Date: Sat, 25 Jun 2022 05:54:18 +1000 From: max dowling Subject: Impossible Love 105 Impossible Love 105 Maxieplus Gran and grandad were very quiet as he held her hand on the way into town. Conner and Brent were all eyes looking at the gypsy boys, Anna and Gino were looking at the cakes and food, I think everyone is hungry. The village was alive and dancing and music is the order of the day, we were hugged kissed and bums were patted as we walked over to our table. The boys had secured five bottles of vino and glasses were already on the tables. I had my first one looking at gran she was so overwhelmed, more so than her Vatican visit. I do not know where the kids went but I can assure you wherever they are they will be safe. "That was awesome gran, such a beautiful old building. I cant wait to see it all dressed up." Conner leaned across the table and said. "It is what it is Mr. Conners, I am happy to see it but I do not believe it is mine, so I am also pleased the Cartasso can use it and look out for it for many years to come." "It needs an update and as far as I can see there's not much wrong with it apart from that flooring, a building inspection will tell us more gran leave it to us." Sabine smiled. "I know you will treat it well Sabine, and maybe one day I will come again and sit in its beautiful garden, but for now I have a grandson and little grandchildren to look out for. I am a very busy grandmother nowadays." Grandad went to get some food and he had a small plate for her, she thanked him and said. "Where is Lukas?" "He's with Angelina she is feeding him and they are talking about plants and things." "Good, I will go and get him later on." I think gran just wants to hold someone it will bring her down to earth, but it's not me she wants to hug, with me she wants to talk but we can do that later on. Conner and Brent were getting into the mood, and he wasn't bothered by the townsfolk even though they knew who he was. Gino and Anna had a dance then went to check Sam was okay, then they came back with food so I grabbed Gianni's hand and said. "I'm hungry let's eat, come on Conner and Brent, lunchtime. Gran do you need anything else?" "Yes please Antonio, just one of those cakes I like." "Done." I smiled at her. "My God, what do I choose there so much food?" Brent was amazed at the array of fare on the big tables. "It's all homemade, you won't get this in a fancy restaurant in Melbourne." "Not Angelos?" "Not even Angelos, the recipes have been added to over the years in Australia this stuff is authentic." "When are we going to feed the kids?" "No need they are probably onto their second helping as we speak." "I could live here Antonio." Poor Brent I think he's being pulled into the Italian way of life very easily. "Yes, the lifestyle is very simple here, but behind all the doors there is an industry of carvers dressmakers tailors chefs all sorts of things are being made." "Anna was telling me she is having some frocks made." "Yes, this is where Sabine gets her stock from for her little shop at the market." "Really?" "Yes but don't tell anyone it's her business anyway and she spends big money with the local seamstresses. I will talk to Menowin about getting you some gypsy charms too, just place them in the boy's rooms and they will have loads of luck." "Good that's what we need more luck." He giggled. "Brent they probably don't work but the thought is there, I feel luck comes from making the right decisions, not from some carved effigy." "Your probably right." We ate and drank the boys danced and Iris was up and down between wines. Even the locals were asking her which was nice to see. Sabine and Tony had a few, and Gianni Conner Brent and I did a twirl or two around the makeshift dance floor. We had finished our amazing desserts and the gypsy started their celebrations, Gianni and Adamo were first up on the floor followed by Leon and Carlos, then Menowin and his men, the ladies will join in after the men have their dance. The clapping started and then the chanting. "Antonio, Antonio, Antonio." I guess they want me up also, so I grabbed Brent's hand and dragged him onto the floor, if I was going to make a fool of myself so was he, and we did. It was the laughing that spurred us on to make idiots of ourselves and when I looked over Gino and Conner had joined in with the main group, they did pretty well too. The ladies joined in and that's where it stopped for us, we were exhausted. "I had better go see what the kids are doing." Brent can't leave them be. "Teddy is playing ball on that field over there and the babies are on the other side of the fountain being entertained along with the other babies, have some fun they are okay." "I would like to ask that gypsy boy over there for a dance Antonio, he's gorgeous." "Then ask, don't just sit here all day go ask him." He blushed then poured us both a drink, then he burst out laughing. "I love it here so much." He screamed. Of course the inevitable happened and Carlos picked a fight with his rival from the old school days, I didn't interfere this time but to his credit, Conner got in the middle of it, the man received a black eye from Carlos (because it was his turn) and Conner copped one also. When it was broken up something extraordinary happened. The boys sat Conner down and commiserated with him for at least an hour, they got a nurse to attend to him and made sure he was comfortable, the other fighter came and apologized to him, and he was receiving the royal treatment. He in turn was laughing he hasn't had so much fun since he was in school. "You will have to wear sunglasses Mr. Conners we do not want your fans to think your husband did this to you." "I will thank you, Leon." "Mr. Brent, we will be sleeping in your bed tonight to make sure he is being well and healing, we will not sleep with worry otherwise." "Over my dead body," Brent said. "We can arrange that if you like, Mr. Conners would you like us to arrange a funeral?" "No bloody way, stay away from us you two. I have no idea what just happened but I have had enough of you lot. Never again will I ever trust you two to do anything. Carlos, you should have led with the right and got his other eye with the left, I will show you how tomorrow." The crowd went silent as Conner continued his rant, then they all laughed. The party restarted and sunglasses were produced. Every time I looked at Brent he was laughing, Conner was on top of the world because Leon had given him four lines in the serial. "Keep this up and you may get a whole full scene Mr. Conners." I heard Leon say. We eventually loaded everyone into the van, it took more time to say goodbye than enjoy the party, but it has to be done, babies need their sleep and we need to all cool down. We were all given charms and Brent was smiling, I don't think because they got the bulk of them, I think it was because the village had accepted them into their lives like it was nothing. Conner's eye was starting to bulge and it will be black by the morning. "You got him good my Carlos serves himself right too," Leon said on the way home. Carlos started laughing and kissed Leon just about all the way home. Nannies took the babies and Ted and Brody headed for the games room, they seemed to have picked up a few mates on the way. When we went past the gatehouse I could see a small conservatory type of extension on the back it looked like it had always been there, I might take a walk later to have a better look. Roberto and Adamo had been dropped off they had something to do, I think Roberto was going to start ringing local builders or maybe Adamo had something else on his mind. Sabine and Tony had a nap, and so did gran and grandad it has been a big day for them. None of us were tired so the pool would be a nice cooling retreat. Anna changed and Gino dropped his shorts he had his bathers already on, the boys opened the wine and Iris sat at the table. As soon as she sat food started coming out so she and I picked at it. "How many frocks did you order?" "Four hundred Antonio," "What, no you didn't, you couldn't possibly wear all those." She grinned. "This is between you and me Antonio, it goes no further, promise?" "I promise." "Cody Mitchell instructed me to have them made for his shops, he is very impressed with the workmanship, so has placed a big order, the ladies were very happy." "So Sabine doesn't know?" "No, and don't tell her." "And how did Cody find out about this goldmine?' "I have no idea, drink?" She smirked. "She will get mad." "She will never find out unless some big mouth tells her." "I assume you mean me?" "Yes." "I'll take that drink thank you." I laughed so much Gianni had to come to see what was up, but I didn't tell him his mouth is bigger than mine. I had my wine and Gianni dropped his shorts to take me for a swim, then he went one better then, as he steered me up the other end where he tried to slip me one of his best. "Fuck race," Leon screamed for everyone to hear, then he and Carlos joined us, I was almost screaming with laughter. When I looked over at Brent and Conner their mouths were open, they hadn't joined in but they certainly could imagine what was happening, even Iris had moved her chair for a better look. Gino yelled out some expletives and I heard Anna laughing her head off. "I love this country so much," Brent screamed and when we went down the other end we were applauded, I did spy Conner and Brent having a quiet moment later on they laughed like schoolboys who were doing something naughty. And for anyone that is interested, we didn't do anything naughty, it was all for show. Our time by the lake was awesome and the babies played as Gianni reacquainted them with his mama, he had a lot to tell her this time and he raved about Lily to no end, even showed her some photos. It was a quiet time for him, and I would never discourage him from coming here, my time came when the babies had a nap, then we made mad love to each other like it was our first time. We laid there in the quiet and I looked at Gianni and whispered. "They are not coming?" "They are already here, I heard the cart when you were breathing heavily." "You can come out now," I yelled. "Are you finished our Antonio?" Carlos yelled back. "Yes." The wine appeared with the four of them, no babies. "That was nice Antonio, thank you for the show," Conner said. "I told you that you would love it here Mr. Conner," Leon answered. "I do, I very much do." He leered at me. "Where are the kids?" "Sabine and gran have them Antonio, we slipped away." "For a six some I think Mr.Conners." "Are we having one?" Brent got excited. "No!" Gianni screamed and that woke the babies. It's all in fun and they knew it, there is no way I would share Gianni he may like it too much. Back at the house gran wanted to go to the Chateau to see what had been done with the furniture. It was only half done downstairs but she did sit on a big sofa to look at everything that had to be there. She reflected on her family and reassured her cousins they will always have a job there and will be treated like royalty, which they deserved. That night we had six in the bed and Conner was badgered prodded and poked by the other two, when Gianni said stop it they stopped and went to sleep. As soon as I opened my eyes and looked into Brents. I know Carlos was up to his old tricks by the smile on Brent's face. He turned to look and there was Carlos's bum in Conner's face, and he was smiling, but when he opened his eyes and saw Brent and I were both looking he got all shy again and pushed Carlos off. We whined a bit because we wanted to see what he was going to do. He admitted later he didn't know what to do, so he lay there, we didn't believe him and ribbed him constantly in the van that took us all back to Roma. John and Ray met us out the front with some nannies, the babies were whisked away for a change, and some milk and it was good to be back as I flopped on a sofa out the back porch. Conner was attended to and the grandfathers were mortified but they couldn't abuse Carlos he was too busy laughing. I did hear Conner say he will come again next year to help Carlos out again. Now I have a very important lunch to go to tomorrow and I still haven't told Gianni what it was all about, he hasn't asked me again, so I know he knows it's important. He was excited to get to see Lily again so I said we will get a water taxi and go there for dinner. I was putting him off because all I wanted to do today was sleep swim and maybe play with the kids. "That small surprise is all done Antonio, Ray, and John have reserved a spot in one of their apartments in London for Gino and Anna, there will be a nanny. They have purchased the train tickets to get to Venice and the plane will pick them up from there on its way to London." "Are there any stop-offs?" "Yes one at Cinque Terre they have to see that place, its a must, the villages on the cliffs are awesome and it will be two days and a week in Venice. They won't annoy them, and will be doing some business in Venice its a very easy place to navigate." Brent said. "Thank you I am eternally in debt to you all." "Well I think Carlos paid that debt Antonio, we must do it again sometime." Brent was eager. "We will I can assure you, once the boys get you both into bed it's hard not to love them." I grinned. Gianni moped around listening to the boys talk with Iris about the serial, I told him to grab a taxi and go see Lily. "But you must come Antonio," "I am going to have a nap, I think Gino and Anna are going to do another bus tour, so I will nap If you don't mind." My nap won the day, he cuddled up to me and before I knew it he was humping away like the gypsy lad he was. "You haven't told me yet Antonio, I am still waiting?" "I can't I have promised." "It is me, did you forget that?' "He's Angelos papa." No reaction, maybe he's forgotten who Angelo is. "I will wait for you." "You can come." "He may not like it." "I will talk to him tonight, I want you there." "Okay, so how did this all happen, being Angelos papa?" "I do not know, he will tell us tomorrow, for now, I have been sending him photos of Angelo he so badly wanted to see." "I noticed that Antonio and wondering why you were on your phone for ages." Nothing gets by him. "Now you know all I know. Not a word to the boys Gianni please." "Not a word to anyone my love." He snuggled in again and from what I was feeling he thinks he's going to be able to go again." I dropped off for an hour's nap, and when I woke I checked that he hadn't got to me again, but all was good to go. "Come on Antonio we can go early." He said. "Okay we will meet you all there, someone requires papa cuddles." "We will come," the boys yelled out. "So will we," Conner said. It was only three in the afternoon so maybe a very early dinner because gran was fussing with Lukas to get him ready and the babies were raring to go. We caught a water taxi and arrived at the restaurant, I had messaged Gino and Anna that we would be there if needed, and sure enough, they were sitting at a table downstairs eating a late lunch. We all sat with them as Gianni went off to get his daughter, she was luckily awake and spoke to her brothers from his arms, well she gurgled and grunted. "The tour was different than the other day we have seen heaps," Anna said. "Well it's not all over yet I think there are three different ones. Do you want to go to see Pompeii?" "No Antonio, we have seen enough ruins to see us out." Anna laughed. "Maybe a few more baby." "What are you up to?" "You're not coming home with us you are going on to Venice then London, you will fly home from there." "What?" Gino yelled. "Ray and John have business in Venice and London, you are tagging along." "We can't do that, I can't stay away for that long." "You can and you are, you may never get back to this side of the world again, so we insist you see as much as you can." "But the business?" "Don't you think Pat can handle it, Gino?" Gianni said. "Yes, but I have to be there to help." "She will have me, so you go." Anna squeezed my hand and whispered a thank you to Brent. "Thank Conner and the grandads, you are going to love this trip, a stopover at the cliff villages a week in Venice then London, nanny supplied an apartment supplied, it's all done," Brent said. Gino was hit hard by their generosity and wanted to organize a payment plan with Conner but he just laughed then he played with Sam. "I rarely get to spend any money on my friends Gino, its been our absolute pleasure to do this trip for you all, what we have experienced this time with you all has been pure pleasure, so there will be no more talk about payments. end of." Magdalena and Mary started to bring food to the table, it was pizza today and I was hungry. Gino was stunned into silence and eventually, he asked when they were leaving. "Tomorrow." Ray laughed. "Okay, it will be good to see some of the country by train." "It's amazing Gino take loads of pics," I told him. The kids had mashed up spaghetti and Lukas had pizza, gran had cut it up into small bits for him. "We will make some when we get back home little one." "Good cause I like this one the best." "So does dad and papa," I said, he grinned. We stayed for hours and walked around the square just looking at the trinkets for sale then we ate some more and it was time to go home. We ordered up a taxi and two babies were dead to the world by the time we got in. Gino and Anna started packing their stuff and their excess luggage full of souvenirs and gifts will stay with us, we will bring it all home so they aren't weighed down with it all. No one in our bed tonight just us two, it was a nice surprise, and because we had exhausted ourselves during the day neither of us felt very loving, so we cuddled which is also nice. It was like the panic button had been pushed in the morning the grandad's were eager to hit the road, they had canceled the train trip and decided to get a small van to drive them, then they can stop and look around if there's anything that interests them. They said the trains are always overcrowded and Sam may not be able to sleep, so the van was the better option. With our best wishes and a slow goodbye, we waved as they left our group to go explore some more of what Italy offers. We showered and argued to no end with Leon and Carlos, we had an appointment and they weren't coming, so they were not happy with us, but were happy to walk around with Conner Brent and Iris. Gran and grandad were over it, everything had overwhelmed her to the point I think she just wanted to go home to be normal again. Grant, Mike, and the pilots will be back tomorrow, I believe they are having a ball island hopping but all good things must come to an end. We dressed in shorts and t-shirts then grabbed a water taxi, I waved to the boys as we pulled out into the river. We had finally told them that our meeting was with Magdalena to sign some papers and we will catch up when finished, I think they bought that little lie. He was eager to get to the outdoor eatery early, and he was dressed in civilian clothes, it hadn't surprised me at all that his name was Angelo as we walked in on time and he shook our hands. When I spoke to him last night he was happy to have Gianni come with me and welcomed his insight into his son's life. "Good to see you again, you remember my husband Gianni?" "Yes of course I remember him, welcome and please sit down, wine?" "Thank you, yes." He ordered up a bottle of wine and I looked around the eatery, it wasn't busy but it was unique, it looked like it had security guards sitting at the doorway, and there was an old-fashioned check in counter with security boxes behind it. We had been waved in and shown to our host's table by a waiter. "We use this restaurant for business outside the Vatican Antonio, it is Camorra run and they know who you are, so do not be surprised if the waiters stare." He smiled. "Nothing surprises me nowadays Angelo, I have been on a rollercoaster ride ever since I met this one." I pointed to Gianni who sat up straight and puffed his chest out. "Well he is a very powerful gypsy in his own right Antonio, being from a mafia and gypsy family affords him to receive only the best that is on offer." Gianni had worn his scarf to ward off any enemies and now I can't help but think he may have done it to keep the gypsy alerted and Angelo had noticed it. "You do not have to be worried Gianni, this place is also gypsy and mafia-run it is the only place in Italy where we all can come together peacefully. "Really?" I was intrigued. "Yes Antonio, we also have an internal business to discuss, and rumors to question, so we have to make a safe place for everyone to talk." "Makes sense." I smiled. "So my story is not unheard of and is very simple. I went to Australia twenty years ago to do some work for the Vatican bank. I was stationed in Melbourne for two months and mostly I wore civilian clothes because it is easier to get around unnoticed. I did go to your Italian club a few nights and had far too much vino playing cards with your friend Stavros, who is a very nice man. I met his daughter and we danced and to tell you the truth I have never had so much fun in all my life as I did being there." "I see so you dated her?" I asked. "No Antonio, I could not get involved it's not our way. But I did see her again and she wasn't very good, I think she liked the drugs too much. She was young but looked older and was a little foolish and free with her charms. She pursued me and finally, I gave in. It has been a long time since I had been with a woman and I guess the sins of the flesh got to me. I have since made peace with my God. We made love twice then I had to come back home, never telling her or anyone I was a priest. A one-night stand or two nights to be precise, as you say." "So how did you know about Angelo?" "The Iris Wilson show, I saw this boy who looked like me and his name was Angelo, you could have bowled me over with a golf ball Antonio. I didn't know, and I have to know more. I searched the internet for his restaurant and then I found the photo I was wanting, Stavros was sitting at a table playing cards still, in one photo Angelo was sitting talking to him." "Yes, that is quite normal where we work. Stavros plays cards every day with his friends, and Angelos restaurant he had loaned him the start-up money, he adores his grandson, but unfortunately, I have to tell you his mama has passed away many years ago." He didn't look surprised. "Thank you I didn't know and tried to talk with her about her drug abuse but she wasn't listening to me, she was only interested in the money I gave her." "So she was a prostitute?" I was shocked. "Yes Antonio, I do not know whether Stavros knew, but she had a bad habit to fund I guess." He made the sign of the cross and kissed his gold cross that was hanging from his neck. "So, do you want to meet Angelo, or do you just want us to update you on his progress because he is nothing like his mother. Stavros had brought him up to be a wonderful young man a good-hearted soul that is kind to everyone." "I do not know Antonio, one side of me is jumping with joy the other side wants to argue with me." "I see, and I understand, we will not tell him about you that is your business, but I will send you updates." "Thank you, I do not know which way to go, will he reject me, will he love me, I do not know. I have secrets to keep also and it scares me but excites me I have a son." "Perhaps you might try talking to Stavros, he's a beautiful man also, maybe he can give you some guidance." "I may do that Antonio, but for now please tell me all you both know." The food had arrived and another vino, then Gianni and I set about spilling our guts, warts and all. If he's wanting a relationship with Angelo this is the first hurdle, getting past us. It was a long pleasant get-together and after we spoke nonstop about his son, the waiters hovered and Gianni was photographed alongside me, by the now, many diners who had turned up unnoticed by us. "You are not to worry about the photographs, they are all in awe of you all and want some sort of gift from you, they will accept the photos." He almost laughed. Charms were placed in front of me for the babies, how do they know all about our lives I have no idea, but I accepted them gratefully, before he left for another meeting he handed me four boxes with little gold crosses in them. "I am also bearing lucky charms." He smiled. "Do you want us to talk to Stavros?" "If you may Antonio, maybe just see what he says." We made a deal that we would be subtle and tell no one about any of what was discussed. He left and we finished up our meal with a mighty fine Tiramisu. He had to leave shortly after but we promised as soon as we get back we will have some news for him. Gianni and I sat there drinking until we heard. "Are you finished, Antonio?" "Fuck me how did they know we were in here?" Gianni blushed as four men and one old lady barged into the cafe. "Back up Antonio, we always have a backup you know that." I groaned. "Drink boys, Iris?" She nodded yes. I know Gianni didn't tell them the reason we were here, he wouldn't do that to me. "So who was that man Antonio?" Conner asked. "Gianni is interviewing potential future lovers for me," I screamed with laughter, then winked at Brent. "Your all mad," Conner said. "Got it in one," Iris answered. "But we love them." She added and rubbed her hands together. We had a few drinks and then Gianni wanted to go see Lily again. There was no bill for the meals and even an offer to drive us to our next venue which we accepted because Conner had left his disguise at home. Before we left a waiter placed a carry bag on the table. "What is this?" "A gift from the Camorra Antonio, please unwrap it at home." He smiled then he winked. "What about that one Gianni?" "That one what Antonio?" "For a potential lover." I was talking about the rather good looking waiter. He laughed his head off as he shoved me out the front door. Conner had his dark sunglasses on as we rode to the restaurant, I was so full I won't eat again and hopefully daddy Gianni won't take too long I am missing my babies. He cuddled talked and kissed his daughter as she slept in his arms, we had vino, the others ate something and after two hours I was allowed to go home. When we got in I showed gran the little crosses and she said we will put them away until they get bigger, they might swallow them if they wear them now. I went to the bedroom and with Gianni, we opened the bag and found two shoe boxes, one had Leon's name on it the other had Carlos's. I knew exactly what was in them, Camorra boots, and my heart lifted at the gesture. There was a note that read that they can now do business with the Camorra anytime without fear or malice. "Let's have some fun," I said as he smiled at me because he knows what a devious sort of person I am. I changed my sneakers and put my red-heeled boots on, we made sure everyone was on the huge balcony and I poured myself a wine. "Leon Cartasso, Carlos Cartasso please stand before me." they looked at me and probably thought I had gone mad or was tipsy which is pretty normal , they almost scampered over to me. "Yes Antonio what do you need?" "I do not need for anything my brothers, but I have a very important duty to do for the Camorra and you are both going to help me." "But we are mafia Antonio we cannot do Camorra work it is forbidden." "Not anymore. After long negotiations with the Vatican Camorra, we have come to a decision. Carlos Cartasso and Leon Cartasso, please place these on." I handed them the relevant boxes. They looked at me with their mouths open. When they opened the boxes they almost fainted and nearly dropped them. I read the note out and they screamed at me then they rushed me and hugged me so much that I couldn't breathe, and yes many tears were shed. They couldn't wait to put them on they were the same as mine and the fit was perfect. Then they started taking photos of the three of us. "You are now Mafia and Camorra and legally can do business anytime you see fit with the Camorra, welcome brothers." I looked at Conner he was once again laughing his ass off and Gianni stood there in silence. "Do not be sad gypsy prince, you are gypsy and mafia you are needed to balance the clans with level-headed decisions, and because you are married to a Camorra you are also afforded the same rules as them, but no boots yet." I laughed at his smiling face, I think I boosted his ego a bit. For the next hour, Leon and Carlos were giving the orders, they were waited on hand and foot by Iris who played the game very nicely. Their boots were taken off because they didn't want to scuff them but they were kept close so they could photograph and touch them. "Such nonsense Antonio, grown men playing silly games." I looked at her and answered. "Yes Contessa D'Corsico, whatever you say, your majesty, wine?" I bowed, she huffed then said yes. We told the grandfathers what it was all about and the history, they were so interested, they made the mistake of asking the boys if they had done any "Jobs" yet, so they got a list of jobs they had organized, some made up some I still do not know if they are true or not. No one was hungry except the kids and gran, and so we sat around drinking for the night just a small party. At one stage I sat with grandad, he was enjoying this trip more than the other ones and I took the opportunity to quietly ask him if he knew who Angelos's father was. "Why would you ask me such a thing Antonio, of course, I know who he is." "Eh?" "You met with him today didn't you?" "What?" I screamed.