Impossible Love

Impossible Love 73

Maxieplus

It was a wonderful night with all our friends, Iris was the first to leave and Gino and Anna walked her home then Alice and Federico went home. We were left with the babies asleep on the floor and one big baby was also asleep in front of the tv. When we got them to bed we sat at the big windows and looked out to the grey skies, The boys were excited to do their first wash and Maxie wanted to go and set up their TV so we bid them goodnight and they left for home.

"Come on Antonio we want to get a good night's sleep," Leon said as he and Carlos came out of the bedroom, nudo of course. I grabbed Gianni's hand and said.

"Come on big boy let's go to bed."

I was cuddled by him and Carlos while Leon spooned him, a good night's sleep was what we all wanted.

Just before I dropped off `the big brown bag' had popped into my head. I will think more about it tomorrow, maybe ask gran what it all means.

I slept well my man was licking my nipple when I woke up and had the biggest boner, I guess he's had a sexy dream but I had to go and attend to the kids I could hear them on the monitor. I crawled over him and he moaned, then when I slipped on my shorts I looked again Carlos had moved into my spot and was holding him. I smiled and hoped Gianni has realized I was out of bed and didn't slip anything nasty to his brother. I flipped the coffee machine on then went to see my boys. One was still asleep and three were having a good old chat with each other.

Arms and legs went everywhere as I bent over little Gianni's crib, I felt around and yes he will be the first cab off the rank to be changed. I picked him up kissed him then proceeded to take his nappy off then wipe him down with a warm cloth, the second one Luca was wet so he got the same treatment, the third was dry so little Antonio was changed then he was good to go. I checked Lukas he was half awake so I felt around his bed then kissed him. Taking the babies out to the living room I started warming up bottles, they can hold their own now but first, they wanted to practice their crawling. I made coffee then sat and watched them, all three headed for our bedroom so I followed them then opened the door slightly so they could slip through.

The bottles were ready and I dropped them off to the boys who had a baby each, they did the job gladly, when I arrived back Lukas was up and bouncing off the walls, he's not quite awake yet, so I grabbed him and placed him on my knees I will talk to him while he gets his bearings. I worry he may start sleepwalking so I double-check every door before I go to sleep, I know he cants get over the balcony but it's pretty cold out there and he may get stuck. I shook my head because I worry too much so Gianni says, all four of us check the doors so I have to be more trusting.

The boys started coming out two nudo and one sort of sporting a big boner in his underwear. I wondered if he wanted me to get rid of it for him. Lukas wiggled down and headed for the tv, Pepper pig was the flavor of the day and the babies wanted more exercise so they crawled around looking into every corner and picking up anything that wasn't tied down. We were all up a little earlier today, I am expecting gran to arrive, she's gone back to her old ways and we see her almost every day. I need to get a housekeeper but when I discussed it with Gianni he laughed and said.

"They come with us, no need to replace Angela."

I heard the lift and Lukas was off his sofa and waiting at the door for them to arrive, gran looked a lot better and almost had a spring in her step when she picked the boy up and kissed him talking in Italian of course. He understood and nodded his head several times then it was grandad's turn, he was escorted to the sofa to watch the pink pig.

"Good morning nona, nono," Gianni said as he pulled the chair out and sat with me. He had little Antonio in his arms then he had to be burped so he was slung over his powerful shoulders and his back rubbed.

"I hear the kids have been shopping Antonio, I hope they aren't spending all their cash on frivolous things." She looked at me, why do I feel so guilty.

"Gran as you know, all they bought was a washer dryer and a tv, they needed those things my old washer was nearly dead."

"Yes I suppose they need these items, I have to go and show them how to sort out the colors after breakfast."

"Is Lukas with you today?"

"Yes son we have the business." I heard Lukas yell out.

"Chop chop tomatoes salt basil, put in pot and cooks hours, no cuts for Lukas just play with fingers and big big spoon."

"Good boy, that is correct you can help me place it in the bottles also." She grinned.

"Get key from the clock, big brown bag, floorboards," I said not thinking about it just an off-the-cuff thing.

"What was that Antonio?" Gran said.

"I don't know gran something I have been remembering, do you know what it means?"

"No." She walked off to start breakfast but why was she smiling. I felt a tug on my shorts, Lukas wanted to whisper to me so I bent down and he said.

"Find the time to get the key." He then laughed and ran off again.

I sat and mused because she has taught him this ditty, he hadn't made it up.

Find the time to get the key, now I remember that one from somewhere, in the back of my mind.

Maybe she had been teaching me with her rhymes and because I didn't go to college she gave up in the end, but why do I think it's really important, I know it is.

Breakfast was once again wonderful and gran had invited the kids up and they bought the instruction book for the washing machine, she sat with Lukas and read through it then she got a pen and circled the important stuff. When we were finished she went to sort them out their grins were beautiful to see as they pushed start on their first load of washing, well they didn't push start Lukas did, he wanted to help also.

"Now it is programmed for the best efficient cycle leave it there and the next load just turn this knob twice to the right then push start, but don't forget the fabric softener and the soap." Thank you gran I think I have been doing it all wrong, now what's fabric softener?

I found it in my laundry it has been used so I guess gran does that when she puts a load on, I don't know what all those packets are for.

The kids headed off to work and we loaded the car, I looked at my son and hoped he could teach me the rest of the rhyme tonight. I have already guessed what it's about, I think it is her way of telling us where she stashes her money and I also wondered if grandad knew.

I said goodbye to my eldest son and we all piled into the van to go to work, the boys were moaning again they had to go and help Federico he has more orders. I know what they are up to while they are there, they always open a bottle while they pretend to do some work. Federico told me what they have to do takes a half-hour but they tell Nina it takes three hours maybe four somedays. I was chuckling to myself, they do work but not very hard it's easy for them so whenever they complain I laugh.

"Are you laughing at us, Antonio?" Leon said.

"Yes." I giggled again.

"Behave yourself Antonio, please don't be disrespecting your brothers," Gianni told me off.

"Sorry boys." I smiled.

After unloading the kids we went to settle them in for their day while Gianni opened up, well he doesn't have to open up the others do that for him. I hugged Alice and Bianca, they were all over the babies like a rash so I was forgotten immediately. I went to clean up the mess out the back then filled the cake counter. I started on some cheese platters while Gianni kept his eye on me. I don't know whats got into him today he seemed more needy than usual.

"Antonio, come here and help me."

"Yes, Gianni what can I do for you?"

"Can you please help me to shift some heavy stock around?"

"Which stock baby?"

"The stock in my shorts, you have been neglecting it lately so it's getting very lonely. Please when you have time, attend to it will you?"

"Yes sir, I would love that sir just sing out when it's ready to go."

I walked off to play with my cheese platter again, he was right behind me, and once again I was on my knees in the staff bathroom.

"We should go to the Italian club Saturday night before the winter sets in."

"Yes, and I want to show off the babies crawling Antonio,"

"Very good idea husband. Shall we go and do some work now?"

"If you are finished Antonio, I will make the coffee and we sit for a moment."

I think I exhausted him.

The day wasn't bad and Iris had come with Gino he starts a little later than us.

She grabbed coffee and began to tell us that the winery has completed its renovations and they have done the sample wines, if Gianni wants to taste it the labeled bottles will be delivered sometime today, he will have to have a taste but Iris is better suited to that job.

"We are off to the Italian club Saturday night Iris coming?" Silly question but she nodded yes.

"Have you enough heating in the flat baby?"

"Yes thank you Antonio I am very comfortable and cozy."

"Good." I worry that she will be cold during the night maybe she should come up and stay with us during winter.

We locked up and the boys decided they will run home, I think they are slacking off lately so I waved as we drove past with the babies and iris. At grans we were greeted by dozens of jars of tomato sauce on the bench, they have been working their fingers off. Lukas grabbed me and pushed me out into the backyard, his flowers have bloomed and his herbs were now fully grown. He danced around his pots and then cleared away some leaves as proud as punch so I took some photos to send to his family in Italy, he will receive many more in the return mail.

I sat and had a coffee with gran while grandpa talked to Gianni and Iris about the winery being ready for production.

"That's a whole lot of tomato sauce gran, is Remo going to sell it also?"

"Yes grandson, he is a very clever boy, and he helps this old nona with her petty cash. I have paid Lukas and his money is in his top pocket, please don't let the others touch it he still doesn't trust them."

"I won't, I will do the job myself this time."

I looked at Gianni and heard something I never hear. I know it's always been on the mantlepiece but the old clock bonging the hours out never interested me much, until now.

"What's the next line gran." I lowered my voice because she had creased her forehead.

"What line Antonio?"

"Find the time to get the key?"

She harrumphed.

"I am listening now nona, I know there is three clues and I know what they are for, you have been teaching Lukas to say it haven't you?"

"Antonio, this is my business please never repeat this to anyone, not even your grandfather."

"I promise gran, I know you are a very private person and I love you more for that."

"Find the time to get the key, under the boards it will fit, do not forget the old brown bag its full of books, so take a look." She smiled.

"What does it all mean?"

"You solve it when I am gone from this earth Antonio, we must talk further at some stage but for now please let it go, you needed to remember and now Lukas must know also."

"I will gran I think I have already guessed your secret and I will never tell anyone, does Lukas know the whole rhyme?"

"Yes, he does Antonio, like your father and you. I have taught him the words. He won't forget." She was accusing me of forgetting, but on reflection, I never forgot I had just twisted it a bit over the years.

"You taught dad also?"

"Yes but there was a different one back then." She let go of my hands and sat back then rubbed her eyes she looked tired again.

"Get an early night gran, and we will take Lucas tomorrow. Please don't come to the apartment there isn't anything urgent to be done."

"I won't Antonio I may have a day to myself."

"Please do that." I hated what I just did, she was almost telling me where my inheritance from her was stashed, and in doing that she has bought back sad memories of my dad and now a reality for me, the reality that someday she will pass into heaven.

Gianni had noticed our little moment and because he's such a wonderful man he came over and placed his arms around gran and hugged her, her hand went to touch his and she whispered.

"Grazie Gianni."

The moment was broken when Lukas wanted to go home, he handed me four jars of tomatoes he had made, and I put them in my backpack.

"Will you be at the market tomorrow gran?"

"I have a delivery I must make, so yes I will be in to see the babies also."

I kissed and hugged her then we left for home, grandad watched me like a hawk as I gathered up Iris and Gianni who was giving Lukas a piggyback.

I suppose grandad will want to give me a rhyme also, but I don't remember him ever teaching me one.

When we dropped Iris at her door we went to our apartment on the roof to chill out before I organized some dinner for everyone. Lukas rattled around in my backpack and bought out his sauce, he will be having that tonight, well maybe we all will have it if he shares. The tv went on and the babies wanted out of their cribs so Leon and Carlos did that job. I won't give them any milk they have had enough just the bedtime one will do them.

"Have you got another job for dad to do Lukas?" He thought about it and I grabbed an envelope.

"Oh yes daddy," He placed his hand into his pocket and produced another crisp ten-dollar note. I wrote on the envelope and took him into the bedroom where he placed it with his others then I put an elastic band around them.

"Don't tell anyone daddy." I smiled at him and replied.

"I won't, I promise."

I then went to do Gianni and my cash and entered totals in `grandads' books.

The wine was produced and Gianni sat while the boys played chase with the babies, it was so funny to watch because they were falling over laughing and not concentrating, Iris came up and she was passed a wine glass.

"What was that all about Antonio?"

"What was what Gianni?"

"The thing with gran, please tell me."

"She taught me a rhyme when I was small, I think it's the key to where she hides her money and she teaching Lukas also, I remembered and asked her. She was a bit sad because she taught my dad one also but she didn't elaborate on it just got a little sad. She misses him, Gianni, it happens I suppose."

"Okay, then we will have an extra dance with her Saturday night then." He grinned.

Lukas was more than happy to share his sauce with everyone and he sat in his high chair and waited until we all had tasted it, the compliments were genuine and his grin swallowed his face he was so happy. He got extra cheese and made moaning sounds as he ate his portion.

"That was just the best Lukas, when are you going to make some more?"

He held his hand up and pulled one finger down indicating four weeks.

"Four weeks, I don't think I can last that long." Gianni smiled.

"Buy Remo same tomatos."

I laughed, so now we have to buy it off Remo, well I don't mind that at all.

"Gianni, your samples have arrived when do you want to do the tasting?"

"After dinner maybe, we can get Gino in on it also do you know which order they are in?"

"Yes they are numbered and labeled, he will have to double-check them also."

"It looks like drinks at yours then."

The downstairs kids arrived and I placed their bowls on the table, they told us they have done three loads of washing today so they are up to date.

They were very appreciative of gran's help and wanted to know what they could buy her for a thank you."

"Give her some cheese boys she likes that, or better still I will go halves in a parmesan wheel, she's always got one of them on the go in the fridge."

"We can do that, we have another delivery coming next week, so we spent today placing current dated stock inside the door so the new stuff will go up the back." Maxie was so proud of himself.

"Good, they do have a long use-by date so I doubt whether you will have any spoilage."

"If we do it will be minimal."

"Well just toss it or we can share it I'm sure it will be good for another three months or so."

"Yes it will it's just the health department and their stupid rules."

We cleaned up and headed for Iris's place. She called Gino and Anna in and little Sam was happy to see his cousins, five minutes after we arrived they were all being chased around Iris's apartment.

She set the bottles up on the kitchen bench then Gino popped the tops. She went first taking sips of the six wines, she smiled and winked at me, they have got it right. Gino was next then Gianni, I was handed a glass and said.

"I will just have the cheap one thank you Gino, I like that the best." I could feel Gianni's eyes boring into the back of my neck.

"Perfect Iris, you may go ahead with the production, is that okay Gino?"

"I agree Gianni they got them right." He smiled.

"Your orders are hitting the roof Gianni, we had another big order today from America they want all these six and some top-shelf but mainly ten containers of these." Poor Gianni, he doesn't know, really he doesn't, because he was only a worker at the winery he didn't count up how many crates were leaving the factory, all these figures are doing his head in.

"It's okay mate, leave it to Gino." He winked at me.

"How much is ten containers Antonio?" He looked at me as if I would know.

"Millions Gianni millions, I might buy me something nice now." I grinned back at him.

"Anything you want Antonio."

"Oh goody I have been looking at a nice new phone at the market, maybe I will buy it now." He laughed until I could see tears.

"You are so good to me Antonio, do not ever change." He kissed me.

"Don't forget the Italian club Saturday night guys, Anna, Iris, sparkly dresses are required."

Anna looked at Gino, he nodded then he kissed her.

I think she's going shopping tomorrow at Sabine's, I know she has good clothes but any old excuse to get new stuff and she's onto it. I might buy that phone and take the money out of Gianni's register just for a joke.

"And the Cartasso wines will be done by the end of week Gianni, you Sabine Federico have to do the tastings, we can set it up for Monday." Iris is in charge.

We cleaned up, Iris made a phone call after Gino and Gianni both checked out the labels then we headed for the steps, it was chilly but not bitter cold, and to be honest I loved the fresh air instead of sitting in a stuffy heated area. Alice was there on her own I felt awful for not ringing her but she said she had only just arrived. We told her about the wine tasting and I reminded her about Saturday night. Lukas was telling her about getting paid and she fussed over him because she had missed him today.

The cold forced us to go home early, I had kids to think about and they were pretty tired anyway. I undressed them and let them play for a bit then we bathed them, and with warm milk, they were placed in their cribs.

I sat with Lukas while we sent his garden photos to everyone, which made him happy then his eyes got droopy so his pj's were produced and he also went to bed.

The boys sat and had a few drinks and I know they won't be sleeping with us tonight, the furious kissing and groping told me they were sleeping alone, something's got them going.

We had another round of sex and that was another day over and done with and the perfect ending was when I snuggled into my gypsy prince's arms.

No gran this morning so I made breakfast after Lukas gave me the recipe it turned out okay in the end. When we got to work Alice was there already, she was eager to get him on his own I suppose she might teach him some more numbers or something.

The florist business had settled down and my ladies had decided that they all needed some time off so they will sort that out themselves, a skeleton staff will be there for anything urgent. It will only last four to eight weeks then the weather and business will get better, I wasn't worried because I have traded during winter before.

Gianni was checking his orders and even I could understand the way Pat and Gino had set it all up, with the boy's help. I watched as he went to the page ending and the total price of outstanding orders was massive, I had better get onto buying that phone.

Iris arrived and I told her off she should have stayed at home, but she had nothing to do and preferred to be working or sitting with us at the cafe. Stavros and his men were still arriving every day but they moved their table a little closer to the overhead heaters, sometime this morning Anna will be in to buy a new dress for Saturday night and I am hoping she brings Sam so we all can have a cuddle. Pat had one of Sabine's amazing overcoats on today with a pashmina she's looking more and more like a sophisticated business lady with excellent taste.

I did my chores and kept the rubbish cleared out and amused myself by settling up my new phone, it's been years since I have had one and this one is doing my head in, so many new gadgets to use.

I decided, in the end, to get Leon to show me how to use the appointment book and other interesting apps, I have no idea. They are upstairs with Nina and Gianni is looking at me again. He finished with his customer and he and Iris joined me for coffee, just when we had settled a much-loved woman and man arrived. Gran and grandad had been doing a delivery to Remo and as grandad moved in to play a round of cards gran headed for the florist shop.

I heard Lukas scream.

"Nona!" Then a lot of muffled talking.

I went and made grandad a coffee and thought I would wait for grans I don't know how long she will be.

"I must go buy some of that sauce Antonio, its the best I have tasted since Italy." Iris was going shopping.

"Well put your jacket on Iris its cold." She smiled then went to get her purse and jacket, I helped her on with it and she scooted off in her bright pink loafers, it was a bit comical to watch.

"We must buy some too Antonio, Iris is right it is the best." Gianni had moved closer to me it's warmer where I'm sitting. The boys came down the stairs with a bottle in their hands, they won't feel the cold today.

"Leon can you help me set up this phone I seem to have missed a few upgrades over the past five years."

"You should keep up with it all Antonio, otherwise you will get into big trouble and the confusement will drive you crazy." He picked up the phone and looked at it, I watched his face and he looked again then started pushing buttons.

"What's wrong with it?"

"You have ditched a good phone you know for a not much better one Antonio you should talk to me first."

"So it's no good, I thought it was cool it takes better photos and has more apps in it."

"Most apps are useless to the ordinary user Antonio. I will delete them and clear out some room."

"Oh." I have no idea, but I think Gianni has by the way he sniggered.

Another fail for me I should have asked Nina to organize one for me. I only want to take photos and ring friends anyway.

Gran came out and I asked her if she wanted coffee which she accepted, she had left the babies in the shop because it's warmer but Lukas followed her to the table. I picked him up and made sure he was warm then he bent over and was asking gran some questions, in broken italian.

Grandad was winning at the table he winked at me and had a big grin on his face, Leon put the phone down and said.

"Fixed Antonio, you now have less of the apps and more room for your pretty pictures, do you want me to transfer your little movies over?"

"Yes please Leon, I can't delete them." They were the ones Gianni and I made or should I say the boys made when I was drunk.

"I have plenty Antonio if you want me to send them to you." He grinned.

I wanted to say yes but I also didn't want to sound like an over-eager pervert.

Iris came back with her jars of sauce I think she bought four, she complimented nona and Lukas, and that's when it started.

Because Stavros had moved the table a little closer, conversations were easier to hear, and when gran heard it, all hell broke loose.

"She doesn't need the money, I will never understand her to need to make the little pennies." Stavros, I think, was still a little put out by the winery deal, and he's taking his life into his hands to comment on my gran's sauces and finances.

She bristled just as Angelo came to sit with his coffee.

Then she stood up and turned towards Stavros.

"Stavros, why not you mind your own business, what my grandson and I do is our business and it is of no concern to you."

My jaw dropped and I held Lukas tightly because as a teen I had been on the receiving end of grans anger and there's no getting away from it.

"I am sorry signora, forgive me and my big mouth." He blushed.

"We will leave now nono, my visit with my family has soured."

And that was it, grandad quickly collected his winnings and grabbed grans bags, she stood there and outstared Stavros her mouth was moving but no words were coming out. She shook herself and kissed Lukas and I then left in a big sweep, her back straightened then her eyes were directly focussed on the exit sign. The tables had gone silent no one knew what to say except Lukas.

"Nanny is mad daddy?"

"Yes baby, do you want to go back to nona Alices to watch tv?"

"Yes please grazie daddy."

I took him into the florist shop, Alice had been standing at the doorway she looked at me and I said.

"She's very sensitive about her finances. Stavros should never comment on them."

"I got that Antonio, but I also sensed an underlying problem between them, maybe an old one."

"Well maybe there is, at the best of times they are friendly and I hope gran is going to be okay, I might go and see her after work."

"You do that Antonio, she loves you and might open up a little, maybe you can repair this small rift."

"I will try my lovely."

I went back to the table and both Angelo and Leon were working on my new phone, and it was good to see they were laughing." Or was it.

"We have given you a new ring tone and screenshot Antonio.' He pushed the phone over to me. I tentatively picked it up, I know they have done something vile and I should be ready for anything.

I looked at the screen it was a photo of Angelo's perfect ass, naked. That one I can live with, but when I tried my ring tone it was a recording.

"Lick it lick it stick your tongue in lick it."

I looked at Angelo and thanked him, then Gianni wanted to have a look then Carlos, then anyone that heard it, Angelos face was bright red by the eighth time.

"Now you know not to do such things, especially for Leon." I laughed and held my new phone close so he couldn't delete it.

"Thank you." I looked across at Stavros and said.

"You will apologize again won't you?"

"Yes Antonio, I should have known better than to take on your nona," He looked ashamed of himself, he should be scared, really scared.

I grabbed Sam then Anna went to try on some sparkly gowns, he was warm and smiling but a little restless and I know why. The babies were very happy to see him and as I placed him in the playpen they welcomed him with many hugs and kisses. Alice got a small nurse but it didn't last long.

I went back to watch Anna through the window, she had a few dresses over her elbows to try on, I thought about calling Gino down but maybe she wants to surprise him.

The next thing I did was go over to Remo's, he wasn't busy but after a hug, I told him it will improve and he should enjoy the quiet.

"It's okay Antonio, I am doing good business it's like if there's a break in the weather many ladies rush in to get dinner, pasta or something."

"Well grans sauces are great we tried some last night."

"They are popular but she can't make enough to last the week she does well anyway."

"I will take four jars thank you no discounts please Remo this is business."

"Okay, maybe just a little discount." He giggled as he bagged them up.

"I think she's only doing it to give Lukas something to do anyway."

"She is Antonio, she's a wonderful lady like my nona, she's the Padrino of your family."

He passed over the carry bag and I paid him, I thought about what he said and he's right Gran is the head of the family, I was always crying on her shoulder about everything and anything growing up.

I went back and made another coffee I got to give it up I'm having too much of it lately, and cakes, I grabbed one of them also. Gino arrived just as Anna had finished her shopping, he sat and had coffee with us and she had a big smile on her face.

"Did you achieve it?"

"Yes Gino, both Sabine and Iris are going to pee in their knickers when they see me Saturday night." She laughed.

"So you joining in on the fun Anna?"

"Yes Antonio, all they see is a housewife with a baby bump, but that's all gone now. I'm ready to rejoin the elegant set."

"Good because there will be luncheons and dinners you will have to attend with your handsome husband in the future, so it's good to get in some practice." I smiled.

"Cant wait Antonio, bring it on." I think Anna is ready to launch herself into Sabine's world.

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