Caray, Caray!

So Maricruz has stashed the kid (either boarding her at the Isla Dorada Infant Kennel or better perhaps, leaving her in Juanita's care), boxed up the remains of don Alejandro for shipping, and  flown him back to Mexico City. She chose to save a few bucks by air freighting him back on a commercial flight rather than going to the expense of cranking up don A's private jet... it's not like he would have noticed the difference, anyway, so let's not be hating on her.We find ourselves with Maricruz, Tobías, and Octavio, who has some how managed to tag along, in the entryway of the mansion. Tobías seems genuinely affected by don A's death and sinks down to the second step of the stairway and weeps.

Good Grief!...No, Really...Good...Grief

"Mi amigo," he sobs.

Maricruz urges (orders?) him to be strong.

"You are no longer Alejandro Mendoza's majordomo but his daughter María Alejandra Mendoza's friend." 

He thanks her but is wondering if being her friend will pay as well as the majordomo job.

Octavio realizes that he is not needed and tries to excuse himself. Maricruz announces that she will bathe and head to the funeral parlor to keep watch over her dad until he is buried. Tobias laments that they did not get to spend more time together as father and daughter.

"That's how it was written, Tobias," she ruefully replies.

He asks if she will stay there and sell the casino. She reminds him that he already knew the answer to that... nopis.

Octavio tries again to dismiss himself and offers to keep her company at the funeral home.

"If that is your desire."

It is, as their piano theme plays.

He turns and leaves and as he does her face hardens and she murmurs to herself... and us,

"I've got you within my reach and I'm not going to allow you to escape. You're going to lead me to Lucía and Miguel. My revenge is getting closer, and I'll be implacable."

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Ofeiia rushes in clutching another anonymous note for Lucía, who hurriedly tears it open.

Maricruz pops in on Solita and her little boy. A happy reunion. Solita notices Maricruz's black dress. Maricruz tells her... no signing, no gestures...she tell her that she is in mourning because don Alejandro died. Looks like someone has learned to read lips. Good girl! They share a hug and a few tears.

Awwww!

Amber is looking for her cousin and Ofelia informs her that Lucía is in a state up in her bedroom because she received another anonymous note. Upstairs Lucía is reading the note:

"Your husband insists on deceiving you. It's staring you in the face. Another woman who lives down by the lake is going to take him from you. Why not catch him so you'll be convinced?"

"Catch him, yes, that's the ticket."

Now in case you've forgotten or are new, let me remind you, this lady is BSC.

But since the lake is so far, she'll get Eusebio to spy on him or take her to spy on him because... wait for it...

"Eusebio is the only one I can trust."

Can you say C R A Z Y?

She gets a bit dramatic about her options as she is joined by Ester who sanely suggests,

"Why not just show him the note?"

Ester, Ester, Ester. You clearly have not been paying attention.

Maricruz descends the stairs in the way she practiced so faithfully just a few short months ago. She is ready to go to the funeral home. I wonder if she took that bath?

She tells Tobías that Solita was very sad to learn of don A's expiration. Toby  makes another run at convincing her to sell the casino, come home, and all live as one happy family... oh well, it was worth a shot.

Lucîa and Ester have a rather long conversation about Miguel, the anonymous note, and their marriage. Here's the short version... Ester talks sense... Lucía talks crazy... and somehow Lucía comes to the conclusion that it's all Maricruz's fault. Therefore she will be stalking her husband. Next!

At the funeral parlor...sad music...sad faces...closed coffin...

Here in Texas, we like open casket affairs with the dearly departed in full view dressed in his finest so we can verify for ourselves that he is indeed dead, as well as admire the undertaker's efforts. We folks here like to spend a few solitary moments alone with the corpse, gazing intently, perhaps looking for signs of life or maybe secretly hoping that at our own last public appearance we are fortunate enough to look as good. It is also a tradition here that the deceased has the rosiest cheeks in the room. Older female relatives and sometimes friends will take this last opportunity to adjust the tie, reposition an errant lock of hair, or even gently kiss the forehead.

In Mexico, our close neighbor... apparently not.

Octavio, who is in all black including a black shirt as well as suit without a tie, stands back and thought bubbles:

"At times I thought she was my own Maricruz although very changed. But now, learning about her life, her house, this man who was her father, I see that I was completely mistaken. The two are very different and their lives diametrically opposite. It was all a coincidence, there is only a great physical similarity between María Alejandra and Maricruz, nothing more than that."

He approaches her and asks if there is anymore he can do. She tells him no that she is going to stay the night. He offers to keep her company through the night... their piano music plays and plaintive meaningful glances are exchanged...

Pretend You Hear Piano Music

And suddenly we are magically transported to Isla Dorada where Doris is waiting for a phone call much to Gidget's amusement. Gidget counsels patience and even feigned indifference, but Doris has boiling blood in her veins and is eager for a little action. Suddenly it dawns on her it's her daddy's fault. (It appears that she has decided to challenge Lucía for the craziest bitch crown.) Guys are afraid of him and back off. Well, that's not gonna stop her... she'll  just stalk him.

Hey! I'm Crazy Too!

A cab delivers Octavio to his boarding house. Eddy is waiting for him. Yes, Octavio spent the night with her watching over her daddy's corpse.   No, he's making no headway with her. Yes he's attending the funeral later. Eddy offers no encouragement.

On the boat at Isla Dorada, Raiza has joined Carola in her office. Carola is not happy with the result of recent events and no she will not be attending don Alejandro's funeral. They are joined by Teo who also will not be attending the funeral but when María Alejandra returns he will be her best friend and even though someone like him doesn't stand a chance in Hell with someone like her, he will be on her side.

Lucía finds Eusebio, asks him if he knows where Miguel takes the cattle for water, and informs him that he will escort her there tomorrow. They'll be going by horseback. No one must know.  As she walks away, Eusebio enjoys the view and a swig from his flask. Do I need to add...Ewwww?

At the cemetery we all gather to bury and say goodbye to don A. Sadness. We see Tobías. Both Eduardo and Octavio are there, but neither Solita nor her monkey are there.  Maybe they couldn't find a sitter.

Funeral's over. Eduardo and Octavio have followed Maria A and Tobías back to the mansion. Octavio gives her his address and phone number in case she needs anything and of course she knows where he stays when he's on the island. Eddy asks if she's going back to the casino. Yes she is. Octavio wonders if that's a good idea. It's thankless work and may be dangerous. She assures him that she's dealt with much worse in another time in her life and survived. Poor guy, he doesn't realize he's just been zinged. Oh the irony.

In Carola's office, she and Raiza are joined by Tony as they try to put things in order for Mendoza's return. Maybe someone has convinced her to sell. Carola hopes so. Tony thinks that she likes the casino life. Especially meeting up with guys like Karim, Raiza points out. Carola is glad that he's gone home for the time being. His being in love with María A  and being her ally presents a danger to her and was a thorn in her side. He even threatened her.

Octavio sees an opening and asks her if she'd like to talk a bit about her past. No, right now she wants to rest. Eddy recognizes that it's time to go. Octavio tells her that he is at her service and the boys back on out as we get good and close to Maricruz as she gets that determined vengeful look and thought bubbles,

"So many hours at my side and you didn't know who I really am. And you've fallen in love with me as I am now. Not that poor thing whom you despised and whom you have completely forgotten was your wife. Alright, Octavio Narváez. Maricruz Olivares is dead to you but María Alejandra Mendoza will make you suffer as much as possible and more, much more!"

Back at the boarding house Eduardo  rags on Octavio for spending so much time trying to impress a woman who could care less. He admits that he is obsessed with her and her similarity to Maricruz. Next day, their conversation continues all the way to the airport where dressed as pilots they are about to fly again to Isla Dorada.

And here's Maricruz wearing a pale lavender shift. A nice color for her, by the way. They notice that she didn't mourn her daddy for long. Octavio approaches her, grabs her arm, and their eyes lock as their piano music takes us to commercial.

Breakfast at the ranch with Miguel and the cousins. Miguel is glad that Ester has come to be with Lucía during her pregnancy. Lucia instructs Ofelia to notify Eusebia to saddle her horse. Miguel doesn't think riding is such a good idea, especially early in the pregnancy. They argue a bit. At first  Cousin Ester wisely says nothing but then points out that he just seems to be worried about her. Mistake. Lucia turns on her,

"I don't believe that Miguel has any interest in how I am or how I feel."

He weakly objects, she spits a little more venom and he gets up,

"Do what you like."

and leaves.

An awkward silence between the cousins results.

Sooo...Read Any Good Books Lately?

María Alejandra and Octavio chat. He inexplicably digs at her about her rather short period of mourning. She replies that she really hasn't known her father and doesn't have a lot of time to mourn. She's got stuff to do.

"How is it that you don't have time?"

"I'm going to began a life that will take me toward an objective that I've desired for a long time."

"I really admire the way you think, María Alejandra."

"And if you continue pursuing me, Octavio, as I expect you will, well, you'll admire it much more."

"Why? For your virtues?"

"Or for my sins and defects."

Bravely, Ester breaches the silence and suggests that she tell  Miguel of her doubts, she doesn't think that he would cheat on her. She encourages her to at least try to verify her suspicions.

"That's what I'm going to do!"

Ester asks what then?

"I'll divorce him but not before making him pay very dearly."

Did I mention that this lady is crazy?

Oh Octavio, you silver-tongued devil,

"Speaking of sins, I'd love to sin with you."

No, he didn't just say that...did he?

"No, no, no, I'm not referring to that type of sin, Señor Narváez."

"You know, each day you become more mysterious."

She's glad that he finds her mysterious. He thinks it's time for the crew to board the plane.

As he leaves she tells us,

"I plan to make you my slave, Octavio Narváez, and neither you or anyone else will stop me."

Seated on the plane she regrets the lack of time she had with her dad and remembers in black and white some of those times. Maybe the casino didn't mean all that much to him but Carola was trying to make a fool of him and she will not let that happen.

Up front in the cockpit Eduardo thinks he may have been wrong. He thought that Octavio's interest in María Alejandra was because she reminded him of Maricruz but now he thinks that he is in love with her and will forget about Maricruz.

Well thank goodness, Maricruz didn't park the baby in the kennel after all.  Juanita has been looking after her. A happy little reunion, though apparently still no name. She vows to spend more time with the little tyke... how very motherly. She actually reminds her that she's her mother,

"Soy tu mamita, besides, I adore you.


Wow, even a kiss. Maricruz for mother of the year.

Help! Who Is This Woman?

She and Juanita chat. Juanita offers to go with her to live in Mexico City if she decides to move home. Nopis, Maricruz is staying here but she may bring her deaf mute sister and her newborn to stay. Juanita is cool with that. Juanita tells Maricruz that the only person who has called is Teo.
She calls to check in with Carola,

"I'mmm baaack."

Carola graciously  welcomes her. MA instructs her to have everything in order for her to review. Carola suggests that when she returns to the boat that she bring along a lawyer and a notary. Not to worry, la Mendoza has already thought of that.

Doris announces herself at the hotel desk as the governor's daughter and tells the desk clerk that she needs to talk with one of those flygirls (aeromozas) from Aeromex who checked in today. Her name is Sonia.

"Can you tell me her room number?"

Wow. Lucía may be crazy but she looks fabulous in riding clothes. Her blouse (por casualidad is exactly the same shade of lavender as Maricruz's little dress) is closely tailored to her substantial curves and her dark riding pants (jeans?) fit equally well. She strides up to the stable and asks an admiring Eusebio if her horse is ready for their little ride this morning. Sipis, as is his own mount, la Sombra (cool name for a mare). Looking good as she effortlessly mounts up. Let's back up and watch that again, shall we?

She Doesn't Need Any Help Mounting Up

Doris boldly knocks on Sonia's door and, after reminding her that she is the governor's daughter, demands to speak with her, woman to woman. Sonia invites her in.

Eusebio and Lucia have arrived at the watering hole but there's no sign of cattle or Miguel. She then begins her interrogation,

"Do lots of women live in these parts?"

"Some."

"Single women?"

"Also."

"Beautiful?"

Multitasking, Eusebio both answers her questions and ogles her butt.

Damn!

"Something for every taste."

She gets to the point,

"Have you seen Miguel with anyone?"

At the hotel Sonia acts as Doris' letter carrier,

"She almost forced me to bring you this letter."

"I believe you, Sonia. Doris is a very persistent and above all, dominating girl."

Sonia tells him that Doris suspected that she and Octavio have a thing going and is perturbed and aggravated that he hasn't called her. Sonia thinks that she is infatuated with Octavio.

Down by the watering hole, Eusebio is weakly trying to defend Miguel. Poor thing he doesn't want her to involve him in this. She persists and confides in him about the anonymous notes.

"I don't want to get mixed up in problems, Señora, por favor."

"But you know something. Tell me what you know."

Now alone in his room, Octavio takes a moment to read Doris' letter:

"In spite of the rude way you treated me, I forgive you because I need to speak with you and have you close. Why not get together? Why don't you come visit me at my home?"

He thinks that all things considered, that is not a good idea,

"Come down out of that cloud.  For nothing in this world am I going to your house."

Eusebio admits that sometimes husbands have outside needs but they're still husbands. Lucía is becoming more and more agitated as Eusebio continues digging a hole for Miguel. He suggests that they return to the ranch,

"It's not like don Miguel is going to come with..."

"Come with whom? Come with whom, Eusebio? With whom? With his lover, right?"

He lets her vent a bit then reassures her,

"You are a very beautiful woman and deserve to always be happy."

She looks stunned as he guides her back to her horse.

As he reads the newspaper there's a knock at Octavio's door. Doris? Nopis, its Teo.

Trick'rTreat

MA sweeps into the casino. She orders the guy sweeping the stairs  to clean the place up... it's filthy. I think she means that both literally and figuratively. She confronts Carola who warmly greets her.

"How quickly you show up in the casino."

"i'm taking care of my interests."

"Ah, and why are you alone? You said you'd be coming with a lawyer, with a notary."

"All in good time, Carola."

"Then why have you come, child?"

She tells Carola that she is there to save the casino and Carola would be well-advised to pitch in and do her part.

"You want me to lose my patience and are marginalizing me so that I'll sell you my part of the casino. That way I'd be done with you."

With a wicked smile Maricruz retorts,

"Well look, that's not a bad idea."

Coming next Monday, Maricruz channels Holly Golightly.

How Do You Like Me Now?

 Carlos

Labels: Indomable