Caray, Caray!

Whoa! Televisa starts us off tonight without even the courtesy of a little foreplay. They could warm us up a bit and ease us into the mood with a replay of some of Thursday's sweetness... but nopis. There's a knock on the door, Leonor answers it and the next thing you know she's loaded into a police car by two rather insensitive civil servants (not even uniformed officers) and rudely driven away as our two buenoparanadas, Marco and Chavez look on from across the street giggling like the aging neighborhood bullies they are. So... that's the way it's gonna be, is it? Well, we'll endure. Meintras tanto, Satan is heating the water to boiling in your hot tub in Hell, boys. Yuk it up while you can.

We're not even allowed to go along to keep the terrified saintly Leonor company. Don't worry, we're keeping a record of these slights. No, instead we find ourselves joining an unsuspecting Rafa as he enters an upscale restaurant expecting to sell a Licenciado Urdiales a few trucks. Instead, we see the lovely but dangerous Marian, biological clock ticking, waiting to ambush her prey. As soon as he lays eyes on her, he senses the danger. Too late, "Hola Rafa." Dang she's pretty. That angelic voice, those bewitching eyes, Those pouty lips, those golden tresses, I can smell her from here, Chanel Numero Cinco if I'm not mistaken. I wouldn't wager a centavo on his chances of surviving this frontal assault. Heck, I surrender, Marian. Have your way with me. Just be gentle.

Apparently Rafa's defenses are superior to mine. He takes a stern stance and challenges her. She is prepared. She has arranged a legitimate deal. He should be grateful. He needs to sell trucks and she has found someone who wants to buy trucks. Seller and buyer, so what's the problem with that? Their relationship has been based on business. This is business. "This all could have been handled by telephone," he counters. "Yes, but you know that I'm going to take advantage of any opportunity to see you." He reminds her (as if she's not fully aware) of his love for la Licenciada Alvarez del Castillo. She counters that Ale is married and that needs to get on with his life, punctuating her words by batting those impossibly long lashes over those insistent green eyes. He ponders. I offer my surrender once again.

Over at Autos Siglos, Doña Arcadia, our regal voyeur, is amusing herself by spying on Dandy and Suzy. There's a knock on the door, "¡Chatooo!" She has summoned the jumpy, jittery Jiménez who jumps and jitters for her royal amusement. She informs him of a change in plans. She has found a property here in DF that might be good as a site for another branch of AS. She sends him to check it out but not before offering sympathy for his current living arrangements, what with having to sleep with his father-in-law and all. She is after all, a compassionate monarch, ever mindful of the travails of her loyal subjects. She then orders Chato to get snacks (botanas) for the royal pooches. Keeping an eye on their cholesterol, he fetches chicken nuggets (bolitas de pollo). Bon appetit, mis pups! Any other time this would be very entertaining, but Leonor is rotting in prison, and so far we're the only ones who know and nobody ever listens to us.

On the sales floor, Rosaura gives the brushoff to a shattered Pepeto. She's returning to her family and ultimately to Miami, "Bye hunny." Be careful of the shards of broken dreams left scattered on the floor. Trapito, we need a cleanup over here! Jiménez tells him that things could be worse.

Well OK! Heeere's Vicki. As her ex-bridesmaid and BFF looks on, Vicki paces and frets over the dark forces she has unleashed by consulting Molongo. She desperately needs her Parito back eating from her hand. Best friend asks if it absolutely has to be Rafito. "Yes." Ignoring Vicki's resolve, she points out that there are many suitable attractive men available. Vicki wants to concentrate on her problems, "Not yours!" Faithful full-figured friend focuses, "Fight fiendish forces with good." Vicki approves, "I need a white witch." Not exactly what the friend had in mind, but hey... She shrugs. She knows our Vicki. I'm loving this friend, she's shrewd and she's cute besides.

Meanwhile, Rafa reminds Marian that he doesn't like to mix business with pleasure. Hmmm, must be a new rule, I don't remember getting the memo. "What if someone sees us and gets the wrong idea?" She reminds him of an older, more widely accepted rule, "All's fair in love and war." "But we're not not in love." "You, no. But I'm hopelessly in love with you." She smiles sweetly and bats those bedroom eyes. He squirms. I melt a little more.

Back from what seems like an endless stream of commercials, it looks as though we're finally going to check back in on Leonor. An officious looking suit without a hint of a smile is talking on the phone, "Do it!" He orders and abruptly hangs up. A meek, weary, and confused Leonor is ushered in by the arresting officers. She listens to the charge. The legal representative (Marco) of Jerónimo Vega (Frank) is pressing a charge of fraud for attempting to sell him her home while it is already encumbered as collateral for a loan. She weakly objects, "It was a trick. I swear, I'm innocent. I made no attempt to sell anything." Well, he has documents proving otherwise. She has the right to call her lawyer, but right now he just wants to fill out the paperwork, "Name?" "Leonor... Nuñez... de Medina." My heart is breaking.

At this very moment her lawyer (a reluctant Jaime) is in the midst of an extreme makeover in the competent hands of Amador and Bugambilia, the happy hairdressers. Bugy tells the haberdashery clerk that they have a fashion emergency. Amador elaborates, " Our friend wants to transform from the namby pamby lad (muchacho ñoño) he is into a youthful handsome man." "Youthful, elegant... I think we can do something," the clerk offers. Jaime is not consulted as a mini fashion show starring an uncomfortable Jaime follows. When done, Amador orders the clerk to pack the purchases up. Jaime is not sure he is satisfied with what they've chosen. Bugy assures him that what he thinks doesn't matter. The important thing is that they are satisfied. "Yes, but I'm the one that pays," Jaime grumbles to no one in particular.

At Groupo Celeste, Cesar presses on with his conquest of Julieta. He sneaks up from behind, covers her eyes, "Up with your hands, this is a robbery." He is going to steal her heart. Gack. She reminds him about the rule forbidding romance at work. He cites a German study that proves workplace affairs increase efficiency. Oh, really? She's not ready to fall in love. He just wants a chance. He steals a couple of quick kisses... ¡El que sigue! (Next!... learned that from Dr. Flippy over on STuD).

A mopey Ale joins Suzy at her desk. She reassures her that Rafa is off on business. Ale is disturbed that Beltrán specified that only Rafa meet the client.Susana sees no problem with Ale joining them. She gets the restaurant name and address for her. Thanks, Suzy, how about a ham sandwich?

Chavez and Marco celebrate their successful effort over whisky in The Oasis. Wouldn't you fellows rather relax in the Jacuzzi? I think it's ready now. Gloating, Marco decides to allow the news of Leonor's incarceration sink in before he contacts Rafa. He also admits that there's little chance that he'll Ale will return to him but at least Medina won't have her either. "Then it's party time!" Chavez says. No, actually Marco's dance card is filled. First he'll enjoy Claudia's charms, with Rafa's crazy but pretty ex-novia next up.

Inside the restaurant Marian complains that she's only done good things for Rafa, the least he could do is be friendly. He agrees but admits that he's worried about Ale's travails over the hacienda and the house. As he explains, a jealous Ale joins them.

At the new apartment, Jorge is depressed to the point of thinking that the best thing for everyone would be for him to disappear. He doesn't want to eat. He misses his Chelita, Why am I even alive?" Rosauro is worried.

Ale 's jealous rant is interrupted by Rafa's cell phone. At last it's his mom with the bad news of her arrest. "I need your help." Rafa hurries off as Marian wonders who could have accused this sweet lady. Ale knows..."¡MARCO!"

Leonor removes her meager jewelry and turns it over to the captain, professing her innocence even as she is escorted to her cell. Have I mentioned that my heart is breaking?

A hungry Julieta is home and wanting her mother to feed her. Mom isn't there and there's no sign that dinner is about to be served. "How strange." There's a knock at the door. "Ay, Mamita, how did you forget your keys?" Juli opens the door without even looking. It's not Mamita. "¿Cómo estás, Juli?" She sizes up the new and improved Jaime. "I preferred the old Jaime." Well, I'm very sorry my Queen, the Jaime you speak of no longer exists. He died, don'tcha know?" Well, she's worried that her mom is missing. Nuevojaime calmly suggests that she stepped out to buy tortillas. "Mi mamá doesn't buy tortillas, she buys bread." "Then she stepped out to buy bread," he confidently says.

Still in the restaurant, Marian thinks that she and Ale should have a drink together and talk. Ale does not, but does tell her that she is divorcing, "It was a mistake." Marian announces her declaration of war. She will fight for Rafa. Ale exits leaving Marian to contemplate just what went wrong with her little plan.

Rafa breathlessly arrives at the police station seeking his mom. He is escorted to her cell amidst admiring whistles from the adjoining cells."¿ Mamacita, estás bien?" More heartbreak for me. I haven't been this sad since Coni (Gancho) was put in jail for murder. Leonor at least has lots of support.

Ale rejoins Suzy and briefly tells her about finding Rafa with Marian, but more importantly, Rafa's mom's been arrested and she thinks she knows who is responsible. "Who?" "Marco." Suzy doesn't look too surprised.

Back at Leonor's cell, the truth dawns on Rafa. "¡Marco!" He vows to see to it that she is released. "But how?" He doesn't know, but he will check with the guy in charge and then get in touch with Jaime. He hurries off. Leonor talks to God. " Diosito, help me. I've never done anything to harm anyone." And that, my friends, is the outrage of this whole affair.

Rafa notifies Jaime who is still with Julieta. This is a new Jaime, indeed. "Don't do anything, I'm on my way," he calmly advises then turns to Julieta and informs her. He may actually be just what we need to sort this out.

Vicki has located a bruja blanca and is consulting with her. Her maid of honor looks on. White Witch (the name of a perfume made in Jamaica which is very seductive) reassures her that Molongo is a charlatan and can do her no harm. Vicki tells her about Marco consuming the potion. "Too bad for him, but it doesn't involve you." She offers a blessed image to protect her soul but there are no guarantees that nothing bad will happen to her. She begins an incantation, but is interrupted by Vicki's pal, who as I said, knows our Vicki, "Ya, ya, ya, ya. That's enough. My friend is already, like, crazy and believes that a demon is going appear in the middle of the night and haul her away feet first. (le va a jalar las patas)" Misunderstanding, WW puzzles, "¿Tatas?" VVV scowls and sticks her tongue out at her amiga. Cute... Next!

Things aren't going well for Marino as he hunts the lions. He pauses at the loading dock of a warehouse to catch his breath. Leaning on (what else?) a Ford truck, he is inspired. He asks two workman for the boss and is directed inside, where he comes face to face with a certified beauty. Both like what they see. He flirts and she flirts back. She offers him her chair while she goes to get the boss. He fiddles with her radio as he reflects on his power over women. Indeed, it is a mystery.

Rosauro calls Ale to tell her of Jorge's sudden plunge into despair. Ale is oddly unmoved. Rosauro seeks advice offering several options. Maybe make the party at the hacienda into a gala affair. Invite the folks from the agency. (YES!) "Whatever. Do what you think is best." Rosauro notes the change in Ale's demeanor, "Is anything wrong?" "No. I've had a difficult day."

Daniel is meeting with Mr. Shrimp and his tio. He wants the paperwork done before a notary. He wants protection. He doesn't want done to him what they are doing to Marco. Mr. Shrimp wants cash. Quintana wants Chavez to continue as administrator. Daniel doesn't care. He has other plans.

What's clear is that Leonor is not getting out of jail tonight. Rafa's still at the police station when he gets a call from Marco. Marco taunts. Rafa threatens. Marco warns. We stew. Judy, HELP!

Carlos

Labels: dinero