Caray, Caray!

Folks, there are likely to be misinterpretations here today. By all means, correct me if I’m wrong. ☺

We find Alirio revisiting his conversation with CL on the first day at the office. CL is livid that Alirio doesn’t have the good sense to knock. He tells Alirio to get to work, which Alirio says he’ll gladly do—and by the way, would you be so kind as to tell me just what IS my work? CL is disgusted impactado.

Paula reviews her to do list with Marely, and once they’ve got nothing later in the day, would Marely go to a car dealer with her? Marely reminds her of an appointment with an agent, and what’s the rush? Well, Paula has to have a car ASAP so she can solve the problem. What problem? Paula’s going to buy a car and won’t need Juan. She can’t make eye contact with Marely, who is impactada. Marely has noticed, though. Paula wants to know if Juan told her something. Marely is disgusted, she doubts this clueless man (ingenuous) has realized what’s happened. Paula thinks that’s better, but Marely disagrees. He’s going to be insistent, because as naïve as he is, he’s also stubborn (terco). Marely thinks it’s better Paula talks to him, because if it didn’t mean as much for her, she better let him down out of the clouds now—if he realizes on his own, it’s going to give him a direct hit (buen golpazo, a good hit)?. Paula agrees she’s totally right. She has to set him straight. She tells Marely to call him up. NOW? Marely reminds her about the calls, the pending business, and there are urgent things to do today. This thing with Juan is going to take more than five minutes. Shouldn’t it be over, I don’t know, a meal or something? Paula totally agrees; she doesn’t know what she is thinking. Her head is someplace else. Yep, she really thinks it would be better in the long run to eat with him and tell him the truth.

In the garage, Fernando is doing his eternal crosswords [Ed. Note: looks like my house]. Juan wants to ask a question. What’s up with the question? Well, Kike and I got involved with night school. We want to finish the prep, and that might interest you, right? Nope, compa. If I’m going to waste my time, I’d rather be at home in front of the tele. What? Why do you say that? Haven’t you heard you have to study to do something in this life? Nope. That was before. Now all you have to do is have an entrepreneurial vision, show creativity, brains. A degree? Nah. It’s worthless. Juan disagrees. “You’re nuts. I’m going to do the prep, go to the university, leave all this (salgo de perro?) “Look at me,” Fernando tells him. I’m a graduate trained for a career in business administration, Juan. I speak ENGLISH. Look at me.” Juan is impactado. Fernando will be glad to show him the degree if he wants. Nope, if you want to leave this behind, you need luck. Juan doesn’t buy it. Studying works, here and in China (everywhere). Well, Fern tells him, don’t bother. If you don’t have influence, you’ll only waste time. I thought I had it licked and look, here I am, chauffeuring. But, if I had half the spirit you have, I’d be richer than Don CL. Juan is impactado at the backhanded compliment. [I would be, too, coming from such a gloomy pessimist.]

CL is pacing Pastor’s floor. They have to find something for Alirio before he drives CL nuts. Put him in his place! Don’t let Nidia call on me again. Pastor thinks if Alirio goes to Nidia with the gossip, CL will get a doubly annoyed. Yeah, CL would expect so. He tells Pastor to look for something, DO something. He doesn’t want Alirio in his office all day long! [Ed. Note: I can relate. I’ve had some Alirio types in my office.] Pastor thinks this guy isn’t prepared to do anything! He’s gotta be a charlatan! Yeah, sure, but invent something! It could be whatever nonsense, but make it look important. Pastor has a thought, and he needs CL’s collaboration. CL’s ready for just about anything to get this albatross off his neck. Pastor proceeds to outline his plan.

……we find CL conveying this delicate task to Alirio in all sincerity. The future of the company depends on him, and his complete discretion. Pastor will give him the details, and CL trusts in him fully. Alirio pontificates that a Perafán de Rocha will never fail the confidence that’s bestowed on him. CL is sure of it, of course. He knew that Alirio would be understanding and put up with this annoyance for the time being. CL shares that he is so weighed down with the responsibilities of this company that he’s counting on Alirio. Alirio assures him that he needs say no more, “my commander friend, my leader.” He will faithfully follow the instructions, with no gossip. He “zips” his lip. They shake, and CL reminds him “much, much discretion.” Alirio begins his departure protocol, bowing out and stopping to reassure CL of his commitment with expansive gestures and lip-zipping. CL rolls his eyes as the final departure is imminent.

Fernando is still sharing his tale of woe. Yep, he sent his résumé to every company in the country, and they all told him they’d call, and he’s still waiting, just look at him. That’s the sad truth of the country where they live. [Ed. Note: a social statement?] You end up in this work even with a degree. The phone rings, and Juan goes for it. True entrepreneur with a creative spirit that he is, he answers: “…and a very good day to you, Center for Chauffeurs, at your orders!” It’s CL and he gulps—he’s being summoned upstairs. Fernando thinks that’s good; toadying up will get him farther than an attorney. Juan leans over and says he thinks that with an attitude like Fern’s, he won’t get anywhere. He’ll be of service, but not servile. They’re not the same. [Pretty wise for a guy who didn’t even finish high school. He leaves Fernando thinking about that.]

Juan’s elevator trip is a time of reflection and serious thought-bubbling. He has to leave off thinking about what that half-wit Fernando said and worry about CL. CL wants to know what he’s found out, and he’ll have to think of something fast. Yep, he was right. In CL’s office, that’s the first thing on CL’s agenda. He babbles that he’s making progress, spying (didn’t really catch all of it, as it was muy rápido, folks, but he said that the mamacita – Paula- brought something to the office). So, what did he see? Does she realize? Did she say something? No, fortunately not, but there’s something mysterious up. What an annoyance! (friega) But, CL asks him, you were at the building of Paula’s friend? Juan assures him that he was, but it was such a huge building with so many apartments and floors—he gestures wildly to show what an impossible task it would be to find the apartment they went to…..CL concludes that the only person who can identify the guy is Paula herself. Practically impossible to get the info. Wait! Juan has a plan! He’s going to fly under the radar and when it’s least expected, he’s going to zap the guy! It’ll take time, though. CL says he doesn’t have time. Paula makes radical quick decisions….and you are not any longer in her affections, Juan. Juan isn’t so sure about that. CL points out she’s buying a car, she doesn’t want him chauffeuring her any more….and she probably suspects. Juan is impactado! The reality sinks in. He won’t have a job.

Pastor explains the work to Alirio in stage whispers and with expansive gestures. [Ed. Note: he has Alirio’s number]. CL thinks someone is systematically embezzling from the company. It’s a profound and solid corruption. He needs Alirio to do the detail work to nail the person. Alirio is appalled. It can’t be allowed. Pastor continues that the hemorrhaging of money is of gigantic proportions, such that the fiscal solidarity of the company is in danger. [Ed. Note: and you’re putting Alirio in charge of finding embezzled funds? Uh-huh. He who fakes wills. Be careful what you ask for, CL.] Alirio wants to know what he needs to do. Well, his arrival is providential, because he can be in charge of the digging for the embezzler. No one really knows him, he’s an attorney so he can understand these things, and he can move unnoticed and not alert the miscreants that they’re on to the crime. Alirio is jubilant, but he points out he still doesn’t get how he’s involved. Pastor whacks his hand—before anything else, I have to make sure you’re ready to help us and will have the discretion. Of course! Is he brave enough? It could be dangerous, there are many interests in play here. Alirio stands to emphasize how offended his is. He’s a crusader for anti-corruption. He’d even give his life. In that case, please, come with me! Pastor punctuates with even more expansive gestures than Alirio ever dreamed of. He’s been outdone. You first, Alirio tells him, but Pastor waves him forward. Pastor makes like he’s closing the door after Alirio, but instead follows him out. [Ed. Note: this scene, especially that little door close, was played to perfection.]

CL tells Juan he expects Juan can see how serious this is. Juan babbles about the lovely limo. CL yells “Juan! Juan!” Forget the car, think about Paula. Juan thought bubbles that’s all he thinks about, 24 hours. CL says they need a solution. Juan says he could talk to her. CL keeps talking, Juan thought-bubbles, and goes to pour himself a good stout drink. CL is talking about Paula: she’s a woman of character, and still a woman of a great heart. Juan thought babbles “that you don’t deserve, and I DO!” He gives CL a stink eye, and it’s good CL isn’t looking. Okay, Juan, here’s how we’ll go at this (attack this). We’ll go for her delicate sensibilities (her good sentiments). He looks at the ceiling, paces, and thinks out loud. Juan thought bubbles—don’t count on me, dude. We’re going to make her feel…sure, remorseful, compassionate. Guilty for some sin. Juan is belting down the drink. He thought bubbles that the sin should be to treat a goddess in the flesh like this. Apparently, the whisky does the trick, and he’s way more mellow as he thought bubbles about how great in the flesh she is. His jaw is set. CL has it! Of course, we’ll tell her if she leaves the car with the company, she’ll leave you in the street, without work, Juan. He falls into the chair. Impactado! He didn’t expect this! He stutters at CL. CL tells him it depends on how moved she is by him talking to her. Juan thought bubbles, geez, Louise, it’s all up to me (okay, I paraphrased here). He thinks CL is shameless. He belts down a little more whisky.

Paula is getting a call. Marely comes to tell her it’s Monica. Paula wants Marely to make excuses, but Marely won’t. What, are you my conscience? Marely tells her everyone needs one. She’s rather unapologetic. Paula takes the call, and Monica wants to issue an invitation so she can present Paula to an acquaintance of hers. He’s a wonder. Monica isn’t taking excuses. Monica is sure she wont’ be sorry. Paula thinks a little too long, and Monica wonders if she should take it as a “no.” Ultimately, Paula agrees (but her face tells us “no!”) Is there Excedrin in Mexico? Paula has an Excedrin headache for sure.

Oooh, Pastor is leading Alirio into the catacombs, where there are large cardboard boxes and shelves in disarray. There are probably B-52 cockroaches, too, with all this old paper sitting around. Welcome to the company archives! Here is every record since the founding of the company. Okay, but what am I supposed to do here, Alirio wants to know. Well, here’s where you will reconstruct the legal history and discover the beginning of the corruption problem. Pastor looks at him earnestly. Alirio wants to know how he’s going to look for a needle in this haystack—the mountain of papers? Pastor assures him he’ll need to do this to find it, at any moment a clue will appear (okay, I paraphrased it a LOT). But, this is Titanic! Alirio wanders around, daunted. Pastor tells him he’ll come upon the fat fish that are bleeding them , and well, nobody said it’d be a rose garden (not an easy task/fácil tarea). Much less fast. That’s exactly why Don CL trusts you. He knows your temperament, commitment, discretion, and above all honesty. Okay, okay, but my office? Where is it? Well, for now this is your center of operations. Don CL doesn’t want anyone alerted to your presence. He doesn’t want those responsible to be scared away. But…..I will have an office, right? Pastor obfuscates a little and tells him knowing Don CL, Alirio will have many benefits [ Ed. Note: yeah, like a nifty title and salary for doing nothing, to begin with]. Pastor makes a little parting chitchat, backs out of the hole, wishes him luck, and tells him to go to it. He’s leaving it in Alirio’s hands. He closes the door and Alirio shudders as he gingerly picks up a dirty item on the table and drops it again…..looking around at the huge mess mournfully. [Ed. Note: Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. And, probably wouldn’t.]

In the lobby, Juan is leaving CL’s office, exhaling heavily and making his (what did Sylvia or someone call it? Okay Juan, whatcha gonna do now face?). He thought bubbles just exactly that to himself. Julia and Ivonne snoop behind him. Juan asks himself if he’s going to do what his conscience dictates, or his convenience? He tells himself he needs to talk with the Licenciada before this all comes to pass and he’s left without her and without work. He puts gum into his mouth, arming himself for close confrontation and strides over to Marely’s desk. He asks about Paula, and when Marely tries to tell him no, he ignores her and strides right into an impactada Paula’s office, declaring “Paula, I need to talk to you!” Outside, he’s drawing a mini-crowd of Marely, looking pained over her shoulder at the open door, Ivonne and Julia, craning their necks. Juan and Paula set their jaws and glare each other down into commercial.

Paula tells Juan to sit, she needs to talk to him, too. He closes the door [thank heaven] and thanks her. She stands, and he doesn’t sit, but tells her to listen to him. He tells her she’s been very odd with him, and she shouldn’t get that way. He is impassioned as he tells her what happened between them was a bit of an accident (half), a result of the circumstances. He’s not judging her, nor was he thinking strange things (about her). No! Things are still the same as they always were; he has no rude plan to pressure her. She still has all his respect, all his admiration! “You and I, more than merely chauffeur and boss, have been very good friends! And it would be a real shame if we were to end something that was….that was for me, Paula, beautiful. But this doesn’t change things between us. I understand perfectly what’s happening at this moment. How would I not understand? I have been the witness to all that’s happened. But please, don’t separate me from your side. I want to continue being your friend, right? What’s more, this head will erase what happened that night, Paula, and there will be a clean slate (borrón y cuenta nueva). Nobody saw, nobody knew, nobody talked, absolutely nothing happened! What do you say?” “What do I say? Well, it calms me a lot to hear what you have to say, Juan. I cannot deny that what happened has had me worried a lot. The truth is that I didn’t know how to bring up this topic with you.” “That’s why you’ve been avoiding me? (me has estado la vuelta – from sacarle la vuelta a alguien, avoid someone)” “Yes, Juan.” “For this you are buying a car?” “Well, not just that, but I want to have some things of my own.” She can’t make eye contact and Juan looks warily at her face. Paula comes toward him. “Juan, I want to be very, very clear with you. For all that we say what happened was an accident, that it shouldn’t affect our relationship, it’s AFFECTED. Juan, things are not the same.” Juan protests, but Paula asks him to let her talk. “Look….”

Outside, Ivonne runs from in front of her desk toward Paula’s door, with Julia trailing. [Ed. Note: What took them so long?] They pry Marely for info. What’s up with her boss? Marely has no idea, of course. [Good girl.] Ivonne says she’s sure Marely knows, and Julia tries to pry-“don’t tell me the wind has shifted?” Marely reminds them that gossip is counterproductive, and those were Ivonne’s own words. Ivonne calls her a gordita, and Julia tells her not to get angry while Ivonne sulks back to her own desk. Marely buries herself in work again.

Paula tells Juan she’s very confused. [Yep, that’d be the general consensus from all of us, too, honey.] She needs time to sort all that happened. She needs to examine her conscience about what happened, and make decisions. She walks behind him toward the door. Does he understand? Of course, I understand you, Paula. He turns around to face the door and her. She says that’s why they need to be apart for a while; he tries to interrupt. She continues that it’s for the good of both of them. He draws closer to her. She says that’ll help them make sure that things don’t change between them and they’ll be as good friends as always. She touches his chest as he looks at her in agony, earnestly. “Please, Juan. Try to understand me.” She starts to go around him back to her desk and he puts out an arm to stop her gently, but thinks better of it and lets her go. “At your orders, Licenciada,” he says with resignation as she goes behind him. She stares at his back sadly, and Juan leaves, equally sadly.

Ivonne and Julia still have eyes glued to the door, but at a distance. Juan walks around the desk and Marely asks him how it went. He tells her he has no idea, and then yells “Marely, you women, why do you make things so complicated?” “Well, because you men want everything to be so easy!” He stalks off and onto the elevator, thought bubbling to God that he didn’t know what to think. He had doubts, whether he did well or did badly. He scolds himself for not taking the opportunity to talk to her, face to face, and tell her the whole truth. To tell her that what happened between them was no accident. We see Paula sitting sadly at her desk while we hear Juan’s thoughts and see him again in the elevator….”instead, it was the most important moment of my life.” We see Paula again briefly and then Juan scolds himself for not having the guts (te faltaron los pantalones, I lack the pants) to tell her his feelings. Nope, something inside him told him it was not the moment to do it, that he’d have to wait. Great. Just Great! And her, how should I interpret what she said to me? (Paula is pacing her office, looking equally distressed with herself.) “For good, or for bad? What does it mean?" He hears Paula’s voice repeating that for all they say it was an accident….that it shouldn’t affect their relationship, it’s affected. We see Paula, probably thinking the same thing. He thinks about what she said next, needing distance to think and make decisions. “What decisions??” He asks himself. [Ed. Note: for all this is a powerful scene, it’s the longest darn ride down a couple of floors in the history of elevators.]

Marely has come into Paula’s office. She is beseeching Paula that this was the same as doing nothing (I think, help me here, folks). He still has illusions. “What illusions?” Paula can’t understand. He himself told me that it was an accident, and wouldn’t change things. Marely, who knows Juan way better because she actually spends time looking at him, tries to explain. What he says is one thing, and another entirely what he feels. At this moment, who knows what things Juan is thinking. Paula argues that Juan is intelligent, no fool, and he just showed her how much. Marely wants to know what makes her so sure. It’s pure logic, Paula tells her. If he had ever shown the least bit of interest in her [love is blind, Paula is just totally clueless], she’d have doubts about this reaction, but he never said a word, and what’s more, she’s been as a confidante. And, didn’t you tell me he was interested in you? He’s told me about a platonic love. What does that mean? That I was nothing more than a night of craziness. Marely tries to interrupt. “Your theory is….” “Correct!” Paula says she’s the only one who complicated her own life. Paula wants to stop talking about it already, they have more urgent things to do. She tells Marely about Monica’s invitation. Marely sits down and is impactada—it seems the Señora holds you in affection! Paula tells her that’s not all; Monica plans to present her to a guy friend who has just arrived in Mexico. Marely grins a little. Could it be that she is trying to find you a boyfriend? It looks like it. What will you do? Resolve it the only way I can—talk with the guy responsible for this situation. César Luis Farell. Marely says, “again?” “What else can I do?” Paula asks. “Well, you’ve given me the impression that the last thing you want to do is break it off completely with this guy.” Paula gets way defensive. How do you think of these things? Well, maybe because all you have done is talk and talk and talk about this guy. Paula is commercial irritada.

Julia is STILL up with Ivonne, who is sniping at her about her boyfriend not coming by much. Another gal is standing behind Julia, eager to catch any chisme that flies by. Julia retorts that Enrique is VERY busy hauling cargo around. Ivonne and the other gal look at each other and laugh….”if that’s what YOU want to think.” Julia wants to know what else she should think. Ivonne tells her he’s like all the men, his horns are always out…..Julia denies that Enrique is like that. The gal behind her scoffs. Ivonne is the queen of scoff. They’re all cut from the same cloth (from cortado por la misma tijera, cut with the same scissors). If they are sure how you feel, they’ll take advantage. I’m the voice of experience. Julia looks concerned and the other gal shakes her head at the perfidy of all men.

Juan is at the desk in the garage, drawing hearts with “Paula y Juan” on post-it notes. Enrique is bubbly as he brings a bag of school supplies to Juan. Fernando looks bored to tears. Notebooks, pens, compass, etc. All that was on the list. Fernando drawls that he forgot the lunchbox (lonchera). Kike tells him “make fun! Make fun.” He basically tells Fern to shut up. Fern picks on him about writing in the notebook margins, and Kike tells him not to get bothered. Juan fusses at them and Kike tries to tell him he just brought Juan what he needed. Juan’s not interested. Later. Excuse me. He walks off. Fern shows Kike the post-it note and tells him that Juan’s been touchy since yesterday.

Paula’s in CL’s office, telling him she doesn’t want to be rude or ungrateful to his wife, but she’s doggone uncomfortable. He points out she’s not the only one feeling that way. Well, in that case, we need to do something. He points out she’s accepted the invitation, she could have refused. She tells him Monica pressured her a lot, and he chuckles—“that’s her, all right.” He tells Paula that’s exactly the problem he has when he tries to persuade Monica of something. So, what’s the problem, Paula? Come, eat with us, get to know Stephen—at best, he could end up being the man of your life. [Ed. Note: if we didn’t know what a scumbag you are, CL, we almost might think your sincerity is touching.] He’s got it all: free, millionaire, nice, oh! Paula interrupts: “And you, what would you know about my tastes regarding who might be the man of my life?” “Anything is possible.” (Todo cabe dentro las posibilidades, anything fits inside the possibilities). “Let me inform you that at the moment I’m not interested in getting to know anyone else.” “Why not?” “Because there was already one man I knew (probably used figuratively here, in the carnal sense, as a barb), and I think you knew that.” She changes the subject and asks if Juan has told him all? No, CL says, he’s told me nothing. And you’re making sure from this moment on he’ll know nothing more. “Gee, what a shame for you,” she retorts. “I’d just like to know him, though,” CL tells her with a little smirk. “Well, why don’t you tell me when and I’ll present him.” Brave words, Paula. “I’m not one of those women who hides things.” CL has her number. “Mm, why don’t you bring your friend tonight to my apartment, and we’ll meet him? How does that sound?” Paula is busted-impactada.

Juan is in his office—the driver’s seat of the limo—reading. Kike knocks on the window and lets himself into the passenger seat. Juan sits, staring at his paper. “Anyway, these are your things.” Juan looks over at the bag Kike has brought him. “Many thanks, my Kike, and forgive me. It’s that I’m a little sad.” (tristón) Kike gently tells Juan he’s noticed. “Now what’s happened?” “She wants me out of her life.” “I told you,” Kike continues gently, “Or didn’t I tell you?” “Sure, and all that. She doesn’t need me any more.” Juan’s face is so dejected and maybe a little bitter. “And what, my brother, she’s doing you a favor.” [Ed. Note: I’m sure he means to be helpful.] “See, this way you aren’t going to keep torturing yourself, always looking at her through the rearview mirror, creating fantasies for yourself.” (historias mafufas, my best guess) Juan cries out “Don’t you understand that if this happens, everything, absolutely everything, is going to hell?”

CL’s voice cuts into Juan’s agony, and we find Paula still in CL’s office, with her back to him, heading toward the door. CL asks if she doesn’t like that idea, she can kill two birds with one stone. (matar dos pájaros de un tiro) You can do what Monica wants and she’ll feel more calm that you’re beginning a new relationship, and you’ll present the man to me who took my place in your heart. CL falters a little as he hits the “took my place in your heart” stuff. She turns back to him as he asks what she has to say about that. “Have you gone bonkers or what?” “No,” he replies. “What makes you think I want to put MY friend in the wolf’s mouth?” “What wolf’s mouth?” [Ed. Note: personally, I think it’s a perfect metaphor, Paula.] “You’re sick, César Luis.” He tells her that what’s happening here is something else. “Well, think what you want, Sr. Farell, but please excuse me to your wife and tell her I can’t come to dinner.” He accuses her—this friend doesn’t exist. It’s a fantasy to hide what’s happened from me.” “Definitely, there’s no doubt, you are nuts.” She leans across his desk to give him a maximum cleavage shot as she scoffs at him. [Ed. Note: Kind of blurs your message, Paula.] He tells her the crazy one is someone else, a female. He accuses her that her love is like a small child, she’s acting infantile. She scoffs that he can’t believe she’d actually “invent” a romance just to bother him. “Well, YEAH. Why not?” She scoffs again. [Ed. Note: give it up, Paula, he’s had more practice at this game.] She wants to know why it’s so important. He retorts and she tells him okay, if that’s what you want, I’ll bring my friend. But, there’s one condition. “What?” That you give up this plan of using Juan to spy on me. “Of course, I’ve left you without anything to say, right?” He tells her this is different, because she has another sentimental interest, what’s left for him to do? [Ed. Note: which we take to mean he’s telling her he doesn’t plan to stop spying.] She smiles and retorts that for the moment there’s nothing he can do, and since he wants concrete proof, she’ll bring her friend. She starts to leave and he calls her back, there’s one more thing they need to discuss--Juan. Paula is commercial impactada.

Juan and Kike are still in the car, discussing this awful fate that has befallen Juan. Kike tells Juan that this went to hell as soon as it began, and this is the end of the story. Juan tries to deny it. “It can’t be, Kike, it can’t be.” Kike insists it can be, and is. One never knows with women. He reminds Juan this is what happened with Yadira to him. He tells Juan that it’s a process, before moving toward love with seduction, there is romance, lovely little things, some one to one time—these are the things to help get to know each other, take off the masks, come with your heart in your hand—excuse me, but you never had this opportunity with the Licenciada. Juan collapses in tears on Kike’s shoulder, and Kike pats him and comforts him. Juan cries that he had that chance, he had it. That night, when I had her in my arms, and daylight was lighting up that angelic face of hers, when her scent filled the room, and I felt her lovely skin, she was mine, Enrique! Kike is impactado---“then, you and she…..” Yes, Juan confirms it. They did. Juan’s pulled out his bandanna to wipe tears. “Oh, my brother, that is much, much worse. If what happened, happened, the charm wore off. You’ve lost her for good. And forgive me for saying, but it began badly and ended badly.” Juan thought bubbles that Kike never ceases to amaze him. He’s definitely a total romantic. “You calculated wrong, Juan, and you have the consequences.” “What should I do?” Juan asks defensively. Juan thought bubbles—he doesn’t want this to be, but is totally on target here. But of course, I’m a guy and cannot accept that I was wrong. Kike tells him it’s better to get immersed in school. Juan says no, he has to resolve his issues in the company, because he can’t be left without the work, and he’ll be without school, without anything……he struggles but can’t speak more. Kike tells him “No, my Juan” and Juan again collapses on Kike’s shoulder in tears. Kike comforts him again. “Calm down, calm down.” They break apart and Juan rubs his nose a little more. He’s going up to talk to Don Pastor. Kike will go with him for moral support. Juan thanks him. They get out of the car, Kike telling Juan that he also has someone to see in the office. He’s hiding something behind his back and Juan wants to know what it is. Juan teases him lightly about it, “don’t’ do that.” He spins Kike for a look at what’s in his hand, but Kike keeps it hidden. We get to see it briefly---“it’s for Julia.” It’s a little box of chocolates. He puts it back behind him and has Juan grinning ear to ear. They give each other a half hug from the side and get on their way.

Paula has gone back to seat herself and hear what CL wants to say about Juan. She’s tells CL it doesn’t seem fair to affect Juan’s future this way. CL, ever the clever manipulator, tells her the decision is really hers. If she doesn’t need him, they’ll have to let him go. Can’t he be reassigned to another person? No, this is an expense the company can do without. But, he’s a good worker and a wonderful person. We’re not a charity foundation here, her condescending boss informs her. “What’s bothering you here? That you’ll be left without a specific spy?” He denies it. After tonight he supposes he won’t have any need for a spy. But of course, she could buy her car, use it on weekends and still use the company car for daily business. She accuses him of pressuring her. He starts to deny it but looks her in the eye and finally says, “I know. But I also know that you like Juan a lot. And you should know what could happen with him. I need an answer, pretty quickly.” Paula gets up, asking if there’s anything more. Nope. Not for now. CL shakes a finger at her once. “See you tonight.” She stalks out, with him drooling over the view from the rear.

Paula goes straight to Marely, telling her “I have problems.” “It’s more strange when you don’t.” Paula wants Marely to be a little serious here. “I need your help here!” Marely tells her one of the clients is waiting and she needs to deal with it personally first.

Kike and Juan come off the elevator, Kike still soothing Juan. Juan tells him thanks, and good luck with that—he points to the candy. Kike approaches Julia, who’s on the phone, while Juan goes off to see Pastor. Kike overhears Julia chatting with someone obviously close to her, since she’s using “tú” and excited about the person’s call. They’re making plans for the evening—Julia is thrilled that the person on the other end of the line is thinking of her and she didn’t have other plans. The green-eyed monster flares in Kike’s heart. The office gossip we encountered with Ivonne earlier is standing behind Kike, taking this all in. Julia is having just a little too much fun on this call to suite Kike. She laughs and asks where the person is thinking of taking her. Way cool! The candy begins to melt in Kike’s hot, clammy hand. He walks away haltingly, sill listening as Julia closes the call—we’ll see you tonight! The office gossip is getting an eyeful. She greets Kike, who breathes a quiet “Hola” at her and moves on in a daze. He goes hesitantly to Marely’s desk. She’s glad he showed up; she has an assignment for him. He takes it, and then turns back to her and offers her the candy. Marely is puzzled. What’s this for? Well, you’ve been so good to me, and I appreciate your support since I’ve come here—it’s just a little token. She thanks him with a question in her voice.

Pastor says ”how lovely” to Juan, who is seated across from Pastor in the office. Juan is desperate, he’s at the point of finding himself without a job (chamba). He points out to Pastor that Pastor more than anyone knows how difficult it was for him to find this job. Pastor chides him. Do you think I’ve given you a hand only to leave you thrown out on the street? Juan says well….uh,….I don’t know. Pastor is mildly incensed. “Then you don’t know me, Juanito.” He tells Juan he’s loyal with his affections. What’s more, he knew about this problem and already has a solution in the works (remojo-arranged, from remojar, one meaning is to arrange, other meanings include leave a tip or give a gift). Juan thanks him, he doesn’t know what to do with Pastor’s help (how to repay, implied). Pastor is glad he recognizes this . So, Juan asks, what is the solution? Pastor’s asked CL to assign Juan to him since Paula doesn’t need Juan. Can Juan imagine? You as my chauffeur? Juan begins to imagine “Sure! The cure will be worse than the illness!”…..Pastor compelling him to stay out late taking Pastor to one of those bars to party. In his nightmare fantasy, he tells Pastor he can’t stay up late, he has to get up early so he won’t be late. The fantasy Pastor reminds him it doesn’t matter since the one who would be scolding is Pastor himself…..Juan’s smile becomes a grimace. Pastor wonders where he went just now, it was like he was on another planet! Juan covers up, he is choked with emotion [Ed. Note: no doubt]. He doesn’t know how to thank Pastor [Ed. Note: again, no doubt]. Pastor is touched, and tells him to be calm, he’s not going to be left without work. Juan grits his teeth and agrees. “How lovely!” Pastor rhapsodizes. Juan nods, still gritting. He’s going to fracture a tooth that way.

Monica is impactada on the phone with CL. What? Paula is bringing WHO? Why didn’t she tell me when we spoke? Well, you had everything planned out. What will we do with Stephen? He was so enthusiastic. Well, that’s what happens when you try to arrange someone’s life, dear. I just called to let you know. I have lots to do, so I gotta go back to work. Well, she tells him, don’t be late. Okay. They exchange their love and hang up, CL pensive.

Paula is shaking the client’s hand, and telling him they’ll resolve the rest of it the next day. He thanks her and leaves with a guy who had been chatting with Marely; Paula asks Marely to come in. She asks Paula how it went. It went well with the client, but Paula still has problems. What problems? Well, according to CL, if I buy an auto, Juan will be left without work. I don’t want that to happen! Marely is impactada. “You would feel responsible?” “Of course,” Paula tells her. “It’s simple, buy a car and just use it on the weekends.” Paula tells her that’s exactly what CL said. Marely wants to know if she cleared up things with Juan. Paula says she has. Marely tells her not to choke on a glass of water. [Ed. Note: must be a dicho. Maricruz, can you help here?] Paula tells Marely to imagine this: she has to bring a friend to the Farells’ apartment. “What friend?” That’s precisely the problem., what friend? Paula and Marely look at each other with chagrin and we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidence.


Vocabulary

borrón y cuenta nueva – a clean slate
sacarle la vuelta a alguien- avoid someone
cortado por la misma tijera – cut from the same cloth (cut with the same scissors)
Todo cabe dentro las posibilidades- anything fits inside the possibilities, anything’s possible
matar dos pájaros de un tiro – kill two birds with one stone

Jeanne

Labels: Juan