Caray, Caray!

Sorry, guys. It’s exam week so this re-cap is going to be a little “bare bones.”

Paula thanks Nidia for the information, but Nidia asks that Paula does not tell Ana that Nidia said anything.

Kike visits Fernando at the garage in order to exchange stories. Kike tells Fernando about the fight between Nidia and Anga and how it was just short of coming to blows. Fernando thinks out loud that once he found out Anga was the love of Nidia’s life that the two of them would end up together. Fernando quickly changes the subject and tells Kike about the fight that he overheard between Paula and CL.

Monica and CL talk business. There’s some importers of exotic flowers who wants to meet with them, but there’s two problems. They want to meet with the owners of Farrell industries in Guadalajara. Monica points out that this would mean that she and CL would have to go, together, to Guadalajara for the meeting. Cue the sleazy music.

Paula looks through the newspaper for a job while Ana makes herself a drink. Paula asks her mom if there is any news, but Ana says that there’s nothing. Paula, who can’t keep a secret, says that she wants to know why CL came to the house. Ana lies and says that it was just to say hello. Paula won’t accept this answer and tries to convince her mother to tell the truth. They bicker for a few minutes and then Paula leaves in a huff. If Ana won’t tell her then she’s going to ask CL himself.

CL asks if there’s any possibility of the meeting being held in the D.F. Monica explains that the importers have a very busy schedule and this would be impossible. Monica gets up to leave and flippantly tells CL to talk to Paula and to sleep on it and come in tomorrow with an answer. CL looks dumfounded.

Monica catches Pastor walking through the lobby. She wants to know why she wasn’t told about Juan’s call. Pastor says that he also didn’t know about the call. Monica tells Pastor that even Paula knew; the only one who didn’t was Monica. Monica reminds Pastor that he’s in charge of finding Juan. She accuses Pastor of being disloyal. She knows who Pastor will talk to (CL) and who he will not (Monica).

Pastor waltzes directly to Marely’s desk and accuses her of telling Monica, but Marely adamantly denies saying anything.

Juan still has his job as a bartender. A couple at the bar order. She wants a Manhattan and he wants a Bloody Mary. Juan pulls the man aside and says that a man accompanied by such a beautiful woman should not order such a feminine drink. Juan suggests a whiskey or tequila. The man agrees and orders what turns about to be a martini. Juan looks at the man stupefied while the man explains the art of mixing vermouth and gin. (A lost art on many an experienced bartender!) Juan’s obviously nervous about making the drink.

Pastor’s in his master’s office complaining about the way Monica treated him. CL says that maybe Pastor deserved it. Pastor explains that it was about the call from Juan. Pastor explains that neither he nor Marely told Monica about the call. Pastor points out that Monica only intimately speaks with CL. CL says that he thinks he knows who told Juan. Pastor looks mystified.

Juan may as well have made the martini, because the guy at the bar does it wrong. (Gin bruises, so it should never be shaken in a metal container. The metal will contaminate it and make it taste metallic. Thus the reason why James bond always orders a vodka martini, shaken not stirred.) Juan praises the man for making the drink and thinks to himself that this is even harder than math class.

Legs! Yvonne stops CL and asks for a ride. CL tells Yvonne that he’s a new man who’s faithful to his wife. CL walks away just as Pastor approaches. Pastor asks if Yvonne really wants to get back together with CL or if she just wants to keep her job. Yvonne says that she wants to be with CL. Pastor assures that CL’s marriage is in terminal condition.

Juan’s caught on to bartending and the crowd loves him. He mixes drink while the “Cachi-bom-bom” plays. He hands the martini man his Johnny Sundae special. The man loves it and walks away a happy customer. The rest of the crowd surrounds Juan, wanting to sample his “special.” Martini man’s wife asks for a cocktail. Juan pours her one of his specials.

Nidia picks at her food while the family watches. They’re all concerned about her and her sickness. They want her to go to the doctor. Nidia refuses, saying it’s just a bug. The family won’t let up so Nidia runs away to her room. As she leaves, Alirio comments that this isn’t normal for Nidia. Marely says that for the first time she agrees with Alirio. Tomorrow they should take Nidia to the doctor.

Monica and Laura share a moment. Monica thinks that Paula’s still interested in Juan. Laura thinks that Chelo’s just telling Monica what Monica wants to hear. Monica isn’t so sure. She can tell that CL already knows about Paula. Laura comments that Monica has really changed. Monica tells Laura about her plan to take a trip with CL.

CL comes home to his not-so-loving wife. She coldly greets him and says that she’s bad. She wants to know why CL went to speak with Ana.

Alirio continues the conversation with Nidia about her acting different. Nidia tells Alirio that he’s thinking it up in his own head. Alirio points out that it’s not in his head – she’s not eating or drinking tequila. Nidia again refuses to go to the doctor; she feels fine.

Chelo enjoys a CL/Paula Davila throwdown. Paula wants to know why CL went to see Ana. CL, as usual, won’t answer the question and wants to know why Ana told Paula about it. Paula tells CL that Ana didn’t say a word. Paula says this whole thing is her and CL’s fault. Everyone told them that this marriage was a mistake, but they were stubborn and didn’t listen. CL seems shocked by this and hurt by Paula calling their marriage a mistake. Paula repeats that it was a mistake and tells CL to leave her mother in peace. Paula stalks out of the room and CL drags on a cigarette with a semi blank stare on his face.

Juan calls Ana, but she can’t believe that he called. The share pleasantries. Ana tries to get Juan to say where he is. Juan explains that he’s been traveling and now is living a new life. Juan promises to come visit Ana sometime soon. He casually asks about Paula. Ana gives a non-committal good. Juan asks Ana to say hi to everyone. Ana says that she will and asks Juan to take care of himself.

Chelo scurries out of the apartment. CL comments that Chelo’s working really late. He asks if it’s because Chelo’s really busy or if she’s doing it for Monica. He says that if Monica’s offered Chelo money, he can offer more. She rushes out of the house.

Juan wonders why he said that to Ana. He wonders what’s happening with Paula and CL, but then scolds himself for thinking about her. He wonders if she’s happy. (We see Paula pretending to sleep so she doesn’t have to speak with CL.)

Monica asks Chelo if CL was just saying this to size up Chelo. Chelo doesn’t think so and now she’s afraid to go there. Monica says that Chelo may quit, but has to pretend to be very mad when she quits. That way, CL won’t allow Chelo to quit. The women change topics to the fight between CL and Paula from the night before.

Juan and the manager talk about a problem with the guests. Apparently, they all got sick and they all were in the bar last night. Juan explains that he made them the Johnny Sundae Special. The manager’s worried about lawsuits. Juan decides to be honest and says that he’s not a bartender; he’s always been on the other side of the bar. Juan quits and thanks the man for the opportunity.

CL asks if Paula’s found a job; he can call some friends to get her a job. She refuses his offer. CL reminds Paula that she got the job at Farell on her mother’s recommendation. CL says he would like to see Paula occupied. Paula takes this to mean that he wants her busy so she’s not bothering him. CL accuses Paula of turning everything he says against him. He was just offering a favor. Paula says that when she needs a favor she’ll ask. He wants to know why they can’t be civil. Paula says it’s because they’re not a normal couple.

Alirio outsmarts Nidia and brings the doctor to the house. The doctor says that he’s reviewed her symptoms and doesn’t think it’s anything serious. Nidia chimes in that she would like to speak with the doctor alone. Alirio protests, but he listens. Nidia tells the doctor that she’s pregnant. The doctor says that he’s going to tell the family, but Nidia begs him not to do so.

The doctor says that he understands that pregnancy at Nidia’s age can cause a lot of confusion. Her family deserves to know. Nidia begs him not to say anything. Nidia says she needs time to accept it. The doctor says he’s not sure it’s ethical not to say anything. Nidia says it’s not ethical to release her medical information without her consent. She starts to beg again.

The doctor leaves Nidia’s room and runs into the rest of the Cachon family. They asks him for his diagnosis but he replies that Nidia already knew what was wrong. He tells the family that they will have to ask Nidia about her condition. He advises Alirio to give unconditional love and support to Nidia at this time. The doctor excuses himself and doesn’t give up any information despite the pleas from the family. After he leaves the family wonders if it’s something really serious. The girls rush into Nidia’s room and shut Alirio out in the hall.

Anga asks Kike about Nidia. Kike explains that she’s the same and that Alirio brought a doctor to the house. The men think about what could possibly be wrong with Nidia.

Nidia comforts her children. Nidia says that if nothing’s wrong then why are they worried. The daughters reply that’s not what the doctor said. He said there was something wrong, but wouldn’t say what. Alirio comes barging into the room. Nidia says that her problem is that she has tension and stress. Alirio says that he will unconditionally support her. She says if he’s going to do so, then he should leave her alone. She milks the situation for all it’s worth, but Alirio doesn’t understand what “situation” she’s talking about. Nidia claims that she’s a constant victim of Alirio’s jokes and emotional abuse; that’s why she’s sick. She rushes into the bathroom to excape the heat.

Hector and Juan say their good-byes. Hector recommends that Juan return to his family. Juan doesn’t want to do that. Hector suggests going back to Archichipico. Juan doesn’t think that’s such a good idea either. He has some thugs after him because of his skirt chasing ways. Juan begins his story.

A woman named Erlinda was the most beautiful woman in the region. They would sneak away to hidden places and give some “kisses.” They were discovered one day and her family was told. In the middle of a basketball game, some thugs came after Juan. Juan, thanks to Santo Nino de Antocha, was able to escape to a bus. Hector’s sure that this Erlinda is now married and all is well. The men say good-bye and Hector gives Juan his watch. Juan thanks him and heads off to his next adventure.

Chelo gives CL her best performance. Just as Monica predicted, CL falls for it and keeps Chelo as his maid. CL goes so far to say that he was wrong and that he’s sorry. They agree not to talk about it again.

Juan thinks about where he should go next. He thinks that his Santo Nino should give him a sign. He kicks a rock and it flies into somebody. Juan rushes to the wailing man. It’s a Japanese business, Akito and he’s in pain. Juan tries to help, but the man isn’t exactly friendly.

Chelo calls Monica to tell her about their success. Monica’s obviously happy. Chelo asks what she should do now. Monica tells Chelo to continue doing the same thing. Monica hangs up and tells Laura about her accomplishment. Laura looks impressed.

Juan tries to explain that the car is broken. The man thinks this means that Juan is a mechanic. Juan tries to explain that if he messes with the car it really will be broken. The man looks for a phrase and asks if Juan speaks Japanese. Juan replies that he only speaks Spanish. The man tells Juan that they are friend. Juan thinks that he should leave the man, but he found a new friend. He asks the man if he put gas in the car. Juan pretends to fix the car.

Fernando puts in a word for himself to be Monica’s new assistant. He asks CL to put in a good word for him. CL agrees to do so. Fernando genuinely thanks CL. CL promises to go speak with Monica.

The mechanic tells Juan it’s a good thing that he happened to come by the car. Juan comments that Asians always seem to know about electric things until they actually need it. The Japanese man comes over to Juan. Juan tries to explain what the mechanic said – Juan did a good job. Akito appears impressed. Juan wants to know why Akito’s in Mexico. Akito says he’s looking for a business. Akito explains that he’s in the flower business; I think he says lillies. Juan tells Akito that in his hometown there are many of these flowers. Juan promises to take Akito there. I think the men make a business arrangement to buy/sell lilies together. Juan looks to a cross and thanks the Santo Nino.

*Oscar Wilde

Alturio:

Labels: Juan