Caray, Caray!

I hope Carlota gets the gold, because I’ve never heard the Hades national anthem.

Friday’s last juicy bits:

Three pigeons wing off to fulfill their destiny of finding some statue to poop on. Diana tells Em she knew about his night with Romina. Rufi, Chris and Paloma tell Carlota off for some of her lies about Macarena and Chris and for the fake daddy. Rufi says Carlota diluted Mac’s medicine. She says Carlota did it all because she wanted to keep Paloma with her – she was afraid of being alone. Paloma defiantly tells Carlota You can have it all – the house, the money, but I’m never going to set foot in this house again.

Delicious! And here is tonight’s feast:

Camila comes to see jailbird Samuel. He tries to take her hands, but she draws them away. He tries to compliment her on her noble heart and her beauty but she says Cut the crap. He says he’s had time to think and he repents, plus he realizes she’s the woman he truly loves. She can help him get out and they’ll live the life they should have had all along.

Do you think I’m nuts? she says. I can’t imagine how I fell in love with you in the first place, and all I feel for you now is sorry. And when you get out in 15 years, don’t even thing of coming to look for me. She leaves and Samuel clutches his hair in despair.

Diana tells Emiliano she went off to play poker the night Romina wanted to be alone with him – they’d worked it out. Em is furious. Diana said I thought she was a good choice for you.

Em says So she was there when German brought me home drunk! I wonder if he was in on the plan? Diana doesn’t know, but she does know that Romina put him to bed and seduced him.

Em goes to the door and says Leave. Diana says But I came to tell you that I’ve lost the house and the alimony isn’t enough and I don’t have any place to stay. Leave, says Em.

The three musketeers are standing shoulder to shoulder, chins jutted out, taking on Carlota. They don’t have swords, but Chris is swift with his accusing finger. Carlota says You can’t leave me. Paloma says You’ve earned your solitude. Chris says No need to bother talking to her. Carlota says If you walk out now, you’ll never see me again. Paloma says I’m willing to pay that price.

Carlota says Rufi, after all these years, first you broke your promise to Macarena and now you’re turning on me. Chris jabs a finger at her and says Don’t you insult Rufi! She’s the most faithful person on the face of the earth.

Rufi says I’m going to have a hard time leaving you because despite everything, I’ve always loved you. And I’m going to pray for you. Carlota’s façade cracks a little and her chin trembles. But it twists into a scowl and she says I don’t need the prayers of a traitor like you.

Shut up, warns Chris. Carlota says You all are going to pay big time for what you’re doing to me.

Chris says Whaddaya gonna do? Pull out a gun and shoot us all? That’s all that missing. Little does he know…

Chris herds the two ladies out. Carlota runs after them yelling Paloma! You can’t leave me! I’m talking to you! Paloma! They leave and Carlota turns into the empty house, grimacing with anger and hurt. Ungrateful brat! She stalks over to a heavy wood table, grabs the edge and gives it a good heft, knocking it over.

Paloma, my love, she anguishes, Come to me! Little Paloma, come! Cristobal, all this is your fault! Everything in my life is your fault! Damn you! I hate you! I hate you!

She smiles and for a moment is the old Carlota, confident and scheming. No, you’re not going to leave. You have to come back. She dissolves into sobs. Rufina! Bring me a tea! Rufi! Rufi! Paloma! Paloma! She falls to her knees on the exact spot where her sister lay in a pool of blood. I don’t want to be alone! I don’t waannnaaa! Nooooo!

She’s down on the floor now, writhing and curling into the fetal position and hugging herself. Hug me! Don’t leave me alone! Hug me Papi, I don’t want them to leave me all alone! Ahhhhhhhhh she wails.

I’m ready to reach right through the screen and hand her a premio. Wow.

Luz has brought a heart-shaped box of chocolates to Rafa at his office, to make peace, she says. He says he’s not mad, he just doesn’t get it. She says she doesn’t either, how to be a couple. He points out that she’s has other relationships, but she says none like this, so Deep. Really? he says. Yes, she says, a sense of connection that sometimes leaves me between feeling like running away and like staying forever.

Rafa says it seems like when you are being independent, you know what to do, but when it comes to something like telling me how you really feel, you’re at loose ends. Luz says teach me how to love that way, how not to be scared when I feel like I’m losing control. You’re just the person to teach me.

Rafa says just let me be near you and love you, and don’t put up so much resistance. It hurts me and it hurts you too.

Camila, who does know how to love, is having flashbacks of her wedding day when Rafa told her to come away with him, he’s played straight with her and Orlando hasn’t. She remembers him whupping Samuel when he attacked her.

We see a jet over the skyline of Houston. Here come Orlando and Angelica dragging their carry-ons through the airport, or the hotel, I’m not sure which. She says she’s never been there before and he exclaims over the size of the city and how he’ll take her to see some sights tomorrow.

Orlando says lunch with the business guys, and then they’ll go pick out a house. Angelica says maybe you better check with Camila. Orlando says you think so? I’d like to get it done now. Angelica says don’t be so sure. Orlando, seemingly genuinely surprised, says Garsh, do you think she won’t change her mind? Duh-huh, says Angelica’s look.

Orlando says time and distance will probably change her mind. Maybe not in your favor, says Angelica. Orlando says he’s already bummed, and now that it turns out Bernardo isn’t their mutual grandchild, it’s one less thing to bind him and Camila together. He says So let’s not discuss it for now, okay? It’s been one of my biggest dreams to export overseas. Orlando likes to think pleasant thoughts, as we know.

They decide to have a shower and meet up before the business lunch.

German is chatting with his father, who is visiting from Pachuca, out on the sidewalk. Don E walks up and German introduces them. The dad leaves for home, getting into a very modest lime-green car.

Don E admires German’s red sports car. He wants to know when he bought it. German says he didn’t, his father gave it to him. Don E says Didn’t I tell you I don’t like lies? Your father can’t afford a car like that. Alonso visited before he died and paid you to tell him about the will, didn’t he? You’re the one who told him there’d been changes, right? And you bought the car with that money, didn’t you?

German says How can you think that? Don E says Quit farting around and tell me exactly what happened.

Paloma, Chris and Rufi are at Madeleine’s (or somebody’s – Chris’s?) hotel room, telling her what happened. Rufi says You should have seen her! It was like sparks were shooting out of her eyes. Chris tells Paloma he was very proud of her, she was direct and fearless. Paloma is pleased he thinks so, but she says she’s still going to miss her, just like Rufi.

Madeleine says How can you miss someone like her? Paloma says she was part of my growing up, and it’s hard to leave her, same has it’s hard to hear all that she’s done. And there’s more, says Rufi.

Chris says it was a big step forward, and a lot of secrets got told.

Paloma gets a call on her cell. It’s Em who wants to know if Carlota told her he’d come by. She says no, and she’s not staying there anymore. He’s surprised.

The landline rings and Chris picks it up. It’s Gabriel. Chris whispers to Paloma that Gabriel is waiting for her in the restaurant. Em tells Paloma he has lots to tell her. Paloma says she has to go right now, so later.

Paloma wonders how Gabriel knew where to come. Maddy says he called for Chris, who wasn’t here, so I brought him up to speed.

In the restaurant, Gabriel asks Paloma what she intends to do. She says she’s not sure, it depends on what her father is going to do, and her aunt. Gabriels says why don’t you pick what you want to do and not depend on what others are going to do?

Paloma says she doesn’t know if she is going to have to work, or if Chris is going to go back to being a priest or what. Gabriel takes her hand and says he has a different idea. Remember how he doesn’t have much time left and they want to live day-to-day? Well, he’d ask her to live with him, but he knows she wouldn’t do that, so How’s this? Marry me!

Let’s be married for the time that’s left to me. What do you say? Paloma’s eyes get even huger than usual.

Meantime, upstairs the others are chewing over Carlota. Chris figures she’s defanged now that a lot of her truths have been brought to light. Maddy isn’t so sure.

She says we can’t just stay in a hotel forever. She wants to get them a house to live together, but she doesn’t know where. Mexico City? Get-Real del Monte? Paris? Rufi is agape.

Chris says not here. Mexico City would be best. Rufi says So are you thinking about not going back to being a priest? Chris says it depends, but he has to talk to Paloma. However, he thinks Maddy is right, they need to figure out their future.

This is so sudden, says Paloma like so many other screen lovelies before her. I know, says Gabriel, but for me, every day is an eternity.

Get married? says Paloma. Gabriel says we can see other cultures, learn new ways to express our art! Get married? parrots Paloma. Gabriel says I don’t have a lot of time to woo you and get you to love me the way I love you.

I can’t accept says Paloma. Gabriel says I know you’re starting a new life, and that you can do it alone. But we could do it together! I have to think about it she says. He says do, and please don’t feel pressured. He clutches his chest and coughs pathetically. Okay, he doesn’t, but please! No pressure? She says she’ll think about it and as soon as she decides, she’ll let him know.

Carlota, in her robe and slippers, is alone in the dark house, and uh-oh, it looks like she’s drinking. The heavy table has been righted (you have to admire her strength, if nothing else), but the big crystal vase on top of it must be a goner, because it’s not there any more. She straightens the lace tablecloth with a finger. Musica de suspenso!

She sits on the stairs and calls Don E. What are you doing? she says. Working, he says, on a very interesting case. She asks if he can’t take a break. He says he’ll come by.

She hangs up and looks around and cries. I don’t want to be alone, she weeps. The house feels so big. Eugenio, hurry over, I don’t want to be alone.

Suddenly the captions seem to have been typed by the famous thousand monkeys with typewriters. Bear with me.

Rafa has come by to see Camila with some papers. He says he knows she’s been busy with the baby and he offers his sympathy about the baby. He tells Camila that he and Joel are partners and they put together an offer. She flips the folder open, glances at the first page and says that’s fine. He says don’t you want to read the fine print? She doesn’t care.

He asks if she’s okay. She says no, actually not. He understands. He says he’ll go before Orlando shows up. She says he’s in Houston. Rafa is surprised that he left her alone at such a hard time. She says he had to go. Rafa says please know that you can count on me if you need anything. Camila gives him one of her googly-eyed searching looks.

Angelica and Orlando are in a nice club with the Houston guy who asks Angelica to dance. She says Goody, I love salsa. The guy says I don’t know how to dance salsa, why don’t you two show me? Orlando says okay and leads Angelica off.

They start dancing, and some party-hardy lady grabs the other guy and starts teaching him. Angelica and Orlando smile happily and dance. They don’t have any moves, so she puts her hands on his shoulders. They get closer and closer, laughing. Uh oh, they’re awfully close.

The group at Madeleine’s are breaking up for the evening. Chris leaves and Rufi asks Paloma what happened with Gabriel, because she can tell something did. She tells them he proposed. ¿¿¿Qué??? they say.

Gabriel is on the phone with Luz, laughing and telling her he’s proposed to Paloma. While he’s talking, he working on a line drawing of a nude with a generous behind. What are we supposed to make of that? Maybe he’s not Mr Pure as we had thought. Don E is just leaving and overhears. Gabriel gushes on about how in love he is, though he knows what the future brings. He signs off and Don E shows himself.

He asks after Luz. Gabriel says she can adopt the little girl without having to get married. Gabriel notices he’s about to step out, and Don E says he’s going to see Carlota, and she’s always full of surprises. He comments to Gabriel that he knows he came back to town to be with Paloma. So now he wants to marry her?

Meantime, Rufi is telling Paloma that marriage is nothing to be taken lightly and she shouldn’t accept. Maddy points out the fellow doesn’t have much time, and maybe it’s a sign. Not many girls get three proposals in such a short time. The other two didn’t work out, but this time it maybe be a sign that it’s her time to fly.

Anyway, she says, speaking in the majestic tones of a prophetess, marriage is in your future. Paloma says now I’m more confused than before. Rufi says you have to decide, you can’t sit on the fence. Maddy says do what you want, but don’t close yourself off. Rufi says And don’t forget that Emiliano is about to become available.

Maddy says decide what’s right for you. Think of what you want and nothing else. Rufi says and if Emiliano gets tired of waiting and looks for another person and marries?

What with Maddy prophesizing and Rufi pitching Emiliano, Paloma must be wondering if having two grandmothers is quite the picnic it’s made out to be.

People are in your life for a reason, or a for season, or for life, quotes Maddy, who must diligently read all her e-mail forwards. Paloma says how do I know if it’s Gabriel or Emiliano for a reason, a season or for life? (Hint: one of ‘em is about to keel over any minute.)

Rafa is visiting Em now, who is sulking on his bed. Rafa is astounded that Diana was in cahoots with Romina. Em says they wrecked his life and separated him from Paloma and he doesn’t know if he can get her back, plus now she has that painter guy hovering over her. Rafa urges him to talk to her and Em says she won’t let me, I’ve tried. She doesn’t want anything to do with me.

Rafa says go after her. Tell her what’s happened. If that doesn’t work, you have your life ahead of you. Give it a try. Fight for your love! Em, not budging from his bed, rolls his eyes up at his father.

Angelica and Orlando are coming back from the dinner, laughing it up. Orlando says she’s the best dance partner ever. She has a little trouble opening her hotel lock. Maybe they’re a little sloshed. He tells her he feels great with her. Me too, she says.

You do? he says, and before you know it they’re necking in the hotel hall. And I do mean necking, he’s slurping on her neck and she’s pulling off his jacket. Clutching at each other, they disappear into her hotel room and close the door behind them.

Tsk. Angelica! We know Orlando’s personal code can best be described as Ethics Lite, but you?

Don E is at Carlota’s. She offers him another drink and he says no, he’s had enough, and so has she. She pours herself another one, saying she hasn’t had a drink in years. She turns serious and says I feel so alone without Paloma and that servant. She turns her back and weeps. Don E says children are a gift, they don’t belong to us. There is nothing worse for a parent than to think they didn’t give their child what they needed to fly.

Oh, please, says Carlota. Don E says you should be proud of Paloma, she has tremendous wings. Carlota says and if those wings are used to betray me? I’m supposed to be proud of that?

Don E says Paloma didn’t betray you. Yes, she did, weeps Carlota, or she wouldn’t have left me so alone. Know why you’re alone? Says Don E, walking up to her. It’s because you made it happen.

No, she says, laying her head on his shoulder.

Bassos: AHHHHHHHHH

It’s because nobody understands meeee. She looks at him up close. You understand me, don’t you? I want to, he says sincerely. I would love to be able to. She kisses him forcefully and he kisses back! Freeze frame.

Avances: Romina is served with divorce papers. Em is free, but Gabriel has proposed. Paloma is confused about her future. Em tells Paloma that he loves her.

Labels: amor