Thursday, March 28, 2024

El amor no tiene receta, #21, "Dance me to the end of love"

Lupita and a tank top wearing, muscle showing Esteban are in the garden talking about Paz being the first woman he ever noticed since Berenice’s death. He had to be strong for his kids and Lupita totally understands, she had to take care of her children alone, too. And she’s sure their loved ones are watching over them from the sky, wishing for them to be happy.

Lupita mentions how much Paz has been suffering because of the loss of her daughter. She’d want nothing more than for her to find a good man. Esteban agrees, but he’d rather ask her how she feels first. Their road to finding love together won’t be an easy one. And he knows they might look incompatible, but he has humble origins, too. Lupita is a bit worried, because he’s now rich and what about his kids and his suegra?

They hold hands and Esteban promises to protect Paz no matter what.

Ginebra continues her sob story. Even now that her dearly husband’s killer has been incarcerated, she can’t find any kind of peace. Where is her sweet, beautiful daughter?

Paz looks very conflicted, Ginebra surely got to her. She leaves the circle and remembers her mom urging her to tell the truth.

Ginebra comes to her, what is the matter? Paz says they have so many things in common, they actually share a daughter! Gin remembers Vermin’s revelation about Paz being his baby momma.

Whatever do you mean, she asks, but Paz backtracks, saying she only meant to say they share the pain of having lost a child.

Monica arrives to introduce herself to Ginebra, offers to be her therapist. Gin is already seeing someone, but Monica gives her a card, just in case, it’s obvious she has a lot on her chest (and the way she says this, it’s not clear if she suspects something).

When the doc leaves them alone, Gin tells Paz this was so hard for her to do, she’s not sure she can come back. Paz understands, it was the same for her at the beginning, but they need to confront their demons. Gin asks if she saw that little girl again and Paz nods “no”.

Luna would like to unite her two families, all of them can live together. Mireya thinks it’s a cute idea, but has to leave the room because Mauro calls, asking for another date.

Paz arrives home and Luna gives her a huge, slow-motion hug. The boys are eavesdropping on Mireya, they know she’s been talking with a man. Salomon is cool with the idea but would like details. Pepa thinks mom deserves her privacy. Salo leaves to hang out with Gala and Luna is curious to know who Mireya’s new guy is, too. Cute scene!

Pepa wonders what would happen if they were to leave the house, but Mireya is sure that will never happen. Oops!

Gala and Salo are out, roller-skating. If this is them pretending to date, what on Earth is real dating then? He’s surprised she likes such a simple park, Gala actually touches his hand, he shouldn’t judge before knowing her. And then they start giggling. They are kind of cute together.

Lupita is shocked to find out about her family playing “mission impossible” at the hospital, she scolds Paz for going too far. She’s committing another crime now, their family has never done anything like this before. And what a coincidence that Vermin is all of a sudden their accomplice. Lupita is getting very angry, she is sure Paz will end up in jail and lose Luna. She is risking everything for a girl that is not even hers. Now the cops are searching for a child who went missing from a hospital. Vermin tries to reassure Lupita, they were very careful when committing their crime. She is obviously not impressed, so Mireya tries to defend Paz’ actions, too, what if Luna’s mom is a bad person?

Vermin says it was his idea to get the girl out of the hospital, being with her makes him realize he would have loved to have been a better father to his own daughter.

Paz says she will take full responsibility if they are found out. But Lupita knows they will all suffer because of this and even if Paz has Luna’s love now, she will lose it and suffer again, just like it happened six years ago.

And then Lupita gives Paz an ultimatum: Paz has two weeks to solve this situation, not a day more.

Kenzo and Nandy are shopping. He comes out wearing some boring sweater, then tries on a shirt with some blazer. Nandy likes! How is this different from his previous style? And why would teenage boys care about what their dad wears as long as he doesn't dress like a bum?

Later he’s trying on a tux , when would he even wear this? Maybe for your wedding, Nandy suggests. Kenzo says he’s done with marriage. Nandy would love to walk down the isle, but in her situation that’s not possible. Never say never, Kenzo says and Nandy adds that he looks just like a galan, every woman’s dream.

And then she really goes, she likes him… a lot.

Kenzo is flattered, but... They are becoming so close, he wants to help her improve, work together… but only as friends. Nandy is sad, but not surprised. She leaves.

Luna is with Pepa on the roof, she thinks about Monito, while he’s in the street, in front of the house, grabbing a pear that has fallen on the ground. He thinks he sees Luna in another girl, calls her name and real Luna almost hears him from the roof and feels very sad.

It’s night-time and Gala wants Salo to only date her, even if it’s “fake dating”. Salo wonders what’s in it for him. Gala mentions Jeronimo being jealous. Salo’s ex arrives to warn Gala that Salo cheated on her, so be careful! He might break your heart, too!

When alone again Gala tells Salo that can’t be possible, since they are not really dating. And he won’t suffer, either, since he’s not interested in her like that. She will make Jeronimo jealous, and he will maybe get Gema to get back together with him. It’s a win-win.

Yeah, sure, Salo kind of agrees and then quotes some famous lyrics from Maluma about the four of them being happy together.

It’s a deal! As they continue their fake date, Salo realizes he has some money left, would Gala want a yogurt? Don't know, can she throw it all up in a back alley right after? Or is that not "fake-date" proper behaviour?

Paz and Mireya talk about their Mauro plan. They are not confident they can find a solution and solve all their problems in the next two weeks. Paz was impressed by the way Ginebra spoke, what if she’s a good mom after all?

Lupita is trying to hear what they’re saying but there is a knock at the door. It’s Esteban, asking Paz to go dance with him tonight! They could use the distraction. Paz invites him in, offers him a drink and both Mireya and Lupita welcome him. So, will she be his “dancing” partner tonight?Paz is not sure, she’s kind of busy, but Lupita reassures her, she will take care of everything (and Mireya is cheering in the background).

Paz hurries to go get her dancing shoes and Lupita congratulates Esteban for making the first step.

Paz is tucking Luna in, she loves her so much. She has to go out a bit, she’s going dancing with a very nice man, hopefully they can meet soon. And the kid falls asleep immediately, like no real child ever does. Paz remembers the moment when she was told her baby is gone. Where could her daughter be?

Vermin finds Esteban in the house, makes a face when Esteban tells him he’s taking Paz out.

And out they are, to some sort of vecindad fiesta. They are talking about this and that and Esteban tells her she’s such a great woman and so hard to forget. Then he starts dancing to the rhythm and yeah, he has the moves! They start dancing together, not a slow dance, but as they keep talking, their faces are almost touching

He needed this, forget about the stress and the worries, just live in the present. Paz is game and as they continue dancing, closer and closer, he promises to protect her. She’s sure he will, she’s felt it ever since she started working for him. He says his life has changed since he met her, she brings so much joy and light to his life. And here they are alone, dancing (and as he talks, the other dancers in the background symbolically disappear). Their foreheads are now touching, but the music is over, so they need to break away from yet another smoldering hug.

In another part of town, another pair is doing a dance, the one of who gets drunk first on tequila shots. Mireya and Mauro talk about the proper way to drink, then Mireya says it’s been so long since she’s been out with a man. She is always busy with her family, raising her kids. Mauro says same for him, but Mireya has a hard time believing this. He takes her hand, says he wants to be as straightforward with her as she has been with him, he’d like to spend the night together in a more intimate manner. Time is money, am I right? Better jump on that!

Ginebra is in her secret vault room, remembering the shower dream and saying outloud that she can’t fall for Esteban. Don’t be estupida! At the same time Vermin is talking to his mirror image, with psycho eyes, Esteban will never have Paz! Maybe he and Ginebra should share a cold shower… or a hot one, if they prefer.

Paz and Esteban are getting back home, they had a lot of fun. Esteban is committed to going dancing again, they will become the best! They both laugh, they had a great time together. Paz says it’s time to say goodnight, they have to work the next day, she can’t wait to see Eder, Gala, even Bosco. Esteban says his older son still needs some time to figure things out, but he will end up loving her, too… just like everyone else (hint hint).

He adds he’ll wait for Gala, Paz notices how love birds never realize time is flying. And she means Gala and Salo, of course.

They kiss on the cheek, smile, stare into each other’s eyes and start another well-known dance as they move away from one another. She is making a face, probably telling herself “what am I doing?" (and I love this, since Claudia Martin is doing it so well, and is speaking for all the women out there who have ever been in Paz' position, almost but not quite getting there with the man they have a crush on).

Esteban turns to watch her leave, then he is going and it’s her time to turn and will these two just turn at the same time already??

He stops just as she is opening her door, calls for her. They had agreed to start living, not just surviving, right? It’s been so long since he’s felt this way, and they both deserve to be happy. He can’t go to sleep before trying to do what his heart is asking of him.

What is that, she wants to know, as they are now back to standing together.

Esteban says he wants to kiss her and he goes for it! Cue for 30 seconds of very good smooching and Emilio Osorio’s theme song.

🎵¡Si o si! 🎵 Si o si ! 🎵

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Comments:
Thanks, Adriana. I missed a few scenes of this last night and appreciate your very fine recap keeping me up to date. My conclusion: the episode had waaay too much teenage romance and Nandy plotline for me but a satisfying end to the episode with THE kiss. At least Lupita is keeping Paz rooted in reality by insisting she solves the situation with Luna in two weeks.



 

Thanks, Adriana, what a great, detailed recap. I must have dozed off as missed the scene with Luna and Pepe, and with Monito so close. I probably would have been more frustrated if I had seen it.

I can’t tell if the doctor believes Ginebra or not. I would think she’s trained to “read” people. Giving her card to Ginebra makes me think she wants to find out more, so maybe she has doubts about her story.

I loved the scenes with Paz and Esteban. The teenagers were cute. Kenzie and Nandy, not so much. Why would he need a tux, and why would she say for his wedding. Also, why does he need to dress to impress his kids!

Mireya seems to be falling for Mauro. That could be very dangerous. And he wants an intimate date! She better remember what she knows about him.

Liz
 

Adriana,

Your lovely recap reflected long awaited love and longing perfectly.

Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I loved the (all too short) dancing and the romantic lead up to “THE” kiss. I felt swept up in the moment. There is nothing like the gentle beginning of love and the promise of what lies ahead. “They hold hands and Esteban promises to protect Paz no matter what”. And for the first time in ages, I do believe that this galan means what he says. I see a real knight in shining armor…

That said, “tank top wearing, muscle showing Esteban” was hawt, hawt, hawt in the shower scene with Ginebra. The one thing I cannot fault her for.

Lupita has great cause for concern; thank heavens she doesn’t know about Mireya and her extracurricular activities. Mireya is smart and sassy but clearly out of her league with Mauro.

I couldn’t figure out what Monica thought of Ginebra’s performance either. Altair has been sensational, even Paz was second guessing herself. but like you Adriana, thought Claudia Martin shone very brightly last night.

I am liking Gala and Salo!

Liz, I didn’t see the Luna/Pepe scene with Monito nearby either.
This was wonderful Adriana, thank you so much.

Diana
 

Diana, I share your hope that Esteban will prove to be the real-deal galán now that he seems to have committed himself. We haven’t seen one of those in a long time.
 

Merci, Adriana. I just finished watching the episode; my cable was out last night at the airtime.

Lupita is right about this precarious situation. She is right, but she also doesn't know what we know. Paz may be forced to return the child to Ginebra.

It does look indeed like Monica hasn't come to any serious conclusion about her but I wonder whether Ginebra's refusal of her services can be a red flag she's missing. As pointed out in yesterday's discussion it is not usual for a mother to assume her missing child is dead. We also saw how Ginebra looked Paz right in the eyes. She had the eyes of a cobra preparing to strike. Slitted eyes. like the ones on her snake-head earrings.

I can't get over how Ginebra went without a name for X years and ended up with that one. Does that really happen in orphanages? It is definitely a contributing factor as to how she became what she is. No way was she telling the truth about already seeing a shrink; people like her do not see their own mental illness.

I know I've said this before but it bears repeating: It does not seem that Ginebra nor Mauro have thought about the consequences of getting the child back. After all the publicity over her disappearance it would look outrageously suspicious if any harm came to her after she was found. Mauro may still not be willing to kill her no matter what he says to Ginebra. He must also know that Mireya is the child's blood relative. He's in a tight spot now.
 

Cher Adriana, merci for another wonderful recap as our story unfolds . Fantastique. Perfect title.

I didn't see the scene with Monito and the pear.

I was looking forward to seeing Daniel and Claudia dance , and it was lovely . Both of them were holding back because they are both excellent dancers. You could feel Esteban finally completely relaxed as he melted into Paz's arms. It felt as though it was the first time he was at peace since losing his beloved wife. It was clever filming the surrounding couples disappearing as the two swayed together lost in their own space . I grew up going to a lot of dances . Slow dancing offers the chance to be close and touching in a socially acceptable way. People fall in love with the right dance partner.

The first kiss was also lovely . Esteban hasn't forgotten how to kiss. Daniel has had a lot of telenovela kissing practice . Besome mucho.

Meanwhile, back at the money room , Gin plays a rerun of the Esteban shower fantasy. Uh oh .
Susan
 

Question: What is Monica's specialty ? Is she a psychiatrist ?

Paz looked absolutely terrified sitting next to Gin at that meeting . I hope she isn't thinking that Luna is having false memories . I dont know where the writers are going to take this dilemma. Is Paz going to confide in Esteban, and if she does, what will his reaction be ?

It looks like Vermin is jealous and is going to try to pull Paz back to him and away from Esteban. Vermin seems to be at the Robles ' home a lot. Is he sleeping there? Will he tell Paz that Luna is their daughter Maria ? How could he do that without confessing the whole awful story of selling her to Mauro. What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

Gin is as cold as ice , and you can see her working on a plan to seduce Esteban. She will go BSC if she notices Esteban and Paz becoming closer .

Susan
 

Ginebra already is BSC, but not enough yet to lack self-control; it's too early for that.

If Paz confides in Esteban about this he might not believe her. He has been resisting Ginebra's advances but she is not above drugging him and having Mauro take compromising photos. That would be child's play for her. Or she might cut to the chase and arrange to kill her as she killed Elias.

The stashed cash looked like more in this episode. What is truly more disturbing than mere greed is that she is past the point of really needing any more money. What she has is more than enough to live luxuriously for more than her own life expectancy; Mauro has told her as much. She gets off on the hunt and the kill.
 

Wow, Adriana, that was great -- starting with the title and all the way through. I grabbed three quotes for the sidebar (which I may have to start rolling every week with so much great material from both the studio and the patio.) Also loved the musical notes at the end! I can't even figure out how to make a Spanish n~.

I didn't get the Monito/pear scene either, so there must be different edits in different places. Glad he's getting closer!

So do Paz and Esteban get to call each other "tu" now?
 

Susan, Monica said she was a psychiatrist. And Vermin is living on the roof at the Robles'...where Nandy also lives, and Lupe grows an endless supply of coffee. Must be kind of a Dr. Who thing, much bigger on the inside than the outside.
 

Blue Lass, thanks for clearing up the sleeping quarters.

Well, at least Monica is a psychiatrist and hopefully has some experience in seeing through lies and deep, dark secrets, and BSC folks.

Also, I had no idea that you could grow coffee in a rooftop garden . Can you, or is that just a telenovela thing like people scratching in the soil with a stick to plant a whole field of a cash crop? #passthebeanie
Susan
 

Thank you, all, for stopping by! :)

Jarifa, I'm with Lupita on the whole "let's keep a child hidden" plotline. Paz is rightfully protecting an innocent little girl, but she is putting her entire family in danger.

Liz, that's what I thought, too! Why would Kenzo's kids care about what he wears? And why would he try on a tux if he doesn't have to attend an event?

Diana, I love the beginnings, too. They are nerve wracking (does he love me, will he call me, did I say the right thing?), but they are so beautiful. Paz and Esteban's slow built is nicely written.
Esteban mentioned "protecting" Paz several times, which is not something one normally promises at the beginning of a love story. Sure, he's thinking about Elvira and Bosco mainly, but soon enough and if Lupita's fears become reality, he will have to protect her from much more. Will he stand by her when the whole Luna plot is discovered?

Urban, Samara not being dead might be what ends up ruining Ginebra's plans. She will definitely use the girl to get Esteban, create a family with him and his kids, but Samara is old enough to tell people how Gin has been treating her. And she most definitely can't plot to kill her once she gets her back.

Susan, I remember how much I was looking forward to those slow dances as a teenagers. Will he ask me to dance, will he get close to me?
I actually fell in love during a slow dance. I was 19 and ready to have that first big love. 20 years later, I can still remember the feeling that you get when you get hit by the "love bug" in such a sudden manner.
Monica can be whatever speciality she wants, she got her diploma from the Telenovela School of Medicine. Maybe we will never know, just like we still don't know what Elvira's company is all about.
And of course coffee can grow on a rooftop. It's called Telenovela Agriculture. LOL

Blue, I noticed you put one of my phrases from an earlier capitulo on the front page, already. Thank you, it's always nice to be appreciated. ITA that so many gems are coming out of this story, maybe we could create a "quotes of the week" post, just for fun (include all novelas, of course).
Don't you just love it how the poor are sometimes so poor they can barely afford food, but they have ab endless supply of rooms for all the down on their luck characters they need to help?

It took me ages to find the right musical notes. LOL!
 

Adriana, I appreciate you and all the recappers so much.

Yes, nothing like turning around at a dance to see who tapped you on the shoulder. Sometimes, you were thrilled and sometimes disappointed. It was the only time you could get close to each other around adults. You can tell a lot about someone by the way they dance . We actually had social dancing in high school one semester. You couldn't refuse an invitation to dance in that class .

I was impressed that Esteban and Paz could talk and stay in rhythm as they danced. Some people spend their whole lives dancing together. I think that should be Esteban and Paz's destiny....dancing through life together. As for being a galan true his word about protecting his love and loving her unconditionally , we will have to see. We have been disappointed by galans with feet of clay recently.
Susan






 

Thank you Adriana! Your recap is both witty and informative! And I needed both today!

I actually fell for an ex during a dance too! I hadn't really thought about it in a while, but reading other's comments brought it back to mind. He was a friend of mine who had asked me to dance, I hadn't thought of him as anything but a friend but something about that dance just felt different. I remember later that night saying good night to him and feeling so surprised and confused. A few weeks later we were dating. It was fun going from just friends, to clearly attracted and flirting, to him finally making a move.....nice to remember that this afternoon.

I'm late to the party and it's mostly been said but it was a fun episode - the dancing and flirting part. Not so much for Nandy, and yeah the whole Sam/Luna situation is getting too complicated or convoluted.

#savemonitoalready
 

Susan, I still remember going to the local club every Saturday with my girlfriends and waiting for "that one guy" to ask me to dance. He never did :))

Darcy, oh, the friends to lovers... I always wondered about that, as I have a theory that a man and a woman can rarely stay just friends when they are proclaimed best friends. I mean, you can have guy friends, I have a few, but my best friend is a girl, I don't see myself confiding in a man the same way... shouldn't some type of deeper feelings be involved?
 

Adriana, we weren’t BFFs but friends. Actually we hadn’t known each other that long. He was a friend of a friend and new in town so I started hanging out with him, introducing him to people, social scene, etc. The mutual friend we had was married and not exactly out in the social scene. We probably knew each other just a couple of months before that dance, but at the time he moved to town, I had a crush on a different guy and I definitely wasn’t thinking about the new friend in any way other than platonic before that night.
 

Yes, Darcy: #savemonitoalready Uni better get him off the cutting room floor!
 

Recapping now, Caraymates. Hang onto your beanies!
 

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