Caray, Caray!

My tape started up with no credits and no re-hash of yesterday’s events. So if something happened before this, please add fill me in.

In the wine cellar, weepy Alex is listening to Nestor, who is happy to have him for a son and has great plans, business ideas that he’d like to include Alex in. But Alex says he is so angry with his mother he doesn’t want to talk to her, doesn’t want her talking to him. Calmate, says Nestor, your mother knew in advance you’d feel that way. Nestor goes on about how he and Alex will get to know each other bit by bit. Alex says your minute is up Senor Miranda. Nestor is taken aback and says don’t call me Senor Miranda. Alex says that’s how I knew you from before and that’s who you still are. I’m sorry, but the word “papa” makes me sick lately. Alex takes off.

Braulio is in his room in his bathrobe. He’s looking at the luv monkey and remembering that Pedro said “take you time and think it over.” There’s a knock and it’s Damien. Damien gets up real close and thanks Braulio for the inspiration on how to avoid marrying Karla. Braulio says what? Make me gay, says Damien. Brauilio is horrified.

Brualio flakes out on his bed and postures. You’re not my type, he says dramatically. I’ve seen how you treat Karla and I’m much more the sensitive type. Damien says I don’t mean that! I’m all man, real macho. Braulio puts a finger to his mouth and looks a bit vampy. Damien says I just need help to convince her I’m gay and (he takes Braulio by the chin to his delight) you’re the only one who can help me. Braulio makes eyes at him. Damien looks a little worried.

It’s daytime and Luci is working with her flowers in the greenhouse. Nestor comes in and caresses her and tells her he’s off to work. She notes that he looks troubled. He says he didn’t want to bother her last night with this, but he talked to Alex. He says how angry Alex is with her and says he was surprised Alex has taken it so hard. He wants to know if there’s something more that he doesn’t know about. No, lies Luci, it’s just that I kept the secret so many years. They smooch a bit and Horacio comes up and coughs discreetly. He says Brauilio told him she needs the car. Nestor takes off.

She says to Horacio why are you looking at me like that? You’re judging me. Well, I know for a fact that your wife has a lover, and she doesn’t even deny it. Horacio looks serious. Just ask Brauilio, says Luci, he was there when I found out.

Somebody give Alex a Kleenex. He’s at the construction site with Bobby and he still hasn’t dried up. He’s explaining to Bobby how he and Mili stayed apart because they thought they were brother and sister. Bad marriage, now her marriage, etc. What to do? Bobby says think of your baby who’s on the way.

Alex says he remembers exactly his conversation with Luci the day before his marriage where he asked her if he really was Connie’s son and she acted all offended and told him to trust her. Alex tells Bobby that’s the woman who gave me life and for what? To throw me in the trash? (Somehow hard hats and weeping don’t go together.)

Mili is showing Gloria and Lina the painting Hugo did of her with her mama. They agree it’s an excellent present. Mili wants them to help her decide where she should hang it. Gloria has to get back to her chores including the ironing Karla won’t do, but Lina lingers. She has a date with Bobby and has so much to do. Mili says she’ll help with the chores. Lina is worried Braulio will get mad, but Mili says that’s her uncle.

Down in the kitchen Braulio is telling Karla off about her attitude and not doing her chores. She says pretty soon she’s going to marry Damien and be the senora of the house. Braulio says there’s a glut of those right now. As long as she’s wearing the uniform, she has to do something in the way of work. Socorro agrees.

Damien comes up behind Braulio and says he’s brought this rose to give to the loveliest person in the house. Karla says awww Damien. See how romantic he is, Mama? Damien gives the flower to Braulio and says a flower for a flower. Brauilio looks very stiff but plays along. Karla looks on slitty-eyed while Braulio sniffs the rose.

Out in the yard, Valeria is happily reassigning staff. She tells Morgan and Horacio that Morgan is now her personal Morgan again, and Horacio goes back to being gardener. She gives Morgan a kiss.

Mili is in Alex and Flor’s room gathering up the laundry. She holds up his undies and we now know the answer to the burning question briefs or boxers. It’s boxers. Flor walks in and takes a fit. Mili says she’s helping Lina. Alex walks in and Flor tells him Mili is getting his undies to keep as a trophy. You keep ‘em, says Mili, and puts them over Flor’s head. Mili heads off and Alex tries to suppress a smile.

Horacio comes into the kitchen where Socorro is happily working. He looks at her steadily while she prattles on about waiting to hear one of his cute compliments. She figures out that he’s in some strange mood. He tells her if she wants to leave him, she can. He won’t make her stay. He walks out and she’s all que the hell?

In their room, Mili is telling Hugo about the episode with Flor and Hugo thinks it’s a hoot. He asks her why she hasn’t hung her painting yet and she says she hasn’t chosen a spot. He says this is your house, you don’t have to put it in here – you could put it in the foyer. Mili is surprised, but seems to like the idea

At the office, Connie is working at his desk and Damien is telling him that as future party head, he needs to keep his reputation spiffy. Connie’s working and not paying attention. Damien protests and Connie says he has so many brothers-in-law he can’t keep them straight. Damien says there’s a lot of tension in the house and they need to do something about it. Leave it all to him. Connie says I don’t want to think about those things at the office.

Damien says he’s worried about Domingo and what he could do. The phone rings and Connie is pleased with whatever the caller reported. Who was that? asks Damien. Nobody, says Connie, happy. Don’t worry, the matter of Domingo has been resolved.

Mateo and Marisela are talking in her apartment. She is a bit stiff with him. She says it was just a fling and she told him so from the git go. He says but he fell in love with her. The phone rings. We know what’s about to happen since we saw the avances yesterday. Her father’s plane crashed and he’s dead. She is shocked and stunned, but Mateo doesn’t put his arms around her. He looks at her like she’s a math problem.

In the foyer, Alex is telling Flor not to be so paranoid. He talked to Lina and she verified that Mili was helping. He explains that Mili used to clean his room before, and that she doesn’t mind doing that kind of work, plus she likes to help others. How sweet, says Flor.

Mili and Hugo come laughing down the stairs, toting the canvas. Alex says we were just talking about you and Flor can apologize. Flor doesn’t like that one bit, but Alex says you were just saying you regretted the incident. Mili makes a snotty face. Flor apologizes and Mili says that’s okay and they go back to the problem of where to hang the picture. Hugo asks for Alex’s help.

He’s chosen a prominent spot where a big dark landscape hangs. Alex takes it down – miraculously there’s no dust outline of the old picture on the wall. . Flor says that painting’s going to cause trouble but Alex says everything does in this house so who cares?

Finally we see the picture, which looks suspiciously like a photograph. Alex compliments Hugo. Luci walks in and asks what it’s doing there. Alex says don’t you dare say anything against it. Amazingly, Luci backs down and says I just thought it might look better on some other wall. She comments through gritted teeth that Mili’s mother is pretty and goes to leave.

Alex takes her by the arm and says don’t run off, you owe Mili and me an explanation, I think. Luci says this is not a good time for it and Flor agrees. Alex grabs her again and says you’re not leaving until you hear everything I have to say.

Karla is out by the fountain pacing back and forth in her tiny uniform skirt, cursing Damien for this new game. Horacio walks up and Karla says how could he present a flower right in my face? Horacio thinks to himself that she means he gave one to Socorro. Karla heads back to the house.

Marisela is sobbing and lamenting and Mateo is looking at her like she’s a lab experiment. Calmate, he says, as if anyone in her position could. She tells him the police think someone tampered with the plane and they’re investigating. Mateo says you have to notify your sister and Marisela is worried how it will affect her pregnancy. Mateo suggests telling Alex and letting him break the news. Marisela dials the phone.

Meantime in the foyer, Luci is telling Alex that he’s too upset and she’ll wait until he’s calmed down and then she’ll answer all his questions (he doesn’t seem overemotional to me). Don’t forget I’m your mother after all. Alex scoffs. You don’t know what it means to be a mother. A mother doesn’t destroy her child. Luci tries to start up the stairs but he blocks her. Mili comes over and says it’s not worth it, let her go. Just then his cell rings. Of course he answers – don’t we all no matter what? It’s Marisela, natch. He gets an impactado look and eyebrows all around the room lower. He hangs up and tells Flor to sit down and that she must be strong for the baby.

At the office Damien is just hanging up from Luci. Connie asks what’s up. Damien looks at Connie and says I’m just thinking, and I hope… Connie says blurt it out. Damien says Domingo’s plane crashed and he’s dead. Connie looks impactado, but as we and Damien watch him say oh my goodness, how sad, he doesn’t seem entirely convincing. Hard to tell, and Damien’s face says he can’t tell either.

Poor actress playing Flor - she doesn’t get to do any scenery chewing. Instead, it’s a bit later and we are in the hallway outside Alex’s and her room and Alex is reporting to Mili that she is devastated and has done nothing but cry. Mili is sad and asks if she can see her, but Alex says this isn’t the best time.

Vale comes up and hugs Alex and is sweet about what has just happened. She reports that Luci is spending her time wondering what name to put on the wreath, Belmonte or Miranda. Alex is disgusted and wants to go tell her off, but Vale says not now. She gives Alex a big hug and he says such a nice hug and she says she’s been wanting to give him one because she loves him. They’re still half-siblings. He likes that, and Vale tells Mili to join the hug. It’s sweet, the three of them in a group hug.

Morgan, Lina, Karla and Socorro are in the kitchen talking about what just happened. All think it’s sad except Karla who says the daughters can be planning what they’re going to do with all those millions, that’s what she’d be doing. The other three are shocked. Socorro tells her to take a cup of tea up to Flor. Karla balks. Why her? She’s about to get married to Damien and can’t be playing the servant. Socorro says get it through your thick head, you and Damien are never going to marry. Horacio comes in just as she says that. Socorro goes out pushing Karla ahead of her. Horacio remarks to Morgan and Lina that that’s why she doesn’t want Karla marrying Damien – she wants him for herself. Lina and Morgan look puzzled.

Back in the office, an outraged Connie is demanding to know what Damien is implying. Damien says well, you got those documents and passed them off to a pretty suspicious-looking character. Connie sputters are you saying I murdered Domingo? Damien says no no not murdered. Then what? says Connie. Damien says maybe you put a hit out on him.

Hugo, distraught Mili and Braulio are in Hugo’s room. Mili feels like maybe her fighting with Flor put some bad energy out in the universe and now looked what happened. Hugo assures her that her actions had nothing to do with Flor’s father’s accident. He points out that Domingo is a guy who always played with fire, a Mafioso in fact. Braulio says but it was an accident. Hugo says in those kind of situations with those kinds of people, you never know.

We are at maybe a funeral or a memorial service. Everyone is in black (which in the U.S. could mean a wedding or a funeral, you can never tell). Connie tells the sisters that Domingo was a great friend to him. Mateo and his weasely friend are there. Also the Belmonte household, including its new members. Nestor and Luci are commenting that the two daughters have no family, they’re all alone (and indeed no Mafioso friends seem to have come) and now the Belmontes are all the family they have.

Alex comes over to Luci and Nestor and asks in a solemn-occasion low voice What are you doing here? Expressing our regrets, says Luci. Well, you’ve done it so now leave, says Alex. Nestor says if you or Flor need anything, I’m there to help. Alex says thank you, but I don’t need anything from you Senor Miranda. Luci says okay lets give our condolences and go. They head over to the bereaved girls.

Vale has overheard and comes over to Alex and says you have so much hate, you’re scaring me. Alex says they make me sick, seeing her with him. Vale says that’s your father! You have to focus now on Flor and the baby. Alex looks over and there’s Flor still standing with her sister – nobody has offered the pregnant bereaved lady a chair, apparently.

Mateo must be sweltering in his black leather jacket buttoned up almost to his neck. His ratty friend whispers to him that he needs to marry the little orphan (Marisela) quick before Alex gets his hands on too much of the inheritance. Mateo says he has it all planned out carefully. He excuses himself, saying he has to attend to his future wife. She weeps on his shoulder a bit.

Bobby comes in and Marisela runs to him and now gets into to some major, squeaky crying while he holds her. She says she was afraid he wouldn’t come and he says of course I’m here. She says don’t leave me alone. Mateo looks on calculatingly – this is an unexpected wrinkle.

Andrea comes out into a mortuary hallway where Alex is brooding. She kindly offers her condolences. He says can I ask you something? She says anything. He says how could you be with me and my father at the same time? Andrea insists that she didn’t mess in with his father until she and Alex had broken up. And though you may not believe me, I’m in love with him. Alex says you’re right I don’t believe you.

Andrea reminds him that things could have been different if he hadn’t chosen that servant over her. And I’m going to marry your father. Alex says he’s not my father, but congratulations. You two deserve each other.

Andrea leaves and Flor comes in. She says I was afraid you’d left. Alex says no of course not, mi amor. He comforts her and she says she feels so alone, please don’t leave her. Alex says he won’t.

Mili and Hugo walk in and Flor goes ballastic. She demands to know what Mili is doing there and says leave. Mili tries to give her condolences, but Flor says you’re just here to make fun of my misfortune, aren’t you? Get out!

Hugo says to Mili we thought this might happen, let’s go. Mili says let me try and she tells Flor how sad she is for her, how it reminds her of when she lost Regina… But Flor cuts her off and tells her she’s a hypocrite. Hugo talks Mili into going.

Al says Flor that was bad. Flor says just what I need in my hour of pain – you siding with her. Alex says but she was sincere. You always defend her, says Flor. Alex says I sometimes feel like I can’t talk to you. Flor says if you feel that way, then go. Get out. He turns to leave and she says wait! She says don’t leave me. He holds her and looks very doubtful.

In the foyer, Karla grabs Braulio by the lapels and tells him to knock off the game with Damien. She says he’s real macho and what’s more, he’s hers. Braulio says he’s not involved with Damien, he has better taste than that. He reminds her that she is a servant under his orders. Karla says when she marries Damien, the first thing she’s going to do is fire him. He laughs at her and reminds her that it’s Mili’s house. Karla says I’ll get rid of her too. Braulio says don’t kid yourself, you are a servant and you will die a servant.

It’s night now. Braulio is in the foyer looking at the painting and Alex comes in. Flor is staying with her sister, he reports, and he’s exhausted. But here come Andrea, who goes on up to bed, and Damien and Connie. Alex goes right to the point – he wants to know if Connie has anything to do with Domingo’s death. Connie says just what I need – my son suspects me too. Alex says I’m not your son, and why do you say I suspect you too? Apparently I’m not the only one. Freeze frame on Connie looking mad.

Avances: Alex is asleep on a couch, and Mili in her jammies caresses his face (lookit at that huge rock on her hand!). Alex wakes with a start and wants to kiss her. Karla sees. Alex tells his mother off for her lies.

Labels: guapos