Caray, Caray!

CORAJE CAST OF CHARACTERS

Who they are and what they’ve got…

Casa Coraje:

Dad (Arturo Peniche): already dead, so probably no modifiers necessary
Mom (Natalia Esperon): see above
#1 Son Juan (Emmanuel Palomares): cupid’s-bow lips, aggressive chest hair, bad Mexican accent, anger management problem, latent thing for Clara
#2 Son Jeronimo/Jero (Brandon Peniche): earring, drinking problem, eye for the ladies, vengeful ex, aversion to work, budding thing for Clara
#3 Son Eduardo/Lalo (Emilio Osorio): unfinished thesis, longstanding girlfriend, transparent thing for Clara
Capataz Paco (Moises Arizmendi): leg injury from Episode 1 cow attack
Housekeeper Jovita (Dalilah Polanco): bossy pants
Daughter Lina (Claudia Zepeda): affinity for horses, inexplicable thing for Jero
Ranchhand Jim (Federico Ayos): thing for Lina
Ranchhand Tonio (Leo Casta): divided loyalties, corruptible nature

Casa Barrios:

Rogelio (Sergio Goyri): lust for power, weak spot for daughter, trophy wife, way too much jewelry
Estrella (Mar Contreras): accounting degree, Mrs. degree, freewheeling spending habits, after-market enhancements
Clara (Sofia Castro): advanced degree in agribusiness, advisor gig, love for the land, closet full of skimpy outfits
Falcon (Ivan Arana): overweening ambition, complete lack of moral compass, a sneer for all occasions, black capsule wardrobe, newfound thing for Clara
Ranchhand Jackie (Arantza Ruiz): friends-with-benefits thing for Falcon, no self-respect whatsoever

Around Town:

Roxie (Paty Navidad): dive bar
Debbie (Arena Ibarra): bad attitude
Mayor (Luis Uribe): hand out for bribes
Sheriff (Mario Loria): always, the bad news
Esteban the Geologist (Santiago Zenteno): precious metals expertise, veteran of “that thing in Bolivia” that was “not his fault”
Adela (Mar Bonnelly): former romantic relationship with Jero, current business relatiionship with Rogelio, dirty secret
Paula (Claudia Bouza): Current relationship with Lalo

 

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Notes from the Couch

1. Olga and Mario literally bump into each other at work and the papers they were reading end up on the ground. She asks him why he isn't watching where he is going. He apologizes for not seeing her. She informs him that he doesn't even look at her. Annoyed, he tells her not to start and no! he doesn't want to talk to her ever because they have nothing to talk about. It's over.

2. Iván sees the encounter and mockingly tells Olga that Marcos must be the married man she got involved with.

3. Diego tells Majo he would like her to listen to what he has to say and not think it is jealousy or because of bad feelings. She assumes he is talking about Renán. Diego thinks that Renán is the thief they have been trying to find at the company.

4. Talking with Joaquín, both Vale and Eleazar are upset about Mario's concerns about them being a couple and on the team together. Eleazar says no worries because they are professionals. Vale adds that Mario doesn't even know them. It isn't fair. Joaquín explains that he is on their side but competition is hard and when feelings are involved, it can end up being very cruel. He thinks that the only way he and Luis could maintain their friendship over so many years was because they were always up front with each other because when the pressure to win kicks in complications are not far behind. He asks if they understand. Eleazar and Vale assure him that there will be no problems with them. Joaquín trusts them but wants them to promise him if anything comes up between them, they will address it with each other respectfully or talk to him. They agree.

5. Vero meets with Mario in a park. She needs it to be short because she needs to get back to work. She asks what he discovered and he takes out an old photo of her and asks if she remembers it. He took it the day he first kissed her. He has kept it with him all of these years so it has been as if she were by his side all this time right here. His hand indicates his heart. Joaquín "happens" to be driving by, sees them and stops. Mario adds that she never left him. Never. He goes to kiss her. We see the sadness in Joaquín's eyes as he witnesses what is going on.

6. Majo says Diego is asking her to believe too much and blames it on his jealousy. Diego argues that Renán stole his headphones. She asks if she saw him and how does he know he stole them from him.He says that he saw them in his back pack. They were the same headphones even though Renán said they were his. He thinks it is odd that just when he is missing his headphones, Renán turns up with a pair exactly like them in his backpack. Majo isn't buying it and says she didn't know he was also a detective. He asks why she won't believe him. Majo says she vouches for Renán no questions asked.
 

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7. Vero steps away from Mario before he can kiss her. She tells him not to be confused. She is no longer the girl in the photo. Joaquín, who has been stopped in the street, hears the honking of a horn and clearly perturbed is forced to drive on. Vero explains to Mario that she is no longer fifteen or in love for the first time. They experienced something really lovely but it belongs in the past. Mario disagrees insisting that it is impossible that she has forgotten him. (Big head there!) She reminds him that time passes and it erased what she felt for him. She is sorry. As he insists, she explains that he is in love with a memory because she is no longer the girl in the photo. She wants him to imagine he never met her and went on to have a life with his wife. He still cannot understand that she cannot feel the same way about him. She has heard enough already!! He married Kassandra and she is in love with Joaquín. She asks him not to complicate her life and to leave her alone. He knows that she is hiding something from him with her false identity, her rejection of him bordering on fear. He asks her to remember the promise they made: you are and always will be the love of my life. She tells him what they had is dead and gone. He refuses to agree. She asks him to respect her and to leave her alone. She walks away. He has tears in his eyes.

8. Olga tearfully tells Iván how she has no idea how she fell in love with Marcos but it happened; he and her, the lady and the cave man, beauty and the macho. Two worlds that were not supposed to touch each other. Now she cannot look at Romina, her friend her co-worker. She cannot look her in the eye. She has to rip that guy, that piece of Mexican machismo out of her heart! She wants Iván to scold her, yell at her and tell her she is the worst. Iván refuses to judge her. They all make mistakes just the same. He says if he would have known about all of this before, he would not have fled but would have stayed there to fight for the woman he loves. She concludes that woman is Romina. He answers YES! She says"MY GOD" Iván responds EXACTLY! Just now that Romina is ending things with Marcos, he arrives on the scene with a woman on his arm who is a countess none the less. Romina feels a double betrayal by Marcos and now him.

9. Vale explains to Eleazar that after all it took her to get on the team, Mario arrives and in five minutes cancels her out as if she doesn't exist. Eleazar tries to explain that she will not gain a thing being like she is. She insists it is not fair and along with his not wanting them to race together. She insists the problem is that he doesn't think that women can compete on the track. He tells her to let it go and let Joaquín manage the situation. She starts to cry saying that they treat you as if you were less than, they do not listen to you and they do not even look at you as if your effort or passion as a woman do not matter. Eleazar tells her that she is there because she is good. They all know it and are going to support her. He hugs her.

10. Joaquín goes to visit his brother (still at his house.) He is happy to see him. Iván didn't didn't let him know he was coming because it was a last minute decision. He missed Majo so much and also him and the kids. He adds that the trip was an absolute failure when it came to forgetting about Romina. Joaquín is sorry to hear that. Iván misses her, he loves her. Joaquín wants him to know that things between her and Marcos are not going well at all.
 

11. Aurelio visits with Romina at the office and asks how Vero is doing. She says she sees her everyday She also knows about him telling Mario that she was dead. He justifies himself that he did it so she could avoid that evil man who was looking for her. After all of these years, Vero is smiling and in love with her boss. Romina tells him it is not good for him to make decisions for her and get involved her life. He insists they are his daughters and he will continue to get involved when it is needed. He explains that he adores her an her sisters in spite of the problems they have. He also appreciates Marcos. She tells him to drop the topic of Marcos. They have separated and this time it is for good. He lectures that marriage is for your whole life. What she is doing is madness! Romina agrees but it is HER life so he can either be with her without question or keep on the sidelines.

12. Joaquín tells Iván that on top of it all, Nuria dared to fire Consuelo and demanded that he leave the house, too. Iván asks where he is staying. This is his house. Joaquín tells him not to worry. He is fine. Joaquín goes on to describe the kids as being very very sad. The kids love Vero and love him. They see him as a father. Joaquín swears that he is going to fight for them. He has to recover the guardianship because they are a family. Iván assures him that he is there for him. Joaquín tells him about how Meli told him that she wanted him and Vero to get married and adopt them all. Iván loves the idea and reminds him he has always said that she was the woman for him. Suddenly Joaquín looks serious. Iván asks why. Joaquín tells him how he saw Vero with Mario Nolivos on the street and he wonders if there is something going on between them.

13. Aurelio asks Romina if all of this is because of the man that she talked to him about that time. She makes it clear that Iván is not the cause. She has been feeling so alone with the burden of a marriage that she cannot sustain any longer. He starts to criticize her viewpoints and asks since when did "promises" lose their importance in their family??? She says he has no idea what it is to live in a marriage without love. He answers that he knows more than she would believe. (He has to make it about himself AGAIN??) He confesses to being in love his whole life with a woman who wasn't her mother. Romina asks what is he talking about. Who?? He explains that the most important thing is that he never failed her mother. Never until her last breathe because one honors the promises one makes. Romina asks so what? Is he asking her to do things his way? Silencing what she feels? Keeping her feelings and her life in a box out of duty ? She refuses. She understands it was terrible to love without being able to talk about it but this is her life and she is not going to end up like him. She has no plans of looking back and discovering that she betrayed herself to please everyone else by not daring to live. He pats her hand and nods.

14. Iván asks Joaquín if Nolivos and Vero know each other. Joaquín says they were introduced at Kassandra's wedding. It looked like they were talking about something very personal and for a second it looked like he was going to kiss her. Iván asks if he is sure. He doesn't know but he got this feeling in the pit of his stomach that Vero was lying to him again. Iván asks if he trusts her or not. Joaquín wants to trust her. He loves her with his whole being. Iván advises him to talk to her! He is sure there is an explanation.
 

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15. Nuria is chanting and spreading incense as Meli and Dani watch on clearly not happy. She thinks maybe unhappiness is something they have to go to through to remove everything that is contaminating all them in their lives. Dani asks if she thinks that Vero and Joaquín contaminated them. Nuria smiles and says no but their energy wasn't good for them because their auras were very dark and generated blockages. Dani angrily answers that they loved those blockages. They were very happy with them. Nuria suggests that Dani not resort to anger because it obscures the light. Dani makes it clear that Nuria put the light out! Nuria decides to change the topic and do something to distract themselves like going shopping! Dani refuses. Nuria says she can stay at home while Meli will go with her because a walk will do them both good. Nuria tells Carmen to make sure that Dani stays home and doesn't talk to anyone especially that kid Bruno since she is not in favor of their "friendship". She and a reluctant Meli leave. With a smile, Carmen tells Dani that the witch is gone and suggests that she call Bruno. Carmen adds to let him know she is going to make him a big ham sandwich just the way they like them. Dani is so appreciative. They have a good hug.

16. Vale enters Mario's office unannounced saying she needs to talk to him. He says he has no time and she explodes demanding (really?) that he give her some because what she has to say cannot wait. He sits back and tells her she has one minute. She thinks that everything going on is an injustice. She will not be quiet. If he doesn't allow her to race let it be for technical reasons and not because she is a woman. She has trained the same as the others. She has matched Hugo's times. She has shown that she can compete. She raises her voice telling him to listen to her. How can he leave her out? She doesn't need special treatment, protection or favors. She only wants a fair chance. If the track is the place where a person proves themself, then let her show him there. He calmly asks her if she is done. She says yes. He tells her she can leave and she does.

`17. As Vale angrily walks down the hall, Kassandra asks if her fury has something to do with Mario. Vale doesn't answer. Kasandra smiles.

18. Kassandra goes into Mario's office remarking that she saw Vale leaving his office very upset. He says that she wants to race in the next competition but, of course, he will not allow her to race. He promised his daughter. Furthermore, he doesn't have to encourage her because she is Joaquín's goddaughter. She reminds him that she is also an owner of the company through her inheritance. Now since Vale is no longer a minor and Diego is about to turn 18, she thinks they could demand what is theirs and try to take control. He asks what her point is. She tells him that Nuria is considering selling it all and leaving the country with the orphans in tow. Kassandra thinks that since she didn't have a honeymoon, she deserves a wedding gift. He concludes she wants to buy the Miranda portion for the company as a surprise. She says only if her incredible husband gives her the funds to negotiate with Nuria. Mario smiles. That way the control of the company will remain in their hands and Joaquín will become a minority partner and it will be so much easier to destroy Joaquín. Mario likes the idea. She will take care of it.
 

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19. Hugo visits Carmen. He is sorry he hasn't been around but with the next race that is all he can think about. He goes to grab a sandwich only to find out it isn't for him but for one of Dani's friends. Bruno comes in and greets Hugo. Carmen is surprised they know each other. Bruno says of course they do. Hugo is his "brother-in-law" and future father of his nephew. Carmen cannot believe what she just heard and Hugo gives his aunt a weak smile.

20. Kassandra and Mario are happily leaving arm in arm and run into Joaquín on the way out. Mario thought he had left. He came back for some documents and would like to talk to Mario for a few minutes. Kassandra goes to wait in the car. Joaquín says he saw him earlier out on the street. Can he explains what he was doing with "Consuelo" ? Mario denies talking to her. Joaquín knows perfectly what he saw. Mario admits he was talking with a woman: Verónica Arellano.

21. Carmen wants to know about Hugo having a baby with Bruno's sister. Hugo ends up admitting he is gong to be a father in several months. She asks if he is crazy. He is Nayeli's novio. What will she tell "Consuelo"? Carmen clearly doesn't understand what is going on and who is who. Bruno starts to pick up his sandwich and she orders him to stop. She asks Hugo if he is cheating? Bruno only wants to eat his sandwich and makes it clear that Nayeli is his sister and she is the one who is pregnant. Hugo tells him to shut up as Carmen tries to solve the puzzle. Hugo says Nayeli is Bruno's sister but it depends on how you define sister. It's complicated. Carmen tries to put it all together but doesn't get it. Hugo is sure when it all is clarified, she will understand it all. Carmen wants it all to be clarified right now and Bruno only wants to eat . . . a little bit, please he begs.

22. Mario comments that Joaquín is not surprised so he must have found out her real name. Joaquín says she is his partner so there are no secrets between them. Furthermore, she is the woman he loves. Mario then supposes that he knows why she invented this other personality. Joaquín asks what is it that Mario wants to know. Mario knows that Vero is a journalist and that a while back, she infiltrated the Miranda household as a domestic worker to get info for the article that Flores published. Mario ask if that sounds familiar. Joaquín says that it does but that is over. Mario is aware of that but for some reason, Vero is still continuing to be "Consuelo" everywhere. Mario asks if he really knows the woman at his side. Joaquín asks if HE does. Where does he know her from? Mario answers with a "What do you know!!" There ARE secrets between him (Joaquín) and Vero! Mario wants to know if she has talked about him. Yes or no. Joaquín doesn't answer. Mario pats him on the arm and says his wife is waiting. He will see him tomorrow. Joaquín is left with a lot to think about.
 

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23. At the snack bar, Romina is reacting to finding out that Vero got fired. She asks if Nuria is crazy. Vero says of course she is. Nuria thinks that because of her, she cannot connect with her nephew and nieces because she is stealing the attention and affection of the kids. Romona thinks it is Nuria who doesn't know how to interact with them. Romina is happy that Vero is working there so she can continue to be close to Vale and her. Vero asks what happened with their father. Romina says that obviously, he didn't agree with her separating from Marcos. He also confessed something very serious to her. He said that for his whole life, he was in love with another woman. That is a surprise for Vero. He adored their mother. Romina says he didn't say who the other woman was. Maybe their aunt Consuelo might know something. Vero starts thinking how they could discover who she is. Romina asks why would she want to look for her. Vero doesn't know but maybe their father needs to close that chapter of his life or maybe it isn't too late for him to get the love of his life back. In spite of what he did to her, she wants to see him happy again.

24. Night has fallen and Meli and Nuria are in a clothing store where Meli is complaining about being tired. Nuria tells her they are almost done but one cannot choose clothing quickly. Items of clothing have their own energy and one must choose them carefully. She goes to try on clothes leaving Meli alone. Meli sees a sofa in the store and sits on it to wait.

25. Dani goes outside and Bruno is in the garden. He sees her as an angel coming down from heaven. He thinks that her aunt has him pegged as a dangerous kid from the barrio. She apologizes for what her aunt told him but she doesn't think like she does and neither do her siblings or Joaquín. Sometimes her aunt goes overboard and thinks that everything that is different from her is bad. He knows that her aunt sees him as not worth much but he swears that he is never going to walk away from Dani. He will continue to come and see her. She never wants this moment to end. He agrees.

26. Carmen asks Hugo to tell her the truth. Yes, Nayeli is Brunos's sister. She wonders about "Consuelo" coming into the house lying and how Bruno fits in all of it. Nothing makes sense. Hugo swears it will all make sense but he isn't he one who should explain it all. She will understand when she talks to "Consuelo" and Joaquín. She will take his word for it. She asks how feels about everything. He only knows he is in love with Nayeli with his whole heart and there is nothing more that he wants than to have a family with her. Knowing he is going to be a father makes him feel like the luckiest man in the world. Carmen asks if they are getting married. He admits it isn't so easy. He made some mistakes and now he is trying to regain Nayeli's trust and love. She is sure it will happen because when a woman is truly in love, she learns how to forgive and he has an enormous heart. He is noble, hardworking, responsible and even if he messes up sometimes, she is always very proud of him. He thanks her and adds that she always been like a mother to him. She answers that he has always been like the son she never had. They hug.
 

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27. A smiling Consuelo brings a (forever) brooding Aurelio some food for supper. He says she shouldn't have bothered. He isn't hungry but is upset that Romina is done with Marcos for good. Marriage is a promise you make for your whole life!!! He doesn't understand how his daughters are like they are. He blames himself for not setting them straight. Consuelo says that is not what they need. They need him to hug them. A father's love should be given when it is most needed. He doesn't have to save them, only love them, listen to them and stop fighting about the past which will never return when love can if you open the door. He confesses that if he could go back in time he would correct so many mistakes. The first would be to confront his parents to go out with the girl he really liked. He says that is her and kisses her hands. They look at each other longingly.

28. At the snack bar, Joaquín, Vero, Diego and Vale are seated at a table. Diego doesn't feel like going back home. Vale agrees that things are not the same. She doesn't even want to think about seeing Nuria's face. Vero says she knows it is hard but they have to be strong and think about Dani and Meli. Joaquín agrees and reminds them it is getting late and they need to go. Joaquín also has good news and tells them that he started his fight for their guardianship today. Diego and Vale are overjoyed and grateful. He says it will be long and tedious but he will not give up so they can be the family they are. Diego thanks Vero for being there and everything else. She says she always will be there. They all hug.

29. After the kids leave, Vero asks Joaquín if he is angry with her. He says no but they have to talk. He will take her home.

30. Aurelio is going on about how many mistakes he made. It came from pride thinking that he was always right. He lost his daughters, her and ended up alone. She tells him that his daughters are not lost and by him admitting he made a mistake, he is taking the first step in getting them back. He needs her more than ever. When he is with her his soul settles down. Cradling her face he asks her to never let him go. She says she never has let him go not even when he chose her sister over her. In spite of herself, she will always love him and always be there for him. With the love he has always had for her, he doesn't want to lose her.

31. Nuria returns home with shopping bags full of clothes but not with Meli. In horror, she tells Carmen she must have forgotten her at the store. Dani hears and asks how could have she forgotten her sister??

32. Meli, still on the couch, wakes up in a dark store. She calls for her aunt but she isn't there only mannequins are.

33. Consuelo tells Aurelio not to say those things to her. She doesn't want her heart to betray her. He wants to spend the rest of his time, no matter how short it is, with her. She talks about respecting her sister but when she sees him like this, she understands that there are things that the heart cannot bury. He advises her not to bury them. They have lost too many years, too many opportunities. He only wants to be with her not with guilt but with peace. They end up kissing.

34. Joaquín has brought Vero home and she asks what is going on. He didn't look her in the eye all night long and she doesn't understand what she did. He reminds he that he doesn't put up with lying. She says of course she understands that. He wants her to be honest with him and not beat around the bush. She promises. He asks her what was she doing on the street with Mario Nolivos this afternoon.

FIN
 

TAN CERCA

All I can say is too much talk and not enough action tonight! Guess we had to have an episode setting everything up for the final run.

Vale showed how immature she was tonight barging into Mario's office. What a brat!
Could Nuria be losing her guardianship after forgetting about Meli?
Could the Aurelio/Consuelo plot line be basically resolved? I hope so. Please!
Kassandra always has a plan!
Poor Hugo caught between a rock and a hard place protecting Vero's secret.
It seems like Joaquín is quickly losing his patience with Vero.

Can't wait until tomorrow.
 

TAN CERCA

Jarifa, you created a rich, intricate tapestry, finely woven with insight, delicious details and marvelous humor. I smiled in delight at "...a (forever) brooding Aurelio" - perfect! 😊

"We see the sadness in Joaquín's eyes as he witnesses what is going on." I've not given Joaquin enough credit for being a pretty perfect galan .Flummoxed at seeing Vero and Mario together (especially after the "lean in"), Joaquin kept his hurt and confusion to himself as he promised Diego and Vale he would fight for custody. He always submerges his own wants and needs for others. When he finally confronted Vero, he did so insisting on hearing the truth but was not accusatory or angry. Surely, she has to tell him the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, right?? I think he will be more upset that she didn't tell him rather than exactly who Mario really is. Regardless, two bitter pills to swallow.

Conversely, "He knows that she is hiding something from him with her false identity, her rejection of him bordering on fear". Mario's spidey sense is tingling and he is spot on! Yet another reason Vero should have immediately confided in Joaquin. It is inevitable that Mario will find out Vale is his daughter, but Vero and Joaquin could have strategized to minimize the fallout for Vale. Oh wait! Vale STILL doesn't know Vero is her mother. How painful it will be If Vale finds out everything all at once.

What is Cupid going to do next regarding Romina, Marcos, Ivan and Olga?? All seem incredibly unhappy and a partner switcheroo seems inevitable.

Aurelio "(He has to make it about himself AGAIN??)" said it all! Next!!

"Nuria returns home with shopping bags full of clothes but not with Meli". Huh? Losing a shopping bag, your wallet, even your purse are entirely possible, but leaving a child behind? Once a space shot, always a space shot. Definitely not guardian material.

Jarifa, I so enjoyed your recap!! Thank you for posting it so early allow me to savor every single word.

Diana
 

"CORAJE"
Blue Lass: Thank you very much for the list of characters.
 

Coraje

Blue Lass: Thanks for the character list!!

I like the actor playing Jim - he has a sort of goofy charm.

Clara was definitely flirting with Jero at the bank and there was chemistry there but he’s a womanizer. Not enough to have two brothers fight over the girl we have to get all three???

I also like the actress playing Jackie. Not the character but the actress.
 

Coraje
Blue Lass, thanks for the giggles .Too many clever remarks to name . My favorite was Falcon' s " black capsule wardrobe." I have one , too.
Well, this show has given a lot of actors and actresses work. My head is spinning . Susan
 

Tan cerca
Jarifa, busy day ahead , but I had to thank you for yet another wonderful recap of all the drama .
I guess we all knew that poor little Meli would be forgotten by space cadet Nuria. When I had our first baby , I had a recurring dream of leaving her behind when we left my parents' farm just a mile from our house !!! Never left any of our kids in a store ! Susan
 

Coraje
Thank you so much for the list of characters, very well organized and presented. I love your editorial comments
Lester
 

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Diana, "I've not given Joaquin enough credit for being a pretty perfect galan." Me either, It has been a while since we have seen a galán like him. "Once a space shot, always a space shot. Definitely not guardian material." had me laughing. It is so true!!

Susan, Yes, Nuria is a "space cadet." She needs to be off meditating somewhere and not in contact with her nieces and nephew. I have no children but that dream of yours sounds like a nightmare!
 

Tan Cerca

Jarifa, super job with the many conversations going on and on and on. Plus, you really took one for the team covering Aurelio and Consuelo moving toward their first kiss.

"He [Joaquin] didn't look her in the eye all night long and she doesn't understand what she did. He reminds he that he doesn't put up with lying. She says of course she understands that." Vero got on my last nerve last night. It's as if she innocently didn't have a clue where she might be failing in her relationship with Joaquin.

Next, when Romina tells Vero their dad says he didn't love their mother all those years, Vero's first thought is to find out who is the lost love. Really, with all the mess she's already got on her hands? Sure, Vero, find out your dad's lost love, just like Mario is going to find out why you follow wherever Vale goes. I should blame the writers, but color me "ticked with Vero."

Surprisingly, Bruno was my favorite last night. I've been wanting a ham sandwich myself, so I can relate to his single-minded focus to get that fat sandwich prepared for him by Carmen. And while I'm ticked at Vero, I'm glad he sort of spilled the beans about Consuelo not being Consuelo.

Hugo was cute with his facial expressions trying to get Bruno to shut up about Consuelo's ID.
 

Tan Cerca

Thanks Jarifa, there was a lot of conversation last night. But two are tied for worse. Kassandra’s plan to get Nuria to sell her the shares. Surely there’s someone to do checks and balances on their shares. I don’t think Nuria can get away with it, but who knows. I would think she couldn’t get Vale’s if Vale is 18. Can you imagine how mad Diego would be if he sold his shares before his birthday! That’s one hissy-fit I wouldn’t mind seeing!

Aurelio telling Romina he never loved her mother, but loved someone else was awful. Why would anyone tell their daughter that. I would be shattered if I had learned my father never loved my mother. It would be as if your whole childhood was a lie.

Hoping leaving a child in a locked and empty store is enough proof that you’re not fit to be a guardian, not even to a dog!
 

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Niecie, "Surprisingly, Bruno was my favorite last night. I've been wanting a ham sandwich myself, so I can relate to his single-minded focus to get that fat sandwich prepared for him by Carmen" had me smiling and nodding in vigorous agreement.

To be completely honest, aside from the very beginning, I have liked Bruno all along. :) Also, Andrés Vázquez who plays Hugo is a lot of fun to watch. I like all the "kids" in this...

Diana
 

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Niecie, I so agree about Vero suddenly wanting to find out who her father's love might be. Like why? Everybody is way too enmeshed for my tastes already. I will join you and Diana with your opinion on Bruno and his ham sandwich. . He is starting to grow on me.

Liz, "Aurelio telling Romina he never loved her mother, but loved someone else was awful. Why would anyone tell their daughter that. I would be shattered if I had learned my father never loved my mother. It would be as if your whole childhood was a lie." BINGO! I could not even imagine! As for Nuria, let's hope that her leaving Meli behind is enough to give her the boot!
 

TAN CERCA DE TI, NACE EL AMOR #77 Page 1

Notes from the Couch

1. A tense Joaquín informs Vero that he didn't follow her, he saw them by chance. Vero says she wants to die. He explains that he doesn't doubt her but he needs to understand why she didn't tell him that she and Mario knew each other? She answers that she never expected to run into him. She says it was a shock or rather a nightmare for her when she found out that he was the man who Kassandra married.Joaquín asks if it was chance that they saw each other on the street, too? She says Mario contacted her and wanted to talk to her. She didn't know how to react. She says it only lasted seconds. An angry Joaquín answers that in those "seconds" he tried to kiss her. She admits he did but she didn't let him. She swears on her life. He has to believe her. Joaquín does believe her but he also knows when somebody is hiding something from him. He wants to hear the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth about her and Mario Nolivos. He wants to hear everything with no beating around the bush, without pauses and without fear. Vero shakes her head and says it is not possible. There are things that if she told him would change everything. It isn't just any story. Years ago she and Mario . . . an impatient Joaquín says WHAT? She tells him that she and Mario loved each other.

2. Dani wants to call for help to find Meli but Nuria says no. Carmen tries to convince Nuria that what is important now is to find the girl. Nuria says that is what she is exactly going to do, take care of it personally and bring Meli back. She slings her handbag over her shoulder and is ready to go. Dani asks how she will find her if she doesn't even remember where she left her. Nuria is not going to take Dani's lack of respect as Carmen tries to keep her on the task at hand. Nuria starts to leave as Dani tells her that she doesn't trust her. Vale and Diego arrive asking what is going on.

3. Meli is roaming around the store asking her aunt where she is and calling out for help. She prays to the Virgin to have Vero and Joaquín come look for her. She doesn't want to stay there alone.

4.Vale has lost it with Nuria telling her that Meli is nine years old so it was HER responsibility to take care of her. Nuria doesn't like the way that Vale is talking to her but the important thing is that she leave to go look for Meli. Vale reminds her that she does't even know where she lost her. Diego wants to call Joaquín or the police. Nuria insists that Joaquín is not to be called or a scandal be started by calling the police. She is going to solve it. Vale says she is calling then. Nuria tries to stop her but Diego gets in between them. Hysterical and in tears Nuria screams that she is the guardian of this family and they will do what she says. ( Will she stomp her feet next?) Vale makes it clear that she doesn't own their lives and they do not trust her. Carmen assures Dani that Joaquín will bring Meli back as Vale calls him.

5. With a crucifix on the wall in the background, between Aurelio and Consuelo, she tells him that what they did isn't good. (Kisser's remorse??) He says they stopped lying and they are not showing disrespect to anyone. What they feel is life wanting to be happy. She thinks it is not as easy as that. The only thing that he is asking her is to not close the door on him. He asks her to allow him to be at her side without having to hide this love and with her not being obligated to anything else. She doesn't know if she can give him anything more than company. She loves him but her conscience is pulling her away. He promises to not pressure her and take it very slowly. She nods but insists that their love cannot be, shouldn't be. He is happy with her allowing him to be in her life. A phone call interrupts the conversation.
 

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6. Vero explains that Mario and she met when she was very young because her mother was the cook at his parents' house. One day, her mother took her over to the house where she and Mario became friends and later fell in love. They came from totally different worlds so they were novios but hidden. They really loved each other but then he went to do graduate work outside of Mexico. That is when they lost track of each other and had not seen each other until the wedding. He asks if she still feels something for him. She insists that died a long time ago and now it is he whom she loves with her whole heart. Joaquín thinks there is something else. As she starts to hesitate, he reminds her she was going to tell him the whole truth. Without waiting for another hesitation he (does us all a favor) asks her if Mario is Vale's father. She starts to cry.

7. Mario wants to meet with Aurelio. Aurelio and Consuelo wait for him at a restaurant. Aurelio hasn't had a good night's sleep since he learned that Mario was back in town. Consuelo has come along to ride shotgun (so to speak) and to keep Aurelio on track. He is very appreciative. Mario arrives.

8. Vale finally says yes Mario is Vale's biological father. Joaquín is beyond shocked considering that Mario is his rival for years, his enemy, his debt-holder is his goddaughter's father. Vero says it was never her intention to lie to him. She didn't want to hide anything from him. He answers BUT SHE DID. They were together at the wedding and she pretended not to know Mario. A furious Joaquín adds that she lied to his face. She apologizes. She didn't know what to do. She was in SHOCK! He asks if Mario knows that she has a daughter. She tells him he doesn't He never found out that she was pregnant. He left Mexico and her parents had hidden her while she was pregnant. Mario knows nothing but she is terrified that he will discover the truth and tell Vale the truth before she can. She will lose her and Vale will hate her. Joaquín says she led him to believe that he could trust her and that there would be no more secrets. She asks him not to judge her and to forgive her. She tells him that he has no idea of what it is to live for 18 years without your daughter, find her and then not being able to even tell her the truth because they have told her lies about you. She begs him not leave her because she needs him now more than ever. She pleads to be forgiven. He is in tears but cannot take the fact that she lied again. His phone rings and after being informed that Meli is missing, they go together to find her.

9. Mario makes it clear that he wanted to talk to Aurelio alone. Aurelio explains who Consuelo is and how she is like a second mother to his daughter so he thought it was appropriate for her to be there. Mario reminds Aurelio how the last time they spoke he swore that Vero was dead. Aurelio explains that he wanted to protect her. He didn't want a guy like Mario hurting her again and he is not sorry for having lied to him. Mario says they loved each other and were separated unjustly but this time he has no plans of giving her up. Consuelo tells him you cannot force love. Vero doesn't feel the same way he does. She loves another man and is happy. She tells him that sometimes, loving is letting go. Mario has no appreciation for her paltry advice. He wants to know what else they are hiding from him. Aurelio says there is nothing else to know. Consuelo tells him to have a happy life with his bride. He has no right to interrupt Vero's life. He sees it differently. For him, it is getting back what was always his in the first place. Aurelio tells him to stay away from Vero or he will regret it. Aurelio and Consuelo leave.
 

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10. Hand in hand, Joaquín and Vero arrive at the local shopping mall. They explain the situation to a security guard and in no time at all Meli is found.

11. The Countess is up front with Iván. She knows who Romina, the woman who he introduced her to in the office, is. It must have been hard for him to see her again. He starts to apologize that this is the last thing he wanted to bring her here for. She appreciates him not lying to her but she kneww what she was getting into. She knows he loves Romina but she has a message for him. She plans on fighting for him.

12. Romina thinks back to other times when Iván declared his love for her. Marcos, who is looking at photos of her and him, interrupts her thoughts by calling but she doesn't answer.

13. Meli is freed! All three share in a group hug.

14. Joaquín returns Meli to her house where everyone is overjoyed to see her and are grateful for Joaquín bringing her home. On her way to bed, Vale tells Nuria that she will never forgive her ever. Nuria tells her ENOUGH! She is in no mood.

15. When the kids are gone, Joaquín tells Nuria the kids are right to be bothered. This was not just everyday carelessness. It could have ended in a tragedy. He asks if she has any idea how serious this situation was. She says she knows. She says it was an accident and tries to excuse it saying she was distracted. Joaquín disagrees defining it as negligence pure and simple. She says she is doing the best that she can. That is not good enough for him. Ever since she arrived, it has been one problem after another. If he needed evidence that the children are not doing well under her care, today she gave him plenty. He will be notifying the court about this. He is warning her. Nuria is left in tears.

16. Vero is upset at home and calls Joaquín. He sees it is her and decides not to answer. He just can't.

17. The next morning at breakfast, Vero tells Romina everything that happened with Mario the day before. Romina tells her that she did the right thing. It is too much of a burden to bear on her own. Vero says no, it turned out that she had failed him again after she told him there would be no more secrets. She hurt him. She has no idea if he will forgive her or what she would do without him.

18. Nuria is having breakfast with Kassandra. She tells her how Joaquín treated her as if she were responsible. Now he say he his going to notify the court as if she were a danger for her nieces and nephew. It was only a mistake. Kassandra says that may be but it could really cost her. Joaquín now has ammunition to take the kids away from her. Nuria disagrees. She is the kids' only blood relative. Kassandra knows Joaquín and he will stop at nothing. Now, he has something he can use to prove to the judge that he can offer the kids a more stable life.This is not the time for Nuria to have a lukewarm reaction. Joaquín will have her charged with negligence and that will stop her from taking the kids out of the country. Is she going to allow Joaquin and Vero to take the inheritance that belongs to her and her nieces and nephew.?Nuria is convinced that Vero is the source of all of the "imbalance." Kassandra tells her she has to sell it all and take the kids far away before it it is too late. If Joaquín sees what she is up to, he could file for precautionary measures to be taken. Kassandra is willing to help her sell things secretly and also buy her part of the company. If she sells it to her today, Joaquín will not have a chance to react. Sanabria can help them with all of the paperwork and hide the transfer until it is irreversible. All Nuria has to do is pack and get on the plane with her nieces and nephew. Convinced, Nuria tells her to make the arrangements. She will sell it all to her.They toast with coffee.
 

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19. Aurelio goes to see Vero and tells her about having met with Mario. He tells her Consuelo went with him. He didn't tell him anything. Vero is aggravated again because she asked him not to talk to Mario and he did! He gives his usual excuse that he only wanted to protect her. Neither she nor Romina look like things are going well and he feels responsible. Vero says after all of this time, he is realizing it. Nothing justified him tearing her infant daughter away from her. Crying, he says he is coming to realize that many of his decisions haven't been the right ones. His life hasn't turned out like he thought it would with her and Romina married with loads of grand kids. He is alone. It breaks his heart that neither she or Romina are happy. He feels it is his fault. Already crying, Vero says it is also her own fault because she didn't tell anyone in time, she didn't say anything and she obeyed him because she was fifteen and was not just of afraid of him but was terrified of him. Vero explains that she cannot change her present but she can change her future. and that future is at her daughter's side whatever that might be. She also realizes that he was incapable of fighting for his own happiness. He loved a woman in silence and never fully lived. She and Romina inherited that emptiness and that fear he had towards life but that is over because both of them have changed direction. They are going to be really happy . . . and he is too. Aurelio starts sobbing.

20. Mario has turned up in the locker room to tell his racers how important the next race is. He is going to personally take charge of their training. He wants Hugo and Eleazar on the track today. Nobody else.

21. Aurelio admits he always was a coward. He doesn't want her or Romina end up like him. Vero assures him they won't because they are waking up. They want to fight for their happiness. They don't care if they make mistakes even though he doesn't understand them. Aurelio knows he always was hard headed and a fool but this is the first time he has been able to acknowledge it in front of her. He says he is guilty. He only awakened pain in the people he loved the most. He makes it clear that the didn't come there expecting her forgiveness or a hug. He wants her to know that although he has messed up so many times, he loves her and all he has ever wanted was to see her happy. He loves her. He doesn't dare touch her butleaves as both he and she sob. She says she loves him too, to an empty room.

22. An enraged Vale doesn't like Mario's decision and tries to play the goddaughter card. Mario asks if she is going to play the nepotism card because she is Joaquín's goddaughter. They can call Joaquín now. He tells her that she has to show that she deserves a spot on the team. She asks how can she do that if he won't allow her to race. He says not today. Today she will observe the training from the stands. She doesn't agree and is going to race anyway. How does he like that? (Really?) Eleazar tries to calm her down. Mario reminds all of them that the team is a Navarro/Nolivos team. All three of them work for him. Vale is not prepared to race yet so she will be observing from the stands taking notes on everything.

23. Vero tells Consuelo that she never has seen her father like that. It was as if he was apologizing to her, He said he was a coward and that that he had ruined her and Romina's life. Vero didn't know what to say. Consuelo advises her not to be too hard on Aurelio. He is like he is: clumsy and very stubborn but he does love. Vero asks Consuelo if she knows anything about her father, even though he as married to her mother, having love anther woman in silence his whole life. Consuelo gets nervous and says she knows nothing about that. She runs home to check on "something on the stove."
 

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24. Hugo tells Vale he is sorry and moves on. Vale is still fuming and tells Eleazar she cannot believe how unbearable Nolivos is. Eleazar tries to get her to calm down. She wants him to leave with her and refuse to race for Nolivos. He refuses. She cannot believe that he is planning on racing for him after what he did to them. (Uh, no only her) Eleazar says he has to race and she has to observe. She mocks him saying they are going to do everything Nolivos says. He informs her this is a job. She says she knows that it is a job but Nolivos is doing this to her on purpose and he is against her. He reminds her that they had to hear about being novios already and he doesn't want them getting into any more problems. They have to do what they have to do. She tells him to go ahead and obey but she won't.

25. Consuelo goes running over to Aurelio's telling him he had no right. Why did he talk to his daughters about what is going on between them? It belonged to them and nobody else.

26. At the snack bar, Romina tells Vero that their father is changing. Vero is not so sure. He was about to take responsibility but he is such an egotist. He says that HE feels alone; HE doesn't have grandchildren HE, HE, HE, HE! Romina agrees but it is an advance for him. He is beginning to realize that he made a mistake and that is enough coming from him. Vero didn't like seeing him broken like that. Then it angers her that he lived his life half-heartedly, didn't fight for what he wanted and didn't love freely. Romina asks her if she talked to Consuelo about that woman. Vero says she asked but Consuelo got VERY nervous She found an excuse to leave. It was as if she were afraid to answer her. Very strange.

27. Aurelio explains to Consuelo that he only wanted his daughters to know why he was the way he was. (all about him again!) He didn't want to hurt her. She asks about Vero and Romina being Beatriz's daughters. How are they gong to react if that find out that she . . . has loved him forever. Aurelio breaks down. He informs her that he didn't mention her name. He only said he was a coward and loved. He didn't know how to fight and made a mistake with their mother., that he made a mistake with them and everything. Sh says the problem is that now they know there was another woman. If they put two and two together, they are going to see her differently. Aurelio is tired of hiding his feelings. He wants to fight for her. She insists that what they have can cannot be today, tomorrow or ever. She leaves him to cry alone.

28. Kassandra tells Mario that she had breakfast with Nuria and it was a success. She convinced her to sell it all and to sell her share of the company to her. He is pleased. He will free up the funds so the transaction can be made. She says very soon they will be the majority partners of Navarro-Cross. He agrees and Joaquín will end up being what he is: a nobody.

29.Olga has to bring some papers to the shop and bumps into Marcos. He makes it clear that eh doesn't want to be bothered with her. She tells him that she is in love with him.
 

TAN CERCA age 6

29.Olga has to bring some papers to the shop and bumps into Marcos. He makes it clear that eh doesn't want to be bothered with her. She tells him that she is in love with him.

30. Romina is getting coffee in the break room. Iván comes in and grabs her holding her very close. He tells her she needs to tell him what she feels for him. She moves away from him as he tells her she cannot escape. She finally says she cannot take it any more. Yes! She loves him with her whole heart. Is that what he wants her to say? He says he loves her, too and they kiss.

FIN
 

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Again, too much talking . . . especially from Aurelio!

I was happy that Joaquín was aggravated enough that he forced Vero finally answers his questions.

Wha a surprise and ego-boost for Iván that the Countess wants to fight for him.

Being set up to not race or not, , Vale has a bad attitude.
 

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Jarifa, you set the bar higher with each successive recap. Exquisitely crafted and always enthralling.

Loved “Consuelo has come along to ride shotgun (so to speak)” and “(Kisser's remorse??)”

I can’t help but wonder how long Vero would have waited to tell Joaquin if he hadn’t seen her and Mario together. She is not exactly forthright is she? Backed into a corner by a frantic Joaquin, Vero was finally forced to tell the truth. It was hard to watch Joaquin’s trying to process what he was hearing, his face contorted, clearly in emotional pain and turmoil.

Joaquin crawling under the store gate to get to Meli was just adorable. It was just a matter of seconds before it would rise enough for him to simply duck under it but he just could not wait. 😊

Jarifa, I agree that “Vale has a bad attitude”. She’s been a bit too self-righteous and frankly, bratty lately.

Nuria allowing Kassandra to play her like a fiddle was cringeworthy.

“Aurelio starts sobbing”. Boo Hoo, no sympathy for you!

I did think there would be a twist in the outcome of our star crossed not yet lovers and that Romina and Marcos would end up together. Wrong (as usual!) Marcos isn’t exactly a prize but Ivan did in effect steal from his brother and seems content to float aimlessly using Joaquin as a financial lifeline and housing provider.

Joaquin has a heart of gold and has cemented himself as one of my favorite galans. Ever.

Jarifa, thank you, thank you.

Diana