Caray, Caray!

Pastor is more giddy than usual, despite being demeaned, degraded and fired from Farell at 120 decibels. So, what’s up with that? He’s discovered that life with Angarita might not be all bad. In fact, it might not be bad at all. He has persuaded Anga that if he can bring enormous accounts to the business and make Anga’s company way bigger than Farell, the biggest in the history of the country, then Pastor won't have to drive the delivery truck. Anga would just be happy if Pastor cuts the losses. Pastor declares he’s going to build a wonderful office to receive clients, and decorate it himself [Ed. Note: Well, of COURSE he will, especially if Anga isn’t letting him change the house.]. Anga is fine with all that, as long as he can die a happy man at the central market even if he’s rolling in dough. Anga actually looks like this might suit him as long as he’s left to do his thing.

Paula and Juan have a lovely view of a waterfall and a canyon with green walls and mist. I, on the other hand, am dizzy and want them to slooooowly baaacckkk awayyyyy from the edge and not make AnySuddenMoves. Paula marvels at Juan having a son, and he replies it’s the most lovely thing that’s happened to him after her. Juan paints a scene of the three of them, in Achichipico, together. It’s idyllic. Juan will work the land, and she’ll be in their little house fixing him those foods he loves. Juan gives her a sample weekly schedule that includes swimming in the river below and Paula smiles. But of course he doesn’t expect her just to do housework. Nope, she’s got the expertise to be the marketing director and they’ll really become a splash in the anthurium world. They’ll do those charity bazaars, too (kermesses, from a few weeks ago). Paula’s smile falters. Juan doesn’t notice and continues that she should go back to the city, ponder the question of her divorce with CL, and think about what he’s said. Palomita music tells us this is an Important Moment. Paula’s look makes us wonder if she’s going with the program.

Well, the Important Moment seems to have abruptly moved away from the edge of the canyon, for which some of us are eternally grateful. However, the Important Moment now has a crowd of admirers and perhaps a few who aren’t admirers, necessarily. On my campus, the High School Handbook expressly forbids this kind of PDA (NOT a personal digital assistant, folks). Juanito takes notes as Papi kisses Paula rather thoroughly. Nidia and Delfi beam, and so do Molo and even Herl. Only Ana is put out. Juan continues his pep talk about thinking it over. Paula starts the weaseling out process—things in the city are pretty complex. Juan knows it’ll take a while, though. He loves her. Literally, in front of the gang. Until, that is, Ana clears her throat loudly. [Ed. Note: This doesn’t work with deaf kids. You have to go in and break it up] Juan tells Ana to take care of Paula and don’t let her do anything crazy. Like what she’s doing in front of witnesses isn’t crazy. Paula goes to Juanito and tells him to take care of Daddy and don’t let him do anything crazy. He replies just the way Ana did—as if they’ll pay any attention, either of them. Paula bids the others farewell and Ana talks Nidia into going back to the city with them although Nidia doesn’t want to even think about Delirio and she really wants to keep having fun with Delfi. She mourns her bad Karma in this life. Juan kisses her farewell and Nidia mourns leaving him.

Our heads spin as the traffic in the city zips before our eyes and suddenly we’re in CL’s office. CL wants to know why Moni’s worried about him using Ivonne as a spy, after all, Pastor and Ivonne are such great girlfriends. That’s what worries Moni. She thinks Ivonne will actually help Pastor, but CL knows how to manage Ivonne. Moni realizes what his hook in Ivonne is (so to speak) and Moni isn’t thrilled. She warns him that Ivonne can’t be trusted and she’s lost interest in CL. The lobby lizards are still milling, but they’re actually reading documents and doing their best to look busy. Imagine that! Back to Moni, reminding CL that Paula could have something to do with the loss of the anthurium biz. He tells Moni he’s cancelled the trip with Paula. Moni thinks that’s a pretty big lesson for Paula and CL informs Moni he’s going to formalize something that will change everything—he’s separating from Paula. Moni is predictably impactada.

Paula drives and thinks, thinks and drives. Oh, scratch that, Nidia is in the back seat so Paula can’t think. Nidia gleefully demands all the chisme. Paula good-naturedly tells her it went will with Juan. Nidia, predictably, wants details. She wants Juan’s and Paula’s schedule for the next decade or so—day by day, preferably. How will this love story finish? Paula tells her they talked a lot. Well, that’s highly unsatisfactory. Talked? We KNOW that, and we saw those kisses. Nidia conjectures a scenario that suits her better. Ana is scandalized and Paula is thoroughly amused. Nidia picks at her and Paula tells her to not change, grinning broadly. Nidia realizes what’s missing here and pulls out the bottle, offering a sip to the driver and navigator. Paula pushes the bottle away and points out she’s driving. Ana just moans at the smell of it. Nidia’s fine with that, more for her.

Moni expresses her concern for CL’s plan. He is thinking of divorce, and she thinks he needs a cool head to think this out. Maybe that’s not the best thing. He’s could be making assumptions that have no basis. CL doesn’t want to wait until Paula gives him more problems. She ran after that idiot, and they’re mocking him. Moni points out it COULD be true, but it could just be supposition. He hasn’t heard her side of the story. [Ed. Note: Great defensive strategy, speak on behalf of the enemy’s position.] He’s taking a lot for granted—she might not even have seen Juan. CL needs to wait and get the facts. He’s just acting out of jealousy. She exhorts him to wait and find out more. He thinks it’s not worth the trouble.

Paula gives Nidia a few more details about how she’s feeling—it’s a mixture of emotions. She’s beaming, though, so we suppose we’ll have to go with the possibility that she’s actually not going to whine here. [Could it be?] It’s uncertainty, joy, fantasy. Nidia is jubilant, possibly in large part due to the vast quantity of 80 proof fermented agave potion # 9 she’s imbibed. Ana is Not Amused. Nidia pushes for more info—so, what REALLY happened? They talked. But Paula points out that at the end of the day, it looks like what he expects life to be and what she expects are different. Well, apparently she’s Not Going with the Program, folks. Ana gets to the real point—how the heck can she even be discussing this with Juan when she’s married to CL? Nidia throws her support behind Paula. Paula points out she’s speaking hypothetically based on something he said (en el supuesto, my interpretation based on context). Paula continues that he’s a country boy and she’s a city girl. The environments they are used to are very different. She fantasizes about his proposal that she could separate and move to Achichipico but eventually it would terrify her. Nidia expostulates that life is an adventure and you have to take risks or you’ll end up a zombie—but you’ll feel secure. Love is worth the risk. Ana disagrees and gives all her reasons. Love’s not enough; you have to be compatible, have common goals. Paula could be listening to this, or maybe she’s back in Achichipico, who knows. At least she’s not on her cell phone. This conversation is distracting enough in traffic. Paula comes to and points out that at least Juan’s not alone; he has Juanito. Part of her wants to leave it all behind and go to them, and part resists because this love won’t hold up. Her happiness begins to fade and our excitement at no whining today fades, too. She talks herself out of feeling good.

Moni brings CL papers to review and sign. He’d rather proposition her. He deftly disguises it as an invitation to eat to show his appreciation for all she’s done for him, like not noticing his years of cheating and lying. [Ed. Note: Who said that? (looking over shoulder)]. Moni wants to know about his Paula, isn’t she coming in tonight? He informs her with a meaningful look that Paula called and it’s not for sure she’s coming tonight. Moni wonders [coquettishly] if he’s willing to risk that. Apparently, he is. Moni has to “think” about accepting the invite and he has to “persuade” her. When will he pick her up? At 8:00. Perfect.

Paula’s counseling session continues. She doesn’t know what to do with CL and it’s going to be a bit difficult when she gets home. She doesn’t want to hurt him because she’s been unfair with him. If only you knew, Paula, honey. Nidia has better sense, why the heck is she worried about this guy? He’ll have them lining up out to the street! Women will beat a path to his door! Well, THAT’S comforting. Ana points out it’s not a question of the number of willing women. Paula and CL made a commitment when they married. [Ed. Note: Paula strays over the lines like I do when I’ve been at meetings all day and I’m driving late at night. It’s daylight, though, and she’s not the one drinking. Maybe the fumes are getting to her.] Nidia doesn’t buy that. Paula defends CL, though, and heaven knows why she’d do that. But we know way more than she does. She can’t abandon CL because he’s given up so much for her, Paula tells Nidia, who scoffs. Ana is glad, though, that Paula recognizes it. Whatever, Nidia tells Paula, if you think the guy’s a saint, okay. Paula continues to defend this paragon who has been respectful to her. Right. I’m with Nidia—whatever. Nidia makes a crack about him cuckolding Paula and Ana cuts her off as Nidia gets slurrier and slurrier. [Ed. Note: my spell check tells me that’s not a word, but trust me here folks, tonight that’s the only word that describes our Nidia.] Ana throws in a pointed statement about there needing to be a calculated (cool) balance between CL and Juan. Whatever. Paula looks like more whining’s in the offing here.

Anga calls Kike out of a pea-soup fog—where’s his brain (he’s like he’s “frozen stiff” – pasmado)? Earth to Kike! Kike's sorry and indicates to Anga there’s trouble in River City. Anga tells him to spit it out. Kike hesitates and finally spills the soup. Something bad happened in the house—not recently, but some time ago. Did you know who got everything when Samuel died? Anga supposes Nidia and the girls, but Kike disabuses him of the notion—nope, it was the Dávilas. But, Perafán and Nidia faked a will so it looks like Nidia and the girls got it all. They emptied the accounts and there you go. Anga is predictably impactado.

Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Nidia is emptying the bottle at a dizzying pace. Literally. My stomach jumps as I see the bottle upended. Suddenly, she sobs and Paula and Ana get worried. Nidia feels awful. [For good reasons!] Ana scolds her for drinking when she hasn’t eaten. That’s not it. Nidia laments her sins. Paula wants to know what’s up, she was so happy just a little while ago. Nidia continues her lament about the sins she’s committed against Ana and Paula, and asks forgiveness. She’s so filled with remorse! Haunting violin music reminds us of how tragic this is. Ana thinks Nidia’s just drunk. Nidia agrees, she is, and that’s why she’s also contrite. She begs forgiveness for all she’s done to them and she shouldn’t have treated them like she has. Ana and Paula are very concerned and totally without a clue. Ana comforts her—everyone gets into their cups now and then. Paula encourages Nidia to take a nap. Nidia wants good fortune for them. They assure her they want the same for her. Nidia asks for Ana’s hand, and tells her how much she cares about Ana, who smiles indulgently.

Anga defends Nidia to Kike—it was that coyote, Perafán. Surely it was his idea, Nidia would NEVER come up with something so ugly. Kike isn’t so sure. He thinks she was on board. They kept it all under wraps really well, too. Anga won’t hear it of his Nidia. We hear a cheery “¡hola!” that actually reminds us of Lety. A little orange blob comes around the corner, carried by her Mami. It’s Nidia Micaela accompanied by Yadira. Surprise! Anga warmly greets Yadi while Kike takes momentary charge of his precious hija. What’s up, and why this lovely little visit? Yadi has an interview to get back into college and Kike is the designated babysitter. ¿Qué?!! We see Anga peering over Yadi’s shoulder and again are struck by how much these two look alike. Kike tells Yadi under his breath no way he can do that, because Don Anga might not be thrilled and Anga butts in to assure them that Kike and he will be the tag team babysitters. Yadi falls all over herself thanking Anga. Kike is pleased and relieved. Nidia Micaela is totally entranced by the cameraman. What a precious headband with a little yellow bow to remind us she’s a girl. At least for the story line. Yadi thanks Anga again and takes off before anyone changes his mind. Anga beams and waves her off.

Juan’s back in his office discussing the pageant details with Molo. How’s it going? Fine. Doña Delfina’s the only entrant from Achichipico. Juan is impactado. Everyone else is an out-of-towner….and of…er….other ages. Uh-huh. They muse about that but move on quickly to the real details about the contestants. Juan wants to review all the applications and know about them—who they are, what are their aspirations, and most importantly, what are there qualifications….er, measurements. Molo gestures his agreement. Juan needs to know everything they’ve spent up to now, too. Molo’s getting right on it. They high five and Molo’s off to take care of bidniz.

At the Insituto Del Valle, Yadi’s interview is in process. She scribbles hastily at paperwork for the interview, and looks up at a drop-dead gorgeous professor. Young, trim, tailored, guapo. Whew, I need Nidia’s fan. Not bad for a prof. He says her name slowly, with emphasis, and smiiiiiiles at Yadi, who is mesmerized. For a change, she’s speechless. As he drops the paper she’s given him on the desk of a Fea, unsmiling Profesora (now, THIS is a Profesora, collared blouse with ruffles, buttoned up to the nose and probably with a skirt down to her toenails, and to top the haute couture NOT off , a camel colored v-neck cardigan and snide look), we note that he’s a real Profe, too, because he has those professorial patches on his jacket elbows that my hubby had when he was a prof at a college.). The Profa sneers at Yadi and wants to know why she dropped out of school. Yadi tells her it was because her father died. The Profe wants to know why she has chose Social Communication? Yadi replies she wants to help teach folks how to communicate. [Right.] The Profes do the Good Prof/Bad Prof routine. Wanna guess who’s who? The Profe stands behind the Profa and smiles with a glazed look at Yadi. The Profa looks down at her notes and questions, and up to Yadi, so she can’t tell what he’s up to back there. On the white board there are all kinds of grammar terms. Yadi apparently hasn’t told them she’s Sra. Bueno Lindo because the Profa calls her Srta. Cachón. Hm. The Profa wants to know three works she’s recently read. Yadi tells her about the telenovelas and reality television. We hear her Mami’s cuckoos. Nope, the Profa means real books. Gulp. Nope, those put Yadi to sleep on the first page. The Profe steps in to save Yadi’s bacon and gives her an easier question. Does she like the movies? Sure, she loves the movies. Sure, it’s the ninth art. He corrects her, it’s the seventh. Right, whatever. He smiles a little nervously as the Profa scrutinizes Yadi with the disapproval growing visibly by the second. The Profe asks Yadi what movie marked a milestone in the history of the Mexican cinema? Yadi needs the term “milestone” (hito) clarified. The Profe takes the opportunity to move up close and ‘splain. With a smile. Ah, sure. Yadi names some trashy film. The Profa rolls her eyes and the Profe is charmed with Yadi’s sense of humor, and possibly her mini-falda. He keeps his hands in his pockets and we assume he has good reasons when faced with such pulchritude when his colleague is too fea for words. Speaking of the Queen of Rome, the Profa wants to change the topic. We note that she isn’t wearing a skirt down to her toenails at all. In fact, she’s wearing tasteless brown polyester pants that complete her schoolmarm wardrobe. [Ed. Note: Who said that? (looking over shoulder).] The Profa poses a theoretical question to Yadi about Yadi’s thoughts on the effects of the media on the democratization of the political elitists of the country, or some such. The cuckoos go off violently as Yadi is duh-impactada and the Profa crosses her arms in triumph. The Profe looks worried—he might lose this great catch of a student. The Profa turns back to him smugly and he looks away, hands still in his pockets. He smiles up at Yadi nervously and she looks back quizzically. Read that cluelessly.

Moni is dressed to kill, or at least seduce with a vengeance. Laura grins and oohs and wants to know what the plan is. Will Paula discover how unfaithful her hubby is tonight? Moni reports smugly that CL wants a separation. “You won, cousin!” Laura exults. Moni wants the separation to be long and torturous for them. She asks a big favor—that Laura evacuates and leaves the apartment to Moni for the night. Laura teases—what will you do? “One night” Moni cajoles—but doesn’t give a straight answer.

We hear the strains of Vivaldi’s “Spring” as Ana and Paula chat about the wonderful new gallery. Nidia is zonked in the back. Paula asks Ana what could she lose? It’s a stupendous opportunity. Ana wonders what it would be like to be a highly valued (cotizoda, one definition), famous painter. Paula loves the idea. She marvels that her mother hasn’t already had that status for years now.

Juanito, in his innocence, asks if Paula is Papi’s new girlfriend? Juan is actually stumped for a second. Who told him that? Oh, let me guess, Delfina, right? Juan rolls his eyes. Nope, Juanito’s just very observant. He figured it out himself. Maybe it was the deep kissing on Main Street at noon. He tries to explain about Paula being a very special type of friend. What are species/types of girlfriends? Juan thought bubbles, bemused about how to respond. How does he tell his son that his girlfriend has some other guy as hubby? Juan finally tells him she’s the kind every guy wants, they make the guys crazy for them. He thought bubbles that at least it’s not exactly a lie. He tells Juanito he loves Paula with his whole soul. Does she love him back? Well, of course, but she’s got a few little items to resolve. When she gets here, my happiness will be complete. Juan tells Juanito to imagine with her, Juanito and himself, it’d be complete. Juanito smiles back, pleased.

Moni welcomes CL in the background while we see a nice, full bottle of red wine and two glasses in the foreground. CL exclaims and Moni wonders why [yeah, right]. Well, she looks spectacular. Are they going? Moni turns back into the apartment and CL wonders what’s up. Moni explains she’s not in the mood for crowds, especially if they might see folks like Marely and Fern. How about they stay in? CL soon understands the direction of this…..sounds great. They can order whatever trips her trigger. (Se antoje, takes your fancy or the like). Whatever, just something tasty (rico). They exchange a bit of coquetry about ordering out and staying in, and Moni takes his hand to lead him to the sofa so she can go serve a copa or two. He gets to watch her retreating derriere and decides that he knows exactly what he wants to eat. [What? Is CL seeing a side of Monica he never saw when they were married?] Moni smiles to herself as she faces away from him to pour and he stares with glazed eyes from behind her.

It’s gotten dark and Paula’s thought bubbling as she drives. She hears Juan telling her how much he’s loved her since the first day he saw her, and nothing’s changed, he’s never stopped loving her. Palomita music plays and we discover that Juan’s in his bed/hammock with Juanito sound asleep beside him in the bed. Juan’s thought bubbling that he’s opened his heart a bit and aired out his trapped feelings of affection. She’s left him with a bit of hope. He’s convinced that their relationship is a battle between fate and love. Our view moves to the end of the hammock where Juan’s feet aren’t alone any more….there’s a set with painted toenails next to his. Our view pans up two naked pairs of legs to the p.j.’d Paula and Juan, wrapped together and trying to look comfortable in the undeniably narrow, sagging hammock. As he strokes a smiling Paula lovingly, he continues his thought bubble. It was only a matter of time until they were together. Who ever said that fate is stronger than love? Who? Juan and Paula smile lovingly at each other while Juanito sleeps on in the background, unaware that it’s the family hour on television and his Papi is…..oh, well, let’s leave it at that.

CL tells Moni at that time they were just at the point of discovering the “watchman/guard/keeper (vigilante).” Moni recalls she barely had enough time to throw her clothes on. Hm. Could it be they were a little on the wild side in their courting days? They keep recounting what might have happened if they’d been caught while they chop veggies and cook. Moni asks for the olive oil. They are so domestic. CL brings it to her and her hand touches his as he hands off the bottle. Is her stunned look for real, or is she just that good when she’s executing vengeance? CL asks if she felt it, too? Felt what? CL somehow straddles the back of her seat and kisses her head as he sits down, grasping her shoulders and kissing from behind. One of them better be careful how she handles that knife. Moni tells him that wasn’t the idea. [Yeah, right.] He’s determined, though. He’s sure she felt the same as he did just now. Moni jumps up, denying it. She reminds him about all the obstacles, especially Paula. And? This can’t happen. They’ll be sorry tomorrow. CL sweeps everything they’ve worked so hard to prepare right off the table and lifts Moni up onto it. After a Very Bad Editing Moment where we have clearly missed some action because it’s the family hour for this novela, we find CL now sweeping Moni off to the bedroom, with her legs locked around his waist as he rushes her off for some bliss. [Ed. Note: While this position may look provocative to some folks as he carries her to the bedroom in the heat of it all, her leg lock puts me in mind of a frog. Good thing she’s not wearing green.]

Yadi exultantly reports to the family (which now includes Fern and Delirio has seized the head of the table for himself) that the interview was tedious but she’s feeling optimistic. Nidia’s not home, but the cuckoos are still going off on Yadi’s behalf. Kike supportively asks when she’ll know if she’s been accepted? Tomorrow, but Yadi’s sure they’re going to validate all her paperwork. She left ALL the Profes with a good impression. Marely notes that she’s not seen Yadi so excited since the baby was born. Yadi admits she’s nervous, because there was this one long-faced, sourpuss Profa who’s clearly never had a husband darken her door. They all laugh about the old woman. Fortunately, the other Profe was super lovely. Kike begins to cloud up at Yadi’s over-enthusiastic description of this guy. He gave her confidence. Those (other) intellectuals who know everything and overwhelm one, no.

At another casita across the city, the long-faced sourpuss Profa drinks juice and watches her drop-dead gorgeous Profe dinner companion as they talk about the very same interview from another angle. She asks him how many years they’ve been married and he jerks up, startled at the question. HUH? The Virgin’s picture on the wall behind him surely will compel him to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The Profa continues that in all these years, she’s never been through such an absurd interview. She nods emphatically and folds her schoolmarmish hands, watching for his response. The Profe closes his eyes and the Virgin apparently has left the building—Yadi’s coquettish face is simpering behind him in a nice thought bubble. Apparently the Virgin isn’t going to compel him to do much at the moment. The Profa wonders about the ignorance they saw—how does this chick dare to try to get into the Uni again? One wonders if she know what two and two is. The Profe wipes his mouth and defends Yadi, while her face reappears with a loving smile behind him. He tells his wife that Yadira Cachón wants to finish her studies and that’s good enough for him. [Yeah, right.] The Profa wants to know if he’s joking as she gets up to clear the table. The Virgin is back in her place. The Profa shoots back over her shoulder that this woman has not even two centimeters of brain. Yadi blows the Profe a kiss over his shoulder. The Profe hesitates a split second and then replies that Yadi seems like a girl who’s … very clever. His wife brings the coffee back and tells him to do her the favor of getting his feet back on the ground. [Call it like it IS, sister!] He has to recognize it. He just looks at her. More school fun coming up, folks!

Paula pulls up in front of a pink building. It’s been dark for a while, and Nidia’s talking in her sleep (at least she’s not snoring any more) while Ana dozes, too. Paula wakes them and Ana wants to know if they’re there yet. Nope, Paula’s tired and just can’t drive any more and their snoring was bugging her. Nidia says what snoring, I was sleeping like a baby. Sure, Ana retorts, like a baby polar bear. Paula grins at the viejas. They’ll have to leave in the morning to get home. Ana wants to know if she plans to call her hubby. Sure, but she’ll get the car to the garage while the viejas check into the hotel.

Meanwhile, it won’t matter a whole lot if Paula tries to make sure CL doesn’t worry about her coming home tonight, because he’s in bed with Moni, dozing a little and clearly well-satisfied. Lovely sheet pattern, that. Moni tells him it’s best if he goes. CL protests; no need. Moni insists. He wants to know what’s bothering her. All of it, Moni tells him. They have a half-hearted fuss with Moni averring this was a mistake and the phone rings. Guess who? Moni wants to know if he’s going to lie to Paula like he lied to Moni so many times. CL lies regarding his whereabouts. CL makes short work of asking Paula what’s up, don’t drive at night, take care, see you tomorrow, goodbye. Moni starts in on the fuss again and CL protests her attitude. She finally gets him out and says they won’t have “this kind of confusion” again. For the record, it didn’t look like confusion to us. It looked very well planned and implemented.

Dawn breaks in the D. F. and Consuelo is hard at work fixing CL’s breakfast. He tells her that Paula will get home today, but he’s not sure what time, so go ahead and do whatever you need to do. Consuelo tells him sure, sir, of course and runs off to call Moni. No rocket scientist, this.

Moni and Paula have their breakfast chat, too. CL fell more easily than she expected, Moni reports. It’s incredible, Laura observes, that men are so predictable and more than anything, unfaithful. [Ed. Note: one wonders about Laura, who appears to have no visible means of support. We’re not talking about her missing bra straps with this dress, either. How DOES the woman pay the rent?] Moni’s pleased she’s got him right where she wanted him. Right now, he must be swimming in doubts. What better way for him to receive his beloved wife? The phone rings; it’s Chelo. Moni wants to know how CL woke up. Chelo says he was a bit irritable, pensive, and reports that Paula’s on the way in. Moni replies she knew that, and it’s imperative that Chelo be very vigilant to let her know what all happens in that house. Chelo replies excitedly that she’ll get all the details for Moni, while we note CL coming into the room around the corner and hearing Every Word. Chelo cheerfully bids Moni farewell and is…..BUSTED! CL stands behind her, arms crossed. Consuelo. Don César Luis? Chelo is terrified. Seems to me, he says and shakes a finger gently at her, that we need to talk very, but very seriously.

Juan excitedly and very rapidly describes to Molo how they’ll get merchants to support the clothing, shoes, accessories for all the contestants, even the bikinis. That way, they won’t have to pay—they can’t. Molo wants to know who’s going to let go of their money for that? Juan declares they all will for the PR of showing off their clothing lines. Molo doesn’t think it’s that simple. Juan argues that it is. It’s an exchange; they sell their clothes and we sell the models. [Gentle Readers: You know how the credits roll in the intro, and we see scenes of Farell, then the new scenes they’ve added of Achichipico and Juan’s triumphant re-entry to his birthplace, and then Herlinda and Yolanda roll by? They’re history. But, the credits had one more chica there, and we get glimpses of her hot pants and cami with high-heeled sandals. Well, folks, here she is.] In walks the newest addition to Juan’s queue of admirers. She sets down her luggage and stops dead in her tracks as Juan dances away from her, mesmerized as we have been by his bodacious okole. Juan continues to babble on only to be interrupted and snap around to see this lovely vision. Juan stops dead in his tracks and gives her the once over. Multiple times. She puts her hands on her hips, saucily tosses her hair and asks with Very Red Lips if this is where she enters the beauty pageant? Juan and Molo make universally understood signs to each other. It seems they approve. The newcomer smiles smugly.

CL quietly asks Chelo how long she’s been Moni’s spy, as if that wasn’t an established fact in the last twenty seconds. Oh, sure, since you got here. Chelo protests that Moni asked her and she couldn’t say no. She’ll just go grab her stuff……CL tells her no, and informs Chelo that he’s got a better deal for her--she’s going to spy for him now. She’s going to tell Moni only what he wants her to know, and tell him everything Paula does when he’s gone. Chelo stupidly asks how she’s going to do that. He tells her easy—just like you’ve done this with me. It’s that, or leave here with a bad recommendation, and no one I know will hire you. She whines and CL tells her she really better appreciate that he’s giving her this opportunity to redeem herself with him. She shouldn’t have done it. Consuelo gives him the royal stink eye.

The chica in Juan’s office giggles, slaps her naked thighs, and tells them her name is Lorena Peláez. She wants to enter the contest. Molo and Juan during the commercial break somehow broke out of their stupor and she’s got one on each side of her now. Juan is pleased to meet her and introduces himself. He shakes her hand and she nearly shakes his arm off when she learns he’s the President. He pops his hand out of her death grip and introduces Molo, to whom she presents her hand for a kiss and barely spares a glance before she’s looking back seductively at Juan over her shoulder. That doesn’t stop Molo from looking her over again. She turns back to Juan and tells him “you’re the President, how funny. I was thinking there must be a pageant for handsome men along with this one and you were one of the contestants.” Surprise! Juan is flattered. He thought bubbles about this precious little gal who just threw him (?? Un chol?), or was it just him. He laughs and shakes a finger at her in jest, and tries to pass her off to Molo who can help her. Lorena’s not interested, she wants attention from the Prez himself. They can talk from the Queen to the President. She flips her hair and Juan grasps her shoulders to aim her back Molo’s way. Molo looks excited and Lorena’s not. Molo gives her the scoop and she plays bored while Juan assesses her credentials from behind. Molo does the same more obviously from the front—looks like she has all the requirements. Did she bring her paperwork? Of COURSE she did. They are conveniently on top of her suitcase. She’s got her birth certificate, voter’s registration, a medical certificate, and…..she looks back at Juan….asks for them to just tell her what more she needs and she’ll get them. She beams at Juan. Molo, from behind, informs Lorena that they’ll review it right away and make the entry. Lorena actually looks at Molo and marvels that it’s so easy! She bubbles that she’s sure the crown is hers. What do you think, Juan? Juan is impactado and has the good sense to shut up, but thought bubbles about this chick’s self-confidence. He starts to talk to her, Srta…..she interrupts because he’s supposed to call her Lorena. Molo gestures to him over Lorena’s shoulder. She leans forward to give him a bit more of a view—heck, all he has to do is stand a little closer, because she’s a good foot shorter than he is even with the heels. Juan wants to know how she heard about the contest. It’s all the gossip where she lives. Juan is pleased with the publicity. She always wanted to be the queen of something, and this is hers. It’s the news of the day. We see Juan babble on to her while we hear him babble on to himself in a thought bubble about the spreading fame of the first international beauty pageant for the Anthurium Queen.

Pastor is serving a simple but elegant meal for Ivonne in his new home at Anga’s. He comments on her spying on him. She asks what does he think? He chuckles about how great it is, CL’s found a Mata Hari and she’s run right to him to let him know. She shrugs --what does he want, since Pastor’s her friend? Pastor points out that CL must be running scared if he took such a risk to send her of all people (mandar precisamente a ti). Ivonne tells Pastor CL is scared to death because the clients are dropping like flies. Pastor is ecstatic that CL is so sure of Pastor’s skills as a marketing executive. Ivonne wants to know what message Pastor wants her to take back to that fool? They play out some scenarios—Pastor wants her to brainwash CL and make him believe that everything is wonderful and Pastor is a business czar. He might as well get an ulcer obsessing that Pastor is going to leave him in ruins. Ivonne tells Pastor whatever he wants, she’ll report. She laughs that CL will be up against the wall and explode with fury.

Those extra tall sandals make Lorena just tall enough to lean fetchingly over the desk for Molo’s benefit. Juan, on the other side of the room at his desk, hyperventilates at the rear view. He could fall backward out of his chair if he’s not careful. Lorena asks Molo if that’s it, and he says that’s it (ya?), so she spins around to catch Juan ogling. He snaps to and assures her in his most firm and businesslike voice that pretty soon they’ll have the date for the pageant, etc. They’ll let her know. Lorena takes a seat on top of Molo’s desk (when I visited NZ, I was told it is Very Bad Form to sit on a table or desk, to put one’s bum where food might be served. It’s a major faux pas to even lean one’s okole against a desk or table, same reason. It’s a Maori cultural taboo, if I remember correctly. Lorena would be a social outcast in New Zealand. Can we just send her there and get it over with, folks?). She announces that she’s not interested in leaving. She wants to hang out in Achichipico and get the lay of the land. [!] She’s got nothing better to do back home, so she’s staying. Molo is beginning to get nervous. She asks if Juan would be so good as to take her to her hotel. Juan jumps up and works his level best to pass her off to Molo. Molo gestures wildly behind Lorena—he doesn’t want that duty, either. For two guys who like to ogle so much, they sure don’t follow through when the opportunity presents itself, do they? ;-) Lorena turns to Molo as Juan gestures in Molo’s direction and Molo pastes on a smile. Juan thought bubbles—chinches bravas, just when one makes a commitment to fly right, women one hasn’t even gone looking for begin to line up, despite our best intentions. Lorena slinks across the room back to Juan’s desk, looking very 40s Garbo-ish. She plops her hands down on his desk, giving him a view if he looks down. Juan keeps eye contact. Sort of . She’s really lots shorter so he has to look down even for eye contact. “We’ll see each other later?” The question is more accusatory than interrogatory. “You won’t miss it, eh?” She taps his lips with her forefinger. Sheesh. As she skip walks out the door, she claps and giggles like a five year old. Sheesh. Molo grins at Juan and they both chuckle…..Methinks Lorena Peláez is Big Trouble.

Ana and Paula have finally made it home, but Nidia is with them. Ana asks why she asked for a taxi. Seems Nidia’s sparing them the trouble of stopping by her place since everyone’s so tired and they’ve been on their okoles so long. Ana is worried about Nidia, though. Nidia assures Ana she’s fine. She was just a bit tipsy (bebercua?). She wonders if she uttered anything indiscreet, or wasn’t singing clearly, or what? Ana chuckles at her, teases and assures her she was amusing and nothing was out of line. The taxi honks outside and they say their farewells. Ana firmly tells Nidia to get well from this hangover (cruda). Hint, hint, don’t keep drinking, Nidia. Nidia tells Ana with Delirio in her house that’s impossible. I see her point. Nidia thanks Ana for everything. She’ll come by for Ana early so they can scout out the place for the gallery. Nidia’s theme plays: La Habañera from Bizet’s Carmen, to which Nidia can mince perfectly. She gathers her luggage and leaves with a farewell that Ana can give to Paula.

Speaking of the Q of R, Paula is in her old bedroom thought bubbling Juan’s words to her—he knows she’s a married woman but he can’t forget her. She’s a woman who profoundly loves her husband…..Paula is transported to Achichipico to hear Juan saying the words in person. It’s not important to him if she’s married. He loves her with his whole soul. They kisssssssss…..and Paula’s back at Ana’s, touching her lips and asking God for illumination on this situation. We are reminded that any similarity to reality is purely a coincidence.

Monday: It’s better than never, folks. Paula has stuff to resolve. CL has –a HALO? Or is it just fire and brimstone glowing behind him? Paula cuts to the chase and confesses she was with Juan.

Vocabulary –such as it is, is embedded this week again.

Jeanne

Labels: Juan