Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2022 06:13:06 +1000 From: max dowling Subject: Impossible Love 106 Impossible Love 106 Maxieplus "Antonio, please sit down and do not make a fuss. It doesn't take Sherlock Holmes to work out who his father is. I think I saw him at the Vatican and, of course, he is the spitting image of our Angelo. I also remembered him coming to the Italian club some years ago, but he didn't recognise me, am I right?" "Yes grandad, he is Angelos father. That is where we went today to have lunch with him. He wanted to know all about his son, he didn't know he existed until he saw him on Iris's show, and he remembers Stavros and saw his photo on the restaurant's web page." "Stavros doesn't know Antonio, he has no clue who Angelo's father is, he looked for months but he didn't find anything except some devastating news about his daughter. Things I will not discuss with you grandson," "I think I already know grandad, my lips are sealed solid." "But are your husbands?" "I hope so, I really hope so." "Does he wants to meet his son?" "Yes." "Then you talk to Stavros first my boy, I do not know which way he will go, but it is respectful to talk to him first." "I will grandad, and I can assure you if he doesn't want it to happen it won't." "Good, because Stavros is a good man, he was devastated to find out what his precious daughter was doing to earn extra cash. It was your grandmother that stopped him going insane, she sat for hours, days with him reminding him that it was the drugs, not his daughter." "I am so sorry for all of them grandad, such a horrible time to go through." "Now you know why we were so against drugs Antonio, I am so glad you didn't go down that pathway nona and I would have been so upset." "It never entered my head grandad, I wanted to work and make money not lay around taking them. That's not to say I never had the opportunity, but it wasn't my thing. " "Thank you." He took my hand and kissed it, something he only does when we are alone. Four in the bed tonight and one little boy, Lukas. Nothing was wrong with him he was just wanting a dad cuddle. I know that he was spending most of his nights with gran but sometimes he would sleep in the babies' room if they were unsettled. I didn't want him to feel responsible for them, but tonight when we went to bed he was already there, so we had to be quiet. I will talk to Gianni about him tomorrow, he is spending nearly all day with Lily, so he tells me, and I thought I might just take Lukas somewhere nice on our own. Ray had told me there was a puppet theatre not far away so I thought I may take him there for an hour or so, no gran just us two. The boys came back early and Brody was hopping up and down for his daddy cuddles, Dave, Phil, Grant and Mike were hyped up to be back. "He had a ball guys, and was kept busy he hardly noticed you were gone." Brent laughed. "Did we miss anything?" Dave asked Conner who then went into a list of things they had been doing, Brent added to it and I saw Grant smiling, I guess he's pleased they had a ball, he was also concerned for Conners now black eye, but he laughed at the story. Breakfast saw everyone sitting down and we listened to their island-hopping stories, they had an awesome time away. We also discussed going home, which had put a downer on everything. It wasn't the fact that we were going home it was the flight that no one except the pilots wanted to endure. "We can catch a flight in two days or five days, the plane can call by Rome to pick us up. I might suggest we maybe have a two-day layover in Singapore, then the last leg will be quicker." Phil said. "I will have a look and see how full the cargo hold is, maybe we can do a pick up in Singapore," Ray said. "But first we have to decide which day." He added. "We take a vote." Conner and Brent were the only ones that didn't put their hands up for our two day despatch, the rest had decided it was time to go. I had a small boy who wanted to vote also and he said yes we go home earlier. When I talked to Gianni about the puppet show, of course he wanted to come along with us. "Please don't say anything to the others I want this to be special for Lukas and his dads, just us." "That is okay Antonio, I know what you are meaning it will be nice." We all set off on our own paths, the boys and Iris thought they had better see something and took a big bus tour, the others escorted Ted and Brody to go play soccer in the park, gran and grandad stayed home with the babies, so we were free to do what we wanted. Lily is beautiful and I noticed little things were changing every time I saw her, she was well aware of her surroundings by now and her eyes were wide awake. She only knows sleep and milk but she will grow fast and the next time we see her she will be walking, maybe running through the roman streets with her friends. We played with her for an hour then it was time to walk down to the next square to the puppet theatre, it will be an hour and a half show for our boy. He didn't know exactly what he was here for but Gianni placed him on his shoulders so he didn't have to walk too much. I paid for the tickets and we sat and had a gelato while the first show was still playing, we go in for the next show. He had spied the posters and I tried to explain what the puppets were but he had to see it to know. We were shown to our seats and the theatre was filling up fast, Lukas sat on Gianni's knees to get a better look and when the show started I looked over and his face was full of wonder, he didn't even blink he was so engrossed in the small story. Many colorful puppets adorned the small stage and he even laughed when he was supposed to. The lights went up and the applause was loud, it was louder in the seats behind us, three no-hopers had snuck in and watched it in silence. They ordered wine and Lukas had another ice cream, they talked about the show and how they had enjoyed it and they were pleased our Lucas had enjoyed himself. They once again played the 'they were bored card', the bus was boring the ruins were boring and Iris was getting mobbed so they thought they would be joining us, plus they had missed us all. I just rolled my eyes and thought to myself, there is no Punch without the Judy's. He thoroughly enjoyed the show and we even bought several little finger puppets for his brothers and himself to play with. Some for Curtis and Jack and of course Sam. "Now we go and watch the other one," Leon said. "Where?" Lukas got excited again. "Up the street in the Piazza, there is a free open-air one." Once again he was placed on his papa's shoulders and we walked to the next plaza. The show was just as professional as the others and when it finished we gave him some money to place in the donation hat. It was then he started to have a panic attack, he was looking around everywhere, he started crying he had lost his bag of puppets. "It is okay baby, come on dad will go back and buy you some more." "But I wanted those ones daddy," "Wipe your eyes, some other little boy can enjoy them we will get you new ones." "Okay." He wasn't convinced he would get the same dolls. It was when we started walking back that someone tapped my shoulder, a stranger and a kid smiled at me. "Mr. Antonio, I found this." He handed me Lukas bag of puppets. "My God, thank you so much where did you find them?" "I cannot say Camorra, but they are now back with you." I fished out a fifty and gave it to him, his face lit up and he thanked me many times as I thanked him. Lukas was over the moon and he held that bag so close to his chest I thought it was going to burst. "The kid probably stole them in the first place," Iris said to me. "It doesn't matter, the look on Lukas's face is all I ask for." I didn't know whether he stole them or not, but I was grateful. It was his day out, and the next item on his list was a present for his Nona, so we were taken on a tour of the shops. He found the one he wanted then ran inside. Up and down the isles of a kitchenware shop we went. The item was sitting on the back shelves, he pointed. "That one daddy." I took the pot down for him to look at. "Does nona need a new one baby?" "Yes daddy a heavy base one." "Is this right?" "I think so, maybe I look some more." "Should we ask the shop assistant?" "Maybe, but Lukas knows." Along the back we went, and then he found the right one that had a heavy base. "This one daddy." "Okay, I will go and pay for it." "I have my money." He pulled out some change and I counted it out, five euros. "That's exactly what the price is, thank you Lukas," I got the lady to put it in a bag then I passed it to Leon to carry. I have no idea whether gran wants a new pot or not, but my kid was adamant she did. Next was a pretty familiar cafe where the boys sat to have some refreshments while Gianni played with his daughter. Lukas had a baby chino, he's already had two ice creams I don't want him spewing in the streets. Conner and Brent walked by with the rest of the guys and our father-son day turned into another party. Photographs were taken by tourists, and Iris and Conner had quite a few taken together. Conner was happy to sign autographs but he kept his sunglasses on. I told Brent that Conner should be wary that he is being associated with Iris's show and the public will forget the rock star ever existed, he smiled at me and replied. "Good." Ted and Brody had a soccer ball and started kicking it around, then kids came from nowhere to help them, so they were entertained. My son had heavy eyes, this shopping business is tiring, so I placed him on my knees and he closed them for a nap. Gianni told Magdalena that we were leaving in two days and she said she will come to the villa to say goodbye to everyone and to cuddle her kids. We will put tomorrow aside to let her have plenty of time with them. She wasn't sad she was happy for us, and very happy to have one of her own to cuddle, I think she likes girl babies. It was time to go home and again we caught a water taxi. When we got in there wasn't any family around, gran and grandad had gone for a nap when the babies went down. We opened wine as I placed Lukas on the sofa, he will be more comfortable there, and I put his big pot and puppets on the floor next to him. Leon and Carlos had already found some friends to talk to, they were on a boat going past and Leon handed them a champagne bottle, that was when the conversation was started. Conner was sitting at the table and Mike was putting cream on his eye, Brent was helping by laughing at him. I didn't think twice about it but Grant did and told them to move into the kitchen to do his eye. It was too late the photos had been taken as Leon and Carlos posed for them with Conner and Iris in the background. Gran and grandad came out and she set up the table with some snacks and coffee. "How did the show go?" She asked, I looked sideways at Gianni who giggled. That is okay Gianni, tell everybody my secrets, I hope to God he hasn't said anything about Angelo. "He loved it and he bought some finger puppets for all the kids, he's still sleeping but did love his day out with his dads." "Good, it should happen more often Antonio." She sipped her coffee. The boat left and Leon and Carlos came back to the table. "We have all been invited to a party tonight Antonio, we must go they are very big fans," Leon said. "Then you all go, and take Iris with you but I will be staying home, I need to start packing," "But we want you to come." "Not this time, take Gianni he loves a party." "Maybe we will stay home with you then." "Good you can help me pack." I giggled. Conner, Mike, and Brent came back and Lukas waddled in still half asleep, he crawled up onto my lap and I told him to have five minutes more. He was dozing then he sat up abruptly, he's thought about something. "Nona I have a present for you." "Do you baby, I love presents." He slid down and went to get the pot, he couldn't handle it so he dragged it up to her. When she opened it she made the biggest fuss, it was exactly what she wanted her old one had developed a leak. A heavy base nice and shiny, good size, yes the correct one, he was so chuffed he nearly swallowed his smile. "is it really what you wanted gran?" "Yes grandson, I was telling him about pots and what the best ones were before we came to Italy, he did well for his first shop, very well." I looked at my son and thought, you're going to be all right. She took the pot to her bedroom and Lukas helped her pack it in a carton for travel, she didn't want to scratch it. When they came back five little ones followed her, they had just eaten and now Jack wants his froth. "Will you be glad to get home Iris?" "Yes Antonio, now that grans business is all done I see no reason to come back again. I am forever grateful to be here, but like you, I do miss my home." It was when we started talking about the pool and the renovations with Maxie and Tommaso's place I started to get homesick, I had been kept busy before but now I am very eager to get home again. Lukas got out his watering can and the babies helped him do his chores, then he gave them all their presents and sat on the floor to show them how to use them. Curtis wanted to keep his pristine so he only took them out of their plastic wraps once then they were put back for safekeeping. Jack attacked all the others and they had a big puppet fight, luckily there was no major damage. We had a party of our own and after I put Iris to bed I went to shower and slipped in between the sheets myself. Gianni was hanging out for it, so I took care of him in my usual way, and after he did me I snuggled into him and said. "I mean it Gianni, do not tell anyone about Angelo's father." I didn't get an answer, but I did get a grunt. Today is all about fathers, Mike and Grant took Teddy and Brody to their local game, Brent and Conner sat and skyped the grandad's while the babies all played together, Lukas was sitting with gran and soon they will go off to make some scones. Magdalena arrived with Lily and while she played with the kids, Gianni and I played with the new bub. She stayed for lunch then she had to get back to the restaurant. Gianni got her to sign some paperwork Roberto had given him, and our newest member was added to the family trust. Magdalena argued but Gianni stood firm, lily was his daughter after all. Sabine and Tony were heading off to Ramone's place and they will call into Matteo and James's place on the way. She will spend a week there and then they will fly back home, she wanted to finalize the chateau's facelift into the twentieth century. She promised gran there will be plenty of photos and she will be asked before anything major was to be done. Conner and Brent finally got off the internet and said Gino and Anna were having an absolute ball, I dozed and thought of our steps and the way it was at home, my tummy grumbled and I smelt homemade scones. I will not bore you with the long journey home, but yes as always it was tedious and long. I vowed when we landed at Melbournes Tullermarine airport I will never do that trip again, especially with the kids. By the time we got home everyone was a bit bitchy and wrung out, the first thing I did was put the kids to bed for a well-earned nap in their very own beds, they were the worst because they haven't learned to put up with frustration, they lived it continually. I sat on the balcony and looked at all the baggage and thought I would deal with it tomorrow. Leon Iris and Carlos had opened a bottle of vino and I took a glass. Gianni was on the computer reading emails. I couldn't move, I was still hearing the drone of the jets in my ears. I guess Lukas will be wanting to go to kindy tomorrow to tell his mates about his holiday, where they find the energy I don't know. Conner had got a call from Marty just before we landed, and he said it starts all over again when we arrive, the news-hounds were piled three deep at the airport and the headlines were reading. "Trouble in paradise." Brent got the blame for giving Conner the black eye and he said to me. "And so it begins again." "I have the whole thing on my phone Brent, that is proof enough." "I don't see why I have to prove anything." "You don't to us, and Conner doesn't seem to be disturbed about it." "He's taken many beatings Antonio, he acts like he doesn't care because of me, but I feel his rage." "Then we announce it on the Iris Wilson show next time and show the video. Millions of fans watch that show." "Good idea, the newspapers won't report the truth anymore, it's not newsworthy so they make it up. I will go one further Antonio, if they get their hands on the video they will somehow twist it to make it look like it was me that did it. No one wins," The photos touted around were the ones from the boat people that were talking to Leon and Carlos, they got in some sneaky shots. No doubt to earn some extra money. I felt sorry for Brent because he had nothing to do with it, in fact, neither did Conner he was just sticking up for Carlos. I had no idea apart from Iris's show what to do about it, I wanted to help my friends. Gianni sat with me and I passed him a glass of wine, he said we should go and have a nap, I didn't even have the energy to move so I drifted off to sleep in the sunshine. Luckily friends had left us alone and the word from Maxie and Alice was they were going to give us a few days to get over our jet lag. I wanted to see their apartment but was content to take a walk around the back to check out the pool. It wasn't covered and full of cool azure water, the size was very adequate for our family. There had been a plate glass fence erected around it with safety latches so little fingers can't open it, and a sunblock sail shade that almost covered the whole back area. I was pleased Gianni and Nina had done such a good job on the design and my back wall was pristine again. I took food out of the freezer while Gianni and the boys readied the babies, it was Lukas that kept yelling "Beach, beach." So we had to change into our swimmers and take a walk around the back once again. They screamed then Gianni quietened them down for a papa talk. "The same as nonna's place, no jumping in and no running okay?" He got four okay papa's, I got the towels from the laundry and the others brought the wine. It did look like a hotel oasis as the sail flapped in the small breeze, I opened the gate and they jumped up and down to be picked up. The water was cool as I bobbed Luca gently in it, he had the biggest smile on his face when Gianni turned the water jets on. An hour of that and they were ready to get out and dried. I made some juice for them and they sat talking about their big adventure. "Anyone home?" I heard. "Yes were are all around the back," Carlos yelled out. Maxie and Tommaso arrived with big smiles on their faces, they hugged us and had a welcome home drink, the chatter was full of holiday stories and they, in turn, were telling us how boring it was when we left, everyone had been miserable and on a downer. "I have a new price list for you from James and Matteo, when I unpack I will get it to you." "No hurry Antonio is there new cheese on it?" "Maybe, but I haven't looked at it." "Okay, I guess they will be from the parent factory if there is." "I don't know Maxie." "We did get a general announcement that the stock will come out of the parent company that Matteo and James were closing down their business to concentrate on the vineyard." "They didn't say anything to us, in fact, they only stayed two nights, then went back home." "Strange, I thought their cheese business was doing well." "I will go get the listing maybe that will tell you some more, but you are not to worry at all boys. I am sure they wouldn't leave you in the lurch." I went back inside Lukas followed he wanted to get the puppets to show the boys, I found his suitcase with his extra shopping in it then he rummaged through it while I did the same with my backpack. I found the envelope and handed it to Maxie. "Yes, the same pricing Antonio, and they will do the labeling also. They have our backorders and will get them to the Cartasso in due course." "So it's business as usual." "Looks like it, maybe you can ring Matteo and find out some more Gianni?" Maxie was concerned but I won't tell him what happened over there. The kids started playing with their finger puppets and wanted to take them for a swim, but we explained that they would be broken if they got wet. They understood, I think. "Did you use the pool while we were away?" "Yes thank you Antonio, it has been so hot here, and we did soak in it a few times." Tommaso blushed. "Umm so you went nudo?" "Of course, is there any other way?' They both laughed. "Well, anytime you want it's there to be used." Two little colorful donkeys appeared out of Lukas's bag and he handed one each to the boys and they made a big fuss over them. "We love them Lukas thank you for thinking of us, they will go into our special cabinet to be kept safe." He got a few kisses and a puffed-up chest, he's just like his father. I have no idea where he got them from but maybe on one of his trips out with gran, I was worried about her again she was exhausted after the long trip and she told me she was going straight to bed when she got in. I hope she doesn't turn up in the morning, it's not necessary. "I want to see your place, can we come down in an hour or two?" "Yes of course, can we swim now?" I rolled my eyes and said. "Only nude swimming is allowed." They laughed and grabbed a baby each to take in for some play. Leon grabbed one and Carlos grabbed Lukas and they frolicked in the pool for another hour. I sneaked off to put the food in the oven then I went down the fire escape to Maxie's place, it was stunning. From the new entrance door to the bigger room they had done such a good job and the new kitchen almost took up one wall, it had been done the same as ours, all hidden away. I didn't linger because I suppose it's not the done thing, but I was dying to see it. I helped dry off the kids and put the tv on, the boys fed them and I checked Luca out he was well and truly better in the bum department, but I do check. Food was placed on the table and everyone was hungry, there's nothing like grans cooking to get the taste buds going. Iris went to have a nap she was failing miserably at staying awake, so Carlos escorted her down to her apartment, we then went to have a look at Maxie's place, and once again I was in love with their renovation. They opened the wine and I sat looking out the ceiling to floor glass window. Leon sat with me and I asked him what can we do to help Conner and Brent. "Already we are looking at it Antonio, a big announcement on Iris's website for first." "Yes, I thought that might help in some way," I was pleased. "We also have a photo of the girl that took the photos, we are going to name and shame her." "Do you think that's wise?" "Very wise our Antonio, she needs to be held accountable, and our dear friends need to be stood up for, because I know apart from a press release that is all that will happen. We tell the truth on the Iris Wilson show." "Thank you." "There is no need for thanking us Antonio, this is what we must do for our dear friends." "We will also share the video on Twitter and Facebook, many people will see it and call the tabloids liars." I thought the boys would have a solution and I just wanted to see if we were on the same page, which we are. "Tommaso this is wonderful, Nina did a really good job for you both." "Yes she did Antonio, we never thought it would look like this, much more room and loads of storage." "So this is your forever home?" "No Antonio, upstairs is our forever home." He chuckled. "Well, anything is possible." I smiled. "So how is business?" "Excellent, we have finally got ourselves into a routine that suits us, As long as we can get the cheese we can only get bigger and better." "You will, and anyway the parent company is award-winning, I doubt whether it will ever close down." "That's good to hear." "When you get time I will send you to Italy, you go and see where it all comes from and maybe learn how to do it yourselves." "Oh God, I doubt whether we could do that." "As I said anythings possible Tomas." It was getting late and I was tired, so we decided to have an early night. Four in bed and all those familiar smells were back as I closed my eyes, Italy was a distant memory already and I am looking forward to the future and what it will bring to my family. "Are you sure?" His head bobbed up and down. "All right, dad will find you some cool clothes, finish your breakfast son." Lukas is insisting he go to kindy, he has a big bag of trinkets to hand out to his mates so they all can have a little piece of Italy. Gran hasn't turned up so I am glad, grandad messaged me and said she was still sleeping but they will be here tomorrow, if not later today. I threw washing into the machine and started putting away the clean clothes. I did the baby's room first and while I was at it I found an outfit for Lukas. He looked beautiful as Leon fussed with his hair, it needed a little bit of gel in it today, so he said. We will go into the cafe but I don't know how long we will last, I wanted to congratulate Nina on a job well done. Dropping Lukas off took longer than we thought because Gianni had to leave instructions that he may get very tired and could they let him sleep when he does. It was all taken care of, they expect him to crash after his big holiday, we needn't worry. We kissed him goodbye and he skipped off to find some familiar faces. Gianni parked the van and I looked over the car park, it was coming along very nicely, the boys still have to design the toll booth. We were hugged and fussed over and the cafe seemed to become alive again, our staff was so happy to see us, and Alice and Bianca both held us longer, the babies were back and were checked over by my ladies. No damage was seen so they started their fussing again and the tv went on. I expect them to nap through their day. Stavros was already sitting at his table and in time when I feel a bit more up to it, I will speak to him. My daily chores had been done and all I had to do was sit out the front and talk to friends and customers who had missed us. Iris hadn't come with us she will walk down later on. When Nina arrived she was congratulated on how she finished the boy's apartment, then she herded the boys upstairs to sign a stack of paperwork. Pat arrived and we talked to her about Gino, she was okay with it and had hired a niece to give her a hand with the everyday work. Gianni was pleased she showed initiative and said they will discuss full-time employment for the niece. It became a bit of a 'thing' because Pat had been paying her out of her pocket, Gianni will fix that up quickly. I sipped my coffee and made a small conversation with Alice, she said the businesses were good and she had a pile of money to give me when I have time. I will take it home with me because I have to keep my books up to date for grandad. The boys eventually came down, I had been watching Gianni he was touching everything and making sure his wine is fully stocked. I think he missed being here, and when he sat down I asked him if everything was still there. He smiled and took my hand then said. "Everything I need is here Antonio, I like this place and intend to stay right here for a long time." "Good, so do I, but Gianni you said the same thing last time." I giggled. He kissed me deeply then I heard it. "Poofs." It came from behind me. "Angelo, I am so glad to see you." I jumped up and hugged him, then it was Bellas turn she looked so beautiful, love suits her. "We have missed you all, and are so glad you are back with us." She beamed. "So did anything interesting happen over there?" Angelo was smiling. "Yes gran went to the Vatican, she's finalized all she had to do and it worked out that her family owned a Chateau that Sabine had her eyes on. The end story is that the Cartasso is going to lease it and run events from it. So gran hasn't a worry in the world and by the way, Leon and Carlos are now members of the Camorra, so beware they may try to give you orders." I laughed. "Just let them try. I believe I am now also Camorra, old Camorra so they better watch out for me." He winked. That was my first hint, so I closed my mouth and sipped my coffee. He knows, but he wants me to tell him. I will brain Gianni I really will, he could do a lot of damage to everyone concerned with that information. Angelo was laughing as he and Bella left to start work, I looked at Gianni and said. "Never again will I ever tell you anything, I do not care if it is what you're having for dinner or what shoes you are wearing. I won't be advising you, at all." I was too tired to fight, and as usual, I wanted to run and hide in my apartment in the sky, but instead, I went into my florist shop and stayed there for the next hour playing with my kids. When I walked out they were all sitting at the table, Stavros was with his mate's playing cards, nothing has changed but everything has changed if you know what I mean. Leon poured me a glass of wine and I sat smiling at the three of them, "Antonio, what is wrong? Gianni asked. "You know what is wrong you told Angelo our secret." "No I did not Antonio, I never release your confidences." "What confidences are those Gianni?" Leon asked. "Something Antonio told me, he thinks I told everyone." "You did, or grandad did either one, I cannot trust either of you." Gianni started laughing, he thinks it's a great old joke, and when Angelo returned he winked at me again, I lost it. "So I found your father, obviously you all have heard. I think it's so disrespectful that I am surrounded by tell-all fools that cant keep a secret." The area went dead quiet Angelo stood there in a stupor and whispered. "You found my father?" "Don't pretend you didn't know Angelo, your in on this with this lot, I give up I do this time." I felt a hand grab my shoulder and it turned me around, I was face to face with Stavros. "What do you know Antonio, do not lie to me, tell me what you know." I swallowed hard then looked at Gianni and said. "You didn't tell them?" "No, of course not Antonio, I never reveal your confidences I told you that." "Why were you winking Angelo?" "Because I was joking that I will get the boys before they get me, what do you know about my father, this is important Antonio?" "I found him, or he found me when we went to the Vatican." "I looked for months Antonio, years if you include the sleepless nights and none of us could find him. You walk into the Vatican and he approaches you?" "Yes." I gulped "I am so sorry Gianni, I thought you had told them, I mistook Angelos winking as he knew all about it." "That is okay Antonio, I understand, now I want to watch you try to get out of this one." He started laughing.