Caray, Caray!

No!!!!!!!!!!! I go away on vacation and come back to no mullet. I’m already going through withdrawal!!!

CL continues to give Monica reasons for him not to answer the phone. He doesn’t want to lose the time with Monica; the office needs to learn how to handle problems without him. Monica silently listens and then turns to look out the window.

Paula sits in her office and stresses. She knows something is up, but doesn’t want to believe it.

Nidia circles Juan like a cat circling its prey. She says that he must think she’s crazy because she asks him to leave and then asks him to return. He does watch her like she is a crazy, but we’ll see if he believes it. Nidia says she worried whether he was out in the cold. Juan replies that he cannot return because he deceived the women. Nidia doesn’t care; she says that she’s forgiven him. She insists that he return. He agrees, but he doesn’t want her to think that he is an opportunist. She says that she doesn’t and then seductively approaches him to tell Juan that she’ll be waiting for him that night.

Apparently, Paula’s university did not teach her that once you get a job you must work. She’s on yet another personal call to her mother. Paula thinks it’s about time that Ana had a good job. Ana notices that something is wrong with Paula’s voice. Paula won’t say what’s wrong. Before they say good-bye, Ana mentions Nidia’s present and the toast that will happen that very night.

Speaking of wedding gifts, Monica found a bowl. CL agrees that the bowl is perfect but needy, needy Monica wants him to give more input. He replies that he’s a man and Monica knows more about these things. Monica tells him that if he needs to go to the office she can take care of the present. At that moment CL gets a pain. Monica asks if he’s okay. CL pretends that the pain has passed.

Fernando wants to know about Juan returning to the Cachon house. Juan thinks that Nidia begged him to return because of Marely. He’s sure she’s been hysterical ever since he left the house. Fernando wonders how Juan can be so sure. Juan goes on about needing Marely to get over him because he doesn’t want her chasing after an impossible love. He gets a great idea to help that plan. He grabs the ring box and takes off into the elevator.

Juan struts into the office and all the ladies take notice. He approaches Marely and poses in front of her desk. Marely’s in shock about Juan’s new look. He’s very nervous about her reaction but she confirms that she really likes it. He replies that he did it for her. Juan tells Mareli that he got her a gift. He hands her the ring and she effusively thanks him. He talks about how much she deserves the ring and kisses her hand. Juan thinks to himself that this has been his best idea in a while.

Ivonne takes off from her desk. She passes Juan and Mareli on her way to Pastor’s office.

Pastor notes that Ivonne’s face looks as though Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt or Luis Miguel entered the office. Nope, it’s Juan, she tells him. Pastor says he doesn’t want to know anything about Juan. Ivonne says that Juan’s changed his look and looks just divine. Pastor’s still apathetic; he thinks that Juan did it for Fernando. Ivonne finally gets his attention when she tells Pastor that Juan changed his look for Marely. Ivonne explains that she overheard the conversation between Marely and Juan. Pastor twitches.

Juan’s in Paula’s office and she wants to know what bothered him. Juan says that nothing bothered him. He was just thankful to be with Paula and her mother. He says that he doesn’t want to be a bother and that Ana is a very independent woman. Juan also tells Paula that Nidia personally came to ask him to return. He couldn’t refuse her. Juan says that he feels like one of the Cachon family. Paula mentions that Marely would have been the one who missed him the most. He wants to know what Paula’s talking about. She tells him to promise not to say anything and then begins talking. Juan thought bubbles that Paula is fresh like lettuce (ha! Love that expression) while he is dying.

CL really takes the stomach ache thing pretty far. He twists and turns in agony. Poor Monica wants to go to the doctor, but he refuses. What if it’s appendicitis? He just wants to go home. She agrees to take him home.

Juan tells Paula that he doesn’t believe it. He and Mareli love each other like brother and sister. Paula disagrees with Juan’s evaluation of the relationship. Paula thinks Marely’s in love with Juan. Paula asks if Juan feels anything for Marely. He quizzically looks at Paula. She thinks that Juan helped Marely get the job in order to have her close. Paula tells Juan to stop being shy and to open his heart.

Pastor approaches Marely and asks if Juan is with Paula. When she confirms Pastor asks Marely to have Juan come to Pastor’s office. He casually mentions the ring on her finger. He notes that it’s not just anything to give another a jewel like that. Marely sarcastically thanks him. Pastor reminds her of her task and leaves. Marely stands and accuses Ivonne who plays dumb. Marely yells at Ivonne for being a gossip.

CL insists that he ate something that doesn’t agree with his stomach. Chusa volunteers to make a lemonade. CL agrees to this. CL tells the women that he wants to rest. He doesn’t want any phone calls, least of all from the office. Once the women take off to make the lemonade, he rushes upstairs to listen to Paula’s message. He half undresses and then almost calls Paula, but thinks better of it.

Juan leaves Paula’s office and asks Marely if she liked the gift. She says that she did and that Pastor wants him. Juan is obviously not happy about this. Marely thinks that Pastor wants to scold Juan for giving her the ring. Juan says that he can give rings to whomever he pleases. He loudly leaves the lobby. Paula pops her head out of the office and asks Marely to enter.

Juan and Pastor coldly greet each other. Pastor comments about Juan’s haircut. He’s glad that Juan’s come to reason and cut his hair. Pastor starts speaking in the informal (tú) but catches himself and switches to formal (usted). Pastor mentions that it must have been his barber, but Juan replies that he doesn’t remember the barber’s name. Pastor says that he doesn’t have any personal questions; he’s all business. Pastor insists that Juan tell the truth; did this change have anything to do with Marely? Juan recognizes that this is the real question that Pastor wants answered.

Paula goes off on Marely about CL. She’s worried, blah, blah, blah. Marely reassures Paula that nothing is wrong. Paula thinks she’s being punished because of their fight. She can’t believe this after the romantic night they shared. Oops, Paula didn’t mean to say that in front of Marely. Marely gives her impactada face complete with music. Paula asks Marely to do her a favor – call CL’s house. Paula doesn’t want to do it because his wife still lives there.

Juan tells Pastor that he doesn’t think that the question has anything to do with the business. Pastor once again whips out the “personal relationships” card. Juan goes off. He thinks that it’s absurd to use personal lives as a way to fire people. It’s nobodies business with whom the employees fall in love. Pastor cuts Juan off, but Juan reminds Pastor that he told Juan that he was free to speak.

Mareli calls the Farell house and asks for CL. Chusa lies and says that he is not home. Chusa wants to know who’s calling, but Marely hurriedly hangs up the phone. Monica and Chusa discuss how weird that was.

Juan continues his tirade. It makes perfect sense that two employees would start a relationship. Instead of seeing this as a problem, the office should look at it as a benefit. Pastor thinks this is just a justification for the relationship with Marely. Juan says that there is no relationship but if Pastor wants more details to go ahead and ask.

Paula and Marely debate CL’s location. Marely tries to calm Paula, but there’s no calming this hellion. Paula starts to call the house herself while Marely nervously watches. Paula hangs up the phone.

Pastor sarcastically thanks Juan for the nice speech about love. Pastor says that he’ll have to find another way to make Juan obey the rules. Juan tells Pastor not to bother and waives good-bye. Pastor says that Juan cannot leave, but Marely will be leaving the office.

Marely leaves Paula’s office and offers to bring Paula something to help her calm. Paula thanks Marely and offers her apologies. Marely mentions that sometimes it’s hard when one’s love is not returned. Paula replies that she’s sure that CL loves her. Marely doesn’t argue.

Juan wants to know why Pastor has to do these things. Pastor replies that Juan doesn’t give him options. Juan insists that his relationship with Marely has nothing to do with work. Pastor says that in love and in war everything is worth it. Pastor uses the conversation to accuse Juan of playing him. Juan replies that the only thing he did was give Pastor a sincere friendship. Pastor misinterpreted the relationship. Pastor shrieks that Juan is lying. Juan tries to quiet Pastor, but it doesn’t work. Pastor accuses Juan of being a hypocrite. Pastor starts to cry and yells at Juan to get out. Juan thought bubbles that he can’t leave Pastor in this condition.

Monica brings CL a drink. He says that he doesn’t want to get out of bed. She still thinks they should go to the doctor especially because CL never gets sick. She notes that CL doesn’t have a fever. He tells Monica that it’s indigestion. He tells Monica that he cannot go to the toast tonight. She gives him a drink in order to feel better. He insists that he feels bad.

Kike and Alirio go out for some drinks. Alirio begins to complain about Juan and the painting. Kike defends Juan.

Ivonne rushes to Juan to ask what’s going on with Pastor. She heard him yelling. Juan says that Pastor feels bad. Ivonne mentions that Pastor always suffers for men like Juan. Juan says that Ivonne is a good woman and then he enters Pastor’s office with a drink. Ivonne’s friend rushes to her and asks if it’s like it was with Fernando. Ivonne mentions that it’s worse.

Alirio mentions that Nidia wants Juan to return. Kike thinks that Alirio should be thinking about the toast tonight and where he’ll take Nidia.

Pastor thanks Juan for the drink and apologizes for the earlier spectacle. Juan accepts the apology. Pastor says that he has to accept that Juan is an understanding person. Juan explains that he’s going through a similar situation. He also feels used, just like Pastor. Pastor doubts this. He assures Juan that nothing will happen to Juan or Marely. Pastor thanks Juan and tells him not to say anything. Juan silently leaves the office. Pastor cries some more.

Alirio can’t believe that he forgot that it was the day of the toast. He thinks about how Nidia almost called the cops the last time he serenaded her. Alirio asks Kike for a loan. Poor Kike can’t believe it.

Ivonne and Pastor make small talk. He says that all that needed to be said was said and now it’s time to work. Ivonne mentions that CL hasn’t arrived. Maybe he’s tired of Paula.

Fernando and Juan talk about the incident with Pastor. Fernando feels no sympathy for Pastor. He would rather see Juan suffering for Paula than being sympathetic for Pastor. Juan thought bubbles that while he’s suffering for Paula, she’s suffering for someone else.

Time passes in the office. Marely tells Paula that she’s leaving. Marely asks if CL called. Paula says that he did not, but that means that nothing bad could have happened. Bad news always comes first, on wings. They say good-bye. Paula yells at Marely for looking at her sympathetically. Marely replies that she doesn’t understand why women suffer for men. They finally say good-bye. Paula picks up the phone but doesn’t dial.

The sun sets and CL still doesn’t feel much better. He tells Monica that he cannot go that night. Now he has a headache. Monica says she’ll call Nidia and cancel even though she was looking forward to the toast. Once she leaves, CL sits up in the bed.

Juan enters Paula’s office. He asks if she’s going to be much later. He’s only asking because of Nidia’s toast that night. Paula replies that they can leave. She asks him about CL. He doesn’t know anything. They talk about CL’s absence. Juan happily thinks that this might mean that the Paula/CL relationship is going sour.

Nidia takes Monica’s call. Nidia’s disappointed about the cancellation. Once Monica finishes explaining that CL is sick, Nidia asks Monica to come alone. At first Monica doesn’t want to leave CL alone, but she quickly changes her mind.

A little bit of vocab:
Atole – A thick, warm drink made out of maize
Cacatuá – “old bag” [an old, ugly woman]

Tomorrow:
Which fight will be bigger - Yadira/Paula or Monica/Paula? Stay tuned!

Labels: Juan