Caray, Caray!

Mao, Moni, Aldo, and Estrella are having a conference at the mansion when Moni receives a call. He's wrecked the company car. Conference canceled. Mau and Moni are off to the police station.We find ourselves at the police station where Hombre de M dropped us off over the weekend. Moni is not pleased to learn that Beto wasn't alone at the time of the accident...with a hooker and in the company's car! The nerve! The disgrace! Mao is more sanguine, at least no one was injured. Well, who should come running out but the always lovely Connie. "This is the shady lady?" The officer nods his assent. "Sí." Connie scurries to find solace in Mao's reluctant embrace as Monita looks on, stunned.

Back home in Naco Estates, Moni is excoriating poor Beto. "What was he doing with the car with Connie in the back seat? She demands that he drop his pants right there in front of God and everybody. She is going to examen him. Beto complies all the while pleading his case. He cautions a woman passing by not to pass out. He's under lots of stress from the job, needs to relax, maybe see a movie... she relents and sends him off. As Beto exits, Moni turns her attention to Estrella who has just walked up. "What were you thinking taking Dani and Aldo to your tryout?" Estrella knows she was out of line, but she finally got a job and will need Dani. "Find someone else." Well OK but Moni 's going to be coming to Estrella for help with Mau and Beto, you'll see.

At the big house, Mao is giving Aldo an earful over his latest crime, taking Dani off to the casting call with Estrella. More of ,"what were you thinking etc.?" and pointing out how this will certainly endanger the adoption if the judge finds out. Aldo's showing him the contract is not helpful to his case. "You're a minor!" Aldo offers to tear it up. He was just trying to help Estrella. Things are not good between them at this point.

Someone's been having fun, however. Stumbling in from their night out with great daquiris, Paula and Ximy have done some big time sisterly bonding. It's contagious. Paula has entered Ximy's wonderful world of rainbows and unicorns. Appealingly clad in one of Ximy's loaner-dresses she gushes to Moni about the wonderful night they had. She has learned the secret language and the secret signs. "What fun Paula is. She drinks like a sponge." Now Ximy needs a place to crash for a bit. The generous Moni fishes her apartment key from her cleavage and turns it over to Ximy. "The blue door," Moni points. Estrella is delighted with Paula's new look, "tell me about the reventon (blowout)."Moni wants to scold Estrella a bit more, but Estrella hears voices calling so Moni drags Paula off to work.

Back at the office, Mao, Connie, and Oscar are basking in the morning newspaper's account of Connie's adventure the previous night. Apparently the review is not so flattering. "Fashion Designer Arrested with Lover!" Oscar offers to help but Mao declines and leaves, Oscar points out to Connie that there are no lack of candidates for the wife-opening in Mao's life. Mao is off to see the judge about the adoption. He's got the medal she loaned him but after what happened the last time he wore it, she takes it back and gives an encouraging little peck instead. "Good luck,"he is wished by a worried-looking Moni.

In Sal's office, Beto is discussing his future in the company with Sal. Beto's ready to get back behind the wheel, but Sal thinks that he is better suited for a different position in the company. "OK," says Beto," where's my new office." In the utility/coffee room, Moni is attempting to revive Paula, who has sacked out and appears to be enjoying a pleasant dream, perhaps of strawberries and whipped cream. Oops, Beto is there and has had a change of uniforms, and apparently his new position does not appear to represent a move in an upward direction. He is wielding a back-scratcher. The new housekeeping togs are itchy. He wants to wear the suit and will discuss it with his pal Mauricio. "Oh no you won't!" Then Moni has got to speak to Mao about this revolting development. She declines but quickly rethinks her position when Beto points out a few details about their relationship that he could share with Mao.

A quick look back in the 'hood finds Aldo talking with Estrelle. Seems as though he's run away from home and now will be staying with her. She gives him an exasperated look. Yes, that's just what she needs.

In Sal's office, Moni is pleading Beto's case with Sal. At least allow him to wear the suit.They are interrupted by Mao who reveals that things didn't go all that well with thejudge. Bottom line, he has to get married. At a rare loss for words, Moni excuses herself, "I'll be outside." Flashing back to Beto's new office we find him in agony from the itchy outfit, utilizing the long handle of his dustpan to reach the right spot. Frustrated he drops his pants and attempts to scratch everywhere at once. His suffering is interrupted by the welcome appearance of Connie who initially scandalized, "Beto! You're naked!" is reassured by Beto that it's just his boxers and that he's burning with desire and it's not just the cheap outfit. She yields to his amorous assault. He has forgotten his urticarious misery for the moment. Her voice says , "No, no," but the rest of her says, "yes, oh my, yes." The heat index soars. The term in Spanish for the climate in the room is borchonoso.

Outside, Mao finds Moni at her desk (she actually has a desk?) and says, "We need to talk," and escorts her to (where else?) action central (the utility/coffee/game room). They overhear Connie in the throes of passion. They pause. Que the heck? "Sounds like a cat in heat," offers Moni, giving Mao's cell phone a chance to sound the alarm as well as detain them. It's Luisa, another crisis. Aldo's gone. Take care of it, Moni'll check on the cat. Connie hurries Beto. Pants still down around his ankles so he penguin shuffles into a closet. She recovers her composure and exits just as Moni is about to enter. Moni questions her about the noise but fortunately Connie does not have to explain anything to Moni. Moni enters and is about to catch Beto with his pants down, when the door opens. It's Gabi. Another crises. This time it's Paula. They hurry off and Beto, exhausted, shuffles out of hiding.

Aldo is pressing his case with Estrella. "Mauricio doesn't understand about what's going on between us..." "Ah, Chihuahua, what's going on between us?!" interrupts Estrella. "Well may I just stay one night?" Ximena emerges from Moni's apartment in time to overhear the rest. "No, no, no, and no!" objects Estrella. "Doesn't matter, I'll just go out in the street, but at least I can see you from afar when you go out." "Ah Chihuahua, you're the little bull...OK, my little bull, but for just one night." From afar, Ximy displays a mildly shocked but knowing look of revelation.

In the office, Moni and Gabi are attempting to resurrect Paula who has bunked out in the copy room. She had a busy night with her new best friend and needs to rest up for another reventon. "Another reventon ?!" Moni exasperates. "It's my birthday. Didn't you remember?"Paula asks Moni. Gabi congratulates her with a sweet kiss. Paula wants to continue napping but Gabi nixes that.

Mao, Connie, and Sal are in his office.Mao is on the phone with Bernarda discussing Aldo's disappearance .Connie is exasperated even more with the young man, as Sal reminds him that he needs to marry in order to keep the kids. Well, turns out that Connie can help with that little detail. Right now she must go to the boutique. "Call me."

At last Moni discovers Beto in the coffee room, with his trousers still around his ankles. He can't take this. As Moni scolds and threatens, Mao comes in so Beto appeals his case right to the top. He can't stand these clothes and ,anyway, the accident was , after all, an accident. He whines, Moni reproaches, and Mao caves. He'll find something else for Beto and grateful, Beto gives his soulmate a manly though unsolicited embrace. Now, can he confer outside with Moni? "Well of course," Beto graciously offers. Moni slaps him upside the back of his head as she follows Mau out.

Jerry and Oscar are relaxing at a table on a pleasant patio (anyone know where they are?) enjoying white wine and they are joined by Connie. Jerry greets her as the the next Mrs. Mao. Connie, not in the mood, says that right now Mau is more likely to marry Salvador and begins complaining about the ongoing distraction of the kids, especially Aldo who has disappeared and who deserves to be in a reformatory. Oscar is at work on that problem as she speaks, taking a phone call relating to the adoption proceedings. Things are looking good.The future lovebirds arrive in the barrio, Moni wants to have a word with Estrella. Nieves is hanging out laundry(don't clothes smell fresh when dried by the sun and breezes?). Ever the coquette, she checks her hair, smoothes her blouse, removes a clothespin from her collar,bats her eyelashes demurely, and wipes her hand carefullybefore offering it to this handsome hombre. Moni introduces him and Nieves introduces herself as Beto's mom. Uh oh. Moni quickly sends Nieves to prepare some of her delicious coffee. "Betos mama? Then isn't she..." Moni mumbles something about her and Beto being half sibs by way of a daddy and quickly changes the subject dragging Mau to Estrella's door where she aggressively knocks and then demands to know, "Where's Aldo?" She's not speaking to Moni, "What are you doing here, prince?" "Where's Aldo?" She has no idea . Now would he take Monita away since animals aren't allowed? She strands the two outside the apartment. Mao receives a call from Sal. "Did you agree about a new position for Beto?" "Yes." "Then it's true. We'll talk later." It seems that Beto has a new position as a security chief and is taking his job quite seriously. Beto proceeds in hassling the staff, demanding to see Gabi's ID badge (gafete). "Don't provoke the law, I'm the authority you know." Both can barely keep from cracking up. Gabi don't need no stinkin' badge.Estrella and Aldo emerge from her apartment. As he is about to leave he invites her for a movie when Nieve's rounds the corner seeking Moni and Mao. The coffee and empanadas are ready. Estrella shoos Aldo back inside. Nieves wants to know if and how much Estrella knows of the guapote(hunk) who is accompanying Monita. Not much it seems as she suggests that Nieves ask Moni, and disappears into her lair. Frustrated wth Estrella's lack of help, she shouts after her, "Tú eres una alcahueta" (you're a procuress), referring to her apparent enabling of Moni in betraying Beto.

Now back at home with Moni in tow, Mao confronts an unsympathetic emissary for the judge in the adoption case. "What's this about Aldo's disappearance?" he asks. "Was there an altercation or argument?" Monita takes exception to the tone. "And who is this?" he asks. "My personal assistant." Mao replies. The insensitive guy suggests that she not threaten him, meanwhile Moni observing that his tie and lapels aren't straight, offers to knock his teeth out as she pounces like a tigress to adjust them for him. Mao pries her of of the frightened and startled bureaucrat, who suggests a nuthouse for Moni (I'd be careful dude) and hauls her off into an adjoining room to cool down. Ever the calm, gracious hostess Teresa asks the trembling guy if she may offer him anything. He considers water or a soft drink but decides, "Nada!" Mao tries to counsel Monita about decorum; that his successful adoption depends on making a good impression (hey, I was impressed) and that she needs to think. Oops, wrong choice of words, she's outta here.

Nieves calls Beto to check on him. He tells her about his new job, then asks about Moni and she tells him that she was by here a bit ago with a good-looking guy but they left. It's their boss, he's not disturbed. She hangs up and looks heavenward, "Beto, what am I going to do with you?"

Jerry and Oscar have a plan. Well, Oscar does at least. He has aquired a tiny high-tech listening device and some knockout-drops. They are going to drug Beto and bug Mao. Uh oh.

Arriving home, Moni bumps into Ximena. She loves Moni's place. "Fight with Connie?" She queries. "Nope, Mauricio," is Moni's response. Ximena is somewhat sympathetic with Moni's infatuation with Mao. "You fight with the one you love,"she advises as she outlines a heart with her fingers. Also it just so happens that she knows the whereabouts of Aldo. She saw him go into Estrella's place earlier. Moni marches directly to Estrella's and drags Aldo out by his ear. and sends him home with a few choice words. "¡Sopenco (not a complement)!" She shouts as Estrella steps out and gives Aldo his jacket and an encouraging smile as she says that Moni's right. Ximena catches up and invites the two to a party as she returns Moni's key. She must hurry off to buy some birthday candles. "twenty or thirty?" After Ximena leaves, Moni turns to her friend and is surprisingly understanding of the situation between Estrella and Aldo, but cautions Estrella that risks are involved. You think? But after all they are best buds, especially now that Ximena has taken over as Paula's BFF. Hugs!

Back at the office, Beto has settled comfortably into his new job and has two of the pretty office workers bent over the reception desk, frisking them thoroughly if not to say lasciviously. When challenged by Gabi and Paula, he has Paula assume the position as well, bent over the desk. "Spread your legs," he demands. Dang, for the moment at least, I'm impressed. He confiscates something that looks like keys and as Gabi steps up to complain he has her go through the same. She objects. "¡Silencio!" He orders. Why is this man still alive at this point?

Connie arrives at Ximy's. Why didn't Ximy answer the phone? Is she hiding from Connie? "Because I'm not the same frivolous girl as before...Ay, I forgot to set the recorder for my novela." announces the new Ximena. She has new friends who work and has changed. (Let's hope not. ) "You're a pain," complains Connie. "I'd rather be a pain than be alone without friends like a dog." "I have thousands of friends,"Connie spits back. "Name three." (Good one Ximena.) "Where are you going?" She asks, ignoring the question. One of the new friends is Paula and they are going to a club for her birthday party that she organized. Connie inquires when and where. Doesn't matter, because, "ouch," Connie's not invited. Maybe a liter of ice cream for Connie. "Could you hand me my purse? Porfis." Connie is impactada.

Aldo has found his way back home. Mao and the judge's rep is there. He'll report back to the judge, it's his decision. He leaves. Aldo asks forgiveness. Moni set him straight. Mao is not pleased and sends the wayward lad to his room. Teresa asks if he fought with Moni because he's marrying the mummy, Oops, sorry. "Go fix dinner," Mao says Mao, a bit put upon by now.

All righty then, we've moved the action to the Mexican version of le Bare (a male strip club here in Houston). On stage is a policeman shedding his uniform to a tune with an insistent primal beat. Sitting at a front row table are Paula with a tiara, the birthday girl, Ximy, the organizer, Gabi, Moni , and Estrella. Conspicuous by her absence is Connie. Well boohoo. The girls are toasting as Gabi wants one of the dancers/waiters to get his pretty butt out of her face, "a little decorum," she requests. Moni looks troubled.

At the office with Sal, Mau muses, "Have you noticed that each time there's trouble with the kids, someone from the judge's office shows up?" Hmm. Strange. Too much of a coincidence. He calls Moni but no answer. "She's at a birthday party for Paula,"Sal informs. "Do you know where?"

Outside the club, Sal points out that it's for women only. They aren't allowed in but Mau must talk with Monita. Mau overhears the security guard asking for Daniel Renteria, a dancer. He's been delayed. Mao walks up to the guy at the door. "I'm Daniel Renteria." "And who's this?"Asks the guard. "My partner (pareja)." They go inside.

Inside the club the girls are living it up. Ximena (Looking babelicious) is sitting in a chair onstage. This clearly might not be her first visit. She is surrounded by hunks. All but Moni are having the time of their lives. Mau and Sal search. Hey fellows, they're down front.

Back at the office, Jerry distracts agent Beto with hamburgers and beer while oily Oscar wires Mau's office while the club Gabi who is somewhat tomada (remember that word from last week?) spots Sal and moves in for the kill. "Don't tell me that you're the director at Seremano by day and strip by night." She is definitely titillated and in the mood . He resists, but I don't give him much of a chance.

Jerry finds Oscar at work bugging Mao's office. Oscar asks if he took care of Beto. "Yes, he should be half dead from the knockout drops." Well, not quite. An intense Beto appears with nightstick ready. Busted.

Once more at the club, even Monita has loosened up. On stage guys in fatigues are doing an ensemble dance to an instrumental version of Macho Man. The girls are down front in a frenzy. The dancers separate making way for a solitary dancer in fatigues and SWAT helmet with goggles completely obscuring his face. Gee I wonder who this masked man might be. He strips. The estrogenic crowd, intoxicated by the heavy fog of testosterone and pheromones, goes wild. Moni likes. Suddenly he reaches out to invite her onstage. She seems scandalized but is pushed forward by helpful amigas. Well the mystery dancer pulls her close and reveals his familiar visage. Shock! It's Mauricio. "Perdoname,"he pleads.

Labels: gancho

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