Caray, Caray!

Caro, with a pensive look on her face, asks Luigi if he means that Lety is now president. Luigi confirms. “That’s why I say that beautiful women want the luck of the ugly.” Aldo asks Luigi why this is so bad. Luigi says yes and begins to talk, but Aldo cuts him off and explains that he means is it such a bad thing that Lety will be president. Luigi replies that Aldo doesn’t know the whole story, but that it’s a real horror story. Caro asks Luigi what happened to the business and why Humberto made such a drastic decision. Luigi tells Caro not to ask him the details because it’s all a rough track because of Fernando. Luigi says he doesn’t very well understand it all. Really, he knows nothing, but he’ll tell her everything he does know. Well, the Platypus (Because all feas look like some animal – Giraffes, Penguins…well…Juana really does kind of look like a penguin at times!) well it came to pass that she disappeared. All of a sudden she reappeared from who knows where something must have bit her because she came back very changed. Aldo smiles as he watches Luigi describe the new Lety. Luigi continues. She has a completely different attitude. I don’t know what she’s thinking about everything but that’s how she came back.

The scene changes to the bar where the Fernando and Saimon decide to socialize. Saimon really likes the bar. He puts on airs and asks the waiter for two whiskies. Fernando doubles back and asks Saimon if it would be okay if they sat first and ordered second. Saimon agrees. Saimon cannot believe that their table is reserved. Apparently, it’s Fernando’s usual table. Saimon sits and then shouts across the room to the waiter to tell him that it’s now okay to bring them two whiskies and one tequila, never mind two tequilas! I’m not really sure how to explain Fernando’s face. It’s between a blank stare and a “I can’t believe I invited this guy look” or maybe even an “I have an idea” look. I guess we’ll find out.

Next we go to the best restaurant in fealand, Le Noir. The three ladies (Alicia, Teresita and Marcia) sit a table. The host seats and greets them. Over-inquisitive-mommy asks Marcia about Fernando. Marcia tells Teresita how Fernando saw Marcia get into the elevator with Lety and decided not to get in with them. “What an uncomfortable situation, Poor Fernando!” Creepy-mommy exclaims! Alicia doesn’t buy the sympathetic tone. This is happening because Fernando was unfaithful. (Funny how sometimes the dumbest characters can say the wisest things.) Alicia thinks that Marcia should have planted a kiss on Fernando right in front of “La Garnacha” to drive her crazy (Gloria explained this term earlier. It doesn’t mean grape, it means an old, used worthless woman.) Marcia tells Alicia she would have felt ridiculous putting up that kind of a fight. The waiter comes to the table and asks what everyone would like to order. Apparently, you don’t get your drinks first in fealand. Teresita wants something light. She want mozzarella with rice (I think) and nothing else. Marcia eats light as well and orders soup. I wonder what Alicia will order. A salad maybe? Alicia orders Palmitos Gratindos. (Gratin Hearts of Palm). I’ve had with chipotle sauce, but here’s a recipe that’s a little different thanks to “The Columbia Record.com:

Gratin of Hearts of Palm (Palmitos Gratinados)

1 cup heavy cream
4 large eggs
1 tablespoon roasted garlic (or 1 large regular finely minced garlic)
1 (16 ounce can hearts of palm, drained, trimmed of any hard rinds, cut into 1/2 inch dice)
8 ounces Westphalian or other smoked ham, in one piece, cut into 1/4-inch dice
2 ripe plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 to 3 teaspoons finely chopped cilantro

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small heavy saucepan, whisk the cream, eggs and garlic together. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, divide the palm hearts among 4 to 6 ramekins. Sprinkle the ham evenly over the tops, then add the tomatoes and cilantro. Gently pour the cooked cream mixture into the ramekins. Arrange the ramekins in a roasting pan, then pour hot tap water around them until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake until the consistency is custard-like, about 30 minutes. Let cool briefly on a wire rack, then un-mold onto serving plates.

Cook's Note: This would be delicious with frozen, thawed artichoke hearts.

The waiter begins to take their menus. Alicia stops him and says that she’s only begun ordering. Secondly, she would like a past dish made with ravioli but with special sauces – one with cheese, one with Raviata (huh?) and the last with spinach and ricotta. She repeats that she just wants something light, since it’s so late. She advises the waiter that later she’ll want dessert. The waiter leaves. Teresita tells Alicia that dinner makes people fat. Too late Teresita. Alicia has moved from lusciously curvy to pleasantly plump about twenty episodes ago. Teresita says that Alicia is going to have to go on a diet. Alicia replies that she has a rigorous diet. She can give Teresita the recipe if she wants it. Work as a secretary at Conceptos and you’ll see how small you become! She’s implying that she’s not paid well enough to eat. Marcia protests and says that Alicia is paid very well. With her salary they could pay three secretaries. Marcia lists off all of Alicia’s bills and forgets that Alicia no longer has a car. Alicia quickly points this out to Marcia. Marcia continues her list and points out that Alicia buys all this stuff without every paying Marcia the money she is owed. Alicia indignantly replies that Marcia never misses an opportunity to rub this in Alicia’s face. Alicia points out all the non-monetary favors that she’s done for Marcia. Marcia sarcastically tells Alicia to talk to Conceptos new president. Marcia is sure the new president will be willing to help! Alicia tells Marcia that she’s really a jokester because Alicia is sure that tomorrow she’ll be fired. Alicia turns to Teresita and advises her that Lety will for sure raise all of the cuartel’s salaries. Alicia thinks it would be better if she just resigned. Alicia asks Teresita if she can imagine what it’s going to be like for Alicia when the cuartel will have all the support of the presidency. There will be six vice presidents! Teresita pets Alicia to comfort her.

We arrive at the classy bar, “the Sanctuary.” PM immediately introduces Lety as their president. The cuartel claps and the door man smiles. The cuartel happily enters the club. I’m not sure why the camera focused on the camera of the couple that looked like they were both constipated, but it did. Anyway, PM jokes with Lety that this isn’t such a nice place to Lety anymore now that she’s the boss of all the bosses. Yup, tomorrow I’m going to become one of the “fine people.” Lety switches subjects and tells PM that she needs to call her home. PM agrees and then exclaims what an amazing place this is; she loves this place! Lety asks for the telephone. Juana stops her before she can follow PM to the phones. She says something about maintenance or supplies. Sorry, that comment lost me.

Back at casa Padilla Erasmo complains that it’s time for Lety to come home and he doesn’t know what the devil they’re staying to do at that damned company. Tomas tells Erasmo to calm himself. They’re probably in a meeting. (Oh, God. Not another meeting! Please, no!) Julieta and Tomas remind Erasmo that Lety is now very important. (Because she wasn’t before?) Erasmo tells Tomas that he doesn’t want to see him. (Yeah, because banning him from your house the last time worked out so well!) The phone rings. Erasmo snatches it from Julieta. It’s Lety on the line and he demands to know where she is. She tells him that she’s in a dump. Erasmo gasps and exclaims that Lety was so cynical when she said that. Lety replies that she’s an adult and that her friends are celebrating with her. “An adult, and this means you’re going to do whatever you want?” he responds. Lety smiles and says of course not. Julieta tells Erasmo to leave Lety in peace. Erasmo accuses her of being Lety’s accomplice. Erasmo returns to the phone and demands to know where Lety is. He’s coming for her at midnight and that’s final! “Just like Cinderella, daddy! Don’t worry, they’ll bring me home.” Erasmo asks which of her friends has a car. Lety reminds Erasmo that Martha’s husband has a taxi and he can come get them. Lety asks for Tomas. Erasmo says that yes, Tomas is there emptying their refrigerator. Erasmo gives a nice little fatherly speech about Lety being an adult and all but she must have respect for Erasmo’s house. (This speech is still as interesting to me at 25 as it was when I was 14.) Lety tells her father that she loves him and asks to speak with Tomas. Erasmo begrudgingly hands over the phone to Tomas. Tomas congratulates Lety about the presidency because it’s perfect for her professional career. He asks her to remember the un-employed. Later, he would like her to sign a recommendation letter. Lety announces to Tomas that she’s named him vice- president of finances. Tomas is left speechless. She asks him to show up to the house tomorrow so they can go in together. Tomas giggles and snorts. He runs around and kisses everyone to celebrate. Tomas announces to the Padillas that he’s now vice-president of finances. He tells Erasmo that he’s going to give him a hat so that whenever Erasmo sees Tomas Erasmo will take off his hat and call Tomas Licenciado Mora. Tomas says that he and Lety need to talk about a lot of stuff, like his new business cards, his agenda and modernize his phone. Tomas asks if Lety is going to need help with her blond friend that has such a nice body. Lety giggles and tells Tomas to just show up tomorrow and to make sure to be well dressed. Tomas agrees and says that he’ll take Lety out to breakfast, lunch and dinner…as long as it’s in Lety’s house since he doesn’t have money. Tomas asks about his salary and changes his mind about food. Now he’ll take her out to wherever Lety would like because Tomas is not going to ask for one glass of water from this house until he dies of hunger. Lety tells Tomas that she’ll see him tomorrow. Tomas tells Lety how much he loves her and hangs up the phone. Julieta applauds. Erasmo’s upset that Tomas didn’t ask about Lety’s location. Tomas isn’t so concerned. Erasmo complains some more about Lety being out. Julieta replies that Lety no longer has to depend on Erasmo. Erasmo catches Tomas taking a drink and asks him about his promise. Tomas reminds Erasmo that he said he wouldn’t take a drink of water and this is milk!

Lety jokes to the cuartel about her father’s attitude towards her. He’ll always think of Lety as his little girl. PM thinks that with Lety’s new salary she should get herself a bachelorette pad. PM thinks they should look tomorrow for a new apartment. It should have a chimney and a large tub! Later they can invite over two handsome young men! Irmita tells PM to shut up. Lety says that she’s very happy living with her parents. Sara comments that she doesn’t know what happened to Lety while she was gone, but she’s come back very different, happy and content. She asks for an explanation. Martha agrees and says Lety has the power of confidence. Lety replies that the change arose out of herself for herself, but it was thanks to a very special person. She owes him. (Because we little women need a man to save us and give us self-confidence, otherwise, we would wallow in a sea of despair.)

Speaking of the very special person, at this very moment he’s defending the committee’s decision in selecting a new president. He excuses himself from the table. Luigi turns to Caro and asks Caro if she’s noticed how much attention Aldo gives Luigi when Luigi speaks. He doesn’t think it’s the story of that platypus that interests Aldo; she’s completely unknown to Aldo. He cooks so well and after speaking with him he’s so attentive and so handsome! Aldo returns with Guillermo whom he introduces to Luigi. Guillermo politely greets Caro. Guillermo apologizes for the delay in meeting Aldo. Aldo says no problem, he’s been receiving information that interests him more. Luigi and Caro glance at Aldo.

At Sanctuary Lety talks some more about everything she learned with her friend. A waiter comes to the seats and PM orders a whole bunch of drinks. The waiter asks if they want anything to eat. Surprisingly, Martha is the first to say no thanks. They all just want to talk to Lety. They’re very interested in this new friend. The cuartel begs (more like demands) to know what has happened with the company. Martha wants to know why Lety left! They heard that Lety did improper things and the have been intrigued by this. Lety says there are confidential things that she really just cannot tell them. She hopes they don’t hope for a lot of information. Sara bites back and says that Lety should even think about leaving them in embers again! Everyone except Irmita threatens that they’ll be mad. Lety nervously smiles.

Saimon enjoys his shots of tequila. He asks Don Ferni why he’s not returning to the presidency. Fernando says the ideal situation right now would be with Lety as the president of Conceptos. Saimon says that everyone is talking about Fernando. Fernando admits that he committed too many errors and he wants to make it clear that he’s paying for them. Fernando says he doesn’t want to talk about this. They’re here to have fun! Saimon disagrees and says he only wants to say one thing to Fernando. With all respect, what an ass you were! Fernando replies. I think he says something along the lines of With all respect, how well you deliver that blow! Saimon laughs and says not so much.

Lety admits that she committed a grave error. She gave Fernando bad advice and this was very bad for the business. The cuartel hangs on her every word. Lola asks why another business, Filmo Imagen, has all of Conceptos’ deposits. Lety replies that this a very delicate thing and that she really cannot tell them about it. PM lets Lety know that the lawyers told the cuartel about the embargo. Irmita chastises the women for interrogating Lety about things that are confidential. They should have more respect. Lety says this is why Fernando had to leave the presidency and why she left Conceptos. Martha points out that something is very odd. “If you were so bad at advising Don Fernando why is it that later they call you to be the president?” Lety scrunches her face.

Aldo tells Guillermo that his project is very complicated but he has a couple ideas to guide him. The project is going to be called “The Flavor of Life.” As Julie would say…Mary Colson-Becker (a cook writer) called; she would like her title back). Guillermo exclaims that it’s perfect and that he’ll help Aldo however he needs to develop the project. Aldo says that’s good, but he’s not sure how long he’ll be in Mexico. Luigi interrupts to ask how it is that Aldo doesn’t know how long he’ll be in Mexico. Where’s he going. Caro says that Aldo lives in Acapulco. Luigi cannot believe it. Aldo says this shouldn’t be a problem. Luigi says that Aldo should not be so far away from his producers/directors. Aldo replies that he could go to India – he’s only going to be a three and a half hour drive away. Luigi offers his advice as a director. Luigi says that he needs Aldo close to him. Guillermo asks if Luigi if he’s really a director. Caro says that Luigi is the best with a prize from Cannes; he’s the creative director at Conceptos. Guillermo says that this is incredible because he was going to look for an advisor with a relationship with the media. Luigi says that this is Guillermo’s lucky day. Luigi believes in coincidences and he thinks Guillermo is talking to the perfect person (Luigi) for the project to advise Aldo.

Saimon orders some more whiskies because Fernando is really heating up. He turns to Fernando and asks what he just said. Fernando replies that he didn’t say anything. Saimon pushes Fernando out of his chair and then tells Fernando to be careful. Saimon tells Fernando that he will have all of Saimon’s unconditional support. Now that Saimon’s drunk, Fernando slyly interjects a comment about Lety.

The women toast each other. The girls go on about the people at work. Lety says that certain things were cleared up and she wasn’t at fault for everything. For the benefit of the banks they decided it would be better if Lety “drove” the business for a while. Irmita says she’s not surprised that Lety came back so triumphant; she’s so capable. Lola agrees and says Lety was always the president of Conceptos, but with the salary of an assistant. Some men come over and ask PM to dance. At first, Irmita thinks he’s talking to her, but he politely corrects her. PM says she’ll dance with him. Another gentleman asks Lety to dance. She smiles but doesn’t answer.

Saimon protests and says that he doesn’t have anything against Lety. Never mind, he does hold something against her. Saimon’s scared. Fernando doesn’t understand. He’s scared of what she could generate in the rest of the cuartel. Saimon reminds all the nice things Lety’s “boyfriend” (meaning Tomas) did for her. Fernando gets what Saimon is saying. (Good thing, because I’m lost.) He giggles through his line, but figures out that Saimon is implying that Lety will corrupt PM. Nope, Saimon meant the opposite. This response does not get Fernando’s happy face. He sucks down his water like he hoped it was a whiskey.

Lety asks the man if he’s sure if he wants to dance with her. He confirms. She asks him why he wants to dance with her. He replies that he can tell that she’s fun and he wants to have fun. Sara says that Lety is the most fun. The guy asks again to dance. Lety says she’s not accustomed to being asked to dance. She thanks him. PM gets up and tries to dance with her guy, but the cuartel tries to stop her. Irmita and the cuartel argue about all the questions they’ve been asking Lety. PM tells her man that they’ll dance in a minute after they cover these little details. They say they’ll return for the ladies. PM wants to end the interrogatory.

Fernando wants to know if Saimon thinks that the cuartel is out picking up men. Saimon stumbles around the answer. Fernando says it’s not possible that they’re out late because they have to arrive early to the office tomorrow. A woman comes over to the table and greets Fernando. Saimon pops out of his chair and offers it to the lady. He tells the woman to “sit down” but Fernando grabs her hand and tells her to “stand up.” He reminds Saimon that they’re having a private conversation between men. Saimon seats her again. Fernando makes her stand. Saimon says maybe another occasion. The woman haughtily leaves. Saimon half follows until Fernando seduces him back to the table with whiskey and tequila. Saimon exclaims that Fernando attracts women like a bee to a honeycomb. Saimon thinks about what PM is doing in this moment. He needs to talk to her. Fernando agrees, while obviously thinking about Lety. They both hug themselves while Saimon continues about needing his woman. Fernando asks if Saimon really wants to know what his “little doll” is doing. Saimon says yes. (I think we’re finally getting to the point of this whole let’s take Saimon drinking game!) Saimon asks if Fernando does too. Fernando says yes he does.

Aldo tells Luigi that he’s not capable of answering so many questions. They agree that they will become a team on this project. Luigi recommends that Aldo should be near him. They have to be a team. It would be impossible if they’re far apart. Luigi will get Aldo an office at Conceptos. Caro remarks that this proposal should make Aldo pleased like a ring on a finger. Aldo smiles.

Fernando says that he’s going to demonstrate to Saimon how much he respects him. Saimon thinks Fernando is going to give him a raise. Fernando says no; he’s going to take Saimon to PM. Saimon says that Fernando is a better president than ex-president. Ooops! He meant Fernando’s a better ex-president than president! Fernando wants to get going. Saimon understands and takes off for the door. Fernando shouts after him. He asks Saimon where he’s going. Saimon says to look for… Fernando says he didn’t say it was time to go. They have to look up The Sanctuary in a directory. Fernando will accompany Saimon to look for PM and Let…the rest of the cuartel. Don’t leave. Saimon asks if they need a dictionary. No, a directory. Saimon shouts that they need a directory to anyone who will listen. Fernando looks as tired as I feel. He says to himself that Marcia’s going to kill him but he must see Lety.

Sara digs for information about what Lety’s dad will be doing and why Erasmo spoke with Humberto Mendiola. Juana asks about Tomas Mora. Lety explains that after Lety left Conceptos she sent Tomas who sent the lawyers. After that, her father went to Conceptos and later she arrived at Conceptos because the committee called her to return. PM calls her out and wants to know what’s really going on. The cuartel starts with its questions about the lawyers. Irmita comes to the rescue and ends the interrogation. Martha “changes” the subject. What did Lety have to do with the cancellation of Marcia’s wedding?

Lety answers that no one knows why one falls in love or falls out of love. It’s a mystery and Lety doesn’t know what happened in the hearts of Fernando and Marcia. The cuartel needs to ask them. Juana complains that Lety is talking about philosophy. Sara thinks the cancellation had something to do with what happened in the boardroom. The cuartel gives some more theories and Lola exclaims that a woman would never return to a man who left her in the street. Juana stops all conversation when she says that she’s sure the wedding was cancelled because of another woman. Marcia guesses that the other woman must be gone, because Marcia would never accept something like that. Juana says that Marcia has always pardoned Fernando for his everything he did. Lety interjects into the conversation and asks how long it took Fernando and Marcia to reconcile after cancelling the wedding. “Faster than a rooster can crow,” Irmita replies. (o sea “faster than a chicken can sing”) “How beautiful,” Lety responds. The cuartel imitates the affection between Marcia and Fernando. Are they watching the same couple we are? PM is sure that Marcia seduced him, took him to bed and accepted his pardon. Lety stares off into space. The cuartel are sure that those two will get married. Juana comments that if Marcia doesn’t marry Fernando the least worse thing that could happen would be Marcia’s dying. Irmita says that Marcia and Fernando are like any other pair with all their problems, but they love each other. If they marry, it will be happy because they fought for their love. Everyone toasts. Lety holds back tears.

Back at La Noir, everyone eats. Marcia tells Over-Inquisitive-Mommy that Lety almost died when she was told by Marcia that Marcia and Fernando were together again. Teresita can’t believe that Lety didn’t already know. Marcia said she was surprised about that as well. She thought Lety had contact with the cuartel while she was gone. Alicia thinks that Lety returned to see Fernando but Marcia said it seemed as though Lety did not want to see Fernando. Teresita thinks that Lety must still love Fernando. Marcia has an observant moment and says that Lety is convinced that Fernando played her and used her. Marcia says that Lety still has the memory of the letter and doesn’t think that Fernando loves her. Alicia thinks that Fernando is still in love with Lety. No, Teresita thinks it’s that he’s surprised to see her with such confidence. Nope, Alicia says she’s still ugly and the same. Marcia says that if Fernando fell in love with Lety it was for some reason, and she could tell he was impactado when he saw her. Alicia says she was also impactado, with fright! Teresita says it seems dangerous to have these two talk. Marcia agrees and says it is dangerous, but it would be very difficult for Fernando to convince Lety that the letter is a lie. The letter was too cruel for Lety ever to begin to believe him again. Teresita still thinks it’s important to keep Fernando far from Lety.