Caray, Caray!

Welcome readers, commenters and recappers to this week's Quiero Amarte page. A lot should be happening this week.

 

Thanks, Anita! Brilliant marketing there, Nescafe! The whole novela is a big fat 3-in-1 commercial!

See you all later this afternoon, I'm going to try to do a more succinct, yet thorough recap!

Lila
 

QA Monday, 11-24-14

I’m trying something different here, covering other important action but saving the best (I hope) for last.

At the Nescafe offices Mauro has convened a meeting with Max, Juliana and Jorge to announce that Juliana will be joining the family company. Cesar didn’t get the memo, chews out the Secretary and crashes the meeting. He is invited to take a seat. Juliana is going to be working with Max on the exportation aspect of his 3-in-1 coffee project. Cesar mildly protests that this is his area but doesn’t make a big stink. Juliana studied and worked in international business in Italy but she asks for Cesar’s support and assistance as the rules differ from country to country. He agrees he will help her. Mauro is absolutely happy! It was his dream to have all his children work with him. Even Flavia and Lucio have helped in the design of the logo! Cesar’s smile is not as brilliant as everyone else’s!

Later in a private conversation Manuel expresses pleasure that Mauro will be Max’s partner in his 3-in-1 coffee project and pride that Max will be his son-in-law. Yes, Mauro says. He’s the son you never had, or no? A boom sounds. Hmm!?

Juliana, Skyping with her husband and son tells them about her joining the family business at Nescafe. They plan to join Juliana in ten days. Their son Alan tells her his dad has not been feeling well. Oh no, cue the ominous music. Oh, dinner just didn’t sit well. But dad’s arm has been hurting. Oh, it’s just muscle aches. She promises they will soon be together and it’s the last time they’ll be separated.

We have a little scene in Emma’s apartment in which Whoracio is waxing smug and pleased that Cesar inquired into his personal life, something Cesar doesn’t do with any employees. Whor feels he’s kinda arrived. [Hoo boy, wait til you find out where you’ve arrived to!] Whor thinks he’s going to have the same camaraderie now that the little brother, Max has joined Nescafe.

Manuel gives Geno the wedding invitation from Max. She is ecstatic. Seems Geno has a son , Jose, who is going to college in the United States. She hopes when he returns they will tell him about their relationship.

Across town Eloisa pours out her heart to the Priest about her maltreatment in her sister’s house and her unrequited, forbidden love for her brother in law, Mauro.

Events at the Finca
Here is the lovely Mariana talking to her mom in the kitchen. Delores denies feeling any discomfort; she is fine but is concerned about Mariana. Mariana tells her about Ivan’s declaration of love and her unhappiness about it! She does not want to suffer! Delores thinks Mariana might be denying her feelings and encourages her to give Ivan a chance. She should not let fear and disillusion turn her away from love.

Mariana wonders in her room if she is in love with Ivan. At the same moment Ivan is encouraged to fight for her love by their cute little friend. Ivan buys Mariana a bracelet! Initially late to work the next day Hector, Ivan’s dad, tries to tell him, hey, just accept this girl is not for you. Mariana bursts in to Ivan’s relief. Although she tries to decline he gives her the bracelet. After he leaves, she smiles.
 

11-24 Pt. 2

Ulises is enjoying his role as young master of peasants in his little coffee fiefdom. He overrides a rare urge of Cipriano’s to skip the cantina for the night so he can be at work bright and early. What, and let me play poker alone Ulises commands! Yes, Cip will be at the cantina. In a later scene Delores tries to show him the recipes she plans to use to cook for the workers. She asks his participation in the menu planning, he blows her off, telling her that is the work of “Viejas”, that he’s not concerned about what the workers eat. The work that is important is that work done by their daughter. He dismisses her to the kitchen.

Okay. I will need help here. I think Ulises has asked that Cipriano get the coffee farmers that used to sell to El Paraiso to sell to him at El Deseao. He wants it to look like Cip is initiating this request, not Ulises. I wouldn’t think that someone in Cip’s position would be able to swing something like this?? Cip is, of course, big time pleased to be entrusted with this.

Amaya/Max/Constanza/Salvador Quadrangle
Constanza laments to Nora (her BFF) that she is sorry that Salvador won’t even speak to her now. Nora tells her it’s hard for Sal to be near her and she says its hard for her to have him so far away. Later Nora talks with Sal and tells him that Const does not like that he is so distant with her. Nora doesn’t understand why Sal does not tell Const that Max is still seeing Amaya behind her back but she makes it clear that that’s his place, not hers. She’s getting out of the go-between business!

It is night now and Max and Constanza are out for a walk when who should they run into but the still glassy-eyed-with rage Salvador. He was looking for Constanza but is glad he ran into both of them. Constanza, did you know that Max is still seeing the woman he met in Chiapas and that he promised to always be a part of her life?

Is it true what Salvador is saying? Is it true? Sal spits, I’m leaving now because my conscience is clear and so that you know he’s still seeing another woman and NO ONE will ever love you like I do. Max angrily pushes him away! Get out of here before I break your face shouts Max! That’s what I shoulda done to you when I found you in that woman’s arms flings back Salvador! The guys are chomping at the bit to get at each other. Salvador triumphantly walks away. Now Max faces a grilling from Constanza.

Is this Amaya the woman you saved in Chiapas and the one working on your publicity campaign? Max looks hang dog. Yes, he nods. She chews him one while Sal growls to himself that he cannot let Max have Constanza while he’s cheating on Const with that damned woman! Uh oh. Const orders: I don’t want this woman to be a theme between us ever again. I don’t want you seeing her or having anything to do with her. Max says he’d love to accommodate her but that is impossible.

Uh oh. Wrong answer! Constanza is very angry and feels like a fool! You can’t stop seeing her? What if I said I won’t stop my relationship with Salvador? It’s not the same! I didn’t tell you to stop seeing Sal, that was your decision! The next day Constanza confronts Nora with her realization that Nora must have known about Max and Amaya.
Nora stands firm that it was not her place to tell her about Max and Amaya, that this was for Salvador to do. Yes Nora, get out of the line of fire!

 

11-24 Pt. 3

Nightfall finds Amaya in the living room of her apartment. Val is probably asleep. She picks up the huge Max/Constanza wedding invitation and begins to relive the iced coffee baptism she gave Max earlier. Once again they are gazing into one another’s eyes in kissing distance. Eeeerk! The needle is scratched off the record as Constanza enters the coffee shop. [Again, my friends, is this next scene a fantasy or a memory?] Max catches up to Amaya as she leaves the coffee shop. Why are you always nervous when you’re alone with me? They discuss THE KISS. All Max wants to do is to shout it from the rooftops that that KISS was a kiss of love and the sweetest and deepest he’s ever had in his life! She wants to forget it, to erase it. As a matter of fact she says with an air of victory, she didn’t even tell her best friend, Carolina, and she tells her everything! So there! Why? Are you afraid that you will discover that kiss means we love each other even though we can’t be together? You know what, I don’t have time for this and let’s not talk about that kiss you stole from me again. She tries to walk away, he turns her around. Her face is anguished, he wears a gentle smile. We won’t talk about the kiss again but that kiss was and will always be a kiss of love. He leans in slowly, she softens, closes her eyes and prepares to melt. . . .as he kisses her on her nose. His eyes lock on her and now his soft smile has an air of victory as he walks away. Amaya’s lips tremble and her face nearly crumbles into tears of frustration. We’re back in the darkened apartment. Max, why didn’t I tell you I was divorcing? She flings down the invitation and turns out the light.

A new day and Const wants to know everything Nora knows. Nora advises her to sort out her feelings. She knows Const has feelings for Max and Sal but she’s sure Const doesn’t want Max to drop her for Amaya.

Max is also following up on last night’s confrontation. He goes to see Salvador. So what’s up? You think you can win over Constanza by tearing me down? You think that if you disqualify me as her love that makes you qualified. How pathetic! Salvador’s face says Max has a damned good point!

 

11-24 Pt. 4

LUCRECIA RUNS INTO AMAYA
Amaya asks pardon of Lucrecia who looks to be in shock. Lucrecia says don’t worry and continues to stare at Amaya. In a flashback, Lu is at the river bank, Florencia is in the river asking for help, Lu looks down on her in contempt! Cesar, still on the cell phone, snaps her back to the present. I didn’t see you says Lucrecia. Now it’s Amaya’s turn to stare. Do we know each other? Amaya asks. No, no. Lu walks away, stunned.

Lu goes to a cafe to try to compose herself. She is shocked by how much Amaya looks like Florencia and is further confused that Amaya seemed to recognize her. Amaya is also puzzled as to where she could know “this woman.” Her eyes and voice are familiar. Lu calls Cesar to tell him that she saw Amaya, that she ran into her when they were on the cell. It was like seeing the ghost of Florencia from thirty years ago! Lu feels so many memories awakened by seeing her as well the intense hate she felt for Amaya’s mother. Lu does not want Amaya near any of their family! Cesar tells Lu not to worry, he’s gaining Amaya’s confidence and will never know that he is her enemy and she will never know until she’s totally out of our lives.

Lu has hung up from Cesar but continues to think about Amaya and stokes the fire of her hatred by repeating Cesar’s lie that once Mauro was Florencia’s lover and now he is the lover of Florencia’s daughter. We get another flashback. Lu has been chasing Florencia and Amaya in her car and runs them off the road. Florencia’s car plunges into the river! Florencia begs for help and Lu taunts and yells at her about having the nerve to be going with her husband and now asking for help. How long? How long have you been lovers! Florencia denies it continues to plead for help. Back in the now Lu vows that she could have done away with them and she won’t fail this time. She has to make sure Amaya does not remember her! She takes out the keys she had made to Emma’s apartment and remembers the bureau drawer where Emma put the gun. Nobody is going to take what is mine Lu states aloud!

Lu composes herself and heads for Emma’s apartment. Ooops! Emma busts her and Lu, skilled in the deceptive arts, has a check all ready to give her for the dress she bought from Emma the other day. [Remember Emma sells designer European dresses or some such and Lu bought one for Max’s wedding. – thanks, Anita!] Nicely played, Lucrecia.

 

11-24 Pt. 5

Ah, and here is Cesar, Lu’s accomplice, at Amaya and Val’s apartment. They are going to close and get the keys for the new house tomorrow. Val goes off to her room and Cesar tells her that the man who wrote the check for her house is his Papa. I’m not sure what Cesar expected but Amaya only expresses mild surprise and wonders why Cesar presented himself as Cesar Ugarte, dropping the Montesinos altogether. Well, the real estate business is his own business. The Montesinos name is so strong and over-powering, he didn’t want to seem like a “Junior trying to play business man.” He reveals that he knows she is now partners with Max and Mauro. Yes, imagine, smiles Amaya, just like your Father and my Mother 35 years ago! [Now friends, I know Cesar was trying to measure her reaction to him being Mauro’s son. I’m sure she didn’t react as he imagined. Anybody get something out of this scene I’m missing. Please chime in?] They agree to meet tomorrow at three to see the new house!

Ay! What a day. Lu (short for Lucifer or Lucrecia) and Cesar debrief at home in the Montesinos mansion. They discuss whether Amaya recognized her when they ran into each other at the mall. Cesar doesn’t know how that’s possible and Lu’s old flashback kicks in of her, Lu, chasing Florencia’s car. Cesar says Amaya mentioned that Lu’s voice sounded familiar. That’s impossible, we never spoke before yesterday. Maybe she heard my voice once or twice when I called her father and she was with him. Okay, enough of that. They decide they have to do something to keep her away from Mauro! Cesar calls Mauro cynical, that Mauro had the nerve to act offended and deny the affair. Not to worry. Cesar says just give him time, he’ll take care of Amaya , they’ll get her out of the picture!

Lu sits down heavily thinking to herself that she’s got to act now. What if Amaya saw her from the backseat of the car as she chased her and her mom that fateful day! Flashback time to cute Amaya looking out the back window. This will be the end of me if she remembers. I’ve got to act now!!

Amaya and Val are on their way to see the new house! Oh no, they are followed by Lu seeking to fulfill her vow to put an end to the Amaya problem! Amaya and Val enter with great excitement. Cesar lets them in and has bought a cute little Chihuahua for Val! Meanwhile outside Lu jumps out of her car, flattens Amaya’s tire and pours gasoline around Amaya’s car! A trail of gasoline rolls down the street. Lu lights a length of twisted newspaper. Cesar, Amaya, Val and the cute trembling pup exit the house. At that same moment these events unfold: A man walking dogs throws a lit cigarette butt onto the ground; the cute pup runs upon seeing the other dogs; Val runs after the cute pup; Cesar runs after Val as a car rapidly speeds towards her and the pup; the gasoline trail catches ablaze; Amaya’s car explodes throwing Cesar and Val to the ground and our last scene is a be-suited pant leg burning! Burning!

 

Lila - I'm right here with you. Will read your recap tonight, comment tomorrow. Nighty-night.
 

Thanks, Anita! Night Night!
 

I must say I am surprised at how soon Lu has acted. I don't think and certainly hope Val isn't hurt! It looks like Cesar has caught on fire. I don't think he'll die but he may be disfigured and/or temporarily disabled which may make him even more angry. He should absolutely be enraged with Lu. If no one else knows it, I think he will know she caused this catastrophe. He told her HE was in charge of brining Amaya down, that he was gaining her confidence but she freaked out and felt she had to act immediately. My my! What a pace this show has! Can't wait to see what all of y'all think!
 

Lila- Sounds like another good episode. Wonderful recap!

Family is in town, so I wasn't able to watch my recording and likely won't be able to watch at all this week. So I'll be relying on recaps. Thanks in advance to you and Anita.

That LuCRAZYa is a nutcase! Wow. Twice now trying to murder a mother and child.
 

Thanks Vivi, you are right. We should call her LuCrazia! That must've been some deep depression Mauro was in to never have seen signs of his wife's psychosis! Yikes!

Enjoy your family Vivi! Hope to see you in comments!
 

Thank you so much! I'm out of town and hulu only has up to the episode that aired last Thursday! Hurry up and update, hulu!
 

Woo hoo! I just checked Hulu again and it's up!
 

Lila--Thank you for the most excellent recap. I caught this one, too..."He’s the son you never had, or no? A boom sounds. Hmm!?" The look Manuel had on his face makes me wonder.

This story has each character interwoven so tightly that I'm expecting the unexpected.

I'm looking forward to meeting Jose, though, unless he turns out to be a marginal character.

Ay de mi--another BOOM--Franco, Juliana's husband hasn't been feeling well, off his feed and his left arm hurts. Somehow I think this will end more serious than Dolores' kidney stones.

Interesting that just one murder ago, LuCrazy... (VIVI--we had one ver LuCrazy on El Tal. She was into an off-screen romance with the character who was her brother on-screen and we were reading all sorts of incestuous action between the two of them. NOT the case here.) ...anyway, to pick up the thread again, LuCrazy had just finished lecturing Cesar on how she murdered Omar with a cool head and had plotted and planned it carefully. This was when Cesar went off his rocker and nearly killed Max in a bro-fight.

After seeing Max nearly come to blows with Sal last night, added to that earlier tussle with Cesar, I see he has a bit of a temper, no? I don't blame him for getting really pithed at Sal, but in this day and age you learn to blow off steam, you just can't get physical at the drop of a hat.

 

Excuse the typos--more seriously--and--we had one LuCrazy.

To continue--Here it is Lucrecia that lost her cool in her haste to get rid of not only Amaya, but pleased she would get Val as collateral damage.

The only thing that bugs me about these novelas is that they insist on setting these murder attempts in broad daylight--with no one around? The man walking the dogs?

Luce got out her tire iron and whacked the fuel tank until it started to drip on the ground. Then she pours what she had in the can around and still no one sees her? She did leave a trail so she could light it without harming herself and appeared to be waiting until the right moment to light it.

When the guy lighting the cigarette advanced the timing and it caught Cesar running into the street after Val, the look of horror on Luce's face was priceless.

Can't wait until 3 pm today! (Well, it'll have to be later, I have a regular dentist appointment--no big deal.)
 

Hey Anita! Yaaay, I was lonely! Oh. My. Gosh! Things have indeed gotten crazy haven't they! LuCrazy was so freaked out seeing Amaya she couldn't hold her fire! (ha ha ha) ad now she's probably injured her golden child.

Yeah, Max is a little bit of a hothead, isn't he? Kind of a surprise but so normal!

Hey Sara, watch it and come on and join the party!
 

Ok, Anita, thanks for that bit about the gas tank! I thought she flattened the tire! Oh gosh, this gal knows how to cause great bodily harm, doesn't she? And you're right. There should so be someone who saw what she did! Sheesh!
 

Thank you Anita, Lila and commenters, I so love this TN. I could say at this point it may become my number 2. My number 1 so far is AB. Maybe Manual is the father of Geno son Jose. We know they were already together before his wife passed away but if he is the father then they have been together for a long time. Well back cleaning the house. I hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!
 

Hey Bluejean! Thank you and very reasonable speculation about Jose. Maybe that's why the *boom* when Mauro said Max is like the son you never had! Please take breaks from your cleaning and come back and visit with us. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!
 

TUESDAY, NOV. 25

Hola. Anita & Lila,

Yesterday, I was unable to watch,
so I just finished watching that episode now.

1. Re José,before mentioning his name, Gen and Manuel were discussing that they had been WORK companions for many years. Originally,I was thinking that they had been lovers for only a few years before Manuel's wife died.

Do we know how long his wife was ill? It's possible that they had an earlier fling that didn't last and Gen became pregnant with José and didn't tell Manuel. She may have been in a bad relationship at the time, and then later became hot and heavy with Manuel once again. Manuel might be paying for José's education whether he knows the truth or not. This could be another reason why Gen remains with Manuel - hoping that one day, all will be revealed and they can be a family.

It seems that Juliana's husband will bite the dust.

Re - Amaya's reaction to Cesar
being Mauro's son, I was thinking that she was more surprised that he would be Max's brother, the brother of her forbidden love.
Things keep bringing them closer.

Re - Luce going off on her own to
destroy Amaya, it occurred to me that Cesar may have purposely incited her to act on her own. He knows how evil and impetuous his mother is, and it would be easier for him to let her do the dirty business... one less detail for him
and less dangerous.

Just one detail omitted --
After Cesar, Val, & Amaya left the house, she had to return to get her handbag. The dog ran to play with the other dogs, and that's when the fire started, and Cesar ran after Val. One must give credit to Cesar for saving Val.

Will watch today's episode tonight.

Many thanks to all. I enjoy all the detail.
 

I got to see today's episode and I was very relieved to see the little pup safe and sound and being rescued.
 

Hey, Floridia! Thanks so much! Yes, Amaya went back to get her hand bag and re Cesar, I think he really wanted his Mom to let him work out bringing Amaya down. As he told her, he was slowly winning her trust and would do it in his own time. Can't wait for you to watch today and comment on the aftermath of the explosion!

And Sara, yes, that cute little trembling pup was picked up by the guy walking the dogs. I said it was a butt he threw but it was a match. Ouch! So he was the unwitting catalyst to the explosion! I hope he gets the little puppy back to Val! Man! I'd be afraid to move into that house with such a bad omen!

Uuuu, LuCrazya, we're going to enjoy you going down!!
 

The recap for today's episode will be up before I go to bed, promise.

Val obviously didn't know much about little dogs. She put him down to "hacer pipi," without having him on a leash or anything. He may have been running across the street to see the other dogs. (I can't remember which side of the street they were on.) Yes, I saw the dog walker tied his dogs to a tree before he went to pick the Chihuahua up.
 

I tuned in right as they were putting Val in the ambulance. The little actress (Brigitte Bozza?) did a great job. I felt for her and Amaya! As a mother I found it hard to watch. The writers are doing a great job with the parallelism in the past and present.
 

I'm thinking Jose might be a good distraction for Flavia. She needs someone who isn't Ivan.

Anyone know where we've seen Nora before? She looks familiar, but can't check Wikipedia, because, you know, it's wikipedia.

kelly
 

Recap for Tue Nov 25 (first 30 minutes) Part 1

We start with the repeat and aftermath of the explosion, accident and fire. We hear Valeria’s voice crying out from the middle of the street. Amaya asks for someone to call for an ambulance and the fire department. We see someone’s arm is in flames.

Constanza is having lunch with Daddy. They talk about Amaya. Consta doesn’t care if she’s so talented. Consta wants her fired. She doesn’t want her near Max—at all. [She’s certainly a possessive, obsessive little creature. Just when she promised in front of a room full of future in-laws that she was sorry for interfering with Max’s project, she’s at it again.] Manuel tells her that he has no solid reason for dismissing Amaya. Just because Consta doesn’t like her is no reason to dismiss her. They have a professional relationship, that’s all. No, daddy, it’s because that woman interests Max. Daddy says he can’t do it. Constanza insists, Max has an interest in her beyond a professional relationship. Manuel says he contracted her himself; he’s the one that introduced them. No, Consta says, they knew each other beforehand, and if they pretended they didn’t, it was because they are hiding something. Manuel wants to know if she is sure. Yes, Sal came out with it in front of her and Max. Max as much as admitted it. Consta is still pleading her case to her dad to get rid of Amaya. She’s not the only creative mind on the planet, she points out. Besides, Mauro liked her. So, asks Consta, are you going to help me out? No, replies Manuel, and let me make it perfectly clear [apologies to Richard M. Nixon], NO, I’m not going to get rid of her. He will promise to talk to Max and find out why they pretended not to know each other. And from now on, he isn’t going to mix business affairs with the personal. She should remember what happened before when he did. She nearly lost a fiancé. She needs to trust Max. [That’s the last thing this little filly will do, mark my words.] If she can’t, Daddy continues, it’s not too late to cancel the wedding. Trust between partners is one of the most important things in a marriage.

Genoveva is back in a Nescafé uniform. She promises to let Max know about every little thing having to do with his “hermanito.” [I think here he is referring to size, because Cesar is the older brother. Of course, “hermanito” is also a term of endearment, used regardless of age.] Jorge and Max talk about Amaya’s presence bothering Consta. [Has Jorge changed his hair style and sporting a 5 o’clock shadow? It’s not time for a new etapa.] Jorge reminds Max that he will have to be in Amaya’s presence whenever the socios have a meeting. Max wants to be 100% involved.

Jorge wants to know what went on between Max and Sal. He thought they were best friends. Well, they were, but after 5 years, things changed. Sal fell in love with Consta and now he’s capable of playing dirty. Fortunately, says Jorge, Sal will be leaving soon and out of the picture. Yes, says Max, and he hopes that Consta will be able to control her jealousy whenever she and Amaya cross paths. Crossing paths, says Jorge, is inevitable.

The car fire isn’t out. Here comes the ambulance. Luce watches from the safety of her car and her big dark glasses. Val is screaming. Cesar and Val are loaded into ambulances. Amaya goes with Val. The firefighters arrive to put out the fire. Cesar is writhing in pain. He reaches for his phone. It’s Mommy calling, cool as a cucumber; Lucrecia wonders if they are going to be eating together. He tells her he’s on his way to the hospital and the connection sounds weird because he’s in an ambulance. She is shocked—shocked! [NOT] He tells her about a car exploding, getting burned. She wants to know where he is being taken.

Meanwhile, in a different ambulance, Amaya is trying to calm Val, who is hysterical and scared. Amaya has a short flashback to the plane explosion and watching her mother, Florencia, being flung forward by the force of the explosion.



 

Tue Nov 25 - Part 2

NOW Luce begins to reflect on what happened. Why did Cesar show up? There was no reason for him to be there. She won’t be able to forgive herself if anything happens to “mijo.” “Maldita mujer,” cursed woman [meaning Amaya], she has no right to take her son from her just because she took her father (David) from her. This is different.

Flashback: Luce is at the airfield where she is telling David the pilot is already in the plane and David should go climb in, wait for Florencia and knock her out if need be, whatever it takes to carry out their plans. Lucrecia has nothing to worry about, assures David. He and Florencia will disappear from the face of the earth. [Poor guy, he didn’t know how prophetic that statement was.] Luce reminds him that no one knows she is there. David assures her everything will stay between the two of them. He thanks her for helping him flee with Florencia. He picks up his bag, hands Luce the car keys and tells her he won’t be needing the car anymore. Luce heads for the shed to get out several red containers of what must be gasoline. End Flashback.

Luce is thinking to herself she HATES Florencia and everything that came from her, like her daughter and granddaughter.

Sal and Nora are going over his confrontation with Max. He accuses her of taking Max’s side. She says it’s only that Max always believes in being straightforward and truthful. She wants Consta to be happy. Nora comforts Sal the best way she can, by telling Sal he’s lost her. No, he’s not down for the count. With his posting in Tuxtla, he’ll be able to investigate and find out what Max and Amaya were doing together in Chiapas.

Cipriano’s bearded friend [It’s not Efraín, but don’t know this one’s name.] is wondering what came over him when talking to the new patron about going to the cantina. Mr. Toady tries to puff up and show how important he is and how much confidence the patron has in him, so of course he’s going to do whatever he can to please him. The nearby coffee growers catch up with Cip and tell him they’ve agreed to sell him their coffee instead of the other processor, but at 10% more. Cip says he’ll have to talk it over with Uli and will get back to them the next day. The growers warn him that if he doesn’t come through tomorrow, they’ll find another buyer. BF (bearded friend) wonders why the patron wants to buy so much coffee at a higher price. Cip says it’s not for them to question the patron’s decisions.

Just then Uli comes around the corner with Efraín. Uli wants another space air conditioned to use as a bodega (store room or warehouse) for the coffee. Efer says they don’t need it. For that much room, he would need to process as much coffee as El Paraíso. Uli says that is his intention, to buy up as much coffee as possible. Efer wants to know who they plan to sell that much to? Uli says, that’s to be known later.

While they are making fresh lemonade, Hortensia and Mariana are having a chat—about guess who, Iván. Hortie says she thinks it was unfortunate she blew Iván off, he’s such a good guy. Mariana wonders why Hortie didn’t take him for herself. Oooh, that’s a good one. She would have, had he set his eyes on her, but he chose Mariana. Hortie brings up the froufrou (frilly, girly) Flavia Montesinos, who might be able to turn his head, so she recommends giving Iván a chance.

Iván meanwhile takes pictures of Zona Estrella and calls Max to tell him the planting is finished and sends him the pictures. That pleases Max. Jorge will be returning soon. He reminds Iván that he is to come to his wedding and of course, his dad, too.

The accident victims are brought into emergency. It’s nice that at the Hospital Continental, the emergency rooms are private and quite spacious.
 

Tue Nov 25 - Part 3

Of course they won’t let Amaya in and she paces outside. She tries to call Whoracio, but of course he’s otherwise engaged in shady dealings with Aaron. In fact, they are getting ready to do the first fraudulent shipment of coffee. Horacio is just a bit nervous about this. He wants to be sure everything is going to go smoothly. Aaron grins, of course. And, as Horacio goes off to turn over the falsified documents, Aaron snaps a few memories on his cell phone camera.

Amaya is pithed that Whoracio is never available when there is an emergency. She tells him about the accident and that Valeria is ok. [Boy, if he got apoplectic over Val spending the night with Caro, he will surely burst a blood vessel over this incident—if only.] Amaya is finally given permission to go in to be with Valeria. She goes through the emergency room doors as Lucrecia shows up demanding to see Cece.

The doctor has finished fixing up Cece. He says he was pretty lucky. Cece’s none too happy the doc wants him to stay the night. He persuades him to let him go home with medications. The doc doesn’t recommend it, but if Cece signs a waiver of responsibility, he can do what he likes.

Lucrecia is seen looking for his room. She finds him. She makes a little verbal boo-boo mentioning a street where the car exploded. How did she know it was in a street? He told her, or the paramedics did, what does it matter? Cesar smells a rat—a pretty stinky one—he suspects his mother because it was Amaya’s car, in front of the house she had just bought through him. True to form, the guilty always answer with another question, like, “How could you think that of me.” She would never put him at risk. She adores him. Cece hopes she’s telling the truth. Doc comes in to release him.

He tells Luce he doesn’t want a nurse or Eloisa nor any strangers in his rooms at home. He does need clothes. Luce makes another verbal boo-boo. She’ll call home and have the chauffeur bring him some. Oh? He isn’t with you? Without hesitation, Lucrecia, the mistress of smooth saves, says without missing a beat, of course he did, I’ll send him home for some and he’ll come back.

Manuel has asked Max to come see him right away. He surmises, correctly, that Consta has already told him about the incident with Amaya and Salvador (Yummy, but maybe not so much right now) Romero. Manuel gets right to the point. Why did Max keep from him the information that he and Amaya already knew each other. Max, wily Max, says, without saying he actually knew her, that he was surprised to see that she worked here, so he said nothing. He was afraid a conflict of interest might be raised and he didn’t want her to lose her job. Manuel thinks he did wrong by keeping him in the dark because sooner or later all things come to light. Yes, says Max, “You are right, we all keep some things concealed which we shouldn’t.” [He says this not knowing he hit a sore spot regarding Manuel and Genoveva’s relationship.] Manuel doesn’t want it to happen again. Manuel wants Consta to feel secure. They say goodbye; Manny has an appointment.

Max forgot to give him back the keys to the office they were using (now that he has gone back to Nescafé with his dad). After he turns them in, he peeks in to see if he can spot Amaya (her office is on the same floor as the one they were using). He doesn’t see her, but overhears Caro talking to Amaya about the accident. When he walks in he learns Cesar was with Amaya. Immediately he wants to know what Cesar was doing with Amaya. Caro says he sold her a house. Exasperated Max says, he sells coffee, not houses [SBIS: Cesar vende café no vende casas.] She knows Cesar is his brother. He’s confused as to how they got to know each other. Caro gives him the skinny on the check from Mauro, the name, etc. He tells Caro he’ll go with her to the hospital—his brother is there, too.
 

Tue Nov 25 (Remainder of the episode)- Part 4

Amaya runs into the doctor who attended Val. She’s going to be ok. Lady doc wants her to stay the night. Amaya agrees. She has another mini-flashback, watching the explosion and asking Florencia about her papi. Florencia is telling her that her papi won’t be coming with them. But, Amaya, says, there is his car.

Amaya takes time to come find Cesar to thank him for what he did. Fortunately, Luce had just left. She’s still a bit shook up because it brought back a memory of her father dying in an explosion. Cece wants to know how much she remembers. Not much. It’s kind of blocked. She gives him a hug. [It seems he liked it, but I may be wrong, at least I hope I'm wrong.]

When she gets back to Val, Val is worried about her little dog. She wants to go look for it right away.

Dolores is washing out a big pot. She’s pithed that Uli hired her under false pretenses—or maybe it was Cip's doings. She thought Uli wanted her for her cooking skills, but apparently he doesn’t care what she prepares as long as she stays in the kitchen. She’s going to demand more pay for the more work she has now. She doesn’t understand why the patron wanted her and Mariana to come work. She was better off with Amparo. Cip doesn’t want her to do anything that might upset the patron. Dolores doesn’t care. She’s really steamed now. If things aren’t better in a month, she’s leaving. Cip is now steamed, “Are you threatening me?” “No, I’m putting you on notice.” She’ll tell Mr. Ulises that she’s only there to ensure Cip got the position he was being offered and not because she’s there willingly. So either get things straightened out or don’t complain if you are left without a job.

Mariana is on her way home from work at El Paraiso. Ulises comes along an offers her a ride. This time she accepts, grudgingly. Guess who sees the whole get-in-the-car-thing, Iván. He’s not too pleased.

Uli figures out she works at El Paraíso. She doesn’t deny it, although she says her father doesn’t know and doesn’t care. Uli is puzzled, why would he not care? She's his daughter. He was expecting a boy instead of her and he thinks women are worthless. Mariana gives Uli and Viewerville a little Women’s Lib PSA about women being as worthy as men, not a subclass relegated to inferior status. Uli listens and gives the right answer—women are worth much more than men. [I wish I could believe in his sincerity.] She wishes he would talk to her father, then, so he would stop treating them like merchandise.

Geno and Mauro are having a chat over her firing by Cesar and getting rehired. She knows he had to pull a few strings to get through HR and she’s grateful. He wants to know if she knows for sure Cesar cancelled the airline tickets. She can’t be absolutely sure, but she is certain he had the confirmation number in his possession.

Consta calls Max to arrange a dinner date. She leaves him a sweet little message, but after she hangs up, she thinks the worst. She hopes he’s not with “her.”

Jorge and Juliana are having a chat over the unforeseen but happy circumstance that finds the two of them, friends from Italy, working together here in Mexico. Their conversation is interrupted by a phone call from Alan, desperation sounding in his voice. His father is at that moment being taken to the hospital, something about his heart. Juliana asks to speak to the nanny. She can’t tell her much more, but she'll stay with Alan and are on their way to the hospital. She will keep Juli posted. Juli says they will catch the next plane home. Jorge, tries to calm her. Of course, he’ll go with her. She's grateful. Mauro comes in. He can see she's in a panic. He tells her they’ll all go in his plane. She should go home and pack. The folks get home. Juliana is still a bit flustered. Lucio wants to go with them, but Mauro explains what has happened. Flavia has packed a suitcase for Juli. Eloisa has gotten Mauro's and Max's passports in order. They are just waiting for Max.
 

Tue Nov 25 - Part 5

Max and Caro reach the hospital. They are at reception, Caro asking about Valeria and Max about Cesar. Luce appears. Max is surprised to see Luce there, but Luce is even more surprised to see Max. They explain to each other how they found out about Cesar. Luce lying about phoning Cece to find out about having a meal together and Max being truthful that Carolina works in the same office as Amaya, who was with Cesar at the time of the accident. He introduces Caro to Luce. Carolina, with the good manners her mother most likely taught her, extends her hand; Luce, with ever so snobby rudeness, does not. Caro wonders if she’s heard anything about Amaya or Valeria. Luce says why would she, she doesn’t even know those people.

Caro finds Amaya in the hallway and they hug and Amaya cries at the thought of how close she came to losing Valeria. She was really rattled at how the explosion reminded her of the one her father died in.

Caro tells her Cesar is going home. Amaya wants to know how she knows that. Well, she begins ….as Max comes through the emergency room doors. Max stops to ask Amaya about Valeria just as Lucrecia emerges. Max introduces them. Luce knows exactly who she’s looking at but Amaya is stunned. [Remember, this is the woman she literally ran into at the mall yesterday.]
 

Anita, thank you, thank you so much! This recap is exquisite! Seriously!

Everything is moving along so nicely! The pace is perfect and these marvelous actors make this sooo believable. I know, I know, I love this novela!

The events unfolding after the explosion are just as one would expect from all the key players. Yes, LuCrazya is a smooth operator, isn't she? So glad Val isn't seriously hurt and yes, the young actress nailed the fear, panic and pain! One reaction stood out as unexpected, Anita, and you picked up on it, too:

When Amaya thanked Cesar and hugged and kissed him as she left his hospital room.

[It seems he liked it, but I may be wrong, at least I hope I'm wrong.]

I got the exact same impression and I had a lightening quick thought: Could Max's possessive "what is Cesar doing with Amaya?" be foreshadowing? Not that I want this to happen but what if Amaya pierces Cesar's shriveled little heart and . . .no, no!

I don't know, the fire was unexpected as was Val's running in front of the car and his risking his life to save her. Cesar is so used to manipulating people and orchestrating events for his own selfish ends (as mommy has taught him) that occasions for spontaneous acts of self-sacrifice and the kind of sincere affection Amaya offered him are rare or even absent all together. We saw him in one intimate encounter with a woman, it was predictably cold, edgy and heartless. Cesar planned to win Amaya's confidence. With him saving Val he certainly has done that but is it possible he could soften towards Amaya against his will?

Well. Enough of that. The situation at the finca is interesting as well. Ulises didn't mean a word of that about women being more valuable than men. The way he treated Delores is clear evidence. He's an idiot that doesn't realize how close Delores and Mariana are. He just unwittingly put Delores on alert that he's no good! He won't be getting his paws on Mariana, not only because she doesn't like him but just in case he was able to make inroads into Mariana's affections, Delores will warn her off. Plus, Delores can see that Ivan is a fine fellow and the one worthy of her daughter's affections.

Poor Franco. Was it you, Anita, who said yesterday they feared he's a goner. Pobrecito! NOT A SPOILER. . So this is why Jorge and Juliana are hitting it off so well: Franco's not going to make it to Mexico!

And finally Sal is still yummy to me. I'll be patient and watch him win over Constanza but it won't be easy because she does mostly see him as a friend and keeping Max has now become a "defeat Amaya" thing . . .good luck Sal!

Once again, thank you Anita. Absolutely enjoyable recap which I know will be treasured by those unable to watch the show this week!
 

Anita- Thanks for staying up so late to get us such a wonderful recap. I'm so happy to read that Val and the puppy are fine. I hope Cesar's mental wheels keep spinning and he realizes his mother was behind the explosion.

As for Cesar developing feelings for Amaya, this could be a good thing, as it could mean he will be at odds with his mother and try to protect Amaya and Val.
 

Thank you Anita and everyone who is recapping and keeping up to date. Univision really issued the boat not putting this one in prime time.
 

That should be keeping us up to date. I especially appreciate the willingness to explain things from past episodes since I started watching late.
 

Anita,

Thank you immensely for staying up so late at this busy time of the year.

Those past two episodes were fast paced and certainly jammed packed with action and possibilities.

I was thinking that this episode could usher in a gradual turning point for Cesar. Ultimately, there may be simply one grande villainess, and he might be fully accepted by the family in the very long run.

I am looking forward to the interaction of Alan and Valeria.

Huge day coming up for me and for all of you, I am sure. I might be able to comment again after all my company are fast asleep.

Thank you again, Anita and Lila, and commenters for all of your support for this Novela Surprise.



 

P.S.

I looked up Nora


Vanessa Restrepo is an actress, known for Quiero amarte (2013), La mujer del Vendaval (2012) and Amores verdaderos (2012).


 

Floridia--
Thanks for looking up Vanessa. I watched AV and have no recollection of her. Her on-screen character was Ambar Luke. Was she one of Nicole's vapid friends? Or maybe the model that was poisoned?

She's doing an excellent job as Nora, a true friend, good counsel and quite attractive.

Lila and I get a break tomorrow, due to Thanksgiving programming on Uni. But she will be here tonight and I'll return on Friday to give you the overview of the action.

It's up to commenters to give us the insight into the characters motivations, so please keep watching and commenting. It is indeed a Novela Surprise.

Sara--Lila and I are the only ones reporting on the goings on in this novela right now.

Come next week, we would love to have at least one person do one episode a week. Do we have any volunteers? Even if you don't recap every week, it would certainly relieve us.

Floridia--Don't hold your breath for any Val-Alan interaction. We thought there would be some Roman-Clara interaction on Reina, but it never happened.
 

Lila--I did say I thought Franco wouldn't make it. There's just too much interaction between Jorge and Juliana going on. It won't be too hard for him to step in to comfort her and have it lead to love.

If that happens, I will feel very sorry for Carolina. Her expectations for a happy relationship zoomed into the stratosphere after their dinner date (which we didn't see, but got some feedback as they each talked to their best buds--Amaya and Max).

Carolina isn't exactly desperate, but she sure spends a lot of time thinking about NOT having another serious relationship after her breakup with Ismael. That tells me she does want a meaningful relationship with someone and Jorge is just the ticket.

Jorge is in a dilemma, too. Juliana is Max sister, he's known her for several years in Italy. Caro is a complete unknown and Amaya's best friend, who is Max's secret fantasy. Either way, he will end up being an important part of Max's life--and I like that much.

So, we have to wait on the back bench to see what comes next.

Did I say I love this novela?
 

Anita! I can't believe I forgot about Caro and Jorge! Jorge is such un buen tipo that I was mentally paring him with them both! Oh dear! I don't want a Caro/Jore/Juliana triangle -- I like them all too much! Yes, we must wait and see!
 

The opening credits seem to be channeling a triangle between the three, and I had wondered about Juli's husband (having come into this late). Now I see how he can be taken out of the equation. Unlike the other triangles brewing, this one is tough because all three people are quite great and quite great together-- Jorge/Caro, Jorge/Juli.
 

Indeed, Vivi, and therin lies great dynamics. No distorted cartoonish character here!
 

Quiero Amarte Wednesday, November 26, 2014 Pt. 1

We get right back to the scene in the hospital where Amaya and Lu have come face to face. Amaya is surprised, having just found out that Max and Cesar are brothers and the woman she accidently bumped into in the mall is their mother. Amaya expresses gratitude for what Cesar has done for her and Valeria. Carolina asks how the car exploded, carefully noting Lu’s aloof and cold manner, including Lu’s dragging Max away as he offers Amaya his ongoing support. Carolina asks again what happened. Amaya tearfully describes the events and her fear that she was going to lose her daughter in a fire as she lost her father. Carolina embraces her as she cries.

At the Montesinos mansion Eloisa, Flavia and Lucio see Mauro, Juliana and Jorge off to the airport.

Max and Lu discuss the harrowing events of earlier in the day. Lu says somewhat sarcastically that Cesar was trying to play the hero, saving that girl. Well, at times like that one doesn’t think, one acts out of instinct, Max says. He is glad that Cesar had it in him to help Valeria. Well, you’re saying that because everything worked out. It could have been a tragedy! Cesar was so close to the car when it exploded, I thought he was going to burn to death! Wait a minute! You were there? No, your brother told me, it’s a mother’s instinct. I can just imagine it!

Manuel is meeting with a private detective I believe that Mauro asked him to hire in Mauro’s search for Florencia. Something strikes the detective as strange. Manuel asks what it is. The detective answers that you (he and Mauro?) didn’t know that Amaya was alive. It was relatively easy to find a file on her which described what happened. Some campesinos found a little girl stuck in a tree. The current had carried her some 15 km from the accident. The authorities were notified and there had been a report of an accident in Comitán, a city near Chiapas and Amaya was taken there. Delores Morales and Mauro Montesinos were both notified!

Back at the hospital waiting room Lu wants to know how Max knows this woman that he treats her with such familiarity. Uh, eh, she works in Nescafe and is doing the publicity for my new product. I met her in Chiapas. Max turns the questions back on Lu. Don’t you know her parents? Her father (David) was the administrator at Paraiso and was good friends with Papa. I thought you would even recognize her because it’s said she’s identical to her mother. Lu lies like a dog, claiming to only maybe have seen David’s wife one or two times. Plus, it was so long ago, who can remember? Oh! Lu needs to get some air, hospitals cause her such anguish! She leaves.

Max gets up to go the nurse’s station and the familiar guitar riff of the theme song signals that Amaya has returned. They look at each other as she passes by with Caro. Max thinks to himself how he would love to take her in his arms and be by her side at this time.

We return to Manuel and the detective. Manuel asks if he’s sure about what he’s saying. Absolutely! Delores, being able to demonstrate that she was the legal guardian, picked the child up. What about Mauro Montesinos because he never knew where she was? Someone either at his home or office was absolutely notified. The detective has the report that Mauro was notified but never appeared to look for the child.

 

Wed., 11-26 Pt. 2

Outside the hospital Lu wonders to herself if this is a coincidence that Amaya is now in the lives of Mauro, Max and Cesar or is she after something. Why couldn’t you have died in flames like your father?

Flashback of Florencia taking a suitcase to the plane Mauro sent for her and Lu pouring a trail of gasoline from the plane just short of the shed where Lu is hiding out. Lu lights the trail and in a scene we have become familiar with, Florencia is thrown forward to the ground as the plane explodes! Lu is shocked that Florencia escaped but recovers quickly. Florencia gets in her car and drives away, crying. I can’t leave you alive, you have to die! Lu jumps in her car and takes off after her.

Abel, the chauffeur interrupts this diabolical daydream to give her Cesar’s clothes and take the keys to her car so he can drive it home.

At the emergency room desk Caro tells Amaya she tried to prevent Max from coming but she couldn’t because his brother was involved. Amaya would have preferred not to have seen him. You should’ve seen his face when he thought something had happened to you and Vale. Amaya, I think, tells about her surprise at meeting his mother. You know, Amaya says, I don’t know what it is but there is something strangely disquieting to me about Max’s mother.

Well. We’ll have to wait for that. Ulises has dropped Mariana off at her house. He informs her she is to start Saturday teaching the children. Mariana is unsure; she doesn’t like to do things halfway. Ulises knows that teaching is her passion, her dream is to become a teacher and he is pleased she will fulfill this passion with him. [I don’t know if I read this into his words but I pick up a not-subtle double entendre.]

Caro and Amaya continue talking. Caro says that she doesn’t like Max’s mother either, that despite being attractive and having “personality”, she has a bad vibe. Yes, says Amaya, I don’t know if it’s her vibe, the expression in her eyes or her voice. . . Her voice? Interrupts Caro! Yes, since she met her yesterday Amaya can’t quite figure it out but it’s familiar.

Mariana is thinking about her friend singing the praises of Ivan. Ivan is thinking about her. . .why would she accept a ride with that imbecile, Ulises and not accept his love? His dad tries to tease him about it but Ivan would prefer to be alone. Hmmmm, Hector’s face has the exact opposite expression of Ivan’s!

Max comes in to see Cesar who is none too pleased. Lu enters the hospital room. Mo-om! I thought I told you not to tell anybody! She didn’t tell me, I found out through Caro, a friend of Amaya. Besides, I didn’t know you knew her. Yes, I sold her a house. Oh, you sell houses? Well, Max you’re not the only one with a life and with other interests. Cesar is frowning; Max remains pleasant during this interchange. Lu tries to run Max off, she will help Cesar get dressed! [Really?!] Cesar’s arm hurts when he tries to sit up, Max asks him to please let him help.



 

11-26 Pt. 3

In the waiting room Caro commiserates with Amaya that Whoracio should be there supporting her. Lu and Max, pushing Cesar in a wheelchair approach Amaya and Caro. Amaya gets up, gives Cesar a cheek kiss, asks how he is and thanks him again for all he has done. Cesar asks how Val is doing. Cesar is sorry it all turned out this way, if he had not gotten Val the dog, none of this would’ve happened. Max is looking from one to the other during this convo, a look of quiet surprise on his face. She places her hand on Cesar’s shoulder thanking him again and the cymbals sound when he grasps that hand and lays his face on it briefly. Lucrecia is not trying to conceal a deep eye roll and Max looks frankly stunned. I am in debt to you for what you did for Vale. We’ll be in contact Cesar says. Max asks Amaya to give his best to Vale. Now Cesar is surprised. You know Vale? Yeah. I’m her football coach. You? whines Lucrecia. Yes, meeee? Goes Max, his eyes a little bugged like, and? Cesar seems not to be able to take his eyes off Amaya. Adios Amaya, we’ll be in contact. The three Montesinos leave.

Max, Mauro and Juliana have been waiting for Max in the plane on the runway. He has not answered his cell, they must go. Jorge calls Constanza to see if she has heard from him. No, she hasn’t talked to him either.

Overprotective Lu, fending off Max’s efforts to help, and Cesar leave in the chauffeur-driven car.

At the university Constanza is talking to Nora, going a little off the deep end: Max had better return for the wedding, no matter what happens she is not going to suspend it or postpone it! Nora looks like she has Excedrin Headache #9.

Max buys toys at a little street vendor’s kiosk.

In the back of the family limo Lu and Cesar try to puzzle out Max’s connection to Amaya. His being the head of the publicity campaign for Max’s new product and Vale’s football coach means Max and Mauro will continue seeing her, Lu concludes. Ah, says Cesar, this is why she is a partner with them over those lands, now I understand. And this is why he supported Max’s project: he’s keeping his favorite son and his lover happy. Lu tries to shush Cesar. What are you jealous of her Cesar teases? No, we shouldn’t discuss this here.

Poor Nora, what a tiring friendship! Nora tries to get at what fantasy is behind Constanza’s griping. Do you think he’s with that woman Nora asks? No, I’m just worried because he hasn’t answered his cell.

Salvador is corresponding with the Director of his new university position. He begins to wonder to himself the name of the cabins where Max and Amaya stayed. He googles it.

Amaya and Caro get Vale settled in her hospital bed. Max appears with gifts and mylar balloons for Vale. He kisses Vale and Amaya’s cheeks. Coach! She calls out! Oh, you shouldn’t have bothered Amaya says. It’s not bother, I’m her coach! She tells the sad story of the puppy that Cesar bought her that is now lost. [Hmmm, would it be too obvious for a certain somebody to show up with another perrito? Vale could end up with two!]

 

Lu and Cesar arrive home. What happened Eloisa exclaims? Lu dismisses her expressions of concern and informs her she will be in charge of Cesar’s medicines and taking care of him. What a day goes Eloisa! She tells of Juliana’s husband’s suspected heart attack and the emergent departure of Juliana, Mauro and Jorge for Italy. Neither Lu nor Cesar can believe it. He went to Italy just for that? Couldn’t she go by herself? Flavia explains that Juliana was very upset. Cesar blows off his sisters concern about his accident and goes upstairs accompanied by mommy of course.

Max prepares to leave the hospital and walks out with Amaya. She thanks him for the gifts he brought Vale. He makes a verbal opening for her to share the pain of the day. Amaya begins to do just that, telling Max that every time she thinks about what could’ve happened. . .she begins to tear up and Max comes close, wipes away a tear. . .AHEM!! It’s Whoracio. . .uh, what’s up with this he asks, motioning towards Max. What is he doing here asks?

Mauro prays for Franco on the plane. Franco has so much to live for! He prays Franco will recover quickly as he did from the heart attack he had when he first met Amaya and thought she was Florencia. Ay Florencia, what a love story! Flashback time!

A young, svelte Mauro and little Juliana meet Florencia for the first time. She is introduced by David, at this time Mauro and David are partners and still best friends. Mauro and Florencia’s eyes lock when they are introduced. Later David, Mauro and Florencia walk the lands of La Zona Estrella trying to convince her to sell to them. She doesn’t want to sell. Mauro proposes she lease the lands and join in a partnership with them. They haggle and settle on a 35 year lease agreement and partnership. Later Florencia and Mauro walk alone together and she tells him about her coffee shop and gives him one of her chocolate-covered coffee beans to try. Cutting to the chase, he finds out she is unmarried, her parents are deceased and she has no siblings. He has a daughter, almost 6, whom he adores! She offers to spend time with his daughter sometimes if it would help. Mauro likes the idea. Juliana needs a loving maternal touch in her life. He takes her up on her offer, taking Juliana to the coffee shop.

Still in the throes of the good ol’ days we see Florencia, Mauro and Juliana together after having legally formalized their relationship as business partners. He’s going to grow the absolute finest coffee in the region in la Zona Estrella!
They go off to celebrate their partnership and friendship. [Anita, was Flo partners with both of them or just Mauro?]

The next day as David and Mauro share a meal he answers David’s question in the affirmative that he is in love with Florencia. Mauro doesn’t notice David’s unsmiling and stricken face as he asks if Florencia knows of his intentions. I think so, Mauro beams! Well, starts David, I fell in love with Florencia when I first met her and was going to declare my feelings when you got here. Mauro asks if the feeling is mutual. David doesn’t know, he was going to find out that very day. Mauro intended to do the same. They do the gentlemanly thing, agreeing that Florencia will choose and her choice will not affect their friendship. They shake on it, finally smiling.

Mauro declares his love to Florencia as does she to him. Encouraged, he asks her to marry him and she accepts. There follow scenes of love as coffee and other seeds are planted. We see where Lucio gets his artistic talent as Mauro sketches a lovely likeness of Florencia.

 

11-26 pt. 5

Mauro, Florencia and David share a light meal alfresco. David accepts that Florencia has chosen Mauro and congratulates them. David toasts Mauro and Florencia’s love. Uh oh, we hear the strident clack clack of Lucrecia’s heels as she comes to crash the party. It is an obvious set up. She has something important to tell Mauro. Well, it’s personal. No, please, tell me here, Florencia has my total confidence. Well, I came to tell you I’m pregnant, I’m expecting your baby. Florencia’s smile fades as she lets go of Mauro’s hand.

Still in the muted tones of the past Mauro tells Lucrecia he doesn’t love her, though when he was with her he was able to forget his sadness over the loss of his first wife. She tries to freak out: she is in love with him! He tells her not to worry; he will take care of her and the baby. If she can’t have his love, she doesn’t want his money and threatens to go far away and never let the baby know who its father is. Of course, this works and in the next scene Mauro and Florencia tearfully say good bye. They love each other so much! Florencia says they must stay away from each other for ever. If they do not she will not be able to restrain herself from shouting to the four winds of the earth that she loves him and will always love him even though he’s a married man! They share a passionate kiss and Florencia runs away. Sometime later Mauro goes to Florencia’s coffee shop to tell her he’s leaving today, he and Lucrecia will marry to give his child a name but he doesn’t love her. More tears over their impossible love. The only thing that will survive of their love is their partnership and the café Estrella. She begs him not to return, not to make it more difficult for her. They embrace and sob.

In one last flashback scene the unhappy marriage is a fact. Mauro is in his office talking to David over a ham radio. David passive-aggressively taunts Mauro about his marriage. Mauro asks about Florencia, she is fine, David has paid her the month’s rent. Oh, by the way she has agreed to marry me! This hits young Mauro right in the solar plexus. He tells Mauro he lost his chance with her and to stay away from them!

Finally, back to the present, Mauro looks out the window of his private jet and thinks that maybe if Florencia had not married David, she would have accepted that he divorce Lucrecia so they could be together. Well, this is how our story was written, not in the way we would have liked.

Fin. Till Friday!


Happy Thanksgiving One and All! Enjoy and be Safe!

 

Hey y'all! Not the most exciting episode but hey, everybody deserves a break! Turkey Day is tomorrow whatever your tradition and we've been given quite a ride thus far.

Lucrecia has raised one sick puppy in Cesar! In a way I think he's taken with Amaya but the well-spring of his emotions is so polluted I don't think it's possible for him to love at all! Lu's fussing over him is nauseating!

Guess we have to wait to see what happens in the Max vs. Whore face off. Will the divorce be revealed even if inadvertently? I hope so.

I like that Max is human: he feels jealous over Amaya, he's got a bit of a hot temper, he feels competitive about winning Amaya and is not above buying a kid a few trinkets to gain points with her and Mom. I'm not saying he doesn't feel a real affection for Vale but c'mon, we know what that was about! Love ya Max!

I hope some of y'all can break away from cleanin', cookin' and eatin' to come 'round and discuss this fine show. See y'all later!
 

Lila-- Great recap. So much of Mauro's flashback had already been told in pieces. It was nice to have it spliced together. Thank you for making it whole. I wonder if this will be the end of the young Mauro, Flo and David flashbacks.

Your question about David being in partnership with Mauro. I don't think so. Mauro owned all of El Paraiso, through Elena, Juliana's mother (the Carmona family).

He and David were probably very good friends, but David was the Administrator of the hacienda, so he would have been an employee, or maybe staff at the management level and trusted by Mauro implicitly.

We haven't been told anything about David's backstory or how he came to work at El Paraiso, but it probably doesn't matter much right now.

There is a minor correction, but it goes to show the extent of Lucrecia's need to prevaricate.

When she goes out to get some air at the hospital, she meets Abel with the roll-bag containing a change of clothes for Cesar. She asks if he drove. He answers no, just as she asked. [I didn't catch if he took a bus or a taxi.] Anywhoo, she hands him the keys and tells him to bring the car around and motions to where it was parked.

She does all this merely to keep Cesar from knowing she WAS driving her own car that day and to let him continue to think she was being driven by the chauffeur.

I got the biggest kick out of Luce's and Max's words to each other while he was trying to help get Cesar into the car. What was obvious to me, and a little sad, is how obvious it is to anyone watching, that Luce favors Cesar and finds Max a nuisance.

I'm surprised Max is as normal a guy as he is. The contempt his mother displays probably started when he was an infant or toddler.

The two boys were together without any other siblings for a good number of years. Flavia and Lucio are maybe 20 or 21 and Max has to be at least 34 (to match Amaya's age). No wonder the resentment grew over the years between them.
 

Well, I apologize, I forgot Juliana was around, but she was almost seven years older than Cesar when he was born. On top of that, she was in her own hell with Lucrecia.
 

Oh, and I forgot to correct an error I made. I watched it again. Luce didn't use a tire iron to poke a hole in the gas tank. It was a fire poker. A tire iron wouldn't have been sharp enough. She must have brought it with her.

The reason it looked like she had flattened the tire is that she didn't lean over very far. Today's gas tanks are way up under the trunk and I'm going to assume made of fairly strong metal, so it was just illusionary to drive the story forward.
 

Lila,

While my company is now sound asleep, I'll make some quick comments.


Thanks for all the details and your perceptive comments.

Florencia is a little too sugary sweet for me. I prefer Amaya.

My favorite part of this episode was listening to Armando M. singing "Somos Novios." I love him and that song.

Re Jorge - I think he is destined for Carolina.

Hooray for Max for buying the gifts.


Happy Thanksgiving.

Chat later ..................
 

Good Morning Anita and all, thank you! It became VERY clear in this episode how much Lucrecia favors Cesar! Max has turned out as well as he has because of Mauro's love for him and ALL his children. Lu has turned Cesar into the male version of herself so he has a twisted idea of love and does not recognize Mauro's love for him nor Mauro's integrity. For Cesar, it is only love if it is exclusively for him as Lucrecia's "love" is. Neither of them understand that love can be shared and demonstrated to others without being diminished. Did you see how they both had the same reaction to Mauro's going with Juliana to Italy to see about Franco? Their expressions of ridicule and distaste, their mocking questions were both the same!

Re Cesar's not recognizing his father's integrity, notice he still maintains that Amaya is Mauro's lover and has now folded Max into the equation. Absolutely reflective of the dynamics described above. And I do think he is beginning to feel something for Amaya but it almost seemed like he has to get back with mommy to re-blacken and re-twist whatever he experiences. The actors are nailing this. They kind of talk to each other but each is really talking to themselves growling over the latest injustice and plotting their next move.

And yes, Cesar and Max had lots of time together and Lu had lots of time to shower Cesar with favoritism and lots of time to twist his whole world view. Mauro's love is stronger than Lu's hate though because even though he spent many years sunk in depression, the other kids have benefited from his love, are themselves resilient and have formed a strong alliance between them. Remember how they all were together supporting each other after the Max/Cesar fight? They know what's up.

Well, time for breakfast!
 

Ah, ok Anita about the gas tank. Lu knows just what she needs to do her devilishment doesn't she? Oh, she's gonna pay y muy cara! How much havoc will she wreak before then cause I'm thinking when they make mothers bad, they make 'em really, really bad!

Oh yes, Juliana was there. She and Max were able to escape later. Did you note Cesar's tone when he made a remark about Max's having gone to Italy, that he, too, had a life and projects? Cesar may be made in Lucrecia's image but I bet he also resents Max and the others for their very freedom from Lucrecia!
 

Thank you Floridia!

Florencia is a little too sugary sweet for me. I prefer Amaya.

Yes! That's it! I was trying to figure out what besides the hair was off about Florencia, she is too darned sweet!! It's funny but she doesn't seem as sincere or real as Amaya does! Interesting!

I think I want Jorge with Carolina, too. It feels better. If Franco dies it would make more sense that Juliana and her son Alan would need some time to grieve and heal. I hope Jorge is platonically loving and supportive during that process. That would be enough.
 

Thank you Anita and Lila.

Vivi, you seem to know how this blog works. If they (and we hope at least one other) are doing daily recaps anyway, is there any reason not to post the recap the "Univision" way rather than the weekly "Telemundo" way? (not that I understand why there are the two different traditions anyway, to me, the weekly system, especially with multiple novelas, just makes it harder to follow the recaps and much harder to keep track of the comments. I assume that there are factors that favor the weekly headers, but I don't know what the might be)

Anyway, I suspect folks who liked AB, being uni-viewers, would be more likely to read the daily headlines, get drawn into the story, and figure out how to get access to it at a time they can watch. And spreading the word about this show and giving Lila and Anita a larger audience would be good things.
 

Thanks, Anon! More certainly than me, the show and Anita's efforts deserve a wider audience. I think Anita knows as well what's behind the way this is posted.

Anon, I hope you and everyone else in our little alternate reality had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy whatever time off you all have.

Can't wait for today's show. I hope Max learns that Amaya is divorced!
 

Anon at 2:17 AM (!!!)

With respect to your question on how Quiero Amarte is being posted on CarayCaray. I agree that daily postings may interest and draw more people into a novela.

BUT--and here's the big BUT:

This is how it works, at least with Uni novelas, which MORE PEOPLE WATCH. Just before a new evening novela gets started, a call goes out for recappers, a synopsis is posted along with the lead characters. Five or more are needed to cover each nightly episode. They are given "blog privileges" by our Super-Mother-In-Charge, Melinama. Then off we go, posting each evening's episode, which appears on the Front Page and accessed from links on the sidebar. Comments always welcome.

Daytime novelas, ones aimed at the teen-age crowd and one-episode series like Rosa de Guadalupe are rarely recapped by CarayCaray to begin with. A few good ones ARE missed this way.

Occasionally, but more often than we like lately, an evening Uni program falls in the ratings and is shifted to a daytime hour, usually early afternoon. In the old days, it meant death to the whole community of recappers, commenters and watchers. DVR's and other recording devices have somewhat changed the scene, but Uni is quick to stick a new novela in at the vacated hour. Many recappers stay with the "hour" and not the novela.

Two novelas I watched in recent times suffered from this affront, El Talisman (it came a close second to FELS for being the worst tn ever, but we had a ball dissing it) and Un Refugio Para el Amor (quality acting, good story, but really, really sad).

We lost most of the original evening recappers for these two, but Madelaine, our resolute and tireless recapper, held down the fort through these "troubled times" and the two novelas gradually picked up some additional recappers. (That's where yours truly began her recapping career.)

Refugio was originally advertised as an evening novela. It started with 2-hour episodes, which was really tough on recappers. Before or around this time, I believe, there were only 3 on per night (from 7, 8, & 9). Soon enough Uni expanded to 4, adding a 10pm novela.

This meant that at least 20 recappers were needed, no easy bill to fill. Some dedicated recappers did a night on two different novelas, or did two nights a week. It's a tough world out there.

Now to Telemundo. I'm not sure who decided on the weekly postings, but it was many years ago, before I started watching. Again, fewer viewers in the Caray community watching Telemundo meant fewer recappers and thus, the discussion pages were set up.

Finally, to Quiero Amarte. If you notice the copyright date, this tn was completed in 2013. It has been available for some time. It was always intended to be an evening program, based on the producer, stellar cast and script writer. We even got advance information in 2013 that it was coming to Uni SOON. It never showed up in the evening line-up. We kept waiting and waiting. Finally Uni advertised it for daytime.

Since Caray doesn't usually recap daytime novelas, it was assumed it would slip on by. Corazon Salvaje was nice enough to post the first few weeks of a weekly post. Lila and I got hooked on the ... well, you know, on everything about this tn.

It's a pace we certainly won't be able to keep up for very much longer. So, I think she would agree, we're in a quandary as to what to do next.

If we find more recappers, we can always change the format to nightly or, like Reina de Corazones, two front pages per week, or stop the recapping all together and go to discussion (comments, that is).

Ok, that's enough pontificating for one day, after being stuffed with food the day before and NOT shopping today. (See Urban's interesting Weekend Posting.)

See you all later.
Anita (whose current daytime life revolves around the Montesinos and all things QA)

 

Thank you Anita. Ah, the world of telenovelas! Uni messed up not putting this in evening: it is waaaaay better than La Gata. Oh well, such is life. I'll hang in as long as I can. I certainly intend to watch, have DVR and hulu+. There is so little on tv that interests me and I can only watch so much HGTV, Food Network and Cooking Channel. Eventually everything morphs into a competition style "reality" show, a format I hate. La Gata may be bad but I'd rather watch that and brush up on my Spanish than partake of some of the stuff that passes for entertainment on tv these days. So if I'm watching QA, whatever time it comes on, I enjoy watching and discussing it with other like-minded folk in this fun virtual world!
 

Note: I may have been wrong about the original evening hours. It may have been 8, 9, 10. It seems to me I recall Rosa de Guadalupe on around 7, but then the Cristina show or some other talk show at 10. So one or the other gradually gave way to 4 hours per night.
 

Recap for Fri Nov 28 - Part 1

NOTE: The last 10 minutes of QA on my Uni was interrupted by news of Chisprito’s passing. Fortunately there are other sources to draw on. Also, there was a lot of business and HR stuff I didn’t quite get, but I warned folks back on week 1 or 2 this might happen. Please fill in or correct where I derailed.

As Max gets ready to leave Val’s hospital room, he properly kisses Carola’s cheek and Amaya’s, but she walks out with him. They find themselves together in the hallway. She’s still visibly upset about the accident and what might have happened if she’d lost Valeria. Max wants to calm her down and steps close to her and puts one hand on her cheek—a very intimate gesture, especially when she leans her cheek into the palm of his hand—just as Whoracio walks through the double doors of the hospital. [Of course we knew he would make a most inopportune entrance.] He puts on his macho swagger and wants to know what’s going on here. Amaya asks Horacio not to be rude [grosero has many definitions, but Amaya is a very proper lady and wouldn’t think of having it translated as anything worse than just plain rude.] Amaya says he’s Val’s soccer coach. Yeah, he knows that much already, but what is he doing here? Did she invite him? Max answers right away that he found out by chance what had happened and came to find out how Val & Amaya were doing. So? Whoracio wants to know why he would do such an imprudent thing when this is a family matter. The edge of his voice is disdainful; both Max and Amaya pick up on that, so Max is very careful on how he speaks and conducts himself and quickly takes his leave after asking Amaya to send his greetings to Val and hopes she gets better soon.

Amaya chides Whoracio about his behavior and should have been thanking Max for coming, bringing Val gifts when he, Whoracio, wasn’t there. The Whora tries to blow her off by saying she didn’t contact him or he’d have been there. Amaya says she tried calling him numerous times, but he never bothered answering his cell phone. [Gottcha, you big liar.] Furthermore, she left thousands of messages. Well he only got one from a few minutes ago. Amaya says she’d been leaving messages ever since they got to the hospital. [Gottcha again, liar.] Mr. Gottcha throws up his hands and says he’s going to see “mija.”

Our gorgeous Max gets in his car, looking smashing in his light bright blue sweater and Ray-Ban aviator-style sunglasses. [--the $250 genuine Ray-Ban, of course, not ones from Sunglass-R-Us knock-offs--] He picks up the message on his cell from Jorge that Franco has had a problem and to get in touch with either him or his dad. He can’t reach either of them, so he calls Constanza. She scolds him mildly that he didn’t answer his phone or he would have known (about Franco). Max says he left his phone in the car and he’d been at the hospital with his mother because César had been injured when Amaya’s car exploded when César was with Amaya and her daughter. Max, carefully avoids mentioning that Val also got hurt and how much time he’s spent with Val and Amaya at the hospital, but Consta is still annoyed.
 

Fri Nov 28 - Part 2

We finally see Whora interacting with Val. At first he seems genuinely concerned with her injuries then starts quizzing her about the dog and this “house” Amaya is supposed to be buying, who is the guy loaning her the money or is the house a gift. Amaya interrupts the interrogation to explain how it is she can buy a “house.” Needless to say, Whora only believes what he wants to believe, that her lover is buying her the house since he knows very well these “lands” her mother left her is a fabrication. Val supports her mother—Mamá doesn’t lie. Even Carolina steps in and Whora in effect tells her to shut up. [If this guy had been wearing a bandana wrapped around his hand and a checkered shirt, I would have sworn he just stepped off the set of Abismo-hehe.] Amaya prefers to continue this conversation outside of Val’s hearing. Caro reassures Val, that though they are arguing again, it’s because they were worried about her and they both love her in their own way.

The gist of the conversation between Whoracio and Amaya is that he will believe her, for now, but if he finds out she is lying, she can forget about custody of Valeria. Amaya, for once isn’t intimidated. She *has* no lover. The sooner they get visitation schedules settled the better and she’d like to go see a judge right away.

Once at the Montesinos Mansion with Lucio and Flavia, Max, now joined by Consta, finds the phone number of the hospital where Franco is. He talks to Alan to let him know his mother, abuelo and Jorge are on their way there. Consta is just sitting there and when she finally has something to say it is all about her. She hopes this incident doesn’t mess up their wedding schedule. Flavia speaks up, no one chooses when to get sick. Consta decides to leave. She asks Max to excuse her attitude earlier, but she really doesn’t like how “esa mujer” seems to be everywhere at once around them. Max reminds Consta, “esa mujer” is named Amaya. Consta just hopes this business with Franco doesn’t mean they have to cancel the wedding. Max, half believing what he is saying, hopes it won’t either, but one never knows… Consta tells him she’s dying to become his Mrs. in just a week.

In César’s room, Eloisa is ministering to César while Lucrecia runs her mouth. Elo gives Cece an injection of something and he cries like a 5-year old. Elo thinks they should notify Mauro, but Cece won’t hear of it, neither will Luce. Luce can’t stop thinking about “that mujer.” She didn’t behave like a lover. She recalls Max telling them he met her in Chiapas just when Mauro went there to find him after Max’s return from Italy. César reminds Luce how Amaya showed up in the intensive care ward where only family is allowed. It had to be because she is Mauro’s lover. Is it possible Max knows already? Luce says, could be, the two of them are always in agreement over everything. Luce has no doubt whatsoever that Florencia and Mauro were lovers, but she thinks it’s more probable Mauro sees Amaya as a daughter. Cece isn’t about to let go of his theory, though. He tells her about the explosion Amaya witnesses as a child (as if Luce didn’t know about it). She feigns surprise. We get a short flashback of Luce watching Flo calling Mauro from a roadside phone and deciding Flo wasn’t going to live long.

Carolina leaves Val’s hospital room. Whoracio jumps up and decides it’s time for him to leave, too. Val asks about her little dog. Whora dismisses it as a lost cause, not worth his time or effort. It’s probably dead. Val is upset, but Amaya comforts her and tells her they will make every effort to find the little fellow.

Max arrives home and he and Lucio make a date to go eat street food, namely tacos. Once they are out of earshot of Viewerville, they plot and conspire a surprise.
 

Fri Nov 28 - Part 3

The scene changes to the cantina in Comitán where Ulises is playing cards with Cipriano and his buds. [At least I think that is where it is, since a few episodes ago, Iván went to Comitán to get that prescription for Mauro and Mariana lived very near where she met up with Iván, Flavia and Ulises.] Cip is surprised when Uli tells him Mariana is working at El Paraíso and he wants Cip to have her resign. He doesn’t want her passing on intel to the competition. He wants her working at El Deseo full time. He reproaches Cip for not knowing anything about his daughter’s life. Cip tries to toady out of it by blaming Mariana for being such a hard-head. Uli doesn’t care. He just wants her out of there—sin peros (no buts — not no dogs).

Mariana and Dolores are at home discussing Dolores’ job at El Deseo. She’s not happy there. The patron doesn’t treat her any better than Cip does. She hesitates to leave in case he should lose his job. Mariana points out he may lose it anyway, the way he spends his evenings at the cantina and comes home drunk every night. Dolores thinks the conditions Uli put down for hiring them is very strange. Mariana agrees. She notes even though he’s been amicable with her, she doesn’t like him much. She advises her mother to do what suits her best.

At El Paraíso, over dinner, Chelo is telling Hector how she’s heard about the growers deciding to sell their harvest to El Deseo for a higher price. Hector is not happy with that news. The cafetaleros are abrogating agreements that have been in place for a long time. Iván suspected all along Ulises couldn’t be trusted. Hector and Iván decide to make a visit to Uli and get the information straight from the dueño. That includes talking to Cipriano as well, who, it turns out is now Uli’s right hand man (and, as Hortensia pipes up, father of the girl Iván is in love with). Hector says they can’t mix business with the personal.

Mauro, Jorge and Juliana have arrived at the hospital in Venice, Italy and Juli is asking about her husband. Antonella, her neighbor, friend and Alan’s sometime babysitter, tells her he is having angioplasty. When they finally see the doctor, he tells Juliana Franco will need quadruple or even quintuple by-pass surgery for blocked arteries. It’s just as risky to not do the operation as is the possibility of his surviving the operation. She wants to be the one to tell Franco. She has to wait a while longer to see him. The nurse finally comes out and lets her go in to see Franco. Jorge and Mauro encourage her.

Next day at Hospital Continental in Mexico, we see what at first we believe is another dream sequence with Max stopping by the hospital in a bright, sun-shiny yellow sweater, to check on Amaya and they find each other in the hallway. This time with no Whoracio interruption, they engage in very small talk and end up looking at each other. Neither of them moves toward each other. Then suddenly, Amaya just gets to Max, puts her arms around him, head on his chest and holds onto him. He embraces her—but it’s not just friendly concern, rather two lovers who are relieved to be in each other’s arms. Amaya thanks him over and over, then backs away touching Max lightly on the chest and escapes back into Val’s room. Max leans his forehead against the wall, hands, over his head. [Could this have been real?]
 

Fri Nov 28 - Part 4

Then at the Nescafé offices, Whoracio is seen talking to Emma. He watches as Max comes in to work. Max is wearing the same yellow sweater as he was wearing when he and Amaya were embracing in the hospital just a little while ago. [So, it wasn’t someone’s fantasy.] Whoracio stammers to Emma about what that “muñequito” is doing there. [Uh-huh, you got that right, you sleaze-bag, Max is a little doll. Ay Papi.] Emma tells him to lower his voice, yes, it is Maximiliano Montesinos. Whoracio has that “Oh, Sh*t” look on his face.

Max finally reaches Mauro and fills him in on everything that happened since yesterday. Meanwhile, Mauro can’t tell him anything about Franco’s situation. As he hangs up, Whoracio asks to come in. He does a bit of scraping and groveling over his treatment of Max the day before. He had no idea his daughter’s coach was THE Maximiliano Montesinos associated with this great enterprise. Ah, muses Max, so it is my name and position that makes a difference in how you treat me? Well, no, of course not. He hopes Max understands he was very upset and disturbed over his daughter’s accident yesterday and hopes Max will accept his apology. Max asks if he is also going to offer an apology for running him down in Chiapas and not stopping? Max thinks he has Whoracio by the short and curlies, but he doesn’t really know who he is up against. Whoracio denies, denies, denies he was ever in Chiapas, ever ran him down, Max must be mistaken, he would never be involved in a hit and run and not stop to see if the person was ok. Max is just as sure it was Whoracio, but then he remembers Amaya telling him Whora was never in Chiapas. Max can’t break Whoracio’s story.

Max has another question. Why didn’t Amaya tell him Whoracio worked at Nescafé. Whor doesn’t know, it being a small detail. Did she know or not, Max asks. Whor says of course she would know, he’s her husband. They just don’t mix business with the personal. Oh, and before he leaves, Max wants to know how Vale is. For once Whoracio answers truthfully. He doesn’t know. He came in early to work on some reports and didn’t have time to call the hospital. He’s sure everything is alright or his wife would have called him. [We have all noticed he doesn’t call Amaya his ex-esposa and Amaya has yet to tell Max the divorce has been granted. Shame on both of them.] Oh, and one more thing, remembers Whoracio, was Max aware he is the head of exports for Central America? Max doesn’t respond as to acknowledging the information one way or another.

Cipriano arrives home, pithed, dithed and probably tipthy. But he’s in control of his anger enough to light into Mariana for not telling him the bodega she was working in was at El Paraíso. Why should she, he wouldn’t have cared anyway. Yes, he would have since El Paraíso is the competitor of El Deseo. He wants her to quit today so she can transfer to El Deseo. As if, Mariana retorts. She accepted one day a week at El Deseo only to help Cip keep his job. Besides, she has a very good reason not to leave. She wants to be able to keep an eye on Amaya’s lands. That’s the first he’s heard of that. Dolores told him those lands were sold before Florencia died. Well, that *is* what she was told, but apparently there was an error in the information and the lands do belong to Amaya. [Oooh boy, Cip is seeing $$ signs in his future.] He’s furious at Dolores for withholding that information. So, Cip ends up pithed, dithed, but probably no longer tipthy.
 

Fri Nov 28 - Part 5

Back to Max at the office. He’s asked Geno to get him the HR skinny on when Horacio Espinoza started work at Nescafé and what car was issued to him. He wants the information kept between the two of them. He also asks Geno to send Emma in.

Before that happens, Lover Boy Espinoza is in Emma’s office sounding off. He tells her how he acted up when he saw Max and Amaya at the hospital the day before because he didn’t like the way they were standing close together. How was he to know the guy was Val’s soccer trainer, nah, couldn’t be a trainer, just some rich kid. Emma doesn’t think that incident will cost him his job, Max is a pretty decent guy. Well, he just didn’t like him sniffing around his wife. Ex-wife, Emma reminds him. Besides, why would Max be interested in Amaya anyway, he’s getting married in a few days. Well, juarever, Whoracio muses, Amaya is probably “poca cosa,” a nothing, an insignificant woman for a rich guy like Max. He admits to Emma that he ran Max down in Chiapas, but denied it to his face. He hopes Max believed him, or else he probably signed his own termination papers. She cautions him to tread lightly. Max, after all is the son of the owner of the enterprise.

Max calls home. Flavia answers. She and Lucio are in the garden and he’s painting, as usual. Max asks to speak to him. Does Lucio still want to do what they talked about before? Yes he does. Lucio gets excited. Max tells him to let Eloisa know, but no one else. Lucio runs off to the house. [I’m dying to know what these two have cooked up that we can’t know about.]

Amaya is still at the hospital. She’s had quick service from her insurance agent. He tells her someone punctured her gas tank and something lit it on fire. It’s a good thing they weren’t inside, or they would have been incinerated in the explosion. Amaya shudders to think of it. Insurance Man hands her the papers to sign and he’ll stop by later to pick them up. The policy will cover the whole hospital bill and the car, which they consider totaled. Amaya returns to Val’s hospital room. She tells Val how lucky they were and the insurance is going to cover everything.

Geno brings Max the folder on Espinoza. Max sees the cars were different (so it wasn’t a company car that ran him down). He also notes that Sr. Espinoza has two entry dates. He asks Geno why. She answers that he was supposed to start on a Monday, but instead, presented himself a few days earlier. Hmmm, Max is cogitating, his having started a few days earlier, when he and Amaya were still in Chiapas, doesn’t mean he *wasn’t* in Chiapas at the same time. He’s sure he was the one that ran him down without stopping. Geno tells Max Emma is waiting outside.

Max wants to know from Emma who referred Sr. Espinoza for employment at Nescafé. Was it César? Actually, answers Emma, it was she. He started work in a different department but Cece liked him and elevated him to the current position as his right hand-man. Do you know if Cece knows Horacio’s family? His wife or daughter? She can check it out for him. No, it’s not important.

Whoracio reports back to Emma, wondering why Max would ask if César knew Horacio’s family. Emma has no idea. Does Max know he was divorced, because he referred to Amaya as his “esposa,” wife. Emma doubt it.

Juliana gets in to see Franco and they have a chance to talk. Juli tells him about the open-heart surgery he faces. They continue to talk about the risks and the seriousness and the chances of survival. He wants them to go to Mexico for Max’s wedding as planned. No, she’s not going to leave his side. Their conversation sounds like a final goodbye. She gets in bed beside him to tell him how much she loves him and he her. If he doesn’t make it, he wants her to take Alan to Mexico, restart her life and be near her family. Tearfully, she won’t admit this is goodbye, but she promises.
 

Fri Nov 28 - Part 6

In a happier hospital room, Lucio bursts in to greet and hug Valeria. Amaya is a bit stunned when Max follows him in. Max introduces Lucio to Amaya. Lucio tells Vale they tried to find her little dog, but they couldn’t find him. Max is sure the man with the other dogs took him home. They’ve left information so he can contact Max. Lucio shows Vale a picture of another little dog. Vale likes it. Max tells Vale when Lucio realized how sad she was over losing her first doggie, Lucio wanted to give her another one, so she’d have one until her first doggie was found. He left it in the car, since they don’t let dogs in hospitals. Vale wants to go get it right away. Amaya says she can’t, but Sorpresa Lucio has the little fellow under his jacket and out he pops. It a surprise to Max, too. They are all laughing, talking, smiling, looking at each other and the dog. Vale is going to name him Taco. Vale tells Lucio she likes him a lot. Lucio says he doesn’t have many friends, especially ones who can play soccer. Vale will definitely be his friend.

The spell is broken when Max pulls Amaya aside and asks why she never told him Horacio worked for Nescafé or that he was César’s right-hand man. [Poor Amaya. She didn’t know, because Whoracio never told her.]

 

Post Script--And of course, Whoracio didn't know the Nescafe empresarios-Amaya connection, either. He never met Mauro, who was busy recovering from a heart attack, and had never seen Max in connection with Nescafe until this morning. He only knows Cesar Montesinos.

I'm sure that before very long, Max will get Amaya will confess she's divorced and she and Whoracio don't get along at all and she may be fighting for custody of Valeria.

Unless, that is, he is otherwise occupied with the Franco matter and his own wedding.

I wonder what Salvador is doing tonight.
 

Excellent recap, Anita! Thanks so much for the last 10 minutes. I wish we had gotten the chance to see Lucio and the puppy with Vale. Sounds like an adorable scene.

The guests have gone, and I just binge watched the week's episodes. It was hilarious how at the hospital Amaya, Max, Lucrazy, and Cesar all were surpised and incredulous to find out how they all knew each other.

I'm so ready for Max and Amaya to speak to each other knowing the whole truth about each other.

I don't speak Itlian, but was very impressed with the ease in which the actors spoke it. I just realized that the preemption also meant I missed the scene with Juli and her husband.

Do you all think they made Florencia a redhead after hiring the actress who would play her granddaughter, or that they hired a redhead as the granddaughter because Florencia was a redhead? I thought it was a nice way to connect the two.
 

Vivi--
I love episode bingeing (or however you spell it), because I can't get enough of just one episode. The problem with QA is that, being on call for recapping means I have to keep current with all the episodes. Of course, I can also go back and watch some of them twice.

About the Italian. I understood it perfectly without the subtitles. The reason? They're not Italian. I've heard interviews with my favorite Peruvian tenor, Juan Diego Florez speaking Italian. Now he and his wife now live permanently in Pesaro (when he's not appearing all over the world), so they have learned Italian. When he's being interviewed by an Italian, I can understand Juan Diego perfectly, but not the Italian interviewer. I figured it out--he's speaking Italian with a Spanish accent. His diction is clearer and he speaks a little more slowly.

When there is an interview with an Italian singer or conductor, I miss most of it, unless there are subtitles. That's my take.

I wouldn't have called Florencia a redhead. She's on the blonde side of copper. I do wish she wouldn't always have her head covered. Shawls may have been popular then and she's supposed to be a simple country girl, but NO ONE ELSE is wearing them. She can't be that much of an ingénue if she owns a lodging house and runs the café and makes chocolate covered coffee beans and all kinds of ice cream.
 

Anita, thank you so much! Been a busy Turkey Day weekend and I just finished the episode! Seems you saw more of the episode than I did before the bulletin broke in.

I guess I never questioned that the scene with Max in the sunny yellow shirt was real. Very sweet, wasn't it.

I missed the scene with Lucio, Max and the puppy. I keep checking hulu+, it should have been uploaded by now -- darn!

That brown-noser Cipriano. I want to see his face the next time he see Amaya. I know he'll probably have his hat in his hand and trying to act like he's her beloved Godfather who helped raise her. Useless piece of . . .I hope Mariana quits the one day she agreed to with Ulises. Although Delores wouldn't want to accept it, it sounds like Amaya has enough money that at least Delores and Mariana wouldn't suffer if Cip lost his job at El Deseo.

Will keep checking hulu. Would love to see that scene in the hospital room.

Anita. Didn't our Max look scrumpdeeli-icious!!

Thanks again!
 

Flo's locks aren't as red as Vale's deep red, but for sure on the spectrum of redheads.

Anita- I too found that I'd could understand the Italian without reading the captions, and figured it was because the actors were speaking it slowly and clearly, since they weren't natives. I was just impressed by how little the hesitated or seemed unsure about what they were saying.
 

Hi, Vivi. Me 3 re the Italian -- it was quite pleasing. I like this small Italian element!
 

Lila, once you get to see the puppy in the hospital room, you will love it. The loving interaction between Lucio and Max is touching and I'm sure Amaya is getting an eyeful of how tender and kind he is, both with Lucio and with Vale.

I have to admit Miss B. Bozzo is a fine little actress and this is one of the settings that show her talents off well.
 

Awwww, that does sound lovely! Even without having endured Whor for so many years Max's whole vibe has got to be so refreshing, inviting, nurturing, sexy. . .that's why she seemed pulled to him like a magnet in that scene earlier and why she instinctively and tenderly touched his heart before she left. Siiiiigh! What a guy!
 

Lila--From interviews I seen with CdlF, you've described what he's like in real life, too. He's very touchy-feely. (I think it's something about South American men where there has been an Italian influence on the culture.) I've noticed him as Max with Juliana and definitely with Lucio and would like to with Amaya!

He was definitely touchy-feely as Andres/Daniel in Amor Bravio with his lead, Silvia Navarro. Ufff!
 

Thanks Anita, I have got to get my hands on that! I KNOW it was hulu and it was taken down. Darn it! This is my first time seeing him and his warm presence just shines out of my tv or computer screen. This is how I like a galan to be. This is well worth my time!

:D
 

Lila--
What shall we do about next week (Dec 1-5) and the week after (Dec 7-12)?

I can recap Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The following week, I can only do it on Tue and Thu.

Can you help on the other days? Or, should we leave it as a discussion between ourselves with enough information to keep others in-the-know?

....Where *is* everybody, anyway? Must not be back from Thanksgiving trips to Granma's house.

 

I'm here!

I loved the scene in the hospital with the yellow sweater. Loved the hug and how Amaya couldn't quite keep her hands off Max. Who can blame her?! Yes, CdlF is very touchy feely and affectionate in real life, and has a freckled face daughter similar to the age of Vale, whom he dotes on, so it's no surprise he's that way with the child actors and his co-stars: http://www.miami.com/sites/migration.miami.com/files/images/Christian-de-la-Fuente-y-su-hija-Laura.jpg

I was just thinking that in each of Carlos Moreno's tns, he's managed to at some point pull in an element from his last tn. In CME, he had Arturo Peniche revise his role as the priest from ENDA and he told the main couple the love story of the main couple in ENDA. In AB, the hacienda had special wine for celebrations from the vineyard of the main couple in CME, and the story of their love was told as the wine was opened to celebrate the engagement main AB couple. So, how in the heck with QA pull in the story of Camila and Daniel from AB and their fighting bull ranch?

And here's a scene that highlight's CdlF's sexy/romantic/affectionate nature in AB, after he asks the heroine to marry him: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaakAh5dMw8
 

And Camila had as fertile an imagination about Daniel as Amaya has about Max, maybe even more so: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVIvSO34b-M

 

Anita and Lila,

Thank you both for all that you do.
I had family staying with me for 3 nights, so I didn't even watch the news. One of my sons had a birthday yesterday, so we had an extra celebration. One of my sons took part in a Race for the Pies on Thankgiving. In spite of the fact that he is an experienced runner and is 6 ft. 5, someone barreled into him at the outset of
the race while he was being careful not to get into the space
of two young girls in front of him.
He was pushed down, and everyone else just kept on running. He started to run again, but his calf muscle gave out on one leg. He went to the fire rescue nearby with 2 bloody hands and they bandaged him up. Fortunately, he did not break a wrist. It was at his house where we all had dinner.
He rested before and after dinner, and the next two days, he went swimming to help with the healing.
He claims he is going to be running again soon. Mothers must deal with these challenges.

Anita, I loved this episode which I watched late last night. I also missed the last ten minutes; thank you so much for filling in
that info. I am learning about Mexican culture. I knew nothing about Chespirito, and I am now extremely impresssed with his accomplishmenets. The news of his death certainly warranted the interruption of a telenovela.

The dream scene with Amaya in the hospital corridor transitioned into a real life scene which seemed like a dream.

It was beautifully done as Anita described so touchingly. I was hoping against hope that it was not another dream, but immediately after that scene, we see Max in the sunny yellow sweater going back to the office which for me confirmed the telenovela reality of the poignant incident.

Max appeared surprised, delighted, and bewildered by Amaya's loving
caress. It was in a way similar to the scene on the bed in Chiapas.
Both times, she suddenly leaned into him overcome by emotion. She couldn't help herself. She wanted him to know how she was feeling toward him. He wanted to respond more forcefully, but didn't know how to proceed in light of previous signals given by Amaya. After she left, and he went over to the wall, he almost seemed to be crying out in despair,
"Help me, I love this woman desperately. I don't understand what's happening here??

I intend to watch again and hope that the later scenes may be replayed. The chemistry between these two actors is lovely, and we are kept on the edge of our seats wanting more.

Another aspect I like is that the directors keep Amaya conservatively dressed. There has been no tantalizing cleavage used to woo the galan as in so many other novelas. He loves her for her inner and outer beauty which is not dominated by the bulging breast factor.

Thank you, Anita for all the details, and Lila for all that you have contributed all along.

I realize that this is a tremendous amount of work. If it comes down to it, could you simply limit yourself to a couple of paragraphs or to a 10-point outline? We don't need to know everything that occurred.

Thank you once again, Anita & Lila
 

Vivi, thank you for the links. I go to my hometown every Sunday to help care for my elderly Mother, so I'm here now and will watch the clip from AB when I get home. Nice little treat!

Floridia, thank you for your kind words! I don't know about Anita, but I have tried to summarize and end up writing a six part recap! I love this show so I WILL watch and I enjoy helping others enjoy it. I think it's a good idea, though, to try to be a little briefer. Lord knows I've been out of school a long time but I welcome the challenge to brush up on some old skills from English comp as well as, of course, tune my Spanish!

Floridia, I love your description of the sunny yellow sweater encounter! You are exactly right. I could feel Max's frustration. I think his star goalkeeper is going to let the divorce cat out of the bag! Can't wait. Also agree and appreciate Amaya's modesty! That's a great observation and a dynamic that makes me appreciate their love story even more!

Anita, I can take Wed and Fri Dec. 3 & 5; and then Mon, We, Fri. Dec. 8, 10 & 12. This shouldn't be a burden especially if I do the summary thing. Ok. See y'all a little later!
 

I'm still here!! I still have to see Friday's episode. I've just been very busy.
 

Hi to all Lucky Viewers of QA,

A couple of more comments on the love scenes - we are treated to a TWOFOR -- because we get the marvelous kissing flashback scene immediately followed by the real time sunny yellow sweater scene.

Before those scenes, Amaya was sadly relecting on how much Whor had changed. (She probably was more innocent back then and didn't realize what he was really like. She took him at his worthless words.)

Notice at the beginning of the embrace with Max, she leans only the top part of her body toward him -- no closeness at the lower region at first - slowly the gap closes. Afterwards, she starts to brush off the encounter and return to normal small talk and says, "Ya te dije," but Max interrupts her to reassure her that he is just coming to see Valeria i.e. don't worry or whatever. He keeps looking to her for signals, and is totally confused.

Before she leaves, she can barely take her eyes off him -- sending off strong loving vibrations.

A really beautiful scene.

Thanks again Anita and Lila for making this even more enjoyable.
 

Oh Floridia! That's beautiful! I'm at work now but can't wait til I get home to watch that again! Oh I just LOVE love scenes, especially subtle ones like this where the actors are so skilled and create a lovely little visual and emotional vignette that really helps you understand them and care about them!

Please keep sharing these observations in comments Floridia, they are so descriptive and poetic!

Lila
 

Wonderful reflections on how Max and Amaya are growing closer while not being able to follow through.

Week 11 will be posted soon, so we'll see you all there.
 

Thanks for your latest comments, Lila & Anita.

I'll see you over on the next post.