Caray, Caray!

This recap may be a little less polished than usual, as I have to finish it Friday night. Tomorrow, it’s off to New York, to see the Metropolitan Opera! I’m seeing Puccini’s Turandot, which is all about an ice princess (think Connie), who gets thawed out by a romantic, masculine guy, who’s also really smart (okay, sorry Beto, it’s not you). I’ll tell you how it was. In the meantime, let’s get back to the stormy stage of our story, with just about everyone’s relationships going through rough seas (Moni and Mau, Estrella and Aldo, Ximmy and Rolu, Gabi and Sal, it’s like a tidal wave of problems). Let’s open the window to the storm, put on our raincoat, and hope we don’t get too wet.

We begin with the confrontation between Beto and Mauricio. Beto lets Mau know that the battle has begun (for Monita), and time is on his side. Mau may have Moni in his heart, but Beto has her in his neighborhood. While Mau inhabits his world of rich people, Beto will able, little by little, to get closer and closer to Monita. Mauricio is glad that Beto has been frank with him. He’s not giving up, but he’s also not going to fire Beto, who can keep his cleaning job at the company. Beto says it’s not like wrestling. There won’t be any tie. One of them is going to win. As Beto leaves the office with an hasta luego, ex soul brother, Mau is angry, but feels powerless at the same time.

Estrella is telling Monita her Aldo woes at the gym. She feels guilty about what Aldo’s doing to himself. And she really does love him. Moni tells her to just go for it, but Estrella thinks this may cause more harm than good. Anyway, Moni has to help. Okay, says Moni, where’s he getting the drugs? From El Chubi. Damned (condenado) Chubi, say Moni.

And here’s that damn Chubi, walking in the park with Aldo, wondering why Aldo keeps wanting more and more drugs. Well, we all know why – the high keeps getting less and less, he’s needs more for the same feeling. (Didn’t Aldo go to those “just say no” lectures in school? He should know all about this. I wonder if Mexico has as much anti-drug teaching in school as my kids had). Chubi says gradually take less and less and you’ll get over the drugs, but Aldo wants something STRONGER! Uh oh. Chubi doesn’t carry the heavy duty drugs, but Aldo figures he knows who does. Well, sure, but sensible (in comparison) Chubi tries to talk Aldo out of it. Aldo’s response: Turn me on to the heavy stuff, or I’ll go to the cops, and said you sold me the drugs! Bad Aldo. Chubi says fine, I’ll give you the guy’s name, but we’re through, I’m not getting involved with you anymore, you’re on your own.

Over at Grupo Sermeño, Lorenza enters Sal’s office, isn’t happy that Gabriela’s telling Sal’s “intimacies” around the office. What intimacies? asks Sal, his facial tic going like mad, paranoically checking the blinds for Gabi. Gabi then walks in, and Lore leaves. Sal is pretty much afraid of everything now, but Gabi just wants to set the record straight. She said nothing to the gossips in accounting, and more importantly, with or without a wig (she says chuchuluco, which I think actually means a cheap toy you get at a market), Sal is the best looking man she’s ever met.

In Jerry’s office, he, Oscar and Lore are having a pow-wow, laughing about Salvador, and what’s the next step? Increase the dosage. But there’s a little problem – Lore’s just about out of the crazy drops. Oscar says he’ll get two more bottles tomorrow, as they laugh their evil laughs.

It’s time for some fun, as we see Ximena in a chef’s hat and apron, she’s cooked for Rolu! It looks like some salmon and asparagus, and she leans over him, is it delicious? Disgusting, he meanly replies. He spits it into the fine napkin, wants some wine to wash away the taste. Xime pours him wine. Xime’s upset he doesn’t like it, she’s been cooking the same dish all morning, and this is the seventh try. She thought it tasted great, made little explosions in her mouth. Well, actually she had 15 versions. He doesn’t care, they just have a problem with their marriage. She doesn’t like this. She’s worn the clothes he demanded, given up all her girlfriends, she also has no guy friends (except Lalu, who doesn’t count), she’s dying to say her three things, but has been avoiding that, too. She’s done everything Rolu asked, and she tried to cook. Well, asks Rolu, is this your attempt (picking up the plate)? As Xime says Sipi, he hurls it over his head, smashing it against the wall! He demands she take him to bed. So we can sleep together? she asks hopefully. Nope, can’t she see he’s in a wheelchair? She resignedly wheels him off, and her permanent high seems to be fading.

Oscar’s in a seedy neighborhood we might call Drug Alley, someone’s sleeping on the ground, a couple of seedy types are staring into nowhere. This is where you get loco drops, I guess. He knocks on a metal door. A shifty looking guy with a hat lets him in, tells him that this time it’ll cost double (of course). Oscar doesn’t go for this, he’ll give him half of that double (i.e., the same amount). He gives the guy the money, and the guy goes for the stuff. There’s a knock on the door, and Oscar peeks out the window. It’s Aldo, who’s also come to Drug Alley to score his fix. Oscar’s intrigued.

Mauricio’s wearing the outfit most adored by Caray Caray ladies – a towel, nada más. He opens the bathroom door, and there’s a scream. Turns out Coni’s Mom (in a robe) is staying in the guest bedroom, and was just freshening up. Coni comes in, wonders what the two of them are doing “naked”. Mau looks uncomfortable, but Coni’s Mom smiles.

Mr. Hat comes back with two bottles of crazy drops for Oscar. Oscar says a young guy’s knocking at the door, have you sold to him before? Mr. Hat looks out, says no, I don’t sell to kids. Oscar says don’t worry, he’s a friend of mine, treat him well. Mr. Hat resists, young guys often don’t pay, then they rob you. Oscar says he’ll cover any shortage. Bad Oscar. Oscar hides, and Mr. Hat opens the door.

Momia’s Mommy looks up from admiring Mau’s body to realize she recognizes him – why, it’s the famous Mauricio Sermeño, good job, daughter. She starts flirting with Mau, asks him to tutear her, pointing out that she’s still pretty young, and by the way, since we’re both dressed for it, wanna take a bath with me? Bad Momia’s Mommy. Connie wants Mom to go immediately to Connie’s apartment, to keep Katia company. Mom says look at that, we haven’t seen each other in 5 years, and I drive her so crazy she wants to kick me out. Ahah, thinks Mau. She drives you crazy? Well, gee, we’ve got lots of extra rooms here. Why don’t we let her stay? (He finally has a little button of Connie’s to push). Connie complains, Katia can’t be alone. Well, then she can come here, too, adds Mau helpfully. So welcome to my house……Jacqueline, she interjects, but call me Jacky. Pleased to meet you. Mau excuses himself to take his bath, leaving a pleased Jacky and a peeved Connie.

Apparently Aldo’s money won’t buy him much, but Mr. Hat says not to worry, you’ve got a sponsor (padrino) who’s agreed to cover all your debts. So what do you want? I’ve got it all, pasta, polvo, hierba (grass, dust, weed, actually 1 and 3 seem to be the same, but let’s not quibble, the writers are trying to show all the drugs this sleazy guy has. And they’re all sitting out on the table, too, in case we didn’t get the message).


Aldo wants to know who this sponsor is, but Mr. Hat won’t tell, the guy wants to stay anonymous, but he does know your father (he says jefe). Aldo wisely gets cold feet and leaves. Oscar comes out, isn’t happy that Mr. Hat let Aldo leave. Don’t worry, says Mr. Hat. I know these young guys well – they always come back.

Jacky has decided to sleep in the master bedroom. She wonders why Connie’s staying in that room, but Mau isn’t. And what up with Connie, being married to a rich guy who’s also a bonbon, but not sleeping with him, and having a lowlife amante? Connie says it’s none of her business, and besides, hasn’t Jacky had her share of lovers? Jacky doesn’t deny it, but doesn’t want her chiquita to make the same mistakes she did. Enter Terry with some tea, saying the kids aren’t back from school yet. Ah, says Jacky, Mau has kids? Three, and I can’t stand them, answers Connie. Jacky’s a little more sympathetic now, knew Mau had to have SOME defect. She’d like to meet the kids.

In the barrio, Chubi is smelling some fabric as Moni and Estrella come upon him, ready to read him the riot act. They’re looking great as usual, though, Estrella in a red satin coat over a tight black dress and heels, Moni in a boxing outfit of black midriff top, tight red spandex pants, and a purple jacket. Chubi’s wearing a green shirt and a purple jacket. I just love these bright colors everybody in the barrio wears!


In contrast, Mau and Connie are usually wearing something grey, white or crème colored (actually Connie’s often in gold or silver, I guess it’s the money look). Jacky did have on a beautiful red silk blouse. Moni decides to have a reasonable, deliberate chat with Chubi about the evils of drugs. NOT! She punches him in the stomach, causing Chubi to double over, wondering why the bad vibe? How dare you sell drugs to kids! Well, Chubi didn’t think Aldo was that young, I mean, wasn’t he going out with Estrella? Oooops. He thought Aldo was an adult. It’s not his fault Estre’s a cradle robber! (una asalta cunas). Estre doesn’t like this one bit, threatens Chubi with the law, while Moni threatens to kill him if he sells to Aldo again. Chubi hears them loud and clear, he’ll steer clear of Aldo from now on. As a matter of fact, Aldo didn’t want his stuff anymore, wanted harder stuff. Estrella and Moni are horrified to hear this.

In the background, we see Officer Cris walking in, just as Estrella says what you did is a CRIME. Crime? Cris searches Chubi (after ordering him to put hands against the clothesline – manos contra el tendedero), finds the dope, says “cannabis indica”, here’s the body of evidence. Chubi protests, I didn’t do anything. Estrella says El Cristian is capable of putting his own mother in jail. Cris pauses for a sec, says “only if she committed a crime”, and marches Chubi off. Estrella and Moni both nod their heads, hmmph (you deserve it).

The kids come in, and Connie tells her Mom their names. Then she says, kids, say hello to your grandma. Jacky doesn’t like this, not Granny, just call me Jaqueline. So where did these kids come from, they’re not blond like their father. I already told you, Ma, they were adopted from a group home, I adopted them. Right, says Aldo. She adopted us to force Mauricio to marry her. As Jaqui’s eyes grow wide, Luisa adds, yes, because our Papá doesn’t love her, he hates her. Yes, adds Dani, my Papá is in love with La Monita, not with La Momia. Jacky doesn’t understand, who is La Monita and who is La Momia? Luisa points out Connie does have the face of a mummy, and Jacky agrees, as the kids get big smiles. What surprises Jacky is that Connie would adopt them. What, are you sterile? Connie really doesn’t have an answer for this.

At the gym, Mau asks Don Cesar if he represents wrestlers, not just trains them. Well sure, says Cesar, remembering that Mau did pretty well in his match against El Fantasma Vengador. That’s precisely why Mau came today – he wants Don Cesar to manage his career as a professional wrestler! Don Cesar’s response? Ah, caray. (should have said caray caray). Are you sure? Mau tells Cesar about the wedding, the prenup, and how he’s prohibited from being close to La Monita, the woman he really loves. But if he trained as a wrestler (and wore a mask, I guess), he could be close to Moni without people knowing. He also doesn’t want Valentina to know (we’ll see how long THAT lasts).

Jacky continues to win points with the kids (and with me) by agreeing that Connie’s always been a witch, even as a child. Her father and I, from the year she was born, called her Cruella de Ville, can you imagine? The kids laugh.

Mauricio confirms that he’ll wear a mask, have an invented identity, and no one is to know who he is. And he knows that nothing’s free, so he promises to fight so well that Don Cesar will make lots of money (I thought he was just going to pay Cesar a bundle, but I guess this is more “noble”). Don Cesar wants to think about it, says there are also lots of costs of publicity, and as to this, Mau does say, don’t worry about the money. But you can’t tell Nieves, and definitely not Beto. Don Cesar thinks about it a few minutes, and says yes, he likes the idea (as do we).

Rolu’s in bed, and Ximena really wants to sleep with him. No, and be quiet. Can she kiss him? No to that, too. Xime puts her head on a pillow next to the bed, and thinks back to when she kissed Lalu to resuscitate him. She wakes up, you won’t believe what I dreamed. But there’s Lalu in bed, telling her come here and kiss me, precious. She jumps into his arms. But THAT was a dream, too, and she wakes up to tell Rolu, who kicks her out of the room. However, Xime is all excited, could she have a thing for Lalu?

Estrella is glad Chubi’s out of the neighborhood, suggests to Moni that to really clean up the place, Beto should be kicked out, too. Moni protests, Beto didn’t give any drugs to a minor. Yeah, well he took Aldo to that bordello, didn’t he? Moni convinces Estre that Beto’s okay. But what can they do about Aldo? Moni says Estre has to tell Mauricio.

Sitting outside, Connie calls Katia, take a taxi and come here. Mom’s here already. Jacky wonders why a taxi, why not send the chauffeur? Oh yeah, you don’t have one. And by the way, I’ve met the family, and the head maid (Teresa), where are all the other servants? I’d like a girl available to me 24 hours a day, okay, dear? Connie explains there aren’t any others, they all help out, but with Katia and Jacky there, maybe they can hire someone. Well, of course, says Jacky, haughtily waving her gloved hand.


You don’t think I’M going to do any cleaning or the like. Jacky thinks Mau must be a miser, or worse, one of those types who like to SAVE their money. Heaven forbid! Well, they’ll just have to teach Mau to spend. She recalls the luxurious life on the yacht with Jean Clode. Yes, things are gonna change!

Estre doesn’t want to say anything to Mau, but Moni points out that SHE can’t, so pick up that cell phone and dial the number. Good hearted Estre grudgingly agrees. She goes over and sits on the bed, picks up the phone, but she just can’t. Moni grabs the phone to dial as Estre takes a deep breath. Mau answers, Moni gives the phone to Estre, who explains that she needs to talk to him, it concerns Aldo, but she doesn’t want to tell him over the phone. Okay, he realizes the deal he made with Connie doesn’t prohibit him from meeting with Estrella, they’ll meet at eight at the cafeteria near his house. By the way, is Moni there? She is. Tell her I love her, and I think about her all the time. Moni says tell him, me too. Estrella says “She says she loves you, too, more than her own life, she thinks about you all the time, she’s dying to be with you, to kiss your lips, your eyes, your neck and every centimeter of your sexy, sexy skin and undress you, little by little,


and caress your back, and meanwhile you start kissing her mouth, passionately, savagely”…WAIT A MINUTE! Interrupts Moni. What’s the problem? asks Estre. Well, you’re like a “hot line”, says Moni. Oh, just improvising, I can’t help it with my actress training (yes, I think Estre has learned her craft well).

Aldo’ s rolling a joint or something, when Jacky enters his room without knocking. He immediately covers the stuff with a pillow, but she knows what’s going on. Show me what you’re hiding, or you’ll be sorry. He meekly hands her the bag. She tells him she won’t tell Mau or Connie, but he’s got to cut this out. It’s not only dangerous, it’s illegal. She takes the drugs and warns him that next time, she’d have to tell her daughter, so there’d better not be a next time.

Over at Ximmy’s, she’s down in the dumps, but Lalu has come to visit. What’s the problem? She’d tell him 3 things, but she’s so depressed, she can’t even tell him the first half of the first one. Lalu knows what she needs, a strawberry daiquiri! Yes, yes, well, no, Rolu would be mad. But where is the bundle? Upstairs, sleeping. Then he doesn’t have to know! Lalu hustles his purple encased pompis over to the bar, leans WAY over, and Ximmy is shocked that she’s getting turned on! She gets up, and tentatively grabs a cheek. Hey, why’d you do that? Well, says Xime, just wanted to see if they were natural. Well, por supuesto. He starts flexing up and down, showing off his exercise routine, and Xime goes to check again. And again.


And again. They’re all real, all right.

And Mau gets real with Aldo. How are you, son? Fine, fine. Well, I’ve just made an appointment to meet with Estrella in a cafeteria. Is there anything I should know before the meeting?

Monday previews: Well, maybe Beto’s hugging Moni, and maybe Mau catches them, and maybe Connie catches him catching them, and……okay, we really don’t know anything. But I’m sure it’ll be fun.

Vocabulario:

Condenado – damned
Chuchuluco – cheap toy from a market, Gabi used it to refer to Sal’s wig
Una Asalta Cunas – a cradle robber
Manos contra el tendedero – As there was no wall handy, Cris said this, which means “Hands against the clothesline!”

Since we don't have a Friday recapper, feel free to comment here on the Friday episode.

Labels: amor

Repeat of Romina asking Carlota how she managed to get the fake test results and Romi telling her that she already told Paloma about the results. Romi assures Carlota that she’s going keep Emiliano and he’ll never have another woman that isn’t her.

Diana storms over to Rafael’s apartment but the maid tells her that Rafa and Emil aren’t there. Di looks around and says she’s looking for a sweater that she left there. She notes that her “ex marido” brings his girlfriend there but the maid hasn’t seen any women’s things there and has never seen Rafa with anyone. Di thinks to herself that she’ll have to give him a divorce, but she’ll make his and his girlfriend’s life miserable.

Crazylota drives along about as fast as a golf cart and laughs about how Paloma’s heart must be broken, just like when her mother learned that Cristobal was dead. But I can’t kill everyone now, can I? Well, there are different ways of killing, Carlota thinks, and from now on Emiliano is dead for Paloma, just like Inaki.

Monica and Camila talk about Rafael and something about why are men so unstable (unreliable?), and if Rafa thinks he can have his cake and eat it too, he’s quite mistaken. Romi shows up and shows Cami the test results. Romi wonders why Cami is surprised that the baby is (allegedly) Emiliano’s--did you think that I was going around with two guys at the same time, like you? Cami informs her that she did no such thing, and neither one is in her life now. Cami wants to know why Romi retrieved the results herself, when they had agreed that they’d go with Emiliano, plus he called the house that morning to ask about it. Romi thinks that means he must really want the baby and says she just wanted to know before anyone else--she has a right since she’s the mother. When Romi insists that she’s going to marry Emil ASAP, Cami mentions that a forced marriage won’t bring happiness and offers to support Romi if she wants to be a single mother. Romi vows that Emil is going to love her like he’s never loved anyone else.

Padre Juan Cris and Chava talk to a bunch of girls to try to convince them to take painting classes. Cris gets them to agree to give it a try and if they don’t like it, they’ll find something else that might interest them.

Emiliano mopes into the office and asks to speak with Orlando. Orly tries to assure Emil that this continues to be his job, his business, and that’s not because he’s his son, but because he earned it. But Emil can’t see him the same as he did before. Orly points out that they were friends first--let's continue being friends and business partners, and if later you can see me as a father, I’ll be very happy. He asks Emil to let him be near him.

The mope-a-thon continues with Paloma at school. Liliana tries to cheer her up to no avail. Paloma declares that she’s not going to fall in love ever again. She runs off crying, then stops to call Angelica to request a shoulder to cry on.

Emil tells Orlando it’s hard to work with the man who’s capable of hitting his mother. Orly swears again that he didn’t lay a hand on her and gives Emil the news about the call he got telling him to go see Diana and that it was from Ines. Cris is going to talk to Ines and convince her to tell the truth.

Speaking of Ines, she’s in the dispensario when Cris comes in and says hi. She stupidly tries to run and hide. He asks what’s going on with her and Diana. She agrees to tell him, but under the seal of confession.

Rafa talks with his lawyer about reaching an agreement with Diana about a divorce. The lawyer says it was dangerous for Rafa to mention to Di that he’s in love with someone else, but Rafa says it’s no problem, he can’t be with her anyway (oh, the things we do for our kids). After the lawyer leaves, Rafa runs into Camila. She’s upset and accuses him of going back to Diana. Rafa insists that he loves her and grabs her and kisses her. Mientras tanto, Di just happens to be walking by and sees everything. Camila breaks off the kiss and tells Rafa that she’s tired of this situation. He tries to explain, but she reads him the riot act--she already knows about Emil not being his biological son, etc., and if she was important to him, he would have confided in her, but instead he ignored her. She announces that it’s definitely over between them and walks away. Back to Diana, who basically cries “Et tu, Camila?” and wonders how she didn’t realize it before--she has flashbacks of seeing the shawl in Rafa’s office, etc. “I’m going to kill you, Camila! I’m going to make your relationship with Rafael hell!” Considering that just by refusing to divorce Rafa she made his and Camila’s relationship hell, I’m not sure what else she thinks she can do to worsen it, but whatever.

In the confessional, Ines claims that Diana made her beat her up but Cris doesn’t buy it--nobody can make a person do something he doesn’t want to. He tells her that she has to tell Emiliano and Orlando the truth about what happened.

Romi sees a lady with a baby and shudders like she’s grossed out. She calls Emiliano and he says he wants them to go get the test results. She asks him to come over at 7.

Meche runs up to Cristobal outside the church to worry about Chava coming home drunk last night. He tells Meche to have Chava come see him. Blah, blah, blah, I don’t think anybody cares about this storyline.

Carlota pays a visit to the monsignor in Pachuca. She’s really worried about what’s happening in Real del Monte and wants to speak to the bishop. He explains that the bishop went to Rome and will return soon. He tries to get her to spill the beans but she claims it’s so delicate that she only would dare to speak of it with the bishop. She asks that he let her know when the bishop returns and not to mention to anyone that she came.

Camila returns to her shop and tells Monica what happened with Rafael; she vows not to shed another tear over him, she’s not going to waste energy on someone who can’t be with her.

As Carlota walks down the street a little kid runs up to her and puts his hand out; with a roll of her eyes she gives him a coin. What was the point of that--did he do something for her that was edited out? Anyhoo, she thinks to herself that she’s going to achieve Cris’s dream of leaving the priesthood--what he couldn’t enjoy as a man with Macarena he’ll have with her. Not only will he have a house in which to live and eat, but also one with a *very* warm bed. Ewwwwwwww. Well of course it will be warm, because it will be in hell!

Cris stops by to see Natalia--more of the same stuff about him not wanting to leave town without making sure that Paloma’s taken care of. He comments that things are always happening with the Purple One--she’s worse than the devil.

German informs Rojas via telephone that Carlota’s papers still haven’t arrived and asks what’s so important about them anyway. Rojas tells him to keep out of it.

Alonso shows up at Natalia’s house.

Diana arrives home all crazy mad and asks what does that woman have that I don’t have--a business, money? Well yeah, DUH. She gets out a couple of Rafa’s suits and declares that she’s going to play the victim with Emiliano and Romina and make them hate Camila and Rafa, and then proceeds to shred and stab the suits with a knife or something that just happened to be sitting on her dresser next to the porcelain figurines. Sounds like the kind of decorating tip Carloca might suggest.

After Cris takes his leave, Natalia explains that he was there because of the investigation they’re doing with Dr. B. and Rufi. Alonso says that considering what happened with him, he doesn’t have a right to ask for explanations. He’s there because he misses her.

Emiliano tries calling Paloma but when she sees it’s him, she turns off the phone. Montage of Paloma moping and crying about town, Emil moping in his office, and Romina shopping for baby clothes (all of a sudden she likes babies now, when 5 minutes ago she was gagging at the sight of them? Anyway, shouldn’t she be shopping for maternity clothes first?).

Orlando goes to see Camila at her shop--he misses her and needs a friend. He invites her out to dinner and she agrees.

At the dispensario, a guy in a hat and bow tie named Juancho (I’m guessing he’s the secret admirer) brings some blankets and compliments Ines for being so giving of her time to the community. He asks if something’s worrying her, but she’s not sure if she can tell him, because did something she’s ashamed of and she has the fear of God and is afraid of being rejected by people. Juancho tries encourage her to accept that one can make mistakes, but can also correct one’s errors.

Romi visits her father and tells him that she’s going to marry soon and he’s going to be a grandfather.

Angelica tries to comfort Paloma, who laments that her wedding plans have gone down the tubes again and she’s alone *again*, without love. She vows that as soon as she graduates, she’s leaving . . . for how long, you ask? PARA SIEMPRE.

Samuel is worried--not about Romi sleeping around, but about being such a young grandpa because he’s still a galan. He doesn’t want to be called “abuelo”. Romi wants him to get her mom to pay for a super huge wedding. She asks how things are going with her mom (“Bad” is the response) and tells him he has to win her back.

Paloma tearfully shuffles into the living room and gives Carlota the news about Emiliano being the father of Romi’s baby. Carlota says “I told you so” and tells Pal that Emil is off limits now. Pal swears that she’s going to keep the promise she made, which was to stay away from Emil if he turned out to be the father. Carlota tries to cheer her up by telling her that Rufi made her favorite cake, the one her mom used to make, which just makes Pal cry even more.

Romina flounces home and announces that she needs Cami’s help to make dinner for Emiliano but Cami doesn’t think it’s a good idea--he's not going to be happy upon hearing the test results. Romi doesn’t get why, so Cami once again has to explain how Emil doesn’t love her and all that. Romi says that if Cami’s not going to help her, she doesn’t want her to get in her way either. Camila (finally) tells Romi off--you're not the only one with problems, I have problems too. Romi tells Cami not to be there tonight because Emil’s coming over, but could she have dinner ready for them before she leaves? Camila yells no way, make it yourself.

Diana barges into Emiliano’s office and whines that Camila is the other woman. Emil just glares at her--he doesn’t want to talk with her about that, or about anything. She complains that Rafa is deceiving her and Camila; he points out that she’s deceiving him and both his dads. Emil doesn’t believe that Orlando beat her up, and he doesn’t want anything to do with her.

Previews: Romina tells Emiliano that the baby is his--time to set the wedding date.

Labels: amor

Mex. Capitilo 37
EEUU Capitilo 32?


From yesterday :
Team Mexitrash is assembled at the Barbie Fun House. Useless is calling the hotel to get the 411 on Mario. No luck. Bummer. Then RaMaura tells him to check with his friends. No one has seen him.


Chucho at the hospital--sorry--FF>>


Tonight
Bobo and Useless come upon some friends of Faux Mario and ask where he is. They say they don't know where he is. Useless tells them to let him know he is looking for him. The friends look at him funny and say, uh, sure. Bobo, the more intuitive of the pair, says they aren't going to do anything.


Chucho quietly enters the Casa. Everyone is in bed except for Ez who is snoring loudly on a bench near the door. Chucho hears a creepy “ buenas noches “ out of the dark and turns around to find Ez sneaking up on him. Chucho says something and Ez says he doesn't have to ask what he is doing because Joven Alex told him that Chucho works for him. Chucho says oh, ok. Have you seen him? Ez says he is sure he's sleeping. Duh. Chucho says he'll just talk to him tomorrow. Ez looks exasperated and walks away. Doesn't he have a bed? I think it would be hard to get a good nights sleep on that little bench.


The next day Chucho comes back to the house and finds Alex waiting for him. Chucho says he got back late last night because he was talking to the girl and her brother that was sick. Alex wants to know if something happened. Alex thinks he looks worried. Alex wants to ask Chucho a favor. He gives Chucho a big wad of cash and admonishes him not to lose it. Chucho says he will stash it in his sock. Great idea. Is he even wearing socks? Alex wants to know if he knows when MJ and family will be taking the bus. Chucho says no. Pedro didn't tell him. Alex asks him if he knows the number and hands him the phone and asks him to find out.


Bruno is talking to Faux Mario on the phone. FM tells him that he has the new telephone number and gives it to Bruno who writes it down. He tells Bruno that Useless and Bobo were asking about him. Bruno wants to know what they told them. FM says nothing. Bruno wants to know where to bring the money. FM says to bring it to a store on the Plaza. FM says he was thinking of taking a vacation. (Yeah, with the fishes maybe if you don't get the hell out of Dodge.) Bruno says he'll be in touch. Bruno tells Pimp Daddy E that he needs to take the money to FM who is waiting on the Plaza. PDE wants to know how he will know who he is. Bruno tells him to call FM on his cell. Think! (What a Tard.) PDE tries to see what Bruno is writing. Bruno gives him the stink eye so Erik steps back. Bruno says that the stupid friend of your cousin gave back the money. How unfortunate.


PDE is walking down the stairs just as Chucho enters the room. Chucho calls him a dog and spits on the floor and grinds it into the floor with his foot. (Apparently that is some kind of insult.) Good thing Ez wasn't there. Chucho would be so busted. PDE gets mad and it looks like he and Chucho are about to go at it but Alex enters and wants to know what is going on. Damn! Spoiled sport. Chucho says nothing and calls PDE a mule. Alex asks PDE if he has problems with Chucho. PDE says no. He doesn't know what happened. Alex says he doesn't believe him. He thinks to himself that Chucho knows something. PDE says to himself, wait until I get him alone. Right. It looks to me like Chucho is old school and I'm guessing won't abide by the Marquess of Queensberry Rules.


Fer is leaving for work. Our HIT (heifer in training) wants her big brother to drop her off at the Lombardos. Fer gives her money to take a taxi. Miss High and Mighty is not happy with that situation at all. She wants to know why she can't use the car. She has stuff to do. She says she wants to go to a party with her friends. Fer says he's trying to protect her and why doesn't she study. Yeah, right! He tells her that Margarita will fix her something if she is hungry. ( Hey, how about this...Why doesn't she get her happy a$$ in there and make it herself. Just a thought.). Like an overly eager school boy Fer rushes out the door to meet Victoria for breakfast. The little snot slams down her drink and picks up the phone to call her new BFF Raquel.


MJ et al are at the bus station getting ready to board a bus back to their little town. Alex walks in and looks around. He sees MJ as she is boarding the bus. She hesitates and looks around for Alex but doesn't see him. He lets her get on the bus.


PDE is out doing the Devil's work and spies Super Mario (sorry, he makes me think of that stupid video game) sitting at a table. He sits down at the table and discretely slides a packet of money over to Mario. Next he goes to the boarding house and talks to the landlady. We see Bruno and PDE in split screens talking to each other. Bruno asks what intel does he have for him. PDE says he's on his way back.


Vicki and Felipa are coming down the stairs. Vicki is all giddy but trying not to show it . Felipa says the breakfast is just an excuse for Fer to see her. Vicki says don't make me more nervous than I already am. Oh, please! Felipa jokingly says I wonder why you are nervous? Just them Bruno appears like a black cloud on a sunny day. Where are you going all dressed up this morning he wants to know. Like it is any of his friggin' business. She says she is going to eat. He wants to make sure she is coming to the big meeting with all the attorneys today. He also wants to make sure she'll be helping him and she says she is but not in the way he wants. He starts in with the song and dance that he's exercising his rights. Vicki says you forget that those were the wishes of your father. He says he is not interested in the wishes of his father. She tells him that this is the last time he's going to talk like that about someone who was generous and good. Bruno gets in her face and says that he and Raquel were accidents. Hey, if the shoe fits... Drawing on her inner Gabriella she hauls off and smacks him. Oh snap! Did I just see what I thought I saw?< SMACK! What a beautiful sound. Viewerville is jumping up and down and throwing their beanies in the air saying it's about time! Needless to say, he looks a little stunned. She's had it and she's not going to listen to it any more. He's like, uh, that's the first time she's hit me. Felipa tells the little jerk that it's about time. He calls her stupid and stomps up the stairs. She follows him and says something I couldn't understand.


MJ and Pedro talking on bus about what they are going to do. Pedro thinks everything will work out ok FF>>


Alex is sitting at his desk reminiscing about MJ. We see flashbacks of when he first met MJ, the times they made love. He sheds a single, lonely tear.


Useless and Bobo are again doing what they do best—Nothing. Useless is questioning Bobo about the whole MJ/Alex fake marriage thing. How many times do they have to explain this to him. Really! He seems overly interested in it. Bobo asks him what's up with that? Useless looks thoughtful. And here I thought he was just constipated. Silly me!


Raquel is waiting for Katia at the gate and tells her to get a moo-ve on. They have places to go and people to see.


Useless is back at his house. He's talking to someone on the phone that I should know but don't. It looks like he is holding a dead mouse. (I know it's not but that is what it looks like.)

At the only restaurant in Merida, Fer and Vickie are eating. They are discussing Katia. She touches his hand, his face, Fer is all aquiver. Dun, dun, dun who should appear but, yep, you guessed it, Raquel and Katia. They look like a couple of cows caught in the headlights. They are so stunned neither one says a word. And that's quite an achievement for Raquel. Vicki looks up and quickly moves her hand away. The girls make the Ewwww face and turn tail and run. Fer wants to go after them. Vicki says no. We don't owe them an explanation. He tells her he loves her. She looks a little stunned. If she was 20 years old I might buy that look but since she's not she just looks ridiculous. He tells her she is so beautiful. She has a good soul and she's a free woman. He tells her that Alex knows how Fer feels about her. And he's ok with it. She leaves upset. He gets the check and follows her.


Raquel and Katia are having a drink to recover from their terrible shock. Raquel is going on about how terrible that was and the kind of person her mother is. Having children by another man. She is so ashamed. Well, at the rate she's going I'm sure the feeling is mutual. Seriously, get over it.


Victoria shows up at the Lombardo headquarters. She is crying. Mari has her go in to see Alex. Fer tries to talk to her. She doesn't want to talk to him right now. Alex is surprised to see her and wants to know why she is so upset. She tells him about what happened at the restaurant and that Fer says he loves her. Alex says it's ok. He knows all about it. If it makes her happy go for it. Don't worry about Bruno or Raquel. They will get over it. He's such a good son. Meanwhile Fer is berating himself for being so stupid.


Raquel can't wait to talk to Bruno to tell him the “good” news.


The big meeting begins. Team Bruno wants things divided evenly. It looks like things are about to be resolved when Bruno demands to be the president. His attorney tries to shut him up but to no avail. Alex says no way Jose, not going to happen. Bruno has a tantrum. Alex and Bruno face off. Oh, boy, here we go again.


Cut to MJ and family coming home. ZZZZZZZ FF>>


Back to our regularly scheduled fight—uh, meeting. Alex declares that he is the president and he's not giving it to Bruno. The doctor said that Sr. Lombardo was in his right mind when he made his Will and there was no reason to contest it in the first place. Bruno says give me the presidency or else. Fight, fight! Alex is beating the snot out of Bruno. I keep hoping he will smash his head through the glass table. But sadly, no.


Fer goes back home looking dejected. Katia shows up and starts berating her brother for his shameful display at the restaurant. Don't you just love it when a little heifer, still wet behind the ears, has the nerve to tell her older brother what to do. Shut.Up. Katia. He tells her he doesn't have to explain himself to her.


Back to the fight. Somehow, they've have managed to pull the two apart—again. But just like my dogs, all it takes is an ear twitch or a nose wiggle to get things going again. Herman says that if their father was alive he would be ashamed. Vicki 's had enough. She wants it to go in front of the judge. Looks like the old Vickster has grown a set or at least borrowed them from Fer. Cable blipped out here.


Victoria is back at the casa telling Felipa about the meeting and blames herself for everything. She tells Felipa that Fer told her he loves her. Felipa thinks it's about time.
MJ and family are eating and talking about their new life. MJ will find a job. She wants to take flowers to the cemetery tomorrow. Pedro looks uncomfortable. More cable issues.


Vocab:
Desgraciado-- displeased
infeliz (unfortunate)
mula (mule)

Thought for the day: If a cow laughs does milk come out it's nose? 8(:-)

Labels: sortilegio

Permalink posted by Connie @ 1:41 AM 101 comments

Wow, tonight was a winner all right. We'll have undies tossed around, mamas coming out of the woodwork, underlings taking charge, and new plotlines to explore. Let's go!

Coni's trying to seduce Mau, he tells her he "respects" her terms so she should respect his. Their marriage is a farce and she is keeping him from the woman he really loves. Now do him the favor of leaving. "But I'm you're wife and it's our honeymoon" isn't cutting it with our well-chiseled champ.

Mau intercepts Aldo who is coming home late from the wedding. Aldo has been out walking, i.e. he is all stoned and weird-trips-incorporated and refuses to look Mau in the eye. Mau is still not suspicious, duh. Aldo blames himself for the hell in which they are currently living. One thing, the kid looks really good in that pink tie.

Coni, now dressed, admires herself in the mirror and thinks about angry Mau telling her when he looks at her the only thing she provokes in him is loathing. Yikes. Then she thinks about hot Beto who can't keep his paws off of her. She slips silently out of the house.

Over at the barrio Monita looks at a photo of her mother, she thinks about her Mami and cries. Ma is telling Monita she loves her, adores her. Hmmm...the jury is still out on mama.

Mau jumps up from a restless sleep. He recalls Isabels' cruel words to him and how Isabel convinced him to pretend she was dead.

Beto, sporting some spiffy boxers which I suspect will end up on Coni's head before the night's end, is awoken by Costeño. Costie tells Beto that Coni paid him a visit. What? Beto asks does Costie think he has the face of a tourist? (take him for a fool I think) No me engañes! Costi tells him to calm down, Coni has asked him to beckon Beto cuz Coni wants to keep a low profile. She needs to see Beto urgently.

Aldo suffers teen angst and finally calls Estrella Falcón, actrice. She's wearing an interesting zebra print outfit and surpisingly she totaly pulls off the look. She tells her puppy they just aren't meant to be. The poor kid says he can't stop thinking about her all day and just wanted to hear her voice but he'll never bother her again. Click. Now our good-hearted actress is suffering too.

Moni slips out of her house to go for an evening stroll. She runs into the shapely zebra who insists she will accompany Monita, but Moni refuses, she vants to be alone. They share their miseries, Moni's screwed up love and Estrella's pouting puppy. Estre warns Moni twice to be careful on her walk. If our pouting powerhouse didn't pack such a punch I'd be afraid of anvils. But I'm not.

Coni has summoned Beto to her boutique and he has arrived, although he doesn't appreciate her calling him like a (bleep) dog. I wonder what they bleeped out? He says she chose to marry Mau and now she has to live with it. (Ahora te aguantas.) Nice words but how strong will he be? Coni cuddles up, breathes her sexy breath on him, says nobody kisses her like he does. He backs up. She pins him to the wall. Speaking of walls, his is crumbling. Coni presses, literally, and Beto succumbs. That took about three seconds.

Moni goes to her favorite plaza, listens to the spiffy mariachis and dreams a little dream. Well well, her drippy dreamboat shows up and they stare longingly at each other. These two are truly pathetic.

Meanwhile, back at the boutique, Coni and Beto are getting it on, not wasting time staring. "Have things changed now?" he enquires hopefully. She explains Mau is her husband but Beto is her lover, nothing has changed. He tries to make her jealous by telling her fine, he's going to fight for Monita. Coni doesn't want to share him with anyone, especially that circus monkey! Beto insists this talk of Mau is ruining the mood and making him twitch and OMG he lifts up the sheet so Coni can peek at the evidence! She has a proposal, when they are together they'd better not discuss Mau nor Monita. "Come to papa he urges", so I guess the little head is back in the mood.

Our star-crossed lovers moon over each other and are thankful for the little moments they have together. I'm getting cold, let's go back to the bonfire...

...of Coni and Beto. He wants her teeny tiny chones (undies) as a memento and apparently he plans to make soup out of them. (Just kidding I think.) Turnabout is fair play and he tosses his Beto-baptized boxers under Coni's nose. She's not quite as excited over his and she flicks them aside, but whaddya wanna bet she puts them under her pillow tonight?

Mau and Moni are enjoying cups of esquites and whinging about the danger of being together. She splits and honestly, I can't blame her for taking off. After all he did leave her at the altar and ended up marrying someone else.

The next morning Coni arrives home and Tere goes out of her way to let Mau (on his way for his workout) know that Coni is just getting home. (Madrugo? Up Early? Tere sarcastically asks Coni.)

An exhausted Beto also rolls in just as Moni is taking off for her workout. She accuses him of being drunk so he breathes on her. Pheeew, he stinks but not of alcohol. He lets her know he is now working for Sermeño Group for that person who has a moustache but is a woman. He offers to transport messages to Mau if she wishes. She asks whazzup with him? Beto just says hey if you just want to be friends then that's OK with me, I value our friendship. Spoken like a true gentleman...who has just been boinked. (Is he wearing a shirt that says "Suck on my motorcycle"?)

Nieves would love to know where he was last night. She has smiley face earings but her smile is upside down. He mollifies her by telling her he took her advice and told la mona that he wants to be friends. OK, she titters, she'll feed him some chilaquiles for being such a good boy.

Connie threatens Mau. She tells him she peeked into his room and saw he wasn't there, did he go out to meet La Monita? She reminds him what she's capable of, he'll lose the kids, his money, everything if he crosses her and breaks the contract. He clenches his jaw vehemently.

Katia sees Aldo at school. He's totally preoccupied with ear buds stuffed into his head. She wants to know why he's not at class. He chews her head off, tells her to butt out, and he is still in love with Estrella. Ouch!

And who should be standing behind him, arms akimbo? Our shining star, tapping her toe angrily. "I've been looking for you, puppy."

Coni, happy and singing, exits her car, only to be surprised by her reptilian Romeo who has been dreaming of kissing her and doing little things in front of a lot of people. He wants her to call him that night so they can, uh I might need help here, so they can paint the stripe on the skunk like last night? Meanwhile he wants her to recharge his batteries right now by saying yes. She warns him that from now on they can't be seen together. He responds by laying a bit fat kiss on her.

Someone taps her shoulder...Mama??? Coni's mama, quite a looker, has popped in for a surprise visit.

Apparently mama was with some guy named Jean Claude in St. Tropez who fell off his megayacht. Sadly, (and they giggle here) he didn't know how to swim; it was simpy horrible. I get the feeling mama might have helped him over the side. Meanwhile Beto is feeling Coni up so Ma naturally asks, is this big jackal (chacalón) your fiancee? Mama has arrived to attend Coni's wedding tomorrow. Ma, it was yesterday, and whenever you're around you cause trouble. Ma wants to know if Coni was married yesterday then why is she sucking face with this naco today? She sniffs and pronounces Beto's aroma to be worse than French cheese. Beto corrects her, it is the scent of a male. Ma looks intrigued.

Estre tells Aldo he's acting like a spoiled brat. OK, so he thinks everything is his fault. His great plan is to sink even lower? No, he thinks if he gets into enough trouble the judge will realize that Constanza can't control him and will send his sisters and him back to the orphanage. Estrella thinks it's a dopey idea. Aldo says he needed her love and understanding and now it's not her business.

Mama announces she plans to stay with Coni, her bags are in the taxi. Coni thinks this is a bad idea but Beto butts in, says how can she say that to the woman who carried her in her womb for nine months? Mama says this primate has better sense than Coni. Beto kisses mama's hand and bids farewell. Mama says "OK I met your lover now I'd like to meet your husband." Coni balks but Ma says no worries, she understands Coni has a husband who is a millionaire like Jean Claude, but she needs a stud to scratch her itch, it's in her genes so don't fight it. Wow, Mama sure is a pistol! Wait until she gets a load of the millionaire though.

Over at Sermeño Group, Sal is paranoid and thinks that everyone is looking at his toupee. "You all know!" he says and blames Gabriel for outing him. He announces to the office that Don Salvador Ulloa uses a hairpiece! "Are you satisfied Gabriela?" No, not as satisfied as Jero, Oski and Lorenza who are absolutely delighted.

Moni does situps like crazy while Don Cesar coaches. Estre arrives, her red coat matching Moni's pants and DC's jacket. She says Moni has to help Aldo, he's doing drugs. Gasp!

Back at Sermeño Group Beto is mad because he's been demoted to sweeping floors. Pau is insulted because she did it for three years, surely he can do it for five minutes. Beto plans to plead his case to his soul brother...

...who comes blasting into the office, Mau is all business and ready for work. However Gabi gets to him first and requests that Mau not usurp her authority as regards Beto. Now it's Beto's turn. As he sweeps the dust under Mau's rug he readies his case. Mau goes first, he feels that even though he married Coni Beto should keep his word and not touch La Monita. Beto is glad that Mau brought up the subject.

Beto lays it all out. "She loves me, not like you but she loves me. You can't get close to her but I get to see her day and night." He says Mau's green eyes and shampooed hair don't matter any more and now it's time for Beto to take the lead. It may take Mau ten years or never to escape his marriage. In all those years Moni's love for him will cool. That leaves it open for Beto. He asks Mau to excuse him for being blunt, but he's not going to miss the opportunity to recover what Mau stole from him. Beto squints his eyes shrewdly and asks, doesn't Mau know that a thief who steals from a thief gets the monkey?*

*A twist on the saying "un ladrón que roba a ladrón merece cien años de perdon"

Tomorrow: Beto takes charge.

Labels: gancho

Ale comes home and EZ greets him and tells how Katia came and visited. Ale tells EZ that he wants a list of everyone that came to and fro la casa on Tuesday. EZ tells him he can do that and he tells about the cell phone number on the paper that Bruno took.

Ale visits Bruno to get the number and Bruno happily gives Ale the number that no longer is in service.
Bruno gloats that Ale will find nothing.

Erick is still on the streets looking looking for MJ, for Bruno.

Ale calls the cell and finds out for himself that it is not a working number.

EZ steps into the floor washing, and has the floor scrubbers clean his shoes.

Pedro and Chucho are together. Chucho is looking for a place to have a beer.

Ale is going over the book with EZ that tells all the comings and goings of the people at the Casa Lombardo. EZ asks Ale what he is looking for? Ale wants to know how the key came to the house. Pedro? or Erick the dog of Bruno?

Chucho and Pedro are having a cerveza or two, and talk about their problems.

Ale is asking Felipe questions about her trip to the market with Chucho and Pedro. Felipe asks Ale what is he looking for and he tells her he trying to find out how the key got into the houses. Felipe asks if he is thinking it was Chucho or Pedro, and Ale replies not exactly. Ale says it could be Erick, Rachel? Bruno?

EZ hears that Chucho was on the phone with MJ and MJ fainted. EZ hurries and tells Ale, and Ale hurries off.

Fer and Katia are having the talk about school. Katia sits herself on Fers Lap and wraps her arm around him. What is with sis sitting on his lap like that? Fer picks her sets her down in her own Chair. Katia, finally tells Fer that she was expelled from. Fer tells her about working and having a productive life and stay away from Bruno, and Roberto. She stomps off. Fer calls Victoria to talk about his troubles with his little sister.

Useless is putting Rachel back together after an afternoon romp while she runs her mouth. Yuck, Yuck , Yuck!

Ale tells the landlady that he is MJs husband. MJ tells Paula to tell Ale that she is sleeping or tell him she is with Papa. Ale tells Paula that he heard MJ was sick and maybe she needs a doctor, and Paula says no, MJ is fine, she is out with Papa. Paula almost has Ale convinced that when, speaking of, Papa and Chucho appear, and Ale looks at Paula like you lied Paula knows she is caught lying.
Chucho explains about MJ and Pedro adds that MJ is better now. Ale wants to see for himself. Paula trys to put him off and then just can't help herself and tells Ale that MJ is pregnant. Ale is a bit shocked. but not too shocked to ask Paula about how MJ got the key. She tells him from Bruno.

Ale sees MJ. He asks how she is and she says fine, he asks how is she going to live and MJ says she will work. Ale says how can she work shes he almost says pregnant , but doens't. He and leaves. Paula wants to know if he told her and he said no he wants MJ to tell him. He asks where her Papa is and Paula says there with Chucho.
MJ thanks Paula for not telling about the baby. MJ says he was friendly but indifferent.

Ale is is his car with Chucho. Ale tells Chucho he wants him to have a different job. Watching MJ and her family and tell him what they do.

Erick and guy talk about the hit and run.

Ale and Chucho arrive at Ale's office. Ale gives Chucho money to go to the house.

EZ is questioning Arturo about where he took Rachel on Tuesday.

No no no. Ale tells Fernando about MJ being pregnant. Fer ask if he has his doubts. Ale says no, I think. He believes that Bruno gave the keep. This makes Fer ask if he has told his Mother? Fer talks about Katia.
Then Ale takes a call from Mari that the lawyers afternoon is the meeting with the Brunos lawyers. Ale says he will do what Victoria wants. Ale call Victoria.

Bruno, comes down the stairs, and Victoria calls out to him. He wants to know if she told Ale about the cell phone number, and when she says no figures it must have been EZ. Victoria says she talk to Ale and wants to know if it is still Bruno's intencion to have the title of President. Bruno says yes, it is his right. He proved he had nothing to do with MJ accusations. Victoria throws her arms in the air and I couldn't make it all out.

Ale comes home in the helicopter. EZ greets him and helps him carry stuff. Victoria asks Ale how he is. So so he answers. She asks if he is sad about MJ and he says yes. Ale tells her they are returning to her villiage She tells him it is for the best. Ale says perhaps. He starts to say something then changes the subject to Fernando and her getting together tomorrow. Victoria quickly explains it is to talk about Katias education. Victoria then says that Bruno still wants to be President. Ale asks if she is agrees. Vic says she won't say anything. Ale says he won't compromise in anyway.

Fernando is getting home and Katia is anxious to talk about all the gossip she heard about Ale's marriage.

Erick is at the hospital asking Mercedes how Gabriel is doing. Mercedes is worried because of the operation but she tells how Ale stepped up and will pay all the bills. Erick seemed happy. Mecedes says she wants to give the money back. Erick stresses that they never ever talk about his boss.

Chucho sees Mercedes at the hospital. She tells him how nervous she is and Chucho waits with her.

Papa asks if they should leave tomorrow when she is weak. MJ says she is ready to go, and then Papa tells her that her husband said we could use our old apartment. Mj gets really upset while Paula argues that they should take him up on it and tries to reason that she wouldn't be taking anything from him.

Mercedes gets good news about the operation. Mercedes tells Chucho how Ale is paying for it all and Chucho finally puts 2 and 2 together. It was not Gabriel he saw that night.

Bruno is a bit upset with Erick.

Paula is writing on the wall again.

Chucho is very upset with Mercedes, how could she do this to Pedrito, Paula and MJ and Ale . She is sorry, that they only did it cause Gabriel needed the operation. Chucho learns that it was Erick that came to them......

Roberto, Maura, and Useless are talking about how Mario Aguirre is making Ale get the divorce. Maura wants another call made tomorrow. Maura says call the hotel and Useless finds out he is gone. Maura then has Useless call the friend of fake, Mario.

Chucho and Mercedes visit Gabriel. She tells Chucho that they cannot go back to the police. I am not sure if she is asking Chucho to keep quiet or not. Chucho says the Ale is not the others. Mercedes says they will be grateful all of their lives.

Labels: sortilegio

Hi all. Patching in remotely and actually downloaded and watched on the plane so the sound wasn't that great and I had no subtitles. My detail may not be there, but hopefully you got the spirit of it all. It was also hard because I haven't quite caught up so I don't know why these two got married in the first place, or why Sal has a tick, or how Rolu got out of his cast, or how Aldo got on the altering potions. Yes, I'm off again. I think Sylvia will help me post next week as I'm not sure if I'll be able to. If anyone wants to help feel free as well hope all is well!!!


So the bride of Frankenstein shows up late to the party, but darn if she doesn’t still show, disheveled and all. She claims she was robbed or something. The audience is not convinced, and Xime is freaked about Lalo being on the ground. Mau offers to postpone things but Con will have none of that.

Ivan chews out Aldo, knowing he’s drugged up. Aldo on his juiced muscles punches out Ivan. Yikes.

Rolu encourages Xime to give resuscitation to Lalo, but he gets a water bath just as she smacks away. He thinks he’s in hell.

Mau visit’s the kids table who are all very long about the pending nuptials. Aldo rebels and leaves not wanting to be here.

Oscar and Jero chat about the utility of Beto. Nieves was whining about her past and everyone is shocked so Alicia goes to run after her and Mona wants to be alone.

Mau takes to the drink and everyone tries to talk him out of it.

Coni has changed clothes and hair and the ceremony looks like it will go forward while Mona punches a bag alone. That has to suck. We get various flashbacks of their most romantic moments and then see her running out.

The ceremony is beginning and Mona is running. With super high heels on. I give these actresses credit man.

Mau is asked if he accepts and instead turns to see Mona standing there, so tells her he loves her, she responds. The judge asks again. No balls accepts. It’s over. Lalo is the only one thrilled. Instead of a kis he gives a look of ice. Coni yells at him to stay.

Nieves tells Ali she doesn’t want to talk about stuff. Ali is yelling at her when Beto comes in upset that Con married. Ma as usual tries to cheer him up. Of course dinner will do it.

The wedding continues. Coni and Mau almost as far apart as they could possibly be. Xime proposes a toast. Coni is happy. Xime makes all kinds of genral toasts for extinct animals and world peace. Lalo pipes up she should be toasting the novios, and Jero wields his heavy hand yelling at her to sit.

Triste Mona returns to tell her buds what happened.

Sal and Gabi discuss the sad situation and affirm how lucky they are to be together. Gabi ends up offering to allow him to stay at her house.


Beto goes to see Mona and reminds her that despite the wedding going forward she is not alone. She has her friends and him. He suggests they try to see each other as lovers, and that he could be her consolation prize. Eh, that doesn’t go over well. She reminds him she just wants him as a friend.

Aldo is paying the piper some more for a pack of stuff. Estre spots him and asks Chubi what just happened. He drugdar is up. She asks Ivan if he knows why Aldo was with Chubi. Ivan figures out Chubi must be the supplier.

Mona and Beto continue with their conversation, her singing Mau’s virtues. So he starts talking about Momia’s good sex. This conversation doesn’t go anywhere good, really. She accuses that he only wants her because Con is married. Blah Blah this fight goes on. Beto still thinks she should jump his bones.

Cesar is enamored with how yummy Nieves food is. They peck. Beto shows up and Cesar proclaims the mood is about to change.
Sal and Gabi have a nice chat about their own virtues over a bottle of vino.

Beto complains to Ma about Mona not wanting him as a man.

Sal decides tonight is the night. Gabi agrees.

Cesar announces that he’s made it such that she will have a fight to recuperate her title. He wants her to train tomorrow. She’s happy, but not.

Alicia is there too and is fond of Cesar as well. She tries to cheer up Mona too. They talk about Mona’s Mom. This would appear to be an anvil.

Sal and Gabi continue kissy facing. She pulls off his rug!!!! Wow did not expect that!!! She can’t stop laughing. Ooops her discovers why and is understandably upset and leaves.

Mau is at home drinking again. Tere discourages him.

Beto and Nieves are talking but Cesar interrupts. The key things here is she sends him to the pharmacy for her pills, oh and his, the ones that make him, well happy. Beto wants to know what those are!!! Nieves is coaching him to try for a really long time if he wants to get Mona back, little by little and no more flautas, only one love.

Mona flashes back to the ceremony.

Mau gets out of the shower to find a Coni type person on his bed. She drops her robe and wants them to have their “honeymoon”. Ha! He frowns and that’s it til next time.

Video montage of the relationship between Emiliano and Paloma.

Emiliano and Paloma are kissing when Romina shows up at the door. Paloma hides while Romina barges in uninvited. Emiliano wants to know when the test results are in. Tomorrow replies Romina. She asks him what going on with Rafael not being his true father. Emiliano doesn't want to talk about it, but Romina doesn't get the hint and says she's not leaving until he tells her. He tells her again that he doesn't want to talk about it and asks her to leave. Romina says fine, but one day you will realize that no one loves you more then me. As she gets up to leave, she notices a sweater lying on the couch and kids Emiliano about Rafael bring his lady friends over. He tells her again that he wants to be alone. Fine she says and kisses him good-bye. Paloma comes out of hiding and he apologizes to her. If he had known it was Romina he wouldn't have opened the door. Paloma says she feels bad about all this. After all Romina was her friend. They hug.

Angelica tells Orlando to give Emiliano more time. They talk about Diana accusing him of beating her. Angelica asks him again how he happened to go to her house. He says someone called me to go over there. I was just about to leave my house to come to work. Angelica says perhaps the phone number of the caller is still on your caller I.D. Of course replies Orlando. They rush to the house.

Rafael thinks he should call Camila and explain what is happening, while she is crying on her bed thinking of Rafael. He calls her phone and she starts yelling at the phone when she sees it's him.

Carloca is walking down the street and Slimy Samuel spots her. He lets her pass on his way to Camila's. Carloca looks up at the balcony of her house. Wonder what she's thinking.

Samuel barges into Camila's house. He makes himself at home. She yells at him that he should have called first before coming over. He looks all over the house for alcohol. Then turns to her and says that he thought that the years wouldn't have treated her so well. But he looks really good. (Way to win her over Rico Suave) Camila asks him again what he is doing there. He says to recoup everything they had. She pushes away from him. He says the distance away makes you re-evaluate things. Camila says 10 years it took you! (he sounds a little slow) He says that everyone deserves a 2ND chance. Camila says she hopes Romina forgives him when she finds out the whole truth. We three need to sit down so that you can tell you left us to be with another woman that had more money then me. Samuel says that he's not there just for Romina, but for her also. Now that I am near you, I realize how much I still want and desire you. Camila slaps him and tells him to get the hell out of her house and her life. He says Romina won't like it if she finds out that Camila threw him out. She says that this is her house and she never wants him to set foot in it again.

Orlando shows the phone number to Angelica who is muy impactada. She says the number belongs to Inez.

Romina is visiting with Diana telling her how Emiliano practically threw her out. She wants to know all about Rafael not being Emiliano's true father, but first asks if Diana is sure that Rafael is faithful. Why asks Diana. Because I saw a woman's sweater at the apartment replies Romina.

Emiliano drives Paloma home. She climbs back up the balcony to her room. Carloca is waiting. The sh!t has hit the fan. Paloma wants to explain, but Carloca says she doesn't want to hear it. This time though she's not mad. She went to church to pray for Macarena to help guide her in the right direction. I don't want your life to end the way it did for your mother. (then don't push her threw a window and everything will be okay) Paloma promises that she did nothing bad. Carloca tells her that she doesn't have to sleep with a man to get dirty. I am going to believe you and that you stay a virgin. That guy is treating you like a loose woman. Paloma defends him and says he loves her. He even proposed marriage. Carloca says how can you love a man that impregnated another woman is is driving a wedge between 2 friends. When someone loves they make excuses for bad behavior. She asks Paloma not to waste her life or hers. Then she lays the guilt trip on Paloma saying she felt like she was going to have an attack when she found out Paloma was gone. Paloma doesn't want anything to happen to her. Carloca again points out that Emiliano is playing with her and Romina. Carloca says she does the things she does to protect her. She loves her so much. She asks Paloma to forgive her for slapping her. They hug.

Orland goes to Inez house. She wants him to leave. He ignores her and asks her if she's friends with Diana and called him to come to Diana's house. She says that her nephew use to live at the house and brought many woman over. Any one of them could have made the call. Now leave or I'll call the police.

Rafael comes home and sees Diana crying. What's wrong asks Rafael. I'm upset because I sent Romina to your apartment to talk to Emiliano and she found a sweater there. Rafael doesn't hear that part and gets onto her for not leaving Emiliano alone. Diana ignores his chastising and asks if he's seeing another woman. Yes, replies Rafael. I am in love with another woman. Who asks Diana. There's no reason to tell you because between me and her there can be nothing. Diana says then perhaps there could be something between us again. No replies Rafael. There can never be anything between us again. I am just here to support you in regards to what's happening with Emiliano and protecting you from Orlando. Diana says never mind, I never heard anything.

Romina gets onto Camila for not telling her that Orlando is Emiliano's true father. It wasn't my place replies Camila. Romina tells her that Diana said Orlando is a bad man. Camila says I don't agree. And what were you doing at Diana's house? She called me to talk to Emiliano. I thought that he called you to go see Rafael's apartment replies Camila. When are you going to stop lying? You just end up confusing yourself. Romina says fine, don't believe me. But I found a lady's sweater at Rafael's apartment that did not belong to Diana or you. In my opinion Rafael just used you.

PJC talks to god about Paloma and why does he love her so.

Carloca is delusional again. She says that PJC's superiors will find out how much of a liar he is. Then he will come to her like a man.

Orlando asks PJC about Inez. He wants him to help discover the truth from Inez. Then tell Emiliano.

Inez calls Diana and says that Orlando knows that Inez called him that morning. Diana says a call doesn't prove anything. Inez says that if Orlando keeps insisting and Emiliano asks she will tell the truth. Diana says if you don't want everyone to know that you use to be a lounge singer then you better learn to lie.

Paloma asks PJC if Carloca came to talk to him. Yes he replies. Paloma feels bad for getting him into problems, but he pushes it aside and says I did it myself. I just wanted to protect you. He then gets onto her for spending the night with Emiliano.

Romina has picked up her test results and spots Paloma. They chit-chat a little and Paloma notices that Romina has the test results. She asks Romina to open it now so that they can find out together. Romina opens it and after reading it smiles. She shows the results to Paloma with a smug smile. Now Emiliano has to keep his promise and marry me. She hugs Paloma and asks her not only to be the maid of honor at her wedding, but also the god parent to their child. Paloma doesn't think she can because she's leaving after finishing school. Oh the wedding will be before you graduate replies Romina. Paloma says she has to go. Paloma is walking in the park crying and flings herself to the ground. I have lost you! She asks god why she has to lose all the people she loves.

Emiliano calls Camila to find out when Romina is going to pick up the test results. Camila says she's out now, but when she returns she'll tell Romina to call. Emiliano takes the opportunity to tell Camila that he didn't want to hurt Romina. Camila says she understands. Emiliano reiterates that if the child is his he will marry Romina. He remembers the day he woke up with Romina in his bed.


Diana brings Rafael breakfast. He says he didn't sleep well because he kept thinking about their conversation the night before. Diana says she doesn't want to hear it. He's back now and that's all she needs to know. He says I explained why last night. I was wrong for me to return. Diana says it was wrong for you to leave the house. I love you, Rafael. He says but I don't love you. Give me the divorce. Diana gets mad and says you want the divorce so you can go with that other woman. Rafael asks why can't they behave like adults? I have supported you in regards to Emiliano and Orlando. Now I need your support in giving me a divorce. Diana says she will not give it to him.

Carloca is delusional again. She doesn't want to hurt him, but she has to do what she has to do. She tells Rufi to make Paloma's favorite cake. The one that Macarena use to make.

Liliana spots Paloma coming back to school and asks her what's going on. Paloma says the child that Romina is expecting is Emsiliano's. Liliana smells something fishy. Paloma says now they are going to marry and I'm going to be by myself again.

Carloca pulls up and Romina says the results are in. How did you do it? Carloca says I paid for the results and it wasn't cheap. Romina offers to pay, but Carloca declines. She says that having a child at her age is a huge mistake. Rufi is sneaking up trying to listen. Romina wants the whole story about how she bribed the lab technician. She remembers how she did it and in the flash back we see Metiche is there. Carloca says money can buy anything. Romina tells Carloca that Paloma already knows the truth. She saw the results with her own eyes. Carloca says I hope you can keep your man by you. Don't worry replies Romina. Emiliano will see no other woman but me.

Manana: Camila and Emiliano find out the results; Liliana is in doubt of the results.

Labels: nombre

Fernando, aka Mr. Too Little Too Late, tries to use logic to convince Alex that maybe the whole Mario-Aguirre-renting-the-room scenario needs some questioning. Alex says he's already kicked them out. So maybe he should make sure it's justified, then? Alex just sits there looking tortured. Or maybe thinking "you couldn't have copped this attitude before I kicked them out?"

MaryJo shows the fam their new digs. Paula is not pleased, but MaryJo tells her to suck it up since getting kicked out was her fault. Paula stomps off. MaryJo and Pedro both say they'd rather go back to Saqui, but that will have to wait until they find out what's going to happen with Paula. MaryJo explains that she only ordered them breakfast and dinner to help save money. Pedro notices that MaryJo looks pale. She blames it on being tired. He's tired too and his knee is bothering him, so he's going to freshen up and then rest. MaryJo leaves and Pedro puts his head in his hands.

Mercedes and her brother (whose name I can't remember) start spinning their tale to the cops. Bro's doing most of the spinning. He says he was out on that street two days ago, at night, maybe around 9. He was dropping off a girl he met in the mercado (could mean marketplace, grocery store, strip mall, just depends). No, not a "señorita de familia" (rich girl), a girl from the not-so-rich neighborhood right nearby. But he didn't walk her to her house because she had a jealous brother, yeah, that's it. Her name…um…Marianela or Anabella maybe…uh, the neighborhood, not sure he remembers which one exactly. But no, he swears he only had two beers, that's all. And then he was walking back home and a car ran him over. Make? Model? Color? Plate number? No, sorry, he really didn't see. Couldn't see if it was a man or a woman driving either, or how many people, you know, cause of the street lights. The cop is frustrated that he really can't tell them anything. Mercedes pipes up and says look, her brother is hurt, and someone has to pay, don't they? The cop asks if they can at least say where on the road this happened.

Paula complains some more about the rat hole they're in. She does at least blame herself for it, but now MaryJo says there were a lot of reasons for them being kicked out. But, hey, they've been poor before and they know how to do this, right? *sigh*

Erick's cousin gripes Mercedes' brother out for being an idiot. He didn't give the cops enough details to connect him to the girl who was supposed to have run him over. So now that guy's going to want his money back. They should have done what they were supposed to, blah, blah, blah. Mercedes is so over it. She's getting a taxi and taking her brother to a hospital. She brushes off the question of how she's going to give the money back if she does that. She goes off to the corner to get a taxi and Erick's cousin says to his wife that he warned them not to mess with "those people." Woo hoo, new depths of tantrum-throwing and threatening from Bruno.

Ulises pumps iron and talks on his cell phone. Maura wants him to remind their Mario Aguirre to call MaryJo and throw another log on the fire. She reminds him she's paying, so he agrees, against his, uh, better judgment. He leaves a message for Mateo to call him ASAP. Then he says "to hell with this" and pumps some more iron.

Raquel gleefully shows Robert the latest headline about scandal in the Lombardo family. Roberto is so over it. Raquel is upset that everyone is going to think they're like "those people." Roberto sagely asks her who keeps leaking all this fabulous information to the press as he walks off. Raquel asks him where he's going. He keeps walking as he says "A ti que te importa?" (what does it matter to you?). Raquel steams and calls Ulises to gossip with him. He commiserates and says he knows how she must feel. Raquel complains some more about how everyone's been gossiping about them since the Samaniegos showed up. If by everyone you mean you and Maura and Lisette, sure. She wants to see him later for some physical consolation. Ulises is repelled by her Eau de Clingy. Finally she wears him down. Man. Gigolo-ing ain't easy.

The lawyer goes to Alex's office to tell him that they found the guy who got run over.

At the hospital, the doctor reminds Mercedes and her Bro that he's got a lesion on his hip (?) and the head of the femur is cracked and he'd need a hip replacement. But in all likelihood he won't be back at 100% after just one surgery. And he'll walk again, but he'll need some physical therapy. Well, sign me up, doc, and let's get this over with! The doc leaves to start making arrangements to have him admitted and get the pre-op bloodwork done. As he's leaving Mercedes ecstatically cries that she's got the money right here. The doc grins uncomfortably and shuts the door. Bro is worried about what's going to happen to "that girl" but Mercedes is sure she's just some rich girl who'll get out on bail and nothing will happen to her. Hm…do I hear wedding bells for Paula and Bro? Just a guess that one day he'll tell her he was so worried about "that girl" but he never dreamed it was her, etc.

The lawyer tells Alex that the guy's report was very vague and in fact, the only thing connecting him to the accident Paula had was the date, time, and place. The lawyer had already given the cops Alex's info as the person who would be responsible for any fines, hospital fees, etc. All Alex needs to do is sign some paper and then Paula's home free. Alex asks when he has to sign as ominous music plays. Oh, come on, he's not going to back out now, sound people, and you're not going to convince me otherwise.

MaryJo and Paula walk through a plaza. MaryJo wants to go down to the police station and inform them of their new address. But Paula is too chicken and is worried they might have changed their minds and will lock her up after all. MaryJo tells her to quit whining like a little girl…and then she gets dizzy. Paula walks her to a bench to sit down. Paula has put 2+2 together, and unlike everybody else on this show, doesn't think it adds up to the square root of pi. She knows where babies come from and she's guessing MaryJo has one on the way. MaryJo finally admits it to someone other than herself, but swears that if Paula tells anyone, even their dad, MaryJo will take off and not tell anyone where she's going. What's she going to say, "Yeah, dad, I've just been so depressed about Alex that I've put on some weight?"

Mateo finally calls Ulises back. His orders are to call MaryJo from a pay phone and gripe her out for not going to the motel and then threaten her and say he's going to tell everything he knows about her. Mateo rolls his eyes, but finds a pay phone right away to get it over with.

Ezequiel answers the phone as Victoria is walking in. When she hears that it's Mario Aguirre on the phone, she takes the call and informs him that MaryJo doesn't live there anymore. Mateo is surprised. Ezequiel, trying to score points, tells Victoria that this time there's no number on caller ID, but last time he used a cell phone and Ezequiel wrote down the number. Vicky would like to see it.

Mateo passes on the news. Ulises is surprised. He hmms like it's interesting that Mateo heard it from Victoria Lombardo.

Ezequiel shows the number to Victoria as Bruno walks in. She's all excited to show the number to Bruno. He takes the page out of Ezequiel's book, says he's going to track down Mario Aguirre, and says not to tell Alex. He's out the door before he can tell Vicky why. Ezequiel begs to differ, but he thinks that Alex should be told. Vicky looks worried. I could say something nasty about Vicky and her attitude toward a lot of things that isn't what I think it should be, but I won't. Y'all will take care of that for me in the comments. I'm just going to sit here and fume quietly. Heifer.

Short pointless convo between MaryJo and Paula again about dad being tired, MaryJo being pregnant, and her not wanting Alex to know. Again, heifer.

At the police station, MaryJo and Paula tell the guy at the desk that Paula is out on bail and is here to inform them of a change of her address. The guy tells them to wait. As they go to get some water, Paula notices Alex. He and MaryJo stare at each other while the drippy music plays. She walks off to avoid him, but Paula says hi to him. Paula tells them that they're there about the change of address. The lawyer is surprised to hear it. He breaks the news that the guy Paula hit has been found. Paula is afraid this means jail. Alex leaves the lawyer to explain it to her as he goes to have a probably fruitless and frustrating conversation with MaryJo. MaryJo tries to give him the brush-off, but he just has one question to ask. He wants to know how she got the hotel room key, but she's not going to tell him again. She's sure everybody is happy now, thinking that Bruno is innocent and that she was lying all along. She throws his "I never want to see you again" back in his face. She tells him that if he's so sure she was lying, he should just turn her in now, after all they are in a police station. He won't do it, though. She laughs that it would be another scandal for the famous Lombardo family. But he says that's not it. She tries to leave, but he wants her new address since he's at least going to have to find her to finalize the divorce. She gives him the name of the alleged rat hole they're living in and says something about it being a rat hole like they deserve. Now she gets to leave and he gets to furrow his brow.

Bruno calls Mateo. He lets him know that he paid a pretty penny to Mateo's cell phone carrier to find out his name and address. He also knows that Mat has been calling the Lombardo house claiming to be Mario Aguirre. He assumes someone has been paying Mat to pretend to be Mario and Bruno wants to offer him double if Mat will play for Team Bruno. We hear Mat squeak "double" through the phone before Bruno gets in his car, hangs up on him, and drives away.

Alex goes down to the hotel to give back the key and interrogate the desk clerk. He gets basically the same story Fernando did. Mario made the reservation, sent someone to pay in cash, was given the key a day early because he'd already paid, but never showed up.

Paula tells Pedro that Alex signed, so she's free, but she has to come back every week for two months. She complains that she's not going to move back to Saqui and take the freakin' bus every week, nu-uh, no way! MaryJo's emotional pendulum has swung back to bitch and she tells Paula that's too damn bad, this is all her fault and they're sure as hell not going to waste the little money they've got living in the pensión without having jobs. And they're not going to get jobs just for two months so that Princess here doesn't have to take a bus. Me. Ow. Pedro offers to take the bus with Paula, but it depends on how his knee is doing. Paula starts to say that if MaryJo had just told Alex…but MaryJo shuts her up and says Paula wanted her to beg Alex. Well, no way to that, Pedro agrees. He asks about the guy who got hit and Paula tells him that St Alex-of-the-steamy-showers will be paying for all the medical expenses. Well, he's a good man, that Alex. MaryJo mourns that he just never believed in her. She's sure that Pedro and Paula had a good time in Candyland, but that's all over now. They'll leave tomorrow. Pedro just wants to make one last stop at the house to say goodbye to Chucho.

Paula and MaryJo retire to their graffiti-ed room ("Carla was here 2009", oh really?) and continue their ongoing argument. It boils down to: MaryJo is in love with Alex; MaryJo is hurt that Alex didn't trust her and said nasty things to her; no one is to know that MaryJo is pregnant; Paula thinks MaryJo is stupid and should just tell Alex she's having his baby.

Mateo, aka Fake!Mario, calls Bruno from his cell. Bruno tells him to walk into the restaurant facing him. They hang up. Bruno calls Erick and tells him to get a move on finding MaryJo, but forget about Mario Aguirre, cause that's already taken care of.

Yay! Ceci's back! I love this actress. I think she was last Florencia's sister on Guapos. Before that she was Ceci on Amar Sin Limites. So, this is Katia, Fernando's sister. And she really, really, wants to go to the Lombardo house to say hi to everyone and see if Alex and Bruno are as handsome as ever. On hearing that Alex got married, and not to Maura, she shifts her sights to Bruno. Ew. She doesn't want to talk about what happened with school, cause it will ruin her homecoming. Fer gives in to her whininess and says they'll go over to the Lombardo's, but just for a little while.

Bruno and Fake!Mario have a meeting. Bruno demands absolute loyalty and silence, and no, he won't pay up front. He threatens to turn Fake!Mario in for identity theft if he doesn't talk. Fake!Mario tells Bruno how the whole thing started. Bruno seems pleased with the explanation. Fake!Mario almost kind of made it sound like Roberto was in on it, based on him being at that party with Maura and Ulises.

Alex tries to go and talk to Mercedes' brother, but he's intercepted by Erick's cousin's wife, who tells him that Gabriel (that's the brother's name) isn't there because he's at who knows what hospital getting an operation on his leg. Alex is a little suspicious that they would have the money for that, but what's-her-face says maybe they borrowed it or something.

Bruno's orders are thus: to Ulises, Maura, et al, Fake!Mario is now dead--he may not speak to them again; since they never knew where he lived he is to go back home; Bruno will be taking Fake!Mario's current cell phone; Fake!Mario will be taking a large wad of cash to buy himself a new one; Erick will go to Fake!Mario's house tomorrow (aha! Never asked for the address, though!) to give Fake!Mario 500 thousand pesos, as he will continue to do every month that Fake!Mario is working for Bruno; for now, Fake!Mario is to get a new cell phone and give that number to Erick, then he is to await further orders. And who is this man who is giving Mateo his orders now? Bruno smiles and says "Mario Aguirre." har, har, har. Mat digs it.

Vicky is happy to see Katia. Vicky still remembers her as a little girl. Fer outs her for whining to be brought over the whole way from the airport. Katia says that they were like her second family after their parents died. Katia runs out to go say hi to Raquel and Roberto. Fer tells Vicky that he doesn't know why Katia is back so early since they haven't had a chance to talk yet. Vicky spouts some crap about being patient. Fer thinks she needs a mother's touch. Vicky says moms aren't all they're cracked up to be. Now she wants to know how Alex is doing. Fer thinks Alex is sad and has never been in love like this before. Vicky tells him about Mario Aguirre's cell number. Fer thinks it's suspicious that Bruno took it and doesn't want anyone to tell Alex. Vicky says maybe Bruno just wanted to keep Alex from getting upset again. I can almost see the light bulb go on as Fernando asks, "really? Is that really what you think is going on?" The reigning Queen of Denial says "Well, what other explanation is there?"

Raquel and Roberto ooh and aah over how big Katia has gotten since the last time they saw her. Roberto seems especially pleased. Raquel can't wait to tell Katia all the gossip. Roberto tries to cut her off, saying there's really nothing to tell, but Raquel insists "Alex's fake marriage, that drunken dad, and you think that's nothing?!" Roberto rolls his eyes as Katia looks more confused than intrigued. For someone who gripes and complains about all the gossip, it seems to me that Raquel is doing the most spreading it around.

Alex shows up at the hospital, looking for Gabriel. Mercedes hears him ask at the desk and tells him that she's Gabriel's sister. Alex tells her he's a family member of the woman who ran her brother over and that he's going to pay for all of Gabriel's medical treatment. She falls all over herself thanking him, especially after he brushes off her assertion that just the room would cost an eye out of his head. Alex asks to see Gabriel. Mercedes takes him to Gabriel's room and introduces them, explaining that Alex is paying for everything. Gabe also whines about how expensive it all is. Alex tells him he's sure everything will turn out fine. Alex tells them that "the girl" is out on bail. Gabe is happy to hear it. Alex and Mercedes start to leave to go give Alex's credit card number to administration or whoever. Gabe tells him to tell "the girl" that he's sorry. Alex is suspicious. "Isn't she the one who should be apologizing to you?" "Oh, uh, yeah I guess." They leave.

At the house, Chucho is in the kitchen, mourning the loss of his bosses. One of the maids tells him to help her peel potatoes so he doesn't get bored. Not gonna happen. He only peeled potatoes in the army. The phone rings and since Ezequiel is taking drinks to Raquel's visitors, Chucho answers it. It's MaryJo, calling to give him the address so that he can come visit Pedro. He doesn't write, so he can't write down the address, but he can remember it. As she's telling him, she faints. Paula comes running over as Chucho keeps calling her through the phone. MaryJo isn't coming around. Paula shouts for help.

Mercedes tells Gabriel that she feels terrible. She can see that Alex is good people. Gabriel tells her to give the money back to that other guy, that if he'd known good people were going to get hurt, he never would have lied in the first place. Mercedes says it's a done deal. She also wants to give the guy his money back, but she doesn't know where to find him. Gabriel reasons that Gregorio and his cousin Erick must know.

MaryJo applies a cool compress and continues to blame her fainting on the heat. The lady who runs the pensión tells her to go rest and she'll bring up some tea. Paula keeps mocking her for blaming it on the heat.

Felipa is also happy to see Katia. Roberto points out that he and Katia can play tennis, since Raquel sucks at it. Bruno comes in and actually, for once, is happy about something not evil. He picks Katia up and swings her around. Roberto teases her for cheating on him so soon, but Katia says there's enough of her to go around. Ok. Ezequiel brings in appetizers. Raquel goes off to meet Ulises, but she lies about it. She makes a date with Katia to go dancing tomorrow. Fernando tells Katia it's time for them to go, too. She wants to wait and see Alex, but he insists. Katia says he's going to interrogate her now. She says he's grumpy and that's why he's never gotten married. Fernando very pointedly doesn't look at Vicky. And Vicky barely looks at him. Katia says her goodbyes to all the males. Fer says goodbye to Vicky, who asks him to call her. Bruno gives Fernando a nasty look, then turns it on his mother. Well, there's the Bruno we all know and loathe. Unfortunately that's where my DVR cuts off.

Labels: sortilegio

Repeats: Carlota insists to Rufi that it’s better for Paloma to think her father is some jerk who wants nothing to do with her and her mother was a qualquiera; besides, that’s what Mac wanted. Rufi gives up and leaves. Carlota thinks it’s high time Rufi took her leave of this world.

New: Diana bulldozes through to Emiliano’s office despite Angélica’s protests that he is not in. Orlando comes in to see what all the fuss is, and Diana dramatically whips off her huge gaudy sunglasses, revealing her bludgeoned face. He is shocked.

Emiliano is still in Rafael’s office getting reassured that Daddy loves him. He’s still not sure what’s going on with his mother, though. He has figured out that Diana must have been hiding from Orlando and that’s why she wouldn’t go to the company celebration and why she didn’t want him working with Orlando in the first place. He also remembers the story Orlando told him before finding out who his mother is, about the mother of his child who ran away after framing him for a theft and putting him in jail. So Emo wonders what other lies she has told, and whether Orly really pounded her. Rafa seems willing to say that Orlando is violent and dangerous, but Emo tells him that now Orly refuses to say anything bad to him about Diana. Rafa approves of that gracious policy. Emo asks him what he thinks Diana is really up to, and Rafa says he can’t put his hands in the fire for her anymore.

Orlando angrily accuses Diana of setting up a trap and lying. She accuses him of having a wild imagination and lying. He says the truth will come out eventually and she will pay, and it’s a good thing she chose a good father to raise her son because Rafa is surely the only reason he turned out to be decent. Ange watches their fight and looks very upset.

Camila wails and sobs, wondering why Rafa has left her and gone back to Diana.

Samuel receives the message (asking him to call) from Camila at his swish hotel. He takes a moment to gloat and thought-bubble that first he will get Romina firmly on his side, then he will bring Camila to the point of absolute desperation, and then, bwahahahaha, down she falls. He gets the hotel clerk to send flowers and chocolates to Romina and smugly smugs.

Emo wants to find out what his mother is all about; he is sooo confused. Diana has always been so strict and upright and unforgiving of others’ weaknesses, and now it seems that was all an act. Rafa doesn’t want to say anything, so he tells Emo he needs to talk to Di to clear things up. He also reassures Emo that whatever else Diana may be, she really loves her son and he is the center of her universe. Mr. Centro Universo believes that, of course, because how could anyone not love him? Still, he needs to cram in an awkward title reference and state that people do terrible things in the name of love. Has anyone kept track of the number of times the characters have said “En nombre del amor?” It’s starting to sound very silly. So anyhoodle, Emo doesn’t want to see Diana. Rafa offers his apartment and says Emo will have it to himself since Rafa is staying with Diana while she recovers from her scare.

Diana tells Orlando she’s never felt for Rafa what she did for him. “So what? Now I can’t stand you,” says Orly. Diana asks him to please never say anything bad about her to their son. Orly can’t believe her nerve in asking that, after she accused him of beating her up.

Carlota storms into Germán’s office and yells at him that a gentleman stands when a lady enters. He obligingly stands up. He does not ask where the lady is, or, for that matter, the gentleman. She wants her papers that are coming from the D.F. He says they haven’t arrived. She wants Licenciado Rosas to fix things; Germy says he’s on vacation. “And who do you think is paying for that?” Carloca asks. She tells him to make it happen. The purple cow leaves and Germy is muy intrigued.

The flowers and chocolates are delivered to Romina. She squeals and says they must be from Emiliano. If that were true, the chocolates would probably be poisoned. Romina has a phenomenal capacity for self-delusion. Paloma watches from her window and wonders who’s sending Romina flowers. Emiliano calls Paloma and they agree to meet at Rafa’s apartment, providing Paloma can manage to sneak out of the house. Emo just wants to leave and go far away and take Paloma with him. She agrees that sounds delightful. (A note from me, though: if you end up in the hospital in the next town over as you flee, do not let anyone inform Carlota. That was Iñaki’s fatal mistake. Just run like hell.)

Diana breaks down sobbing when Rafa tells her that Emo doesn’t want to see her. Rafael rolls his eyes heavenward.

Paloma tells Rufi she wants to sneak out because Cruel surely won’t give permission. Rufi says she needs to be very careful so Cruel won’t find out she spent the night with Emiliano. Unfortunately, Auntie Maim has appeared and heard that last part. “You did WHAT?! You slut!” She slaps Paloma really hard. Much yelling, and Crueloca flails so much she looks like a cartoon Tasmanian devil. Paloma insists on explaining, at high pitch and lightning speed: she was just talking with Emo, and they fell asleep, and next thing it was morning and Padre Juan woke them up. “Cristóbal is involved in this cover-up (solapar = to overlap, conceal)?!” Cruel bellows, looking ever more rabid. “Who is Cristóbal?” Paloma asks. “A priest who is going to pay!”

Crueloca locks Paloma into her room and Paloma throws a fit. You’ve still got a balcony door, sweetcakes.

Out in the hall, Cruel yells at Rufi for letting Paloma out of prison and conspiring with Padre JC to cover up her lies. Cruel will not permit this! Paloma begs Rufi to let her out, but she can’t because Carloca has taken the keys. EVERYONE PAY ATTENTION NOW; THIS IS GROUNDBREAKING: Paloma does NOT fling herself down on her bed for a cry. She heads out onto the balcony!

Rafa tells Diana that Emiliano just needs time to assimilate all this news. Diana can’t understand why he doesn’t need his mommy. Where has he gone? Rafa says Emo is staying in his apartment, but to leave him alone.

Paloma goes over the balcony rail and makes it down the wall to the sidewalk. She takes off running.

Camila sees the flowers and asks Romina who sent them. Romina says they’re from her father, and accuses Camila of jealousy. That is just ridiculous. Cami says she tried to see Sam, but he wasn’t in, and she wants nothing to do with him and this is just another game he’s playing. Romina tearfully says it’s not a game. She is going to marry Emiliano and make him fall in love with her, and Cami should do the same with Samuel.

Padre JC gives Padre Benito the new keys; the locks have finally been changed. PB asks him if he and Mac wanted to have a child. “Well…we were too old for that,” says PJC, confused. “No, the first time you were together, a long time ago,” clarifies PB. PJC says they would have loved that, but their lives went in another direction. “But, ahem, were you two…eh…intimate enough that it could have happened?” PB pries. “Well…yes. Why the nosy personal questions?” “Oh, no reason. Never mind.”

PJC starts to leave, but the crazy purple thundercloud storms in (should have used those new locks!) and asks him what he’s doing, covering up her niece’s sluttiness. Both priests are taken aback.

Paloma runs through the town, upstairs and downstairs in her ugly flowered gown. She pauses to call Emiliano and update him.

PJC tells Carlota to stop overreacting. She thinks he’s immoral and a poor specimen of a priest. He says nothing sinful happened between Paloma and Emiliano. She wonders how he can be sure. PJC says he would put his hands in the fire for the two of them. (Second mention of that this episode! I was mostly kidding last week when I said Paloma is so dimwitted she would probably keep putting her hand on the stove if she cooked, but now I see that this is apparently a popular pastime in Real del Monte.)

Carloca demands that Padre Benito make Cris stay away from Paloma. Cris tries to explain how things really happened, and apologizes. Carloca says that doesn’t make it okay and he had better stay away from her niece. Oh, he’ll have the hots for her now, for sure. They’re both yelling until PB says, “Basta! Ya!” and makes Cris leave so he can talk with Carlota privately. Carloca smirks and Cris asks when she turned into this.

Paloma shows up at the apartment. She and Emo commiserate over their mutual parental confusion. Emo doesn’t know what to do—now he has no home, no job, and no friends. Paloma tells him not to think about that now. She distracts him with kisses.

Carlota whines brattily while Padre Benito supplies her with tea which unfortunately probably doesn’t have belladonna in it and tries to calm her. She thinks it’s unacceptable that PJC seems to have a weakness for Paloma. PB thinks that’s all the more reason to tell them the truth. “Never!” she says, and threatens him as she leaves.

Cris is out in the garden when Carloca passes through. He tells her he only lied to protect Paloma from Cruel’s crazy vicious wrath. He says she is playing with fire. She says she likes playing with fire because she knows she won’t burn. Ha! She is a demon! She just admitted it! He tells her there are much nicer ways to live but she isn’t interested. She says his punishment will be the guilt he feels about every tear Paloma will spill over this, or some such. Oh yes, crazy lady, he will just fall into your bed now. What exactly is her end game now? Does she even have one anymore, or is she just straight-up nuts?

Diana calls Romina for help. She wants Ro to go to the apartment and convince Emo to go visit Di.

Paloma worries that Carlota has gone to rage at Padre Juan but Emo says he can defend himself. Emo does feel guilty about causing this whole fight, though. Paloma says it’s not his fault, and she’d do it again regardless of how angry Carlota gets. Emiliano says he’ll make it all up to her when they’re married and everything’s okay. She wonders if they’ll actually ever marry and he says they definitely for sure will and they will be very happy.

Romina tells Camila that Emiliano called and wants her to come visit. Then she rubs in that Rafael has gone back to Diana. Romi says probably Emo wants her to see the apartment because that’s where they will live after they are married, but not to worry, she’ll let Camila take care of the baby all the time. Not that Cami needs to live alone, though! If Rafa can go back to Diana, surely Camila can get back together with Samuel, says Romina. Camila looks more and more fed up in every scene.

Germán is waiting on the step when Romi leaves the house. She spins the same story for him about going to see the apartment. Dream on, he says, we both know you’re going to end up married to me. He wants to go get the test results. She says to stay out of her life. Germs shakes a baby rattle at her and she smashes it on the ground.

Padres Benito tells Cris that in this case Carlota was right; he takes too much interest in Paloma. Cris says he was just trying to help her avoid Carlota’s completely disproportionate punishments, and he won’t abandon her because he promised Mac he would take care of her. Benito says he’s going to talk to Obispo Calixto about Cris, and to stay out of trouble.

Paloma tries to cheer up Emiliano, but he says now he doesn’t believe anything his mother says, and he feels bad about that.

Orlando is upset because he has no way of proving that he wasn’t the one who hurt Diana. Ange says she believes that Di was just trying to sling mud on him. He seems touched by her faith and asks her to stay there while he calls Emiliano.

Emiliano is politish and tells Orlando he will finish the work he has pending and then leave the business. Orly asks him to stay, even if he can’t accept him as a father. Emo cries. Ange gives Orly an encouraging nod.

Paloma strips off her sweater and walks slowly over to Emo as they blather about nothing important. She kisses him and we see lots of replays of their entire courtship. Looks like they could go on awhile, but the doorbell rings.

Avances: Looks like we’ll finally get the paternity test results. The announcer wants us to believe we’re in high suspense, but I think we all know how this is going to go. I’d love to be wrong.

Labels: amor

Man, another delightful evening spent with the Gancho crazies. You had to love the twin passion scenes between Monita and Mauricio and Beto and Connie. And let's admit it, Connie and Beto are soooo hot together they make our "stars" look downright tepid. I was taken aback at how raw and visceral and appealing our scruffy Beto was tonight. Whew! Sign me up for the low road. I'm ready.

Better get back to business. We start with a tenderly humorous scene between Mauricio and Aldo. Aldo's apologizing for his part in the mess that's led to the forced marriage with Constanza, but also softening up dopey old forgiving dad so he can cop some money for more drugs. "Te alcanza con eso?" (Is that enough?) asks dopey dad, opening up his billfold immediately.

We shake our heads ruefully as we switch to a wine-tasting scene at the office. I loved this one because it reminded me of a gruesome blind date I had with the German brother-in-law of my Deutsch professor. This pretentious guy kept noting the woody, saucey blah blah flavors of the wine we were having with dinner and c'mon...give me a break. It's wine. I've never tasted a hint of raspberry in my life. Have you?

Anyway, Beto, bless his heart, hasn't either. He slugs down the first (hint of wood and raspberry), slurps down the second (just a bit of a citrus note) and over Lalo's protests and hysteria, Connie advises letting Beto drink all he wants (keep him sedated!) even though when the "strong, aggressive, just the way I like it" cabernet sauvignon is uncorked, Connie looks like she's ready to cancel the wine-tasting and just jump the Cromagnon's bones. Yeah baby!

Lalo can't take it anymore (he's an artiste and deserve respect!) and flounces out, leaving Connie to rub Beto up and down (is this supposed to sober him up) while he begs her not to marry Mauricio. Why? Because Beto loves her. You what!? Connie gasps. The camera does a closeup of her puzzled, panicked face. Hmmm. What should we make of this?

No time to ponder. We see a big shot of the sun. Then clouds passing. And in case we haven't gotten the idea, the words "several days later" appear. Okay then.

Constanza, looking somehow both wan and triumphant, is having the final touches of makeup before heading off to her wedding. Lalo is ecstatic. She's the most beautiful bride ever. Ximena is tactless. Hey, I was the most beautiful bride ever. Okay now it's your turn. But wait. Monita was fabulous in her wedding dress. Connie...you look.... alright (se ve bien, pasable). Wow, talk about being damned with faint praise. But our iron maiden doesn't wilt; Teresa arrives to say the limosine is waiting and off she goes.

Down in the boondocks (sorry,that song's going through my head) Paula and Estrella are attempting to console Monita by taking her out to...say...the zoo, for instance. As fun as that sounds, Moni would rather stay home in bed and just sleep until the wedding's over.

Suddenly. Yep. You guessed it. Mauricio appears. Looking like death warmed over. But Monita's in love so she says "Que guapo te ves!" I feel like I'm dying, going to my own funeral, sighs Maurio. Give me one last kiss. Big bodacious smooch while Paula and Estrella, Nieves and Alicia, all get that ahhhhhhhh look on their faces.

Back to reality. Lalo is bidding Connie farewell at the limo, chortling that at last they've reached their objective. And furthermore she's the prettiest, most glamourous, skinniest bride in his whole wedding career. (I can hear Mike saying "where's the beef?" right now). Connie hops in the limo and tells the driver briskly to hurry, she doesn't want to be late. Driver turns around. Beto! You'll be late, honey, so late you're never going to arrive at your wedding at all. Shazaaaam.

Barrio time. The Greek chorus of barrio ladies weep and wail and declare that Monita and Mauricio are meant to be together. Don't give up. True love conquers all. Celestial music plays. Put yourself in God's hands. Etc. etc. etc. Mauricio thanks them all but sez if it's all the same, I'd rather be alone with Monita right now. Greek chorus fades away, but not before one member, Nieves, worries aloud about Beto. He's been gone four days now. Where could he be?

Well, we know where he is now. Kidnapping the bride. You're crazy, wails Connie. Crazy with jealousy, he snarls. You're nobody. You're nothing but mine. Those lips, those legs, mine mine mine. Ya!

After the ads, the temperature drops 'cause we're back with Mauricio and Monita. Frankly, he's just being downright tedious. He looks dopey, he's apologizing for being "egoista" and then goes on and on about how he'll be under the same roof but not "with" Connie and Moni must WAIT for him, be PATIENT, PROMISE ME! ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

On the other hand, things are hot in the limo. Has Beto been drinking for four days? Hell no, he drank for three days and then spent the fourth sleeping off the hangover. But he's in love with Connie. Really in love. Not from the head, but from the heart, the soul. Pause. Connie, softly, I'm in love with you too.

Oooey, ooey ooooey, Beto pulls the limo over. He's ready to jump in the back and consummate that love. Pow. A well-aimed kick to the nether regions and Connie's free and ready to hail a taxi. What a woman!

Back in Monita's room, Mauricio is STILL talking. (If I were Monita, I'd reconsider at this point.) Her side of the conversation is more interesting. She promises to wait even until they're both old and ga-ga and living in the same nursing home. He'll get mad and chase her. By the time he catches her, he'll have forgotten why he was mad. We'll give each other our medication, adds Mauricio. They chuckle at the thought.

Quick. Back to Beto and Connie. No taxi. She tries boarding a bus but is repelled by three smelly guys hopping on ahead of her. Beto's recovered enough from his wound to give chase. She hurls her shoes at him. He hurls back, knocks her out with one well-aimed heel, does a little gorilla chest-thumping and hauls her back into the limo. Now there's a romance with some juice to it!

And now to another fine couple. We see Sal and Gaby wandering around a room of bored wedding guests, all wondering where the novios are. Sal is twitching madly, but at least he's in a suit and tie and back to paying elegant compliments to Miss Gabriela. She's beautiful, strong, charming (yes, yes, when I look in the mirror I see all that, she agrees) and the conversation ends with a very thorough very grownup, get-the-job-done kiss.

And alas, it gets the job done too well. Lorenza sees it and is further inflamed with desire for revenge and serious poisoning. Oily Oscar sidles up and encourages her to throw the whole darn bottle in Sal's drink the next time. And just wait, we'll have him locked up in an asylum pronto!

Back to our tepid lovers. Mauricio, looking quite disheveled, says he must go. One last big kiss. He turns, murmuring that he feels like he's going over a cliff. But wait. Monita runs after him. Jumps up. Hugs him. Wraps her legs around him. Wow. She finally found the light switch. So what if I'm late! he exults. They dive on the bed. Do you want me to hold back? he asks. Her only answer is more kisses. Clothes start to come off. Bueno. Nothing like having the wedding night before the wedding. And with a different bride. Works for me.

Same thing in the limo. Only better. Much better. How are you bad? Let me count the ways, Beto muses. She's bad like sour milk. I missed the rest. But there were a number of bad's. And what's more, she kneed him in the balls. No se vale. Me dañas. That's for sure. Connie comes to and starts to complain that Beto loves Monita. Sure I love her. I love her fighting spirit, her heart, her feistiness. But I love you too. Your kisses. Your lips. Your passion. Your skin. Your fragrance. You're like a wolf in heat. YOU CAN'T LOVE TWO WOMEN AT ONCE!, Connie snaps. I CAN, Beto snarls, pounding his chest. I can love two women. (You just know Beto is speaking for all macho men everywhere at this point. The poster child for a pair and a spare.)

Oh heck. We're back in Monita's room. Our lovers are in a state of "après l'amour" torpor. Mauricio is still lamenting though. I can't tell you good-bye. I'll come for you as soon as possible. Don't risk losing your kids, cautions Monita. Find a way to keep them and then get a divorce. And don't say "adios" " Hasta luego". Mau runs off. And the Greek Chorus enters. (Hope they weren't just outside the door listening. But they could have been.) They're all quite blue and a lot more tearful than our Monita who at least has just enjoyed some intense criterion behavior.

Speaking of...fire up your engines baby. "Cause Beto's gettin' ready to ride. He's messing up Connie's hair and wrinkling her dress. She protests. He starts to tear the dress apart. Shred, shred, shred. I'm going to make love to you until you forget your multiplication tables, he snarls. And we're off! (Now, c'mon. Isn't that a better preamble than a depressed "do you want me to hold back?"Mauricio-style? You betcha.)

Alright. Cool off while we have a little comic relief. Lalo is having a meltdown. Ximena's tipped a waiter so he'll wheel Rolu around in his chair and bring back happy memories of being on the racetrack. She volunteers to massage Lalo's precious, sculptured body. It doesn't work. He's still tense. Well, make your mind a blank, she advises. I don't know why people think it's hard. It's easy for me! Our dear Ximena goes right into her white fluffy trance but Lalo's still on the verge of tears. Pobrecito.

Back to our steamy limo love nest. Our nefarious lovers have clearly had congress as well, but no torpor ensues. Instead, Beto, looking quite swarthy and sexy, I must say, is demanding an admission of love. Don't tell me I'm crazy and just a pasttime...a sexual object. You bite your lip every time you see me, you tremble, you melt, you can't stand seeing me with another woman....if that's not love what is it. So say it...SAY IT! SAY YOU LOVE ME!....Yes, sighs Connie. I love you. Pause. Neta? (really?) Yes. But I'm going to marry Mauricio.

She head butts Beto. Leaves him on the street like so much road kill. Fishes the keys out of his pocket. Jumps behind the wheel of the limo and off she goes. Simply divine.

Our morose Mau arrives at an equally lugubrious wedding reception. Gaby and Sal run up. Where were you? No answer. Mau just wants to get it over with. But Connie's not here either. Suddenly he brightens. Sal thinks she's been kidnapped. Gaby feels sorry for the poor kidnappers. Sal goes into another major tic fest. Mau continues to beam hopefully.

Brief scene with the kids. The crazy hairdressers have finally curled Katia's hair and she looks lovely. Luisa and Dany are bored. Teresa is beginning to think her prayers have been answered and the wedding is off. Ivan has gone to the bathroom and found Aldo taking drugs.

Our ubiquitous policeman Christian has retrieved Beto and is slapping him back into consciousness. Who did this to you? he asks. A bad bad woman. Not worth it. Lucky to have escaped her clutches. Back to my mom. The only woman who's ever really loved me. For sure, Beto.

Good ol' mom is still in the barrio, trying to console Monita with cheerful remarks like "Life's not like a fairy tale. " Those pudientes (powerful rich folks) aren't for the likes of us. Those romances never last.

Oh come off it, snaps Alicia. Just because you were "embarazada y plantada en el altar"....Monita and Mauricio are different. He really loves her!

Lalo is as stricken as Nieves is with her memories. He worked and worked with Connie to make this the wedding of the year and now we're like the village fiancee, "vestidas y alborotadas". Ximena flaps around him, trying to be consoling, but to no avail. Sal comes up and tells Mau the judge has to leave. Then turns to inform the crowd that due to "causas ajenas" (things beyond their control) the wedding is off.

Noooooo. Don't call it off, shouts a voice in the distance. And here comes Constanza. Ripped and disheveled (acutally her hair looks better all tumbled around her face), with a lot of silky leg showing. Charging full speed ahead for the wedding of her dreams.

Gasp. That's all I can take for this evening. How about you? Previews show Monita arriving and standing in the wings, watching the wedding vows. Mauricio turns towards her as if saying the words to her and her alone. Connie looks worried.

Vocabulary

una cata = a tasting, as in a wine-tasting
chompeta = cabeza
hasta la maceta= up to "here"
pegarme en los huevos = knee me in the balls
vestida y alborotada = lit. dressed and agitated...but refers to brides left in the lurch at the altar
los pudientes = wealthy, rich, powerful
embarazada y plantada = pregnant and dumped (at the altar in Nieves' case)
causas ajenas = circumstances beyond our control
te alcanzas con eso = is that enough?

Dicho of the Day

No hay mal que por bien no venga.

lit. There's nothing bad that does not come for good. In other words, "Every cloud has a silver lining."

Monita and Mauricio, Connie and Beto. Things were looking grim indeed, and yet both couples found ways to enjoy the evening. Good for them!

Labels: gancho

Fair warning: My generally cranky mood and Jacqueline Bracamonte’s atrocious acting are converging today in a really unfortunate way. I apologize in advance to fans of MariaJose/Jacqeline Bracamontes !

Roberto and Ulises are talking and Roberto tells Ulises the news that MariaJose was going to meet the supposedly non-existent Mario Aguirre in the hotel. Ulises says that he never told Mateo to do that, and Roberto warns Ulises to be careful because Alex is a “perro de presa” (a kind of herding dog that can be vicious) and won’t stop until he finds out the truth; if he does find out things could go badly for Ulises. Ulises talks to Mateo and Maura and calls an urgent meeting.

Bruno is also busy on the phone and calls the social column of the local newspaper to give them a lead: Alex Lombardo’s sister-in-law has been arrested for a hit and run accident while driving drunk.

At the delegation Alex comes out to tell the waiting family that Paula will get out on bail, though they can’t leave right away. MJ tenderly thanks Alex, who coldly stares at her and then brushes past her, telling her he has things to do. MariaJose looks worried – she knows something is up but she’s not sure what. What could it be, what could it be? Yes, I know my hair is its usual mess and I look like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, but probably that’s not it. My pants are so tight you can see my lady parts coming and going, but the faux-hooker look certainly didn’t repel Alex when he was with Maura, so that’s probably no it. I hid the key and all, but we made up after that so what could it be, oh what could it be? The lawyer tells them they still have some paperwork to fill out, and that they should pray that no wounded or dead person shows up. Don Pedro noticed that Alex is upset and asks MariaJose about it. Yes dad, he is upset, but that’s normal. Pedro agrees – of course it is – we’ve caused him a lot of problems.

Roberto, Ulises, Maura and Mateo are poolside. Maura denies having made the reservation in Mario Aguirres’ name, and they wonder if it could have been Bruno. Roberto worries about how complicated things are getting and Ulises wants to put an end to it, but Maura wants to keep going and even apply more pressure because it might lead to a divorce between MariaJose and Alex. They ask Mateo if he has talked to anyone about it but he assures them that he is to be trusted. The camera zooms in on a smirk on Mateo’s face that even a dog would know enough to run from, and the scene cuts out.

Now we have a couple of fast takes to let us know what’s going on concurrently elsewhere. Alex arrives at Fernando’s house, where Fer is on the phone with his sister Katia. Fer is surprised and thought her school had a couple more weeks to go, but yes, he will pick her up at the airport. Now to the front of the police station, where a crush of photographers and reporters are waiting for MariaJose and her family. They fight their way through, with Chucho valiantly defending the family against an aggressive reporter.

Back with Alex and Fer at Fer’s house, Alex is raging at having been taken in by MariaJose’s innocent country-girl act and is furious. The problem, he says, is that I fell in love with her. She wasn’t the prettiest or the most glamorous but she sure was the smartest, because she made me believe all her lies. If she were here in front of me I’d kill her! Fer acknowledges that he was on Victoria’s side in the beginning, but now he wants to play the devil’s advocate for MariaJose. He urges Alex to talk to her. He wonders about Bruno’s involvement in all this, and why he helped MariaJose and her family escape. He points out that the person who planned the wedding must have been someone very close to Alex. Alex thinks it could have been anyone at the office. He’s been turning things over and over and can’t figure it out. He’s fed up. Poor Alex is clearly unable to distinguish the lies MariaJose tells from the lies others tell about her and he’s ready to bag the whole thing. I hope he does, as I really think JB is a rotten actress and I’d like to see Levy paired with someone who can move her facial muscles. (Fair is fair, though, JB has good voice control and faints and falls quite well. Maybe she should be a comic actress.)

Now Eric is explaining to Bruno what happened back at the police station: He and Paula were questioned at length, and they are free on bail unless someone shows up dead or wounded. Well, someone will tomorrow, Bruno reminds him. Eric asks Bruno not to go through with it – Paula is just a kid and the whole thing is just a fabrication - but Bruno refuses. He reminds Eric that he, Eric, is in this up to his neck with Bruno in this.

Eric is pleading with Tomás to let him out. Tomás doesn’t want to – Alex said not to let Eric off the compound – but Eric explains that was just until he was able to make his statement, and won’t Tomás p-l-e-a-s-e let him out because he’s got an emergency with his sister. We see Tomás thinking it over, but no resolution.

Chucho is talking with Don Pedro, MariaJose and Paula. He’s offering to get them some delicious chilaquiles, as that may help them calm down after their upset. (I love Chucho.) They refuse his kind offer, and he leaves alone. Pedro comments on how upset Alex was and suggests they all leave this place. Paula doesn’t want to go – obvio. While they are talking Ezequiel comes and tells MariaJose that Alex has returned and wants to talk with her, though he doesn’t know why. Worried looks all around. Pedro offers to go with her but she turns him down, sure that it’s nothing to worry about. Still, it looks like MariaJose tries to frown, which is impossible given Jacqueline Bracamontes’ wooden face (Or is it botox? At her age she needs botox?) and we see that she is in fact worried. What could it be, oh what could it be? She has cleared up all her lies and doesn’t know that behind her back others have been lying for her.

In Alex’s office, MariaJose puts on her most sincere face (which, unfortunately, we can't distinguish from any other face) and thanks him again, but Alex informs her he did it not for her but for his family. She looks as stricken as a bad actress can and Alex gives her a check for the money for the apartment minus the amount he paid Rufino and the deposit (?didn’t catch what this was). What’s left should be enough for them to find a hotel or a boarding house to live in during the time it takes MariaJose to find another idiot to swindle. He wants her to leave tomorrow, and early. (Don’t hang around for breakfast, we won’t squeeze any orange juice for you.) MariaJose widens her eyes but her face is frozen. Is that due to her tremendous shock, or is it just another sign of Bracamonte’s inability to express emotion? The camera zooms in on her face, and I think it’s to provide the sense of drama that she can’t express with her facial muscles. Alex goes on to say that he’s tremendously happy that she is not expecting any child of his. When the shot returns to MariaJose we see they’ve had time to insert some teardrops or glycerine in her eyes, and now tears are trickling out of each eye and coursing their way down her cheeks. It’s being poured on thick, and I’m sure we’re supposed to feel sympathy for MariaJose, but her character is such an unfortunate combination of adolescent liar and spineless milquetoast that I feel no spark of sympathy for her. (Please no comments about how she is being forced into this and how she is sacrificing to save her family. I’m not interested in yet another telenovela about trapped women who can only be saved by men; I’m more interested in women who would chew their own leg off to get out of a trap. Sorry for that image.)

Anyway, I digress. My real point is in fact another digression, and it’s about my grandmother, who used to tell her nine children, when they got punished for doing something that wasn’t their fault, “if you didn’t do anything wrong this time then it’s for something else you did that I just didn’t see.” It’s hard to feel sympathy for MariaJose because it seems like she’s finally getting her just due for past idiocy, but I don’t know if this is what the writers had in mind for our reaction. The mournful music and tragic looks rather make me think they were targeting our sympathy. I think by this time it’s clear that William Levy’s acting ability and looks are the reasons we watch the show, so they’ve given up on improving MariaJose’s acting or hiring writers to imagine novel reactions from the characters. (Though many of the minor actors, like Paula, Raquel, Roberto, Chucho, Ulises, Maura…do a great job in their respective roles. Sorry, another digression.)

In spite of her suffering MariaJose valiantly tells Alex to take out the money for Paula’s bail. A martyr to the end, she thanks him for everything he has done for them. She bites her lip but no facial muscles move. She leans her head forward for emphasis, but still no facial movement. Finally she kind of puckers her lips, the way you do when you suck on a lemon but you’ve just been to the dentist and the Novocain hasn’t worn off yet, and a slight groove appears on either side of her mouth. I think this is meant to convey utter despair, because she turns and walks away, so distraught and noble and good that she forgets to take the check and Alex has to remind her. She leaves with a jangle of bracelets and some panting that I think is meant to convey that she is crying. Alex takes a mighty swipe at his desk and a box goes flying. He puts his head in his hands and begins to cry.

Alex makes his way out to the living room and Victoria lovingly approaches him to offer comfort. Now that that girl is finally gone she can be loving and supportive at how much it hurts her son that that girl is finally gone. She feels his pain.

Fer calls Victoria to see how she’s doing and she tells him her heart is broken - broken, I tell you – to see how sad her son is. And isn’t it hard to believe how a sweet-looking girl like that could be so deceitful? Fortunately, things were discovered just in time! Why did that girl do this to us? My son is so good - please support him, he needs it so much. After hanging up we see her musing. THough her brain seems to be in standby mode there is enough energy flowing to allow a lonely idea to find its way through to the one brain cell of hers that seems to be functioning and she murmurs to herself: “No sé por qué pero tengo mis dudas.” (I don’t know why but I have my doubts.) What could it be, oh what could it be?

MJ is now back with her family and telling them that they have to leave. Paula, of course, takes it personally and to heart – what, Alex is abandoning me to my fate? Why oh why oh why? MariaJose explains that they have caused too many problems, though Alex will still help Paula in this legal affair. She thinks it’s for the best and she has asked for a divorce (though not in their last conversation, so I don’t know if that’s a continuity error of if she’s referring to one of the many times she asked for a divorce when they were first married). They’ll leave early the next morning. She instructs her family not to take any gifts they received with them. She is all that is good and noble, and maybe pure, too, but tragically misunderstood due to a few little lies (hers and others).

Lisette is telling Maura to stop breaking her head (do we say that in English?) over who could have made the hotel reservation. Maura still thinks it’s Bruno. She’s sure Alex must be furious about MariaJose, and begins to plan what she’ll do once MariaJose is out of the way and she has another chance with Alex. For one thing, she won’t mess it up this time. Lisette wonders if he’ll be ready to be with another woman after what he’s just suffered, but Maura’s plan is foolproof and it is this: she’ll be honest and sincere so that Alex sees that not all women are the same as MariaJose. And frankly, at this point, I prefer Maura to MariaJose, whose self-induced suffering is really wearing on me. (Yes, I do know she’s not responsible for this latest lie. It’s her general deceptiveness that makes Alex unable to trust her, though, and not this one lie fabricated about her and Mario Aguirre.)

Roberto and Ulises are wondering if Alex will get a divorce. Ulises is happy about something which I missed, so if anyone has it recorded and can listen again and tell us that would be great. While they are talking Raquel calls Ulises. Roberto wants to know if they are seeing each other and Ulises insists they are not. She calls him because he’s got the latest and best gossip. Roberto tells Ulises not to tell Raquel ANYTHING about Mario Aguirre.

While packing MariaJose tentatively approaches the jewelry box containing the necklace Alex “lent” her. The memories are so painful – dare she open it? She does, and is overcome by rage at the injustice of it all. We know this because we see her bosom heaving and hear her panting as she hurries to Alex’s bedroom. She flings the necklace at him, scornfully telling him that he’ll regret it. Her lips are kind of drawn back and her teeth are bared, but we can’t see what muscles in her face are controlling her mouth because nothing else moves. She is proud, she has been wronged and we know this because her head bobs up and down as she speaks. MariaJose, did I ever tell you what my grandmother used to say? It’s hard to feel you’ve been wronged – only that you’re being justly punished for the wrong reason. At first Alex follows her, calling her name and asking her to wait, but he soon comes to his senses and turns back, muttering to himself that it’s just another one of her tricks and he won’t be fooled again.

It’s night and Gabriel and Meche are in bed, but Eric bangs on their door until they open. He tells them that when they go to make their statement the next day they should say that it was dark and they couldn’t see very clearly who the driver was. Meche says the “senor” was very specific about what they were supposed to say, but Eric tells them he doesn’t want Paula to go to prison. If they say they didn’t see who it was, someone from the family will still pay for Gabriel’s care and they can give Bruno back his money (seeing they didn’t fulfill their part of the bargain). When the scene ends the question of what they will declare in their statement is still unresolved.

The next morning Roberto is finishing his run when he sees MariaJose plus family plus luggage all coming toward him. What’s this? Why, it’s MariaJose and her family, kicked out of paradise. Don Pedro tells him that their vacation is over and it’s time for them to go back home, where people of their station belong. Oh, oh the nobility of poverty! Roberto offers to help MariaJose with her luggage but she refuses. He tries again and she refuses again. Oh, oh, the dignity, the nobility - she is poor but valiant and doesn’t need the help of anyone from Alex’s parasitic family (no, of course she doesn’t say that. I’m filling in some extra schlock where I feel that the scriptwriters put down their trowel for a moment). Don Pedro emphasizes that they are leaving but can’t go back to their village until Paula’s legal affair has been wrapped up, so they will be staying in Mérida for a while.

They approach the house and Victoria tells Arturo to take them where they want to go – now that she’s rid of them she can afford to be gracious. MariaJose, martyr that she is, says that they can go in a taxi. Music moans softly and sadly in the background in case we don’t get the tragedy of the moment.

Upstairs, Alex watches sadly as MariaJose and her family wend their awkward way to the house, MariaJose’s luggage banging at her knees. Roberto did get Don Pedro’s luggage, so that’s good. Now all the servants are saying their goodbyes, and Felipa (the one character I am in any sympathy with today) warmly and sincerely tells them how much she will miss them. Upstairs, Alex sheds a tear but it’s hard to feel sympathy with someone who fell in love with a woman who is such a bad actress. Eric, watching from the side, is clearly upset.

Back in the kitchen Chucho talks with Felipa and Ezequiel about the events He can’t believe that Paula’s accident would be enough to make Alex kick them all out and wonders what is really going on. Ezequiel angrily refuses to talk about “los patrones” and stalks off. Felipa agrees with Chucho that it was unfair but doesn’t spill what’s really going on. When Chucho continues worrying about where they will go and what they will do she tries to soothe him with the comforting thought that God may squeeze people but he doesn’t strangle them (dios aprieta pero no ahorca). Well, ok then. I know I’ll remember that if I’m ever lying under a bus. This is actually a very touching and well-acted scene on Chucho’s part about everyone’s lack of concern for the Samaniego family’s being on the street with no money and nowhere to go.

Arturo, MariaJose and her family are in the centro in front of a rather forlorn looking building. Arturo offers additional help but they turn it down, of course. They come up with a plan, which is this: they will look for inexpensive accommodations. My, how poverty and suffering sharpen the brain.

Meche and Gabriel go to the police station. Eric’s cousin and his blowsy looking wife, whose names I forget, warn them not to listen to Eric because it could only lead to problems – they’ve got to stick to what they agreed to with Bruno. Gabriel says he was hit by a truck and it’s not fair to blame a girl who hasn’t done anything to them. The issue still hasn’t been resolved when they are taken in to give their statement.

Raquel, Roberto and Victoria are at the breakfast table, and Raquel is going on in that whining, insistent voice of hers that makes you wish someone would reach right over the table and strangle her. (Wouldn’t be God, of course. He would only squeeze enough to scare her.) She briskly trashes MariaJose and then assures everyone at the table that Alex must have had a reason for kicking them out. Just as she is saying it Bruno comes in and wants to know where MariaJose and her family are staying. Raquel hopes they’ve gone to hell and Robert wonders why Bruno is so anxious to know where MariaJose is, rather than the dirt on how she done Alex wrong.

We see MariaJose and her family in the centro, making their way across a plaza. Don Pablo’s knee is painful and MariaJose is tired so they have to sit down to rest. Paula goes to buy them some fruit popsicles and water while Don Pedro and MJ stay with the bags. MariaJose spies a likely-looking boarding house and goes to check it out. When Paula comes back with the water and sees what MariaJose is considering she is outraged and tells her father not to make up stories. Paula looks so revolted that for a moment it seems like her breakfast might come back up. (Oh wait, they didn't have any because they left early.) MariaJose doesn’t see her dismay because she’s inside arranging with the manager or owner to rent two rooms with meals. When the landlady wants to know how long they want the rooms for MJ is unable to say.

Eric is telling Bruno what he found out from Arturo: that he doesn’t know where MJ and her family are. He dropped them off in the center of town and doesn’t know where they went after that. Bruno tells Eric to go check all the hotels and boarding houses to see if MJ is registered there, making sure to ask for them under her maiden name, Samaniego. Bruno also reminds him (crankily, of course – just like me) to find out what’s going on with the whole Mario Aguirre thing.

Fer has to go pick up his sister but before he leaves Alex’s office he wants to point out again that some things don’t make sense - there is something wrong with the whole business of MariaJose meeting with Mario Aguirre at the hotel. Aguirre reserved over the phone, and then sent someone to pay the deposit it cash. Fer also points out that no one knows how MariaJose got the key – do they know if MariaJose left the house that day, or know who went in and out of the house and might have given her the key? He says that if he were Alex he would give it some thought, but Alex says he’s already already kicked her out. Fer suggest that he’s suffering so much he should at least know if he was justified in doing what he did.

Friday: Padre Mateo tells Rufi that anybody wanting to be in the higher church echelons, like, say, Bishop, can’t have a direct descendant. Chris tells an angry Padre Benito that he couldn’t very well leave Paloma in Carlota’s clutches if Carlota knew she was out all night. Padre B says So you approve of the two of them staying out all night together? Chris says he knows them well and there was nothing amiss. Padre B says Chris has to stay away from Carlota and Paloma as well. Chris says but why Paloma? Padre B says because Carlota will use any excuse to compromise you. Chris says do you doubt me? Padre B says she called herself and said it was you who wanted to come into her house. Look out for her, she’s very tricky and could make you look really bad.

****

For somebody with no money, Samuel sure has picked out a fancy hotel. Camila goes to the front desk to look for him, but he’s not in. She writes a message for him.

At school, Paloma can barely conceal her high spirits. Lili wonders if the test shows it’s German’s child, would Romina marry him? Paloma says Romina doesn’t want to be a single mother, so maybe. Paloma wonders if that would bother Lili. Lili says she can’t help it, she just can’t get him out of her system. Paloma sympathizes. Lili says she’s just sure it’s German’s.

Inez walks into the dispensario, muttering to herself about her empty nest syndrome. She spots the priests’ dorm keys on the floor and thinks she must’ve dropped them. She puts them in her purse.

The law partner is going over things with German (the partner in a suit and tie, German in a down vest, his loudly-striped shirt open down to there, and sleeves rolled up – great way to make an impression, G.) to see how things are going. German says Fine, but the will for the Espinoza de los Monteros that Rojas told me to expect hasn’t come from Mexico City yet. Odd, says the law partner. Why would the will be coming from out of town when they’ve always lived here? I dunno, says German. The partner says keep me informed on that.

The partner adds that it’s probably Paloma’s – her folks were from there. German says he knows her and he hopes it’s some good news.

Carlota shows up to talk to Padre Benito, who tells her he heard Chris’s side and it was completely different – it had nothing to do with her. She tells him Chris keeps showing up, and why is he so attentive to Paloma? He needs to stay away from Paloma, because if they get to talking, Paloma may tell him she’s Mac’s daughter and he’ll start drawing conclusions. Just think – Paloma would really suffer if she knew she was the bastard child of the local priest.

The things that come out of your mouth! says Padre B. Carlota says I know you’re on Chris’s side, but if you want to avoid a scandal, you’ll keep them apart.

Lili is taking art class too now. Paloma asks her if she’d like to help with the classes for the neighborhood girls at the church. Lili doesn’t think she paints very well, but sure. Another young lady overhears and says she’d like to help to.

Rufi is in her pew, praying out loud. She wonders if Padre M was sent to her to stop her from telling Chris about Paloma. But gosh, she thinks, Chris really should know. She wants Christ to let her know, and in the meantime, she’ll zip her lip.

The three art musketeers have a giddy, optimistic, naïve talk about how the neighborhood girls may have problems with drugs or alcohol and how their creative efforts will maybe bring out these stories. Yup, they’re going to save the world. One of the urchins might while painting might let drop that she’s strung out on crack cocaine and then they can swing into action.

Here comes Carlota down the street, smiling confidently because she spots Chris coming the other way. (Fashion alert for Carlota: a plaid coat doesn’t go well with a leopard top.) Twice in one day, she gloats to him. He demands to know what she thought she’d gain by telling Padre B about his coming to her house. She says she wanted to demonstrate to him that he’s better off working with her rather than against her.

She says Mac is dead and gone, but they are still among the living so they might as well enjoy themselves, and, right there in the church plaza, with people coming and going, she rubs his chest. Far in the background, Rufi watches from the church entrance.

Chris backs right up and says that’s never going to happen.
Carlota: (brightly) I never say never. I always get what I want.
Chris: Not this time.
Carlota : What if there was something I had, or knew, that would make you do anything? Chris: There’s no such thing; the only thing you and I ever had in common was Macarena.
Carlota: How wrong you are! Even though you’re trying to annoy me, I’ll tell you we do have something in common, something I guarantee you you would do anything for. But I won’t tell you yet.
Chris: Why not now?
Carlota: Because I want you to love me for me.
Chris: You’re obsessed about something that’s never going to happen.
Carlota: I’ve waited 19 years, I can wait a little bit longer.
She smiles and winks and sashays off.

Inez is visiting Diana. Inez hopes something good will come of this – maybe Emiliano will move back. Diana sadly says she hopes so. As her son, she hopes he’ll be forgiving. Inez says it would be easier if Orlando were some stranger to him, but they’re business partners, friends.

Diana says Em ought to believe me more than Orlando, to believe that Orlando is the one who hit me. He will show me all his love and realize I’m the only mother he has. Inez rubs her knee consolingly.

Aron has come to see Romina, who didn’t realize he had been sprung. She says she did everything she could to help him. And he says yeah sure right. Anyway, I’m not up for an argument, I just came to say goodbye – I’m leaving Real del Monte. Romina says so you’re running away? You’re such a coward. Aron says I am so sick of all your lies and your tricks. I really regret getting tangled up with you in the first place. Romina says I didn’t make you do anything – you did what you did because you wanted to.

Aron says there’s some truth in that. But one thing I know I’ll rue for the rest of my days is that I ever knew you, and that I thought you could help me. I see why Emiliano wanted to get away from you, and German too. I wish I’d backed off earlier because, Romina, you destroy everything you touch. That’s why you’re alone. And if you don’t change, and you go on being so egotistical, you’re going to end up alone.

He leaves and she sits, stunned, for a while and then, tears in her eyes, says without much conviction Stupid.

Angie comes out of the plateria or Orlando’s house, I’m not sure which, and sees Em leaning against his car. He says he came to talk to Orlando but he’s not sure he wants to. Angie says life hands us surprises- at least listen to him. Em rings the doorbell.

Camila has called Rafa at work to see how he’s doing. He hints that he’s busy. She says she doesn’t want to bother, but she heard about Emiliano. Rafa makes an impassioned speech about how Em will always be his son. Camila says she just wanted him to know that if he ever needs a shoulder to cry on, a friend, she’s there for him. Thank you, says Rafa, and thank you for the call. Gotta run! He hangs up. They both look sad. Rafa squeezes his eyes shut.

The do-gooders Lili and Paloma come laughing into the dispensario. Paloma tells Padre Chris that Lili wants to help with the maybe-waywards girls. Chris is thrilled – he will round up the girls and buy the materials and they can start on Friday.

Em comes into Orlando’s office unannounced. Hijo! says Orlando, thrilled. Em juts his chin and says to start off, don’t call me hijo.

Rafa sits at his desk, and holds a framed photo of Emiliano. He says I can’t lose you. I wish you’d call. I’d tell you that the best thing that ever happened to me in my life was you.

Orlando tells Em that when he heard he was expecting a son, he was the happiest guy in the world. Em says and when you hired me, you knew, didn’t you? Orlando says no, I had no idea. Em says it seems like a lot of coincidences. Okay, he says sarcastically, sitting down and folding his arms, let’s hear your version.

Orlando says I’d like to tell you, but I don’t want to destroy the image you have of your mother. Em shoots out of his chair and shouts You sure didn’t mind beating her to a pulp! Orlando says it wasn’t me! I don’t know what happened, but I don’t want you to get a bad opinion of me. Too late, says Em.

Orlando says I’m not going to say anything bad about your mother, because she’s your mother. But I’m asking you to think about it. You know me! I’m not a stranger. We can’t change the past, but I’d you to give us the opportunity to act like what we are: father and son.

I already have a father, says Em. Orlando says I know, and he’s been good to you. But please don’t shut me out because I’m your biological father. I don’t want to cut you off because I know you’re my son, because I really care about you.

How do you know I’m your son?

Orlando says When I saw the photo of Gudelia at your house … He confesses he had DNA tests run using Orlando’s hair, his toothbrush, a half-eaten apple in the trash. This has a definite yuck factor and Em looks creeped out.

Em says you told me about the pregnant woman who left you. That woman isn’t my mother. Orlando says wipe that from your mind. I don’t want to say anything bad about your mother. I’m just asking that you make a little space in your life for me. Let me be near you, give you all my love. Is that asking too much?

Paloma is coming home and Romina greets her warmly on the sidewalk. Paloma tells her it’s almost time for graduation and Romina wants a front-row seat, though, she observes, she’ll probably be married by then. How everyone’s jaws will drop when they see her on the arm of the man she loves.

But the thing I’m really excited about is my wedding! You have to be my maid of honor!

Rufi is stirring a pot and wondering what Carlota said to Chris that made him look so grim. Carlota bursts into the kitchen and wants to know if dinner’s ready. Rufi says not quite, she’s had so much on her mind. Like what? Carlota wants to know.

Rufi says Padre M told her Chris is up for Bishop. Carlota says I know, but it’s never going to happen, he’ll be staying here. How’s that? says Rufi. Are you going to tell Padre Juan about his ties to Paloma? Paloma walks in just then and says what ties? Rufi and Carlota get wide-eyed. The spooky music plays and apparently even Paloma can hear it, because she looks back and forth between the two, and says Tia, you tell me.

Carlota says well, the love of God. Paloma says the love of God unites everyone, not just me and Padre Juan. Rufi says we were just commenting that Mac’s death created ties. You two were the last ones to see her alive.

Paloma says I’m just thinking – why did my mother like him so much? Rufi laughs well he’s a charmer. Paloma says but I think they knew each other before. He was so affected by her death. Carlota says we all were very affected. She was so young, and her accident so shocking.

Diana’s maid runs into Meche in the market and blabs that Rafa has moved back in.

Paloma says how did they get to know each other before he was a priest? Carlota says I don’t remember – they were so young. He was probably one of the long list of boyfriends she had. Anyway, he became a priest.

Paloma says you mean she had something going with him before he was a priest? Carlota says don’t misinterpret what I said. Paloma says well anyway I’m glad he’s a priest here now. I feel so comfortable with him. He’s so protective of me, almost like a father.

Meche, the biggest grape on the grapevine, comes into Camila’s shop with the flowers she bought and asks if Camila has heard from Rafa. Camila says no, and it’s bothering me. Meche says I don’t know if I should tell you, but Juanita told me he’s moved back home. I didn’t think it was right that you didn’t know that he has other plans. Camila thanks her and gets teary.

Now I understand why he’s been so cool. I’ve been so stupid! I really believed in him. Meche says I believed in him too. What does Diana have that he would go back to her? He was so miserable with her.

Carlota is on the phone and says tomorrow the results come in? She hangs up then punches enough numbers to call China, but she’s just ringing Romina to tell her. Romina is nervous. Carlota says Romina needs to pick the results up personally. She did her part and she hopes everybody else did theirs. Romina says is there any chance something could go wrong? Carlota says there’s always a margin of error and that’s why Romina needs to go all by herself to make sure that everything is as they plotted.

Romina says what if something goes wrong? Carlota says look, I’ve done what I can. Romina says but this benefits you too, Paloma and Em have to be driven apart. Carlota says they will be, one way or another, don’t worry.

Rufi talks to herself and the caged birds at the same time. She feels terrible about Paloma. But Mac (who appears in flashback and talks with a ghostly echo) said over my dead body will Paloma every find out that Chris is her father. (Hey, wait, Rufi – there’s the loophole!) Rufi says but if she had known was Carlota was doing, and that Chris is up for Bishop….. What to do???

Rafa is moved when he looks up and sees Em in front of him. Em is near tears and tender with Rafa. He wants to know when Rafa knew and Rafa says from day one- Diana was pregnant. He fell in love and adopted Em as his own son. Em says why didn’t you tell me? Rafa says I don’t know; it wasn’t important. I might not have been your biological father, but I was your father in every other sense of the word. I never thought your biological father would show up.

Em says you’ve been a wonderful father. It’s just hard to think we’re not really related, because we always got along so well, I always felt you were so proud of me. Rafa says you were always my son, and I have loved you since you were born. You made me a father.

Em says I love you more now than ever. It’s an honor that you have been my father.

By now both are drenched in tears, but they are men, so they just do the trembling chin thing from a across the desk and don’t fall weeping into one another’s arms.

Rufi brings Carlota a tea and Carlota tells her off for mentioning Chris + Mac + Paloma to Paloma. Rufi says Paloma ought to know. Carlota explodes that she’s paid to be a servant and the only reason she’s allowed to be around Paloma is that Paloma’s known her all her life. Rufi says I’m like her grandmother. Carlota says well, you’re not. Her real grandmother is dead.

Rufi says I’m going to tell her today. Carlota glances around the room – no handy poison on the desk apparently – and says are you going to betray Mac? She didn’t want her to know. I don’t like to hurt Paloma, but I made a promise to God, says Carlota, gesturing at her Virgin statue, to keep the secret. If she keeps thinking that creep is her father, she’ll forget the whole thing.

Rufi says you’re right. I’ll respect Mac’s wishes and protect Paloma just as you’re doing. She leaves.

Carlota’s face freezes. She says You’re becoming too much of a threat, Rufi. You know too much. You go get some rest, like in the other world. Then only I would know.

Avances: Carlota overhears that Paloma spent the night with Emiliano and slaps her. Paloma is escaping over the balcony.

I didn't have a chance to recap and it looks like no one else did, either, but here's a place to discuss the episode in case anyone wants to.

I can't even remember what happened. Paloma and Emiliano slept in his car after lots of purple prose and smoochy smooching. Padre Juan/Cris found them and helped Paloma sneak back into her house. He had another uncomfortable conversation with delusional Carlota.

What else?

Labels: amor

Capítulo 29

As we begin, Bruno has his mother tied in knots by once again denying he had anything to do with Maria Jose either before or since the sham wedding and Alex’s accident. He blames Mary Jo and again accuses her of lying about everything from day one and suggests that Victoria call the hotel to see who made the reservation for this Aguirre guy if she doesn’t believe him. Vicki, still hoping to prove to herself that #1 Son is pure as the wind-driven snow, decides to do just that. She calls Fernando behind Alex’s back to do a little side investigation into who actually made the reservation at the hotel. Fernando obliges.

Across the way, Erick tells Bruno that Alex has forbidden him to leave the grounds because he is extremely angry at him for letting Paula drive without a license. Bruno gets directions to Mechita’s place and figures he’ll have to be the one to convince them to go along with the plan.

In Papi Pedro’s bungalow, Paula is crying up a storm. She’s frightened at the thought of having to go to jail where “everybody says women are pawed at and raped.” Duhn-duhn-duhn! Pete’s sure that Alex, with his heart of gold, will do all in his power to prevent her having to set foot in a jail cell. Mary Jo figures Alex will manage to get her free on bail.

Meanwhile, Ulises and Roberto are walking along together in the plaza downtown. They’re discussing the latest knockdown drag-out between the loco Lombardo brothers. Bobo says this time was worse than last but Bruno really deserved getting his clock cleaned after making a date to meet Alex’s wife at a hotel. “He must really hate Alex to get involved with his wife.” Uli says they know Bruno is capable of anything, even killing Alex. Bobo says that was said in the heat of the moment. Uli mentions that with Alex dead, Bobo stands to inherit a lot o’ loot. Bobo says he hasn’t really thought about it much, but it would be the same if Alex killed Bruno. Uli doesn’t think Alex would dare. Bobo asks Uli what he thinks about this guy, Mario Aguirre. Uli confesses that the guy doesn’t exist and says that Meowra made him up to make Alex think that his wife has a lover.

At the same time, across the plaza, Raquel, Meowra (fresh from her “Hello Kitty” pink palacio) and little sis, Lis, are doing what they do best and love most: gossiping about MJ and Company. Raqui is hyping Paula’s predicament and says it serves her right for trying to drive without knowing what she’s doing. Raqui would love to see the little twit behind bars. The best part is now waiting to see if Alex divorces MJ because Bruno said there was a witness to the accident who wanted to be paid off for his silence. “Bruno was of course going to pay the guy but wanted to “collect” from Mary Jo first and made a date with her to meet him at some hotel.” She gleefully adds that of course Mary Jo agreed to meet him, but she didn’t figure on Alex finding out. Alex was furious, of course, and Raqui can’t believe he’d continue being married to a woman ready to hop in the sack with somebody else. Meowra is purring. “My, my! What do you know!” (Did my ears deceive me or could that have been a “meow, meow”?)

Bobo continues digging for dirt from Uli. He wonders if Bruno knows about the Guirre character. Uli says sure. He answered the phone once when Uli called pretending to be the guy.

Back at the manse, Zeke takes a call from the said fake, Aguirre, who is currently classily clipping his toenails. (Ugh! Puh--leeeeese! Couldn’t he have been drinking his morning O.J. or something—anything—else?) Zeke wants a phone number so Sra. Mary Jo can return the call, but “Aguirre” says no need. She knows it. (I’d say Zeke needs to dial *69 just to be sure he’d have something concrete for Alex in case his wife won’t "give it up"; but Zeke isn’t as phone savvy as those of us in Viewerville who are now forced to tighten the beanie a bit.) Zeke makes a note of the call and hangs up.

Bobo wonders what Meowra really hopes to get out of this. Uli hasn’t a clue but says she’s paying a pretty peso for him to help. Bobo has a Eureka moment and considers that he and Uli might be able to take financial advantage of the situation. Uli says, “No, Dear [Querido].” The financial advantage is to be all his. Bobo complains that he never thought Uli would be selfish, least of all with him. Uli smiles and says, “Especially after the night we spent together, eh?” (This is not a scene to watch on a full stomach. Next time these two are together I’ll make sure to have my barf bag close by.) Uli suggests that Bobo should get divorced. Bobo wonders if he’s suggesting they live together. Bobo says he’s not gay. (He apparently likes a little tuttie with his fruity from time to time, though.) Bobo clarifies by saying that he likes women and a divorce would be too inconvenient. He doesn’t want to give up all that money. He hopes one day to live like a sheik, though, enjoying himself with men and women, and whatever else tales his fancy, once Raquel gets her share of her father’s fortune. Uli changes the subject. (Good. Thank you.) He asks if MJ possibly has another sister. Bobo doesn’t think so because no one has ever mentioned it. “Why?” Uli smiles and says that he’s just curious.

Vicki and Felipa visit the local cathedral to pray to the Saint of Lost Causes for guidance concerning the problems the family is having with Bruno. FF>>

That afternoon, Mary Jo comes to Alex’s office to meet with him and their lawyer.

Fernando is out playing P.I. for Vicki. He goes to the hotel where Aguirre was staying. He gives the clerk –a woman, this time—Aguirre’s room number and says he’s planning on staying a couple more days. The woman asks if he’s Sr. Aguirre. Slow on the uptake or just being crafty (I prefer option #1), Nando says there must be some mistake. He asks if the reservation was made in person. (This is the first clue that could point to mischief but it goes over the head of our would-be sleuth.) The clerk says no, it was done by phone. Later a young man was sent to pay for the room. (Clue #2 falls like manna from Heaven.) “He paid cash?” The clerk says yes, and normally they ask for I.D. but the young man said Sr. Aguirre would come and give that to her later on, but he never did and he didn’t call. (Now Nando has clue #3. Viewerville eagerly waits for a bit of mental computation from the architect—all masters of physical math--and hopes he can add a simple 2+2 and get 4.) Nando thanks her and says he’s not taking the room after all.

Back at Alex’s office, he, his attorney and Mary Jo are discussing Pau’s legal problems. (It’s Jolt Cola time for me. ZZZZZ.) The lawyer states the obvious. It’s a serious crime to run somebody over and to leave the scene. Then, too, she hit him while she was driving without a license and without permission. Alex says they’ve checked all the local papers and nothing was mentioned about a dead man or about anyone who was injured by a hit and run in the area where the accident took place. The lawyer says then perhaps the man wasn’t hurt and got up and walked away on his own. He asks who “Erick” is. Alex says he’s the idiot chauffeur who let her behind the wheel. Well, the lawyer says, he’ll have some fault in this too, though not as much. The lawyer asks about the supposed witness. Alex says the witness saw the accident and asked for money in exchange for keeping quiet. Nobody got his name.

The lawyer asks if they intend to pay off the witness. Alex asks what the lawyer advises. The lawyer says, well, there are two options: pay the witness and say nothing, which will be risky, or have Paula go to the police voluntarily to give her statement. MJ wants to know if her sister will be put in jail. The attorney says they’ll put up bail immediately and she’ll be free until they find the dead/injured man. It’s Alex’s choice and MJ want to know what he thinks. (Dude, if you enjoy those sensual sunset swims with Mary Jo, you’d better take option #2 and fast.)

Meanwhile, Nando calls back Vicki with the results of his super sleuthdom. It wasn’t Bruno who made the reservation for Aguirre. Since he’s near the City Center they agree to meet in a few minutes at a little café nearby called “Peon.” Vicki tells Felipa on the way out of the cathedral that it wasn’t Bruno and Fernando tells her the truth. Felipa asks what then? Vicki says Mary Jo lied to them.

At the same time, in a crummy part of the city, Bruno finds his way to Mechita’s humble abode. He bangs on the door. Mechita (La Sra. Mercedes Brito) lets him in. Bruno doesn’t give them his name. He walks right on in and immediately says he’s there for Erick to take care of the little business they discussed with Erick last night. He walks over to Gabe lying ever so helplessly in his bed and takes out an envelope full of cash. Bruno showers Gabe’s bed with the bills and says rather than waste time trying to convince them he’s got this for them. “There’s 500,000 pesos [approximately $38,000 U.S. greenbacks]. It’s plenty for you to cure your brother with. Take it or leave it.” Gabe says nothing, but he looks ready to sh!t the sheets, though.

Meche is having a fight with her conscience. She tells Bruno that they’ve hit hard times, but she doesn’t like having to lie to get the money. Besides, it was a truck that ran over Gabe, not a car. Bruno is irritated. “I know. I know! That doesn’t matter. Hurry up and decide or I’ll just find some other unfortunate soul who does want it.” Bruno tries a persuasive flip-through with a wad of bills near Gabe’s bedside. “Are you going to do it or not?” Meche reluctantly and tearfully agrees, but first she’d like to know his name and if somebody else will end up hurt by this. Bruno brushes off Meche’s questions and says it’s not important. Tomorrow morning they’re to be at the police station to give their statement. He walks over and starts menacingly caressing Gabe’s curls. (It’s enough to give ya the creepy crawlies.) Bruno threatens them. If they don’t go through with the deal as agreed, they’ll both end up dead [amanacer muertos = literally, wake up dead] in a vacant lot somewhere. Bruno makes his exit and slams the door. (Where’s a good pie truck when you need one?) Gabe lies there sobbing. (Females in Viewerville open a second box of Kleenex as their hubbies simultaneously check the fridge for another beer.) Meche weeps because of the dreadfully desperate situation they face.

At the café, Vicki, refusing to discard those rose-colored glasses of hers, assures Felipa that no way Bruno would have done the atrocious [salvajada] things Mary Jo accused him of doing. Nando appears and takes a chair. He confirms that the room’s reservation was made by Aguirre. Vicki is excited to have the news and takes this to mean that MJ and her family all lied to them and has been lying to them about everything, even about the sham wedding. Nando says apparently, yes. Vicki doesn’t like the way that sounds. Vicki asks what's he mean “apparently?” He explains that the reservation was made by phone and that the room was paid for in cash. “So?” “—Well, it seems a bit strange.” Vicki doesn’t like the way that adds up. She prefers to do her addition with New Math. “Why so strange? It could just mean he preferred not to show his face…..--Or, would you prefer to believe that it was Bruno?” Nando backs off. (Guess he’d rather not upset the love of his life by disagreeing with her.) He says he wasn’t thinking about that, only in the trick played on Alex.

“Alex is truly in love with Mary Jo.” Vicki commiserates. “—The poor guy, yes. Have you told him yet?” Fernando says not yet. Vicki offers to but Nando says he’ll do it. Felipa thinks this Aguirre guy is like a ghost. “He says x and he does y, but he never appears.” Vicki asks what Felipa is getting at. “I’m just saying that nobody knows anything about him, whether he’s young or old, skinny or fat. He’s a ghost.” Vicki says not for everybody, he isn’t. “Obviously, Mary Jo and her family know him quite well [bastante bien]. It pains her to think about Alex, she says, but it’s best he finds out if for no other reason than to realize that Bruno isn’t as bad as he thinks, or rather, as bad as they [Mary Jo and family] have led him to think. “You’d have thought Mary Jo was such a nice girl; she seemed so sincere.” Felipa is skeptical but knows it’s a waste of good breath to say anything more.

About this time, Alex and MJ return to the manse. Alex tells her he understands her angst, but not to worry because Lic. Quiñones will have everything ready for Paula: the bail, the court’s protection [amparo], and whatever else is necessary. “She’ll be out by this evening.” He tells MJ to have Pau ready in thirty minutes because the attorney will be waiting for them at the station. “It may not be necessary, but best to pack a few things just in case.”

Across the way in Pedro’s bungalow, Chucho is laying the blame where it belongs while Pau sobs gobs. “Erick must have sawdust [aserrín] for brains to let her drive without having ever taken the wheel or having taught her right! What an idiot! ” [soquete] MJ comes in and explains that Paula has to go to the police department now to give her statement about what happened. Pau has a tantrum because she’s afraid that they will put her in jail once she goes in and tells the police. Even though MJ tells her she’ll be out that night, Paula doesn’t believe her because Alex has said to pack her clothes. (Ok. Ok. I can understand the girl is freaked. Still, you’re telling me that this kid is smart enough to get a computer degree, but she wasn’t smart enough to think about the consequences if she got behind the wheel of a car without a license and the proper training and something serious happened? Sheesh. Pau is simply walking proof that book sense and common sense aren’t necessarily joined at the hip. ¡ya, Basta! Enough already!) Chucho tries to console the Material Sis by telling her to trust in Alex’s pocket-book politicking. If Alex says he’ll have her out that night, then by the Saints he will.

Outside on the grounds, Zeke asks his cousin, Arturo, why he’s not off driving Sra. Raquel somewhere. He says that Meowra picked her up and they took off together. Zeke says then he’ll have to be the one who takes Erick to the police station. Arturo is mumble-headed impactado from the news that there was an accident. They head over to Erick’s room to give him the news.

Zeke informs Erick that he is going to have to go make his statement to the pólice about the accident with Pau. Erick wonders if the victim showed up or something. Zeke says he doesn’t know but Sr. Alex thought it would be best for the two of them to give their statements to avoid making things any worse than they are already. Erick asks if anyone’s told Bruno. “He’s my boss and the man should be told.” Zeke says he has no idea. He’s only following Sr. Alex’s orders. He tells him Arturo will wait on him while he gets cleaned up. “Make sure you take a bath and fix that messy hair of yours! Put on your belt and that shirt.” (At least his shirt and tie might match for once. The way that guy dresses causes major hemorrhage of the eyeball.) Zeke then tells Cousin Artie to make sure the rascal doesn’t escape on the way to the police station. When Art says the guy could escape from the car while he’s driving, Zeke says he’ll see that Chucho rides in back with him just in case. Problem solved.

Fernando gets back to the office.

Vick, Felipa, and Cuco (my favorite so far this episodio) return to the Casota Lombardo (and its gawd-awful interior that some aging ex-hippie decorator must have designed while having LSD flashbacks). Zeke greets the women as we in Viewerville adjust our eyes for brightness and do the necessary color-check with the screen. He informs Vicki that Alex and MJ are taking Pau to the police station to give her statement. Felipa is worried for Pau. Vicki ignores her and asks if Bruno’s around. (I’m more interested in Cuco. If Zeke kicks him I hope Cuco goes straight for the finicky old coot’s ankles. Talk about your Mexican jumping beans!) Zeke says no, so she tells him to let Bruno know the minute he gets back that she wants to talk to him immediately.

Lic. Quiñones is waiting for everyone as Pedro, Alex, Paula and MJ arrive at the police station. (Pau at least had the sense this time to put on something a bit more conservative, a nice emerald green dress. Good choice.) The lawyer says because of the family name he was able to have her give her statement in private. Alex and Pedro go along with Quiñones while MJ and Pau wait in the main lobby. A few minutes later he comes back out and tells Pau it’s time for her to speak to the man in charge.

Back at Casa de Locos, Vicki plays with the dog. Felipa mentions it seems that seeing Fernando has raised her spirits. Vicki tells her not to start in again. Felipa says she means the news he gave them about Bruno not being the one who made the hotel reservation. Vicki says it’s definitely taken a burden off her shoulders. [el peso que me quita de encima]. She could never believe Bruno capable of such an outrage [aberración]. Zeke calls to let Vicki know that Bruno’s back. Vicki leaves to speak with #1 Son. Felipa tells Cuco what we’ve all been screaming at the t.v. during this frustratingly repetitive scene: “There are none so blind as those who will not see.”

Vicki welcomes Bruno with smiles and open arms. She tells him she’s been such a fool letting Mary Jo deceive her the way she has. She asks him to forgive her for doubting him. He wants to know what’s made her change her mind about him. She tells him the results of Fernando’s little side trip to the hotel to find out who made the reservation. “I did what you asked me to do. It was Aguirre who made that reservation.” “—You see. I told you, Mom. I had nothing to do with that.” She is still all smiles and says that God has answered her prayers. They go into the study to talk further.

Erick, guarded by Chucho and Arturo, finally arrives at the police station. (Who’s kiddin’ who here? If Erick really took off neither of those two old farts could catch him.) MJ tells Erick they’ve been waiting for him and that they’ve managed to have the statements done in private. Erick says he thinks they’ve made a mistake coming in like this and should have waited until somebody actually showed up to complain. (That works for me.) MJ says their lawyer thought this would be best. Erick pulls out his cell to let Bruno know, but Chucho grabs it out of Erick’s hand and says nothin’ doin’ till Sr. Alex tells him he can. Chucho says he’s keeping his little toy for him while he goes in to give his statement. Erick is stuck.

Back at the manse, Vicki fills in Bruno on her side of the details concerning Pau’s supposed hit and run. Alex made Erick and Paula go to the police to give their statements in case somebody should come to complain about it. Bruno eats it up. The creep then takes the opportunity to run down MJ and her family, accusing them of being nothing more than a bunch of grifters [vagos mantenidos--as close as I can get for a translation]. Yeah, Bruno lays it on thick for his devoted mama. “How could Alex allow himself to be associated with this type of criminal? They should be in jail.” Vicki tells him to show a little mercy towards MJ and her family. (Why? She certainly hasn’t shown any lately.) He says they don’t deserve it after lying about him that way and causing him and his brother to fight like they have. They knew about the bad blood between him and Alex and they’ve taken advantage of it. Mama says she understands his anger and that he’s right.

Bruno asks if Alex knows yet that he didn’t make the reservation. She says no, she doesn’t think so. He takes out his cell to call Alex with the news, but she takes it away from him and says it’s not the right time. “Alex is in the middle of dealing with Pau’s problems and too exhausted.” Bruno should think of his brother and wait a bit. (Ri-i-i-ght. As if.) Vicki, Mother of the Year, caresses Bruno’s cheek and reminds him that, after all, none of what’s happening is Alex’s fault. (She's definitely right about that. Anyway, Viewerville must be having a run on barf bags.) She sighs. “I don’t want to even think what he might do when he finds out.”

Back at the police station, Pau gives her tearful (make that hysterically tearful) account of what happened that night. “I swear I wasn’t going very fast. Yes, I was only just learning, but this man came out of nowhere. I had scarcely driven it and I even tried not to hit him, but I couldn’t avoid it and I did hit him.” The cop asks if she got out to see what had happened. She says she didn’t have the guts to; that she was paralyzed from fright, but that Erick did and saw him. “He told me he was dead.” Alex adds that the body hasn’t shown up and that nobody has acknowledged it. The cop asks if it’s possible somebody moved the body out of the way and left it someplace else. Paula doubles down on the hysteria and swears that Erick only moved him off to the side.

Out in the waiting area, the aforementioned “idiot chauffeur” gets a call on his cell from Bruno. Chucho answers and hands Erick the phone. “Only because it’s your boss on the line.” Bruno lets Erick know that he saw the crippled guy that morning and paid him off. “He’s supposed to come in the next day to give his statement and make a complaint.” In a whisper Erick asks if they’re covering for him. Bruno tells him not to be such a coward and that he paid them well and he will be out on bail. “Just be careful about what you are going to say.” Erick hangs up. Chucho gives him grief about why his boss isn’t there to stand up for him [dar la cara] like Sr. Alex is doing for Paula. Erick hisses at him. “What’s it to you, you old busy-body!”

A moment later Alex comes out for Erick and advises him to tell the truth. “It will be best for everybody.” Erick crosses all his toes and lies that he will and heads in to speak with the cop. Just then Bruno reaches Alex on his cell. “Didn’t my mother tell you yet?” “—What?” “Ah, she’s ecstatically happy.” He tells his half-truths to Alex. “Mary Jo made up the story that I made a date with her at a hotel. But, if you don’t believe me, then ask your friend, Fernando. My mother sent him to investigate who made the reservation for the hotel room. Who do you think it was?” “—Who?” “It was Mario Aguirre and NOT me, you fool.” He hangs up. Alex looks mad and disgusted as hell. MJ asks what the call was about. “Nothing. It was nothing.” He walks away leaving Mary Jo worried that some other bit of feces is about to be splat against the wall—and her.

Alex goes outside to place a call to Fernando and confirms what Bruno just told him. “Are you sure that Mario Aguirre made the reservation?” “—That’s what the hotel employee told me. I didn't call because you were busy with Paula at the police station. We need to talk about this with a cool head, Alex.” Nando asks about Pau and Alex says the lawyer is handling it and that Erick’s in giving his statement. Alex wants to know, though, why Nando thinks they need to discuss the business about the hotel “calmly.” Fernando says just because and suggests they meet either at his place or at Alex’s afterwards.

Back inside, the cop is grilling Erick for the details. “But was he dead or not?” Erick said it seemed to him that he was dead. "Anyone would have hoped that he was still alive, especially after being hit so hard." He says he felt for a heartbeat but couldn’t find one. He was very nervous and couldn’t be sure, though. The cop asks for a description of the guy. Erick says he was young and adds that it seemed he was drunk. The cop asks if he is aware of the reckless thing he did. He says he is and then tries to help out Pau by saying the street is always dark and she’d just been driving for a few days but that he was paying close attention. “—This time you weren't paying very close attention, were you?” Erick insists that the guy just suddenly appeared in the road. The cop asks what the victim was wearing. Erick says he had on jeans and a shirt.

The cop sighs and gets out of his chair. He tells them that Paula says the guy was wearing an overcoat or a raincoat. Ruh-Roh! Quiñones doesn’t like the sound of that. It means conflicting statements and that could spell trouble. Erick hesitates for a second or so longer than he should and then says the poor girl was just scared and he thinks she just didn’t notice. As Uni stops for that much needed pause that refreshes, Erick looks like those tacos he had for lunch are playing tumble-drum in his stomach.

The cop takes a break and Paula asks Erick how things went and if he thinks they’ll be locked up. He runs a sweaty hand over his forehead and says he doesn’t know. Alex walks back into the waiting area and MJ asks him what’s happened and if there’s bad news. Alex insists nothing is going on but MJ says he looks angry. He cuts her off, saying this isn’t the time or the place to discuss anything. The cop asks Alex to step back into his office. The others all look ready to climb the walls.

Back at the Lombardo’s casa de locos y lobos, Raqui is taking a walk and screams with fright when she spies Cuco. Cuco, it seems, acts like the feeling is mutual and takes a few paces backward. (This dog is every bit as entertaining and as good a judge of character as those horses in FELS! Of course it doesn’t take much, considering.) Felipa explains the animal belongs to her and her mother is letting her keep it. Raqui says fine, but make sure the thing doesn’t do its business in front of her place or the two of them are going to have problems, big time. Raqui asks if Felipa knows what’s happened with Paula. Felipa says they’re still taking care of it. Raqui goes off to find her mother on the terrace.

Vicki is chatting with her editor about the delay of the book and wanting to make changes in it. She hangs up when Raqui comes by to talk. Raquel wants to chitty-chat about Paula. She asks Vicki if she thinks they’ll put Paula in jail. Vicki says nobody knows yet because they haven’t returned. “Anyway, those things take time.” Raquel, always the charitable one, says she hopes they throw the brat in a cell somewhere so she’ll learn her lesson and Alex will divorce her sister. As far as she’s concerned that woman [MJ] has done nothing but slime their family since she got there. Vicki says it looks that way. Raquel says she thought her mother was on MJ’s side. Vicki says she was at first, but things are starting to become clearer now. “Did you know that Bruno supposedly was trying to extort her for money over her sister’s accident?” Raquel suddenly snaps to attention.

We are teleported to the barrio before Raquel has a chance to answer. Julia is fingering the wad of bills Bruno left. “This is some chunk o’ change!” Erick’s cousin says that now they can pick up all the things they pawned. Meche says it is a lot of money, but she’s scared because she doesn’t like the idea of lying like that to get it. Gabe says especially since they don’t know if some unsuspecting person might get hurt because of it. Meche says they’re dealing with rich people and if it is one of them they tell lies about, then it’s going to come back to bite them eventually. Julia doesn’t agree. “Rich people solve all their problems with money.” They won’t even raise an eyebrow. “It’ll all get put right with pesos.” Julia’s husband tells Meche to enjoy what they’ve been given and not to go around all blown out of shape [tronarse los dedos = lit. cracking one's knuckles nervously] because of it. Instead they should all be celebrating her luck now that she’s had a little. It was what she was wishing for, after all.

It’s suppertime at Bobo and Raquel’s now. She’s giving Bobo the rundown about what she found out from her mother. “Mary Jo’s date was with Mario Aguirre and that room reservation at the hotel, as it turns out, was made by Aguirre and not by Bruno at all. Mother had Fernando check it out and that’s what he told her. That means that all those stories that “menial” told us were lies. My brother is innocent. (He is only in part, girlfriend, and a mighty small part at that.) Bobo asks if she is sure about that. Raqui says her mother just told her and says that everything that MJ has told us about her marriage and Bruno trying to kill Bruno was a lie, too. You see? All it took was a simple little incident like that for her to be found out.

Bobo asks if anybody has told Alex yet. Raqui says she doubts it because he’s still running around acting like Prince Charming for Mary Jo. She’s dead certain, though, that once he does find out, the gig is up and Mary Jo is going to be humiliated [“se caie los calzones = lit. the bloomers fall down” --another idiom difficult to find] . Raqui stops a minute to take a breath and check if Bobo believes what she’s telling him or not. Bobo is all ears. “Look, Roberto. I’m a good judge of these things. [tener ojo] I’ve always recognized that that gang of scoundrels and opportunists [runfla de sinverguenzas y aprovechados] were going to cause a lot of problems. They are accustomed to scamming people [hacer tranzas] and being extra clever. You know what? They all should be put in jail, and not just the sister—all of them!” Bobo stops imbibing to digest the gossip if not the food.

Speaking of jail, Pedro is pacing the floor. He complains to Chucho that it’s been hours now that they’ve been waiting. “What’s taking them so long?” Chucho is very practical about these things. “Well, they have to be haggling over the amount of the bribe. [hacer la mordita = bribing the cops, of whom it is said that this is a way of life for officers of the law south of the border.] Pedro says there’s no need for a bribe because the lawyer knows there’s no dead body and therefore there is no misdeed and thus no crime to chase. Chucho says, “Well, then, knowing the way those corrupt guys spend, they probably just want enough for a little mescal.” Arturo pipes up and tells Chucho to cut the crap before he makes things worse for everybody talking like that. Pedro agrees and tells Chucho he’s got to be more discreet. Chucho apologizes for always saying the wrong thing at the wrong times and then walks outside for a chat with Arturo.

Paula asks MJ if Alex will have to pay them a lot to keep her out of jail. Mary Jo says hopefully not. She tries to get Pau to cheer up and tells her she’s sure she will come out of this thing just fine. “You’ve confessed and told the truth. That has got to be a plus.”

Labels: sortilegio

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 4:46 PM 127 comments

Capítulo 103

Tonight’s episode centers around our beloved villainess, Constanza. Not quite as bad as the ladies on other novelas, but still evil to the core, she occasionally inspires admiration in the male audience, and her evil deeds often come back to bite her in the butt (to the benefit of Jerónimo). Tonight we see the good, the bad and the ugly of this complex character (but it’s all in fun). So Go, Connie, Go, Connie, Go Connie, Go!

When last we saw Aldo, he was heartbroken that Estrella had told him once again, their love is an impossible love. He leaves her apartment, both of them in tears.

Alicia’s giving Moni a pep talk. Don’t think La Momia has won, she hasn’t. Every morning she wakes up in Mauricio’s house, she’ll be reminded that he doesn’t love her. Moni just wants to yell at La Momia. Then yell, advises Alicia.

Connie’s yelling at the meek employees in her posh boutique, saying this is the last time they display lingerie like merchandise in La Lagunilla (a marketplace in Mexico City). She wants it to be like Fifth Avenue, which she figures they’ve never heard of. So it’s bye-bye for Agustina and Amanda.

Enter Lalo, there’s been a catastrophe. He had to hire a new assistant. Connie sits on his lap to calm him as he calls out “Come in, you clone of Rigo Tovar” (Mexican singer who combined cumbia and rock and was big in the 70’s, had trademark dark glasses and long black hair). In waltzes Beto, what’s happenin’ baby? Ain’t it a coinquidink life keeps tossing us together? (We recall that Connie last saw him ditching her, delivering the kids to Mau and Moni, so she’s a bit peeved at him, to say the least.) She slaps him once. How dare you show your face! Hit me again, says Beto, and she does. Lalo thinks maybe these two know each other. Ya think?

Aldo, crushed, just happens to be sitting next to that stoner friend of Ivan’s, El Chubi. Chubi thinks Aldo’s on a bum trip, wants to turn him on to some mellow vibes. He gives him what looks like a tube of glue! As Aldo stares at the tube, happy Chubi says next time, you buy.

As Beto dresses a mannequin in black lingerie in the background, Lalo explains that Grupo Sermeño made him hire Beto as his assistant to plan the wedding. Connie isn’t surprised, they’re always plotting against her. But she doesn’t want to make waves at this point. She warns Beto to stay away from her. Fine, says Lalo, but now it's time to choose the lingerie (lencería) for your wedding! Connie’s happy about this, and so am I! She proceeds to model one skimpy set of lingerie after another, and I’m thinking, is she REALLY THAT BAD?


Beto’s hormones are on overdrive, too, and Connie senses it. She sends Lalo for a cappuccino, as I rewind the scene a few times to make sure I got it right.

Lalo thinks the orangutan should get the cappuccino, but Connie says that naco doesn’t even know what it is. Lalo agrees, orders Beto to “stay”, and leaves. Two seconds later, Connie and Beto are making out, forgetting all about their mutual betrayals. Things get a little hot and heavy when who should happen to show up? La Monita! Well, this time, she sees everything, even looks on for several long seconds before yelling “Beettttoooo!” He pushes Connie away, acting as if she forced herself on him. This crazy woman was saying wild things to me, even wanted to use the Kamasutra on me! He tells Moni he has to leave, since that woman has made him feel so dirty. Good one, Beto. He leaves, calling Connie a pervert on the way out.

In the park, Ivan and Luisa are walking and talking. He’s going to school days, working at the pizzeria nights, and it’s all for her. He wants to make something of himself, and is willing to wait as long as necessary until they can be together. They kiss, and he knows something is wrong. She tells him how horrible it was in the boarding house, and now that La Momia’s going to marry Mauricio, it’s even worse. And she’s especially worried about how this has affected Aldo.

Speaking of which, Aldo’s not sure how to use the glue. El Chubi agrees to teach him.

Moni demands to know why Connie’s mixing it up with Beto. Oh, it was just an accident, says Con. Yeah right, says Moni. Isn’t it enough that you’ve ruined the life of Mauricio and his kids, and now you’re kissing Beto? Moni adds that she’s still mad about the stuff Connie sprayed in her face before the boxing match. From behind a mannequin, Connie insists that Beto was trying to take advantage of HER, not she of him. Moni doesn’t believe that for one minute. Connie comes out from her hiding place and tells Moni it’s time to put the cards on the table. Don’t you dare tell Mauricio, because I have the weapons to cause all the damage I want. So like it or not, I’m going to marry Mauricio.

Lalo has the coffee, wants to go back upstairs to the boutique, but Beto stops him, telling him there was an assault, they’re holding Constanzia hostage, if anyone enters, they’ll kill her! Lalo starts to yell for help, but Beto tells him to keep quiet, if those robbers (rateros) hear us, they’ll kill us. Lalo agrees he’d better not get too physical with the attackers, since he just got a fresh manicure. Right, just go home and relax, says Beto, and the macho that I am, I’ll fight those guys. Lalo is grateful they hired a gorilla like Beto, tentatively touching Beto’s proud chest. As Lalo skips away, Beto says adiós to his patrona (Lalo).

Apparently glue sniffing was just what Aldo needed, as he’s floating in a haze of nothingness, thanking stoner Chubi for turning his brain into mush. Chubi wonders why Aldo’s staring at him. Well, you’re cool, but gee, you’re quite ugly! They both break out in stoned laughter. Aldo’s thirsty now, so Chubi says lets go to the store and get some chescos (sodas) and some “refine”, which I’m guessing is some kind of polish or paint thinner. I really couldn’t understand the lingo at this point. What’s for sure, though, is that this may not be the best way for Aldo to get out of his funk.

Just after they leave, Estrella pokes out of her place, to be greeted by Alicia, who has a natural happy face. Seeing that Estre is crying, Alicia asks her to sit down and talk, she’s like a mother to Moni, so she can also be a like a mother to Moni’s best amiga.

Moni is spitting venom at Constanza. You’ll never be happy, because Mau doesn’t love you, and you don’t even really love Mau. You’re just obsessed with him. That’s not love. If you really loved him, you wouldn’t be flirting with Beto a few days before your wedding. Connie’s had enough, and SLAPS Moni. Big mistake. A punch to the stomach, two to the face, and it’s a nocaut. Moni walks out the door past a hidden Beto, who thinks she looks angry as a fire ant (and she IS wearing a red and white dress, a wide red belt and her usual red heels).

Beto rushes upstairs, sees our un-Connie-scious girl on the ground, and proceeds to revive her in the most sensible way – mouth to mouth respiration.

Alicia tells Estrella that a woman doesn’t have to have a man or kids to be happy. That’s a myth. Look at her – she’s never been married, no kids, but she feels very happy and satisfied with her life. Estrella doesn’t know, she’s a romantic, wants love. Alicia reminds her that love comes when you least expect it. But Estre had it, and now she’s closed the door. Alicia comforts her.

Connie’s awake now, but mad at Beto. However, neither he nor that stupid girl can ruin her plans. Just as she says the word “estúpida”, two of her TEETH fall onto the floor! Beto says look at the bright side, the tooth fairy (El Ratón Pérez for Mexican kids) will give you money! Somehow this doesn’t appease her, she jumps up, looks in the mirror, and is horrified. How can she get married in a week looking like this? Beto tells her it’s not so bad, but it actually looks pretty funny, as the producers have given her two big gag teeth to wear for the effect.


While Connie cries, Beto tries to keep a straight face.

On the way home, our fire ant has a moment of reflection. She recalls when Connie paid Nieves so Moni would go to Las Vegas with Beto. Next up, Connie in a towel at the gym, saying she was not with Costeño, she was with – Beto! Then, the time at parents’ day at the school, when Katia accused Connie of bringing her amante (Beto). Too many coincidences.

And here comes Nieves, so happy to tell Moni of Beto’s new job, working for El Sermeño Group. Moni isn’t happy to hear this at all, she stares at Nieves, jaw set, and asks Nieves to explain something. Where was Beto those six months when I was in the hospital?

Connie can’t find her address book (for the number of her dentist), is getting frantic, when who should walk in to cheer her up? Ximena, rolling a resigned Rolu. Ximena wants some lingerie, but Connie wants to avoid showing her face at all costs. Xime tells Connie the funny story how Rolu fell again, this time broke both his legs. But why aren’t you looking at me, amiguizosa? Don’t tell me you forgot your makeup today. Xime grabs Connie, who spins away, Rolu gets a full frontal view of the dental debacle, and he has the best laugh he’s had in years! Xime gets a look, and she just HAS to say her three things. With Rolu nearly Rolu-ing over in laughter, Xime covers his ears, and here they are: 1) the person who did this to you must have had very powerful reasons to take out so much rage on you, 2) if my cousin wouldn’t marry you when you were pretty, now he’s even less likely to, and 3) don’t think I’m going to hit myself to match you, my solidarity with you has its limits.

Over at Nieves’ place, she’s trying to dodge Moni’s question. Well, Beto was working up north. Yes, for six months. What a coincidence, says Moni. And you know what? Today I went to give La Momia a piece of my mind, and you know what I found? Beto was kissing her! She wants Nieves to look her in the eyes and tell her the truth. Has Beto been going out with La Momia, yes or no? Answer me. Nieves looks trapped, but is saved by a commercial.

Things are a little slow in the office. Mau’s not there, Sal’s not there, and Lorenza, Paula and Gabi don’t have anyone to bring coffee to (after all, that’s the primary job in this company). Jerry needs Sal to sign some papers. Lorenza hasn’t seen him, besides she’s divorcing him, why not ask Gabi, she’s the lover, after all. Gabi doesn’t know where he is, either. Ding, ding, elevator opens, and out comes James Dean’s father, Sal’s wearing a bright red shirt, sleeves rolled up, two buttons open, left side untucked, cool dark shades with orange frames and a big gold chain completing the look (has he been shopping with Don Cesar?). The slight paunch doesn’t help much, though,



and Gabi thinks he must have lost a bet. Sal assures one and all that this is the latest fashion, and no one’s gonna fade his shine (he says he won’t permitir que nadie merme mi auto estima – literally won’t permit anyone to reduce or fade his self esteem). Cagey Lorenza says she’s impressed, this takes 30 years off Sal’s age, and it’s a shame she lost him, just when he was turning into a real bonbon. Sal, shades on forehead, hands on hips, imparts his words of wisdom for the day “You don’t know what you got, til it’s gone”. Cool, man. He’d dig a cup of java. Lore’s only too glad to bring the man his fuel.

The commercial gave Nieves time to get her story straight. Beto loves you, Moni, he’d do anything for you, he even agreed to give you up to Mau, in order to make you happy. And that flauta, she’s just using you, using Beto, making you THINK there’s something between Beto and her. You know me, Monita. I sure do, replies Moni, and I know how far you’d go to cover up for your boy. And don’t tell me you never lie, how about your telling me my whole life you knew nothing about my Mamá, and what about that money La Momia gave you so I’d go to Las Vegas with Beto? Don’t try to trick me, because this time, if you’re not being honest, I’ll NEVER forgive you. Nieves looks worried, but says nothing.

And here comes Beto, slinking in to see his Mom, unaware that Moni’s in there. Moni wants to talk to Beto alone, which causes Beto to frantically gesture to his Mom no, no. But it’s time for Beto to man up, and Nieves, after urging Moni to stay calm, informs Beto he’s on his own.

At Mau’s house, the family is united again, sitting and talking, although Aldo is strangely stroking a little red and white speckled statuette,


grooving on its myriad reflections. Terry goes to prepare dinner, even though Connie’s not home yet. Mau tells Aldo he’s so glad Aldo’s less upset, but when Aldo says “Chill bro’, bein’ upset ain’t cool”, Mau gets a little concerned. Aldo tells him not to worry, everything’s “chido” (apparently one of the many ways to say cool).

And here’s Connie, dark glasses hiding her eyes, hand hiding her mouth, half-crying, walking fast into the room. Aldo sees the teeth first, bursts out laughing, followed by Dani and Luisa. Even Mau can’t resist. Connie stalks out, she needs to find a dentist.

Beto starts telling Moni, what can he say, he was hired by that lady with the mustache (Lalo), he was just working. And the broad (he says vieja) just threw herself on me (se me aventó, our word from when Lorenza was on the bridge). Moni remarks about the many coincidences, as Beto, facing away, gets guiltier and guiltier, scratching his chin, frowning, narrowing his eyes (wonderful acting by Raúl A.). Moni tries a new tack. Hey, Beto, we’re pals. I tell you all my stuff, and you forgive me. You tell me your stuff, I can handle it, too. We’re buddies, mates, cuates. No matter what you say, I promise I won’t get mad. She throws in a few órale’s and ándale’s and he’s sinkin’ fast. She reminds him that she even told him to get a girl to make him happy, all guys have hormones, she’s totally okay with that, so let’s have it. You goin’ out with the Momia? (Andas con La Momia?) The answer is yes. He adds “Le ando despeinando la cotorrita”, which literally is I’m messing up the parrot’s hair, but I think this is more like “We’re doing it.” Uuuuuuyyyyy!

Just outside Moni’s door, Beto is defending his revelation by telling Nieves that Moni tricked him. With Moni looking on in an angry boxing stance (in her cute red and white party dress), Nieves calls him a dummy.


Moni wants to hit him, and Nieves moves aside. Alicia has heard, too, and eggs Moni on. Enter Estrella, she finds out, and SHE tells Moni to hit him, too. And she does, knocking him toward Estrella, who knees him where it counts. Alicia grabs his hair, Beto sinks to his knees, forgive me, Moni grabs his neck, and is just about to deliver the knockout when she thinks better of it, and says let’s go girls, we’re leaving this big dope (zopenco). They leave in disgust, as Nieves picks up said dope by his ear. That’s what you get for sleeping around. She pushes him inside for more punishment.

At Mau’s, the kids are off eating as Mau asks Connie what her problem is. She reminds him she told him she was assaulted at the boutique (she doesn’t tell who did it), don’t you care? Actually no, he responds. But I could have been killed! But you’re okay now, did you make the appointment with the dentist? Yes, she answers, they’ll take me in as an emergency, but I’m scared and lonely, can’t you come with me? A slight smile on his face, Mau calmly tells her sorry, but the agreement in which you’re blackmailing me doesn’t include my being nice to you. I wouldn’t mind if you were toothless (chimuela) at the wedding – at least we’d have a little comedy. So, see you later, I’m going to eat (points at his perfect teeth) with my children. Bye!

Cut to the dinner table, and Aldo apparently has the munchies (maybe it was pot, not glue), wants more stew (guisado), it’s buenisimo. Terry’s happy he regained his appetite, they must have starved him in that boarding house. Mau asks, is it true Aldo and Luisa were in the vecindad this morning? Stoned Aldo comes right out and says sure, I was with Estrella, and Luisa was with Ivan. This is not what Mau wanted to hear, and he reminds Luisa she’s 14. So what? she says, and storms out. Aldo keeps stuffing his face, unflappable, says he’s GLAD Estrella sent him packing. (!)

Moni’s furiously punching the hanging bag, letting out all her anger. Estrella and Alicia try to say what could you expect of Beto, he was bound to take up with some broad. But Moni’s more upset with WHICH broad he picked. Why La Momia? What’s inside that head of his? Why nothing, of course, says helpful Alicia. Just like his mother. I know, says Moni, but they just bug me (me enchinchan). Of course, what she’s really upset about is La Momia. Helpful Alicia points out that if Connie made the kids disappear once, she could do it again. Moni agrees, and laments that there’s nothing she can do, she’ll just have to bear the pain. They comfort her (again).

Nieves is reading her boy the riot act. As Beto sits in his chair, Nieves stands over him, how many times did I tell you, you should have been honest from the beginning! But since you weren’t, why do it now? Didn’t you hear me denying everything? And you go ahead and spill the beans, making me look like a panderer (alcahueta) and a sneak (solapadota), which is even worse! Beto again complains that Moni tricked him, but Nieves is fed up. Get out! In comes Don Cesar, who agrees, Beto, get out. Of course Nieves goes into protective mode, how DARE he kick out her little darling. She ends up kicking them BOTH out.

Moni shows up at Mau’s house, wondering why Connie’s not there. Mau says she’s at the dentist, she was attacked at her store, and lost a few teeth. Ahhh, just a few teeth, she got off cheap, muses Moni, Mau not picking up on what she said, but he does notice her sad mood. Moni again voices her frustrations about the wedding and Connie, reminding Mau not to believe Connie if she says she loves him. Mau reassures her, he doesn’t care at all what Connie says, he cares only for Moni. He pulls her close, looks into her eyes, and tells her she is the one who completes his life. And she’ll fill his heart, always. The romantic strings accompany their tender kiss. But who’s silently observing just outside the door, having breezed through Crowns-R-Us in record time? You got it, their Constanta Tormentora. (How come MY dentist takes two hours - and that’s just in the waiting room)?

Esta Lunes: Does Moni reveal El Beto’s Secretos?

Vocabulario:

Lencería – lingerie
Rateros – petty thieves
Chescos – sodas
Nocaut – a knockout
Mermar – to fade, reduce or decrease
Le ando despeinando la cotorrita – I’m having sex with her (I'm not totally sure about this one), literally means I’m messing up the parrot’s hair
Zopenco – blockhead, dope
Chimuelo(a) – toothless
Guisado – stew, casserole
Alcahueta – a procurer or Madam, can also mean a gossip
Solapadota – a sneaky person (I think Nieves qualifies here)

Ahoy all, so sorry for the very late posting, plus it is kind of a half-a**ed recap due to much macroblocking on my TV plus it's been a hellacious week. However huge thanks to my guy who, though he cannot understand my telenovela addiction and snickers at me constantly, stayed up until 4:00 a.m. this morning curing my laptop of its virus. And away we go...


Happy days! Mau and Moni kiss at the hideout.

The next morning they are super happy until they realize Aldo has flown the coop. Mau calls Tere who hasn't seen a sign of him. However the girls holler their love her way. Darn, Coni shows up and snatches the phone from Tere. Mau wisely hangs up and Tere happily vows she doesn't know where they are.

Pau and Estre are folding clothes in their patio when Aldo shows up. He wants to apologize for acting like an idiot. Pau is very nervous that Chris will show up and arrest him, so they hide him in Estre's apartment.

Over in the park Xime is practicing her Wonder Woman technique by spinning wildly. Her old pal Lalo the wedding planner shows up and she says she's trying to turn herself into Wonder Woman. Lalo tells her she's already a wonder of a woman hug hug kiss kiss. She has three things to tell him because she's dying to say three things: One, where have you been all this time? Two, you have a great tan. Three, she sees in his eyes that he's in love!! He says three things: One, he was on a cruise in the greek islands. Two, he met the love of his life. Three, his love is coming day after tomorrow to Mexico!!! She lies and says Rolu treats her like a princess. He's always calling her O Diosa, O Diosa (oh goddess) (which sounds an awful lot like Odiosa, i.e. hateful). Lalo says get rid of the lime green clothing.

Chris shows up at the gym and arrests Beto for kidnapping. Beto thinks the luchadors will protect him but the cops lead him away. The luchadors kind of mill around grumbling.

Xime and Lalo run into Crabbykins (Rolu) who is limping, crablike, along the sidewalk. The happy pair want to eat at La Condesa, Crabby wants to disagree. Also he's ticked off that Xime walked without him, boo hoo. Lalo starts to figure things out and sticks his tongue out, effectively challenging Dani's position as master tongue sticker outer.

Sal wakes up wasted and sore and blames it on a bad meal. Gabi says she hopes he slept well because nothing happened. He wants her to listen to him and says if you want someone to listen get a buddy, a dog, a hamster, but don't depress her and try to ruin her good mood.

Xime, Rolu and Lalo are at the restaurant and Rolu is acting up as my mom used to say. He's disagreeable, is rude to the waiter, and excuses himself to the bathroom where I think he says he plans to "drop the unbearable lightness of being and bring a churro". Whatever. Lalo tells Xime he can't stand her husband and he wants to leave. Xime pleads for him to stay, she has plans for them to share an apartment in Paris, won't it be fun?

Estre and Aldo sneak out of her vecindad, she tells him there aren't any Moors on the coast (the coast is clear). No hay moros en la costa. They bill and coo a little and jump into a taxi. Unbeknownst to them there is one Moor on the coast. Coni gets into a car and follows them.

GOOD STUFF: Back at Dismal Diner Xime tries to make funnies, Rolu puts her down, Lalo sticks up for her, a bunch of stuff is censored out, Rolu stands up, Lalo stands up, Rolu calls Lalo a little queer and tries to punch him. Lalo ducks and Rolu flies off the balcony, prompting me to howl out loud in laughter.

Mau comes home and says he's looked everywhere for Aldo. He and the family are surprised when Aldo and Estre come in the door. They are all surprised when Coni busts in backed by Chris (apparently the only cop in the DF) and his backup. Mau and Moni are promptly arrested for kidnapping. Chris is sorry but he has to do his job. Coni tries to drag the kids out and threatens them to keep Mau locked up forever if they don't come with her. This is a very dismal state of affairs.

Coni agrees to take them to Mau's house as long as they don't inconvenience her.

Xime and Lalo are back at the hospital waiting to hear about Rolu. Lalo tells her the only thing wrong with her is that she's got the wrong man. Turns out he's the wrong man in a wheelchair and not a full body cast this time. He's grumpier than ever and asks her to take him home. She steers him home bonking his feet as she pushes him through the door. Another good laugh.

Tere and Ivan are at Mau's and surprised to see Coni come home with the kids. Tere is thrilled to see the kids and Luisa is thrilled to see Ivan. Luisa tells Tere they're there because The Mummy put Mau and Moni in jail. Coni tells them something but my TV started macroblocking and I couldn't understand a thing she said. Does anyone remember?

Huh? I thought Moni went to jail, but she's back in the barrio with her family. Oh, it sounds like Coni withdrew the charges. Chris and Pau are there and it looks like they don't blame him for doing his job. While Alicia and Nieves bicker about who's the better cook and who loves Monita more, Moni pulls Beto aside and tells him she'll never forget what he did for her.

Mau gets home and Coni wonders why he's not thanking him for getting him out of jail. He grabs his clothes and tells her thankfully the contract doesn't include him sleeping in her bed so he's going to sleep in the guest room. Nyahh!

Beto and Moni sit on the steps and Moni recalls lovely times with her Prince Charming. "He's going to get married, Beto" she cries. Beto recalls lusty times with his mummy. "Yes they are," he dolefully responds.

Mau goes to Aldo's room and pats his head while Aldo sleeps. "I don't deserve your love" whispers Aldo after Mau leaves. Then Mau goes to the girls' room and whispers to them that everything will be fine.

Next day Beto and Nieves arrive at Sermeño group where Nieves asks Mau for Beto's job back. Mau agrees, rolls his eyes, and asks after Monita.

Moni tries to talk Alicia into staying with here, there's plenty of room. They are interrupted by a loud bang on the door. Monita opens it and...AYYYYY! The Mummy Returns.

Al leaves them alone to talk. Coni advises Moni that Mau signed a prenup where Moni has to stay 10 metres away from Mau and the kids at all times. Moni advises the momia that every time Mau touches Coni, kisses her, he will be thinking of Moni. Every time they make love, although it's doubtful he'll touch her, he'll be pretending it's Moni because she is the woman of his life. Coni says she's got a wedding to plan and stomps out of the neighborhood past the commoners doing their wash. There is some weird guy behind her getting off on smelling the wash. Aldo steps in front of her and says if he messes with Moni she'll have him to deal with. Coni's not impressed.

Aldo and Luisa show up for Ivan. Weird guy smelling laundry turns out to be Ivan's friend. Luisa asks what's up with the goofball? Ivan says that's what happens when you smoke pot all day. Was that a PSA?

Luisa tells him she missed him and he answers with a kiss.

Turns out Lalo will be the planner for the wedding fiesta that Coni wants and Mau doesn't. Amid all the blah blah blah is Lalo's request to have an assistant. Xime's too busy so Gabi will find someone for him. Hmmm...

Estre's Puppy boy blames himself for all that has happened. She consoles him (even though this last bit was his stupid fault). Estre tells him that their love keeps getting him into trouble. That's why, and for other reasons, their love cannot be.

Beto shows up for work and asks Gabi for his work assignment. Lalos shows up and finds out who his assistant will be. That's right, Beto! Lalo makes Beto do a turn, then sniffs his manly aroma and pronounces him a caveman not appropriate for the job. Beto doesn't like the idea either until he finds out it's Coni and Mau's wedding, at which point he insists he's the perfect man for the job. Lalo minces away imagining all sorts of impending problems and Beto reassures Gabi that he will make the wedding a disaster. "Welcome back to Sermeño Group" she bubbles.

Aldo won't listen to what Estre says. He loves her, please don't leave him, he needs her more than anything. He can't face what Coni is doing to them and lose Estrella at the same time. She weeps that their love is making their lives a shambles, please leave and try to forget her, please. Now go. Poor Aldo stumbles out and poor Estrella falls to her knees sobbing.

P.S. There was a lot of clever conversation in this episode which I didn't include, but if anyone has any questions about specific conversations, words or phrases please ask and I will try to add it.

Mañana: Coni models her wedding night wardrobe for the wedding staff, i.e. Lalo and Beto. Moni finds Coni and Beto in a clinch.

Labels: gancho

Emiliano doesn’t believe Diana’s claim that she was beaten and robbed on the street. He asks her for the truth, so she replies that the only truth is that there’s no one more important to her than him and she’s capable of doing everything for him. Emiliano shows her the photo of her that Orlando had in his office and asks what is her connection with Orlando. She lies that Orlando beat her up.

Camila catches Romina on her way out; Romi claims she’s going to have coffee with a friend, but not Paloma, cuz she’s not Romi’s friend. Romi worries that she looks fat but Cami assures her that she looks pretty as always. Yes, I do, don’t I? She skips out and Cami tells her not to run, she’s pregnant.

Orlando and Angelica are walking down the street when Emiliano runs up and demands to know how Orlando could beat up his mom. Orlando tries to explain that he didn’t do it--Diana lied. Emil thinks his mom doesn’t lie. When Emil says he doesn’t want to have anything to do with Orlando ever again, Orlando says that’s not possible, because . . . “Luke, *I* am your father.” Oops, wrong show. Anyway, Orlando reveals that he’s Emil’s biological father, which Emil doesn’t believe. Orlando tries to explain that he searched for him for years. Ange interjects that it’s all true. Orlando calls Emil “hijo” but Emil tells him not to--he only has one papa, his name is Rafael. Emil takes off and Ange tells Orlando to give him time.

Rafael meets up with Joel to discuss Orlando allegedly assaulting Diana. If it was up to him Rafa would put him in jail, but the worry is that he could file charges against Diana for stealing his money.

Paloma explains to Carlota about dropping the charges against Aron. Carlota pretends to admire this and opines that one must forgive the actions of others, even if they have caused one a lot of harm. And you shouldn’t cause bitterness, like you might be doing by hiding your relationship with Emiliano from Romina. Pal wants to wait for the DNA test results before telling Romi; she trusts Emil. Carlota tells Pal that she’s naïve and it reminds her of Macarena, who defended Pal’s “father” the same way. But at least you haven’t slept with Emiliano . . . have you?? Pal tells her no.

Dr. Bermudez goes to see German and informs him that he can’t do what German requested, which is go to the lab and ask that another possible father be included in the paternity testing. Dr. B asks about his request for Ger to look into Paloma’s father’s will. German notes that it’s risky for him to do that, so how much is Dr. B willing to give him to run that risk?

Padre Juan Cris asks Padre Benito what Carlota said to him. PadB comments that she knows how to do things and is very capable. But he would rather not talk about her anymore. Cris says he’s made a decision--he's going to accept the bishop position.

Outside the house of horrors, Dr. B tells Rufi he can’t do anything about investigating the will, because even paying German off doesn’t guarantee that he’ll help them. Rufi has tried searching for the papers in the house, but hasn’t found anything. She insists they can’t give up, and besides, in less than a month Paloma will turn 18. Carlota comes out and wants to know why Dr. B is there; Rufi claims that she’s talking with him about some pain she has in her legs. Carlota orders Rufi to get back to her chores.

Back inside Carlota vows to keep an eye on Rufi; she doesn’t like her talking with Dr. B. Paloma is on the phone with Liliana so Carlota picks up the extension to eavesdrop. Lili says they have to have a big party for Pal’s 18th. Pal thinks she can’t because of Crazylota, so Lili reminds her that she will be of age then, and Carlota won’t be her guardian anymore. Carlota laughs to herself that Pal will never escape her grip and is not going to be able to survive without her.

Romina waits at a mall for Samuel and when he comes up behind her and calls her name, she says “papa” and they embrace. He has a smile on his face like he’s got dollar signs in his eyes.

Cris tells Padre Benito that he’s off to dinner with Natalia and Ivonne; the latter has info on Pal’s parents not being in debt like Carlota claims they were when they died. Cris thinks Carlota is lying like she always has. Before he leaves Real del Monte, he has to have this matter with Paloma taken care of. After Cris exits, PadB calls to talk to Obispo Calixto, but he’s in Rome.

Emiliano sits in his car and cries. He remembers the time Diana wanted him to talk to Rafa before agreeing to become Orlando’s partner, and the time Orlando came to his house and commented and asked about his mom upon seeing her photo. Emil calls Pal and asks her to come see him; she agrees.

Ivonne thinks Natalia is sad and lonely that Alonso hasn’t called and so is filling the void with the affection she has for Cris. Nat says he was the love of her life and it hurt when she learned he didn’t love her. Ivonne advises Nat not to seek refuge in Cris, because she’ll end up suffering a great deal.

Orlando brings Angelica to his house. She offers to cook dinner, with his help (to get his mind off his troubles). He wonders how Emil is doing and she counsels him to be very patient.

Paloma asks for Rufi’s help in leaving the house to go see Emiliano.

Diana asks Rafa to stay the night, and he agrees to camp out in the living room. He has tried calling Emil but no response. Di thinks Orlando spilled the beans and that’s why Emil hasn’t come to the house.

Pal fixes up her bed to make it look like she’s asleep under the covers. Rufi promises to wait at the bottom of the stairs til Pal returns, and she'll let her in (Pal/Rufi don't have their own house keys?).

Rafa tries calling Emil’s office, but no answer. He needs to know what Orlando told his son.

Pal tells Carlota she's not hungry and is very tired, so she’s going to bed. Carlota looks a little puzzled/suspicious.

Rafa calls Camila--she's really happy to hear from him and has been thinking about him a lot. He interrupts to ask for Orlando’s phone number.

Paloma comes to Emil’s rescue and he asks her to hug him, only she can console him.

Camila sadly wonders why Rafa is treating her like this.

Emiliano has told Pal all about Orlando. He wants to know what was the relationship between Di and Orlando, why did Rafa raise him as his own son? He doesn’t want to talk to the three of them, especially not Orlando. Pal gives Emil the same advice that he gave her when she found out that Tia Macarena was really her mother: listen to him. He agrees to talk to his mother and Rafa first, then he’ll see about Orly. He tells Pal she’s the only one who hasn’t failed him. He wonders if Orlando only made him his partner because he carries his blood. He says he wants to run away with Paloma and forget about everything; she does too.

Samuel tells Romina that Camila didn’t need him and he regrets going off with another woman. He claims that he didn’t forget Romi--he called the house many times but Cami told him that Romi didn’t want to see him. Romi says that her mom never told her that he had called. She asks if he’s still with the other woman (no) and why he wanted to find her now. He answers that he found out she was looking for him, so he figured she had forgiven him and wouldn’t reject him if he came back.

More smoochy mushiness with Emiliano and Paloma. Emil thanks her for coming into his life and showing him what love is.

Ines and Aaron arrive home. She tells him that she kicked Angelica to the curb, and he thinks she shouldn’t have done that. Aron worries that Ines will be alone now, because he’s leaving town. He feels very uncomfortable there since the news of what happened with Pal is all over town, and he feels ashamed of what he did. Ines asks him to think about it but he declares that tomorrow he’s outta there.

Carlota is about to go into Pal’s room but Rufi intercepts her and offers her a cup of tea that she was going to give to Pal but didn’t because she didn’t want to wake her.

Orlando and Angelica are finishing their dinner when Rafa calls looking for Emil--he asks Orly if he let the cat out of the bag. Yep, sure did. Rafa takes off in search of Emiliano. Di laments that her poor little baby must be suffering and thinks at least he’ll hate Orlando, and that’s how she’ll get revenge on him.

Orlando takes off to look for Emiliano--he's afraid E will do something crazy.

Samuel tells Romi that it was he who left Camila and makes it sound like he still loves her. If Cami would forgive and accept him, he’d be the happiest man in the world.

Ivonne, Nat and Cris talk about Carlota hiding the truth about Paloma’s parents’ financial situation. Nat mentions that Alonso thinks Carlota had something to do with Inaki’s death because it seemed strange for someone so healthy to just wake up with a heart attack, right after dining with Purplelota. Cris worries that if that’s true, Paloma is in more danger than he thought, and if that’s the case he won’t be able to leave in peace. He fills Nat in on his decision to accept the promotion to bishop.

Romina barges into Cami’s room and demands to know why she didn’t tell her that her father had been calling. Romi informs him that Samuel is in town and she’s never going to separate them, NUNCA!

Orlando, with Cris’s help, wanders the streets in search of Emiliano, as does Rafael. Mientras tanto, Rufi waits at the bottom of the stairs for Pal to come home.

More mush-laden anvil bait--Emil and Pal feel each other’s hearts, it seems as if they’re united as one.

Previews: It looks like Emil and Pal spent the night in his car, Rufi frets that Pal hasn’t come home, and Carlota beats up the furniture.

Labels: amor

Mex. Capitulo 32
EEUU Capitulo 27

Yesterday
Bobo convinces Paula to go to lunch with him. RaMaura and Oil Slick are having martinis in a restaurant. Oil Slick asks RaMaura to tell him about Alex's accident. She tells him about the truck that ran him off the road. Oily says do you think Bruno could have been behind it and she says no. Oily believes he could have and says so. He wants to know what is going to happen now with Mario. RaMaura says she will have to think about it. RaMaura wants to know what “Mario” looks like. He's a guy from the neighborhood. He's young, just a regular guy.

Pimp Daddy E and Paula are talking. Well Pimp Daddy E is talking and Paula is wailing. She wants to know what is going to happen? She thinks that since he is the right hand man of Bruno that he knows what is going on. Pau says Bruno has no shame and Pimp Daddy E says that he's sure his boss had nothing to do with it. R-i-g-h-t! He says not to worry they will figure something out. He holds her close and strokes her hair. Ewwww!

Today:
Chucho and Pedro are talking and Chucho wants to go do something but Pedro doesn't really feel like it. He's worried about his daughters. Chucho says in the evening they will go visit Mechita.
Alex and MJ on the beach. This looks promising. He comes out of the water and sits down beside MJ on the towel where she is making a heart out of seashells. She says he is totally wet (duh, he's been swimming) and he says it was refreshing. She tells him she loves him and he says she is a sickness he doesn't want to cure. Not too shabby Alex. She says what happens, happens. He tells her nothing is going to happen. Lots and lots of kissing. Somehow they manage to roll off the towel and move closer and closer to the water.

Bobo and Paula are at lunch. He makes the observation that she doesn't like Bruno very much. (no caes bien). She wants to know what makes him say that? He says something I can't hear and Pau says Bruno is horrible. He's responsible for everything that happens to Alex. She doesn't want to know anything about him. You don't have a friend named Mario Aguirre Bobo asks. That is just one more thing he's done to my sister. Bobo still fishing for answers asks her if she is sure he doesn't know him. She says nobody knows him. It's probably a lie. Bobo thinks maybe it is one of Bruno's friends.

Back to the beach (which I'm sure Viewerville finds much more interesting). They made it back to the towel and she says he doesn't believe her. He says of course he does. They have the same conversation about the witness and the wedding. He thinks someone paid them off. She says now he's married to a woman he doesn't want. He tells her that's not true. Yawn.....One last time he tells her don't hide things from him. He wants her to tell him everything. Ha, famous last words. FF --They run toward the ocean where there is a beautiful sunset to mark the passing of another day. It makes a perfect backdrop for our lovers as he s l o w l y unties her top. He presses her against him and they kiss, savoring every moment. Under the water they go (which looks suspiciously like swimming pool water) kissing and stroking. Big sigh...cold shower...rewind, rewind. Whew!

Rudely we are transported back to town where an annoying woman in a red shirt is shouting at Mechita. Mechita tells her that she will pay her back the money she owes her. FF

Back at the house EZ greets Alex and Fernando. Anything I need to know asks Alex. Ez says no and then stops and says oh yeah, he found a key. Hmmm, Alex asks him where he found it and he said in his room under his bed. Alex looks at it and says it is a hotel key. No, really? Fernando says it is a key to a small but discrete hotel. MJ walks in and Alex angrily asks her if she knows anything about this key. PAUSE Now didn't we just have this conversation about no more secrets, don't hide anything, tell me the truth ? PLAY She says she doesn't know anything about it (wrong answer) and where did he find it? He says he found it in their bedroom. Fer tells Alex to back off but Alex keeps on hammering at MJ. He says tell me the truth and gets even angrier. She says it is not what you thinks. He says then explain it to me. By now there is an audience. Bobo and Paula walk in. Paula gets in Alex's face and says it was her fault. Her voice speeds up and my ears shut down and it looks like we are about to have a wardrobe malfunction. She says something about Bruno and that she killed a man. Victoria walks in at that point and wants to know what she said. You killed a man?! Everyone looks impactada. Dun dun dun. When? Pau says a couple of days ago with the car. Paula says that Pimp Daddy E picked her up from school and he was teaching her to drive. Before Pau can say anything more Alex calls Pimp Daddy E stupid and he bolts out of the house with Fer and Bobo on his heels. Victoria asks why didn't you tell anyone? Pau says she was afraid. MJ says you defend your son no matter what. I don't have the right to defend my sister? Victoria says there is a difference. MJ is defending Pau for something that is true. Ok, it's true says MJ. Meanwhile, outside the boys are trying to calm Alex down. They run into one of the drivers and Alex asks him if he's seen Bruno or Erik. He says no. Alex says he wants to know the minute either one of them gets back.

Looking through the magic crystals we see MJ, Pau and Victoria in the puke green, eggplant-lamp-room sitting on the uncomfortable looking couch when Alex, Fer and Bobo return from hunting Pimp Daddy E and Bruto. They aren't in the house says Alejandro. Victoria says Pau was just telling us her story. They are cowards says Alex (cobarde). Fer trying to protect Victoria as always, says she doesn't need to hear all the details. To her credit Victoria says she wants to hear everything. Please continue Pau. Pau explains that the man crossed in front of her on the highway and she tried to stop. His face went into the windshield and he fell off the car (I couldn't understand her through her blubbering so please fill in...it's ok, really go ahead) Bobo asks if Erik went to check and she says yes. And was he dead? He said he was. He was just lying on the highway. We headed home and didn't say anything. Alex wants to know if Bruno knew and MJ said my sister and I told him. Alex wants to know why she didn't tell him immediately. Hey, Viewerville wants to know too. Victoria tells Alex to calm down and let her talk. Bruno said there was a witness (testigo) and he was going to pay him for his silence. MJ says Bruno gave her the key to meet him but she didn't and she didn't want Alex to see it. Why didn't you tell me? He was going to accuse Pau and I was afraid. How else could I save her? It was never my intention to go with him. You showed up and I threw it under the bed. Don't you think it would have been better to tell me? Pau says yes, she knows that. He says then why didn't you tell me? He tells MJ that she knows perfectly well that he would defend her sister. MJ says that since they have arrived there have been too many problems. I don't want to be a disgrace. I want to leave. MJ cries and everyone looks at Alex like he's a rat bastard.

Back in town Pimp Daddy E is talking to his cousin. Apparently he is looking for someone to be the wounded guy from the accident. He is willing to pay. Ah, they just might know the right person. Obnoxious lady in red shirt shows up. Apparently she is married to Erik's cousin.
Mechita is mixing up some nasty green stuff to put on Gabriel's leg. He looks like it hurts. The woman in the red shirt shows up uninvited and says it is like she won the lottery. She explains the gig to Mechita and Gabriel. They need someone who is injured to say he was injured in a car accident a couple of days ago. They look pretty skeptical.

Chucho and Pedro are walking to town - FF- sorry I can't stand listening to them.
Erik shows up in an outfit that actually matches and is trying to convince Gabriel to do the job. He tells him to think about the money. Ring, ring, Pimp Daddy E's phone rings. It is, yep you guessed it, Bruno. He wants to know what Erik is doing and he says he's talking to some people doing what he asked. Bruno wants to know if they are going to do it and Erik says yes. ( Do the curtains in Mechita's house look similar to the ones that Margarita and Jacinto had in their house?)

MJ and Pau are talking and Paula is still crying and for once we get to see what really happens to mascara when you cry. MJ tries to convince MJ that Alex is mad but it will be ok. She tells Pau it is not her fault it is Bruno's fault. (From now on when something bad happens at work I'm just going to blame it on Bruno. Maybe I'll even get a t-shirt that says “Blame it on Bruno.” )
Bobo, Fer and Alex are talking in the library. Bobo says he doesn't think it is a good idea to call the police. He says nothing has been in the papers. No body—no crime. Fer agrees with him. Alex says that Bruno said there were witnesses. Alex doesn't understand why MJ believes Bruno. Frankly I don't think we do either.

Victoria and Felipa are having one of their conversations about Bruno. Victoria never really wants to believe what Felipa has to say so I don't know why she asks. Felipa wonders why all the bad things that happen are blamed on Bruno. Victoria basically says that Bruno isn't a saint but he's not a monster either. I beg to differ on that one.

Mechita is feeding Gabriel some soup. Hmmmm, his arms don't look broken to me. Chucho and Pedro show up at Mechitas. Chucho bring her some flowers. She introduces them to her brother. Pedro says I've heard a lot about you. Gabriel with his face all scrunched wants to know what he' s heard. Pedro says you are fine young man, young and strong. He says he was in an accident and now can't walk. He starts to cry. Big baby! Seriously, dude, man-up or something.
Bruno and Erik meet in a bar.. Erik is explaining that he's found the perfect person. They are friends of his cousin. Erik wants to know what happens now? Bruno wants to know if Alex will actually let his sister-in-law go to jail. Erik says no.

Alex is lying in bed thinking about MJ. He just can't believe she didn't say anything. He cries and thinks about how wrong he's been about her.

Ez is in the kitchen bitching about the dog. Ez tells Felipa that he has seen Bruno and MJ have secret meetings. What a gossip he is. I couldn't concentrate on the rest of the conversation because I was watching Cuko's head following Felipa's hand as he desperately tried to eat whatever she had in it. Go back and replay it. It's a hoot!

The phone rings. It is Tomas with info that Bruno has just arrived. Ez calls Alex and gives him the good news. Alex stops his sniveling and runs down stairs. Ez wants to know what he's going to do as he runs out. Felipa tells Ez to move it and go with him. Alex pulls Bruno out of the car by his vivid blue shirt and throws him on the ground. Bruno wants to know what he is talking about. Alex lays it out for him about the key to the hotel, Paula and the man she hit. Bruno says she lies. Alex says she's not lying as he shakes Bruno like a rag doll. They roll and punch POW! BOF! ZAP! (sure hope they have a lot of Oxyclean to get those grass stains and blood out.) Bruno gets up and throws a good punch, Alex gives him one right back. Ez runs up begging Alex to let him go because he's going to kill him (Uh, yeah, that was kind of the idea wasn't it?). Bruno gets him in a choke hold, Alex gives him an elbow and breaks loose. New driver comes up and tries to get Alex off of Bruno. Next thing you know Bobo and Raquel come running out. Bobo grabs Alex and Raquel grabs Bruno. Bruno slams Alex's family and Alex said you tried to kill me. Bruno says it was MJ that tried to kill you. Ez runs up with a shovel and tells them to knock it off. Not sure what he thought he was going to do with the shovel.

Felipa comes to see Bruno with some cold water to put on his face. He's as nasty to her as ever.
Meanwhile Ez is trying to clean up Alex. Ez thinks its a good thing that Bruno didn't break his nose. Felipa comes in to check on things and Alex asks her not to tell his mom. Like she isn't going to notice. Felipa says she has to go take care of Cuko. Alex asks Ez what he thinks of Bruno. They have a discussion about Victoria and her children. Ez gets a phone call and tells Alex that Erik is coming.

Over at Raquel's she is venting to Bobo saying that nothing good has happened since MJ and her family came here. (The hate and abuse that comes out of her mouth makes me sick.) She calls her a murderer and a ramera. Bobo looks bored and and says she doesn't want his opinion so he's not getting involved. She wants them in the jail and he reminds her about the scandal. She says she doesn't care. He tells her that she is completely crazy and he walks out.

Erik comes in looking a little nervous and is escorted by Felipa to Alex's room. Alex doesn't waste any time and says he knows that after he picked up Paula from school on the way home she hit a man. What do you have to say about that? Erik says he doesn't have anything to say. Do you want to end up in the jail. Erik says he swears the man was dead and there was nothing that he could do. Alex tells him he is responsible and stupid (sounds a lot like my second husband.) Erik points out that there was nothing in the papers. Alex wants to know where the accident happened. I couldn't understand how many kilometers he said. He said he went back and the man was gone. Alex tells him that according to Bruno there was a witness. Need some help here he was speaking way too fast. Erik leaves with his tail between his legs.

We know it is the next day because Alex is drinking orange juice sporting a nice shiner. MJ comes in and wants to know what happened. Alex says that he got in a fight with her lover. What a blockhead. Why can't he get it thorough his head that MJ hates him as much as he does? MJ says she's told him the truth but he just doesn't want to believe it. She says all we've done is talk. Alex sniffs and says talk, talk, how many times have you been with him? Never. What are we going to do about my sister? (Great timing MJ.) He says she could go to jail. He changes his mind and says why didn't you tell me? I need to know these things. She says she can't afford attorneys. They are nobodies. Do you know the shame I feel? He says something nasty and she starts to cry. She gets up and leaves. Pau is waiting for her outside. They go to visit their Dad. He's in a really good mood that is about to change. He wants to know what is wrong. MJ explains that the other night Paula hit a man on the highway and killed him. Pedro drops his coffee cup and starts asking questions. She swears it was an accident. He cries also.

Bruno comes down to breakfast in a pissy mood. His mom wants to know what happened. He tells her he got in a fight with Alex. She tries to talk to him but he gets up and stomps out saying that MJ makes up these absurd things about him. He's sick and tired of it. End.

Labels: sortilegio