Caray, Caray!

Before we get to tonight’s featured program, we interrupt for commercial break: I need subs for July 6, 13 and 20. (The 13th may end up in Ferro’s hands, as Duelo may pre-empt everything else for its Gran Final). If no one’s available next week and the two weeks after that, I’ll post headers and it’s a free-for-all. [Ed. Note: that could work…..] Thanks!

We open to find the Silver Fox (thanks to whoever came up with it, he IS) lounging in bed, with his housekeeper informing him there’s someone at the door from his work. Who? She doesn’t know, but the woman says it’s urgent. He tells her to let the woman know he’s coming down. Soon, he descends the impressive staircase in his robe [Ed. note: one of my former bosses had a house this grand, though it wasn’t white. It was, however, mind-boggling, and I hoped he’d adopt me. No luck.] Paula is standing in the foyer, or it could be the auditorium, tapping the edge of folder against her other hand. CL realizes it’s Paula from the back, and doesn’t ogle at all. He panics. She apologizes for having to come and bother him at home with this urgent item. He forgot to sign these papers (registro? Payroll?) right away (before the next hour). They gave her a thousand warnings not to bother him at home, but she thinks it’s sufficiently important to do it. He is twitchy, he’s so nervous, looking repeatedly over his shoulder up the stairs [Ed. note: I guess it’s too early for him to get busted by his wife, if they’ve already signed up for added episodes and it could go for a year].

He stutters, oh, uh, sure, these papers are those…..She agrees, yes, they are. He panics again because he doesn’t have a pen. She calmly gets one out of her purse and he thanks her, signing the top one. She reminds him that he must sign the copies, too, his head bobbing up and down to look at her blankly with each exchange like he’s sleepwalking. She chuckles a little. She tells him his home is very pretty, a little far, but lovely. He agrees it’s far, finishes and shoves the papers and pen back to her. He asks if that is all. She says it is, and says she’ll go. He says, yes, that’s best. She looks up sharply at him and he realizes how rude that sounded and treads water, talking rapidly, about why it’s good for her to go, because it’s so far out, and she has less than an hour to get it back….she swiftly walks to the door, curtly apologizing for bothering him at home. He whirls around and tries to regain some ground; they’ll see each other before long at the office, don’t worry [Ed. note: if I were Paula, right now I’d be curious about why he’s in his robe in the middle of the day, and if that really is his wife home with him. I’m just sayin’.] He whirls around again as she exits, so his back is to the door, and boy, he looks like he’s just been busted big time. Well, not yet….

His wife, in her fluffy pink Turkish bathrobe, appears above by the lovely second floor railing, calling his name. He asks her what’s up. She reminds him that she asked first. She notes that he looks pale. [Ed note: Really? Couldn’t prove it by me. He looks red and sweaty to me]. He says no, she just scared him and gives some lame-a** excuse about thinking and being out in the clouds that makes her eyebrows go way up and she fusses at him about getting ready (getting closer to busted, CL). He’s relieved to have an excuse to quit this discussion, and runs off to shower.

Juan is waiting down on the drive with the limo, thought bubbling about how his little bit of heaven has such an expression (not happy), it’s an omen of a coming storm. Did they put that bad expression on her? He looks concerned. She looks around distractedly, tapping the folder against her hand again, and sighs deeply. Juan asks her if everything is all right. She says no, it seems that Sr. Farrell didn’t see this as important as she did, to get those papers in on time. He agrees it’s as she says (important) and opens the door for her, thought bubbling endearments [Ed. note: mi cinturita de hormiga? My little ant-waist? Hourglass? Is that supposed to mean she’s svelte?], lips of caramel.

Above, CL’s wife, Monica, is looking down at them. She wants to know who called. She looks concerned.

On Enrique’s microbus, Yadira is riding with him, not wearing her seatbelt in the from seat, right in front of the window, and she’s turned sideways to face him as they talk. [Ed Note: I didn’t follow exactly who they were talking about, but it seemed the subject was Alirio asking about Juan. Auxilio, anyone!]. She asked “what did he ask you?” Enrique, who is not watching the road and instead watching Yadira, explains it was a question about what he [Juan] was working at, how did Juan seem to him? Yadira asks why’d he want to know? Enrique replies, that’s just it. It seemed like it was pure curiosity. Yadira says, no way. It’s because Licenciado Perafán is JEALOUS! Why?! Because he thinks Mama and Juan have something going. Enrique is titillated. No! Perafán is confused (desubicado)! Yes, yes, she tells him, he’s very confused! She grins at the silliness of it all and turns around in her seat to put her crossed arms on the back of the seat [still not wearing her seatbelt, tsk.]

Monica calls CL, who is at the door. They’re ready to go, and he’s rolling her carry on out. He spins around at her abrupt call. In her fetching and very trendy teal outfit with little laces at the hips on both sides (and some skin under the laces), she walks toward him and asks him about who called. Was it an employee of the company she saw leaving? He stuffs his hands into his pockets [Ed. Note: does it keep the sweat controlled, Cesár?] Ah, yes, he recalls now…..Paula Dávila, the Commercial Vice President. After much looking around while he says this, he finally makes full eye contact, with very wide, earnest looking eyes for a split second. Why’d she come? I had to sign the registro. Very important business, and YOU wouldn’t let me answer the phone, and what’s more, I can’t find my cell phone anywhere (nice way of implying they tried to call), so they just came to take care of it, isn’t that a pain/shame? She asks what happened with Gomez? He was your right hand man, right? CL points a finger to make his point, like Garcia in Zorro, Gomez was a dark hand (not a right hand) and had to be let go. If you could just see all the things we found out! He was getting rich embezzling and raising the quoted prices. She’s impactada. Gomez? She shakes her head--he seemed so…..cynical, interjects CL. You can’t trust anyone anymore. He turns to leave. She pulls him back by asking, “This Paula, where’s she from?” He “thinks” for a moment, looking around thoughtfully—he doesn’t know. “You don’t know??” Well, she just came from the U. S., and had a very complete curriculum/major and very interesting. Monica notes that she didn’t see the woman well, but she seems very young. And very good-looking. “Young, yes. Good-looking, not so much.” “Or yes?” He rolls his eyes and affirms she’s good-looking, technically, but not the perfect, most good-looking woman in the world, Sra. Farrell….he touches her face and caresses. She smiles and he gives her a smoldering kiss. [Ed. Note: not bad, not bad, but the effect is diluted by his general sleaziness. The jury’s out.]

In Nidia’s room, lo and behold, she’s NOT there with Juan. She’s exercising (???) with one of those little stretchy rope things, pulling it with her hand while she stands on it, and talking with Marely. She’s wearing what must be her workout clothes. They actually cover most of her. (Tight, though). She complains about this torture. Marely begs her to pay attention. Nidia says she’s hearing her. [No eye contact, though. Nidia wouldn’t make it in Deaf Culture]. Nidia doesn’t understand why Marely wants to study at night. Yadira comes in and flops on the bed, complaining that she doesn’t want to study. She took one class and can’t stand the university. Marely says can look for a job during the day, and can’t leave off the studying. [Ed. Note: attagirl! Someone in this family has a sense of responsibility!] Her mother disagrees, but knows that it’s futile because when Marely gets an idea, there’s no getting it out of her head. She changes the subject back to her muscles [Ed. Note: gee, that was really a long conversation with Marely about HER goals, I guess we can give Nidia credit for parenting about a minute and a half today], saying that she’s getting buff day by day. She twirls and shows off her svelte self for the girls (delgada=thin, slim). Yadira tells her she shouldn’t just exercise, she needs some Vitamin T—Tacos, Tortas, Tamales, Tlayacoyitos (corncakes?). Nidia strokes herself and retorts about not getting the body like she wants it [whose did you mean, Nidia?] while Marely looks irritated and covers her face.

Marely tries to break in again, that they were talking about something important. Yadira says Mama’s health is more important than her whims. Marely is getting frustrated. She wonders if they don’t see that they have to support themselves somehow. She isn’t sure this guy’s offer (Juan’s) is for certain. They argue about it a bit, and Marely is concerned that they are letting someone they don’t know take care of them—aren’t they ashamed, whether or not he has the best of intentions? Yadira asks why (be ashamed)? Nidia says they’ve already talked this over. Well, whatever, Marely just wanted to let her know about the schedule change. She goes to leave, disgusted. Nidia calls her back, more gently. She’s worried about Marely having such a schedule (horario) at night; the city is dangerous to go out alone. She doesn’t want her daughter taking this kind of risk. Marely prefers taking the risk to standing around with crossed arms and doing nothing. [Attagirl!] Her mother tells her, okay, but don’t come crying to me because this is your decision. Do what you want. Marely stalks out.

Nidia tells Yadira she’s worried about Marely. [Whatever for? She’s the only self-actualized person around!] Yadira tells her they can’t do anything, just let her grow up. [Ed. Note: Sheesh.] Nidia talks about her exercise again, speaking of growing….

Juan and Paula are driving through the city, looking at it point by point, according to Juan. They talk about how far things are in the city. He’s willing to take care of these things. She responds with thanks, and this was an important matter; the chief has entrusted her with this important work, she needed to do it personally--he’s put all his confidence in her hands. Juan thought bubbles that he’ll put himself in her hands whenever she wants, little dove (palomita). [Ooh, his voice is so velvety when he’s talking to her in thought bubbles]. What a great thing--besides being so dedicated and responsible, he just is dying to tell her she looks so lovely when she’s absorbed in her paperwork. She looks up….[pobrecito, he probably can’t see the cleavage in the rear view mirror…..But he should be able to see she’s not wearing the seatbelt and he could stop the car, go and put it on her—just so he doesn’t get a ticket, of course. Juan’s wearing his.]….can he do her a favor? He tells her he’s there to serve her. She doesn’t really need to go back to the office, and because day after tomorrow is her mother’s birthday, she wants to put together a simple celebration. It’s been a long time since they had this time together, and she hasn’t had time to get this together because of work. He tells her not to worry, they’ll get it all together. What does she want? Breakfast, lunch, dinner, a clown (payaso), a magic show? She laughs. No, not that.

Juan thought bubbles that when she laughs, he dies. Her smile is enough to light up the entire street. Tell me you love me, and don’t torture me more, my love! Suddenly he and Paula are in a dream scene. She’s in the front seat, close to him while he drives with one hand (no seat belts, probably), her head on his shoulder. They’re talking lovingly. She tells him he says such pretty things to her. He’s only saying what he feels. Only the truth, my pearl. My Calvary of love (he went through hell to get her? His Labor of Love?). They almost kiss……….and the needle scrapes across the record as Paula shakes him out of his reverie. He tells her he was thinking about the little party for her mother. She tells him not to worry, just take her home for now because it’s a bit late to return to the office [Ed. Note: But you were there until REALLY late last night and it’s still light out now. What’s up with that?]

At Casa Cachón, he greets Yadira, who’s reading a magazine, and Marely, who is studying. Yadira returns the greeting while Marely ignores him. Yadira didn’t see the headlights. He gives a rushed explanation about where the car is. Yadira is a bit sad because she thought to go out (and apparently, Juan was her ride). She is so bored (aburrir). Well, they could go out in a taxi. He asks Marely what she thinks. She doesn’t look up and replies she wasn’t planning to go out. He says that’s best and rapidly babbles a cock-and-bull story about the bad air and how it affects the lungs. He leans toward Marely and says, “Right?” “Right?” She ignores him. He raises his eyebrows and gives up as we go to commercial.

Paula and Ana are at home. Paula asks why she’s up so early (madrugadora). Ana has to go out. Where? To the office. Why? She has to see about her separation payment from work. Paula wants to go with her, but Ana says, no, she’s too busy. Paula says she and Juan can go and wait for Ana. Ana doesn’t want that, and they go back and forth arguing gently, but Ana tells her to have a lovely day and leaves Paula smiling fondly at her.

CL is in his office, standing behind his chair and leaning both elbows on the back while he talks to Pastor. He firmly asks if Pastor understands clearly. Well, more or less. What more or less? Well, Pastor understands that CL’s wife might be asking about Paula. Well, all women are like that! They are always scoping out the territory. CL is worried that Paula is the worst case scenario. He raises his eyebrows meaningfully, and Pastor raises his questioningly. CL sees it—there’s no use trying to explain this to Pastor. He tells himself, “oh, yeah, sure. How are you going to know this?” Pastor purses his lips, annoyed. Okay, CL tells him, if Monica asks you about her, you have to say YOU brought her to this company. Gaitán, is that so difficult to understand? Pastor tells him not to worry, if she asks, I brought her to the company. CL says if he sees Paula, CL wants to talk to her. Pastor gets up from his chair.

At the Cachón Company, Ana is chatting with one of her former co-workers. The woman is pleased that Paula got a wonderful job despite the difficulties with looking for work (she won the lottery). Ana smiles proudly as she answers the phone. Then Ana tells her how well-prepared Paula is; the woman replies that she’s pretty, too. She begins to tell Ana the gossip about the Cachón Company. It seems that before he died, Samuel sold everything and no one who works there knows what will happen to them. Ana asks what Perafán says? Nothing. He doesn’t sit well with her (gives me a bad thorn). Between calls she’s answering, she tells Ana that the rumor is they’re all going to be put on the street. The friend asks why she wants to talk to Perafán. Ana says she’s taking care of her payout for her resignation, but Ana’s body language and hesitation suggest she’s telling a bit of a white lie. The friend wants to tell her one more item of gossip. What? That you’re fighting for your daughter’s rights, that Nidia is going to see to it that you’re left with nothing, and it’s war. You’re not going to just stand around with your arms crossed, though. That’s what the folks here are saying.

They see Perafán, who is trying to escape behind a fern. Ana says “don’t go yet,” and asks to talk to him. Sure, sure, they’ll meet in his office for a moment. He rushes around to usher her in as her friend says goodbye. Perafán gives the woman an eyebrow raise and shrug—he couldn’t get away, then follows Ana; the gal quickly dials her phone.

Paula is walking into the lobby at Farrell industries, with a crisp white mini-falda suit and a white purse. She is greeted at Ivonne’s desk by Pastor, who is standing behind Ivonne with his hand on her shoulder. He asks her how it went yesterday. She replies that CL didn’t bite her for going to his house [Ed. Note: not yet, but it’ll happen, honey]. Pastor tells her that’s good, and CL’s asking for her insistently, it seems he cannot live without the Licenciada Paula. She looks Pastor in the eye and tells him if he has something to say, do it more directly, don’t insinuate anything. He denies any such thing, it’s just that she is so efficient, she always finds a way to show up in the right place at exactly the right moment. She smiles sweetly and assures him it’s not hard, the one thing a person needs to do is focus on work and not stand around judging others, what they’re doing, or not doing. Pastor chuckles and notes that not everyone has that talent. Paula observes that that’s such bad luck for them. She’s giving him a lovely fake smile, clasping her hands in front of her.

Paula asks them if the boss isn’t waiting for her. Ivonne tells her there’s no need to announce herself, just go right on in, she’s in her HOUSE. She emphasizes the “Licenciada” so it’s questionable if it’s a term of respect. Paula thanks her with another veiled sarcastic comment about how sunny everyone is today, and goes in.

Ivonne clenches her fists, and expresses her irritation with this woman. Pastor tells her to be patient, because sooner or later the climber is going to bite the dust (Ivonne used unfamiliar idioms, but the intent was clear). He just knows she is.

CL stands to greet her, while we have a shot of Paula’s okole. Not a single panty line with that fitted white skirt. My guess is that if Ferro is watching, he’s drooling at the very least. (Mrs. Ferro, keep a leash on the boy during Yo Amo a Juan. On the other hand, you might be too busy yourself checking on Juan or Cesár). He asks her how everything is going on one item of business, and she says everything’s in order. He tells her to sit, and begins on a super apology for his behavior at his home yesterday—he might have seemed discourteous (descortés). He must have seemed anxious and nervous. She assures him that he doesn’t need to explain. They warned her of the consequences of bothering him at his home. He says that’s not it. It’s just that his wife was there, it was extremely tense, and they had this terrible discussion. Every day that passes the communication is more difficult. His facial expression is upset, desperate. It’s affecting his work. He’s so sorry! She reaches over and touches his hand, looking into his big, puppy dog eyes and sorrowful face. She reassures him it’s fine, nothing happened. He talks her into having lunch with him, to make up for his rudeness, and he won’t bore her with his personal tragedy. She asks about his wife---well, she left on another trip.

Paula says now she has a mountain of paperwork since she was consumed with the registry signature yesterday. He says if he had five workers like her, the business would be in great shape. She leaves and he smiles to himself.

Perafán is handing Ana a document, but it’s not the copy of the will she wants to see. He tries to get her onto another track. She asks him why she can’t see the actual will. He says this process happens slowly. It needs to pass through lots of people—secretary, judge—etc. She tells him it’s simple, she just wants to SEE the will of Samuel. A copy. Oh, no! A will must not be copied! Wills are strictly controlled. He gestures, emphasizes, jumps up and sits back down, and generally gives her a line. He says this is the case even more when it’s like this, where the will is being contested by the Cachón family. She says if it is so complicated, okay, she’ll contract with another lawyer for herself. He argues that she is like family and shouldn’t do that with a nobody lawyer. If she gives him a few more days, he’ll find a way for her to read it for herself and resolve her doubts. And he wont’ tell anyone anything so he’s not in a big mess.

Pastor comes down to the garage and greets Juan and Fernando, who are just sitting and waiting for their bosses to need them to go somewhere (not a bad job, if you ask me). Fernando ignores Pastor and Juan greets him with a smile and eye contact. [Ed. Note: not hard to do, since Juan’s sitting and Pastor’s standing, he’s at Juan’s eye level]. Juan thought bubbles about Pastor’s timely arrival. Pastor asks if they’re busy. (Does it look like it, Bubba?) Fernando says he is, but not sure about your FRIEND. He gets up and walks away. Pastor says he’s antisocial and Juan defends his colleague. Pastor doesn’t trust him. They chat a minute, and Pastor gets to the point. He has an indecorous proposal. [Glad YOU realize that’s indecorous, Pastor.] Juan thought bubbles; what’s up now? Let’s go to lunch. Pastor has reservations at a very elegant restaurant. Juan will loooove it. Then, they’ll go buy shoes so Pastor doesn’t have to see him wearing those boots any more. [Ed. Note: JUAN! It’s a set up, boy! Pay attention! What’s wrong with the boots, anyway. We love ‘em]. Juan is worried about his boss. No problem, Pastor knows she’s going to lunch with the big boss. Juan thought bubbles to himself. Pastor is turning out to be a big, fat problem for him. Juan hasn’t figured out how to show everyone he doesn’t lean that way. He hits the desk. Across the room, Fernando grins slyly at him. Juan looks like a thundercloud. This lunch invite is giving him more problems than he already had. As we cut to commercial, we see Pastor brushing on a little blush, right on the apples of his cheeks.

Here’s Nidia, in her bedroom with Yadira coming in. Yadira gestures toward downstairs. Nidia knows immediately: “oh, no. Not Alirio again?” “Yes, Mommy. He says it’s urgent.” “Oh, this man has his cap set {for me}.” How is she going to get rid of this burden? They fuss with each other about it. Tell him I have a headache. You’ve used that excuse. I’m asleep. Used it, hundreds of times. Finally Nidia gives up and goes down.

She chides Alirio for showing up without calling first. He says it’s urgent, and it was hard for him to come and bother her. She tells him no one said it was a bother. He says, yup, this time I’ve brought you a bother. He tells her about the serious problems with Ana who wants to see the will. Nidia wonders why such good people like herself have to have such problems. Well, Perafán knows there is just one explanation. There is someone behind this all. Who? Perafán barely dares to say the name: Juan Dominguez. Nidia is a bit impactada.

Juan is in the garage again, reading a mini-comic book. He’s gesturing to imitate the pictures and laughing to himself. Enrique comes up the stairs into the garage. Whereas Juan has on a tie and jacket, Enrique has a collared t-shirt, which is pinkish, with some sort of picture on the chest. It fits very tightly over his protruding tummy. He finds Juan, and is jubilant. Juan wonders what demons have him here. He just wanted to see Juan’s workplace, and he had some time. Juan fusses about him coming and Enrique, who is now a little hurt about Juan’s greeting, reminds him he financed what Juan’s wearing, etc. Juan tries to explain about the gossipy people here. Enrique is placated and they chat some more. Juan explains he has an appointment with a higher-up. Enrique says this is not strictly a social visit. He needs to tell Juan about Perafán. What??? Perafán was asking questions about you? About what? About EVERYTHING! Where you came from, etc. He interrogated me! Juan thinks that’s strange. Enrique agrees, he thought the same, that’s why he came to tell the gossip. Most of all, the crazy thing is the old boy is jealous. Enrique chuckles.

In Nidia’s study, she denies that she’s going to get Juan mixed up in this. Perafán tells her what a good person she is, but reminds her that Juan is the sole connection between her and the Dávila women. Nidia laughs. To her, there’s no connection. He wonders what this guy has that makes her so blind? She hoists her chest and takes a deep breath. She gets serious and tells him first he praises her, then he offends. No one is permitted to do that. They argue about it, and he says the evidence is great, he has a sixth sense about it. He argues about the connection between Juan and Ana. The info goes from this house to her ears. She tells him he’s making her afraid, and he retorts that he has motives of doing it, because of the immediate danger: Ana is getting another lawyer! Nidia has the good sense to be impactada.

Here’s Pastor, tripping lightly down the escalator. He waves at Juan, who grimaces and is at the bottom. Is Juan ready? At the end of the escalator, he gives a little skip. Enrique looks concerned, and rubs his arms like he’s brushing bugs away. He thought bubbles about Pastor, a fat old man. Juan smiles and thought bubbles that this was all he needed…… Pastor approaches them and greets them, wondering if Juan is going to introduce them. Enrique lowers his voice a couple of octaves and gives a very mean, masculine look while he returns the greeting. Juan and Enrique exchange looks that are muy impactados.

In Nidia’s study, she’s asking Perafán what advice he gives. For now, he says, they should be just alert. They need to be aware of every last cent her husband left. She doesn’t think so. Well, he tells her, it’s best they keep their eyes peeled, and resolve the problem with Ana. Nidia calls her a name and says she robs husbands and fortunes. What right does she have? She has the right of law, because her husband left Ana everything, Perafán says. But, he has a strategy. He’s going to create a second will, a forgery. She says, you’re creating a false will? She looks horrified. He tells her that it’s the only way they’ll win. It’s a risk, but they cannot win without it. She looks totally disgusted with the idea. She trusts his good judgment, and tells him to be careful. Finally, Nidia agrees it will be fine as long as she doesn’t get her hands dirty.

Juan introduces Pastor to Enrique. Pastor extends hand out for a….kiss???? Juan prompts him as Enrique looks totally weirded out, grabs it and pumps it up and down in a handshake that leaves Pastor rubbing his arm and adjusting his toupee. Pastor is dying of hunger, so he runs off to the car and Juan excuses himself with Enrique and trails after Pastor. Enrique peers around the corner at them, then talks to himself about what he just witnessed. He wonders if Juan leans that way?

At the Casa Cachón, Marely is sitting on the steps, waiting for Alirio (with lots of décolletage). As he leaves the study, she calls him and he responds. She needs to talk to him. He wonders if she’s waited long. A while, but she didn’t want to interrupt because it was something important. He stumbles around about the business he had with Nidia, but then asks her to tell him what she needs. She needs a favor. He’s ready to help. She wants him to help her find work, to use his contacts. She explains about her university schedule and how she changed it so she can help the family by working. He is a little impactado and proud (how noble, like father, like offspring). He’ll make a couple of calls and see what he can do, but she can’t tell Mama he’s helping. She promises.

At Farell Industries, Cesár comes to Ivonne’s desk; he’s on the way to lunch with Paula. She tells him not to be cynical, and he tells her not to be imprudent. What’s her problem? Well, she wonders if he isn’t worried about an office scandal. He thinks not, but she could suffer some difficult consequences. He wants her to know for certain she could be the one to lose the most. He always follows through with his enemies and that’s why the money always falls at his side. He wins. She tells him that some day he’ll pay for all he’s done. He tells her until that day arrives she better maintain her control. He leans over her desk in an intimidating manner and wishes her farewell.

CL goes into Paula’s office to see her, legs crossed at the ankles and resting up on a ledge, focused on paperwork—facing away from the door. She realizes he’s there and wonders how long he’s been there? He was pleased to see her so focused and didn’t want to interrupt. It’s admirable how a woman can be so beautiful and efficient at the same time. That’s a comment without any double meaning, he says. She smiles shyly and is pleased. She looks at her watch and ask forgiveness, she lost track of the time. They go.

At the lovely restaurant, Pastor wants Juan to have wine, but Juan wants another drink. He explains the drink to the waiter, cane alcohol, very dark. Pastor interrupts and finishes the order. He prevails; a good wine accompanies a good meal. Juan is impactado and a bit dismayed. The waiter brings red wine. Pastor explains to Juan how things are done in this world, and an aperitif is taken to relax a bit after work. Juan thought bubbles about relaxing. This isn’t exactly what he has in mind when he thinks of relaxing.

Pastor is worried about Juan’s very intense expression. He wonders what Juan is thinking. Nothing! He thought bubbles that first Pastor has criticized his beloved boots, and now made him drink wine instead of his own favorite. Next thing you know he’ll be having me cut my locks. He’s crazy. If anything characterizes me, Juan, it’s this hairstyle! (He flips his hair a bit, which pleases Pastor). They both smile widely.

Pastor keeps talking while Juan smiles, plays with the wine bottle, and thought bubbles until WHOA! What’s this? He sees Paula coming in with CL and thought bubbles that his love of loves is with the big boss. He tells himself he wants to hide under the table or throw himself out of the window. He begins to slide down in his chair, and tells himself he’s with this loco Gaitán. Paula and CL arrive at the table, she smiling widely and CL looking a bit impactado. Pastor is staring at Juan’s strange behavior. Juan gives a little point behind Pastor. They both stand to greet the bosses. Everyone smiles and stares uncomfortably as we go to commercial.

Juan invites the bosses to be seated and eat lunch with them. Pastor agrees. CL attempts to decline. They shouldn’t mix their meal with work. Paula agrees, that would be a shame. Pastor protests they would be honored to have the bosses with them. Juan makes welcoming gestures behind him. CL says, in no uncertain terms, but gently, NO. Some other time, gentlemen. He and Paula move to their table.

CL leans over to ask what she thinks is up with Gaitán. His face lights up with the gossip. She thinks it’s okay once in a while to have these kinds of interactions/activities with the employees. CL presses her that they really appear to be behaving like sweethearts. Poor, naïve Paula is impactada. She tells him, well, I’ve noted this about Gaitán, but Juan….????? Nah. He tells her to look. Hasn’t she noticed that her chauffeur and Pastor look like a couple? No. She had no such idea. She can’t buy it. CL pushes….look at them, they look like they’re enamored of each other. Juan looks over at her with a bit of a scowl and Pastor looks their way, too.

At the same moment, Pastor tells Juan to look at them. What do you think is up with Don CL? Juan isn’t sure it’s so bad for the boss to invite one of the execs to lunch. Pastor points out this isn’t a lunch with a boss and one of his execs. Nope, this is a typical strategy of CL with his women….he brings them subtly into his trap. ¿QUÉ?? What, don’t tell me you haven’t realized, he and Paula are into a romance? No, Juan had no idea. Pastor says, okay, explain to me then, how in less than a week, this woman has gone from a complete unknown to Commercial Vice President of Farell Industries in 60 seconds flat? Well, she has her own merits, (great credentials). Juan looks like he might be getting a little hot under the collar. He’s talking more slowly and softly than usual. Pastor, pay attention! This is not a Good Thing. Juan tells him Paula is very intelligent, well-studied/prepared, etc.

Pastor tells him, “let me laugh!” Juan thought bubbles angrily. This stupid old man’s talking stink [Ed. Note: apparently some Spanish phrases are exactly the same as Hawaiian Pidgin phrases!] about my caramel mouth. He thought bubbles to himself about this situation. He’s not so worried what Pastor is thinking, but what she is thinking of him. He says to himself, Ay, what a mess! Paula and CL are laughing and looking over at Juan and Pastor. Paula looks at Juan, who is looking at her.

CL leans in to tell her that according to his experience, this is one of Gaitán’s typical strategies, that he invites a guy to an elegant restaurant with a pretext of a working lunch and it’s the old mousetrap trick. You lure the mouse into the trap and when he gets to the cheese, it snaps. That’s not exactly how she sees Juan. What? Hadn’t she realized? No, she hadn’t, she swears! Well, how could you explain to me how this guy, with no real skills, has come to work for the VP of Farell Industries (paraphrase)? Well, maybe Juan has other qualities? No, but if you ever have any problem with him, CL tells her, just tell me and I’ll stop Pastor’s little game. CL is not pleased that Pastor uses his little bit of power this way. Paula protests that Juan is a very good boy, and I’m doing well with him. [Ed. Note: Good call, honey.]

CL tells her they need to stop wasting time talking about the romance of her chauffeur and his personnel director. Better they talk about each other. Juan is giving them the glare of all time, and he’s been glaring in their direction off and on for several minutes while Gaitán talked about them. They’ve been returning the favor, watching Juan and his lunch partner while talking about them, too.

Yadira is on Enrique’s micro again, and wants to know what has him so upset. He doesn’t want to say. What? It’s about Juan. She turns in her seat (no seatbelt yet again, and it’s raining!), eager for the gossip. Tell me, she demands. Nope, I promised to hold my tongue, he tells her. You don’t trust me, she accuses. He tells never could hold her tongue and would tell everyone. They argue about him trusting her with the gossip. Finally, he’s ready to spill it and warns her about telling anyone. He tries to tell her with approximately four euphemisms before she finally gets it: Juan might be batting left-handed. He likes guys. She is muy impactada. Her bright red fingernailed hands come up to cover her mouth while her eyes are wiiiide open. And we are informed, once again, that any appearance that this is real is pure coincidence. ;-)

Vocabulario:

desubicado=confused
delgada=thin, slim
palomita= dove
horario=schedule
mago=magician
payaso= clown
aburrir= bored
madrugadora =up so early, early riser
descortés= discourteous
ratonera=mousetrap

Jeanne

Labels: Juan