distracted, Brent leaned over and whispered.
"Watch her." I sipped my drink and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her hand slip into her handbag as she talked and a compact appeared in her hand. She then turned her head so we couldn't see her and looked in the mirror.
"Sucked in, I win," Brent shouted.
"You did not." She sneered.
"I did, I did, didn't I Antonio?"
"Sorry Dianna, he won." I pointed my thumb towards him.
"Pour me another drink you little shits." Her glass was handed to Brent who laughed as he filled it. Sabine was confused but like the lady she is, she didn't say anything. She also raised her hand and waved to Alice who had been watching from the doorway. Baby Luca appeared and she gently kissed him while he smiled and looked for me, his arms and legs going at a hundred miles an hour.
"I think he wants me dear mother-in-law."
"No he doesn't Antonio, why would you think that?"
He let out a scream then started wriggling in her arms, I held mine out and he slipped into them.
"Daddies intuition Sabine." I smiled.