Caray, Caray!

Mao kicks off this episode by popping the question in front of Teri and the Femsibs.Since he and Moni have been back together for the better part of two episodes now, I guess he is feeling pretty confident in the viability of their relationship. She must share in this certitude, as she gleefully agrees. "¡Mañana misma! It's all arranged." The entire family, minus Aldo , who is off on his own adventure of self-discovery, approves and rejoices. Those of you who are less certain, not to worry, the CAMERA is still floating around out there somewhere with as yet undeveloped icy water for these upcoming nuptials.

For those of you who are wanting to see Nieves and Cesar as couple and have been gauging the temperature of their relationship by their degree of color-coordination, this looks very promising. Though not in identically colored togs their outfits seem to be nicely matched in varying tints of hot pink and plum. Certainly hope-inspiring in any case. She has come to announce the wedding set for tomorrow and to invite him. Also, friends will be coming to decorate the gym for a fiesta afterward. She is particularly flirtatious and he responds by trying to invite her to the movie of her choice but she must go an prepare for the wedding. On her way out, she bumps into Costeño. They pause long enough to visually devour each other, leaving little doubt that these two indeed have a history. "Ah, grilled chicken," she observes. "You can roast me whenever you want," he responds. Cesar notices and registers his disapproval. Costeño responds by noting that, "Nieves is a woman who is very difficult to forget." Don Cesar stews.

Monita has arranged for the two of them to meet her mom for dinner in order to announce the wedding. "Yes it will be a great surprise," Mao observes.

Meintras tanto, Estrella has decided to check in with the Virgin de Guadalupe at the neighborhood shrine. As she lights a candle she asks for a blessing on the marriage of Moni and her prince and for forgiveness for the awkward situation she and said prince woke up in. Mary of course knows the truth of the matter and that they are innocent; Monita is the one she needs to worry about. She also asks her for protection for her little puppy and for forgiveness for not going through with the wedding. She's certain that she understands.

Aldo seems to have found at least temporary refuge in Nepenthe's torpid embrace. Nice Nurse escorts Sal back to his his own Laziboy where he dutifully assumes his catatonic pose. We know, however, that those delicate little wheels are once again revolving under that well-behaved peluquin. NN regrets that Aldo has gotten into Sal's stash but Oscar is unusually understanding and forgiving. And why not? Doesn't look like Aldo's going to do any heavy thinking anytime soon. He tells her the sad story of Aldo and his sisters losing their parents, of their adoption by Mao, of Estrella's pregnancy, of the thwarted wedding, and of Aldo finding Mao in bed with Estrella. Sal struggles to maintain his catatonia. He succeeds.

Pau joins Estrella as she is completing her chat with the Virgincita. Estrella tells her that she is requesting a blessing on M&M's marriage and protection for Aldo. Paula is miffed because she wasn't asking help for her in her pursuit of a husband. "Since your here you can ask for yourself," she suggests. Estrella detects an unusual unpleasant odor following Pau. She explains that it's the magic male attractant provided by Bartola. Hmmm.

Back at Oscar's chateau, the NN is touched by the sad story of Aldo as related by Oscar as he calls for two goons to take Aldo to his bedroom. As they cart Aldo away, he shrugs his shoulders, "Kids these days."

Beto and Coni have returned to Nieves apartment after a grand day of shopping. He finds a note that Nieves has left telling him of the upcoming wedding and that she has gone to invite Cesar. He tells Coni only of the part about her going to the gym to see Cesar and then turns his attention to adoration of Coni and noting that they have the place all to themselves. She purrs. She has something to show him. He begins undressing for action.

At Ximy's, she receives a call notifying her of the upcoming wedding. She is excited. Rolu remembers M&M's last wedding in which they shared the church and the ceremony... Mao left running from the church. She reminds him that had he been able to walk, he too would have fled the church. He insults her two functioning neurons as the doorbell sounds. It's Lalo, beside himself over planning the upcoming party. He's having tachycardia and is about to suffer a cardiac event. Ximy tells Arny to comfort his man but is finally informed by Lalo that Arny is not of the gay persuasion, "He's a closet heterosexual." Ximena glares accusingly at Arny, "¡Arny! ¡Arny! ¿No eres gay?"Arny nods in confirmation.

Back in the 'hood, Beto is stripped down for action, stretching in his boxers a tee shirt. Suddenly Coni leaps through the beads onto Nieves' bed dressed (we knew this was coming) as Fantasma Vengadora. Beto and I are rendered momentarily speechless. She is a Power Ranger action figure ready for a little lusty action.
She throws him on the bed, straddles him, and he begs her to smack him. "Not here." Clinging to him like a Koala, she rides him to his own bed.

M&M are with Snake Lady at a nice restaurant. Mao and Isabel are wearing their best insincere rictuses as Moni smiles sweetly and hopefully. They have a surprise for Issy. They proudly announce the upcoming nuptials as Isabel grits her teeth and surreptitiously rends her napkin beneath their view. Usually I don't enjoy talky scenes involving Mao, but Isabel is so livid and Mao is so self-satisfied and Moni is so radiantly clueless of the invisible electrical tension between the two people she most adores, that it works for me just fine... this time. Isabel is honored that they chose to tell her in this fashion. Issy and Mao exchange empty apologies. Mao even offers that he hopes to be able to call her mamá. They glare.

As Beto and Coni bask in a post-congressional afterglow, Nieves enters the apartment. Seeing the two beneath the sheets she closes her eyes and promptly spills the frijoles. Coni is shocked to learn of the impending boda. Immediately Nieves recognizes her faux pas.

Back at the announcement dinner, Mao proposes a toast to the love of his life. Issy amends it to a toast to the happiness of her adored daughter. She asks about the honeymoon and though Moni hasn't even thought that far ahead, Mao assures them that it will be the most wonderful ever. Moni is thrilled. She excuses herself giving our combatants an opportunity to bear their fangs and claws and share with each other what they are really feeling. She warns Mao that he has revealed his cards early. Well, heck! He had to, but sooner or later she will have to reveal hers, and when she does... Mao is clearly out of his league, but we pause and admire his gallant effort. They toast, "Salud." "Salud." as Moni returns, happy to see them getting along so well. Mao takes this opportunity to land a punch. He tells Monita that he invited Isabel to live with them but she firmly declined, but at least he got her to agree to Sunday dinners. Well played Mauricio. Moni makes her own toast to the three off them... "A family." Ummm... yeah.

As she ties her halter top, Coni grouses about the wedding. Beto scolds Nieves for revealing the plans. Suddenly Coni has business elsewhere. Not so fast pretty lady, Beto grabs her wrist and Nieves surprises both with a pair of handcuffs. Beto wonders where she got them. "A reminder of a galan." She drops the key in her cleavage. Beto assures Coni that the wedding will take place.

At Groupo Sermeño Gabi and Pau are about to head out to prepare the gym for the party. The CAMERA is resting on the desk.Gabi gets a whiff of the Love Potion #9, and like Estre, doubts that it will act as a attractant for men. Pau thinks it smell great. Gabi seizes upon the opportunity to teach Pau some of the finer points off secretarying. She picks up the CAMERA and opens the door to the outer office. She summons Iván away from his duties of chatting up the new receptionist and sends him off to get the film developed. She then has a little test. How can Pau make her boss' life easier. "A cold beer and tortas milanesas in his desk." "Exacto."

Nieves, taking advantage of Coni's attachment to Beto, has her working over a hot stove. Coni is not a good student and is not having a good time. She wants to go home and bathe. Nope. Nieves sends the two to shower in the community bath. Coni is appalled. Beto sees it as an opportunity. Off they go.

At Moni's, she continues bonding with her maternal unit. She is going to have Estrella help her get ready. Unh uh. Mommy Snake wants to help her little girl on her special day. Momma professes happiness for Moni, but... Moni astutely senses that her mom isn't being completely frank with her, "¿Qué?" The selfless Issy doesn't want to spoil the day with sad revelations. Not to worry, here's Aliblahblah who most certainly will, "I'm so sorry Isabel..." She's clutching the medical report. Moni reads it, "What does it mean? Are you sick again?" "I'm dying." Well if that doesn't put the brakes on this boda...?

Mao and Marcos have brought the kids to school and are doing a little bonding of their own. Marcos is happy about the wedding but wishes that he could properly escort his daughter down the aisle and offer her hand in marriage. Oh well, this isn't the only wedding in the offing, he announces to Mao that he has asked Nievesito marry him. Mao is delighted.

Back at Moni's things aren't going so well. Having dropped her bomb, Alicia leaves them alone to talk. IIt's not pretty. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Nothing can be done." "I'll give you more marrow." "Won't work." "Must be something we can do." "Well, since I don't have much time left, you can call off the wedding and spend all the time I have left with me." "Uh... OK." Take that Mauricio.

Nieves is helping Beto get ready. He cleans up real nice but has an unruly cowlick. She goes after it with a lemon but Beto reminds her, "That is for Tequila, not hair." Meanwhile, Coni is cuffed to the stove complaining about the handcuffs. He puts on his jacket, "How do I look?" Coni melts, "Very handsome." As Nieves releases her she tries to make a break for it but Beto is too quick for her. Soon they are reunited at the wrists. She balks but he yanks her through the door. Off they go.

Isabel reminds Moni that she needs to tell Mao right away that the wedding is off. "I hope he'll understand, wouldn't want you two angry at each other because of me." Gack! While Moni's gone, Issy wants time alone, doubtless to gloat in private. Let's remember gang, this lady really believes that she is going to die soon. Anyone feeling much sympathy? Thought not.

Mao and Marcos enter an almost empty Groupo Sermeño. Pretty and dangerous new receptionist greets them. "Everyone's off getting things ready for the wedding." The elevator opens spilling out Beto and Coni... cuffed. We are left to ponder, "How the heck did Beto get his jacket off?" Coni is surprised to see Mao there. She's not happy that he's here. What's more, Daddy thinks the handcuffs are a great idea. Wouldn't want Coni mucking up the wedding. Beto engages Mao and consequently Coni in a group celebratory hug.
Coni says that she couldn't care less if Mao marries the monkey, move into the jungle and procreate primates for a documentary about wildlife. Well, good as that was, she is speechless to learn that Mao's back in charge here.

At the community sink, Nieves learns from Alicia that Isabel is sick again and is going to die. She has big doubts and vows that she will not let Isabel stop Moni's wedding.

We end today with Moni in her apartment. A loud knock. "Hola, Iván, come in." He does and hands her the envelope containing the developed film from the CAMERA. She open it and reaches in.

Carlos

Labels: gancho