Caray, Caray!

Aloha, compadres y comadres, let me thank Maricruz very publicly for her above and beyond the call of duty substituting. She is a marvel and I adore her recaps! She’ll be there for me a few more times before it’s all said and done, and I want everyone to know how deeply I appreciate it. And now to our feature presentation, with our usual prior night review:

Juan has returned from Canada to find mayhem at Farell, and has gotten Fern and Pastor into his office for explanations. The boys fall all over themselves to tell him about the cataclysm that has begun with the report of CL’s untimely demise. Pastor explains the disaster, and Juan will solve it with a bank loan, of course. The phone rings and Laura reams Juan better than any schoolmarm ever could. Juan tries to smooth it all over and Laura tells him to get lost forever/forget her. The boys jump to action after Juan agrees that he’ll talk to the suppliers (proveedores, though the captions spell it wrong). Oops, not so fast boys, Juan has to run a little errand. Qué the heck? No worries, Juan will be back soon.

The attorney reads CL’s last will and testament to Paula and Ana. We hear CL spell it out, leaving Paula all his Farell shares (which we now know are going down the tube fast without him there), right up to leaving all his other worldly belongings to …. Sandro Arenas???? QUÉ the heck?????? Or mejor dicho (better said), QUIEN the heck????? [Ed. Note: Do we hear the sweet strains of “Déjà vu?’ Different names, but same theme.] Oh, yeah, one more little detail—CL says you have to go find this guy, Paula, to hand over your home, money, and stuff like that. [Ed. Note: if this Sandro is a real hunk, Juan better begin to check out Marely again.]

Juanito passionately explains to the school Director that even if he expels the three of them (Flor, and the former head bully), the kidlets will keep complaining until they’ve outed Topete. [Ed. Note: ;-) Shame on me, couldn’t help myself there.] They want Lorenzo. The school Director sighs and says sure, but there has to be an example (teach a lesson) made so this mocking (relajito, one definition) will stop. Topete, behind the three miscreants we love to see making a fool of him, tells the Director it has to be done ASAP. The Director thinks it needs to be a lesson that they won’t forget soon and Topete wants to give the punishment. [Ed. Note: not in MY school, you wouldn’t.] They turn to Topete who tells them in a voice that’s about 25 decibels [my favorite schoolmarm-means-business voice, especially with blind kids who really listen hard at that volume], that they’ll have a test every day for two weeks, 50 pages of worksheets (hojas), and Flor can’t come tomorrow if she doesn’t have a uniform. Juanito is incensed at her being singled out.

The attorney tells Paula they tried to find this Sandro tipo and they couldn’t, so he didn’t show for the reading. Paula tries to get info about Sandro. The attorney tells her she just better find him. Paula says if Sandro is a relative, CL never said a word. In fact, he never mentioned any family [Ed. Note: I always wondered about that from time to time.] Ana thinks surely there must have been someone. The attorney wants to know if she has any objections to this clause, but she doesn’t, and only wants to know what’s up. [QUÉ?? The woman who is incensed that she was disinherited by Nidia doesn’t have any objections?] The attorney gives her the information on a card and tells her that CL assured him that he had a huge debt he owed this guy. Paula and Ana look at the card, impactadas.

Juan, what’s wrong with you, boy? You were off the hook with Laura and now you’re putty in her hands, drying her tears?? Why not leave well enough alone after she told you to forget her? Apparently, Juan’s errand was to go to Laura’s and clean up after she trashed her apartment and reamed him out. Well, she’s so impactada by CL’s death that Juan explains he had to go and verify, and she can’t believe it, that she’ll forgive Juan with a pretty smile. How foolish she was! He’s so lovely! Hug. Ugh.

As Paula and Ana leave the notary’s office, her phone rings. It’s Pastor with a naval analogy for Sylvia—the boat’s sinking fast and the captains have—er, captain has abandoned it. In addition, Pastor as #2 on board, is about to have a nervous breakdown. Paula wants an explanation. Well, while all our suppliers are jumping ship right and left, Sr. Dominguez has bailed to resolve personal-kine (índole personal – personal kind or nature, and excuse me, couldn’t resist using Hawaii pidgin) problems. She tells him to do all he can until she gets there. Pastor, shaking with anxiety, wonders how long THAT will take. She’s got to drop her Mami off and she’ll be there. Sheesh. Everything’s an opera for this Sr.

Nidia is quizzing Juan about CL—is all that true, what we heard on the tele? Yep. CL must have been a snack (botana – snack, appetizer) for the sharks (tiburones). Nidia laments the loss and Juan explains that Paula’s pretty freaked out. Delirio joins them and the story gets confirmed again. Delirio worries that with all this, Juan couldn’t bring their case before Paula? Wrong, I suggested a plan she couldn’t refuse. They can stay in the house. Nidia hugs him and is jubilant—there’s a but, however. Y’all have to pay her a monthly mortgage. Juan pointedly tells Delirio this means that He. Has. To. Work. Nidia wails. Delirio weasels. How’s he going to find work? Juan tells him the tried and true method: beat the streets. Delirio is insulted; he’s always been a worker, with personal efforts. Nidia looks doubtful as Juan puts it hard to Delirio about working—for REAL.
Kike explains to Yadi that he feels super unlucky (regacho), and this guy could have said lots of things, but he’s given Kike a hand just when Kike needed it. Anga studies his papers while he witnesses this family discussion. Suddenly there seems to be a shift in the conversation—are they talking obliquely about CL’s passing? Yadi’s feeling pretty ugly about it. Anga chimes in that it’s a shame, when a guy has everything going for him and suddenly has it all fall by the wayside (eche todo por la borda). In the end, he chose his destiny. Kike mentions that with CL’s death, things might be cleared up for Juan without the shadow of CL. [Was that just me not following, or was that bad editing?] Anga doesn’t think so; he thinks the Farell situation won’t be easy. He’s glad he didn’t get mixed up in the business. Yadi can’t understand why he thinks such a big, powerful company will have problems. Anga wisely tells her that little businesses have little problems and big businesses have big problems. Yadi and Kike exchange looks. He’s seen the biggest and most powerful sink in just a matter of months. He seriously doesn’t think Juan can do it. Nor can he stay with such a tough job (semejante paquetote, Mex. paquete – tough job, my best guess).

Paula has Marely, Pastor and Fern in her office. She wants an official communication prepared confirming CL’s death, and circulated in the office, to the press, clients, suppliers, whatever. Pastor has stuff to do for Juan, but Fern says he’ll do the first draft and let Marely do the rest. She agrees. Paula continues that it should say he left all his shares to her, and that the company will continue, delivering punctually, and be strong. Pastor agrees it has to be something very reassuring. Farell will continue to meet its obligations as it always has done. Marely tells Paula that Monica has called and wanted to know what had happened; she wanted Paula to call when Paula returned. Paula will do that. As they leave to get busy on tasks, Paula calls Pastor back. She needs a favor—whatever she needs, he assures her. It has to do with the last will and testament of César Luis Farell. Pastor is impactado.

Nidia listens to Delirio as he asks what she thinks about this: Perafán, Frasier, and Tyson, International Management. [Ed. Note: Huh? Almost no accent in that English, except for the British accent he affects, which is charming??] Offices in NY, London, Hong Kong, and Mexico City. What a lilt that has to it, she chuckles (rimbombante – pompous, showy, resounding). Nidia tries to repeat the names—who are Fraaaaasier and Traaaaayson? Fake names! With such names, he can generate lots of new clientele. Nidia jumps up, incensed. He’s a failure as a lawyer. Delirio is insulted for about the dozenth time this week. He’s asking for more respect and consideration. She tells him he needs to look for a steady (fijo) job. If he doesn’t ante up his part of the mortgage every month, she’ll sideline him. That produces an impactado look from the so-called man of the house.

Pastor asks Paula “Sandro Arenas, just that, nothing more?” Yep. And he didn’t mention anything like his relationship to the deceased (Occiso)? Nope. Well, yes, he did mention that CL felt a huge debt to the guy. Well, Pastor never heard him mention this guy. Paula points out that no one seems to know who he is, where he’s from, what he wants. She gives Pastor the card to go find the guy. Pastor excuses himself to do the investigation for the mystery man.

Marely finishes up a phone call with Mami while Juan strides off the elevator. He breezes by Julia and Marely races after him, calling. She goes into the office with him to tell him thanks for interceding with Paula so they wouldn’t get left in the street. He did it with pleasure so there’s nothing to thank him for. Her Mami and Delirio will have to stiffen their spines (sobarse el lomo, my best guess) because….Marely interrupts, yeah, it was explained to her. They seem ready to work, to comply. Now, back to work stuff, here’s the communication we’re going to disseminate, to keep everyone calm. She shows him the memo about CL’s death. Pastor has spoken to several suppliers, but he can’t talk to them all, and some want to cancel their business with Farell. She tries to plead with Juan to get with the program and help out here, and he assures her he’ll take care of business. Can she offer him anything more? Yep. He gets a serious look and tells her to quit getting prettier, because where will it end? And the office folks notice and they can’t work. So, stop it already, Marilecita. She rolls her eyes, Juan, you always with your jokes. She leaves, smiling shyly and thanking him. He watches. And WATCHES. Her retreating derrière.

Okay, it’s True Confessions time. I took a hiatus and watched the Gran Final of Pasión. I cried, I yelled, I laughed a little. Hubby thought I was cracking up when he heard me down the hall. He accused me of carrying on something awful. Now, back to recapping Juan. We can only hope that the Gran Final is as good as Carla made the Pasión Gran Final.

Yadi talks to her Mami about this thing of Paula taking away the house—or not. Paula has done her a complete favor. Kike and Remo look on with concern in the market storefront. Yadi congratulates Nidia on the good fortune of not getting thrown out and hangs up. She grins at Kike as she tells him they have a home and claps. Kike picks her up off her feet, celebrating with Yadira. He collects himself and asks her pardon. My. That’s awkward. No problem, Yadi tells him. Kike wants to know how it ended up. Well, who knows what arguments Juan posed to her, but he did it. It worked. How exciting! Yadi shyly tells him if he’s so excited, well, he could hug her. They hug shyly. Remo drags the needle over the record by noticing and cheering them on. They move apart, sighing. Kike quietly throttles Remolacho, calling him a slobbering busybody. He’s off to work! He looks back, though, smirking a little and Yadi looks up, then back down—smiling to herself.

Pastor is on it. He’s calling and gets Sandro at the first try. “Hello, I want to talk to Sr. Sandro Arenas. It’s you?”

In another place, we hear oriental music and see hands massaging a naked male leg, so we assume he’s getting a lomi lomi massage or something else oriental or Hawaiian. We assume it’s a he, too, though who knows after La Fea Más Bella? Yes, a voice replies. Pastor introduces himself and explains his purpose. He’s calling on behalf of Paula Dávila, the widow of CL Farell. The voice, which sounds suspiciously like CL’s muffled voice, murmurs that the guy finally died. [Ed. Note: I could be wrong here, folks, but whoever had the twin/brother theory is spot on, and this is why we have several more excruciating months to go. Sorry, Juan. The train left again.] Pastor explains that Paula is very interested in meeting Sandro. Sandro is NOT interested, goodbye. We see the hands go up the back, massaging thoroughly, and some dark hair up by the voice. Pastor begs him not to hang up. It’s very important since this guy is named in the last will and testament of CL. It looks like CL was VERY generous. Sandro will think about it. He hangs up. Pastor fusses at the phone. What a ruuuuude guy. And so maaaanly (varonil – manly). [Ed. Note: and exactly HOW do you know that? Just the voice?] Pastor sighs and overheats while he smiles to himself.

Juan’s voice on the phone in his office tells someone no (obviously not Laura) as Paula bursts into his office. He’s schmoozing a supplier and assuring them that Farell won’t fail them. What a sweet talker! One more, one more of them he’s dealt with (bites the dust)! Juan is jubilant as he hangs up and Paula sits down. She remarks on his progress with clients and he tells her they’re not all buying, but…he notices her upset expression and goes around the desk to comfort her. Don’t cry! It’s all too much for me, she responds. He hugs her and murmurs comforting words. Juan thought bubbles how she is destroyed and feeling guilty over CL’s death. He has mixed emotions himself. She felt cold when the notary told her CL had left his shares to her. Juan murmurs how this is enough, right? Paula is mournful and bewildered and cannot understand why CL the rest to this Sandro Arenas. [A bit like how Nidia couldn’t understand why her husband and father of two her two daughters left it to Paula?]

Delirio tries to find work , making every attempt to call in markers from old buddies. Corcuera is the first he greets warmly and petitions for work. We hear Delirio’s half of the conversation. He acknowledges yeah, he’s the “Mollete Perafán” – his nickname, which Maricruz confirmed means "a bolillo with beans (at least in Mexico)." Maricruz also says it must have been his nickname because he was a bit pudgy when he was younger. Delirio assures the guy he’s not wasting his time. Delirio continues that he’s changing offices [well, there’s a quaint, Delirio-style way of saying out of work and scrambling]. He wants to drop off a copy of his résumé at the guy’s office. He assures the guy he’s still an attorney, as successful as ever. He listens, his scowl increasing. “Bad reputation? Me?...But….Piracy? Where did you get such a…..Compromising?....Me?....What slander, Corcuera!” Delirio wants to explain. Apparently Corcuera doesn’t want explanations and Delirio gets a hang-up. He slams the phone down in frustration.

Pastor reports what he’s found – Sandro has him itching with curiosity [more than Paula and Juan will ever guess]. They only need a few doves to make it a thriller movie. The man barely opened his mouth. When he did, it was a voice that was profound and very manly—Pastor’s eyes glaze over in the telling. Paula wonders if he told Pastor what his relationship was with CL. Nope. He hung up before they could get to it. Well, did Pastor lay it out for him? Yeah, and when Pastor told him that CL had died, the guy responded, finally the man died. Pastor took it to mean that the guy doesn’t care. How rude! Paula thinks it’s strange. She thought they might be old friends, so why would he be like that? Pastor told him he should come by and see them, and he said he wasn’t interested. But, then Pastor told Sandro CL had left so much to him and Sandro said he would just think about it—then he hung up. Pastor doesn’t know what Juan and Paula think, but he feels it’s better not to push it, at least not now. Pastor has to go continue fighting the bad-tempered (bravos) clients. He struggles to get the door open and Juan prompts him, it opens in. Pastor looks back sheepishly. [Where is his head? With that voice? Could Sandro be an actual love interest for him, or for Paula, or for someone here?]

Juan and Paula wonder where they stand now, and as they move forward with discussion, Heriberto, resplendent in bright orange with a blue shirt and orange/red tie, approaches. He hears Paula say they need a new administrative VP. Heri grins, shrugs his suit jacket as he straightens up and listens as she talks about a man with experience. [Ed. Note: Heri, she meant someone with BUSINESS experience.]

Heriberto jubilantly tells Pastor that in other words, they need a guy like Heriberto Chávez. He tells Pastor that the right guy’s in front of him. [Ed. Note: Pastor agrees that you’re the right man, Heri, but not for the VP position.] Pastor disagrees with him, and Heri argues all his great qualities for the post. They argue back and forth about it for a little while, and Pastor tells Heri that on the contrary, Heri, the right guy’s in front of YOU. Heri has to think about that.

Paula and Juan talk about the VP search. Marely’s in charge of gathering the candidate information. He’ll flip a coin – and proceeds to do it. Paula protests that they have to take a close look and evaluate the candidates on merit. He reluctantly agrees. Juan gets up and goes to her, suggesting she go home to rest. Paula’s tired, he’s tired, but she wants to drop by and see Ivonne—otherwise, she’s not good for much else. The partners kiss a little. [Nice way of doing business, if you ask me—I wouldn’t know, though]. He assures her she’s always good (useful). She doesn’t know how to do it without him—he’s her help, comfort. They lean in for a real kiss as Palomita music plays. Except….Fern breaks up the party. What, did I come at a bad moment? Nope, no problem. Right. He gives Juan a “sorry” shrug and Juan gives him a “chinches bravas” look and jumps down Fern’s throat with both botitas. Then he calms down long enough to talk to Fern about the VP position and how they need to fill it fast. [And my contention is that he’s right in front of YOU, Juan.] Apparently Juan agrees with me, and asks if he’s still into the idea. You bet! Okay, there’ll be an interview and the Lic Paula has to be in agreement—you’ll be evaluated along with all the other candidates.

Marely checks in with Paula, who’s closing it down for the day. She’ll go with Paula and has to get her purse.

Business as not-so-usual continues at Farell in the lobby. Juan and Fern stand in the lobby discussing business as someone strides meaningfully off the elevator and all eyes are riveted on the figure of a determined man. Dear heaven, they are all seeing a ghost. Will it be enough to startle the lobby lizards into their actual work sites? NO, in fact, they may never work again due to shock. Business as usual, then. Pastor, Juan, Fern, Marely and all the rest are muy, pero muy impactados.

Paula comes out of her office to give Marely a last directive and sees Marely’s frozen face, while we see the back of the dark-headed man, and Paula quickly rivets to see the rest of her staff also frozen in time and space. ¿QUÉ? She sees the guy, who is a not-very-dead ringer for César Luis Farell, other than the glasses, dark hair, and not so arrogant demeanor. Paula faints dead away [no pun intended, but take it as you will, gentle readers] on the floor while Marely calls out to her half-sister and the stranger looks what? Resigned? Not nearly as surprised as we expect him to be? He may be registering that CL never told anyone of his existence. Juan jumps into action and grabs Paula to raise her up. Pastor gets excited as the stranger moves forward. Pastor call out—“The Dead Guy! The Dead Guy” and promptly follows Paula’s lead. Fern jumps to help him off the floor. Paula looks up at the guy and asks—“Cesar Luis? Cesar Luis? Are you alive?”

In a stunning leap of incongruence on the part of our writers, we find Delirio still looking for work. He outlines to his soul-buddy Leonardo what he would like to be doing, some directorial position or other that would be at his level--and they ask him how about the messenger boy position. What, are they KIDDING??—He won’t forgive that joke! Nidia peeks in. “Perfect!” He fakes the rest of the call. Tomorrow he’ll drop by and they’ll talk calmly. He thanks the guy. She asks if he’s found work and he assures her there is no doubt after talking to a couple of friends. He’s got some appointments for the morrow, one with them. Now it’s Nidia’s turn to use the phone to look for work. She eases him out of the office. Until that last shove.

The newcomer pushes at his glasses a la Clark Kent, and remarks that he understands he has a strong resemblance to CL. Juan negates that—in fact, the stranger is actually CL’s living image! Juan wants to know if he isn’t really CL and isn’t he messing with them (cabuleando – scheming)? Paula sits and contemplates what she’s seeing. The Very Sincere Replica of CL says no way. His name is Sandro Arenas and he is the twin (gemelo) brother of César Luis. Paula holds her head in her hand. She retorts that CL never said a word about family, that he had any family, nothing! She accuses him of being CL, and tells him to quit joking. Both Juan and Paula go after him, but Sandro says he doesn’t know what they’re talking about. He says that by her reaction, he has to suppose she’s his brother’s wife? Yep. He keeps pushing his glasses. Enough with the Clark Kent impression already. She points out that CL was an orphan. Yep, they both were, but they were adopted by different parents. He can prove it. Juan says that only happens on TV. [Ed. Note: Yikes. Does this happen often in Telenovela themes? Other than the triplets Lucero played, that is.] Juan expresses his irritation and doubt. Sandro begs them to hear him out. Paula tells him fine, suppose it’s all true, but CL never spoke of you to me. Sandro tells them how he discovered that he had a twin, went looking for him, found he had this company and a lovely fiancée (blonde, don’t remember her name). Juan helpfully supplies “Monica.” Yes, Sandro thinks that is right. CL had the good fortune to be adopted by rich folk. Not Sandro, though. When he presented himself in front of CL seeking help and work, he was rejected by CL, accused of being a parasite and opportunistic to take advantage of CL’s situation. Juan points out to Paula they can’t deny that would be CL’s style. Paula nods in disgusted agreement. That was the only time they talked, Sandro continues, because he didn’t feel like ever seeing CL again. Now he finds he’s in the will. [Sandro touches his eyeglasses WAY more often than Clark Kent ever did]. Paula doesn’t know what to think. Sandro presents his documents. He’s got his passport, his voter’s registration, and his license. Check ‘em out. Paula looks at him with guarded suspicion.

Meanwhile, outside, Pastor is being revived. He was scared to death. Julia points out that guy is exactly the same as the boss. Marely says CL is dead and Paula has his death certificate. Pastor wonders what about him surviving the fall from the boat (naufragio - shipwreck). Marely says no way, that many kilometers per hour in the Pacific Ocean. Pastor speculates—what if he’s CL’s twin? It’s like a telenovela he saw once. Fern wonders how many years he was CL’s chauffeur? The man NEVER spoke of family. Isn’t this some kind of theatrical? Marely says he looks way different than CL. One of the lobby lizards asks what Pastor thinks, since he likely knew CL better than anyone. Pastor votes for the identical twin brother theory, hopes he’s single and for Pastor. He clutches his hands in prayer. Looks of disbelief around the crowd. Pastor gets a grip and looks alarmed at his outburst.

Sandro tells Paula and Juan he has several ways to prove his identity, including that his adoptive parents registered his name with theirs and he studied to be a teacher. Lots of folks know him. He studied for a career in education. Many folks know him, too. Paula says there’s no need, and pardon her attitude. But this resemblance is huge. She sits in Juan’s desk across from Sandro and Juan stands behind her, possibly still skeptical. Juan says that even if CL was nasty with him (gacho), he must have felt sorry about it because at the end he left the apartment and money to Sandro. Paula says it’s simply such a big surprise. Sandro, bemused, remarks that given the treatment CL gave him, he’s surprised that CL would have done something like this. Juan tells him to be thankful. The three calmly discuss why they asked Sandro to come and he tells them he appreciates it, calling her Sra. and she asks him to call her Paula, please. Juan thought bubbles; he doesn’t like this new familiarity and confidence in Sandro she’s showing. Sandro tells Paula he doesn’t want anything, doesn’t need it. For all that he came to ask for help from his brother, he’s not at the threshold of starvation (no muerte de hambre). He thinks that as CL’s wife, she should have it all. Juan is VERY skeptical as he thought bubbles about what the guy’s up to, but he’s softening, the guy is hitting him okay. Sandro asks what she would like him to do. Juan thought bubbles as he strokes his Very Short Tie that Sandro and CL are equals on the outside but very different on the inside. Paula tells Sandro how much she appreciates it, but this IS the final wish of CL. She tells him she’d like him to go with her the next day to the notary so they can finalize what he will have that belongs to him. Sandro tries to assure her, but she interrupts. They will respect the decision of CL; that’s the only way she’ll feel calm. [Ah, I can feel Samuel’s eyes beating down on Paula’s head.] Juan thought bubbles, protesting to Paula that this guy doesn’t WANT anything! Sandro rises, thanks her, and tells her it’s a pleasure to meet her although he wishes it were not in these circumstances. He shakes her hand and Juan also reaches to shake Sandro’s hand. The walk him out. We see a transition clip of Sandro Arenas smiling in a way that César Luis Farell never could have and we wonder how Alexis Ayala could be such a great actor that we even hated to see him on transition clips while Sandro Arenas is so appealing.

As we return from our break, CL’s crafty look meets us eye to eye. Shiver. The lobby lizards are assembled to stare at the three leaving Juan’s office. Sandro pushes his glasses up. Juan calls them nosy-parkers (mironcitos) and tells them to get back to work. Paula stops Juan, saying that everyone in the office deserves an explanation. Juan thought bubbles about his Palomita, so considerate with this pack of snakes. [For the record, I never knew that snakes came in packs.] Juan agrees out loud and directs their attention to the gentleman here at his side, who looks so much like CL. It is Sr. Sandro Arenas, his twin brother. He makes a gesture to show two hands side by side, palms down. Could be the Mexican sign for “same,” as it has similarity to the ASL sign. He urges Sandro to say a few words to “his” people (Juan’s). Sandro gets nervous and says he has nothing to say, really, and is in a hurry. Pushing his glasses again (he really does need silicone nose pads so he won’t have to do that. I got some this week and they make a world of difference), he shakes Paula’s and Juan’s hands again, exchanges a goodbye and beats a path to the elevator.

Pastor sighs and says this guy leaves him feeling like San Pascual. [Maricruz, help! This is a dicho, right?] Pastor can’t tell which is which. He’s really the twin? They’re like two drops of water! Marely exclaims it’s as if CL has been reincarnated. Paula agrees, but points out with another manner entirely and attitude. Juan says he’s more affable, nice, sociable. Paula agrees. [What happened to the old Latin dicho, De mortuis nihil nisi bonum? Speak nothing but good of the dead.]

Nidia tries to convince some prospective employer she’s 30-ish, maybe a little more. But people tell her she looks more like 25. Oh, would that be a problem? [Gee, is that still legal in Mexico? Or is it just legal in telenovelas?] No, it’s fine. She makes the appointment for the next day. [Boy, are THEY going to be surprised.]

At the gallery, things are looking good and they have shoppers. Willy gets Ana’s attention, and she has to excuse herself. What did he say? He wants to know what’s wrong—she’s been so quiet and distracted. There are three days until the exhibit is completed and there’s lots to do. He folds his arms, looking gently firm with her. Ana’s not sure she can get it all together (lograrlo, achieve, obtain). She sits down wearily. He sits to give her support, encouraging her to let go of her worries, try to paint a bit. She’ll try. Willy wonders if it’s about Nidia. No, it’s about Paula—she’s worked it out with Nidia, but her husband died. Willy is impactado—he’s sorry to hear it. Was it an accident? It’s not certain, but he fell into the ocean. Paula feels so bad, so guilty. Willy takes Ana’s hand and tells her Paula is not to blame; Ana says she’s been saying that to Paula all along. Willy continues that Paula’s now free to get her life back together, find love. Ana sighs—her daughter has suffered so much [Ed. Note: Paula and Ana really don’t understand what true suffering is, I think. But that’s just me.]. Paula doesn’t know where to begin. Willy looks at her fondly a minute and takes Ana’s chin in his hand. “It’s not just her, Ana. You, too, deserve another opportunity.” He smiles gently and his lovely dimple is SOOOO appealing. Ana smiles back a little. She shyly touches his hand and withdraws emotionally a bit, trying to speak but unable. A hand appears on the door frame of the gallery behind them—it’s a prospective buyer seeking help.

Paula has returned to her office and is making calls, a lovely bouquet of anthuriums behind her. She tells Ivonne to excuse her for not coming by the hospital, but they’ve had one heck of a day. Ivonne thought she was still on the trip, anyway. No, they returned. But, let’s not talk about me [this is a nice trend, if it continues!], how have you been? Ivonne responds that she’s a bit better, thanks for worrying about me. Ivonne smiles as she says that. And your spirits? That’s what has died. Paula encourages her, promising she is going to come out of this fine. Ivonne promises to try. She hesitantly asks Paula about the news she heard about CL’s death. Does Paula know anything? Paula hesitates and Ivonne asks again. Yes, Paula tells her, it is true, unfortunately, he died. Ivonne quiets, sad at the news.

Angarita strides into the market area. Yadi cheerfully hands him all the lists and papers she’s worked on, documenting all the deliveries received this morning. Remo and Kike look on from behind her as Anga looks the stack over. Very good, Yadira! I congratulate you! She thanks Angarita shyly. Who’d have said she’d be so good at the math? She’s super good. (She says this like it surprised the heck out of her, not arrogantly). Anga agrees she’s good, in the case of money, she’s much cleverer than he is. She’s enjoying the work, she tells him as she bounces in her seat. Anga suggests they quit for the day and begin very early the next day, as always. Kike chimes in that he could give he a ride and they could eat together, if she likes. Yadi thinks that’s a good idea. Remo’s taking notes and Anga’s also listening in. ;-)

Juan has found his way to Paula’s office. He’s finding it a bit odd that this guy Sandro wants Paula to have the entire inheritance from her deceased husband. Juan’s been thinking about it, she has the right. Paula doesn’t want to discuss it. Juan thinks it’s not fair this guy comes out of the blue and ends up with the apartment and everything, and she gets stuck with the Farell shares and a world of trouble. He thinks she should fight. Paula responds that she feels plenty guilty over his death and wants to comply with his last wish. Juan goes around the desk and turns her to him, telling her not to think that. CL created his destiny. In the end, if he didn’t have the courage to pull himself up, it’s not anybody’s fault. Paula is NOT responsible for his death. He starts to hug her and the Cachicachi bombo music on his phone plays. Juan excuses himself to answer. Of course, it’s Laura, glad that she’s FINALLY found him. Could he call her right back, he’s kind of busy. Laura just wants to know if they’ll see each other in the evening or not. Tonight??? If that’s not convenient, tomorrow. Paula looks disgusted and starts to leave her office. Juan looks desperate, but tells Laura that’s perfect. But this time, she’s not forgiving him for standing her up with the table all set. Juan rushes out after Paula while assuring Laura he’ll see her tomorrow, goodbye! Marely and lobby lizards note his pursuit with curiosity. He calls her and tries to get her not to go as Paula approaches the elevator. She accuses him of getting another call where he was talking in code. He protests weakly that he was talking normally. She refutes his claim, and we see the harpy on jet fuel coming back. She’s nailed him and Juan thought bubbles that here he thought he was the master of dissimulation and she’s poured water on that theory—and him with no life preserver. Paula lectures him and tells him that if he wants to talk to a woman, so be it, there’s nothing between Juan and herself. Juan thought bubbles again that this was like a mule kick, but he prefers to hide the pain and not let her note it. He tells her that he’s well aware that there is nothing between them, etc. She says they are business associates, and as such, she shouldn’t object if they call him. The jealous smirk on her face tells us otherwise. Juan, smiling, tells her she’s right and each one should be able to do what they feel like. Paula gives him her false smile that reeks jealous, and says “exactly.” And by the way, if you’re dating someone, could one know who it is? He thought bubbles nope, and answers “with a very dear friend” which takes ALL the wind out of Paula’s sails.

And of course, any similarity to reality is pure coincidence.

Monday: Is Paula jealous? Does a bear sleep in the woods? Is CL still ALIVE AND does he have an identical twin? Are we ready for two of them? Will Paula find out about CL’s scheme?

Vocabulary

Proveedores, though the captions spell it wrong – suppliers
Relajito – mocking, one definition
Hojas – worksheets
Índole – kind, nature, sort
Botana – snack
Tiburones – sharks
Eche todo por la borda – have it all fall by the wayside
Fijo - steady
Paquetote – tough job (Mex. paquete – tough job)
Rimbombante – pompous/bombastic, showy/flashy, resounding/echoing
Occiso – deceased
Cabuleando – scheming, messing with them
Gemelo – twin
Bravo – bad-tempered
Naufragio - shipwreck

Labels: Juan