Caray, Caray!

Announcements….

I just realized as I re-read a little of this that I use quotes sometimes and don’t other times when I probably should. Thanks in advance for bearing with that. As always, help and corrections are welcome. I take total responsibility for typos and grammatical errors. ☺

Also, I’ll need subs a couple of times in October for travel. The first is next Friday, October 6. Thanks for considering this, anyone who is able to. If no one can, I’ll get a header posted before I leave for the weekend trip.

And now to our feature film…

As morning breaks over the D. F., we revisit Juan and Ana talking outside the Casa Dávila where Juan has come to get Paula for work and Ana is leaving, too. They greet each other warmly; she turns to go, and almost immediately turns back. Can she ask him a question? Sure, even two. She chuckles, but wants to know what’s up with Juan and Paula. He thought bubbles that’s the question he’s asking himself. He doesn’t want to get mixed up between the two of them.

And we revisit Pastor’s chat with CL, who barges in while Pastor is grooming his toupee. Pastor makes a nice save with his mirror and comb stowed in the fake company file faster than the speed of light, though he’s impactado because CL is known not to be a lark and it’s awfully early for him to be up and meddling in office stuff. CL needs his help Pastor tries to offer him coffee, or Lucy’s word (which I love), whatnot. CL cuts him off, nope, he just needs Pastor to prepare separation papers and pay for Paula and Juan.

Ana doesn’t think this is such a difficult question. Juan babbles until she asks him even more directly what’s up. He honestly answers he has no idea, really. She isn’t buying it. He thought bubbles about what he should do. Just as we think Ana might get an answer, Paula pops out and greets Juan rapidly, reminding him they need to hurry. And you, Mamá, aren’t you going to be late? Ana sighs. She’s not getting the 411 today, obviously. She rushes Juan to the car, and he rushes after her. Isn’t it a lovely day? Yep, a lovely day. Doña Ana, YOU have a lovely day. They’re off and running (as opposed to running off….. at the mouth).

¡¡¿¿¿Qué???!!! Pastor chuckles nervously. What’s so funny, CL asks him? Pastor’s sure he misunderstood. Nope. There’s nothing to understand, just do it. He repeats his request; as soon as possible! Pastor wants to know if there’s a specific reason for this. Because I said so. Ya got a problem wid dat? Pastor assures him there’s no problem. But, he pushes for reasons why…..CL cuts him off. Just do what I tell you. Don’t be questioning me or you’ll be preparing your separation papers. Pastor stutters around that he’s not questioning the boss’s decision. CL tells him that’s better. He wants it by noon. Pastor assures him it’s crystal clear (no canta un gallo, a rooster couldn’t sing clearer) and we hear the rooster crow in the lobby. CL stalks out while Pastor mutters to himself and writes. He stares at the door, dejected and impactado.

Queen Nidia has her orange juice [Ed. Note: geez, does Delirio do this every morning? Maybe he does have some socially redeeming value] in bed, and is whining about Yadi’s noncompliance and ingratitude. It was only when Juan arrived that they finally knew where Yadi was, or she doesn’t know where they’d still be hunting the wretched child down [okay, I added that wretched child stuff]. He dresses himself for work as he tells her that the thing worrying him the most is that she’s ended up with Enrique, in whom he’s never had any faith. [Ed. Note: ¡MENTIROSO! He was your best friend a few episodes ago, especially when you were broke and hungry!] What’s more, Nidia tells him, it’s his fault she’s ignoring me (no me hace caso) and she doesn’t give a d*** (qué la importa un comino, a grain of cumin isn’t important to her) about the punishment I gave her. Delirio tells her “excuse me, but I’ve told you” and proceeds to castigate her for spoiling the little girls as long as he’s known her and she goes with any whim they have, etc., etc. She tells him not to question how she’s raised her children. He jumps on it to point out her kids need a paternal figure. That’d be a masculine role model with authority, maturity, serenity, economic stability…..Nidia tries to interrupt and he cuts her right off. Yadi needs someone serious, responsible….um….someone like Gutis! It’d be for her own good! “Listen to me! Listen to me!” Nidia actually looks like she’s thinking about Gutis here. Delirio approaches her and she thrusts out her palm to hold him off. Wait. She’s going with him to work and talk to Enrique. She gets out of bed to get ready. She’s going to put things very clear with him. Delirio thinks that’s a VERY good idea, he’ll wait for her. He smugly finishes fixing his tie, which has taken him about five minutes to knot so far.

Paula asks Juan what her Mami wanted as they drive to the office. Well, she wanted to know what was up with us. So, what did you tell her? Well, nothing since you came out of the house right then. But, Licenciada, your mother asked me a question and I honestly didn’t know what to say. Juan doesn’t know what she has said to her mother. She tells him she’s said nothing, but he knows her mother, she suspects there’s more than a simple friendship between them. Juan thought bubbles that it’s now or never, it’s going to drive him nuts. He’s still left with a doubt himself, so he decided to play it out with her. He stops the car and nails her. Okay, Licenciada, I’m asking myself the same question, what IS between you and me? She looks a little disturbed at having her cage rattled.

Ivonne is impactada. She sits down in Pastor’s office, “So, he’s going to fire them both at the same time?” Pastor affirms the news she’s been waiting to hear, her nemesis will be GONE! He mutters that it’s really strange, no? She agrees. They’re both puzzled. She wants to know more, and Pastor tells her CL’s lips were sealed (el hombre estuvo hermético, like hermetically sealed ala Carnac the Magnificent, aka Johnny Carson). She says she thinks she shouldn’t have been surprised—something strange was happening between CL and Paula. Pastor agrees. Ivonne says she hadn’t told Pastor, but there was so much coming and going from his office to hers and back again—something was going on.…..Pastor points out that from the beginning they had their messes. It’s logical CL would end up firing her. Pastor’s real question is what does Juan have to do with this [Ed. Note: that’s the only relevant question, right, Pastor?]

Juan wants to know why he’s one of the protagonists of this story and is clueless. Paula tries to protest a little….she is clueless, too. Puh-leeze, Licenciada. He tells her if she wants him to be honest with her, he’s half nuts with this situation, one day it’s a thousand marvels, she’s warm, all smiles, and another she’s distant, like she can’t stand him (que le cayera gordo, fell fat for you). He tells her a few more unpleasant things she does like hide from him—he doesn’t understand, and she tells him she’s just trying to put her thoughts in order. He thinks if they define it for themselves, it’ll make it easier and they’ll know how to behave. She agrees, he’s totally right. She’s a little taken aback, though. It’s happening so fast, so pressured. She doesn’t understand how to interpret all these things. Okay, he tells her, before anything else you need to clarify if you still have feelings for CL. Juan, she tells him, you know it’s just recently I’ve been enamored of him. Suddenly when what happened between us happened, the floor (or apartment, flat) moved (I was shaken up, [my best guess]), and it made me doubt my feelings. He tells her there are certain feelings that don’t bear analysis and one knows perfectly what they are. She agrees and feels like a fool for not knowing exactly what it is she’s feeling. [Ed. Note: Could she be placating Juan, still playing with him to buy time?] He’s going to ask her one question, just one. Does he please her or not? (What does she feel for him?) As they say in my town, do I trip your trigger? (le muevo la aguja- do I move the switch?) She runs her fingers through her hair and looks away --she doesn’t want to go there.

Pastor looks at his watch. He wants to know what’s going on, and would you look at the time? Juan’s late! Ivonne tells him she is sure that Juan is clueless, he has no idea what’s happening here. “He’s as lost as you, or more.” Pastor gets up; he’s going down to wait for Juan and kidnap him as fast as Juan gets there. He’s going to force Juan to tell him every little detail, all of it! ‘Scuse, please. Ivonne is left in the office, puzzling over this new twist.

Paula gives Juan the ol’ “you’re very special to me” song and dance. She takes his hand and folds both of hers around his. The time they had that night was magical. Hablablablabla…..He asks if there was love? She can’t say that word yet. She’s still recovering from her war wounds. She is sure, though, they’re going on a good road. That’s all he wanted to hear. She asks for a favor, that they go slowly, give one another space, that they don’t have pressure, and don’t have to say a word, not have to explain every gesture and not put themselves in a strait jacket (camisa de fuerza). She needs time to sort out what’s in her head and heart. He tells her to take all the time she needs. His love for her isn’t going anyplace. He has no doubt what he feels for her. “Because, I love you. I love you with all my heart.” He doesn’t need to say more, with this it’s all been said. He kisses her hand. She’s serious, but smiling. He’s serious, and intense. They caress each other’s hands and gaze at each other while “Ay, amor” plays in the background…..

Kike is in the garage, where Fern is fiddling with what looks like a mini-television. He asks Fern what he was supposed to do? Put her out in the street? Look grudging and inconsiderate? What could he do? He could have her in the house, and hold her off. Well, did she come in? What do you think? You know what, though? She’s still there, sleeping like a queen until dinner. He chuckles about Yadi’s ways. Fern wants to know where this leaves him. He loves this woman. Enrique suddenly gets suspicious. What did Fern have with her? Nothing, Fern swears with his hand up. Kike says anyway, she betrayed him, and since then he’s not so sure she’s a good woman. She doesn’t make him feel the passion she used to. They chitchat a little and Pastor comes looking for Juan. He’s not here yet, they tell him. Where could he be? Look at the time! Pastor asks God for patience. Fern wants to know if he plans to wait there, and Pastor wants to know if there’s some problem with that. No, of course not. Just curious. Pastor waves them back to their conversation. Kike stutters something about food, and Fern plays along….

Ivonne, her fetching tube-type top leading the procession out front, storms into CL’s office and throws a file down on his desk. For a paper file, it sure makes some noise. He looks up, muy irritado. “What do you want?” She has to talk to him. He’s busy. Well, she has something to say and it’s now or never [déjà vu, didn’t Juan have this line earlier? I guess it saves writers fees if they can repeat the lines.] “What do you want, and please make it quick.” Ivonne makes a caustic remark about her majesty, the star of the office, Paula. CL snidely notes that if the office folk devoted as much time to work as they do to gossip, Farell Industries would be the most productive company in the world. It wasn’t gossip. Pastor is very upset that not is Paula leaving, but Juan, too. [Ed. Note: Aha. The file has the separation paperwork, anyone want to make book on it?] Let’s say it wasn’t too secret. CL smirks and tells her he’s so pleased to see her genuine caring for Juan, she’s making progress here. Ivonne says Juan can go to the devil. But then what? This caring is for Paula? Nope. I want her position. I want you to appoint me Veep for commercial transactions. He gets a big grin. Then he’s ROTFLLL. And LLLLLLL. And LLLLLLL. While he laughs his nasty head off, Ivonne plots eternal revenge with a humongous stink eye.

Pastor is patting his toupee and pacing a little. Kike and Fern lean in to whisper behind him. “What do you think is going on?” “Could he have lice on his head?” Fern chuckles and tells him not on the head, in the toupee. They grin at each other. They speculate about why he’s waiting for Juan. Is Juan going to get a death sentence? Kike thinks he looks like he’s on the verge of tears. Fern points out that’s his normal face. Whew, here comes the limo. Juan lets Paula out and tells her goodbye before Pastor grabs him and rushes him off—Juan had him at the point of an attack of nerves! [Ed. Note: it’s not likely this guilt trip will work, Pastor, so give it up.] Pastor has something urgent to communicate with him….Juan tries to tell him that he has stuff to do. The only thing he has to do, Pastor tells him, is go with Pastor. Trust me for once in your life, Juan! They’re going out for coffee. They won’t be long, and they won’t be overheard. He looks meaningfully back at the muchachos. Juan calls back for Fern to look after the car as Pastor shoves him off. Fern salutes: “sure, boss.” Kike waves, too and taps Fern, what’s up with that? “I don’t know what to think. The only thing I now is that every day it’s tougher to find a normal Christian who’s right in the head.” [Ed. Note: Must be a dicho, folks, and I likely screwed up that interpretation.]

CL is still ROTFLLLLLL. He’s nearly in tears, it’s so funny. That’s a good one, he tells her. (Qué buena onda). That’s the most absurd thing I’ve heard in my life. Ivonne takes issue with that. She doesn’t see how it’s funny. He tells her, look, forget it, I’m not discussing this with you. You’re not taking Paula’s place, period. For this assignment, you would have to be trained, self-assured, and able to think on your feet (make decisions on the wing, al vuelo). Able to have a minimal sense of how to analyze and make commercial transactions….with experience. He shakes his finger at her to emphasize. [Ed. Note: don’t you just want to do something rude with that shaking finger, gentle readers?] She tells him she can meet all those conditions. He smirks and chuckles again. [Ed. Note: don’t you just want to do something rude with that smirking face, gentle readers?] “I doubt it.” “Let me show you!” “Are you for real?” “Well, you see I am. I just want to be heard out. This doesn’t have anything to do with….our past.” He tells her okay, let’s talk to the point (clearly). You want a promotion, right, don’t worry. Yep, but not just anything. I’ve thought about it, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do. Ivonne smiles in triumph. Okay, I’m promoting you to Licenciado Perafán’s assistant. How does that sound? She practically comes across the desk at him. Feet first. “Are you mocking me? Do you think I’m stupid? That’s what you think of me?” “I had the same questions? How could you think to come through my office door and ask for the Commercial Veep position?” “Like the Licenciada Paula, or have you forgotten how she obtained her meteoric ascension?” “Why don’t you refresh my memory, Ivonne?” “By spending time in your bed.” She points out he didn’t have to ask about experience, training, nothing. He retorts that her qualifications are excellent, her résumé is excellent, and wonders if she wants to see it. She scoffs. She’s sure Paula showed it to him lots of times. He uses what is apparently a trump card for her qualifications, though who knows why, because she could have graduated from Podunk U: Paula studied at a university in the United States! And you, meanwhile, studied at a technical school for secretaries. That’s just to begin with. What do you want? That you’ll end up humiliated? She says it doesn’t matter. He agrees with that, and tells her that at least is a more sensible attitude. But, he lets her know the Veep position already has a new occupant. “What? You’ve found another victim?” He reluctantly tells her that the new Veep is MB. Ivonne is a little impactada. He tells her to excuse him, because he has a lot of work and little patience. She storms out in a huff. When he’s done looking disgusted and irritated, he laughs and points at the door she just exited.

Chelo and Monica are cutting up veggies together in the kitchen. [Ed. Note: No wonder Moni doesn’t think it’s a mortal sin for Paula to hang out with a chauffeur.} Chelo is congratulating Moni on getting to do the work she wants, and to work together with CL. For some unfathomable reason, Chelo thinks this is a Good Thing. Chelo wonders if she’s happy, and Moni confirms it makes her very content. [Ed. Note: Chelo is almost always smiling. She’d be a good person to have around.] Moni says there’s still something she doesn’t like about it. Chelo wants to know what, if Moni doesn’t mind her meddling (si no le importa que meta mi cuchara, if it’s not important to you that I’m mixing my spoon in it). Moni tells her she’s still not sure what’s up with Paula. Something has her unconvinced. It’s strange, when she and Juan were here, we talked about work and she seemed quite content, enthusiastic. Chelo asks what Don CL says. Well, he’s told me his version, Moni tells Chelo, but I’d like to hear hers. She has been very special with me; she made a good impression on me. Chelo tells her she has a big heart. Moni says it’s just fair, nothing more. Moni says she’s going to talk with Paula, but not one word to CL, he’ll kill me. Chelo promises to zip her lip. (yo pico de cera, I mind my own business).

Marely, standing in front of Paula’s desk, has her notepad and is reciting the to do list for Paula. They have responses to send, calls to make. Paula says she’s going to make calls personally, and Marely agrees. Also, there’s my letter of resignation, Paula says. Marely looks up, a little alarmed, and then smiles and tells Paula of course, the letter of resignation is routine around here. Nope, this time it’s for real, Paula tells her, she’s also tired of this game. She’s going to save CL the trouble of letting her go. Of course, Marely tells her. Paula wants to know why she’s so mad. Marely denies she’s mad, and she won’t meddle in something that’s not important to her. Well, excuse me, Paula tells her, but you look like you’d gladly choke me. Paula, I’ve told you it’s your life and you know what to do with it. Paula tells her she’s talked with Juan and he asked what’s their situation, are they a couple? Oh? “I said I didn’t know.” I should say I didn’t know what to say. I tried to tell him the truth, or what I believe to be the truth. Well, Marely replies, this seems like it wasn’t a very clear conversation. [Ed. Note: Could her tongue be in her cheek?] Paula gets impassioned as she tells Marely that the one thing she wants to do now is get away from CL. Marely retorts that Paula wants to see him suffer as much as possible. Paula confirms that’d make her happy. Paula reminds Marely what he did to her, betrayed her, humiliated her, what woman wouldn’t want to get revenge on a guy like that? You know what I’ve suffered at his hands! Marely knows, but she tells Paula Juan shouldn’t have to pay for the damage (the broken plates). The half-sisters glare at each other.

Pastor has Juan cornered at the coffee shop. He wants Juan to explain a couple of little things. He wants Juan to explain like God wills it, with his hand on his heart, and the truth on his lips. Juan swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, so help him Diosito. He thought bubbles that he’s wondering what’s happening. Pastor’s gonna overheat like a turbine. Pastor tells him this morning he was working in his office very early when suddenly CL showed up, which was odd because he’s no lark, but what was really strange was what he asked me to do. What was that? To prepare your separation paperwork, and the Licenciada Paula’s, nothing less. That? What don’t you understand about how important this is? Pastor wants to know. He’s going to FIRE you, Juanito! Both of you! Sure, Juan assures him, I understand, I’m not a blockhead. Pastor remarks that he must be the blockhead because doesn’t understand (why Juan isn’t more upset). Could Juan please explain que the h*** is happening? Juan sits back with a sour look.

Paula finally stands up and comes around her desk. She tells Marely that her worry about Juan only says that she hasn’t been honest. Does Juan interest her? Paula walks behind Marely, who is looking guilty, but Paula can’t see it. She squares her jaw and turns around. Yes, as a friend, a brother. “Marely, I promise you I’ll do everything possible….” Saved by the bell. Marely answers the phone and finds it’s Monica. She passes the phone to a reluctant and sighing Paula. Paula answers with pretty manners, but a grimace. Moni invites her out to eat lunch. How would that be? Paula can’t think of a graceful way to decline, and accepts. They’ll have lunch at three. Moni asks her not to say a word to CL; Paula agrees that she’ll say nothing. As she hangs up the phone, she tells an impactada Marely that Moni wants to talk with her.

Kike tells Fern he’s got to get going, and Fern bids him goodbye, but there’s a hitch in Kike’s plans. Delirio is right behind him. With Nidia. Nidia tells Delirio thanks for coming with me, but I’ll go it alone now. She looks meaningfully as a worried Kike. She tells Delirio she knows he has lots of work and she doesn’t want to take more of his time. [Ed. Note: Looks like a firm dismissal, folks.] He bids her goodbye with an endearment (my little sunflower bud? Capullito de girasol).

Nidia forcefully tells Kike she has to talk to him. He faces off with her hesitantly and submissively; he’s at her orders. Fern watches from his seat at the desk behind Kike. Nidia excuses herself to Fernandito, and tells Kike to get going. He walks off quickly. She and Fern eye each other….is it electricity? Is it disgust and annoyance? Is it about half and half? She turns and follows Kike. With a swing like that, she needs a porch. He watches…..but what the heck is that look?

Juan is trying to explain to Pastor. He wants Pastor to promise to take it calmly. Pastor tells him that Juan knows he’s the calmest person on the planet. Juan starts to stammer through it and decides to spit it out: “the Licenciada Paula and I are in love.” Juan beams at Pastor. Pastor, on the other hand, is impactado and desolate. He stands and begins to shake his head, close to tears. “No, no Juan, it can’t be!” His voice hits the Threshold of Discomfort at about 110 decibels Sound Pressure Level. Everyone in the restaurant looks. Juan tells him it is. Pastor seats himself, putting his head onto his hands and crying loudly. Juan looks over his shoulder at all the people looking at them.

Nidia has revved up to full speed ahead with Kike. She reams him a new one. She wonders what on earth possessed him to kidnap her daughter. He tries to interrupt. She wonders how he could do this to her! She’s been like a second mother to him! He tries to interrupt. She reminds him that he knows how much her deceased husband esteemed him. He would have given anything to see Kike and Yadi married. He tries to interrupt. She chastises him for thinking about living together, and gives him a list of reasons why it’s a Bad Thing. Kike makes the “time out” sign and tells her to listen to him. It wasn’t HIS idea! He agrees with her and he didn’t TAKE Yadira. No??? No!!!! He tells Nidia she’ll have to pardon him, but Yadi tricked him into coming to her room, and provoked him when she started to undress….Nidia doesn’t want to hear that part! Then he tells Nidia that Yadi came looking for him at school and practically forced him to take her in. If she wants to verify it she can ask Juan.

Juan asks Pastor to please do him a favor and shut up. Pastor keeps yelling. All the while that he was giving Juan a hand, and it was impossible to be happy, and he kept on defending Juan from those who would do him dirt. Juan tells him he appreciates all that Pastor has done for him, but really, he’s always been a friend. Juan notices all the onlookers and yells that Pastor is a great friend. “He’s my compa!” (Compadre, pal).

Kike assures Nidia that if it’d been up to him, he would have brought Yadi home last night. He doesn’t understand, but she’s obsessed with him. He’s desperate. Nidia wonders if he’s telling her the truth. She clearly wants to believe him. He swears he is, he’s not playing her, that’s God’s will. You know how much I loved your daughter. You know I would have died for her, but it’s all different now. I care nothing for her. Nidia says she’s working hard to believe this. He tells her it’s true, and she can go by his house and talk to Yadi. She’ll be doing them both a favor. Nope, she says, you’d better go with me. Kike wants to draw her a map and give her the address—he has a lot of work at the moment. They go back to the desk and Fern looks up, wary. Nidia looks triumphantly at him. She strokes herself and he starts to say something, but can’t. Could there really be something here? Nah. Kike gives her the map and address, and tells her to let him know if she needs anything, because she can count on him. She thanks him. She tells him that she hopes he’ll find love again, and calls him “my son.” Kike thanks her, takes his leave, and runs off to get his transporting done. Fern and Nidia are left staring at each other. They’re not alone, though….this is still Grand Central and the world passes through here each day. Does it matter to Nidia? Nope. She sits on the corner of the desk and looks dejected, so Fern, gentleman that he is, gets up and pats her on the shoulder. “Is anything wrong?” She throws herself into his arms. He reluctantly holds her and strokes her hair, then hears something that makes him look down to see if she’s crying or purring.

Pastor is still on a roll. He wants Juan to tell him one thing, the truth, and nothing but the truth. Do you love HER? Or is what’s happening with her simply a whim? Tell me the truth, I demand it. Juan tells him if he wants the truth, then yes, he loves her more than he has ever loved before and more than he will ever love again. He says Pastor should believe it, there are no more lies, no matter how much it hurts him, hurts CL, whoever. He adores this woman, and no human will ever change that. Pastor stands up, and Juan asks why? They’re not done talking. Juan tries to talk him back, but Pastor turns around and immediately falls into the arms of the guy behind him who stood up just in time to catch Pastor….in dead faint. It’s a mimisqui that would make Luigi Lombardi sit up and take notice. Juan lowers him to the floor gently and calls for water.

Delirio is still talking with Gutis, upset because he hasn’t got the information he wants yet and that they’re pressuring him and he doesn’t know what he can tell them about not finding the info. Gutis, totally nonchalant about all this, and playing with his shades while he talks on the phone, wonders that’s the mystery. They exchange barbs about the info, and Delirio tells Gutis he can’t keep making excuses. Gutis gets frustrated and tells him enough, already, don’t be crying here. Last night I left it for you on the desk top. Delirio turns over some papers and sputters.

Nidia still has Fern detained. She tells him it sucks to be her. How come children pay their parents like this with tears of blood? After all this dedication! Why? Why? She scans the area for warm bodies, and detecting none but Fern’s at the moment, slinks up to give him a full-body press (not noticing the person passing behind them several feet). He reluctantly tolerates her throwing herself at him, while she tells him her life is so unfair! Here she is, more alone than ever, she’s just realized…..alone, abandoned, without a firm little chest to give her support. All this is, of course, punctuated with stroking down her sides and a hoist. She continues that there are no arms to pamper her, as she strokes his long arms and gazes up into his face two feet above her.

Delirio is delirious! He tells Gutis that it’s marvelous what he’s found! Of course, Delirio has barely opened the document he just picked up, but it’s marvelous. Gutis says they can make a few little calls, get organized, and then…blackmail hovers in the air, unspoken but tangible. Delirio realizes he’s brilliant, though it pains him to say it. But Gutis is not happy; he reminds Delirio that they have a pact for which Delirio as of yet has done nothing at all. “But what are you talking about, my king? What?” It’s Yadira, of course. Delirio assures Gutis that he’s working on this child on Gutis’ behalf. He can be very sure of that. Gutis certainly hopes so, for Delirio’s own good.

Nidia pushes Fern almost back to the wall as he sits on a desk against it, and she suggests that they save this discussion for another day in another place. Fern finally gets his bearings and takes charge. He eases her up and away from him, flips her around a little and pushes himself farther from her, holding her arms. “Doña Nidia, you know what I think about that.” She flips him back to sit on the desk, holding him by the arms, and sits him down, flirting some more [ni que te estuviera pidiendo algo del otro mundo, it wasn’t like I was asking for something to write home about? I looked this one up and found it could be very racy, judging from the websites the phrase brought up. Yikes! Help here is welcome]. She only wants a few quick seconds of his time. He’ll be able to help her “clarify” her life. She strokes and rubs. “That’s all.” He tries again to stand up.

We find ourselves looking up at Juan’s concerned face, people standing behind him. “Are you feeling better?” The view shifts and we see a man holding Pastor up slightly from his position on the floor, with Juan holding a cup to his lips. “Drink a little water.” Juan dabs a napkin lightly at Pastor’s face after helping him with the drink. “Are you feeling better, better, better, better?” We hear the echo fades in Pastor’s ears. “Give me your little hand.” Juan and the guy help Pastor to his feet and Juan pulls a chair out for him. Juan thought bubbles that this hit the poor guy like a mule kick. Pastor weeps that this has to be a nightmare, a punishment. He shakes his head and blubbers. Juan encourages him to calm himself; they’re bringing him a little cup of tea. The drama continues.

Licenciado Perafán is in CL’s office. He has brought the incriminating book from the catacombs for CL’s review. CL thanks him; that’s what they were needing. Delirio tells him how much work it was to find this info for him. And, as you see, when I commit to something, it’s until death! He snaps his fingers. [Ed. Note: what an irritating habit! I have a colleague who does that often, and sometimes want to shake that colleague. I keep myself in check, though. With Alirio I probably would cut loose, however.] Delirio is beaming ear to ear, and making his usual expansive gestures to punctuate his grand success. “Ah, but CL, buddy, you and I still have a bit of unfinished business, right?” CL wants to know what. “Sure, you remember that about my assistant?” CL informs him sure, but I have bad news, Ivonne didn’t accept it. Delirio foolishly tells CL that he had thought for sure that CL was the one who made the decisions in Farell Industries, (and implies that now he sees that’s not the case, tsk). CL squares his jaw and tells Delirio through gritted teeth that sometimes he takes the well-being of his people into account. Delirio pushes more buttons by telling CL that he understands perfectly; if he were in CL’s shoes he’d do exactly the same thing and not let Ivonne out of his sight [okay, I interpreted very loosely here. Also, I’d like to make an observation that I’m not sure, but I think Delirio made a really risqué comment here, instead of saying “I’d do exactly the same (mismo), the word “mismo” Alirio pronounced “misma” which could have been a reference to doing Ivonne, her. But a schoolmarm wouldn’t actually know about that, so I could be way off base]. CL remarks that Delirio can’t know how much that reassures him to know that. Delirio asks if it would be too much for him to ask that CL let him talk with this little girl and see if he can convince her.

The next thing we know, Delirio is panting over Ivonne’s desk. He asks her how she is, what can she tell him? Nothing! He doesn’t take the hint, but continues that he’s noticed how alone she is when it’s time to eat, and he wonders if she’d go with him to a cozy little Mexican place, with tacos and tepache to die for. “Are you inviting me to EAT??” “Well, yeah, how does that seem to you, precious?” “BAD! Many thanks but NO thanks!” Ivonne is yelling. The office gossip-mongers should have fun with this old boy hitting up on Ivonne [Ed. Note: I tried to find Roberto d’Amico’s birth date on the web and it’s not given. Anyplace!] “Little queen, don’t be so surly with me! Accept my invitation. It’ll be worthwhile for you, because I have a business offer for you….” Ivonne gives him a fake smile and says that it doesn’t interest her, no thanks. Delirio presses on, because he’s just sure this is something she’d find worthwhile, if she’d only listen to him (he calls her precious, doll). If she doesn’t think it worthwhile, he won’t insist. [Ed. Note: Hah. We already have plenty of evidence to the contrary.] “You know what, Licenciado Perafán?” “What?” He asks and leans far over her desk. Ivonne shakes her finger in his face and yells “Leave me in PEACE!” Marely sits up and looks over at them, startled and possibly wondering que the h*** her stepfather is doing over there.

Back in Ivonne’s corner, Delirio says, “Look, doll, don’t get like that. It’ll be worth your while; I want what’s best for you.” Ivonne’s fuse is about burned out. She tells him that he keeps bothering her and she’s not responding. She wants to know in what language she can tell him that he’ll understand she’s not interested in ANYTHING to do with him. She’s not interested to be his assistant, doesn’t want his invitations to drink tepache, and she isn’t interested in anything at ALL.” She gives him her very best stink eye and storms off. Delirio, like the Bobo doll that never falls over, bobs upright again and says, “this doll’s an original.” [Okay, I interpreted loosely again.] He sidles over to Marely’s desk and complains that all he wanted was some info he needed, with the most cordiality he would muster up, you know me, and look at how she treated him, like a crazy woman. What’s up with that child? She has no class! Marely just stares at him. One can hope she’s as disgusted as we feel.

The lowbrow in question is in CL’s office, bellyaching about Delirio to the big boss. CL makes a wisecrack and Ivonne fusses at him about not starting with his stupid smile that unnerves her (wears her down). CL says that instead of wasting energy fighting uselessly, don’t you think it’d be better if you studied? She could soon begin a new career, with a promising future, a productive one. Ivonne’s annoyed. She doesn’t want him talking nonsense. He tells her whatever; if you want to be this guy’s assistant, perfect. If you DON’T want to be this guy’s assistant, perfect. The only thing he wants is that she won’t bother him with her stuff, because he is sure that he has things much more important to think about. She thinks a second, and walks toward the desk. In a questioning voice, she says “I want to go out tonight...” He tells her that’s a great idea, she needs a distraction and needs to reduce her neurosis a bit. Oh, that’s not exactly what she had in mind, it seems. “I want to go out with you!” He looks mildly impactado. “What a shame. I can’t.” “Sure, you can.” He murmurs dissent, and puffs on one of his infernal cigarettes; he’s clearly bored. She tells him he’d best be thinking about where he’s taking her and it’d best be someplace elegant; that’ll really give him something important to think about. She flounces out of the office.

Juan and Pastor are coming down the escalator to the garage at Farell Industries, and Pastor tells Juan, “Hasta aquí nos trajo el río” Well, it all comes down to this or here we are (my interpretation, it’s a Columbian dicho). Juan remarks that it looks like it. Pastor tells Juan he appreciates that Juan’s been honest with him. Juan remarks that Pastor knows better than anyone that Juan doesn’t like lies, and Pastor chuckles and reminds him that there were times before that Juan doesn’t want to make Pastor recall, which contradict his assertion. Juan replies okay, okay, but I’m a reformed man—by love. Pastor wants Juan to know that he’s going to do everything he can to help Juan. Juan thinks that battle is more than lost. Pastor tells Juan if he only knew how expertly Pastor can manipulate the big boss—he wouldn’t believe it. Modesty aside, Pastor continues, he can do with the boss what he feels like. From here, Juan will not be leaving. [Ed. Note: Pastor just got mega points with me. He can be a really solid guy, and right now is one of those times.] He tells Juan to have a good day, and Juan tells him to have one, too. He calls Pastor as Pastor goes to leave. Pastor turns again, Fern in the background. Juan thanks him for his understanding and makes guy-type gestures. Pastor sighs, “Juanito, what am I to do with you?” He goes. Juan smiles fondly after him, thought bubbling that there’s really a lot of nobility in this little bald guy, and if he hadn’t been fairly sure it could be misunderstood, he’d have given the guy a hug.

A smiling Ana is asking Paula by phone if Paula wants to have lunch. Paula has to turn her down for Monica. Can’t Paula cancel? Nope, impossible. Ana is disappointed, because she wants to tell Paula something that has the potential to be life-changing. Paula wants to know why Mamá can’t just tell her, already. Ana smiles broadly—this will be best told face to face, personally, and it’s a surprise for her. Paula just cannot go. Ana sighs and says she’ll see her in the evening and they’ll talk. Paula wants a little head up right NOW. Ana smiles again and tells her all she can say now is it’s something that could change their lives for the better. “Really?” “Yes, Paula.”

Ivonne gives Pastor an earful about Perafán. The nerve of that guy, trying to make her his assistant! She babbles on about CL being no help at all, all you men are the same, present company excepted, and notices Pastor is in some other world. She claps her hands at him and he comes out of his trance. “Are you listening to me?” “It’s over, Ivonne.” She wants to know what’s over. His relationship with Juan is over forever. She points out that nothing really happened. He sadly tells her that deep down he always had a secret hope that if nothing was said to the contrary, there was always a possibility of them ending up with something, a connection between the two of them. So now, why’s it all over, she wonders. He tells her that Juan is the lover of someone she knows, and detests. “Don’t tell me, Marely?” “No, Paula Dávila.” Ivonne is impactada and speculative at the same time.

Chelo is dusting as Moni comes to tell Chelo she’s leaving. “And what shall I tell him if the Mr. calls?” “Mmm, tell him that I’ve gone to see the Doctor.” “Ay, Sra. Mónica, I’ve never heard you tell lies!” Chelo is scandalized. Moni tells her there’s always a first time, and besides, it’s a righteous lie (white lie). She won’t make it a habit. It’s for a good reason. Chelo lectures Moni that she sure hopes so, since this could turn her into a liar fast. Chelo wouldn’t like that to happen to her. Moni says it won’t. She smiles and waves to Chelo, who wishes her luck as she leaves.

Paula is bracing herself to go to lunch with Moni. She tells Marely if anyone calls, tell them she’ll return about 4:00, 4:30 p.m. Now to go see if she can save Juan’s hide (pellejo, hide/skin) in this company. Marely wants to know what Sra. Mónica has to do with Juan and his situation. Paula thinks a lot, and she’s going to take advantage of the opportunity to get her to intercede for Juan with CL. She has a lot of power, Paula tells Marely, so Paula can kill two birds with one stone. The last thing Paula wants to do is prolong her exposure to CL. Paula leaves and strides across the lobby, while the camera takes us to CL’s office where he’s fingering the phone, clearly wanting to pick it up and call….Paula gets to the elevator, waits a second until it comes, and gets on it as CL finally calls and Marely answers. “Paula?” “No, it’s Marely.” CL is embarrassed, but asks if she’ll hand the phone to Paula. Marely informs him she’s gone to eat. CL wants to know if she left long ago, and Marely tells CL she just left moments ago. CL wonders if she knows, by chance, with whom Paula went to eat. Marely is panicked as we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely a coincidence.

Monday: Will the gossip mill have a meltdown as Paula and Juan walk out arm in arm? Will CL get vengeance because he's been thrown over for a lowly CHAUFFEUR?

Vocabulary-note there are some in the recap I didn’t put in the list because the translation I guessed at and it might not be correct

no canta un gallo – it’s clear (a rooster couldn’t sing clearer)
que la importa un comino – she doesn’t give a d*** (a grain of cumin isn’t important to her)
que le cayera gordo – you can’t stand me (I fell fat for you!)
¿le muevo la aguja? – do I move the switch? (do I trip your trigger, do you care about me?)
camisa de fuerza - strait jacket
tomar decisions al vuelo – make decisions on the wing/on the fly, think on your feet
si no le importa que meta mi cuchara – if you don’t mind me meddling (if it’s not important to you that I’m mixing my spoon in it)
yo pico de cera - I mind my own business

*Mimisqui – a very unique infirmity suffered by Luigi Lombardi, the flamboyant television production guru of La Fea Más Bella, usually occurring when he perceived himself under extreme duress, for example, when he REALLY didn’t like something or someone

Jeanne

Labels: Juan