Caray, Caray!

TAN CERCA DE TI NACE EL AMOR #9 Page 1

Notes from the Couch

Please feel free to add anything I left out

The Offer
Vero's boss Flores makes her an offer to be in charge of a new section of their magazine. (It is a women's magazine) It is going to be called "Friends in Sports." Vero says she knows nothing about sports. He argues that since theirs is a magazine for women and she is a woman, he thinks she could make it a success. He was thinking that the first friends would be Joaquín Navarro and his late partner Luis Miranda.She refuses to interview somebody who is still mourning the death of his friend. It isn't ethical. She would rather write about winter skin care. Flores doesn't give up and shows up at Joaquín's company to interview Joaquín himself. Joaquín refuses to see him when he shows up unannounced. Kasandra talks to him instead. She tells Joaquín the interview would give them good press.

The Comedy Break
Consuelo gives Vero a crash course in cleaning and ironing.

Romina Needs a D-i-v-o-r-c-e (IMHO)
Romina confides in her father that she feels like Marcos somehow blames her for them not getting pregnant. He cuts supper short so she can go talk to him.
He doesn't want to die without a grandchild. She finally gets to talk with her passive progressive husband at work the next day since he left early for work without having breakfast. He tells her that he went out for tacos the night before since she had so much work and couldn't make him anything. He insists he isn't complaining. She then asks him if he blames her for them not getting pregnant. He refuses to say he doesn't and tells her that work is no place to talk about that subject clearly leaving her as anxious as ever on purpose. He adds that he has to do his work just like she has to do hers. (So there!)

The "Father Bug" Bites Iván
Iván orders Chinese food for supper with Majo. She is not impressed and one of the dishes has egg in it! She is VEGAN!. He calls his ex Olga confused about Majo having committed a crime. Majo overhears the call as he asks his ex who should he believe her or Majo??? Majo says he should believe her and is angry he called her mother. Later, Iván leaves a message for her saying he is taking the blame for everything and expressing a desire to have a relationship with her. Romina smiles when she hears it.

At work, he invites Romina for a coffee (she better watch out for mad dog Marcos!) and tells her his story of being a young father and now having an 18 year old daughter whose own other called her a mistake. He thinks that a child is the best life has to offer. Romina is happy to see a good father wanting to take care of his children. As for her, she has no children. Iván is sure she will be a great mother. He is clearly taken with her and almost grabs her hand as she leaves but she makes sure she avoids that.

Vale the Blabbermouth Causes a Fight
Vale goes to see Hugo at the shop at work. There she finds out that he has not seen an eye doctor yet. She goes ballistic and not using her inside voice tells him he could lose his spot to Eleazar!!!. Hugo tries to quiet her down but by that point Eleazar has heard his name mentioned and wants to know what they are saying about him. Insults fly back and forth between Hugo and Eleazar and a fist fight starts.. Facundo ends up breaking them up and Vale reminds them they are all on the same team.
 

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In his office, Facundo tells his son that basically the only team is the two of them Eleazar needs to act like a winner and not like a trouble maker if he wants to get ahead and be number one. They need to keep each other in line.

Vale makes an eye doctor appointment for Hugo and informs him that he is going! He calls her bossy. She calls him stubborn.

Joaquín Joins the Family
Joaquín spends the night on the couch not wanting to sleep in his friends' bedroom. He tells the kids he is moving in because he cares for them not because he has to. The girls are happy he is there. Diego is his usual obnoxious self.

Kassandra cannot believe he moved into the Miranda house. Joaquín answers that the kids need him. He has to cancel a meeting to pick up the girls at school. She offers to go get them. He refuses the because it is HIS responsibility.

Vero tells Joaquín that she knows how he can sleep in Luis' bedroom. He needs to make it his own. She is going to show him how. He is open to the help. She gets on a chair and starts removing the framed art from the wall. She loses her footing and knocks Joaquín on the bed and she falls on top of him. They stay like that for a few seconds just staring at each other until Kassandra spies on them from the doorway. (She came over to tell him about the Flores offer) She demands to know what is going on. First the hot coffee and now this??? Joaquín explains it was an accident.

Joaquín and Kassandra talk. It is clear that he still hasn't forgotten her misguided conversation with him from before. He accuses her of being jealous. She tries to deny it and ends up blaming it all on the unfortunate death of Luis and Susana and how it has affected them all.

Kassandra Attacks
Kassandra tries to convince Carmen that "Consuelo" is trying to put the moves on Joaquín by telling her about the latest "accident" on the bed. Carmen thinks it most likely was an accident and refuses to buy into Kassandra's hatred of "Consuelo".

Kassandra gets Vero alone in the laundry room as she is retrieving the blouse she has for Vale. She has a message for her. She will not allow Vero to damage her relationship with Joaquín.He is going to be around the house more which means that she will, too. If she crosses her, she will make sure she never sets foot in the house again. To make her point, she grabs the blouse and rips it into shreds.

"D" is for Diego and Destiny!
Diego gives his girlfriend Claudia the brush off once again. She looks like she is realizing tht it is OVER. Diego goes to a park where he is singing to himself. and who should arrive totally by chance??? Majo! They share a conversation and a kiss. As she leaves, they wonder if fate will bring them together a third time (but don't exchange phone numbers DUH! )

FIN
 

TAN CERCA

Jarifa, your always fresh and observant perspective shone throughout. I so enjoyed your recap! Loved "(she better watch out for mad dog Marcos!,)" ""D" is for Diego and Destiny!" and many others.

"Romina Needs a D-i-v-o-r-c-e (IMHO)". I did hope they could patch it up but that doesn't seem likely. He is arrogant and bull headed. That said, I don't think Romina having such a personal conversation in the middle of Marcos' workspace was a good idea and have to agree with him they should have discussed it at home. As you noted a few days ago, I'm thinking he is the reason she isn't pregnant.

Ivan can be a bit appealing however, I'm not seeing Romina being with his disheveled, immature and more than slightly confused countenance. He's also quite a bit older. We'll see what time and circumstances bring.

Diego should have had the decency to break up with Claudia. She was truly hurt by him; he owes her that at least. He is so miserable (unless he's with Majo). :)

"Vero tells Joaquín that she knows how he can sleep in Luis' bedroom. He needs to make it his own". She was immediately sensitive to his reluctance to sleep there, and their scene was one of the highlights for me. I also enjoyed Consuelo's cleaning coaching!

Kassandra's dark side comes into the light. I was yelling at Vero to fight back, grab the blouse and tell her off! Alas, she did not listen.

Jarifa, this was great, thank you so much.

Diana
 

Tan cerca,

Jarifa, I appreciate another excellent instant replay from the coach .

Uh oh ...Vero's boss showing up is not going to be good for Vero .

I got a kick out of Consuelo #1 tutoring Consuelo #2 in basic home ec. ( I guess they don't teach that in high schools anymore . )

I wonder if Carmen has a bedroom in that house. That would account for five occupied bedrooms since the two little girls share a room .
I don't know if the kids will like Vero changing the master bedroom so that Joachim can sleep there . The girls are starting to accept Joachim , but Diego hates him. Mayo seems to be the only person who makes him smile .

This show is a study of children's grief responses ..anger, silence, delusion, rebellion .
Watching desperate Cassandra ripping that blouse that Vero worked oj so !lovingly was hard to watch. Susan
 

OT

Jarifa, I’m not watching this one, but I wanted to say how much I admire your hard work — I know how much energy it takes to do even a weekly recap, and much more a daily one!
 

Guardian
Well, the wardrobe department continues to put Grecia in fake furs . We have had gray, green, red. I'm waiting for blue and purple.
Princess Barbie . More silliness . The original wasn't silly . That character had a serious eating disorder .
I'm losing track of parents and children. It's complicated .
Question : Will Gonzo ever undo that manbun so the we can see how Sergio looks like with long hair! ???
Susan

 

OT

Thank you, Blue Lass. That was so kind of you. : )
 

Tan Cerca

Thanks for another great recap. I was so upset at Kassandra ripping the blouse into shreds. That has definitely put her on the evil side! I was on the fence, kind of, thinking she wanted to help him with the business. But she’s definitely against the kids, and Vero. Vero had already told Vale she was giving her the surprise that day. She’s probably too nice to blame Kassandra.

I have mixed feelings about the master bedroom. He needs to check with the older kids! But I’m also surprised he hadn’t moved in sooner. Carmen may be live in help, but he’s the one responsible for the kids. And he seems to care for all of them. There should be another room he can make into a bedroom.

I can picture Ivan maturing to be there for his daughter.
 

GUARDIAN

Uy, Susan, perish the thought — the bun is bad enough! I really like Sendel, but I have never seen him look so seedy. They should give Gonzo a nice buzz cut like the one Victorio is rockin’.

So Marisol finally mentioned “Mia’s father,” adding to the list of offstage characters. I hope he doesn’t turn out to be the same guy as Rex’s (birth) father. The family relationships are complicated enough.
 

GUARDIAN

BTW, the actress who plays Barbi is over ten years older than the actor who plays Carlo. ¡¡Asaltacunas!!
 

TAN CERCA

I forgot to mention David Z's very odd prison striped pj's! I'm sure though that Consuelo would find them charming 😍

Diana
 

Guardian

Blue Lass, that is interesting about Barbie being ten years older than the guy playing Carlo. Throughout the many years of novelas , age seems to never be a part of casting decisions . Of course, some people look younger than there years ,while others look older . My dad had dark hair into old age . People sometimes thought he'd as much younger he was.
I think that the slicked back manbun is supposed to make Sergio look as slick and slimy as possib!e . I am waiting for his signature cellphone toss .
P.s. What was up with that ivory jacket with tails that they put usually chic Sofia in ??? Susan
 

Tan cerca

Diana, yes, I got a giggle out of the striped pjs.
I'd like to see Ivan after someone lends him a comb . Lazy, clueless, unkempt with his brother's house all to himself with his daughter while Joachin is sleeping on a couch. What happened to the task that he was given to organize that room with all those papers ??? Susan
 

TAN CERCA

Diana, "Kassandra's dark side comes into the light. I was yelling at Vero to fight back, grab the blouse and tell her off! Alas, she did not listen." It was frustrating, wasn't? Thank goodness that Joaquín has started to see that Kassandra isn't who she appears to be. Yes, those prison pj's were something else.

Susan, I enjoyed that training break, too. Too funny. "I got a kick out of Consuelo #1 tutoring Consuelo #2 in basic home etc. ( I guess they don't teach that in high schools anymore . )" If they don't anymore, they need to show kids life skills. I am guessing that Carmen has a servant's quarters in a house like that.

Liz, "I can picture Ivan maturing to be there for his daughter." I agree that he does seem to be coming around. I found it interesting how he seemed to enjoy Romina telling him how much she liked seeing a good father supporting his children even though that is hardly the truth yet. There are plenty of interesting characters in this novela, aren't there?
 

Guardian

I'm behind (17) but still watching for the laughs ... Grecia and her fake furs!!!! She is not my idea of a fashion model for a beer company either.....the slang is distracting too.
 

Tan Cerca

Gracias, Jarifa. I have nothing new to add except that I am enjoying this TN (though Diego and Marcos are trying my nerves) and your super recaps.
 

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Notes from the Couch "Just the facts" edition

Please feel free to add anything I left out.

1. Kassandra threatens Vero again and throws the ripped blouse in her face before leaving.
2. Flores, Vero's boss, is tired of her not coming into the office. He thinks she might be working for one of his competitors so he calls Guzmán, a private eye, to investigate her.
3. Joaquín decides to stay at home to look after Dani and sends Kassandra to the office instead. He will see that journalist at the house.
4. Joaquín confides in Vero his worries about the children. She thinks they are each dealing with their parents' death in their own way. She tells him to take some deep breathes and to calm down. He is doing what his heart is telling him to do and that is always the right thing. He looks at Vero very lovingly.
5. Iván goes to the snack bar to see Majo and they decide to give their relationship as father and daughter a fresh start.
6. Claudia discovers that Majo is Joaquín's niece. She tells Majo that her bff is Vale her novio Diego's sister.
7. Romina reminds Aurelio to go to his tai chi class. He goes but ends up watching an attractive woman.She tries to get him to join in but he decides it isn't for him and leaves.
8. Diego informs Kassandra he will be working a the office after school and Joaquín knows all about it. He is an owner of the company and he can make decisions, too! (Yikes!) When she says there is no office space available, he reminds her there is his father's office and he is going to take it.
9. Hugo goes to the eye doctor. The doctor says the problem is the pressure in his eyes. It is high and that is causing his vision to blur. He gives him some eye drops to reduce the pressure. Yes, he can continue racing.
10. Kassandra asks Romina for the check that Joaquín received for the conference he gave in Querétaro. It was the one in the folder that was passed on to Iván. The search is on.
11. Consuelo brings Father Nico some mole. While she is here, she sees a photo of Aurelio and her late sister. Her finger traces over Aurelio's image and she tells her sister that she never should have felt what she did but how could she tells her heart not to feel what it did. (She was/is in love with Aurelio!!) Father Nico tells he that she did the loving thing by never acting on how she felt.
12. A smiley Carmen wants to teach Vero how to make Susana's chicken broth for Daniela. Vero is interrupted when Carmen asks her to bring coffee to Joaquín's office for him and his guest.
13. Kassandra is still questioning Iván and Romina about the check. Nobody knows where it is. Kassandra sends Iván to his work area to look for it. Facundo, the opportunist, watches from down the hallway.
14. At the snack bar, Majo is telling Claudia about this super cute guy she keeps running into by chance when Diego arrives. Claudia introduces him as her novio and tells him that Majo is Iván's daughter. Whoopsie!
15. It turns out that the guest that Joaquín is talking to is Flores. Vero sees that and returns to the kitchen with the coffee. She lies and tells Carmen she stopped by Dani's room and she wants some of the broth. Carmen says she can bring her the broth and she will bring Joaquín the coffee.
16. Flores tells Joaquín he is the editor of a digital women's magazine soon to be put also into print. It is called "Circuito capital". Joaquín says he knows a Verónica Arellanos that works there. Flores says she is one of their best and fishes for more info but Joaquín isn't talking.
 

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17. Back at the company, Eleazar witnesses Hugo and Vale laughing and hugging after the doctor visit.As Hugo gets his stuff together, Vale is left to talk to a nasty prideful Eleazar. She tells him he is jealous. Hugo is her best friend. She hates Eleazar's arrogance. She and Hugo leave.
18.Facundo follows Iván back to his office. He tells him that because he is deaf he has had to sharpen his other senses. From what he saw of his exchange with Kassandra, he could tell he was lying. He stole that check. Iván admits he did but was planning on replacing the money shortly. Facundo says he is there to help him: give him the money he stole. He reminds him that he probably had to falsify Joaquín's signature, too. He thinks Iván is a good guy. Iván takes the help and Facundo says he will transfer the money to Iván's account so he can transfer it into the company's account. Facundo is sure that Iván with his gift of gab will come up with something to tell Kassandra when the money appears.

19. Joaquín isn't happy that Flores told him that he wanted to interview him for a sports magazine when it was for an article for a women's magazine. He considers that lying. Flores agrees to be straight with him. It turns out that Luis and Joaquín raced on the same team, in and out of the country, and were always friends. Flores wants to know why Joaquín stopped racing after Luis' accident. He says it marked the end of an era and that was when he and Luis founded the Navarro Company and their motocross team. Flores thinks the accident was really a lucky type of unfortunate event since it led to the creation of their company. Joaquín disagrees. The only lucky thing was that Luis didn't lose his leg. Luis never gave up. He then dedicated himself to his family and Susana the love of his life. Joaquín refuses to talk about the family or the children out of respect for his friend Luis. It sounds like this will be a difficult interview.

FIN
 

TAN CERCA

Niecie, I am right there with you about Diego and Marcos for sure!
 

TAN CERCA

Jarifa, thank you for capturing this interesting episode so well and so cleverly. You continually shine such a bright light on all the actions and conversations. There were a few revelations that were surprising to our characters and to viewerville.

I am enjoying Joaquin and Vero's sweetness together as their closeness blossoms.

So, Hugo can continue to race?? Let's hope those eye drops work instantaneously I murmur, scratching my head.

"Vale is left to talk to a nasty prideful Eleazar". He is the worst no doubt, but I have a bit of pity for him because of who his father is...

Rather than returning her kisses, Diego should have told Majo he had a girlfriend. AND been honest with Claudia rather than ignoring her and treating her so shabbily. At least Majo found out before spilling more frijoles to Claudia.

"Consuelo...sees a photo of Aurelio and her late sister. Her finger traces over Aurelio's image and she tells her sister that she never should have felt what she did but how could she tells her heart not to feel what it did". I feel a bit of bile rising in my throat... Then "Father Nico tells he that she did the loving thing by never acting on how she felt". Is he sure about that? I'm not.

Too bad Ivan let Facundo give him the money. A mistake which is going to cost him dearly.

I had to laugh at Aurelio mesmerized by Kassandra's mama Isaura at tai chi yet running away like a scared rabbit.

"Joaquín says he knows a Verónica Arellanos that works there. Flores says she is one of their best and fishes for more info but Joaquín isn't talking". I am a bit lost here. I didn't realize Joaquin knows Vero's "other life?"

Jarifa, thank you for another intriguing outing. Your time and efforts are truly appreciated.

Diana
 

TAN CERCA DE TI

Diana, thanks! Joaquín knows that Verónica Arellanos is the owner of the medal that has yet to be returned and that she works for Flores’ magazine but does not really know her or know she is “Consuelo.” It seemed like he was limiting that info with Flores as he was limiting any other info he considered private. I think he would have been happier not granting the interview but Kassandra said they could use the good press.

Consuelo having feelings for Aurelio. That was a shock. How does Father Nico know? Why would he know? Now if Nico her brother-in-law turned out to be her confessor, that would be a very weird twist and probably never be allowed to happen I hope.

Just when I thought Iván had turned the corner towards creating a new life for his daughter and himself he takes the quick out offered by Facundo that will cost him more than anything Joaquín could dish out.

This was another good episode.
 

Tan cerca

Jarifa, thank you so much for providing us with a great recap. I don't have time to write more, but I think that woman at Two Chi was Kassandra's pushy mother. Have to dash. More later . Susan
 

TAN CERCA

Jarifa, thank you for explaining what Joaquin does and doesn't know about Veronica/ "Consuelo". :)

"Consuelo having feelings for Aurelio". My corneas are burning. No. Just no! Blech.
"Just when I thought Iván had turned the corner towards creating a new life for his daughter and himself he takes the quick out offered by Facundo that will cost him more than anything Joaquín could dish out" is exactly right! The consequences will be dire I fear.

Diana
 

Tan cerca,

Whoops...I see that Diana already commented that the tai chi woman was Isaura. I wonder where that will lead !

So...Kassandra asks for that missing check that lazy Ivan took. Then, cagey Facundo sizes up the situation , and now he has Ivan beholden to him. Cagey and lazy. Meanwhile, Joachin has no idea what is happening behind his back . Somehow, I still think that Ivan will eventually support his brother...blood is thicker than water.
On a positive note, Vero/consuelo has won over Carmen, so she has an ally in the house. Susan
 

Tan Cerca

Great job, Jarifa. Thanks for bringing the humor to that horrible news that Consuelo has been in love with Aurelio all these years. Shocking.

Now I have to keep reminding myself that Consuelo is a great mother and aunt and Veronica's anchor. Otherwise, ... yuck.

Lots of eavesdroppers, Ver of course, Facundo, Eleazar. I'm actually impressed with Facundo doing it with a hearing aid.
 

TAN CERCA
Busy, busy weekend. Thanks to Diana and Susan for identifying the tai chi woman as Isaura. I didn't recognize her at all.

Susan, ". . . cagey Facundo sizes up the situation , and now he has Ivan beholden to him." It looks like Facundo doesn't miss a beat, a real snake in the grass.

Niecie, "Lots of eavesdroppers.. . ." It always make me laugh that in these novelas everyone happens to be at the right place at exactly the right time to hear what they need to hear and that it happens countless times.
 

GUARDIAN

Omg, Catalina finally scrounges up a dress that doesn’t look like it came from the clearance table at the Dollar Store — and she tops it off by HANGING A DEAD FISH AROUND HER NECK. Please, please, can we hope for one of those attitude change makeovers? I’d take it even without the attitude change.