Impossible Love

Impossible Love 84

Everyone was washed dressed and smelling good for the day, grandad and gran will take Angie Francisco, and Lukas with them, we had the boys and babies. My son stood on the table while I dressed him in jeans and a cool top, gran made his lunchbox up and Angie and the boys dressed the babies in their overalls and t-shirts. Lukas looked so nice and he hugged me and thanked me once again. He was so excited to be showing everyone his school which in reality was a playschool, but he doesn't have to know that.

We waved them goodbye and grandad carefully drove out of the car park, which left me with the babies and boys, Gianni was going to go with them but with me and the babies, it would be hard to organise and he likes keeping me safe.

We looked at the new car park and they had started framing for the two-story building that took up part of it, we still couldn't park out the back of our shops so ended up at the other end, I hobbled along with my crutches and they carried the babies, they have been known to walk off on their own and we have a devil of a job chasing them up. Alice was already there and the babes headed for the back door to watch the men erect steel girders, they wowed loudly over the crane it was huge, another truck they liked very much.

"It is so good to see them, Antonio, what night are you taking them to the club?'

"Probably Friday or Saturday we can all vote on the steps tonight."

"Good idea, Saturday is probably the best time, there will be more people there."

"Your right we will go Saturday."

"But you said we have to vote?"

"We just did." I winked at her.

She laughed and went to give the babies their juices, they have some serious business to do today. I went into the cafe and started making up some cheese platters, my husband has sex on his mind because every time I looked at him he scratched his crotch and I know he hasn't got crabs, I always check for them. I did my chores, broke up boxes then refilled the cakes, I then had coffee out the front.

"Where are your important visitors Antonio." Someone said behind me. Stavros was just setting up his table and I told him what was happening. I didn't charge him for the information I thought it wasn't worth it.

Sabine floated in and went straight for the florist shop, I heard her, not so happy voice and she almost fell out the door. I think the babies all refused to sit on their Nona's knee this morning. She ordered coffee and sat with me.

"I have to leave early today, a big event at my place but I had to come in to check what the plans are for our visitors."

"No plans, they are touring the warehouses this morning then they will be coming here, Italian club Saturday night and maybe we will bring them over for a swim at some stage, I think Angie wants to see her new apartment and she can take Francisco on a tour of the city, just to show him around a bit."

"I have a big charity luncheon tonight but apart from that, I am free for the rest of their stay so I might take them shopping maybe. Where are the boys?"

"Upstairs giving Nina a hard time I guess."

"They do tease her, but she loves them a lot."

Gianni had finished wiping his fridges down and sat with me to have a coffee, he leered at me after he said good morning to his mama, I blushed a little, his hand sat on my leg, and I was rising.

"When is your next appointment, Antonio?" She asked.

"In a week's time Sabine, hopefully, I will be able to put some weight on it after that."

"You have done well son, I have noticed you are already putting a little weight on it, be very careful."

"It was only a fracture it wasn't broken through, but yes I am being very careful."

"Antonio, do you think we should take Francisco up to Rutherglen to see your little winery?"

"Only if you want to Gianni, maybe we can talk him into coming to work with us permanently."

"He will not leave Italy Antonio. He loves it there and so does Angie." Sabine informed me.

"Okay then they don't come here, is there any time frame on another trip there?'

"No Antonio, because whenever you go there you immediately want to come home again, so we are not in a hurry to go anytime soon. My life is here now, so there is not much for me to do while I'm there anyway. Maybe I will talk to Tony and we might go to Europe for a holiday in the south of France."

"You will miss the babies."

"Maybe I won't go then." She smiled. I knew bloody well she couldn't leave her babies for too long.

Leon and Carlos came down the stairs and of course, they were moaning, and again Sabine commiserated with them, their job is so hard. Nina had them designing a car park booth of all things, they said they will decorate it in fairy lights so the customers can see it at one glance. I told them that was a brilliant idea, not.

They went into the florist shop to see the babies then they found an opened bottle of wine and poured themselves a drink, Sabine had one but I didn't and Gianni was almost humping my leg by now, what is it with gypsy men?

It was sometime later he had a good taste of Antonio's anatomy in the bathroom, and his urgency finally subsided after he punched out yet another orgasm, but who am I to complain. I looked out the back door and saw men everywhere and trucks that were doing the steel frame deliveries. Over between my shop and Giannis cafe, I noticed something that was out of the ordinary, a small bunch of flowers sitting in the freshly concreted car park.

"What's with the flowers, Alice?"

"The boys threw them there when they came in."

"Do you know why?"

"No Antonio, who could ever guess what their reasons for that was, maybe they buried someone under the cement." I looked at her, she was joking but my brain went into overdrive. I looked again and was trying to fathom what this was all about. I hobbled back to the table, the boys were saying goodbye to Sabine she was off to the spa, then to get ready for her big performance tonight. I sat down again and looked at them, they clinked their glasses with Giannis and they saluted each other. I was just about ready to ask them about it when Iris popped out and got herself a drink.

"She has a big night tonight Antonio, I hope it all goes well for her."

"Who?"

"Sabine silly boy, a big merger with another charity she has to impress, it will be formal and they have Conner singing a few tunes in the conservatory."

"That big."

"Yes the charity will bring in millions, I have been trying to merge them for a few years now, but Sabine and Tony have pulled it off superbly."

"Well, I told you she was going to be your greatest asset."

"The minute I saw her I knew she would excel at the job." She smirked. Leon had picked his phone up and was talking to someone and I overheard him say.

"If you don't include my Carlos in your little concert you will never be invited on our iris's little radio show ever again."

"No Mr, Conners he is having lessons he's much much more better than you now." I burst out laughing Gianni slapped me on the head.

"Ow."

"You deserve that Antonio, have some respect for your brothers." Leon hung up and looked at Iris.

"Mr. Conners is banned from any of your radio talks Iris, he is not to step onto your studio apartment property ever again."

"Are you going to tell him Leon or do you want me to?" She answered.

"You can have that pleasure our Iris, maybe I will send Carlos down to your apartment tonight to give you a private bum showing to seal the contract." He winked at me, Iris rubbed her hands together.

"Consider it done." She smiled.

Our visitors came by with gran and grandad, they were so excited and Francisco had taken hundreds of photos to send to his family and his workmates. The ladies in my flower business had made them very welcome and they had cakes and coffee for morning tea. Angie sat next to me but then she had a thought and went into the florist shop, Gianni walked around the table and took her seat, then I remembered.

"What's with the flowers in the car park Leon?" He looked at me and answered.

"For good luck of course Antonio." That is all he said as he went back to his moaning about Conner.

"It is tradition Antonio," Gianni said in my ear.

"I didn't know that, sorry." I took them at their word and nothing more was said.

Francisco had a small wine and he was looking at Angelo's menu because I think he was getting peckish. When Angie came back I moved over with them because Angelo's seats were more comfortable.

"Where is Angelo Antonio?" Angela asked.

"He's chasing a girl who lives in Sydney, she beguiled him and then went back home so he's up there getting things sorted out I hope."

"So he's fallen in love at long last."

"I think so Angie, it's hard for him because he's never had any problems picking up women but they have always been the wrong sort, this one is perfect for him. Her parents own a restaurant in Sydney and she thinks she has to stay there to help them. He has only gone for a week and will be back in a few days I hope, I miss him."

"You miss his ass Antonio, that is what I hear anyway." Francisco giggled.

"Well, it is mighty fine, but not as fine as Carlos's," I smirked.

"So sabine was telling me Roberto's business is soaring."

"Yes he's put on two helpers and of course the Cartasso sends him a lot of business, even Matteo sends him his accounts."

"How are they doing, Matteo and James I mean, have you heard anything Angie?"

"Very good Antonio, their cheese is maturing and they are slowly replacing the parent company's cheese with their brand. James knows a few things about the business and is teaching Matteo all about it. I only know this because I have to ring him about orders."

"Good they deserve a leg up and so do you, well done." She smiled.

"Well it's hard work for me, I was going to sit back and enjoy Francisco for a while but even he got busy at the winery." She kissed her lover deeply, their food arrived and I got up to move about. As comfortable as Angelos chairs were I found it hard to get my boot under the table so I am better off on a high seat, and I figured they would like to dine alone anyway.

Gran arrived back from Remo's and Lukas screamed into the market, he has news and he went straight for me so I picked him up.

"A two and a nothing daddy." he made a circle with his finger and thumb.

"That's a naught or an o baby, that makes twenty."

"Twenty daddy, Remo wants twenty sauce. Can I go to nona's place tomorrow?"

"Okay that's fine baby, but what about your guests?"

"What guests daddy?"

"Aunty Angie and uncle Francisco?"

"They can come daddy, they helps."

Angie overheard and laughed and when I told her about his little sauce-making venture, she was suitably impressed.

Francisco was up at the counter with Gianni and iris they were showing him around the shop, he was checking that his hard work was being displayed properly and he took many more photos. They will take him to the Cartasso shop in a minute he has to see that also, he has orders from Tinker to send photos of everything.

I talked to my son about going to grans and he said she had plenty of tomatoes for him to break up, he loves squashing them with his fingers and he also said his nona is going to show him the old way with a bucket and feet squashing. Gran smiled and I asked her if that was true, she harrumphed and said.

"Of course Antonio, would your son fib to you?"

"No gran."

I didn't know whether he would or not fib to me, I don't think he even knows that word yet. Stavros leaned over the table and told Angie the tenants have agreed to let her look inside the apartment tomorrow so he will pick her up, it's only down the road, but she wanted to look at it.

"We have been offered one of the apartments at the manor house Antonio, Francisco's mum is keen to go live there but I am in two minds about it."

"Why?"

"It's where I work, I wanted to keep them both separate."

"Then let her go and you stay nice and cozy in the village." I grinned. It would have been only one of the smaller apartments offered, they would have to share it and I don't think she's ready to go full time with her mother-in-law, even though she's a lovely lady. I toyed with the idea myself if I ever had to live there. I would choose Gianni's place or the village, the manor and winery is all business. Lukas ran off to Stavros's table I think gran is going to show him how to play cards. The other three weren't by the back door when I went in to check them, all three had dropped off to sleep and the door had been closed.

"Too much excitement for one day I think they will sleep well tonight," Alice said.

"They were unsettled last night and came in with us. Hopefully, things will get back to normal tonight."

Leon was being very quiet I was watching him and he looked like he had the whole world on his shoulders I leaned in and asked him why he was so quiet.

"Not so quiet Antonio, I just cannot get a word in with all your gossiping." He smiled at least.

"You can join in you know."

"Yes, I know that Antonio." he went back to his thinking.

I know there's something up with him and Carlos, even Gianni is in the mix there somewhere, but I can't quite put my finger on it.

"Is there anything special you would like to do while you're here?" I asked Angie.

"No really Antonio, I think he's seeing all he wanted to see. Maybe one day we will go into the city to look around but that's it. I like just hanging around with my family, that's the best."

"Ok if there's anything you need to see just let me know, or you can take the car."

"We will."

"Good." I smiled and I didn't mind one bit they wanted to hang around with us, the eye candy is so sweet.

We ate as soon as we got in, some were hungry some weren't and the babies played with their new trucks and made, well, their kind of truck sounds. I did Lukas lunch box he had shared today there was only an apple and half a sandwich left.

The visitors were eager to go sit on the steps, Francisco has heard so many good things about them. The wine was gathered up and babies were readied, when Angie pushed the button one little one screamed at her. I had no idea what he was saying but it couldn't have been very nice. I explained the protocol then she giggled and they left me there with little Gianni. He pushed the button to go up, then he did it to come down, and a full on brawl was averted.

"Sam Sam." He yelled as Sam jumped up and they hugged each other. It was like they hadn't seen each other for days. I have been regulated to a chair because it's hard to sit on the steps without being bumped or jumped on. Kids don't see the injury they just see you, and at the best of times I agree with them a cuddle is a cuddle, nothing else matters. But I had to be aware that they were around. I sat next to Alice who had Lukas on her lap.

"This is the fifth time he has told me about his orders, he's so excited."

"He will probably tell you a few more times before the nights out." I laughed.

"I don't mind at least it is keeping him busy."

"Well his little stash of cash has grown some, he watches it like a hawk."

"So he should, he's never forgotten what the boys did to him."

"Really? he hasn't mentioned it to me."

"We talk, Antonio." She smiled.

Our area is becoming quite gay friendly, I watched our three drag queens walk up the street, they glittered in the evening light then came over to get a drink and to say hello, they were telling us that their block of apartments is fully gay owned now. The prices are soaring in our area because the gays and hipsters are moving in. I will take myself off to the real estate office soon and look in the window to see what is up for sale. Grandad is always saying I have to get rid of some money otherwise the taxman will get it.

They did a little show for the kids then were joined by a group of guys to continue their walk down to the gay clubs. The kids loved their sparkling outfits the best, because the next day they disappeared and were found at the hat stall trying on glittery hats which I bought for them and we had to have one for Sam also.

Anyway, our guests had a great night and it was good they saw some local talent walking the streets, I did ask if they wanted to go to the club to watch the show but they weren't that interested. It's hard to know what they would like to do and I keep forgetting Angie has lived in this area for a long time.

"What's on your program tomorrow?"

"I have to go see someone, just a delivery from my king."

"Gypsy business?"

"Yes, Antonio,"

"Okay, do you want us to go with you, like does Gianni have to go?"

"No, he's unseen and any contact with the local gypsy is forbidden. I only have some paperwork for him to sign, old business that Menowin wants closed."

He's being very secretive I wondered if I know this man in passing. Now my interest is rising and I still haven't found out what the meeting with Sabine was all about with the boys. I hate unfinished business running around in my head, I have a very urgent need to know everything. Yes, I am a busybody, if I don't know now, then I have to know soon. It's called being one step ahead of the others.

We sat for a further hour because the night was awesome then the bubs had to go to bed. When the rest came up we then sat on the big balcony and had one more drink then the guests headed for their apartment. I had no idea what they were thinking but I hope they are being entertained and not bored. I wanted them to fly around this country and see some of the highlights but they said they will do that next time. I also noticed after these few days Francisco was getting quieter. I guess he's like me he misses his home and friends, I will talk to him tomorrow.

No gran in the morning just Leon and Carlos in our bed, well we didn't have gran, but we did have Grandad.

"Wheres gran Nono?"

"Business Antonio, she has some business this morning but will be home by the time Lukas and I arrive."

"Okay I'll start breakfast then, are the kids up?"

"Yes Antonio, two nappies to change, they are playing with Lukas now."

"Angie and Francisco have a meeting this morning do you know where?"

"No, they wouldn't tell this old man their business Antonio, why don't you just ask them?"

"I did and he just said gypsy business."

Lukas arrived followed by his three brothers, he headed for the couch and they quickly walked into our bedroom to see their papa after collecting morning hugs from me. Lukas didn't go with them he wanted a cuddle, then he was grandads for the moment.

The visitors came up in the lift and Angie took over making breakfast so I tried to help her but failed because my boot was getting in her way.

"Where you have to go today lovely, is it far from here?"

"I don't think so Antonio, it's a short train ride so Gianni said."

"So he knows who your meeting?"

Francisco was making himself a coffee and turned around, I thought he was going to slap me but he said.

"It's nothing for you to be concerned with Antonio, just gypsy business, old business I think. The thing I have for this person is sealed and I have been threatened with my life if I open it and read it." He smiled.

"So you are delivering important papers then. All right do you want me to come?"

"No."

There was no more information coming from him, maybe I will try Gianni again he will know he's a gypsy prince after all.

When Francisco walked out to the balcony Angie leaned over and said.

"He won't tell me either, and I am not going to the meeting with him. I don't think it's a big secret it's just a delivery then the day is ours again."

He walked out with three babies hanging off him and when he put them down they ran to watch some tv with their grandad and big brother. I made him a coffee and sat next to him at the table.

"Do you know anything about the meeting Gianni?"

"No Antonio, it's Menowin's business and I am forbidden to interfere."

"Oh." He knows something.

"Does it have anything to do with the boys meeting with Sabine last week?"

"No, and Antonio, you have too much time on your hands, I think I will find some more work for you to do. This is not our business it is the gypsy business end of the story please."

He kissed me just to throw me off the track then he probably felt sorry for me and added.

"Antonio, the meeting will only take ten minutes, it's official work and I am forbidden to know anything. So I accept it and so should you."

"Okay, I will baby, it's just I don't like them going off and not knowing where they are and who is this person he is meeting?"

"That's enough."

"Tell me baby and I will give you an extra suck?"

"No, and I don't know anything."

I let go of his hand and went to help crack some eggs. The boys came out with jockstraps on today, Angie nearly wet herself laughing at Franciscos face.

"Lukas scrambled eggs please?" She sang out, she's been talking to gran I think.

"Crack some eggs put plenty butter to the pan, whip, and you are done aunty Angies."

"Thank you, baby." See he gives her information when she asks why can't the others do that for me? unless of course, it concerns me.

I rang Iris and the kids and in no time my house was full again.

We ate then showered, Gianni was being the man again today so I had to pick up the soap he was onto me like a fat kid in a candy shop, I think he's trying to distract me because he took his time with the kissing and humping. I love starting my day off like this a certain calmness comes over me.

He dressed and I was helping him, kissing exposed body parts until he covered them up, he does much the same to me and I know he is working up to another session at the cafe, probably sometime later this morning.

The babies were readied and I dressed Lukas for work, I asked him what they were making today and he shrugged his shoulders and said.

"Something nice daddy, I bring some for you."

"Okay baby you do that, you know how much I love your sauces." He hugged me tightly. Leon and Carlos had dressed the triplets they looked very nice in their overalls and t-shirts, then when they were finished they started in on Gianni and me, they wanted to get to work early to see their friends out in the car park, and there was no time to waste.

Gianni dropped Angie and Francisco at the railway station, they said after their meeting they were going to look around the city and I noticed a big envelope under his arm, then he slipped it into his backpack what I wouldn't give to take a look at that.

They kissed everybody and I asked again if they wanted company but they just smiled. I sighed and let my husband drive me to work, my leg wasn't troubling me anymore. I will start placing more weight on it today I have already done that several times and had not needed any pain relief. The boys were almost running as soon as their little feet hit the pavement, Leon scooted after them and I watched, luckily the market wasn't busy yet they had a clear pathway.

When we go there they were sitting at the doorway sipping milk that Alice had readied for them.

Some of the workmen had come over and were talking to them, they asked Alice if one day they could take them over a bit closer. I overheard her say she will get their daddy to accompany them when they are ready. They were happy with that and the kids didn't react, I don't think they know what they were talking about.

Back at the Cafe, I did my chores placing weight onto the boot, I won't push it too hard but I was confident everything was healing very well. I did the cartons while Gianni did the fridges then he served a few early customers. I checked the cheese platters and made up some extras, then it was time to do the cakes. The display case was nearly empty so I cleared out the fridge and it looked a lot healthier.

I told Gianni he had better order double next time, business was good with them. I put one aside then went to make a coffee, then I propped myself out the front and dined in style.

Iris arrived and got herself positioned behind the counter while Gianni made himself a coffee and sat with me. He held my hand and kissed my cheek.

"Antonio, do not trouble yourself about the meeting, I can tell you I do not know what it is all about, but I can also tell you it's Francisco that has the meeting, not Angela."

"I know she told me?"

"Then you know what I know." He smiled.

I sat and watched the passing crowds and now and then someone would go into the cafe and get Iris to sign an autograph, the boys are missing out because they are having their morning committee meeting with Nina.

"Your very popular this morning Iris, how many is that now, seven?"

"Yes Antonio, I don't mind a little popularity." She grinned.

"They did well with your image Iris, when is the next one?'

"Next week, only God knows what they have in mind for me."

"Probably another public shaming." I giggled.

I got up to make another coffee and to look at the biscuits but decided my ass was big enough then I hobbled back.

"Antonio, do not be tempting fate with your leg, take it easy please."

"It's okay Gianni, I'm just exercising it now and then, it doesn't hurt at all. I believe if I take this bloody boot off I will be almost back to normal."

"Well do not tempt fate, it will break again."

"I doubt that but I will take it easy baby, thank you."

"Your welcome."

I could hear the moaning as soon as the upstairs office door was opened, Carlos was almost crying when they came down and I asked what was wrong.

"Just too many troubles Antonio, Nina has had us doing all sorts of horrible things."

"Like what?' I am being very inquisitive today.

"She wanted three hundred flyers copied and I had to staple them together then she wanted me to deliver them to every stallholder, I am the owner Antonio not the office boy."

"Was there any other important stuff for you to do?"

"No, only sit with my Leon and have a coffee."

"You did well and I am sure Nina appreciates your help."

"I know she does, but your idea of an office boy is good also." I think he has an idea.

"Put it to her at your next meeting."

"I will if that is all right with you Leon?"

"Yes my Carlos, now Iris who have we on our little show next week?"

"I thought you might like to tell me Leon. I don't have a clue who's on."

"We have Gianni to talk about his Starry night wine and babies, and we have asked Jeffrey Ferguson to talk about his wines also they are pretty good wines."

"Do you think that's wise to interview a rival?"

"Not a rival our Iris, a workmate that makes good wines is not that what your little wine show is about?"

"Well yes, it has been a long time since I have interviewed another winemaker."

"We have noticed our Iris, we think you only have eyes for our Giannis bundle and you have him on every week so you can look at his handsome face."

"That's not true boys and you know it."

"We know it but your listeners do not."

"I see."

I think Leon is trying to get Iris back on track, it's not the Gianni Cartasso show it's really for any Australian winemaker and mostly the wine here is top shelf.

"Iris?"

"Yes, Leon."

"Jeffrey has three children he would like to talk about also."

"What?"

"He has three."

"For god's sake what are you doing to me I don't even know them. I know their father but not them."

"Well, you had better do some research then... for a change. He was telling me in his begging letter that his children think he would do very good on your little show."

"I always research you idiot, and stop what your doing right now."

"Our Iris a little crowd is watching you." He grinned and winked. She immediately went into star status.

"I have had it with you lot, Antonio give them both a clip under the ears, no more Leon I have had enough you can all go and get stuffed." Her arms went everywhere and she stormed off, I heard clapping coming from the small crowd.

"Always advertising Antonio, did you like our little play?"

"Yes, Leon you are the best at it." I smiled.

At least they are leaving me alone for now, but Gianni's hand on my privates is telling me he's feeling a bit hot.

I sat some more and looked at Stavros, no more information today otherwise he would have called me over, so I thought I may as well ring Angelo myself, and that's what I did, so I went out the back to make the call.

"So what's happening up there, we miss you, when are you coming back?'

"Ask grandad Antonio, and yes I miss you all also."

"He charges me for information, you don't." I smiled because he laughed. I did miss him being around.

"I have been busy, Bella's parents' business is getting a complete overhaul, and the Italian club up here is going to make sure the business survives. I have already got the ladies onto making fresh pasta and cakes. The orders for Gianni's wines will arrive today. I am mirroring my restaurant and have bought into their business. It's a headache, but Bella is very happy."

"Good, any plans for a wedding?"

"Maybe in the future, she has agreed to come and live with me in Melbourne, and her parents also agree, which is a big thing. I don't know about getting married because we want to get to know each other more. I only wanted to help Antonio, as you do and like you help others, that is the important stuff."

"That's excellent Angelo and you know if you need anything I'm here for you. So she doesn't have to worry about her parents anymore then?"

"Not at all, as long as they stick to the plan, we will fly up once a month to make sure it's growing they are lovely people Antonio, I like them a lot. Her papa was telling me they were getting really worried that she would tie herself down in the restaurant and not have a social life, he can't stop thanking me."

"It all sounds very good, we all miss you here and cant wait to see you again."

"How is your leg?"

"Ok, the boot will come off next week I hope, and I'm already walking on it sometimes."

"Don't overdo it my friend."

"I won't, do I need to tell grandad any of this conversation?"

"No, he's probably waiting for you to sit with him." He laughed and we said our goodbyes and hung up.

I found my man behind the counter and enticed him to the bathroom, Angelo does that to me even on the phone he gets me hot.

Donations to Nifty are gratefully accepted