Caray, Caray!

We open as Nidia is impactada about Juan being a chauffeur. Yadi is standing over her in the living room arms crossed and scowling, while Alirio and Nidia, seated, are pondering this news. “It can’t be!” Yadira assures her it CAN be, and appearances can fool one. Yadi continues, almost yelling, that “you’re going to realize that we’ve been dummies, treating him well, with caring, with what we gave him….” Nidia can’t believe it, and she can’t believe none of them realized anything. She insists that it’s impossible that Juanito has been putting on such a show for them for all this time. Yadi says it’s possible and who know how many lies he’s told. He was able to tell us that he was a high level executive, and the company gave him a car…..Alirio tries to interrupt and Yadi yells on “who knows how many more things he was capable of inventing.” She stomps her foot and puts her hands on her hips. She insists there was no right for him to do that. Alirio finally interrupts that he suspected Juan from the beginning and no one believed him. He suspected this lazybones (zángano). “I warned you, told you to take care with him.” This guy they gave their trust to, and were so familiar with, was not good. “I told you so. It went in one ear and out the other. I told you this boy couldn’t be trusted.” Yadi drags her mother out of the chair; she wants to throw all his belongings out into the street, because she is sure her mother won’t let him come into the house again. Alirio says before they stick their noses in Juan’s door upstairs, they are going to sing him four truths (?? Help with translation of this dicho? “cantarle cuatro verdades y echarlo de aquí, a patadas”) and throw him out of here. Yadi calls Juan names out of frustration. He’s a cynical, vile person.

Speak of the devil! We are treated to a long pan up Juan’s naked leg toward his lovely torso….okay, so it’s Ana’s charcoal portrait….with some nice honky tonk music. We get a good long look at his upper body and intense look in the pose he did. Ana is surveying her handiwork and flexing her hands when the phone rings. It’s Ivonne. They exchange greetings, and Ivonne lets Ana know that CL wants to have her come to his office to meet with him on the following day. Ana is perplexed. She’ll be there, she says. They say goodbye and Ivonne hangs up as Juan approaches her desk. We see Ana looking suspiciously at her phone.

Meanwhile, in his office CL is talking animatedly with a colleague. He reminds the fellow that he owes CL several favors. CL wants to meet with the guy tomorrow, as early as possible. He’ll tell the guy all about what he wants. At his door, we see someone’s head through the translucent glass….could it be Juan? Well, of course it is! CL completes his call as Juan signals that he wants a little time (very good American Sign Language, I might add. This is not the first time I’ve seen Juan use bona fide ASL. I wonder how he knows any of it….but I digress). CL waves him in and completes the call. He tells Juan he’s come up with a solution to Juan’s problem. Juan is relieved. His soul has returned to his body (me devuelve el alma al cuerpo). He thanks CL profusely. But, wait, don’t thank me. There is one more little thing that you need to do. Juan says, just tell me, it’ll happen. CL informs him he has to speak with Pastor. Juan is impactado. He thought bubbles that the boss began to explain what had been decided about how he had to deal with that Pastor (more Juanisms, sorry I didn’t catch it all). Juan thought bubbles that he swears to us at this moment he thought twice. But he didn’t have many choices. He could deal with dogface Pastor or end up in the street. Cost or benefit. [Ed. Note: Dammed if I do, damned if I don’t, my take on translation.]

Ana is sitting in her living room, on the phone again. Meanwhile, we get a side shot of Juan’s portrait. [Ed. Note: there’s plenty of detail in a side shot, trust me on this.] She’s talking to Paula and telling her something rather strange has happened. She tells Paula that CL’s secretary called, saying that he wanted to see Ana in his office, urgently. She wonders if he’s going to ask Ana for Paula’s hand. Paula chuckles; she doubts very much he’d do it in this manner. But Ana is puzzled. Paula tells her just to go to the appointment and find out. She tells her mother not to stop calling to let her know the gossip, and they say goodbye.

Alirio is in the study with Nidia and is still lecturing Nidia about Juan, who Alirio asserts he thinks is an opportunist. He wants to know “in concrete” what she knows about Juan, who he is, for certain. He tells her to think about it well. They opened their door to Juan, without any letter of recommendation or identification. He shakes his finger at her and warns her more about Juan’s motives. Juan’s just waiting for the right moment to pounce and leave them in the vile street. Nidia sits back in the chair, impactada. “You think?” Alirio continues to try to convince her. She tells him [Ed. Note: darn hesitantly, if you ask me] that for the first time in this life, she thinks he might be right. She’s going to find out everything about Juanito. He wonders how she can do that, since he’s an imposter and one of the best. He pounds on the desk. Nidia smirks. She knows who can help her in this, her cousin Delfina. She explains how when Juan came from Chichipico, he told them Delfina sent him. Delfina will tell them details about this mystery man. Alirio is pleased.

Juan is leaving CL’s office, still thought bubbling rapid-fire about what he’s going to do with this situation with Pastor. [Ed. Note: his facial expressions are absolutely marvelous as he goes through contortions regarding how he has been told he has to handle this. He’s got a rubber face.] He’s thinking of the cost of having to do this. But he muses that he can do the theatrical thing, though it will leave Pastor convinced of his power. Huy. That’s his luck, to have this misfortune. He looks disgusted.

Paula comes out of her office into the lobby and sees Juan. She asks what’s up. Is he staying? He whispers “yes.” She is excited and tells him that’s great. Marely, in the background, doesn’t seem to be paying attention to them. He thought bubbles as he stares at Paula with his heart on his sleeve that it’s for her, his goddess of gold, his little dove. He’s staying so he doesn’t have to stop seeing her. He’s confronting this humiliation for her. He tells her that Don Cesár Luis helped him solve the quarrel. She is jubilant. She tells him how pleased it makes her. He thought bubbles again that he’s not so thrilled. He tells her that he has one little detail to take care of with Pastor. She tells him that he is not to allow himself to be maltreated. He assures her that he won’t. They leave each other with her wishing him luck. [Ed. Note: Well, his luck is definitely improving as he gets a good view of her derriere, which he turns and admires as she goes off to CL’s office.]

CL comes from behind his desk to grab Paula and kiss her, calling her his love. As we see people in the lobby strolling by the office, through the rather open blinds over her shoulder, she tells CL not to forget this behavior is strictly forbidden in company policy. He shakes his head and sighs, while she asks if he wants Pastor Gaitán to run her off from the company? He tells her it’s not such a bad idea, since then they could end up in his bed and she’d be at his side. She kisses him again and smiles seductively; he asks if there’s some special motive that brought her here. Yes, she affirms. Well, could it be that I’m an irresistibly attractive guy? No, she flirts. Maybe I’m a guy whose always in your dreams? Could be. But she wants to give him thanks for what he’s done for Juan. He tells her that she’s probably realized he’s capable of anything that makes her happy. [Ed. Note: not to put too fine a point on it, but clearly he’s even capable of adultery and pathological type lying to make her happy—at least momentarily happy]. Her desires are his orders. She has realized, and it enchants her. He confesses that she probably doesn’t realize, but Juan is the only man he’ll allow to breathe the same air as she does. [Ed. Note: little do YOU know, CL. You’ll regret letting Juan breathe the same air. He’s going to do more than that, we’re guessing.] He knows that Juan doesn’t represent any threat, he continues….. She tells him she likes jealous men. [Ed. Note: Better pay attention, Paula, Juan is even more jealous than CL. Don’t underestimate it.] He tells her she brings him to craziness for love, she brings him to put up with Pastor, and he wants her to know that from this moment on she’s not only the owner of his heart, she owns his willpower, she’s his weakness, she’s the owner of his infinite love for her. She owns the company and the whole world. She remarks on that and he adds that she’s the owner of the universe. He’ll give it all to her. [Ed. Note: Sheesh.] She smiles, kisses him and tells him he’s going to have to hand over all his actions to her. He gives his word of honor. Good. So why do you have an appointment in this office with my mother? He looks impactado and possibly at a loss for words, but we all know with CL that won’t last long. He smiles, chuckles nervously, and regroups as we go to commercial.

Juan is standing at military attention in front of Pastor’s desk. Arms at his sides, back straight, head up high, he tells Pastor “It’s for this, Don Pastor, that I am asking for another opportunity, and ask your pardon for all the inconveniences that I have brought upon this company.” Pastor asks if he’s prepared to comply with the policies, do what his superiors ask him to, including ME? “¡Si, Señor!” Juan thought bubbles to himself, encouraging himself to be calm, “compa” which I am guessing is probably short for compatriota=compatriot. Don’t give him anything more to use on his side. Pastor puts his left hand into the air as witnesses do when they swear to tell the truth. Is Juan prepared to get serious, be responsible, be on time, with integrity, honest, without falsehoods or lies of any kind, from now on? Juan raises his right hand and swears he is. He mutters a thought bubble to himself about protesting about so much pulling it out of him. He asks the Blessed Child of Atocha for patience. [Ed. Note: “protesto” apparently means both I protest/complain and I affirm or swear to something, as in court]/

And, Pastor continues, are you prepared to leave off trying to pose like Adonis [Ed. Note: probably a good thing Pastor doesn’t know how much like Adonis Juan really looks posing in the altogether], of Don Juan never resting, (traznochar/traznochado = stay up all night, never sleeping), and cease playing the lead in all these embarrassing scenes, and finally just to get in the habit to act like the chauffeur you are? Juan swears again, thought bubbling about the snake’s venom already taking hold (entered in).

Pastor drops his hand, looking fairly satisfied, “very good.” One more thing, Pastor warns him. You need to know that he won’t tolerate that each thing Juan has his attention called to causes him to run crying to his boss about Pastor, is that understood? Understood! Juan raises his hand again to swear, looking off at the wall above Pastor. Pastor is now fully satisfied. He tells Juan they are canceling his previous contract and Juan will have to start all over, with a new probationary period. Juan first responds “perfect” but Pastor clarifies what this means. Juan whines, “But, Don Pastor…” Pastor is stern and says, if it pleases you, but if not, you are free to take your services to another company.” Juan knows he’s stuck and looks disgusted. Pastor shakes his finger and warns Juan that one little failure, one complaint from anyone, etc., and he’s history. This time we’re going to see if you have the willpower to change, because frankly, Juan, I don’t believe. Juan thought bubbles that all he needs to do now is kiss Pastor’s feet, but he’ll cope. On the one hand, the ladies Cachón depend on his employment, and on the other hand he doesn’t want to leave Marely there alone in the hands of this mousy buzzard (zopilote ratonero). What’s more, Juan tells himself, he’s crazy in love with Paula. Now he understands those who are prepared to fight to the death for love. He’s one.

CL is trying to explain to Paula about his appointment with Ana. He wanted to surprise her. She tells him it’s making her nervous; is he planning to ask her mother for her hand? That would make him so happy, he says, but no, his buddy needs a really great executive secretary. He just wanted to give her Mami the good news. She is thrilled and jumps up to kiss him. What has she done to deserve all this? She’s just the woman he loves, he assures her.

Ivonne busts in the door. ;-) Ah, sorry to interrupt you! She stalks out as Paula jumps away from the steamy kiss. CL follows Paula, telling her to be calm, they haven’t done anything wrong. [Ed. Note: clearly, CL has a different definition of “wrong” than the one in my dictionary]. She is sure that now Ivonne has seen them, who knows what will happen? CL continues to try and calm her. He says they are adults, and free. She says she knows, but she prefers that something so lovely to them doesn’t become the gossip du jour. He smiles a little and sighs.

Ivonne has a habit of busting in doors without knocking. Pastor looks up, startled at the whirlwind blowing through his door. She calls Paula names, she hates the d*** witch! Pastor wonders what’s up; she gave him a scare and almost left him stuck on the ceiling. She tells Pastor, with considerable more histrionics and wishing the pair of them to fall dead on the floor, that she caught that stupid Paula Dávila in CL’s office kissing him. Pastor murmurs sympathetically. She tells him he should have seen that kiss. “You mean the same kind that you had with Don CL in that same office?” “Ay, yes.” He reminds her there is nothing to be done, life’s like a mirror, there are things that don’t please us when we look, and that hurt. Ivonne complains that she doesn’t understand what’s happening, it should be her in that office. They look sadly at each other.

Juan begins to complain to Fernando, who is trying to read, in the garage. He’s not happy about the apology he had to give Pastor to stay employed in the company. Fernando points out he had the solution in his arms, he just had to go for the gusto (take hold of the pleasure, implying that he could have taken Pastor in his arms). Juan slaps Fern on the chest with his comic book and fusses at him. They fuss at each other a little more, then Juan has a new plan. Remember what we talked about the other day? He reminds Fern that Fern suggested Pastor needs a new boyfriend. Fern sees where this is going, says “nuh-uh,” and tries to walk away with Juan trailing. Juan looks around to make sure no one’s eavesdropping [Ed. Note: good try, Juan, but these walls have ears], and tries to convince him that “we have to” find Pastor someone macho enough, like himself, and it’ll be done. No more Pastor. Fern crosses his hands and scowls. “WE have to? WE have to?” Fern wants no part of it. Juan keeps working on him. Here it is! We go to one of those bars, where everyone plays in the same orchestra. You know, catch the eye of one, give him some cash, and convince him. The chicken’s ready! Fern is totally disbelieving that Juan has concocted this. [Ed. Note: Good, Fern, especially after his last scheme for you]. He shakes his head in disbelief.

Pastor is standing behind Ivonne, comforting her, as she sits in his office. Over his shoulder, we see through the very open blinds that other employees are moving around the lobby. Doesn’t ANYONE in this company do their non-company business in PRIVATE? Pastor tells her this is one of the mysteries of love, that they break our hearts and we never see it coming (sin saber a qué hora). He pats her shoulders. She whimpers that they don’t deserve it. He agrees. He’s decided because of this he’s going to take up his arms. Tonight he’s going out cruising. No looking back (ni nostalgia ni nada), anything goes (it’s all worth it—todo se vale). She says he’s scaring her. He asserts tonight it’s all or nothing. She says he’s right, there’s no reason to get bitter over this pair. She says it’ll be both of them, because she’s going to do exactly the same, if she’s invited. He says of course, they’ll say goodbye to tears and enjoy themselves. He reaches around behind her and hugs her, calling her his friend.

In the garage, Fern tells Juan to count him out. Juan runs after him, still trying to convince him not to let Juan die alone. Help me today, I’ll help you tomorrow. It’s life or death. Fern asks if he’s for real. Juan wants him to lend a hand. He continues to work on Fern, who continues to express serious doubts, but “I don’t know” seems to leave the door open. He’ll think about it.

Nidia is behind the desk in her study, on the phone. Alirio hovers over the desk in front of it, wondering what the conversation is about. Nidia gasps and exclaims to the person at the other end. “What? Don’t tell me! He did what?” Alirio wants to know and tries to interrupt for her to fill him in. Nidia continues to chuckle, exclaim, and ask questions. Alirio is frustrated that he can’t follow it. “In how much time? Who could believe it?” Alirio is practically jumping over the desk. She waves him off. She tells the person at the other end goodbye, take care, we’ll be in touch, and hangs up. It’s her cousin. Alirio confronts her, “AND??” “What?” “What do you mean, what? What did your cousin Delfina tell you!??” Nothing special. Alirio isn’t buying it, she was on the phone an hour. Well, she is my cousin; she loves gossip. But, what about Juan? Nidia won’t be able to tell him. He is really frustrated now. Nidia wants to hear Juan’s version and compare them before she makes up her mind. He fusses at her. She regrets it, but no, she’s not telling him more (such an innocent face). He fusses that she could be talking about a socially maladaptive criminal here. She interrupts that it seems Alirio is the great lawyer who would condemn a person without all the info. He dogs her about what cousin Delfina said. Nidia wants him to let her take care of it, then she’ll tell him. He sighs loudly and scowls.

Ana comes to Marely’s desk, carrying a long white tube. [Ed. Note: we’re taking bets on what it is, folks. I bet it’s a portrait of Adonis. Ooops, Juan]. They greet each other and Ana asks if Paula is quite busy. Marely tells her no, and tells her to go on in. Ana does. Paula is pleased to see her Mami. Ana admires the office and congratulates her. She wonders if Paula has found out why CL wants to see her.

Speaking of the Devil, we find CL behind his desk talking to Ana, telling her that he wants to offer her an excellent opportunity. He asks about it. His wealthy businessman friend, Alberto Cardanas, is looking for an executive secretary, and he needs one urgently, so CL recommended Ana to him. She thanks him profusely; she doesn’t know what to say. He tells her he’s doing Alberto a favor. [Ed. Note: Sheesh]. It’s hard to find a person like her these days. He tells her she has the experience, is responsible, with initiative, hard working, and of course, pretty. Above all, she’s honest. [How would YOU know, Cesár Luis?] She thanks him. He tells her he couldn’t say these things if he didn’t believe them.

Ana is back in Paula’s office, getting a hug from her daughter. They talk about what a nice thing he’s done, but Ana is a bit afraid. Paula reassures her. She’s the best secretary in the country. The best painter, too. No fears, and we’re going to celebrate at my new apartment, Ma. Ana thought she’d never ask. Paula goes to tell CL they are leaving and Ana looks around Paula’s office.

In CL’s office, he’s giving her a mock hard time about leaving him all alone while she goes off to enjoy time with her Mami. The guilt trip doesn’t work. He kisses her. But, he would have like to spend the time with her. She laughs at him. She’s left her mother feeling abandoned and now is going to pay some attention to her. He tells her it’s totally her right, no excuses needed. Just forget about me. (There’s a guilt trip if she wants it). She tells him if he keeps being so understanding with her, she might end up in love with him. “Do you think?” he asks. That’s the idea. They kiss again in front of the pretty much open blinds, and she goes. CL looks up to the ceiling, “how convenient!” He runs to the phone and calls home. He pretends to be formal, asking if he can speak with Mrs. Farell. Monica plays along. She’s not here, who’s looking for her? The father of the child she’s expecting. He’s dying to see her. Okay, Monica tells him, I’ll let her know, and anything else? CL tells her yes, let her know we’ll eat together tonight. Monica says the Mrs. is going to fall backwards (va a irse a espaldas), she won’t be able to believe it! He tells her, believe it, and fix something special. She falls back onto the bed and tells him she’ll be waiting (my love), and kisses the air toward the phone several times. She looks happily at her phone and CL looks calculatingly pleased at his, then smiles very, very smugly.

In the garage, Juan is pleased to see Ana and Paula and greets them with light chitchat. She says she didn’t want to give him a heart attack. She presents him with the tube. For me? Yes. You shouldn’t have bothered. He realizes what it is, and seductively pulls the portrait out of the tube, unrolling it swiftly and holding it up to face them so Paula gets another great look. Juan is all smiles. He thought bubbles about the lady having her talent. He wears a proud smile (not in the portrait). Paula compliments her mother on the lovely portrait. [Ed. Note: that’s a mild understatement, Paula, it’s way more than lovely.] He turns it around to face himself and the ladies come around so Paula can have a better look. Paula says, wow, and compliments his “big frame” and how handsome he is—but he keeps it all hidden. He thought bubbles about how this sent him right to the moon on a one-way ticket (boleto de ida) and put him where he could see the stars. He tells her she is his light of the moon, and he desires her for his sad nights, to help with the illusion. Paula compliments him again and he thanks her.

Nidia sighs loudly as she sits in her living room. She gets up as she sees Marely coming home and tells her it’s good she’s arrived. She pulls Marely to the living room. She’s so distressed (mortificada). Why? Don’t tell me you don’t know already! What? About Juan! Oh, yes, Mama, I know it all. Her mother mutters about Juan, but Marely says she has reserved judgment. What brought this crazy boy to them? Nidia tells Marely she’s the only one in the house with her feet on the ground, so what does she think about this? [Ed. Note: maybe Nidia has some sense after all, if she realizes this]. What should Nidia do? Send Juan right out to the street, or give him a second chance? What do you think? Marely frowns thoughtfully. I don’t know.

Juan runs around the car to let Paula and Ana out. They say their farewells, and Juan thanks Ana for the lovely gift, so personalized, eh? They chuckle. Ana tells him he’s welcome, and that she might need another favor sometime. Juan is a little embarrassed. He says, sure, that’s all right, I’ll be a model again—just between us. Juan thought bubbles to himself that he’s deduced that since Paula’s bringing her mother to her apartment, she won’t be with CL tonight. He is exultant about it.

At the steelhouse, Monica is walking into the living room with CL. She wonders why he decided to come home at the last minute. He throws out a convenient story about wanting to be with her, she’s due some time with him. She says she’s going to take advantage of the time, then. She strokes his face and kisses his forehead, asking what she can get for him. A whiskey. She jumps up to get it. He pulls her back down and hugs her close, saying I want you with me. She smiles happily. He tells her he hopes she is not so bored cooped up here. No, she’s not. She’s been busy with calls. But, she needs to ask him something. Did he have something to do with the problem she had finding Ana Dávila? [Ed. Note: you haven’t learned which buttons not to push, have you, Monica?] CL is impactado and PUT OUT.

After the break, CL uses the time-tested strategy of two-timing men all over the world: the best defense is a good offense. “What are you saying to me?” Monica tells him not to get all bent out of shape, just give her a simple answer if he had something to do with her difficulty in finding Ana. Of course not! How did she come up with such an absurd idea? He fusses at her, he didn’t even know she was having problems finding Ana. Monica points out that Ivonne didn’t want to give her the phone number, and when I told you that I was going to work with Ana Dávila…..CL interrupts her, “okay, then I did it, threatened Ivonne not to give out information, or what?” [Ed. Note: nice ploy, CL, that’s exactly what you did but it’s making Monica back down when you put it that way]. Monica sighs. “Think about what you’re saying!” CL’s almost yelling. Monica wants to know why Ana doesn’t please him. [Ed. Note: if you only knew, Monica]. He changes the direction of the argument. She needs someone with experience in the food business, and Ana is from the transportation industry. Monica points out that a really good executive secretary has skills that will be useful regardless. He wonders if she really liked someone, why would he interfere in the hiring? She says she doesn’t know. “You tell me.” He looks away and sighs.

Paula’s mother tells her the apartment is divine, though perhaps a little small. Paula says it’s just fine, and very well furnished. Ana comments that the rents in this neighborhood must be through the roof (in the clouds). Paula supposes so. What?? You don’t know? Ana crosses her arms. Don’t tell me that CL is covering it? Paula says they don’t have time to talk about that. Ana tries again. She reminds Paula of the first life lesson. Paula says she knows, keep the money issues separated from the love. She’s got the song memorized. Well, it wasn’t enough, from what Ana has seen. You have to not only memorize the first lesson, you have to put it in practice. Paula protests fondly; she doesn’t see a problem. CL puts her into the clouds, she’s so in love. She forgets the rest of the world. They keep looking at the apartment while Paula assures her mother he’s the best thing that has happened to her. Ana wants to know one thing: is he still living in the same house as his wife? They look at each other, Ana disapprovingly. Paula can’t answer.

At the steelhouse, CL gets up from their cozy place on the huge black leather sofa and goes to the bar, still talking at Monica. “Let’s not beat around the bush.” He wants to know what she’s getting at. She denies she’s getting at something, she just wants clarification. He pours a drink, “sure. It’s not what you ask, it’s how you ask it.” She still doesn’t want him to get bent out of shape, just answer her simply. He throws back the drink. He’s told her a thousand times [Ed. Note: your math isn’t any better than your truthiness, CL], he didn’t have anything to do with impeding her search for Ana. If she doesn’t believe him, what should he do? He whips out his Palm Pilot and brings up Ana’s info, thrusting it in her face. Here’s Ana. [Ed. Note: right about now, I’d be calculating how much I’m getting in the divorce]. He says the mystery of Ana is solved. [Ed. Note: I don’t think so. Why’s she in your Palm Pilot?] Monica looks away, disgusted with how this little chat has gone. They fuss some more, with him trying to lay a guilt trip on her about coming home eagerly to have a little lovin’ from the little woman, and getting an interrogation instead. He asks her what he’s done to have her distrust him so much. He gives her “that look” and clinks his glass on the bar, turns on his heel, and leaves. Monica is sooo frustrated.

Nidia and Marely are contemplating Juan over Nidia’s desk (the desk formerly known as Samuel’s) in the study. Nidia says all men are the same and Juan’s no exception, but it is so strange to her that Marely, always so correct and upright, has covered up his lies. She protests (a little weakly, if you ask me) that she only discovered this recently. He swore to Marely he was trying to find an opportunity to tell them the truth. Nidia scoffs. Now look how they found out! Her sister walked right into it all. Why’d he invent this story about being such a great executive? Marely says he was either too macho or naïve, thinking he should impress them. In his reality, it probably seemed like a small thing. Nidia points out that with those lies of Juan’s and Fernando’s, her sister has suffered. Marely says she’s not defending their behavior. She tried to tell her sister, who wouldn’t listen. Nidia admits that the Cachón gals like their creature comforts with a guy who has money. Marely tells her to speak for herself (don’t include me). Okay, okay, Nidia says. She still doesn’t know what to do with him. Marely looks anxious.

Paula is serving Ana, who is at the table in the kitchenette. She explains she can’t ask CL to kick his estranged wife out to the street. He’s a gentleman. {Ed. Note: uh-huh (nodding dubiously)]. Ana points out if the separation is firmed up, they don’t have to keep living together. They fuss about it more and Paula tells her mother she doesn’t want to CL to think she is pressuring him. Ana notes that if they’re doing things as God wills, she won’t have to feel so bothered. It’s not that easy, Paula tells her. They’re trying to be civilized about it, and Paula doesn’t want to be hysterical. Ana tells her there’s no reason for them to be shouting, but it should be above board, not under the table. She reminds Paula about her father. She’s putting herself in second place. Paula sighs in frustration. Ana says if one lets oneself be too pampered, it works against one. She knows what she’s talking about. Paula says CL isn’t like that. Like what? Your father? Yes, for example, Paula asserts. Ana tells her God is listening to her.

Marely tells Nidia that Juan got mixed up in this to be accepted, nothing more. Nidia asks her “are you sure?” What else, Marely asks. He’s spending his whole chauffeur’s salary to cover the costs of this household. Nidia thinks about this. And he’s telling us who knows how many more lies, Marely asks. She continues arguing his case. He’s not bad people. He’s done it all for us. Nidia shrugs and agrees, he’s collaborated and she realizes that. But why would he have this interest in us? Because we welcomed him, opened our door when he had no place to go. Nidia agrees, they received him like family. Marely thinks he has behaved well, but his lying is like a sickness. Nidia tries to repeat the word, “mitomania.” Marely says it again. (Mito is the Spanish word for mythology, so she’s describing a sickness that involves creating a mythological/fantasy world for oneself, it seems). It’s a psychological disorder. Nidia is afraid. Marely assures her it’s not dangerous.

Juan checks out a drawer in the garage, and we can assume the tube with his portrait is there. One wonders if Pastor is going to search and find it before long, gentle readers. He hears Fern coming in and rushes to greet him. Why’s Fern so late? Bad traffic, and CL’s house is way out in the sticks. Juan pushes him about the proposal earlier to go to one of those bars to find a boyfriend for Pastor. He tells Fern he won’t be sorry. Fern is already sorry. He is wary of this little plan that Juan has concocted as he goes to the desk and signs out for the night while Juan tries to convince him it will work. Juan tells him he’s just inviting Fern for a couple of brewskis, and he needs to be calm. Nothing’s gonna happen, and if it goes well, they’ll go someplace else, too.

Ivonne is still wondering if they really have to go to one of those bars. Pastor, who has lost his tie and vest, and has his bright yellow shirt open halfway down his slightly hairy chest, plays dumb, and asks “what kind of bar?” Well, you know, where you go. Pastor tells her they are all the same. But this one has good-looking guys, possibilities. He wiggles suggestively. Does she understand? Something unexpected might happen. [Ed. Note: no question in our minds that something unexpected will happen since Juan and Fern are heading the same direction.] She tells him maybe for you….but she doesn’t want to know any more about men, at least for the rest of the day. She wonders how men in that bar are going to look at her. He tells her that there the law of the jungle rules, and there’s a high level of testosterone, , and the European concept of “muy open mind.” [Gee, his English is good.] They’ll look at her like the diva she is. She tells him he would be the perfect man, except for one small detail. They chuckle; he tells her he’s a mirror looking at his reflection because he could say the same about her. Let’s go. He heads for the door, leaving Ivonne in the dust. The phone rings. She answers it at his request in case it’s the boss, and at the other end Nidia asks for Juan very coyly. Ivonne says he’s left. Nidia asks how long? Ivonne couldn’t say. She hangs up and muses to Pastor about this one asking for Juanito. A very rude old woman. He tells her it doesn’t matter to him. He’s looking after his own back; Juan is yesterday’s news. She strokes his toupee lovingly. They purr at each other. He tells her “nosotros, a la party” (we’re off to party). They head out, happy.

In the garage, Juan has a paper he’s checking and is surprised at the number of places where people go that are uninhibited and “modern.” Fern does a little skip. Looks like he’s glad to be off work and not so disturbed about Juan’s plan any more. Fern wants to know one thing; does he think they will really find someone for Pastor? He has his preferences. He and Juan laugh. Juan tells him it has to be someone tall, and nice. Fern wants to know if they’re taking Juan’s car. [Ed. Note: Nooooo, Juan, don’t do it!] Juan says with everything that has happened to him, he shouldn’t risk having a dog confuse him with a tree (shouldn’t put himself in the position of getting in trouble?) They decide he’s really got nothing to lose, and do a little song and dance in unison. He tells Fern that Pastor’s boyfriend is waiting for them and they dance off to the car.

At the Cachón dinner table, a very angry Yadi yells at Marely to quit trying to defend Juan. Alirio sits there gesturing. Yadi gets up and yells at Marely not to be such a naïve fool. Marely get up and yells back for her to not get hysterical. She accuses her sister of not standing up with her, of not opening her mouth to tell the truth. Marely tells her to stop saying stupid stuff. Yadi yells an insult and Marely is impactada….and we are reminded that any resemblance to real life is pure coincidence.

Next Monday: Juan parties with his shirt open and the shark’s tooth necklace prominent, while Fern tries to keep a low profile and Pastor and Ivonne see a side of Juan they never realized existed.


Vocabulary for tonight: please be advised these are my loose interpretations and subject to change if a native speaker tells me I’ve got it wrong. ;-)

me devuelve el alma al cuerpo = my soul has returned to my body (Juan means “I’m relieved”)

traznochar/traznochado = stay up all night, never sleeping = never resting

protesto = I protest/complain, used here as I attest, affirm or swear I will

zopilote ratonero = mousy buzzard, an oxymoron to describe Pastor

sin saber a qué hora = never see it coming

ni nostalgia ni nada = no looking back, no regrets

todo se vale = anything goes, it’s all worth it (my loose interpretation)

one-way ticket (boleto de ida)

These are from Judy B. and Maricruz: Judy B. found them and Maricruz defined them. I didn’t catch all of them so cannot take credit!

Hacer la barba = to suck up or be very nice to your boss, as in “El nuevo empleado es un barbero, le hizo la barba al jefe" The new employee is a suck up, he was very nice to the boss”

Dar el ancho = being up to the challenge. “No se si des el ancho para dirigir la compañía”. I’m not sure if you are up to the challenge to be the new company director.

irse de espalda = It is an exaggeration and is used to denote surprise “Cuando le dijeron el precio del carro casi se va de espaldas” When he was told the price of the card he almost fell backwards.

el bocadero de cesar luis = we’re not sure about this one, Maricruz says she needs to see the whole sentence where it was used to understand the meaning. “It could be Cesar Luis’ big mouth.” I agree with Maricruz, since Ivonne was talking about CL sticking his nose in when she was setting Ana up to work with Monica.

Jeanne

Labels: Juan