Caray, Caray!

Friday’s leftovers: Emiliano is asking the girls to the party for him, and Romina is calling him “novio.” Emiliano says aren’t you moving a little fast and Romina says why not? - let’s give it a try. He’ll pick her up that evening. The school counselor looks on, worried. She pokes her latte with a straw. If boys and girls kissing worries her, she’s in for a rough ride.

Steamy new dishes: In a churchyard, Natalia approaches a priest from behind and says she needs to set up the christening for her daughter. It’s Christobal in his new incarnation as man of the cloth! He turns around and says Natalia? Natalia says ¿Qué haces aquí? Then she says No lo puede creer! You can’t be a priest! Only a week into our story and Natalia has already snagged two of the immortal telenovela lines.

Romina runs home to tell her mama that she and Emiliano are novios already! He came to the school and even kissed her. Mama says you just went out of the first time last night. Isn’t this a bit too speedy? Romina says please please please let me go out with him!

Who’s this guy sitting in a big office? He tells Vero, his secretary, to show Mr. Saenz in. That’s Emiliano to you and me. Okay, this is the Orlando Ferrer we were wondering about.

Natalia is weepy and tells Chris that she assumed she’d never see him again and how it’s weird how life always ties up loose ends. Chris looks all paternal and says how happy he is that she apparently has married and started a family. She says she’s not equally happy about him being a priest, considering that he told her when he totally dumped her that he was a murderer.

Chris rises and looks out the window, so we know he’s thinking Large Thoughts. He says that he’s found the peace that he needed, that he’s found his vocation. God is infinitely merciful and forgiving. He hopes she has forgiven him. Natalia says she’s not the one to do the forgiving, but it still hurts her what he did to her.

I was lost, he says. You don’t know how sorry I am. Natalia says the past is unchangeable, but seeing you now, I guess I’m not mad any more.

Back to Emiliano’s job interview. Orlando says he only came to Real del Monte recently and bought the business. He has big plans for expansion and needs an assistant. He needs somebody who’s interested in art, design, and of course silver, since he wants to export. Emiliano says I’m just the guy! Orlando checks out Emiliano’s resume and is impressed with his academic achievements. He’ll call him later and let him know.

Romina goes to Paloma’s house and tells her that she and Emiliano are novios. Teengirl hugs and squeals. She really wants Paloma to come along to the party tonight and tells her to make some story up. Pretty soon Carlota comes out and snatches Paloma by the hand and tells her she’s not going anywhere, particularly not with Romina, and she drags her into the house.

Romina blasts into the front door and demands of Carlota why she’s so hostile to her. Carlota says because you’re low class. I saw you acting indecently with that boy last night! You are not in the same league as Paloma. Romina says you just don’t want Paloma to be happy. Carlota slaps her and Rufi and Paloma are horrified. Romina slams out.

Paloma demands Why did you insult her? She’s the only friend I have! Carlota says because she’s leading you down the wrong pathway. Paloma yells You don’t want me to be happy – you want me to be locked up, alone, without love, like you!

Go to your room and stay there orders Carlota. Paloma wails it was a cursed day when I lost my parents and was left with you. She runs up the stairs crying. It was your fault they died, Carlota flings after her.

Macarena runs in and says what’s all the shouting? Carlota says she was disrespectful, and she’s super grounded and don’t either you or Rufi un-ground her, understand?

Emiliano comes home and finds his mama about to go play poker with her friends. Perhaps it’s part of her financial plan. She says let’s go out to hear some jazz tonight! He says he’d like to, but there’s a party on and he has a date. Di wants to know all. When she’s hears it’s Romina, she’s thrilled. How serious is it? Emiliano says I just want to get to know her, but it looks like we’re already novios. Di squeals.

Romina is cute and rich! Di can’t wait for Camila and her to be mothers-in-law. Emiliano says don’t get ahead of things.

Outraged Romina is telling her mama what happened. Camila says she’s going to go talk to her, but Romina needs to be respectful. Romina says I was just trying to defend Paloma. Camila says tell me exactly what happened. Romina says I never lie to you. Camila says no? I found out you’re the one who chased after Emiliano, not the other way around. I don’t care that you called him; I care that you lied to me. Romina is repentant.

Rufi and Mac are outside Paloma’s door, trying to give her a cup of tea, but she’s sobbing on her pillows and wants to be left alone. Rufi says maybe if Paloma had a cell phone, Carlota couldn’t find out when she received calls. She could talk to her girlfriends and not be so lonely. Mac smiles.

It’s gotten dark. Paloma awakens and remembers Romina’s words and her argument with Carlota. She goes to the closet and takes out the forbidden dress. She takes it and sneaks out. Rufi hears the door slam, looks out, and sees her disappearing into the street.

Romina models her pretty blue party dress for Camila. She wants to know if she’s talked to Carlota. Camila says she wasn’t home – she’s working on the church fair. She’ll go over later and try again.

The doorbell rings. It’s not Emiliano, it’s Paloma. Romina looks mad. Paloma says don’t be mad at me for Carlota slapping you. I don’t want to lose you as a friend. Romina says don’t worry, I love you, and I don’t want her to see us fight. Romina gets excited when she finds out Paloma has snuck out and is coming to the party.

Rufi tells Mac that Paloma went over to Romina’s. They hope it’s just to apologize to her.

Emiliano shows up. Romina calls Paloma to come down. Camila is surprised she got permission to come. Paloma descends the stairs. Her hair is down and she has on the dress which if you ask me is dull brown and looks dowdy. Emiliano doesn’t think so and looks stunned and tells her she’s lovely. Romina frowns.

Rufi and Mac are worried that Romina isn’t back yet. The doorbell rings and they wind through the big house to answer. It’s Camila. No, Carlota isn’t home yet. Camila says she can’t allow her to insult and hit her daughter. Mac agrees with her and apologizes for Carlota.

Camila says she’s too hard on Paloma and it’s time somebody told her so. Mac advises her not to try, it’s a waste of time. She says it’s better Camila not try to see Carlota because she doesn’t want Carlota insulting her too.

Mac says she’s glad the girls are friends. Camila says she is too, and she thinks Paloma is a good influence on Romina. The two ladies bond. Mac wants to know if Paloma is still at Camila’s, and Camila says yes, but they’re about to go to the party. It’s great Paloma got permission and she looks so lovely in that dress. Mac goes gulp.

We’re at the party. German knows Romina, but not Paloma. He introduces people, including Iñaki, who he says is from Spain, here for the jazz festival. Later, German says to Romina so you’re Emiliano’s novia, huh?

Paloma politely says hello to Inaki and he, like Emiliano, gets a stunned look. Our shy provincial girl must be wearing eau de protagonista.

Carlota comes home from her meeting, cranky. She tells Mac to go get Paloma for dinner. (Meaning to have dinner with them, not to be the main course. Even our puppy killer wouldn’t go that far.) Mac says Pal has a migraine, she gave her a pill and now she’s asleep. Carlota gets squinty eyed.

Back at the party, Paloma is bashful and Inaki is talking to her. He asks if she’s traveled and she explains about the dead parents and the aunts who don’t like to travel. He explains that he’s from Madrid and his parents are divorced. He comes every year for the jazz festival.

Three musicians start up. It’s a haunting song with two guitars and three-part harmony. Inaki stares at Paloma the whole time. She looks down, then gives him tiny looks. By the end of the song, they’re smiling at one another.

The party goers want Inaki to sing. He gets up and Paloma bolts. Emiliano stops her and offers to walk her home, but she says it’s best if she just slips out.

Paloma sneaks into her darkened room, switches on the light and there’s Carlota waiting. So you thought you could fool me? Plus you look like a tramp. Fortunately Mac comes in and says I gave her permission, so get mad at me. Carlota says I don’t want her to turn into someone like you, a nothing, a nobody.

Mac says I want her to find a young man who will give her the love she deserves. Carlota tells them she’s going to drag them to confession and see what the padre says. She leaves and Mac and Paloma weep in each other’s arms.

Emiliano explains to Romina that Paloma has left. Romina says she must’ve been scared to death because of her aunt. Inaki says I have to see her again!

In church, the mass is going on. Carlota makes sure Paloma has confessed. After the service, they are leaving, the aunts lagging behind, and guess who’s waiting! Inaki. Paloma looks scared and in the distance, Carlota looks, and narrows her eyes.

Emiliano and his dad are watching a game on TV. Di is all wound up and wants to hear about Romina. She wants them all to go to lunch together. Emiliano says no, that would make it look like a formal commitment and it’s early days. Di gives up and leaves. Dad, who just now found out about the new girlfriend, tells his son that it’s Di’s way of showing love and concern for him. Emiliano says it feels like she’s trying to control my life.

Outside the church. Inaki tries to ask Paloma out for a coffee, but she scared and says her aunts are around. He says he’ll see her after school – no aunts then. She says okay, and runs back to her aunts. Carlota asks her if she told the padre everything and if he agreed with her, or with Mac. Mac reminds Carlota that the confessional is secret.

Carlota asks Paloma who that boy was she was talking to. Mac tells her it was some foreigner asking directions. Carlota is skeptical, but decides it’s time to start helping at the fair. Paloma gives Mac a big hug. Mac wants to know about Inaki and Paloma explains and says he’s going to meet her after school. Mac urges her to get to know him – that it’s good to have friends even if she’s not romantically interested.

Paloma says that Carlota watches her every move. Mac has a plan.

Romina is primping and her mama comes in and wants to know where they’re going to go eat. Romina says she has a date for lunch. Camila says that’s fine, she’s growing up now, but she wants her to take things slowly so she doesn’t get hurt.

Romina swoons that she’s soooo in love. Camila says it’s not love yet. Going together is just for getting to know one another to see if you’re compatible. Romina is sure they’re fated.

Chris is talking to Padre Benito who seems to be his superior. He reports that the kids are well-prepared for first communion. Padre Benito compliments him on his way with children, then he breaks the news that Chris is being transferred to another parish. Chris is bummed – he wants to keep up his work with the alcohol and drug abuse program. To bad, these decisions come from higher up in the church. Chris says where to? Padre Benito doesn’t know.

But we do!

Romina is having her lunch with Emiliano. He asks if Inaki found Paloma at church. Romina doesn’t know, but she tells him about the aunts who don’t want Paloma to have friends and that Carlota even hates Romina, Paloma’s only friend. They’re a couple of dried-up old spinsters who just want to go to church.

Leaving school, Paloma fills in Romina in on how Mac helped her fend off Carlota. She finds out that Romina was the one who told Inaki that she would be at church. Paloma is all nervous about seeing Inaki.

The school counselor overhears them and asks what’s up. Romina says don’t say anything – she’ll blab to Carlota. The counselor says I won’t and takes Paloma by the arm, all friendly, and says she’s the school psychologist and Paloma can confide in her. Paloma looks doubtful.

Downtown, Camila and Mac are talking. Mac has bought Paloma a cell phone for her birthday (which birthday? – please tell us!) and Camila approves. Mac wants Paloma to have some privacy and some friends. Why, their girls are young women now! Camila says it’s time for us to re-make our lives and says she’s dedicated herself to Romina all these years. We need to find ourselves someone to love. Mac says I understand, but I can’t.

Emiliano gets the job. He’s to start tomorrow.

Romina and Paloma talk about studies. Paloma wants to go to college, but her parents’ money ran out a while ago and her aunt is paying her schooling. Romina says her mother swears Paloma’s parents had a lot of money. Paloma laughs.

Inaki drops from the school fence and hands Paloma a rose. Romina looks droll and, in the background, the counselor is all smiles.

Emiliano drops by German’s office and tells him the good news about his job. German says Orlando’s a good guy, and they should go celebrate with a drink at the bar where Inaki’s playing – he plays a mean sax.

Emiliano wants to know if Inaki’s an okay guy. German says he’s great. He got a master’s in Spain. His father is rich and has business concerns in Mexico and South America. Why does Emiliano want to know? No reason, says Emiliano.

German says he sure is taken with Paloma. I’ve never seen him react to anyone that way. German then noses into how Emiliano came to go with Romina. Emiliano gets vague and waves off the question.

Inaki takes the girls for ice cream. Paloma says she won’t have any because her aunt gets mad if she doesn’t eat her whole dinner. Romina tactfully says she has to run along to her mother’s shop.

Inaki has a new idea. Coffee won’t fill her up. They sit in a coffee place. He wants to take her out to a bar, but she says she’s right in the middle of studying for her exams. He gets her to agree for next week. He stares at her and she lowers her eyes.

Romina is almost home when Carlota pops out of the house and wants to know where Paloma is. I don’t know says Romina. Well, actually I know, but I’m not going to say. I’m talking to you the way you talk to me. You’ll have to find out for yourself.

Emiliano comes home and Di wants to know where he’s been. He gets a bit snappy and then apologizes and says he’s lived alone so long and isn’t used to having to account for every moment of his life. Di says he’s her only son and she’s waited so long for him to come back and that it’s that she loves him so much. He says he needs his privacy. Why, she’s practically got him married off. They laugh and relax.

Di says she likes that Romina isn’t a gold digger. He says he’s not some millionaire. Besides, he doesn’t care about Romina’s money, it’s not what is important for him in a woman. He tells her he got a job. She gets excited, but deflates when she finds out it’s a silver shop.

Paloma realizes it’s 3 o’clock and panics. She has to go! She rummages around in her purse.

Here comes Carlota, a straight-backed one-man posse. Of all the coffee shops in all the world, she has to walk into this one. Sure enough, she spots Paloma and tells her off for being (gasp!) in a coffee shop with (gasp!) a man.

Avances: German puts the moves on Romina and she kisses back. Looks like Emiliano is going to see them.

Labels: amor