Caray, Caray!

Memories are in italics...

On a yacht in the middle of the ocean, playboy and professional party animal, Mauricio Lopez-Garza (Sebastian Rulli), pops open a bottle of champagne with a sword and romances women by giving them a gold necklace with an “M” on it (not for marriage, oh no, he doesn’t do that) but so his conquests always remember his name. This is only his weekends though…

During the weekdays, he holds board meetings at Logatoys to propose new toys. His latest proposal is a replica of the very same yacht he was partying on all weekend. However, Fabian Carvajal (Mark Tacher), the general manager of Logatoys and Mauricio’s best friend, notes the obvious problem (that Mauricio can’t seem to comprehend): the model for said toy would cost the company a lot of money and, therefore, it would cost a lot to mass produce said toy. If this is the case, Logatoys would have to charge consumers a lot of money for it but most of their consumers don’t have said amount of money or a pool to play with the yacht. Mauricio, however, thinks the children could play with the giant yacht in the bathtub and be done with it. He asks the Logatoys lawyer, Jorge Turrubiates (Sergio Mur), to gather all the permits so they can reconvene in a couple of weeks. Jorge asks for a more concrete date, but Mauricio directs any further questions to Fabian. Once alone, Fabian tries to tell Mauricio that things at Logatoys aren’t on the up and up, but Mauricio is sure the upcoming “Child Day” will boast sales and they have nothing to worry about.

Across the city, in a college classroom, Renee Sanchez Moreno (Maite Perroni), is presenting her semester project, which aims at minimizing the time women spend on household chores, so they can pursue other interests. All her male classmates laugh, because they expect their wives to be housewives all their lives, except one man, who comes in halfway through the presentation and stands in the back to observe, quietly. After Renee has finished her presentation, her teacher, Wilma Hernandez (Sandra Beltran), asks the class if they have any questions. The man in the back stands up and bombards Renee with several scenarios and questions but Renee stops him cold and asks him if he has any serious questions. Wilma gets between them and introduces the man as Alejandro Villasenor (Pablo Cruz Guerrero), an engineer in mechatronics who recently was hired at a prestigious company and is looking for new talent. Wilma chides Alejandro for interrupting her star pupil, Renee, so he smiles and extends his hand in apology, which Renee shakes but doesn’t smile back.

Sometime later, Renee arrives home to her periwinkle blue home and tells her mother, Catalina Moreno (Leticia Perdigon), that they should have enough money for the time being, but they need to make it last longer than before as they still have plenty of debts. Catalina is more interested in talking about Alejandro though Renee thinks he’s annoying. Catalina is happy Renee met a man, any man, as she hopes she gets to see her married and with grandchildren soon. Renee doesn’t think it’s so easy, especially being a mother, but Catalina reminds her that she was a single mother and she did great; she thinks Renee would be an even better mother since she went to college. Renee smiles and thanks her for everything she did for her but being a mother is not in her future plans. Catalina is sad that Renee wouldn’t want a family, but Renee thinks that she would need to be really in love, with a man who respects her career, to want to get married and have a family. She then gives Catalina a kiss on the cheek leaves.

Months later, during a Logatoys board meeting, Tono Barrientos (Raul Araiza), the systems engineer, explains that they need a bigger digital presence, or they will lose out to the competition. Fabian agrees and asks Mauricio for his opinion, but Mauricio is snoring loudly. Fabian slams down a folder to wake him up and then empties the board room so he can tell Mauricio the hard, cold truth: sales are at an all time low and one of their most popular toys, the bungee cord, was taken off the market by the Department of Health and Safety. Mauricio thinks they will sell a record number of toys on Christmas and then shows Fabian some semi- nude pictures of his latest conquest. Fabian demands Mauricio focus as the demand for their toys is down 60% and they are barely covering the costs of production. He asks Mauricio for a solution, but Mauricio shrugs his shoulders as he still thinks they will be fine. Fabian nods but demands Mauricio be present at the Christmas dinner tomorrow, to make up for the fact that he wasn’t at the anniversary dinner, and make sure morale is up. Mauricio, however, refuses to share the table with kids and poor people. Fabian, however, strongly suggests he show up and pretend he cares, for once, as they need their employees by their side to survive.

The next day, at the Christmas party, Veronica Valencia (Veronica Jaspeado), finds her husband, Tono, to tell him about the rumors going around Logatoys: the company won’t survive another year. She hopes to as Jorge for more information, soon, as she hoped to be hired full-time, but Tono thinks she’s being ridiculous. Either way, he prefers she stay at home and take care of the children and Veronica nods. She does ask Tono not to mention the Orlando trip anymore lest their children get their hopes up. Tono nods and then they go control their three children: Tania, Ernesto, and Fidel, who almost knock over the Christmas tree like they did last year. Veronica prefers a heavy hand with them but Tono has another tactic: stop rough housing or the Orlando trip is cancelled. At this, the children immediately stop what they are doing but Veronica chides Tono for mentioning the trip after she asked him not to. At that moment, Neuron Machuca (Juan Carlos Barreto), arrives solo and Veronica asks about Renee and Catalina. Neron explains that Catalina didn’t feel well, and Renee decided to study but he came out of habit as he is almost retired and wants to enjoy the few parties he has left. Tono smiles and notes that now he will have plenty of time to spend with his new lady friend. Neron smiles wide, as he thought his secret was well kept, but refuses to disclose any more information no matter how hard Tono and Veronica try.

A few feet away, Mauricio comes into the party, drunk as a skunk, with two women on his arms, much to Fabian’s dismay. Fabian chides him for coming to the party in this way, but Mauricio thinks the “peasants” should be honored that the owner of Logatoys is there with them. He then declares that the music is in poor taste and runs to the radio to change it. He begins to dance but stops short when he sees a woman, Gladys (Barbara Torres, who seems like a party pooper, looking at him. He grabs his two women and runs off into the party as Fabian turns down the music.

Jorge and his wife, Dulce, arrive at the party then with their two oldest children—Valentina, and Samuel (who are both on their phone and super annoyed)—and Dulce comments that if everything goes well with her new client, Isauro Ventura, she will be able to change her old car for a brand new one. Jorge doesn’t think she should take the case though as her new client is a known criminal and narco, but Dulce is unwilling to let him go. She reminds Jorge that, according to his God, everyone deserves a second chance and storms off.

As Fabian tries to stop Mauricio from getting on stage in his condition to make a speech, Mauricio insists that he must make a speech just like his father used to. Just then, he turns on the microphone by accident and everyone hears how he plans to talk about those cheesy things his father used to talk about like peace and family. Everyone stops short as Mauricio sticks his foot further down his mouth by stating that he would hate to be a family man, full of children, waking up to the same woman every day. He then calls all children present ugly before noticing that the microphone has been on the whole time. He cringes and tries to salvage the situation by stating that it was a joke, but everyone is frowning ang shaking their heads. Mauricio continues to talk but he can barely remember his speech and knocks over the Christmas tree, in his drunken stupor, before falling into the ball pit. Fabian can only shake his head at the disaster he will now have to clean up.

Days later, Mauricio goes car shopping with one of his conquests, but he finds that his credit card he gave the representative is declined as are the rest of his cards. He calls Fabian to ask what happened but Fabian repeats what he has been saying from the beginning: Logatoys is in ruins. At the board meeting, sometime later, Mauricio can’t believe Logatoys is one step away from bankruptcy though everyone knows it’s all his fault because he spent his money frivolously and completely. Jorge reminds Mauricio that the money they did have was invested incorrectly but Mauricio doesn’t want to hear excuses, he wants results, ASAP. He dismisses everyone then and demands they find a solution to their problems.

That night, Renee helps Veronica with her groceries and Veronica congratulates her on following her dreams when she didn’t. Veronica then asks if she has a boyfriend and Renee admits that there is a man trying to win her over, which she likes, but can’t decide what she feels for him. Veronica thinks that she must like him, if she’s still considering him, and tells her to give him a chance as it seems he is supportive of her career. Renee asks if Tono wasn’t and Veronica explains that he support her when they were younger but when they were married things changed. Renee wants to know more but Veronica reminds her that times were different thing and that’s that.

Over dinner in his apartment, Mauricio tells Fabian that he is going to find new investor for Logatoys, but Fabian reminds him that he hates kids, so he shouldn’t even be the president and CEO of Logatoys. Mauricio promises to change and be more invested and proposes that they throw a party to get potential investors. Fabian suggests he cut costs, like his expensive car, but Mauricio prefers his plan though, when he tries one of his many toys, it breaks a vase, proving he sucks at what he’s doing.

As Veronica cleans up the house, Tono watches TV in the living room. She asks him to help her get the kids to the bathroom, so they can go to sleep but Tono asks for another 30 minutes. He suggests she go shower with Ernesto and Fidel and he will help Tania later. She chides him for always being too laid back but Tono barely pays attention as a player scores a goal.

Days later, Mauricio takes potential investors through a tour of Logatoys, but he can barely keep up the charade of being close with his employers when he asks Neron about his wife, who has been dead for three years. Mauricio plays it off and declares that everyone at Logatoys is a big family before asking Neron to come with him on the tour. Mauricio then stops in front of the assembly line, where someone is fixing one of the machines, and asks Neron for the name of the employee fixing it. Nero tells him it’s Renee but Mauricio, not knowing this Renee is a woman, slaps her in the butt and asks her to get the assembly line started. Renee turns around, removes her glasses and helmet, and lets her hair tumble freely to her shoulders. Mauricio is surprised that she’s a woman, and can barely remember when he approved unisex uniforms, but asks Renee to please start up the assembly line. Renee declares that this is not her job, so Mauricio tries to do it himself though Renee and Neron stop him as he is going to cause a power outage. Mauricio declares that he knows how to work everything but this piece of machinery and asks Renee to help. Renee obliges, and Mauricio tells his investors that everyone that works at Logatoys is extremely effective and efficient. Renee can barely hold up her fake smile as Mauricio pinches her cheek.

Sometime later, Mauricio arrives at the testing area full of children and can barely contain his annoyance at their loud antics. He powers through and tells his investors that children are the base of their company and the future and present of it. One of the investors asks about his long-term sustainability and Fabian steps in to say they are working on it and only need to air out some details. Mauricio smiles as one child comes over and asks him to take him to the bathroom. Mauricio asks the child for his mother, but the child insists that he needs to go now. One of the investors, noticing Mauricio’s obvious discomfort, states that he doesn’t have much faith in the future of Logatoys. Mauricio, however, declares he is confident in his ability to steer the company successful and gives the child money to go away. The investor is appalled, and Mauricio explains that he meant it as a tip because the child is a perfect Logatoys child. The child declares that he still must go pee and pulls so hard on Mauricio’s sleeve that he spills his water. Mauricio screams that he never wants to see him again and the child runs away as everyone looks at him appalled.

Moments later, all the investors leave the company as they cannot fathom how Mauricio treats children and his own clients. Mauricio tries to salvage the situation, but Fabian asks him to stop embarrassing himself. Mauricio storms off with Fabian in tow as Gladys, having witness the whole spectacle, rolls her eyes from her desk.

In his office, Mauricio tells Fabian that they need to come up with a strategy to get at least one investor. He decides on Fairbanks, the balding man who was appalled by his actions, and asks Fabian to find his weakness they get close to him and get his investment. Fabian doubts this will work, unless they become spies like when they were younger, and leaves to see if there are any investors left. Mauricio, however, thinks being a spy is perfect and then picks up the picture of his mother on his desk. He tells her that, despite all the years that have passed, he still misses her greatly…

Mauricio remembers running around the Logatoys factory with Fabian when they were younger. He remembers being enthralled by all the toys and drawings and playing spies with Fabian. Fabian was always wary but Mauricio was always ready for an adventure. On one of these adventures, they found the same machinery Mauricio tried to start but Renee stopped him from doing. Fabian didn’t want to touch it but Mauricio did and it caused all the lights in the factory to light up and the assembly line to start working. After the initial wonder and amazement, the lights began to flicker and a short circuit caused a fire at the assembly line. Fabian ran away immediately but Mauricio started to watch.

Neither one of his parents realized he was missing until the fire had already started. His mother, Aurora (Eugenia Cauldron) saw the fire and ran to go find him while his father, Bosco (Eugenio Montessoro), who had been distracted with a celebration, saw Fabian and asked him about Mauricio’s whereabouts. Fabian couldn’t say one word and Bosco ran off after Aurora, who had run into the fiery factory to save her son. Bosco could not reach Aurora in time and cried as he realized she had perished in the flames. Mauricio, who had already left the factory, called out to his father, not realizing the tragedy he had just caused.

After the funeral, Bosco tried to console Mauricio, who blamed himself for everything, by telling him it was an accident. Mauricio, however, only wanted to see his mother again and Bosco tried his best to make his son feel better but could not. Instead, he forced Mauricio to go to a prestigious boarding school, to help him heal, but it did anything but...

Mauricio cries at his desk and tells his mother that he still misses her greatly. Just then, Fabian walks in and tells him all the investors left before asking Mauricio why he is crying. Mauricio admits that he was thinking about their parents and is happy to see they are still friends, after everything. He then promises, on the memory of his mother that Logatoys will not perish and leaves with Fabian in tow.

That night, Mauricio and Fabian are waiting for Mr. Fairbanks to see if they can convince him to invest in the company. Fabian suggests they sell the company, as he doubts Mr. Fairbanks will invest, but Mauricio will demonstrate to everyone that he can make the company successful again. Just then, Mr. Fairbanks walks down the stairs with a beautiful woman on his arm and Mauricio and Fabian hide behind the stairwell. They think it’s his date but the woman is actually his daughter, Miranda (Estefania Ahumada), and Fabian chides Mauricio for always thinking the worse. Mauricio has a big smile on his face because he now knows how to save the company.

The one dating a younger woman, despite his age, is Neron. Post coitus, his girlfriend, Flor (Michelle Gonzalez), asks if he can sleep over because his house is closer to her job. Neron accepts and Flor then starts to look for her lipstick. Neron takes out a plastic bag from a drawer in the nightstand and tells her that he grabbed all the things she had left around the house, including the lipstick, and put it in the bag. Flor frowns and tells him not to worry because she will get all her things right now and he will never see them again. As she storms off, he tries to call her back, oblivious to the havoc he just caused.

Over dinner, Catalina tells Renee to give Alejandro an opportunity as he’s a catch and even supports her career. She just doesn’t want Renee to be lonely all her life, especially after she passes. Renee considers this but she prefers to focus on her career.

Sometime later, when they are both dressed, Neron asks Flor what happened. Flor is mad that Neron has not presented her to his neighbors and Neron admits he’s embarrassed because he’s much older than her. Flor tells him that she loves that about him and loves how safe he makes her feel. After a moment, she tells him that she’s been dying to have a child together but Neron shakes his head and tells her that he already had kids with his deceased wife and he’s not about that anymore. Flor wonders what he wants her for then but Neron doesn’t answer.

The next morning, Fabian calls Mauricio to tell him about his master plan and Fabian suggests he hurry because their company is sinking. Just then, Miranda walks in and Mauricio coyly follows her into the elevator and changes the music. She smiles and he strikes up a conversation with her before exiting the elevator. Sometime later, Miranda walks out of her room in running gear and Mauricio tries his hardest to make her smiles, which she does and they go running together, despite the fact that he’s in a suit.

In her classroom, Renee asks Wilma to be her Thesis Advisor. Wilma happily accepts and then leaves as Alejandro walks in. He smiles when he sees Renee and invites her to dinner, which she can’t deny as the semester is over. Renee smiles, accepting.

Sometime later, Mauricio sees Miranda coming into the hotel and lays down on the hotel floor. Miranda walks in and goes over to him to see what is wrong. She tries to wake him up and smiles when he sees her. He gets up, invites her to dinner and Miranda accepts. He leads her to the banquet hall of the hotel and she smiles when she sees the whole room adorned with lit candles, just for her. They sit down and eat.

Veronica finishes getting dressed at home and demands Fidel gets up ASAP, as they have to go. She tells Tono that she will take Tania to ballet and pick up Ernesto from his play date and asks him if Mauricio got an investor or if Jorge said something but Tono suggests she stop being paranoid as everything is fine. He then shows her different packages for Orlando but Veronica is scared that she will lose her job and they will have financial troubles. Tono shrugs this off and Veronica leaves.

Jorge and his children are at mass when Dulce arrives. She stands at the door and Jorge motions for her to come in but she hesitates. He goes outside and chides her for being late but Dulce is tired of only being a wife and mother and wants to have a career as well. Jorge reminds her that he is the breadwinner and takes care of them but Dulce shakes her head and goes inside as the priest declares that a household needs a father and mother, to prop each other up, and care for their children. At this, Jorge nods.

Neron walks around the neighborhood with Catalina and he notes that she looks more pale than usual. She explains that it’s because of the age and asks him not to tell Renee because she worries too much. She does tell him to give Flor another chance as he doesn’t look as happy as he did when she was around. Neron considers this and Catalina reminds him that he is going to retire soon and he doesn’t have to be lonely.

Mauricio tells Miranda that he was born to be monogamous and she loves that and the fact that he makes her laugh. Miranda is wary, as men will do anything to gain the love of a beautiful woman, but Mauricio argues that she makes him want to get married and settle down. Miranda is suspicious, as she thinks he only wants her as a trophy wife, and storms off because she’s tired of being admired and not loved.

Sometime later, Miranda goes to the checkout desk and finds Mauricio waiting for her. She thought they were done but Mauricio explains that he was wants her in his life though Miranda thinks it’s to have kids and that’s it. Mauricio shakes his head as he hates kids and Miranda smiles before leaving. Mauricio cringes but stops when Miranda turns around and declares that she also hates kids. He goes to her and they smile before kissing, deeply. Just then, Mr. Fairbanks arrives, shocked to see them together, and Mauricio tells him the excellent news.

Alejandro arrives at Renee’s house and they sit down to talk. He is happy she accepted his offer to have dinner, after months of trying, and Renee asks if he wants anything to drink. Alejandro shakes his head and declares that he loves spending time with her and looking at himself in her eyes. Renee loves to have him as a friend but Alejandro is taken aback as he thought of her as something more. Renee thinks he’s a great guy and Alejandro smiles before asking her if she wants to be his girlfriend, as he doesn’t want there to be any confusion between them. Renee considers this but is quiet.
Months later, however, she is getting fitted for a wedding gown so it seems she accepted and all is going well. Catalina couldn’t be happier, as her dream for Renee is coming true, though Veronica knows Renee’s heart is not in it. Renee thinks it is just nerves, as Alejandro has supported her career fully and will continue to do so, and Veronica nods. Just then, Wilma calls Renee to tell her she’s on the way to the church and some more good news that makes Renee cheer.

Another wedding is about to commence as well: Mauricio’s wedding to Miranda Fairbanks though he didn’t have the courtesy to invite any employee from Logatoys and it is taking place at the same time as Renee’s. Mauricio could care less as he has achieved his ultimate goal: a beautiful woman for a wife and an investor for the company though Mr. Fairbanks wants grandchildren, much to Mauricio’s chagrin, soon. Fabian then goes over to congratulate Mauricio, who confesses that he actually loves Miranda, for saving the company but doesn’t believe a word out of his mouth.

At the same time, Catalina walks Renee into the church but they run into Alejandro, who couldn’t wait to see her. Catalina walks ahead as Renee shares her good news: she got accepted at the University of Maryland’s Masters Program. Alejandro is shocked by the news as she never shared her plans with him and Renee wonders why as she always told him she wanted to study. Alejandro supported her because he thought her bachelor’s degree would be enough to help her move on but, as his wife, she would be dedicated to him, completely. Renee is completely confused but Alejandro reiterates that he wants a wife, not a roommate who is always studying. He then smiles wide and kisses her forehead before going back to the altar. Renee is still bewildered.

Moments later, Renee walks inside the church and looks around before focusing on Alejandro. He smiles wide but she slightly frowns as she looks at him, wondering if this is the man she wants for a husband.

At Mauricio’s wedding, Miranda accepts to marry him. The priest then asks Mauricio if he accepts but he doesn’t get to answer because a little girl screams, “Father!” Mauricio turns around and looks at the girl, completely and utterly, shocked…

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