Caray, Caray!

Recap of Teresa arriving at her home crying hysterically that she’s just been assaulted! Da-da-dum! Her purse was stolen! She’s so scared! Oh, did I mention the Euros were stolen as well? Good, then on we go.

Vecindad: FF>> scene: Everyone painting. Payaso Johnny excited because with his work driving the taxi, delivering Gemma’s sandwiches, and managing the vecindad will surely bring in good money. Pati thinks she can help with managing the vecindad. Johnny and Cutberto tease her about this.

Back at Casa Barrera: Luisa asks Amadeo the accountant to leave seeing as Teresa is in no condition to talk about business. She’s so distraught, doncha know. Armando offers to stay with her. Arturo comes rushing in. He sure got there super-fast. She’s really turned on the water works, telling him they took everything, including all the money he gave her for their trip. Arturo’s only glad she’s ok and that she wasn’t hurt. The rest doesn’t matter. Luisa walks Armando to the door, telling him her brother will be sure to care for Teresa. Armando hopes Arturo won’t make the same mistake again. (I thought this was an awkward time to bring that up. Just saying.) Luisa assures him Arturo will never make that mistake again and would do anything for her.

At the hospital, TibOriana has arrived at Mariano’s office, saying she’s come for a physical. This woman is so rude and such a metiche (meddling)! Before she visits the cardiologist, she wants him to know she knows all about his relationship with Teresa and Arturo, and everything that happened at the boda! He assumes this means she’ll no longer want to support his clinics. Nothing of the kind, she intends to be true to her word and promises he’ll have the social level he needs so badly to help his clinics.

Mayra, Aida, and Genoveva are working into the evening at Ruben’s office. Aida tells mom that she’s working on getting Mariano away from the vecindad, forget about Esperanza and Teresa, and forget about everything in his past. Mayra feels that would be best for everyone. Geno complains he’s wary about opening a line of credit. Aida explains he already bought a car on credit and doesn’t want to take on more debt without knowing for certain he can make both payments. Mayra thinks this is great. Geno comes up with this gem: “Ay que tener lo que se deba aunque se deba lo que se tiene.” (play on words, translated: one needs to have what one is owed even though one owes what one has) Aida says Mariano’s not like that; es muy ahorrativo (thrifty) y muy previsor (prudent). (Two new words for me) He insists on staying within his budget (presupuesto) and that’s probably why Oriana liked him. Mayra reacts, wondering if she’s talking about Oriana, viuda (widow) de Gijarro! Aida explains they met at el Club and even offered her support for his clinics. Aida’s happy about this as she’s sure it will thoroughly enrage Teresa!

Casa Barrera: Teresa is still a bit weepy, thanking Arturo for being so considerate and thoughtful. She thought he’d surely be angry because of the money lost. Oh, pshaw, he says. This could’ve happened to anyone. What’s important is that she’s safe. She continues to cry over the possibilities, thinking they could’ve taken her rings or her car! Again, he’s happy she’s safe and when she’s feeling better, they’ll go file a police report. Wait, what? Um, she was so scared she can’t even remember what he looked like. Arturo insists, saying she knows they have to file a report.

Back at the hospital, Mariano is grateful for Oriana’s help but he wants to avoid any problems with Arturo. Oriana says she’ll take care of that and thinks they can help each other. She wants him to tell her about his relationship with Teresa. He tells her that’s in the past and doesn’t wish to speak about it. Oriana takes this to mean he must still feel something for Teresa. He did try to stop the wedding, after all. He’s a smart guy, he had to have a good reason to do something so stupid. That’s what she wants to know. What gave him the nerve (valor=courage) to do that? He reminds her that caballeros have no memory. That’s all in the past and he now has eyes only for Aida. She sees he is discreet and this pleases her so she’ll help him. He politely declines her support saying she’s doing so only to get info from him that he’s not willing to divulge. On the contrary, she says, precisely because he was so dignified in his response, she feels he is deserving of the support for his clinics.

Vecindad: Armando stops by Johnny’s and Pati’s future apt and comes face to face with Ramon. There’s an awkward moment and Juana suggests it’s time they let bygones be bygones. Everyone chimes in and they go into another room to talk. They both agree they will continue to stand by their respective offspring but also want to remain friends.

Casa Barrera: Arturo and Teresa arrive from their visit to the police . He asks that she allow him to spend the night, promising he’ll just sleep by her side. She refuses and he agrees to spend the night in the guest room. Nice try, bucko. She tells him he really is a good man then climbs the stairs, leaving our hero sighing. Poor dude.

In the morning, Teresa shares her tragic assault story with Amadeo, the accountant. She wants him to teach her father basic accounting skills while she’s on vacation with her hubbie. She explains she wants her father to be able to help her organize her paperwork and also be of some help to Amadeo at the office. Amadeo agrees and Teresa promises she’ll compensate him for his efforts. He hesitates, saying Arturo already pays his salary. Teresa says one always needs more money. There’s nothing wrong with earning more money, so long as it’s done honestly. Amadeo shifts uncomfortably in his seat. She quotes, “Ante el arca abierta, hasta el más justo peca.” (loosely= before an open coffer, even the most honest will sin).
He gulps.

Vecindad: Mariano’s glad Ramon and Armando had a chance to talk things over. Ramon shares there were over 25 years of friendship at risk. He feels now is the time when Mariano most needs to stay away from Teresa. Mariano says there’s no need to worry and besides, she’s going on a trip with her husband. Ramon feels this is best for everyone. Mariano tells him about meeting Oriana, who is a very wealthy woman. Unfortunately, she’s tight with Arturo and Luisa. She wants to support the clinics but doesn’t want them to know about it and he’s not sure he should accept. Ramon says nothing good comes of keeping things in the dark. Mariano knows, but the clinics desperately need funding. Dad advises him to remember the truth is always best. Siempre.

Casa Barrera: Teresa continues to torture poor Amadeo, telling him a story about a “friend” of hers who knew of an accountant who became aware of his employer’s embezzling of millions. The employer offered said accountant an embarrassing amount of money to keep quiet. Amadeo, still shifting in his seat asks if she thinks the accountant did wrong by remaining silent. She doesn’t want to judge anyone but she does know that the accountant was very clever (listo) and asked the employer for much more money in exchange for his silence. In the end, the accountant did good things with the money: paid university costs for his children, he and his wife live well, etc. It’s always possible to ask for more. It may not have been the best way to go about things but the end justifies the means. (El fín justifica los medios) Amadeo gulps again as Teresa spins her pen, metaphorically toying with him.

Genoveva’s house. Ruben has asked Amadeo to suggest to Mayra that she take an accounting class to keep her away from the office. Geno likes the idea, saying it will provide them more time with each other. Geno thinks he must be fed up with Mayra. He says somewhat. With Mayra gone, he’ll have more time to cover the embezzlement (desfalco). He’s in urgent need of cash and is impatient for the completion of the Luna Turqueza construction. As soon as they get the ok from Fernando, he wants Geno to be ready to advertise presales of the condos. She doesn’t want him to be so stressed about this then wonders if he can stay awhile. Smoochies. Ugh.

Casa Barrera: Madame Oriana Budinski tells Art&Tere she knows all about the scandal at the boda and therefore thinks she shouldn’t offer her support to Mariano. Art&Tere both agree. She addresses Arturo when she says she’d do anything for him. She leaves the room and Tere is in a huff. Arturo explains it’s just that she’s known him since he was a child. He’s sure she’ll come around once she gets to know her. He can’t wait until their trip so they can get away from all this. She pouts and says she’s not sure about being alone with him on that trip. She doesn’t know what will happen. He tells her he’ll dedicate himself to winning her back.

Ruben’s office: Ruben and Amadeo chat about Mayra’s accounting course. Ruben wants to make sure she’s occupied in something that will take months. He wants her away from the office. Amadeo is sure he can make that happen……but he wants more money. Ruben is furious, asking if Amadeo is loco. He’s already given him more than enough. Amadeo stands firm, saying he needs more or he’ll start squawking! Boo! Mayra walks in just then and insists he tell her everything right here and now!

Fernando’s apt: Mom has come for a visit and Fer thanks her for not helping Mariano. He proceeds listing all the reasons he hates Mariano. She takes a call and agrees to meet someone.

Back at Ruben’s office, Amadeo starts acting as though he’s gonna spill the ol’ frijoles but Ruben stops him. Ruben tells Mayra Amadeo wants more money for taking Aida and her under his wing. The subject changes to the accounting course and Mayra tells him she still hasn’t made up her mind. Ruben asks Amadeo to leave them alone to talk. He feels she will be able to see to her finances if she’s better prepared. He wonders if she doesn’t have enough confidence in him to leave him alone at the office. He doesn’t want her to have doubts. She tells him not to worry, she’ll take the class. But the rest of her time will be spent at the office. He acts as though he’s so happy to hear that, supposing this means she trusts him. Well, she says. It’s true she needs to start seeing to her own business and he to his but if she can’t, then they’ll have to determine what needs to be done. She promises to try and he promises he’ll come through for her.

Vecindad: Everyone’s at Refugio’s. They talk of the upcoming wedding and all the plans. They rush Johnny off so he won’t see the bride.

Back at Ruben’s office, he and Mayra are sucking face when Amadeo breaks them up. Ruben asks Amadeo to take care of his wife’s studies. She excuses herself, throwing air kisses to Ruben as she leaves. As soon as she’s out the door, Ruben begins yelling at Amadeo who apologizes but he needs more money. Ruben says he’s received more than enough. Amadeo says it doesn’t begin to compare with what Ruben embezzled. Ruben relents but tells him not to take it too far (no abuses). He can’t get his hands on any money until the completion of Luna Turqueza. He suddenly has a bright idea and asks if Amadeo would like a luxury condo in Cancún.

Casa Barrera: Arturo arrives with yet another floral arrangement. He wanted to deliver them personally to see the smile on her face. Hidden in the arrangement is a book of traveler’s checks. He feels stupid to have given her the Euros in cash, putting her at risk. He then tells her that since she’s going on the trip at his invitation, she won’t need the money anyway. He plans on granting her every whim.

Vecindad: Mariano is trying to calm down Johnny. He’s really nervous about the boda and making Pati happy after everything she sacrificed to be with him. Mariano tells him he doesn’t know how lucky he is to have such a girlfriend, he should appreciate her. Johnny assures him he does.

Cutberto arrives at Juana’s on the pretext of asking if she needs help with anything for the wedding. They look at each other longingly as they talk. Just as Cutberto is making his move by placing a flower in her hair, Pati rushes in showing off her wedding gown. FF>>

At the hospital Hernan (sigh) and Hector talk about the wedding. Hector will arrive late because he has an appt with Arturo regarding his divorce. Hernan assures him that if Juana cares for him, she’ll wait and also recommends that he continue his efforts even though Cutberto seems to be always present. Hernan is going to be there for Esperanza. He tells Hector he is going to continue to pursue her. Espe knows how he feels and it would be absurd for him to deny it. He can’t forget her and being away did nothing to help him forget. Therefore, he will continue to enjoy her company while she makes up her mind.

Vecindad – Espe and Refugio are busy with wedding preparations. Espe hopes they’ll be happy. Johnny arrives wearing a suit borrowed from Ramon (I think). Pati comes out and they happily greet each other. Cutberto and Juana are thrown together and she asks where his girlfriend is. He’s solo and notices she is too. She tells him Hector will be there later. Aurora arrives and everyone gets busy taking pictures. When Mariano arrives, he and Aurora comment on the happy couple. He tells her Aida won’t be coming because of Espe which Aurora thinks is understandable. He notices she’s still sad and suggests she go after Martin. He doesn’t know what else he can do to console her. Mariano suggests he can send Martin a message telling him to come here. Aurora doesn’t think that’s a good idea because he loves her but she’s still unsure. He wonders if it has to do with their conversation the other day. She tells him again that she doesn’t feel the same way about him anymore. She excuses herself and runs away from him. He doesn’t know what to do with himself and wanders back into the living room where everyone is taking pictures of the bride and groom. Juana finds Aurora crying in the bedroom. Aurora lies and says she’s a sentimental fool and is crying because she misses Martin. Juana knows there something she’s not saying. Aurora tells Juana she likes Martin very much but she can’t return his love because she’s been in love with someone else for some time. Juana guesses it’s Mariano and Aurora admits it. She loves him but he’s seeing Aida and she’d be incapable of getting between a couple.

Oh lordy, Oriana and Aida are at the club and Aida is dishing the dirt on Teresa, talking about her being an arribista, claiming she was rich in la prepa, etc. And now Arturo is blinded by her charms. Oriana observes that when men fall in love, they don’t think with their head. Wait, what? HA-HA! Aida tells her how she feels about Teresa - that she’s a RRRRRRRRata de Vecindad. She explains to Oriana how she came to be involved with Mariano, that she initially did it to get back at Teresa. She lists Mariano’s virtues, nothing like la Rata de Vecindad. Oriana repeats her story that Mariano is refusing her help for the clinics due to her relationship with Arturo. However, she wants to keep her word and will make some well placed calls that will open doors for him. However, she wants it to appear that it was Aida who made the calls.

Back at Juana’s, Aurora continues her tale of unrequited love, saying she’s loved Mariano since their University days; he loved Teresa; she stepped aside and ran away to France. Since Teresa’s marriage, she’s tried to tell him of her feelings but something always got in the way having to do with Teresa. She finally got fed up with his love for Teresa. Time passed and now he’s with Aida. Juana bristles at the mention of Aida’s name. Aurora tells her Aida has done nothing to her (Aurora) and they’re friends. Plus, Aida makes Mariano happy and is helping him forget Teresa. Juana sees this is true although he doesn’t seem to be as in love as he was with Teresa. Aurora feels there nothing left but to step aside again and continue to repress her feelings.

Hernan arrives bearing gifts and is confused when Johnny tells him they won’t be living together yet. (I’m also confused. QTH?) Mariano explains they’re following Refugio’s advice. Go figure.

Back at the club, Oriana sits back while Aida makes a call to a potential donor. Oriana says this is just the first of many. Aida tells her Mariano’s project is very worthy and he’s not the only one Oriana is helping. Oriana sees how determined Aida is. Now if she can only unmask Teresa, they’d also be able to help Arturo. She loves Arturo like a son. A woman like Teresa can not only ruin him, she can destroy him!

Back at the wedding, Ramon arrives and greets Johnny as his socio (partner). He explains to Refugio he is now partners in “El Huarache Veloz” and explains he can make deliveries as far as Acapulco. (Oh no!) The judge arrives and we are having a wedding but not before Juana and Aurora share a few more thoughts. Juana wishes Mariano would be with Aurora. She’s sure that if they’d hooked up, he would have surely forgotten Teresa. Aurora’s not so sure. Mariano comes in to tell them the judge is here. Juana explains Aurora’s crying because she misses Martin. She leaves to see about the wedding, leaving Mariano alone with Juana. He hates seeing her so sad and hugs her.

At Genoveva’s house, Ruben is complaining about Amadeo’s threats. And now he blames her for getting him involved in Luna Turqueza. It’s because of this investment that he’s now in the hole. Geno says they must think of a way to keep Amadeo at bay and Ruben agrees.

Back at the wedding: the judge begins the ceremony when buzzkiller Grumpy Granpa appears. Pati thinks he’s come to join them. He tells her she is sadly mistaken. He has come to give her one last opportunity to avoid making a terrible mistake. Pati tells him she intends to marry Johnny no matter what he says. Granpa assures her she will be very, very unhappy. He storms out with Espe and Hernan trailing him. Espe chases after him telling him he has no right to speak to his granddaughter that way. Hernan pipes in saying she’s getting married and all he’s doing is hurting her. Espe assures him her brother is a good, honest, hardworking man. Granpa is convinced she’ll come running to him in a few days begging him to give Johnny work. Hernan tells him Johnny already has a job, she’ll want for nothing. Granpa vehemently disagrees and claims Johnny stole his granddaughter, the one thing he loves most in life. Espe tries to calm him down and suggests he return with them to the wedding. Nothing doing. One day he’ll win her back. He lost his own daughter to another pelado (ne’er do well) but he will recover Pati. He runs off (which is no small feat for the old codger) and Hernan tries to console Espe. Upstairs, Johnny proclaims undying love for Pati and vows to make her happy. Espe and Hernan come back in and the judge says he needs to proceed with the wedding.

Casa Barrera: Oriana has come to see Arturo and is happy to find that Teresa is not there. She point blank asks if Teresa’s hesitation to reconcile has anything to do with Dr. Mariano Sanchez.

Vecindad: Teresa and Aida meet outside and trade insults. Teresa says Mariano will never forget her and Aida tells her not to be surprised if she hears Mariano wants to marry her (Aida). Teresa’s sure he’ll never marry her especially if Teresa remains unmarried after her trip. In fact, just to bug her, she may just decide to go through with the divorce. If that were to happen, how many more minutes does Aida suppose Mariano will stay with her?

Casa Barrera: Arturo tells Oriana she doesn’t yet know the whole story. It’s true he can’t abide that tipo and thinks he’s still in love with Teresa. However, Arturo’s to blame for Teresa filing for divorce. He admits he was unfaithful to Teresa with Paloma. While Oriana doesn’t agree with his infidelity he surely must have had his reasons. It’s possible getting back with Paloma could have been the best thing for him. Arturo is exasperated. Fine, she says, she won’t say anymore. She only asks that during their trip, he should continue to ask himself this question: Did Teresa put aside love in order to get out of poverty?

Vecindad: Aida is very happy Oriana discovered what a rata de vecindad Teresa is. Too bad she didn’t record their conversation so Arturo could finally realize she only married him for money. Thanks for the warning, says Teresa. She tells Aida to give up because she always surpasses her in everything: beauty, intelligence, and cunning (astucia). No! says Aida, more than cunning, Teresa’s a slut (zorra)and thanks to that, she’s going on that trip with Arturo, to see all those places she otherwise never would have been able to visit. It has nothing to do with love. What would Arturo say if he were to know what Teresa just told her? Teresa says she was serious. She’s going because Arturo begged her. She can still cancel the trip and tell Mariano she’s leaving it all for him. Then they’ll see who he’ll choose.

WHOA! Hold the phone! Armando comes out of nowhere demanding to know what she’s just said. He’s waiting for an answer as we leave them for the weekend.

Happy Fourth everyone and be safe in your celebrations!

Labels: Teresa