Impossible Love

Impossible love 96

Maxieplus.

Sam screamed my three screamed as they played on the steps with the balls. I moved to sit next to Gino, he was all smiles tonight because Anna had her boob tube on, which didn't leave anything much to the imagination, she was telling me ages ago after she had Sam they had grown two sizes and stayed there, she was happy they didn't disappear as some do after having babies.

Maxie and Tommaso were on a high they had received a bigger order from the supermarket chain and the guys they had hired had picked it all up easily, so there wasn't much for them to do. They had spent today covering furniture and stacking it out of the way so the builder could have more room to move.

"I believe you are about to pounce on the other four apartments, Antonio?" Gino asked me.

"How did you know?"

"Nina told me she was looking into it."

"No secrets around here Gino, but no, I've gone cool on the idea."

"Good." He grinned.

It was then I had a thought, why would I try and buy the lot, it would be an advantage if I owned the one behind Iris's place but do I need all of them, no, do I need any more headaches, definitely no, and what did Alice just tell me? the owners won't sell, so they stay empty.

Anyway, why is it always me, all I want to do is buy the kids a nice housewarming present not to put all my friends in debt? Alice's words also hit me hard, why would I change anything around here, she is right, the entrance and its features are wonderful. Stuff the other apartments maybe if they come on the market I will buy them for investments only.

Gianni was looking at me again, I guess he has his very own thoughts on the ideas Nina had given us. I started playing with the boys just throwing the ball gently, this is what I like best, for now, not the other stuff.

We were graced with Angelo and Bella again tonight, they said they will be taking some time off work now it's all running smoothly. She took a chair and Angelo sat and opened his legs, he was right opposite me. I heard Gianni growl so I looked his way and smiled.

"Angelo, how about you behave yourself in public," Bella's onto it. He closed his legs and sat up straight, I couldn't stop laughing. I guess our little romance is well and truly over.

"Did you get any answers my Antonio?" Gianni asked after we slipped into bed.

"Yes my love, I am not going to buy anything and I won't destroy that big entrance, Alice is right it's too beautiful to be played with."

"Did she say anything about the other owners?"

"Yes she knows them, they come to the market occasionally. She said she thought they wouldn't sell they are too good of an investment."

"I thought that Antonio, keeping them empty is also a very big taxation benefit also."

"So I am not going ahead with it, maybe I will ask grandad to take over the body corporate so we know that any new overseer of the property won't scam the owners."

"Good idea Antonio, you will talk to Nina tomorrow then."

"I will Gianni." I kissed him again and rolled on my side to watch Carlos sleep, Gianni gave me a few more hip pumps until he got settled and we went off to sleep.

"We will be filming today Gianni, please wear your dress to work, these are your words" Leon called out and passed the paper to Gianni.

"I do not have a dress Leon,"

"Yes you do, it is in the hallway closet with a handbag with lipstick in it."

"I don't have to wear it to work do I?'

"No Gianni, just bring it along we will film in the cafe today."

My world is going to be turned upside down again today, I had better stay out of their way.

"Antonio, are you sure you do not want to appear?"

"Yes, definitely Leon, this is your baby and I will only interfere."

"Yes, we know you cannot help yourself." I bristled, but he is right.

"What are we filming, what scene Leon?" Gianni was interested.

"Your speakeasy, a scene where you are selling sly alcohol and gambling to the mafia."

"Do they get it cheap?"

"Yes, they beat you up and steal it."

"That is no good Leon, do you want me to make love to them first?"

"No Gianni, your big sex scene comes later on."

"Thank you."

"Sex scene Leon?" I lifted my eyebrows.

"Yes Antonio, it will be very tasteful."

I laughed then, and couldn't wait to see the big scene, I wondered if Gianni had to wear bloomers.

"Okay Lukas I will help you get dressed, what are you doing at grans today?"

"More sauces daddy."

"Good and do not forget to make it with love."

He giggled and ran into the bedroom just as gran and grandad arrived.

"Grandad, how would you feel about looking after the body corporate on this building, the current company is retiring?"

"How much am I being paid?'

"I do not know, but I would think it would be the usual accounting rates, apparently there's plenty of money to look after in the account."

"I will do it."

"Thank you, I will get Nina to give you a ring." That wasn't hard.

"Thank you for the business, Antonio."

"You are very welcome grandad."

Too easy, that was too easy, and he is being agreeable somethings up.

I went to Lukas's bedroom and helped him pick out some clothes he wanted his overalls today no shirt because it is very warm outside.

"Have you got a hat at nonna's?"

"Yes daddy to do my garden."

"Good." I fussed with his beautiful hair.

Gran had breakfast almost ready, the kids were there when I returned, they are also included in Leon's shoot today, I hope it doesn't interfere with the customers.

"Our gran these are your words for tomorrow, we will be shooting at your house from lunchtime."

"Thank you boys, I will have lunch ready." She took her paper and started reading it as she stirred the porridge.

I heard her laugh so I guess she's good to go, I still haven't found out her alias, but I still have time.

I went to look in the entrance hall closet and there it was, a sparkly deco design frock that looked like it belonged to a very hefty woman, I guess they had to get that size to fit my husband.

I took it out with the handbag and hat and placed it on the back of a chair.

"Do I try it Leon?" Gianni asked.

"It will fit Gianni."

"Okay," I think my husband is eager to have a go at dressing up.

"Now Antonio, I want you to place your black suit with the dress, you can wear that during filming."

"But I'm not in it Leon."

"Maybe a cameo performance, for us Antonio. What if we are filming and you are sitting outside showing your lumps to the audience in your little shorts. No, you place your black pants on at least please."

"I will sit out the back then."

"We are filming out the back also."

"I will go into the flower shop then."

"We are filming there also Antonio, please do not be a difficult background person."

"Okay."

"And Antonio?" He slipped into the seat next to me.

"Yes Leon?"

"Can you please bring your Camorra boots, please for us?" I stared at him, he has written me into the script anyway.

"I might if you tell me what is up."

"We just want to pan the camera over them, you will be unseen for that scene."

"Okay, I will do that for you."

My hissy fit last week hasn't changed a bloody thing, giving them something to do has made it worse, I will be ignored again and I know I won't even know what is going on until I see the final product if I ever do.

More and more I wanted to stay at home with the babies, but I couldn't do that to them, I think they would go stir crazy being here all the time. I will take them for a train trip and maybe spend the day with my ladies at the florist warehouse. We can bring Sam with us he would love a day on the trains.

Off to work we went, suit bags in hand and I had my new boots in my backpack, the boys helped with the babies and Gianni was fussing with his hair in the mirror when he parked.

"Do you have a makeup and hair person Leon?"

"As you well know Antonio, our Carlos is well trained in that area."

"Have some respect, I was just asking."

"Sorry our Antonio, but you do ask some silly questions."

Maybe I do, I thought that Carlos would have more to do with the production than doing makeup.

We settled the boys and I started my chores, Leon and Carlos were walking around with their phones looking at the best angles and backgrounds of the cafe, I stayed out of their way until Nina called them upstairs. With everything out of the way I made coffee and sat out the front.

Stavros arrived and so did his mates, it was no surprise they were all dressed in black jackets, I didn't acknowledge them much, but then I felt awful and said my good morning to them, it isn't their fault.

"So they dragged you all into their movie?"

"Yes Antonio, it is a great thing to be in a mafia movie, we are all very pleased," Stavros said.

"I hope it all goes well for you."

"What do you mean Antonio?"

"Just that you never know what they have up their sleeves."

Iris and Alice arrived with suit bags and I thought that maybe they are being filmed today also.

"Good morning again Iris, are you in the shoot today?"

"Yes Antonio, the cafe scenes are being done today, I will need two changes of clothes." She giggled as Gianni came out with three coffees in hand.

"Thank you baby." I grabbed one Iris grabbed the other, he sat there with a big smile on his face.

"So what are they filming today Gianni, can you fill me in on the storyline, is it different from the one I suggested."

"I am not allowed to say a thing Antonio, my perfect lips are sealed." He sat there looking as smug as he could. I stared at him for ages then I took my coffee and walked over to the empty cup bin and threw it in.

"Then you don't need me after all, I will talk to you later." I smiled.

Then I walked out the back grabbed my suit and backpack, opened the door, and left.

Like a spoilt brat, I had spat the dummy again big time and left them to it. If they are going to film something today then I won't be in it. My legs sped up and I walked down the car park, and as I turned the corner I could see Iris and Gianni standing at the back door of the cafe. As soon as I was out of sight I headed for the train station, I grabbed a timetable and hopped on the next train alighting at the following station, my phone was ringing off the hook so I turned it off.

When I arrived at the warehouse I said my good mornings to the ladies and headed into Gianni's warehouse, in the kitchen I grabbed a bottle of wine and opened it. I skulled two big glasses full then placed the bottle back in the fridge. Walking back to my warehouse I was met by almost silence, until Tina, my manager approached me.

"Is there something you need Mr. Antonio?"

"Yes, I need some good company Tina, what are you all working on today?"

"The casino, it is getting busy again two hundred bowls and eighty arrangements, delivery is tomorrow."

"Good, where do I start?"

"You want to help Mr. Antonio?"

"Yes, and please be yourselves ladies today I am one of you, now where do I sit?"

"There is a vacant spot over there Mr. Antonio, the sample is in the middle of the table." She was a little nervous because I rarely appear out of nowhere and even rarer I was here to work.

I sat next to a lovely lady I have known for some time, her name is Rose a mid-aged woman that seems to be happy whenever I meet her, at the club or market. I grabbed a bowl looked at the sample and started clipping leaves and thorns off the stems to ready them for my magic touch.

This is exactly what I have been telling Gianni all week, I will not be treated as one of the babies. They are told when to play when to go to sleep and when to eat, I will not be treated that way.

"So Mr. Antonio, there is a problem in paradise I think."

"More than you know Rose, I need some time on my own with real people again."

"I do not know where you will find these people they certainly are not here."

"What do you mean, of course they are here, my ladies are the most real people I know."

"They are, but they all have their problems with husbands, boyfriends, children, money, and believe it or not sex lives. It can get pretty naughty around here sometimes. I hope it is not your sex life with your adorable husband that has upset you." She smiled.

"Good, then I am in some excellent company my lovely lady, and no my sex life is wonderful, but thank you for asking."

I finished the first bowl and told Rose I will be back in a minute.

"Why do you not bring your wine here Antonio, we do not mind if a man has a drink occasionally."

"Would you like some?'

"Not for me, but the other ladies will have a sip thank you."

I got up and went back to Gianni's warehouse and grabbed a few bottles and a stack of plastic cups. I dumped them in the middle of the two big tables and the ladies saluted me as I kept my half-full bottle to myself. This is going to be a long day and I feel I will be put to bed in the sick room if I am not careful, but it does have a very fine bed in it, I had better not drink anymore, that's not the way I want to go.

I toiled away until lunchtime then was called into the tea room for some food, at least they are going to feed me. The food was wonderful and I got to talk to some mighty fine ladies who were being themselves, one was saying her husband never buys her anything nice he's always hanging around with his friends. She received a lot of advice from her workmates and I listened to every story as I ate.

"Mine has two brothers who think I am not worthy to include in their lives, so they keep many secrets from me." Did I just say that out loud?

"It happens in everyone's lives Mr. Antonio, I have to ask friends all the time what is going on in my boyfriend's life he never says anything."

"Exactly what I am talking about."

"Does this have anything to do with you living at the beach?"

"Everything to do with that Rose, I shouldn't have come back because everyone has forgotten why I went there in the first place."

"Men, they are all the same they only think of themselves. Maybe Mr. Antonio you may need a change of scenery. Do you spend a lot of time in your cafe?"

"Every day my lady, and every day I am the butt of someone's joke."

"Then change your job, do what some of us do and not tell anyone what they are doing, if I may be so bold as to say, tell them nothing take them nowhere. They will get the hint eventually but it takes time with the Italians they are a thick lot, especially if they are of gypsy blood." Everyone laughed and I laughed along with them.

My day was wonderful and I dreaded going home to face the music, why the hell would I put myself back in that situation. I had a fun day in the end, one of the ladies put the tv on and they watched their serials for an hour as they did their blooms perfectly.

"She's going to leave him for that salesman." I offered.

"Do you think Mr. Antonio?"

"Yes I do by the lingering look she just gave him, it is so obvious."

"We didn't see that one, you are very good with serials I think Mr. Antonio."

"Just call me Antonio, please ladies we are not formal here or anywhere for that matter."

"Thank you Antonio, it was a bit of a mouthful." She laughed and I laughed along with her.

Everything was finished for the day and I helped load the trucks for the morning delivery then I cleared away the cups and bottles. I said my farewells to the ladies as they left, then I sat in the tea room just thinking to myself, and planning a shift in my employment. Rose told me before she left I shouldn't have any more wine for a while, but she stopped short when she realized I was her boss and she should have more respect. I laughed once more and I assured her I had a wonderful day, and next time I will bring the babies with me. I had already decided I will come in again tomorrow.

I turned the phone on and the inevitable happened, many many messages and many apologies. Once again I didn't care, so I sat and played a game on my phone as the time ticked away.

I opened one more bottle and shoved it in my backpack, then I turned everything off and locked up. Walking home was an effort I must get back to running again and I did have a great day with the ladies. I felt I connected with them more than I do with my own family. As the old saying goes, you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends.

I walked home slowly it's not that far and I did sit for a while at a pavement cafe and had a cool wine. Every now and then I would sip on the opened bottle I had in my backpack then quickly replace it. I was hiding it from the many glances I would get if it was discovered I'm a closet drinker.

Just Gino on his steps at the moment, thank god, I was relieved when I saw him.

"Are you having another bad day Ant?" He passed me a glass of wine.

"Yep, another day of fighting for my place in the family, I get so sick of it."

"They are upstairs and have been worried all day about you, where did you get to?'

"To my warehouse, I spent some time with some real people for a change."

"Iris thought you may have gone there."

"I was hiding, I know not very nice but I am so over it all."

"I told them they didn't learn anything from last week and they all should be ashamed of themselves. I gave them the rounds of the kitchen and a few home truths to add to their confusion. Gianni was so mad with me he nearly sacked me."

"Really?"

"Well no, but he was mad because I told him he was walking on thin ice and he should have more respect for you. After all, this movie thing was all your idea and they shut you out once again, they keep doing that to you, why?"

"I have no idea Gino, it's like they live their lives just for themselves." I felt little arms go around my neck and reached up to stroke a little boy's head.

"Hello Sammy, how was your day better than mine I hope."

"Good." I got a kiss and then he wanted his daddy.

Anna came out with another bottle, she kissed my cheek and sat down taking Sam who didn't want her just his dad tonight, so she put him back.

"I heard you had a great day at the warehouse Antonio, the ladies said you were firing with your blooms they found it hard to keep up." She laughed.

"Well it wasn't a race Anna, I just wanted to keep my hands busy that's all."

"Well by all reports the ladies loved having you there."

"They are going to love it tomorrow, I am taking the boys with me, and Sam if you do not mind."

"That's fine Antonio, but I will walk him up around lunchtime."

"Cool."

I smiled and saluted her.

Alice was next and she gave me one of her thank God stares as she sat on her favorite chair.

"You were at the warehouse today I hear Antonio?"

"Yes my lovely, I was reconnecting with my staff."

"Very good idea I heard they were talking about you being a mythical business owner, they hardly ever see you nowadays only grandad."

"Well, they might just see more of me in the future."

"Excellent idea my friend."

I wondered why she would say that, maybe she's right maybe I should see more of my staff and run my own business. I heard the troops come screaming up the pavement.

"Where were you today Antonio, no lies please," Gianni said as Lukas moaned into my face he had missed me. The other kids kept kissing my cheeks then they ran off to play with Sammy.

"I went to the warehouse I had business there."

"You didn't tell me."

"No, I didn't, you looked busy and I was in a hurry."

"You missed the filming Antonio, we looked for you everywhere," Leon said.

"Well you didn't need me as an extra, so I removed myself from the film, no drama."

Iris kissed me, got herself a wine then sat down, she didn't say anything to me she knew I was pissed off with them all, once again.

Gianni put his arm around my shoulder and kissed my cheek, he did say sorry but I laughed and poured myself another.

Lukas let go and sat on Alice's knee and everyone was quiet but there were no harsh words.

The night was pleasant but I had enough, and wanted so much to go to sleep, so I said my goodnights to everyone and went upstairs, the kids can come up with Gianni and friends. I have no idea what went on after that because I died as soon as my head hit the pillow. I woke around four there was only us two in bed so I went to relieve myself. When I got back

I heard Gianni say something but went back to sleep.

In the morning he was nowhere to be seen but a handsome young man had taken his spot, I kissed him and said good morning to him, he has school today, so he will be wanting a cool outfit to wear.

I threw back the blanket and went to the toilet again. Brushing my teeth I took stock take, I behaved myself yesterday I didn't have a hangover and by the sounds of the babies screaming, gran has arrived.

I dressed and went out to find coffee, luckily the pot was full so I said good morning to everyone as I made a drink and sat at the table.

Gianni sat next to me and took my hand, he didn't say anything he just brushed it a bit like he was trying to soothe me.

"Any news from Roberto Gran?"

"No Antonio, no news. I think he has forgotten this old nona."

"He won't do that gran, he's probably busy counting your millions."

"Such nonsense Antonio,"

"Yes, it's all nonsense gran." I laughed.

"Antonio, will you be coming to the cafe today, we need to film you," Carlos said. When in doubt sent the dumb one in.

"No my dear Carlos, I am going to the warehouse again, the ladies need my help today."

"We can film you there."

"No, they are too busy and anyway I am retired from acting, no parts for this guy at all in it."

"Oh." He looked disappointed.

"Why not Antonio, we had so much fun yesterday, sort of," Gianni said.

"See you don't need me to have fun baby, just have fun, and by the way, I am taking the babies in to see their aunties if that okay with you."

"So you are not coming to the cafe at all today?"

"No, you don't pay me enough." I laughed.

"I see."

"Breakfast is ready boys come to the table," Gran said.

I was famished and dived into some fried eggs and bacon, I made a sandwich out of them and shoved it in my gob, that way I won't have to answer dumb questions.

It's about time I opened my wings a bit and did other stuff, as I said before, ideally, I think I would love to stay home with the kids but they need to get out also. When I went to shower Gianni was behind me, I stripped and slipped under the water he was soaping me up, then it started.

"What can I do for you?"

"Nothing Gianni, just let me be for a while I will come good."

"It was boring without you yesterday, I felt like a real gooses in that dress, it is no fun without you being there."

"So you needed me to make it a fun day?"

"Yes Antonio, my brothers are boring when you are not around."

"I see." By this time he was kissing my exposed parts and I was a bit randy, my drinking last night has highlighted that.

We took our time and made love then he dried me off and I dressed.

"They want me to dress up again today because they want to add a scene, will you come and watch?"

"If it helps I will walk down around one but I don't want any involvement Gianni, tell them that."

"I will miss you."

"Only for a while, but I think I should take the babies to my warehouse the ladies miss them also."

"They see them at the club Antonio."

"They do not spend enough time with them, they need to know them better Gianni, so there will be more eyes on them when they start wandering the streets."

"Okay, but you will come at one then?"

"Yes, but if I get busy it will be later."

He wasn't having any of that so he gave me a very confusing stare then said.

"No, you come to work and stay with me please my love."

"Let's wait and see."

I hate this so much, and once again I have been almost dragged into doing something I felt like I wasn't welcomed to do.

Although my warehouse is literally around the corner and up the road a bit, Gianni insisted he drive us. The boys sat in the back quietly talking, I was being myself with them and the vibes I gave out yesterday had been suppressed, whatever goes on in their minds I have no idea but they did help with the kids when we parked.

The stroller was taken out of the back and while he was there Gianni will pick up some more boxes of his wines. The ladies attacked us when we walked in, and the babies disappeared into the tea room.

"Nice to see you again Antonio, I see you have managed to bring your handsome husband along today, did you have sex this morning." My friend Rose faced me and whispered.

"Rose? omg yes, in the shower, next time I will make a video for you to watch. And yes he is here to drop us off, I can only stay until lunchtime he has something for me to do at the cafe, but the babies are here until then." I smiled.

"Did you get everything sorted out?"

"Yes some of it, the rest I am just going to leave it's not important anyway."

"Good, we were all worried about you yesterday, we did not know what to do."

"Better when I am in one of those moods just to leave me alone, I get it all worked out eventually."

"When will I receive the movie?" She laughed her head off and grabbed little Luca for a cuddle. She was very much like nan, the oldest worker I had, and respected by the others so much.

I helped Gianni load some boxes in the van then kissed him goodbye, he wasn't happy but he put on a good show. He walked me back to the warehouse and kissed the babies, I think they wanted to go with him.

I watched him walk out and missed him immediately, I wanted to take him home and get into bed with him I wanted to go back three weeks and hit restart.

I was about to do my first bloom, the kids were playing with the old flowers and having fun crawling over the big table talking to the ladies as they went.

"Antonio can I please speak with you." I nearly jumped, Leon was still here and behind me.

"Yes of course Leon what is up?"

"Please can you follow me?"

I put my secateurs down and followed him next door. He opened the fridge and took a bottle out.

"It's a bit early for that don't you think brother?'

"No Antonio, it is fitting I have this drink and I would like you to have one with me." I'm not one to knock back a drink so with a very wary voice I answered.

"Okay, if I have to then I have to."

He poured two large glasses full then we sat at the kitchen table.

"I have something to tell you Antonio, please do not judge me because this is what I have become over the years and I apologize for my behavior, sometimes it is beyond my control."

"It is okay Leon, I just cannot work out why you would almost shun me. I thought the series was a team effort and you might have included me in on the story at the very least."

"This is not about the production it is about Carlos." He did the sign of the cross and whispered.

"Forgive me, my love."

"What is going on Leon?' By this time I knew this wasn't about me at all.

He took another gulp and refilled his cup, I picked mine up and skulled it.

I poured another and sat on it.

"When I was little I suffered many cases of abuse from my mama, she didn't like me and never loved me, I was as you put it, dirt under her feet. My mama Sabine got me out of that situation pretty much fast when she found out about me."

"She saved your life, Leon."

"Yes she did but this is not about me."

"I see." I felt this was very difficult for Leon because his eyes started going red and he couldn't speak for some time. I sat and waited until he could gather up the courage to tell me. He took a deep breath and skulled his glass, I went to the fridge and opened another bottle.

"Antonio, I am sorry this is truly difficult and I have to betray my Carlos in telling you."

"Just take your time or leave it for another day baby."

"We love you so much Antonio, you have no ideas how much we do."

"I know I feel it every day." But some days I could strangle you.

Another sip this time and he was ready. He cleared his throat and sat upright.

"After mama took me from my parents I was the happiest boy in the world, I lived in a palace and had servants and much food more than I could eat. I had big brothers that played with me and I nearly at once loved them much." Another deep breath and he went on.

"My mama gave me a present one day she said I had to love him all my life and look after him, he was a little bit younger than me and his name was the most beautiful name I had ever heard in my life, Carlos."

My god, now I'm crying why do they always do this to me. I took a tissue and took another gulp.

"The first night he stayed in my bed with me, and I did not know what was wrong with him but he cried a lot during the night. So I took him into Gianni's room and we got into bed with him, Luca joined us because he heard us.

We stayed in that bed for the next ten years because we were both scared.

It was three weeks later I got my Carlos to talk and I knew there was something wrong with him, as a child I did not know such love and it is the same love I feel for him today."

"I know I can see it in your eyes Leon, yours is an amazing love story it will last forever."

"That is what I know and I know it way way back then. It become even more love when he told me what had happened to him with his real mama and papa, Sabine did not tell us anything but Carlos did one night when he was scared."

He got up and opened another one.

Donations always gratefully accepted at Nifty