Caray, Caray!

We see Paula’s fierce disagreement with her mother again. Paula wants to live her life and make her own mistakes, because at the end of the story it’s her life, after all. Ana cannot accept it, though it pains her. They have nothing more to discuss, and Paula leaves….forever. Ana wishes her well, and Paula responds that she loves her mother. Ana says regardless of all this, she will be there to help Paula if she needs it. As they cry, Paula leaves.

On the sidewalk, Juan waits with a somber look. Paula throws herself into his arms; it’s a mixed blessing. He thought bubbles that here she is, closer than she’s ever been, hugging him and crying like a defenseless child. He puts his arms around her. He sees the irony that she is so sad and crying so much while he is feeling the greatest happiness of his life. But there you have it. He wishes this moment would continue into eternity and tells his watch to stop the time on its hands, that this moment would never leave him. They leave in the car, with Ana coming out to see the car go, her face grief-stricken.

At Farell Industries, Kike is kicked back for a lovely long chat with the owner, our own CL, who looks a tad chagrined. Kike regrets taking up his time but really needs to talk to him. Juan spoke about him? Of course, CL replies, while he struggles to figure out what this is. Kike fills in the gaps about the work he’s done, particularly with Cachón Industries early on, may Samuel rest in peace. He stands and does a twirl for CL, proclaiming himself the sole owner of a microbus. CL tries to look duly impressed and mutters all the right platitudes, and you’re here why???......What? Juan didn’t tell you? Sure, but I want to hear from you the precise details about what you’re seeking, CL recovers. Ah, Kike seats himself and tells about wanting to set up his own business. He touches the desk and is startled as his chair scoots backwards, he recovers and scoots forward while he continues to explain. He needs someone to invest so he’ll have a steady job. The light dawns for CL. But, Kike really wants to know if he has an opportunity this company. He looks around meaningfully. CL sees no problem since Juan recommended him. Kike grabs his hand and pumps it, thanking him effusively. CL finally grabs his hand away looking a bit irritated and barking at Kike, and tells him to go work the details out with Juan. Kike looks dismayed at having irritated CL, then smiles gratefully.

In the car, Juan watches the rearview mirror and hands the bandana he always carries in his waistband back to Paula to dry her tears. He tries to comfort her, but she says that her mother is very proud. He grins and tells her it sounds like someone he knows, right? She chuckles a little. She says she can’t deny she’s like her mother. He points out he succeeded in getting a smile out of her. He tells her that when she smiles, all the sky in the universe is lighted up. Her smile is so, so, so lovely. He thought bubbles about how this woman of his life is so fragile. He hates to see her suffering and won’t leave her alone for anything in the world. He’ll forget all other women, including his little Marely. He’s going to focus on one: Paula Dávila.

CL welcomes a smiling Monica and not-smiling Pastor to his office. She doesn’t understand why Pastor wants that section of the company reorganized. He tries to explain why it should be as he stands behind her, trying to send signals to CL to work with him here. CL points out it looks good on the surface but really needs work. She’s perfect for it. Nope. Not acceptable. They don’t need me there, she says. Okay, what do you think to do? Something closer to you! CL agrees in a voice that’s going half an octave higher than usual. Monica’s got to go to Doctor Baquero, and Pastor makes a lame joke about whether he’s a doctor or a cattle tender (vaquero). She rolls her eyes and works on CL to go with her. He works overtime to get out of it, but gets stuck. He escorts her out the door with his arm around her waist, but turns back to make threatening gestures at Pastor, who is beginning to look desperate.

In the garage, Fern does his crossword while Juan helps Paula out of the car. She comes face to face with CL and Monica. CL, anxiety at high pitch, looks at Paula, then Monica and then Paula. He nervously introduces them, and Monica smiles while Fern and Juan lean together whispering and making book about whether there will be an explosion soon.

CL tells Monica that this is VP he told her about. Monica makes a complimentary comment about all she’s heard from her husband, and Paula is self-effacing. CL’s gal pals chitchat, and his anxiety increases as Paula directs a terse “gee, thanks a lot, Licenciado” at him that Monica doesn’t register as unusual, but CL sure does. He rushes Monica off to their appointment, so they “won’t be late.” Monica wishes her a lovely farewell and goes to the car; CL looks back over his shoulder while Paula glares at him over hers. He knows he’s in deep kim-chee, it’s every mujeriego’s worst nightmare, having his wife meet the paramour he really, really wants to keep getting it on with. Paula stalks off with Juan on her heels.

At Marely’s desk, Kike is jubilant. He was so smooth with the “lic.” He’s in like Flynn! She grins at him fondly. What’s he going to do there? He’s not sure, but it’s going to be good, because of Juan.

In the elevator, Juan comments on how lovely the boss’s wife is, and didn’t they look cute together. Paula is distinctly displeased, makes a terse comment to Juan, and he registers that he’s made a faux pas, rubbing salt in the wound. Oops.

They enter the lobby, with Paula thanking him while she stalks off to her office, where Kike is still celebrating his good luck with Marely. Juan looks worried, still by the elevator, and Kike spots him. Kike runs over to him, exclaiming at approximately 95 decibels that Juan has been busy but got everything arranged. He grabs Juan’s hand and shakes it. A crowd is gathering to enjoy the exchange. He grabs Juan to hug him, telling Juan to let him thank him as he deserves, he’s of the law (a real solid guy!). Kike lets him go and pumps his hand again. Fellow workers are enjoying the show. Kike kisses the back of Juan’s hand. Juan nervously asks what he means. Guess what? I can’t guess! Kike wants to go to his office to tell him in private. Juan talks him out of it. He’d rather eat. So early? Okay. Kike continues patting and thanking Juan while he pushes Juan to the elevator. Juan sees the suave persona he’s established for himself with co-workers evaporating before his eyes. Kike grabs him around the waist, grabs Juan around his own shoulder, and reaches for the elevator button. The crowd is well and truly mesmerized.

CL and Monica are chatting, sitting close together in his car while Fern tries to act like he’s ignoring the exchange. Monica thinks Paula seems very lovely. She waxes eloquent about Paula’s virtues and loveliness; she’s young, too. She thought of Paula as different, but she seems self-assured. Monica likes her, and is glad to have talked with her. CL is less and less happy with this new coil. Monica is always interested in the commercial area of the business and may be able to help soon. CL doesn’t THINK so. Why? Paula’s new, etc. Oh, but she is well prepared to do this job! Yes, Monica understands, but thinks they’d make a good team. Fernando has given up trying to listen inconspicuously, and is grinning from ear to ear about this new development. CL is about-to-be-busted impactado.

In Paula’s office, Marely comes in and Paula asks for a favor, and also, please don’t call me Licenciada because it makes me feel so old. Marely wants to know if she wants to go eat together. Paula’s not hungry. [Ed. Note: why not? After meeting the amante’s wife, she should be going for Ben and Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. Julie taught me that.] Marely says CL was looking for her, and Paula says she met up with them in the garage. Paula asks Marely for a favor again.

At the cemetery, Rosario and Ana appear to be preparing flowers for Samuel’s grave. Ana tells about the problems with Paula, and she couldn’t find a way to prevent Paula from making the same mistake as she did. Rosario asks what was that? Loving a married man. Rosario comforts Ana.

In a restaurant, Juan cannot believe what Kike is saying about the discussion he had with CL. Kike insists that CL said good things about Juan, this guy adores you! (Sorry, folks, I couldn’t find many of the words in my multiple dictionaries). Kike never would have believed that Juan would have so many “ins” (palancas = handles) with the boss. He is jubilant still about this turn of events. Juan tries to be very humble about this. Now Kike is his fan. Juan thought bubbles that this is all very lovely, but there’s a major doubt in here, with CL covering his back like this. Boy, is he ever going to owe CL big time. It’s pretty strange.

In the cemetery, Rosario and Ana walk away from the grave, talking about Paula’s situation. Rosario points out that Ana doesn’t have proof positive of a relationship between CL and Paula, he might actually be getting ready to separate from his wife. He wouldn’t be the first man in the world to do that. The majority of such relationships work out. She encourages Ana not to deny her daughter’s right to the experience. She encourages Ana to prove to herself somehow if CL will really divorce his wife for Paula. They talk about how they can find out.

At the doctor’s office, Monica is excited about what they saw on the sonogram, and CL is sour about it. He really tries to dampen her enthusiasm. She doesn’t understand his lack of it. She wants to go eat a huge steak and salad. He doesn’t want to, because he wants to get back to the office. She talks him into the lunch. He makes all the proper noises for a loving husband, but his face tells another story…..

Marely brings a folder into Paula’s office, concern on her face. It’s what Paula wanted, but Marely wants to know if it’s what she really wants to do. Paula sighs and signs a letter in the folder. Marely is upset.

Yadira comes into Nidia’s bedroom to see her mother rubbing her temples and slams the door. Nidia holds her palm out to Yadira to leave her alone. Yadi looks disgusted with Mami. Poor Mami, her head aches sooo much! Yadira isn’t buying it, and demands to know why Alirio is so afraid of Paula. Nidia gets shifty-eyed.

Pastor is receiving a paper from Paula and asks her what it is. He is muy impactado to hear it’s her letter of resignation. Why? What’s bothering her? She says it’s strictly personal. He points out how briefly she’s been there, her whole career is in front of her. She says yes, in the US. He wonders if someone has bothered her. She gives the perfect answer for anyone exiting a job with personal reasons: I feel these are opportunities I need to have. He stands up; he’s aware they’ve had their differences, but they really ought to try to understand each other. She bitterly tells him it’s not about him. It leaves him completely cold, he says. She slightly sarcastically thanks him for everything and apologizes for the bother it caused him. Pastor looks at the letter again as she leaves, biting his lip and no doubt worrying about how CL is going to blame him for her abrupt exit.

Nidia complains to Yadi about Alirio because he’s worried about Paula fighting for an inheritance from her father. Yadi wants to know if she really could, and Nidia says she has nothing to reclaim. Yadi’s not so sure. Nidia wants to be left quiet, so Yadi stalks out while Nidia peeps at her behind the hands she has at her temples, and Yadi gives the door a good slam on the way out. Nidia drops her hands and rolls her eyes, and tells Alirio in absentia that he’d BETTER get her that money.

Speak of the devil! Alirio’s incognito at the bank in line with his shades on. He talks to himself, gets out of line, convinces himself to get back in, and pushes the people out of the way to get his place back, then talks himself out of line again.

Monica and CL are enjoying a pleasant, cozy lunch. Well, at least half of them are enjoying the pleasant, cozy lunch. She’s telling him there’s clearly no place at Farell Industries for her. He tries to be comforting while still affirming that there really isn’t any place for her there and they talk back and forth about her options and how Farell isn’t the right one…..so she’s going to set up her own business from home. She won’t have to travel and can be close to the baby. CL thinks that’s the best idea she’s EVER had. [Ed. Note: we just bet it is, CL]. He leans over to kiss her and his cell phone rings. She’s disgusted.

It’s Pastor. What could be so important that CL’s lunch is interrupted? Pastor tells CL he has in his hand Paula Dávila’s letter of resignation. THAT gets CL’s full attention!

In Paula’s office, Marely is scrambling to try to get Paula to stay; she’s worried about her own job, too. [Ed. Note: Marely, honey, pay close attention: you are the boss’s goddaughter. Your job is SECURE!] She tries to get Paula to tell her why she’s leaving. Paula tap dances about her reasons, and alludes to some other folks in this office.

CL has left the table to talk to Pastor. He asks about the letter and Paula’s reasons. Pastor can’t tell him much except it seems to him Paula didn’t like seeing him with his wife too much. CL panics, tells him to stall Paula, and works his way out of lunch with his wife faster than the speed of light.

In Paula’s office, Marely tells Paula she’s surprised that Paula is running away from the problem. She has a great job. She should stay and fight for what she wants. Paula denies this, it’s a lost battle. Marely is disappointed. She says Paula seems like a strong woman, a fighter. Paula is tired of fighting. Marely takes her hand across the desk and is hopeful that Paula will trust her enough to tell her what’s really going on. Paula begins to cry and sits back; Marely leaves, looking back sadly over her shoulder.

Monica asks CL if he’s gotten really bad news. He should get an Oscar for this performance. The news is sooo bad. She wants to go back with him to help. He weasels out of taking her back to Farell Industries. He tells her she is always there when he needs her….

In the garage, Juan finds Paula just standing. Why didn’t she tell him she was waiting there? She tells him there’s no hurry. [Ed. Note: guess not, since you just told them to take this job and shove it, Paula.] He thought bubbles that at the time he thought this was because of the fuss with her mother, but it was about her resignation. Troubles always come in together. He asks if she has eaten; she hasn’t. She wants to go to the hotel. He tells her troubles are better with bread. He thought bubbles about his little caramel mouth and this trouble. Juan asks her if she’s sure she wants to go to the hotel. Yes. He thought bubbles that this would be his chance…..He leans into the open window of the car and asks if he can ask her something. What? Don’t misunderstand me, you’ve been good folk with me….she doesn’t want to talk about the fuss with her mother again. No, that’s not it; could I invite you out to eat? She’s a bit impactado.

Rosario and Ana search through Samuel’s papers. Ana hopes to find CL’s home number. What??? Is she going to make anonymous calls like Ivonne made to her? Apparently. They talk about how so many women have become involved with forbidden men and suffered; it seems that Rosario has suffered, too. [Ed. Note: it wasn’t clear to me if she was the woman cheating with a married man or cheated on by her husband. Help!] Women have so much to overcome in this world of men.

Paula gets out of the car. [Ed. Note: huh? She just got in and wants to go to the hotel.] Juan affirms he wants to take her out to eat. He won’t let her be alone now. He sees it in her eyes; they are the windows of her soul. But she wants to be alone. He won’t let her. He just wants to be with her. He steps closer, so she is looking waaaaaay up. She finally smiles and tells him he’s an angel. He thought bubbles that this woman really knows how to cherish with words. He responds, okay, I’m an angel, is that a yes or a no? She chuckles that it’s a yes. She wants to go to her hotel and get freshened up and then go out. Juan, beaming and stumbling over words, helps her into the car. He dances around the car and thought bubbles that she wants to freshen up for HIM! He is totally stoked as he thought bubbles about his turn of good fortune. He drives out of Farell’s garage as CL’s and Monica’s taxi pulls up……

….but oops, Monica’s not with when his taxi gets back to Farell. Good job, CL. In Pastor’s office, CL holds the letter and begins to rant about her stupid resignation. Pastor tries to calm him. No luck. [Ed. Note: Pastor, this is a lost cause, trust us. His hormones are out of control, so you might as well give it up now). CL yells that Paula knew he was a married man when she saw him in the garage with his wife! CL yells at Pastor. Didn’t he try to convince her to change her mind? Yes, but it was useless. CL keeps yelling and Pastor cowers at the rage. Marely comes in; apparently, someone called for her. CL asks if she knows what’s up with Paula, is she coming back? Nope. She didn’t tell Marely anything. CL storms out, bumping the stuffing out of Ivonne (it’s just a saying, there’s no stuffing missing, folks). Ivonne complains about being bumped and wonders what’s up with this guy? Pastor hands her the letter. She reads with her lips moving and smiles, and smiles, and smiles….we see Marely’s face looking increasingly distressed at Ivonne’s glee…..Pastor smiles at Ivonne and nods slightly, yep, ding dong, the WITCH IS DEAD! Marely’s eyes glance toward the smiling Pastor…..

Nidia comes into her bedroom in her bathrobe and slippers, her hair up in a spiked ponytail. She is deep in thought. She turns to her bed and screams at the top of her lungs…..and we see male legs bent up on top of the bed, naked except for white socks with red stripes. [Ed. Note: we know immediately it isn’t Juan because he’d have his boots on.] HORRORS! It’s Delirio wearing an evil, sleazy grin and not much else. Nidia backs against the wall, and calls to her God to protect her. Delirio’s tongue gently licks his upper lip as he contemplates the near future……[Ed. Note: Eeew. Gross!] Nidia is disgusted-commercial impactada.

Again the intro to the next scene shows Alirio counting money….omigosh, we’re back in Nidia’s bedroom with a semi-nude Alirio adorning her bed, his shirt and tie causally flung over the side blocking our view of his glorious self. The camera pans to show his hairy legs and arms [Ed. Note: keep this muchacho DRESSED, director!] with his sleeveless tank-style undershirt and white socks with red stripes. What have we here? There’s a slim piece of paper sticking out of one of his socks. He holds out her arms and tells her not to be afraid of the temptations of the flesh. There is just no way words can describe how sleazy he is here. She puts her hand up as a blinder and won’t look. It’s not fear, she says! (disgust? Chamuco?) He tells her not to suffer, not to repress her desire (his sugared Queen). She’s looking at him like he’s a toad on her bed and he’s not getting it. [Ed. note: Alirio, pay attention!] He creeps toward her on his knees toward the end of the bed. She tells him the only thing she’s afraid of is that she’s going to slap him [Ed. note: what’s holding you back here?] and she’s going to call the police if he doesn’t get the heck out. Alirio wants to know what’s up with that? Here he has so much ardor (he looks downward to emphasize the ardor) and she’s rejecting him. She calls him a thief. He pulls the paper out of his sock (smooth, Alirio! Nice shot of all that hair on your leg). What? It’s a check with all the inheritance from her deceased hubby. She gasps with pleasure as he smiles smarmily and holds it out toward her….but pulls it back. There is no greater proof of his love….he falls gracefully onto his back on her bed in a suggestive position with the check in his hand over his head…..and oh, yes, in case you wondered—it’s boxers, not briefs. Fairly tight boxers at that. He drops the check behind him on the nightstand and continues to attempt to tempt. His legs get wider and wider apart. He says he’s not moving…..until they have put out this fire together. She smirks at him while she eyes the check and moves toward him, grasping his hands until she can pull him up and push him right out the door, telling him it won’t happen until h*** freezes over. [Ed. Note: okay, I paraphrased.]

Alirio, out in the hall by now, wonders why not? He’s gotten the estate back to her. Doesn’t he please her? (He indicates his marvelous self, top to bottom….use your imagination ‘cause I ain’t describing the gesture). Well, I would if you were an Adonis, she says and gestures toward him, but that ain’t the case. If they marry, they marry. Until then, she’s old-fashioned and is going to do things as God requires. They’re back in the bedroom and Alirio sees his window of opportunity closing fast…..He wants some proof of her love! She holds him off with her hands, true silent movie style. But wait, they’re talking still. She calls him a libertine. He grabs at her and tries to paw her; she bats him away and runs to the stairs. He follows and stands at the top of the stairs, begging her with open arms and legs. Nidia poses on the steps flinging one hand against her chest and moving her robe up on her leg with the other, looking at the ceiling like the true Drama Queen she is as she tells him passionately about why he’s not getting’ any. He declares that he’s Tarzan and pounds his chest. [Ed. Note: the director really didn’t need to include the crotch shot here.] She slinks down the steps while he continues to beg and she yells at him. He’s somehow gotten his dark shoes on and follows her down the steps, still begging and calling out endearments like “my heart of melon.” They arrive at the fireplace in the living room and turn around just in time to be totally impactados by the sight of Juan coming in, also totally impactado at two underdressed seniors. [Ed Note: What an incredible performance by these two! Pure vaudeville! Total comedy!]

Nidia runs to hide behind Juan. He wants to know qué the heck is happening here!?? He throws Alirio two pillows to cover his vital parts, (which are already covered by boxers, for what it’s worth.) Alirio denies anything is going on. Nidia pipes up from behind Juan that he shouldn’t leave her alone with this nut. [Ed. Note: okay, maybe she didn’t say nut.] Juan thought bubbles to himself about this extraordinary scene with Alirio’s ardor that he never would have thought to see, and that as the man of the house he needs to clarify the situation and bring order. He yells at Alirio—caramba, what’s happening in this house??? Alirio looks pleadingly at him, still holding one pillow in front and one behind.

In Ana’s house, she and Rosario have found what they wanted and Ana is about to call CL’s wife. She can’t, though. Rosario convinces her it’s for her own peach of mind, a good cause. Ana calls and gets the maid. She lies that she’s calling from a company and it’s very important…..for the lady of the house. Ana’s doorbell rings. Rosario gets it. CL storms in, telling her good afternoon and seeing her on the phone. Ana looks at him, impactada, as Monica answers.

Nidia sits on her bed and complains about that crazy Alirio to Juan. Oh, my, what a sob story! Juan couldn’t have arrived at a better moment, Alirio was about to dishonor her and smear her reputation! Juan is incensed. She’s a decent woman! She tells him he says such lovely things that RAISE her spirits (hoisting). Alirio is an animal who cannot control his instincts. She gets up and backs Juan against the wall….the difference with him is that he is always a total gentleman. He realizes she’s got him nailed and he tries to talk his way out of the corner. They exchange thoughts about Alirio while Nidia strokes Juan’s bodacious chest. He’s getting nervous as a cat with its tail under a rocking chair. She calls him the man of the house; God blessed the home by putting him there. Juan finally works up his courage and puts her away from him when she starts caressing his face. He wants to have a serious talk. She gets Alirio’s clothes, shoves them at Juan, and tells him to tell that prehistoric animal that she never wants to see him in her life again. Juan takes the clothes and beats a path out. Nidia goes back to the check on the nightstand. She kisses it several times.

At the steelhouse, Monica and the maid are puzzled by the dropped call. Monica asks what it was about and Chelito gives the name of the company that Ana told her. Monica shakes her head.

At Ana’s, a very nervous CL is asking about Paula. Ana is impactada that Paula has resigned. He says he doesn’t know why. Ana says Paula won’t come back home, and tells him why. She hedges, but finally tells him. They had a strong discussion – about him. She wants to know exactly what is going on between Paula and him. He is muy, and I mean muy, D***-I’m-busted-impactado….but we are reminded that any comparison to reality is purely coincidental.

Jeanne

Labels: Juan