Chapter 79
Maxieplus.
I had another drink and they talked about what numbers they will be doing. Carlos will do five songs and his flute piece, I had better warn Conner that they intend to steal his music, he will put a stop to the lunacy.
"He's still laughing Antonio, the show has been on replay all morning," Brent told me, and when I told him what they had planned to do he said he will talk to Conner, maybe it won't be that bad. I said I will try and get ahold of it so they can listen, but I hoped there aren't any lawsuits involved. Brent just laughed and said he was looking forward to it.
As it turned out I didn't see them at home that night or most of the next day, Leon said they were going to practice the songs away from home and the public eye. I think they went to a hotel down the coast a bit, but I'm not quite sure.
So we were two men down and it was one of the nicest quietest nights I have had for a long time, even the kids were quiet, they had been making plans all day for their renovations. On the steps, it was also quiet but everyone perked up when I told them what the boys were doing.
"They can't do that," Gino said.
"I told them it will get them into trouble. But they didn't listen."
"Have you told Conner?"
"I told Brent he's going to talk with him."
"Oh shit, it costs millions to cover his songs."
"They aren't," Gianni said.
"What do you know Gianni, tell me?" I looked at him.
"They are holding up in a hotel room with a recorder, a piano player and rewriting the words to Conners songs, making them funny like Ask Me will be `Do not ask me that." he started laughing.
"So they are doing satire then?"
"Sort of Antonio, it is so they can sell it on Iris's website."
"They are not selling it on my site I guarantee you that."
"They will Iris have you looked at your site lately?"
"Not since last night Gianni."
"Well if you want that photo of you in your loafers taken down you had better let my brothers sell their cd." He straightened his back and stared at her.
"What photo?"
"The one Antonio took they posted it late last night and said you will now let them advertise their cd."
"Bastards, they are bastards Gianni, God help me I will have their necks for this."
"Iris, I don't think so, your photo has already received eight thousand likes it's the most popular one on there, also there are requests from listeners who want to know who you bought your loafers from," Maxie told her, he had been looking at it on his phone.
"Really?"
"Yes Iris. So you can tell them you like your photo up there, and they cant place the cd on it."
"I will have to think on it some more Maxie, maybe another look at the home page tonight."
"You do that Iris." Maxie grinned.
"Let them do it," I said quietly.
"Have you gone mad Antonio?" I shook my head and looked her in the eyes.
"Think about it Iris, ever since the boys have joined your show your listeners have skyrocketed, your trending all over the internet. Whoever you have on the show is guaranteed celebrity status, you have been getting a lot of requests from famous identities to appear on the show, didn't you tell me that Maxie?"
"Yes Antonio, I have been fending them off."
"You know Iris they aren't as stupid as they appear, they are very talented public relations guys, you would pay a small fortune for the way they have promoted your wine show. Look at what they did to Conner, they totally humiliated him on-air, I bet you a million dollars his next album will be a best seller."
"I didn't look at it that way Antonio, yes, maybe you are right."
"I know I am right, they absolutely couldn't be that dumb, they have overseen events all around the world, rubbed shoulders with royalty they aren't dumb." I knew deep down I was right, and this cd just proves it.
"The cd will be so bad it will sell like hotcakes because it will be a must-have souvenir of the funniest show on the radio, the same with your hot pink loafers Iris you should buy them all up and sell them online for a huge profit." I laughed at her face.
"And another thing, you should have the photo of you blown up life-size and placed in every hotel and bottle shop, captioned. You are entering another iris Wilson event. They are making you famous Iris don't you get it?"
She poured herself another drink and smiled then we clinked glasses.
"God I love them." She said quietly.
"You love their private parts better." I laughed.
We took advantage of the silence in the apartment and went to bed early, Gianni sprawled out on the bed and I worked on him for ages, it was very nice and I took my time, it seems like ages since I had kissed him all over and his moaning was telling me this won't be the last time either.
The next day I remembered the government men coming by and asked Gianni what was it all about, he said another order of two containers to be sent out to London, Gino has relayed the order to Tinker who will handle it from his side of the ocean. Gran and grandad turned up and hugged Gianni for his present, he had the kid's seats installed at the car yard for them, so grandad didn't have to do anything. Gran said she felt like a queen riding in such luxury and sometime today they are going to ride past Stavros's house so he can see it. They will have to wait until after four when he goes home.
Lukas will go with her they have a business to attend to, and the little boys wanted to come with us. The kids will hang around here for a few hours because the men are coming to install the new safes.
The market was filling up and the coffees were walking out the door, I manned the machine while the staff waited on the tables, it's not unusual we get busy first off, and if there are any long waiting times we send them into Angelos.
The babies were being entertained in the florist shop and Sabine was opening up because she is also busy, she must have found more stock because it was almost full of cartons.
The four girls came by they wanted to have a look at the new stock and they made pigs of themselves grabbing dresses while Sabine opened the boxes, it was like a boxing day sale.
I noticed one of the girls a shy pretty girl, Bella I think her name was, well she was standing back while the other three were rooting through boxes. A very pretty girl and the quietest of them all. Anyway, I can't dwell on the girls they know what they are doing.
"Have you finished Antonio?"
"Yes Gianni the rush has settled down and the staff can handle it from now on, whats up?"
"I was wondering when you are going to break the boxes up and replenish the cakes and cheese platters."
"Oh, Gianni you want me to start work?"
"Yes please, Antonio."
"I will begin right now at my nonpaying job, where I am treated like a slave."
"Antonio? I was only joking with you." I kissed his lips.
"So was I, I will get onto it now."
I did my chores willingly, Iris was out and about doing something in the market but she said she wouldn't be too long, I talked to Alice about buying some advertising on the radio show and she thought it would be a good idea, so I started writing out some sort of ad. I will get Gianni onto it also as soon as he is finished with his customers.
The girls eventually came back with bags of clothes, I noticed that Bella only had one as I placed the wine and cheese on the table.
"Not shopping today Bella?"
"No Antonio, I don't need much I let my friends do all that, they love dressing up."
"And you don't?" She giggled.
The girls were showing each other what they bought it was like they had started their very own dress shop at the cafe. Some guys were watching them and when I looked an hour later they were sitting at the table talking up a storm.
"May I use your toilet Antonio?"
"Of course you can Bella." I showed her out the back and then went to talk to my husband. Iris had arrived back and she was looking pretty pleased with herself.
"What have you done?"
"I have made a deal with the shoe-man."
"Pink loafers?"
"Yes, he's ordering a whole bunch of them for me, I will sell them on my site, I am having them sent straight to my warehouse and will retail them at twice the price. Thank you Antonio you have the best ideas" She giggled.
I went back to open a bottle of wine, it's time I had something stronger, I missed the boys. Bella came out and I offered her one she accepted and sat for a minute.
"So what's going on, are you and the girls not talking today?"
"No, we have been best friends since first grade, they always make me feel welcome, but I always feel I'm out of my depth. They have money to burn, I don't, my parents work hard so I can do all this and go to university."
"So that's why you only bought one frock?"
"Yes Antonio, I don't bleed my parent's credit card and one dress for the carnival is enough. I will never win fashions on the field and I certainly do not pick up random guys like the others, so I don't have to dress to impress."
"I see, that's not a bad thing Bella, your sweet and very pretty. I suppose they don't see the goodness in you."
"They do, but I won't be here next year I'm a bit over the partying side of it."
"That's sad, well one of your friends got lucky is she coming to the carnival with her new husband?" She was struggling with something but to her credit she told me.
"She married him because he's big in the racing world, he has money to burn, she didn't marry for love Antonio, it tugs at my soul."
"And the others?"
"They are wonderful friends, they almost pay my way to come here, they insist I come, but it's humiliating for me. They don't realize I am from a different world. One where you work for your future, I have always worked part-time and go to uni, my parents are just your average Italians they have always worked hard in their small restaurant."
"What are you studying?"
"Business Antonio, I want to help my parents. I know how to cook because I have worked in the kitchen, but I need to know more about running a business."
I went to refill her drink but she stopped me and only had a quarter glass.
"I don't drink much." She had a gorgeous smile and she is perfect for what I have in mind.
"You are coming to the Italian club Saturday night aren't you?"
"Of course Antonio the girls are looking forward to it."
"Then we will have a dance together, Bella if you want you can go buy a few more dresses Sabine is my mother in law, she will put them on my account." She blushed.
"So you have joined my friends Antonio, giving Balla expensive presents she can't possibly return even as a thank you."
"I didn't mean it like that Bella, I apologize, you know best I was just trying to help."
"Thank you I must go back and join them, I guess the hotel room will be hosting a party again tonight." She had a beautiful smile.
When she left I felt like I was giving away one of my favorite people, maybe he will like her, maybe not. But if I know Angelo by the way he always stands outside his restaurant looking the girl's way he's already chosen Bella... and so have I.
The thing with Angelo is he's very good at chatting up the ladies, he's always talking to what I deem as racy ladies and I don't think he's too happy about it. He does see the nice girls, but he finds it hard to converse with them, I have seen this on many occasions. It's time he started dating again and I know who he will be doing it with from now on. I was feeling pretty pleased with myself when Iris and Gianni poked their heads in, Gianni said.
"Is everything okay Antonio?"
"Yes my prince and friend, alls good, wine?"
"Yes please, and Iris will have one also." He smiled that million-dollar one.
"Business is brisk for you today Antonio."
"Yes Gianni, I have been very busy."
"Busy matchmaking I think." He grinned, how the hell does he do it?
"And you know this how?"
"Angelo told me he liked her but he was too scared to ask her out because he thinks she's a nice girl, he's not used to nice girls just the ones that want to fuck with him."
"Exactly correct my beautiful husband."
"So?"
"She's coming to the Italian club Saturday night, we have to get them together and make sure they stay together and not shy away."
"The others are having bets to see who beds him first," Iris said.
"Oh?"
"I overhear things Antonio, I'm not completely dead you know." She laughed.
"Then it's settled then, we try our hardest to get them together. They are perfect for each other, her parents run a small restaurant also maybe Angelo can give them some tips. Maybe you can do a deal with them with wines Gianni."
"You are getting too far ahead Antonio,"
"Sorry, have you heard from our brothers?"
"Yes Antonio, they are making the last song now, and then they will come here."
"Good, I miss them." And I did miss them even though they are mostly a pain in my preverbal butt.
We sat for some time then they had to go and see to the wine counter and I had to make up some more platters. Nina came looking for the boys and I told her what was happening and they won't be far away.
She sat and had a wine with me and we talked about the market, she was going to do the extra concreting in the car park after the Melbourne cup when it slows down a bit here. The renovations were completed and all she had to do now was oversee it all. She told me that Dave, Remo's dad is finding things to work on and she was very pleased with his professionalism and his ability to see problems before they arise. I asked if they had made any leeway into buying an apartment or house.
"Remo has them both out looking every Tuesday, Dave has been knocking them all back because the kid doesn't have the money."
"But they can pay a mortgage can't they."
"He wants to do it comfortably and they have started a housing fund, do not get involved with this one Antonio they will be insulted after all you have done already." It was about this time I noticed a message on my phone.
`Con already knows, he's letting them use his studio today. B'
Thank you, Brent, I sent back a stack of lolol's. Business is brisk today and hopefully, I don't have to organize anyone else so I poured Nina another wine and settled in, she is a strange lady maybe she and Dave will get together.
I shrugged my shoulders and now its time to start playing with my children, so I went into the florist shop and there they were all fast asleep in front of the tv.
"Don't disturb them Antonio, they need some rest," Alice whispered in my ears, I knew that.
When I left the girls had gone and so had the three men they had picked up. Angelo was leaning on the wall outside his restaurant he had his arms folded and can I detect a lump in his shorts?
"They are coming to the club Saturday night, maybe you might like to ask Bella for a dance."
"She won't want to dance with me Antonio, she already thinks I am a man-slut her girlfriends have seen to that."
"How do you know that?"
"Matt overheard one of them saying she fucked me last time they were here."
"Then we had better set her straight, you have a lot in common baby."
"We do?"
"Yes, her parents run a small Italian restaurant in Sydney and she has worked in it since she was a kid, they struggle but they get by apparently. She's going to University to learn about Business so she can help them. She also doesn't sleep with random guys and her girlfriends are financing this trip, she's just gorgeous inside and outside."
"How the hell do you know all that?"
"I asked her Angelo, something you should have done last year." I grinned.
"She sounds very vanilla."
"Right up your alley my lovely, she will love you for yourself not your fine ass."
"And you?"
"I only love your ass, there's a difference because I'm a man-slut also."
I walked away leaving him with a big smile on his face and now I have to work harder to get them together.
Two boys came in looking like they had been up all night, they headed for the back room and the wine fridge.
"It was horrible Antonio, we missed our little family like always crazy."
"Did you finish your album?"
"Yes and we have a copy, our music man is going to do a thousand copies, we wanted more but he said we should see how it goes first."
"I can't wait to hear it, I am sure you did very well."
Gianni came in and they hugged each other and moaned a lot, he had missed them so much and when a glass was placed in his hand he saluted them. I did the same and when Iris came in she had a glass placed in her hand and the party started.
"Come on we want to hear it," I said.
Carlos took a disc out of his backpack and I placed it on the player, this is linked to the speakers in the shop so everyone will get a listen.
The music started but it wasn't what I expected just an accordion and flute playing and the beat was a gypsy sort of sound. I heard screams, laughing words and pretty much it sounded like Conners songs but they were so different in a peasant hilarious sort of way, I could imagine their fans dancing gypsy in their kitchens and living rooms. After the fifth number, Carlos's Lonely shepherd was played, the boys have a hit cd, and I am going to be the first to buy a copy.
We heard clapping coming from the shop, a crowd had gathered and wanted more. Leon addressed them and said the cd would be available on Iris Wilson's wine show webpage and from the cafe in three days. They played it again and again but I didn't get sick of it, every-time I heard it I heard something different, I hate to say it but it was a brilliant concept.
`Conner hasn't stopped laughing, he will be around tonight to congratulate them.' B.
`Playing it at the cafe now, they have caused a riot, orders are being taken.' A.
"Well done boys, you are going to be megastars when this hits the site." I smiled at them they puffed up.
"We have to do a cover photo tonight Antonio, Iris pink loafers and sequinned dress please, Gianni a suit, and Antonio?" Leon is all business.
"Yes?"
"Wear what you want but we want the babies in their best clothes."
"You don't need to put them on the cover Leon." I was surprised he wanted everyone.
"Yes we do, if it wasn't for your babies there would be no Gianni, no Gianni, and no us."
"What about Conner?"
"He can take the photo," Carlos said, I looked at him and cracked up laughing Conner does humiliation so well.
We packed up the van and headed home, Gianni wanted to listen to the cd but we only heard the first song again before I shut it off and he parked outside grans place.
"Lukas ran to greet us and first off the rank was his garden, he's got tomatoes growing and was telling us he will use them for his special sauce.
The bottles covered grans kitchen bench and he had a bag with four in it.
"Did you drive by Stavros's?"
"Yes, your grandfather did, he blew his horn at him and he nearly fell over in the gutter." Gran laughed her head off, it was so good to see, she's loving this.
"He will probably buy one tomorrow and have Angelos logo on it,"
"That's a good idea, Antonio, why don't you suggest it to him, his old bomb is ready for the scrap heap."
"What did you do with your old one grandad?"
"I gave it for free to the lady next door, she wanted to buy it for her grandson."
"Good, he will love it." Any car a kid gets is wonderful, I remembered my first one my old beat-up van, I didn't get around to upgrading it because Luca and Gianni appeared in my life and Gianni took over because he's a man.
Lukas wanted to hear his uncle's cd, so it was played again while he tried to sing along with it. I am now officially over it, maybe I won't buy the first copy.
We went upstairs and the boys had started dinner, I noticed the floors had been done and they had remade the kid's beds, I guess they did miss us.
"What time do you want the photos taken Leon?"
"When Rick Conners gets here." He laughed.
Lukas was pulling on Leons shorts he wanted to tell him he liked his songs and he also wanted to tell him he would like his sauce for dinner tonight. Normally he eats well but when it's his sauces, he eats a lot.
"Yes, my beautiful nephew I am only making some vegetables to have with your sauce." He jumped up and down then ran around the room he was excited, then the tv was turned on. The babies were on their bikes again, my poor walls but I didn't care, they were kept occupied.
Dinner was wonderful, made even better because I didn't have to do a thing I sat with my wine on the sofa with Lukas, we were taking selfies and giggling because we were being silly.
Gianni came over with one bike victim, little Luca had wiped out and crashed, he wanted his daddy so he was dumped in my lap. I soothed him and then he joined in on our selfie game.
The others noticed and parked their rides behind the sofa then they wanted their pictures taken. It was time to go downstairs so we gathered up the wine and glasses then the babies and went to join the wine crowd on the steps.
Alice and Iris were there with Anna and Gino, the kids were at the warehouse still and will join us later.
Lukas sat on Alice's knees and related everything he had done today to her, she was interested and laughed at his rendition of one of the boy's songs.
She had heard it several times today, and like me, she rolled her eyes and I guess she has had enough.
"See I told you my Carlos could sing."
"Yes Leon he's a very good singer." I laughed, he slapped me because I was being sarcastic, Carlos was a shocker of a singer.
"I heard it from upstairs, I thought someone was strangling a cat," Gino said, Leon turned and looked at him but had better thoughts, Gino is bigger than him he had better not slap him.
Conner and Brent turned up in their van, no kids tonight the grandfathers are looking after them. As soon as wine was placed in their hands Conner started laughing and telling Leon he had a copy emailed to him, he thought it was a great idea. Leon puffed up and stared at him.
"That will be twenty dollars Mr. Conner please give it to our Iris."
"What?"
"For your copy, you don't think we will be giving any free samples away do you?"
"But you used my studio for nothing."
"Yes we did and thank you, but business is business."
"Okay I will send an account for the time spent recording it then."
"Too late Mr. Conners contracts were not signed."
"You won't win," I whispered to Conner.
"I know but I can have some fun."
"Your not on the cd cover either."
"I had better be."
"No, you are taking the photograph for them." I laughed my head off at his shocked face, then he slapped me.
"Iris have you pressed your gown?"
"Yes Leon, it's ready to go, and my lipstick pink loafers."
"Did you order some, just an inquiry?"
"I ordered a truckload Leon, and thank you."
"Your welcome our Iris, it was a pleasure to do that for you." he smiled.
I was right they did it all to make Iris famous, maybe out of boredom, maybe out of friendship, but whatever they did it was done with love, you know these Italians everything they do is for love.
We had a couple of drinks then we all moved upstairs, the babies were dressed in their best outfits, Iris had a pink sequinned frock and loafers on. Gianni was groomed again and put his good suit on, and the boys did the same. I had my shorts and tank top on and Conner was shown how to use the camera, Brent sat with Anna and Gino and they laughed their heads off. We all posed on the balcony it was nice out there and Conner took a lot of photos, Brent was called and at last, Con was allowed to pose with us. When looking at the pics later on he looked like a movie star even in his jeans and tank, he was giving the camera that rock star look that has made him famous.
Leon wanted a few more and asked Conner to drop his jeans and show his bum off, Carlos was to do the same because he was going to set up a voting app and the viewers will vote on the best ass. Brent didn't mind one bit, he and I were getting into it and Iris was hired to powder their bum cheeks, she took her time.
She was posed on the lounge outside their room with the rainbow umbrellas surrounding her, and a wonderful photo was taken of her overlooking the rooftops, she had a reflective pose on her face, I will have a copy of that one.
We spent the next hour on the computer with the kids, they were picking out the best ones to place on the site and a great family pic for the album cover was sent to Conners studio.
"I am glad that's over and done with, I had another wine and Brent helped me get the babies ready for bed. They won't go to sleep straight away because they were too excited. Lukas on the other hand crashed and had to be put to bed gently, he's had a big day.
I made coffee for Brent and sat laughing with him.
"You don't drink too much I notice."
"No Antonio, it was getting out of hand so we both decided to settle down on it." He winked. Another story for when we get time on our own.
When everyone left I had a rare opportunity to thank Carlos and Leon for everything they do for us, they hugged us both and said it was all their pleasure, then they went to supervise the kids at the computer, Gianni and I took the opportunity to go and explore our bodies further.
Fridays are a big day for our eldest, he has to go to kindy today so at least he will have some other kids to play with again. He was dressed to impress and loaded up with food including biscuits for his schoolmates. I asked him if he was excited to go he shook his head and screamed.
"Of course daddy." Good, he likes it there. I must buy him a diary because I can see some sleepovers on the horizon.
I doubt whether he will get involved with them though, he did try with Conners kids one night but we had to go and get him. Brent said he was sitting by the front door waiting to be picked up. He doesn't understand sleepovers but eventually, he will learn to enjoy them.
We were a little early today he wanted to get there to play and he has orders for paintings to do. We sat in the car and watched his schoolmates arrive then he spotted his new best friend, Adam. He was out of the car in seconds, Gianni had to grab him fast then he talked to him about running across the road and they hugged as he walked him across the crossing. They hugged again and he turned to wave to me, then he ran inside his long curls waving behind him, he's just like his father.
We got to work and there was a line at the coffee window and in the shop. The cd buyers were out to get a copy for their collections and having coffee while they waited.
The boys had arrived and had made two lines while they took names and phone numbers so they can be contacted when the cd becomes available.
The other thing that happened overnight was the computer went wild, thousands of orders had come through but the boys haven't had time to look at them. I know they were showing Maxie and Tommaso how to set up a payment system with Pay Pal, and ninety-nine percent of the orders have pre-paid.
"You had better order another ten thousand Leon, they will sell fast."
"Already done Antonio, we knew Carlos could sing." he smiled.
I helped take down names some wanted to pay some didn't, they sold them for twenty dollars each plus postage, a collectible if ever there was one.
That rush lasted until late morning, when Iris arrived we had to put her out the back, autograph hunters were everywhere. Of course, the run off from this was plenty of coffee and cakes were sold and dozens of bottles of wine, it all spilled out into Angelos place because he had more seating. He has the same wine and charges the same so people weren't all that put out. I made heaps of cheese platters and refilled the cakes twice then I got a phone call.
I told Gianni that I will be a half-hour then I went into the florist shop to get Lukas a clean change of clothes, we always kept a drawer full of extra clothes for the boys here.
I drove to the kindy and ran Inside.
"He's sitting in my office Antonio, a little upset but he will be okay."
I went to find him and he was crying. His wet clothes were on the floor and he had a big towel wrapped around him.
"I didn't help it, daddy, it just slipped out."
"That's okay son, it's all right it happens sometimes, no need for you to get upset."
Poor little fella had an accident, so I took him to the bathroom, then I wiped him down with a warm cloth.
He was happy and dry by the time I finished and kissed and thanked me endlessly.
I spoke to the teacher she said he was her second for the day, she thought it best she calls me because he may have wanted to go home. I asked if I could leave clothes there but she said no, that it's best if I put a T-shirt and shorts with underwear in his backpack just in case and they will look after him next time.
"I gave him a good daddy talk, and he was happy to continue his day, he was going back to finish his drawings.
Panic averted and a happy boy skipped off, and I was left with some wet clothes for the wash. I didn't care one bit, just to see his smile makes it all worthwhile.
The shop had cleared out and we had it to ourselves when I got back, so I sat and had a wine to calm my nerves down. I so wanted to go back and sit with him just to assure him that it's quite normal for a little boy to pee his pants even though, it had slipped out.