Mentir Para Vivir #65 Wed 1/8/14 As Elvis would say, "Thank you, thank you very much."

Hermosillo--Casa de Ricardo

Everything is falling into place for la boda.  Marilu has even taken Tito to Paloma's house so he won’t be underfoot (hmmmph, he wasn't invited?)  Ricky enjoys a few flashbacks of his relationship with Oriana.

Preparations are underway in Fidelia's Purple Palace and the guests are starting to arrive, including Matilde, resplendent in a lavender suit to match the wall color.  She barely says hello to Fidelia as she enters.  Fidelia and Ruben share an awkward hello. The bride enters in a cute short wedding dress carrying a flower ball (is that what they're called?)  She looks really cute with her hair done up away from her face.  The ceremony begins.  Later, the couple signs the wedding license and voila!  It's done!  As the judge pronounces them man and wife, Oriana gets a sudden twinge in her hospital bed.   Something is amis in The Force. Marilu turns expectantly to Ricardo, all smiles. Ricardo gives his bride a peck on the cheek.  QTH?  Matilde annoyingly cheers for the happy couple, crying out "Beso! Beso! Beso!"  Her family is embarrassed.

Hospital

The doctor tells Oriana the danger is over.  The swelling is gone, thanks to her will to live.  He wants to do additional tests before releasing her.

La Boda

The reception looks more like a wake than a happy celebration.  Mariano receives a call with the good news about Oriana.  He passes on the good news to Ricardo who naturally wants to see her immediately. Mariano cautions him against that, saying maybe it would be better for him to speak with the doctor at his place first, just in case the hospital is being watched.

Rooftop Bar

JL is with Raquel.  He just can't figure out how it is that Ricky suddenly marries someone else.  It doesn't add up.  Raquel could care less.  Who knows?  Maybe Marilu is preggers.  All she knows is that she's fed up with all this talk about Oriana. Ori, Ori, Ori.  JL stupidly asks what else is there to discuss.  "Oh, I don't know,” she says. "We could talk about my business, or apartment hunting."  She tells him there are apartments available at Seba's building.  She lets him know Seba was with Antonio and JL's bodyguard, Mike, whom she found to be muy interesante.  That Raquel never quits, does she?

La Boda

Fabi talks with Piero.  She’s fretting over the health of her baby.  He tells her not to worry about it or make any decisions until the doctor has been able to conduct tests.  She tells him he's such a good guy.  Aw shucks ma'am it's just that I'm sweet on you, is all.  She tells him she doesn't know if Leonardo was invited to the wedding and she hasn't seen him for awhile.  She really hasn't wanted to talk about this to anyone.  Piero wonders if she feels obligated to speak with him since he's here.  Not at all, she says.  She's very happy to see him and enjoys talking to him.  She caresses his cheek and he kisses her hand.  Matilde interrupts this tender moment to tell her they’re leaving.  Piero figures her mother doesn't like him much.  Fabiola can't think of anyone she does like.

Santo Domingo

Lestat, aka Joaquin, has Mike on the line.  Joaquin wonders why he needs Zorro when Antonio seems to be taking care of everything.  Mike agrees Antonio is pretty sharp but it was Zorro who set up the business deal.  Mike gives Joaquin his impression of Seba: he's young, but he's a braggart, stupid, and pretentious.  Joaquin thinks those are the most dangerous types.  He asks about Mrs. Zorro.  Mike explains she's still ill but Zorro has a lover.  Joaquin finds this amusing.  He next asks about Homer.  Mike has nothing to report.

Casa de Paloma

Ricardo has escorted Paloma, Fabi, Matilde and Mariano back to Paloma's.  Matilde tries to complain how Fidelia greeted Ruben but Paloma does't want to talk about that now.  Alina comes running in, dragging Tito along.  She asks for Marilu but Ricky says she stayed home with a headache (already?).  Ricardo and Mariano want to speak with Paloma alone.  Before he can leave, Matilde pulls Mariano aside, telling him they need to talk.  He promises they will, later.

Once in Paloma's bedroom, Ricky gives her the good news about Oriana.  She's overjoyed and wants to speak to the doctor right away.  Mariano tells her they'll have to wait until the doctor has had a chance to conduct more tests.  This worries Paloma but Ricky assures her it's just a matter of routine.  Paloma asks what no one else has: What now?  Will Ori have to go live with JL?

Later, Alina cries to Mariano that she doesn't want to leave Paloma's.  Mariano explains that all her things are at Ricardo's and her mother wants her to go with him.  Alina fails to understand.  Ricky tries to explain her mother is traveling and doesn't want her to stay here without her.  Alina assumes it's because of JL, and that Ori is afraid he might return to hurt Tito again. Ricardo promises to explain everything.  They share a tender embrace.

Up in her room, Paloma speaks with Homer.  He tells her he had to speak to her in person because the telephone can’t be trusted.  No one should know what he's about to tell her.  He tells her Joaquin Barragan is the only malandrín (bad guy) he was never able to catch (echar el guante).  Barragan happens to be JL's boss.  Homer now has the chance to capture him, using Oriana's husband to do so.  Paloma is listening all bug-eyed but doesn't like that he's putting Oriana at risk.  He explains the reason he's doing all this is to protect Oriana and he will do everything possible to see that she's safe.  For the sake of Oriana's safety, no one must know about this conversation.  And now he will self destruct in 10 seconds.... jk.

The Geriatric Spy

Back at home, Homer tells Leonardo the wedding was more like a wake.  Leonardo isn't surprised, considering the marriage is a farce.  Leo should have gone because Fabi was there.  Leo supposes Piero was also there, so no thanks.  The doorbell rings and out of nowhere Homer produces a gun.  He chuckles and tells Leo it's force of habit.  Leo has been cleaning a bow and arrow.  We learn he's quite a shot with this weapon.  I’m sure this will come up again.

Fidelia's House

We don't see her, but Alina has arrived and had a tough time going to sleep.  Fidelia tells Marilu it' no surprise.  Alina probably thought she would be staying with Paloma.  Marilu thinks this situation going to be really difficult.  Fidelia understands this was probably not the wedding Marilu pictured.  Marilu understands this isn't a marriage of love.  She had resigned herself when she returned from the U.S. and he was involved with Ines.  Marilu grew to like her.  She agreed to go through with this plan of Ricky's to help him and to help Ines.  But for one moment today during the ceremony she felt as though it were true.  Fidelia understands.  There are those who are lucky enough to find love several times in their lifetime.  But there are others who end up loving only one person their whole life.  Marilu assumes she's referring to Ruben.  She saw how they looked at each other.  Fidelia doesn’t want to talk about him.  He supposedly loved her but then left her for the money.  She's surprised to hear from Marilu that he no longer lives with Matilde.

The Geriatric Spy

Mariano and Ricky have come to call on the old spook. Ricky tells him the good news about Oriana.  Ricky's happy about this of course but he's nervous about what comes next.

JL's House

Mike is waiting for JL when he arrives.  JL asks for an explanation as to why Mike is hanging out at bars with his employees.  Mike says Antonio invited him and it didn't seem right to turn him down.  JL starts with the insults (this isn't Eliseo he's dealing with here).  "Are you stupid? Imbecile? Mentally retarded? Who are you, what have you studied?"  Mike explains he's studied electronics and is from Santo Domingo.  He says Joaquin wanted JL dead but Mike saved his life.  He's been sent to help him with the business.  He explains Joaquin called today and Mike told him JL had arranged things with the cotton suppliers and weavers.  JL gets pithed when Mike finishes each sentence with "Señor".  Mike also reports that he told Joaquin about Oriana’s condition.  He learned this from Raquel.  JL pushes him around for getting into his bidness.  Mike finally defends himself, saying he has two jefes, Joaquin and JL.  But Joaquin is above JL. He wasn't sent to spy.  He was sent to remove anything getting in the way of the business.  JL wonders how much Mike would be willing to do for him.  How about murder?  Mike tells him he's already done that, remember Eliseo?  JL tells him he doesn't like him one bit.  Really?  I hadn't noticed.

The Geriatric Spy

Homer explains that Alina's adoption must take precedence to everything now.  His superiors are aware of everything and have agreed to place Oriana under the witness protection plan as Oriana in order to capture Joaquin.  Without this protection, she would stop being Ines and end up in jail for identity theft. Ricky wonders why Homer told his superiors about all that.  Homer explains this is all about obeying the law.  Oriana and her friends committed a crime by falsifying official documents and the identity theft.   If they add the crime of harboring a fugitive, JL, she will be an old lady by the time she gets out of jail.  Would Ricky want that to happen just because he's jealous?  Because he doesn't want her to sleep with him?  After all, she's already slept with him.  He was her husband and they even had a child.  Despite what Ricky thinks, he does take Ricky's feelings into consideration but there are priorities.  He promised himself he would save that poor woman no matter the cost.  He's also doing it to provide Paloma some happiness in her sunset years.  Paloma has found her lost family in Oriana and Alina.  Homer asks what Mariano thinks.  Mariano figures Oriana has the last word on this.

Hospital

Oriana is having flashbacks, starting with happy ones with Ricky, then scary ones with JL, including his attack on Tito.  The nurse offers her a sedative but Oriana wants to keep remembering.  She remembers other things now, including Homer's plan and Ricky's offer to adopt Alina.

Holy Gym

The doctor tells Ricky that Oriana underwent extensive tests and everything appears to in perfect shape.  She will still need to undergo some therapy for her mobility. Other than a few lapses of memory, she's fine.  Ricky brings up Ines' story.  the doctor only knows she has a husband, a very aggressive  dude.

The doctor sympathizes with Ines' plight and agrees she has the mental faculties to make the decision for her daughter’s adoption..  He further suggests they have her draw up the paperwork lest JL interfere.  As a psychologist, he recommends they undergo a psychiatric evaluation to show they are capable of adopting Alina.  Ricky explains he and Marilu have already done that in preparation for the adoption but JL hasn't yet done so.  Who knows what JL is capable of.  He may even say Ori isn't capable of making any decisions at this time.   The doctor feels it is imperative that JL undergo a psychiatric evaluation.  With his mood swings and outbursts, the doctor feels he may be bipolar.  With the proper medication, he wouldn't be dangerous.  "But what if he doesn't take the meds?" asks Ricky -- tan -  tan - TAN!!!!

JL'S Despacho

Jl is Skyping wth Joaquin.  He complains about having his own servant spying on him. Joaquin corrects him.  Mike isn't a servant.  He is Joaquin's employee.  He sent him to help JL because the other guy was mental.  Besides, he hadn't been able to get in touch with JL.  JL complains Joaquin has no confidence in him.  "It's not that I have no confidence in you.  It's that you are (enajenado = driven mad?) with his vieja!"  JL explains she could be dying.  Joaquin actually apologizes and I almost choke.  He suggests JL give it all up, return to Santo Domingo, and he'll put Antonio in charge of the operation.  Oh brother, JL steps in it now.  He refuses to leave without reclaiming his daughter.  Joaquin tells him he can have him whacked for that.  JL goes on to threaten him.  He has tapes regarding all of Joaquin's operations that he can hand over to Homer.  He shuts down Skype and Joaquin and his brother are impactados, to say the least.

During JL's ranting, the doorbell rang and it's Ricky looking for JL.  JL asks Mike to show him in but not before slipping a gun under a cushion.  Ricky tells him Oriana is better.  They discuss her condition as Mike listens at the door.  Ricky tells JL he can't go for her just yet.  She needs a couple of weeks of rehab. She needs TLC and she can get that at Paloma's. "Nope.  She can have all the care and medical attention she needs here in my house."  JL knows Ricky only wants her at Paloma’s so he can see her any time he wants.  Ricky agrees he will see her since he plans to see his madrina quite often.  But he wants to put JL's mind at ease.  He got married today.  JL's not falling for the old fake-wedding-so-I-can-adopt-your-daughter plot.  Ricky wants JL to leave Ori alone for these next two weeks.  Such generosity, says JL.  What does Ricky want in return?  Ricky wants Alina.  JL is stone faced.  He calls Ricky loco.  Ricky asks him to make a choice, Alina or Oriana.  JL coldly responds he wants them both.

Casa de Ricky

Ricky comes home and tells Fidelia, Mariano, and Marilu all about JL's response.  He plans to move forward and talk to his attorneys in the morning.  Mariano will meet him later in the day.  He has a meeting first thing with the bishop.

Ricky goes upstairs to check in on Alina, who is fast asleep.

When he returns downstairs, Marilu is alone in the living room. He thanks her for everything and he'll see her in the morning.  Some wedding night.

Hospital

JL returns in the morning with a bouquet of flowers.  He wants to see Oriana.  In walks Ricky with Paloma on his arm.  A tug of war starts over who will go in to see Oriana.  JL tells the doctor he was there first.  Paloma says they announced their plans to see her.  JL: She's my wife! P: You never married her! JL: You're nothing to her! (oooh good one) Ricky tries to intercede and JL grabs him and throws him aside so he can yell at Paloma. The doctor holds Ricky back while Palonma and JL go head to head.  Security shows up and drags JL away.  Paloma is left panting, saying JL is loco!

We next see JL careening through the streets like the madman he is.  After a few near misses he hits an SUV belonging to none other than our geriatric spy, Homer.  Homer tells the chauffeur not to engage and tells him he'll just take a taxi.  The chauffeur and JL are arguing over who hit whom.  Mike is calling the insurance.  Homer coolly walks away.  As he turns to get one last look, he catches Mike's eye.  They clearly recognize each other.  Homer continues on his way and Mike pulls the phone up to his ear.

Hospital

Everyone hovers over Paloma who insists she's fine.  Paloma and Ricky eventually reach Oriana's room.  She has no problem recognizing him.

Back at the accident

As they exchange information, JL becomes aware that the armored vehicle is registered to Leonardo, Homer's grandson.  JL tells Mike to settle the damages with no further squabble.  He leaves in a taxi.

Hospital

Oriana tells Ricky she's decided to go with their plan for her to reunite with JL and have Ricky adopt Alina.  Paloma is worried that JL is a monstor.  Homer, who has arrived in her room, applauds her decision.  Oriana is very brave and JL has a weakness. If they handle things right they can get to the other side.  Ricky complains again that she'll have to sleep with JL to get there.  ho-hum Ori retorts that he's also married and may give in to his beautiful wife (yawn)... yada yada yada -- Homer repeats Ricky has to get on the ball and adopt Alina.  more boring repetitive dialogue – at the end Homner tells Oriana she must be strong.  She will have to return to JL.  Oriana and Ricky exchange puppy-dog eyes at each other.

Elvis has left the building.  Happy Birthday Elvis!