Caray, Caray!

On a bright, sunny day in the D. F., we review the anticipated glorious demise of Profe-wannabe Topete at the Instituto Tlalpan S. C. Juanito and crew have strung up a booby trap to trap the booby. Juanito is left with a telltale handful of string.

Fernando can’t believe what he’s hearing as we continue our review from last night—this is the worst idea he’s heard from Juan since he’s known Juan. Juan can’t understand why Fern thinks that. Well, it could be because Juan scarcely knows Laura and is pushing her candidacy for the VP position. He convinces a very reluctant Fern to help him.

Still in the review reverie mode, Ivonne strolls into Farell’s lobby with the lobby lizards gaping. Paula’s right behind Ivonne, so they try to keep it in check. Marely greets her warmly and Ivonne returns the favor. Ivonne kicks Julia out of her seat—but not until Julia has made pointed remarks about what might have been altered during Ivonne’s little procedure. The doc surely messed up because Ivonne looks just the same! Julia speculates on what got augmented – or not ….Ivonne gets her seat back with Julia grumbling. She’s got no new info to pass on. She makes a parting jab at Ivonne that it’s a durn shame they can’t operate on a personality. Ivonne is indignant impactada.

Fern emerges from seeing Juan to first scold Ivonne for getting out of her sickbed so soon, and then kiss her from sheer joy at seeing her back. He runs off on an errand for the boss while Ivonne sighs happily after him.

At the Instituto Tlalpan S. C., the booby trap is ready and the booby is approaching the classroom. Ruperto runs jubilantly back to his seat, advising his mates. The bucket of white stuff empties perfectly on Topete’s head, though one wonders why Juanito didn’t notice that the school director was standing right next to Topete when Juanito deftly yanked the cord to empty it. The incensed educators look up, and then in the direction of the rather thick and unmistakable cord that goes directly into Juanito’s hands. Juanito is busted impactado. Flor and Ruperto tremble for him, too. Topete, whose looks are somehow improved slightly when dusted in white, removes his glasses and the school director looks at Juanito in a way that suggests suppression of his need to collapse in laughter. The worried-impactado kidlets stare at the white-coated educators [pun intended], who glare back with fiery threats emanating from their eyes.

The Perafán , etc., and Associates firm has just gotten its first call, which Nidia answers soooo professionally while Delirio utters sweet nothings behind her to interrupt her train of thought. For what it’s worth, that train left the station a long time ago. She looks at him for approval as she continues, and he continues to interfere from the side. The prospective client is an unwary (incauta) victim, Nidia tells Delirio while she muffles the phone with her hand…..er, a client! She gives directions to the oficina Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados.

Fernando, meanwhile, has gone procuring for Juan. He approaches the waitress in Juan’s favorite restaurant and asks a favor. She’s not keen on the idea. He mentions Juan, and her eyes light up. You mean that really nice guy who comes here to eat sometimes? She’s keen, all right. The waitress describes Juan in shivering, drooling detail, eyes glazing over—his smile, his arms….sometimes you’d just like to eat him up. Fern stammers nervously. Will she do the favor or not? Sure, for that Prince, Juan, she’ll do it. Fern tells her it’s easy and walks with her to explain the favor.

Juan’s not losing any time—he gives Ivonne a great big kiss to welcome her with about a dozen “Bombons” to punctuate his joy in seeing her back at work. He missed her! Well, she missed the office, too. [Ed. Note: That’ll last all of ….what….twenty minutes or so?] She gives him a big, grateful smile. He orders her to rest if she finds herself needing it no overtime! He kisses her again on the cheek and the phone rings, so Ivonne runs to answer. It’s a mystery woman asking for Juan. May I tell him who is calling? Hillary Paris. Ivonne is muy, pero muy, impactada. The waitress hands the phone to Fern while Ivonne hands the one on her end to Juan. Juan’s end of the conversation sounds positively delightful. He asks how his caller is, and Fern sarcastically responds that he’s there following up with the boss’s whims. Juan talks about the little massages and (sauna-temascal/oven hot??) and how Hillary must be really bored with all that. He runs on about the lovely little hands giving the massages while he notes Ivonne’s stunned face. Ivonne stage whispers—is it really Hillary? The one in the magazines? Juan tells her it is and she can leave already. Ivonne wants the confirmation again. Juan continues his fake conversation with Hillary Paris. Ivonne slides away, but listens intently. Juan “scolds” Hillary, that when she calls, she shouldn’t be giving her name. Ivonne plays with her ID badge.

At Fernando’s end, he tells Juan not to be so rude with Ivonne there. The waitress, pleased to help with the joke, chuckles and walks away. Juan laughs at Fern and tells “Hillary” they’ll see each other tonight—“my love of a thousand loves.” He’ll bring the champagne. Ivonne has continued her slide to the door, still listening for all she’s worth, as Juan says his sweet farewell and kisses the phone. He “notices” Ivonne messing with the mini-bar and asks if she’s all right. What about it? I’ll send the custodian—she gestures toward the bar. Juan chuckles and thanks her as a very somber Ivonne leaves. Juan cracks up. He’s got them! The gossip mill can take over now.

Topete and the school director stand in a cloud of white powdery stuff in the office. The director points out accusingly that when Profesor Lorenzo Pomposo was in charge of that class, they were model students, totally compliant and studying hard, always on the honor roll. On the other hand now…..Topete attacks the director—you’re going to blame ME for them changing into wild beasts? [Schoolmarm note: Yes.] The blame is THEIRS! The director sees it differently. Since Topete has been the teacher, the classroom has become a battleground. Topete accusingly yells that the kids not only don’t like him, they hate him. [Ed. Note: at least you’re becoming more perceptive as time goes on, Topete.] The director is sorry, but Profesor Lorenzo has to return. And me? You’re out. But, Topete pleads, we’re friends. I’ve just lost the woman of my life, and now this. The director tells him he’s not cut out for this position. He’s sorry, but Topete is OUT. He goes and leaves Topete reeling, impactado.

In the classroom, Ruperto worries that something awful will happen. Juanito asks how they were supposed to know Topete would come in with the Director? The kids discuss their problem—they hope they won’t get suspended. Ruperto’s folks will just kill him. Juanito gives them a pep talk and the director is at the door, sending everyone scrambling to their seats. He announces that what just happened cannot happen again. He doesn’t imagine that if he asks for the names of those responsible he won’t get them—he has no doubt they all collaborated on it. Am I wrong? One little girl nods, as little kids do when they forget they need to feign innocence. He points out that they need to remember that many children in the D. F. would like to be there, to study and become something in life. Juanito, ever the brave little soldier, tells him they know that, but that Topete was a terrible teacher. They didn’t like him! For that reason, Profe Pomposo is returning. [Ed. Note: Not to put too fine a point on it, Director, but you haven’t asked him yet. He could just tell you where to get off. But, sigh, he won’t.] The class cheers.

Juan tries his best to schmooze Laura into good humor. She’s not buying it. She tries to hang up, but he begs prettily for her to listen. She indignantly complains that she was subjected to humiliation. She gives Juan an earful about her interview. Paula was tough on Laura and he didn’t defend Laura. He tells her, in a firm but kind voice, that she hadn’t prepared for her interview too well. Laura knows she’s busted on that, but still complains. He let this woman offend Laura. Laura paints her pot furiously. What, you think she was only tough on you? For sure, I think that. She took advantage of that moment to get back for what happened long ago [not that long ago, we think.]. And you, Juan, helped her.

Ivonne has gathered the troops in Paula’s office. Marely and Paula stand behind Paula’s desk, sisters united, while Ivonne stands in front. [Surely she should be sitting down!] Paula wants to know what’s so important that she’s come to see them right now. Well, she’s found out more about the mystery woman. What? Ivonne explains about the call that came in while she was in Juan’s office. Well, who was it??? Laura? No, no way. You’ll never guess, never in years! Marely want to know why, do we know her? Well, yeah….well, actually, everyone in Mexico knows her. It was Hillary Paris! Paula plops into her chair, impactidíssima. Marely is equally impactidíssima.

Juan continues his attempt to unruffle Laura’s feathers. He begs prettily some more and invites her to dinner. She’ll consider it. He pours it on, and she tells him there’s just one thing—if he stands her up this time, she’ll never forgive him, never. He’s going to find her work in another part of the company. Really? He’d do that for her? He says for such a lovely woman, and he doesn’t want her staying resentful with him, he’s capable of most anything. Laura declares it’s impossible to stay mad with him. He’s such a charmer (encantador).

Fern has made his way back to Farell and to Juan’s office. He hears Juan uttering a farewell with kisses to her. Fern wants to know if she was a wild animal like he told Juan she’d be? More or less. But Juan brags that there’s no lioness that can keep those fangs sunk into him for long. Fern wants to know what happened with Ivonne. She bought the whole story. At this very moment, she’s busy informing the Licenciada and Marelicita. Like in baseball. They high five each other, jubilant. I told you, Juan brags.

Across the hall, no one is jubilant. Are you SURE? When I answered the phone, Ivonne tells them, she told me her name. Marely can’t buy this story at all. She hedges about Hillary Paris, well, she’s a really pretty woman, right? Pretty, nothing, she is a MILLIONAIRE! Ivonne calls it like it is. Paula is pained to note that her company is one of the biggest in the entire country. Ivonne reminds them she’s in all the magazines, and ah, those boyfriends!! The most attractive in the world! The sisters gasp; and now she is….now she is….with JUAN??!!! Ivonne nods firmly, lips pursed. “With Juan Dominguez?????!!!!” Another nod. “Juan Dominguez Coral???!!!!!” No! Can’t be. Marely argues it’s another of his pranks. The girls are stymied.

Nidia ushers Pepita Pomposo into the living room at the Casa Cachón. No, make that the Law Office of Perafán Rocha de Francisco y Asociados. He’s presently occupied, but Nidia wants to know what she can offer Pepita. Pepita needs nothing…..but whimpers enough that Nidia sits beside her to comfort and help. It’s a very sensitive matter. When she talks about it, she it on the verge of tears. Nidia tells her no problem, she’ll get an entire box of tissue. Pepita spills the story about her wandering hubby –imagine, after almost 20 years married--and Nidia empathizes—the JERK! Nidia runs at the mouth about all those men being the same. She imagines it’s some good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench (pelafustana cualquiera), a scarlet woman (meretriz-prostitute, harlot, etc.)! [Ed. Note: Nidia, if we didn’t know you better, we might agree about Lorenzo’s new little friend]. Nidia is all sympathy and Pepita describes how he’s trying to convince her this hussy is just a friend. Nidia says that there’s a payback for everything in this life. Pepita is very pleased to hear that Nidia thinks so.

Paula walks into Juan’s office, shoulders slumping more than we’ve ever seen. He congenially welcomes her. She gets to the point. Is the woman you’re seeing Hillary Paris? That’s right. Why? Paula has no answer. Good thing, since we’re going to the commercial.

Juan, if this is another of your lies…..Paula is righteously indignant. Juan wonders why she thinks they’re lies and thought bubbles that he doesn’t get why she lacks faith in him. Hm. Paula asserts it’s not possible. She’s young, rich, lovely, very famous. Juan adds that Hillary Paris is “chula” – very cute and acts offended that she doesn’t think he fits the picture, but he’s snickering on the side. Paula, oblivious to his snickers, rattles on about her not being quite as attractive as they say. What’s more, she’s not even in his reach (alcance). She is outside his universe! Paula gestures in frustration, like she can convince Juan that this is just foolish. This woman will never really pay attention to……Juan fills in the blank—to a guy like me, to a fool (naco- stupid, trashy, fool)? Paula is taken aback. No, I never said that. El Rey Tiburón music plays in the background. No, but you thought it. Don’t forget that now I am the 50% owner of a great company, at the international level. Paula steps more carefully, backpedaling so not to offend Juan—it’s just that this woman is out of your league, and mine. Juan smiles as he leans toward her over the desk. Hillary Paris hangs with impresarios who have international standing, way higher than ours; with members of the European royalty (realeza). You’re not this woman’s kind of guy. Juan points out that Paula should explain to her because it appears she hasn’t understood that. Paula tells him this is all in his head, a dream, and he knows it….right? He thought bubbles that his boots have seen the dawn under Paula’s own bed, or has she forgotten that night of passion they shared? She tells him that this dream is….what, Juan asks. Well, it won’t happen. Juan wonders why she thinks he would invent something like this. Well, to bother….Paula stammers. To bother….someone??? Juan is carefully sets her up. Like who? Paula looks away and shrugs. She changes the subject a little and protests. Let’s stop playing games and you admit this is a tall tale, Juan. Juan smiles sweetly but smugly at her over the desk. After a little more of this game, he points out it’s late and he has work to do, if she doesn’t have anything more to cover with him. She petulantly smiles and tells him not to worry, she won’t waste any more of his precious time. She’ll leave him with his great fantasy. Juan watches her leave, thought bubbling about her jealousy and cracking up, doing a victory dance over his success. He thinks that there never was born a little goat who couldn’t scale a mountain, and there’s never been a gal who wouldn’t succumb to the arms of this irresistible man. He puts his boot on the desk and slaps his knee in glee.

Pepita waits for Delirio and Nidia brings coffee for the two of them. Nidia assures Pepita she’s there for Pepita. She’s been a victim of those men. She tells the story of Samuel putting the horns on her and we hear the mooing. Pepita tells how she’s given up the best years of her life for that man, and she was stupid. It’s over, Nidia tells her. Now you’re going to have the strength to confront him. Pepita can’t live like that. Nidia declares that now Pepita’s husband of loose morals will be left like a dog with no owner. This pleases Pepita. He’s such a cynic, with this matter of his little friend. Ha, a simple friendship. Can you believe him? Nidia rolls her eyes in disbelief and makes disbelieving noises emphatically. She calls the woman a harpy, shameless. [Ed. Note: Well, Nidia, if that’s how you want to describe yourself…]. Pepita describes how he talks about this woman, with these flowery phrases. This gouger (gurbia, my best guess from Babylon’s definition), must know the Kama Sutra [Ed. Note: one wonders if Nidia has a clue what she’s talking about], upright and upside down. [Ed. Note #2 – whew, had to fan myself here.] Nidia paints the picture of an insatiable beast in the bed. Pepita is scandalized—she cannot tolerate this in her marriage! She has to get rid of the rage she has! Nidia exhorts Pepita to leave off crying and get practical. Pepita looks around, then lowers her voice to ask what Nidia recommends. Nidia says that the Licenciado will give her the details, but Nidia recommends Pepita catch her hubby red-handed with the woman—photos, the whole nine yards. Then confront him. When the divorce is finalized, she’ll be on top of the heap. Pepita giggles with glee. Delirio comes and tells them how he’s been on an international call—very international, Nidia chimes in, with the US. He ushers her into the office, but first Pepita thanks her new BFF for the advice.

Marely and Ivonne pace Paula’s office while the three consider this very strange situation of Juan and Hillary Paris. When’s he coming down off this cloud? Paula did her best, but Juan thinks it’s so funny to invent these stories. Ivonne thinks they shouldn’t put so much brainpower on this—don’t obsess. What does the man really want? To focus your interest. Marely and Paula see her point totally. Marely thinks this is his vengeance for Paula nosing around and making inquiries into his private life. Paula thinks they shouldn’t give him the pleasure. Ivonne agrees, and points out they probably have plenty to do. Yep. They agree to get back to work so Paula can have all the accounts ready for the new VP.

Well, that didn’t last. Paula focuses on work about 10 seconds before she’s spouting to Marely that it’s just not possible that a woman like Hillary Paris is interested in Juan Dominguez. Does Paula look like a crazy woman? No, Marely tells Paula, totally startled. Okay, so this guy is more or less a handsome guy, but really, a woman like her isn’t going to pay attention to someone like him. Paula agrees, not even in his dreams. Marely asserts it’s just a mean trick. Julia interrupts with a guy delivering lovely flowers. Guess who? Sandro sent them. It’s the second arrangement he’s sent. Paula looks positively sullen.

Juan is teasing Pastor about how his eyes are sparkling and how Pastor must have had chicken skin (Hawaii term for the Mexican version of Chinese skin) when he heard the name. Pastor blushes. Was it so obvious? For all Pastor tries to keep a cool demeanor – his presence is so overwhelming (apabullante). So, who is this paragon of machismo? None other than Heriberto! Juan gives Pastor a pep talk about Heri’s manly traits. He tells Pastor that Heri’s Papi Aldemar is the founder of the Union for He-Men of Achichipico. They fight for the rights that real men have lost, does Pastor understand? Pastor, wide-eyed, understands—but what cynicism! At least Heri didn’t come in to work with his pistol in his belt. Pastor appreciates Juan’s efforts. Juan changes the subject. They have the candidate for Administrative VP. Who? Sandro, of course. In this office veneration of Paula counts for more than many years of experience do. Juan denies this and Pastor has to laugh. But now Pastor has his turn to disabuse Juan of his impossible love. Sandro has sent Paula the most divine arrangement of flowers! Juan slams his fist on his desk and stands, scowling.

Speaking of the King of Rome, Sandro strides across the lobby, hands in pockets and focused on the floor or forward at Marely, it’s not clear which, so he bumps into Ivonne who is also focused elsewhere. She confuses him for César Luis and faints dead away since this is the first time she’s seen Sandro. Sandro is embarrassed and uncertain what to do.

Fernando, on the other hand, knows exactly what to do. He calls her name until she comes to, looking at an unfocused face that is remarkably like CL’s, but way kinder. Sandro asks if she’s feeling better, and Ivonne groans and remarks that they had told her he was CL’s living image. She asks his pardon; they had told her but she didn’t realize how identical they were. He tells her it’s fine; he’s getting used to folks thinking he’s his brother’s ghost. He’s not, though, and introduces himself to Ivonne. Sandro helps her up—Paula is waiting for him. She leads the way, muttering that he really gave her a scare. Fern scowls after them—jealous?

Juan attacks Pastor—they aren’t going to discuss the personal situation of anyone. Pastor points out Juan was just discussing Pastor’s. But then, Juan is boss and Pastor is a peon. Juan accuses him of taking it out of context. Pastor tells Juan that on the contrary, his mistake in the company has been to be too sincere, telling folks truths they haven’t wanted to hear. They exchange heated words about how it was then and how it is now. Juan declares that CL must have been the eighth wonder of the world, and Pastor asserts he was, but that time has passed. The guy in his seat is nothing like CL. Juan points out that even if Pastor doesn’t believe it, Sandro has the credentials and experience to do the job, equal or better than CL’s. [Ed. Note: Probably so, since they are CL’s credentials and even a little more added for effect]. Juan crosses himself for about the third time, so CL will rest in peace. Pastor proclaims that the credentials and experience, even the very face, may be the same as CL but it isn’t him. He’s certain this guy doesn’t have CL’s nose for great business, his intensity (fiereza) for closing the deals, his intuition for guiding the company. Okay, Juan acknowledges, you could be right. What’s more vital and sensitive……what? Well, this Sr. Sandro Arenas doesn’t want the vice presidency. He wants the whole package (paquete, which has double meaning here—the entire position and the total package). What package? He wants to be the owner. Juan laughs. Pastor joins him laughing, but it’s fake. It’s simple—if he’s the owner of all the effects CL left, he can have both the company and the dueña Paula. Juan’s brain clicks on. The Licenciada Paula? Yessir. Juan is impactado and Pastor’s voice continues. The decision was made. You handed him the Licenciada Paula on a gilded platter. Pastor takes a pink marshmallow and makes to leave, but Juan calls him back. Don Pastor. Wait. Don’t. Go. Pastor smirks a little, and turns back. Talk to me, Juan. Juan just looks at him, trying to assemble jumbled thoughts.

Paula, meanwhile, greets Sandro. She’s cold, but he thanks her for her confidence and assures her he’s going to devote all his abilities, time, his whole sole into the mission they’ve given him. He won’t disappoint them (defraud). They sit and she tells him she believes they chose the best person. He’s ready to start whenever they want, even today. Paula reluctantly asks a favor before they finalize his contract. She wants him to stop sending flowers or making any other sort of gesture like that (obsequio – gift, courtesy). Sandro, who already told CL it was a Bad Idea, hangs his head and asks if she didn’t like them. Sure, she liked them, and appreciated it a lot, but it could be misunderstood. There can’t be any appearance of favoritism in the company; she doesn’t want the gossip. Sandro lifts his glasses and pinches the bridge of his nose in embarrassment and then nods in chagrin.

Juan is still incensed about his discussion with Pastor. He acknowledges that he messed up big time and opened the doors to this backhander/chump (tarugo, two definitions). Pastor still eats his marshmallow, totally smug about his coup. He points out that this is the result of Juan listening to the advice of Fernando. Juan tells Pastor to sit down, not scold him, and help him get his bearings (guide him). What can Juan do? Well, if I understand correctly, you haven’t finalized the work conditions for this Sr. Right, we’re doing that today. Okay, offer him an insultingly low salary (sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack) and he’ll turn you down! Juan likes this plan a whole lot.

Lorenzo is showing his frustration with a caller—Lorenzo doesn’t want a credit card, nor a retirement plan, nor does he want to reserve his site in a cemetery. Delirio interrupts to assure him that Delirio isn’t selling anything of the kind. He’s Pepita’s attorney. Her attorney? Yep, I want an appointment with you and she wants a divorce. Lorenzo is muy impactado.

Juan’s Santo Niño de Atocha fountain bubbles on while Juan offers a marshmallow to Sandro and welcomes him. Paula is there, too, so they can finalize the position details for the contract. Juan points out this is his house [closer than you know, Juan]. Juan expects with Sandro’s expertise they’ll recoup their losses. Juan waxes eloquent about how Sandro will contribute to their place in the market, with clients, etc. Sandro looks awestruck and Paula squirms in her seat, disgusted with Juan’s sermon. Juan continues about starting at the bottom to finally occupy that chair –and pats his own chair. It’s a great responsibility. Juan thought bubbles about his strategy to intimidate Sandro, who smiles goofily at Juan while the cuckoos chime in the background. Juan thought bubbles about how he told the Sermon on the Mount and the Parable of the Prodigal Son, etc. and then his Palomita put the brakes on. Paula interrupts to get to business—salary expectations. Juan remarks it’s a very good point. Sandro begins a discourse about the state of the company, etc., and Juan thought bubbles that Sandro should just spit out what he wants. But this seems to be a divine help so he can do what Pastor advised him. He can twist Sandro’s tail with the salary he’ll offer.

Lorenzo’s on another call—to Nidia. He needs to talk to her, someone he trusts. The situation with Pepita is worse than he thought. Pepita wants a divorce! Nidia sits in her living room where pretty much anybody in the house can hear her, telling her new boyfriend to calm down. She’ll escape from work and see him. He needs a hug in the worst way (apapacho). Super Nidia is just the person to give it. Lorenzo tells her to imagine losing his job and his wife at the same time! What will be next? What will happen, she tells him, is you have a nice cup of tea and get out of this funk (leave this panorama that’s so dark). This woman is intimidating you all the way to taking away your smile! She agrees to see him and makes him promise to calm down. He’ll try. She gets the address from him. [Ed. Note: no spoiler here, but we can all see what’s coming in the next ten minutes--Pepita going home with Nidia’s advice about catching Lorenzo red-handed, right? ]

Paula thinks that Sandro’s request is reasonable. Marely interrupts; there’s a call from Argentina for Paula. Sandro’s eyes twinkle (and we can even hear them!) at Marely. Paula excuses herself and leaves, with Sandro drooling after Marely. And the wolf is left alone with the lamb. Juan jubilantly thought bubbles to himself that we’ll see now how far Sandro is willing to go so he can work at Farell and be close to Paula. The boys grin widely at each other as the real negotiations begin. We’ll see how long your smile lasts, Juan chortles to himself. Sandro tells Juan that he’s made his position clear and the ball is in Juan’s court. He wants to know what Juan thinks. Juan says he agrees with Paula, what Sandro has asked is perfectly reasonable. Perfect! On the other hand, Juan continues quickly, we’re in the tank here and it’d take a miracle to give you what your resume suggests you’re worth. Sandro, still clueless about what’s coming nods and wonders what the offer will be, then. Juan feigns thinking about it after his discussion with Pastor, and pulls open a drawer with a folder. He offers it to Sandro who looks at the figures, looks at them again, and then looks up in shock and disbelief. Juan, meanwhile, is thought bubbling that Sandro shouldn’t forget to close the door behind him when he bails. Sandro pushes his glasses up and pinches the bridge of his nose.

Pastor has joined Juan and Sandro, who is telling Pastor and Juan that the offer seems awfully small to him. Juan is slick as he understands Sandro, what a shame it is, but really the company (right, Sr. Pastor?) the company is in desperate straits and that’s our offer. Pastor empathizes, it’s lamentable. The three talk over each other, Juan and Pastor empathizing and Sandro finally tells them, okay, okay. He’ll think about it, he promises, but with this figure….Pastor remarks that it’s such a shame with their financial situation that they can’t offer….he looks beseechingly at Juan to raise it [Ed. Note: Good cop/Bad cop]. Juan sighs in regret, and draws them closer to listen as he lowers his voice and explains how CL took them down. He and Pastor cross themselves. Administratively, the man was a disaster. Sandro looks at them, puzzled. Juan and Pastor play off each other as Sandro watches back and forth. Juan points to the salary they offered—“here are the consequences.” Pastor chimes in and Juan stops him—they’ve said enough. If that offer is unacceptable to Sandro, with all the pain in their hearts, they’ll understand. Sandro looks at the figures again doubtfully, and at each of them.

Paula looks at the figures and expresses her misgivings. That can’t be right. It’s too little. She didn’t think the company’s figures were so bad. Sandro didn’t, either. He expected about anything, but not that. Her partner and Pastor Gaitán explained the circumstances but that offer is completely inappropriate. She agrees. Then she remembers that this decision, from her discussions with Juan, was to be based completely on the finances from the get-go. Paula can’t do anything more. [Ed. Note: Looked to me, gentle readers, like she had an “aha” and realized she could avoid a lot of discomfort if he decides against it.] She regrets it so much, but her hands are tied at the moment. He understands. Maybe later, she continues, when they are out of the crisis. Sandro goes into thinking mode. Nope, he’ll accept this post with this ridiculous salary. [Ed. Note: it’s not like you are broke, or anything, with the CL inheritance.] Paula is skeptical-impactada.

Pepita is armed and dangerous with her camera. It’s not long before Lorenzo goes to the front gate to let his amour in. Pepita gets shots of Lorenzo greeting the woman, muttering about this husband-stealer, hussy! Look at them hugging on the street in front of the world! How could Lorenzo dare to do this to me? Nidia looks around, guilty. Lorenzo thanks her for coming and guides her into his happy home. Pepita keeps shooting and suddenly realizes who the hussy is. This woman is the wife of my attorney! How can it be, what country are we living in? She shoots away, then growls in hurt, anger and frustration.

Paula just cannot grasp that Sandro is going to accept this absurd offer. It doesn’t match his credentials. Sandro self-effacingly points out that money is not always the most important thing, right? It’s not important what you pay me. Why? Because this company has enormous potential. Sandro is going to generate what’s needed so he can be paid what he’s worth. But, it’s for the fact that he wants to work with her. [Ed. Note: and we notice that he’s tutearing her here, too, folks.] She doesn’t know what to say; it seems so unfair to him! He points out that if all goes well, things can change in the near future. He grins sincerely and tells her there’s no more to say; tomorrow first thing he’ll present himself to work! And he asks her to tell her associate he’s accepted the offer. Paula, bemused, agrees to let Juan know. He tells her it’ll be a pleasure to work with her. They say their goodbyes. Paula stares after him, thoroughly baffled. Sandro sees Marely doing something not very work related and finds she’s doing research on some writers, preparing an essay for a scholarship (beca) competition. Imagine this, he knows the writers. Marely is pleased to find he knows the work. No, Sandro knows this one guy personally, as he was one of Sandro’s teachers. Marely is impressed. He’ll loan her some of the guy’s work; it’ll help her with the essay. Marely thanks him, and Sandro says he’ll bring it tomorrow. Marely is impactada. Does that mean he’s the new Veep? Yes. Even though he’s going to earn a very low salary….but when he’ll get to see such a lovely woman…he feels more than satisfied. Sandro chuckles and Marely shyly smiles. Heavy breathing and shy stares ensue.

And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula bust Juan’s chops about Sandro’s salary? Will CL create havoc for Sandro and everyone else? Will Juan’s jealousy erupt as Sandro/CL become(s) embedded in Farell?

AND.....hold your applause, everyone.....we are in the Últimas Semanas, according to the Monday preview!!!!

Vocabulary

Incauta – unwary victim
Temascal – sauna (my best guess, a temascal is hot, or an oven)
Encantador – charmer
Pelafustana cualquiera - good-for-nothing, layabout sleazy wench
Meretriz - scarlet woman (prostitute, harlot, etc.)
Realeza – royalty
Gurbia - gouger (my best guess from Babylon’s definition)
Apabullante - overwhelming
Fiereza - intensity
Sueldo-salary; bicoca-slap, smack -- an insultingly low salary
Apapacho – hug
Querendón – irresistible man
Beca - scholarship

Jeanne

Labels: Juan