Caray, Caray!

Hello Everyone.
Firstly my apologies because there will be no recap tonight. For whatever reason my cable service was interrupted until about an hour ago. I thought I could still do the recap but my recording services also betrayed me tonight. However, I couln't leave you with nothin, now could I? So here is the discussion thread for tonight's episode.
Once again my apologies for this situation. Private 057

UPDATE: This is blog mom checking in. Let's see, what do I remember?

In the barn where Rafa is being held prior to marrying the hot chica who has said he is her baby daddy, Ale and Rafa exchange happy tight-lipped kisses (a fifth grader could do better).

Luckily, the "other" Rafael Medina (looks like an old hippy) shows up at the last minute. The pregnant daughter is not that happy to see him, she preferred Rafita Rafita, but what can you do?

Rafa and Ale rush back to the hotel, where, thanks to a blackout caused by Chavez (don't you love the way Marco spits out his name?) trying to recharge his cellphone, the awards ceremony was delayed just enough for Rafa and Ale to join the gang and hear that Auto-Siglo won!

La leona de Clo-Autos is mortified and has her human palanquin carry her off to the pool where she can drink her sorrows away (she had offered to buy drinks for Arcadia WHEN Clo-Autos won).

Milagros has checked in - she needs to decide whether she will (1) marry Jimenez or (2) go to a nunnery. I personally think that is a too-scanty list of options. He meets up with her by the pool and is dazzled once again by what her bikini reveals. Milagros, he is old and shallow and has logorrhoea, quick Milagros run run run!

Chavez, fresh from his night on the sofa, Marco, Todo Yo Daniel (who starts every entrance and exit by turning sideways), Marian (who has some plan in action but we don't know what it is exactly, though it involves a guy with a deep voice spying on Rafael and Ale), and VICKI VICKI VICKI meet up and are all bitching in one voice when Ale and Rafa show up, see them all and suspect it's not a coincidence - but don't care at all - they happily wave their blue ribbons, call each other "mi amor" many times, and leave. Our table of also-rans grind their teeth.

Arcadia sees La Leona by the pool, jumps up and down three times in triumphant glee, and offers to buy La Leona drinks. Being a "good loser," Leona accepts.

Some mystery messenger leaves mystery notes for many of our main characters who all say, "funny, what is this?" Oh, and some funny looking guy comes to Rafa's door making him stare in astonishment.

Labels: dinero

Yes, the whole gang has converged on ValleSol , a spiffy resort for the annual automobile convention. The Auto Siglo sales force, Doña Arcadia and her pups( complete with their robes, their sun tan lotion and their car sick pills) and the long-suffering Chatooo arrive first. Rosaura, for once, trills that there's nothing like this in Miami. Thanks be to God.

There's the usual bickering and sniping amongst the sales folk. Marino is being castigated for his feud with Sandra. Bebe reminds him that he'll never get to see his daughter if he doesn't apologize and make up with Sandra. Marino reminds Bebe that he NEVER apologizes to any woman. And no advice from you Ramirez...you have neither wife nor child, he adds. No, snivels his buddy, but I had a wonderful woman, right in front of me, and I realized it too late.

We tear ourselves away from this sad scene to contemplate another. Jaime's still hunkered down at the table with Leonor, talking about his childhood, his dreams, and his hopes for starting work soon. There's a knock at the door. At first I thought it was VickyVickyVicky but the knock was too civilized. Instead it was a messenger with a mysterious envelope. Inside are the pictures of Leonor and her kids, taken without them realizing it. Ohoooooo. Scary. But Jaime advises her not to tell Rafa or he won't go to the convention. This seems like strange advice to me. But whatever. If it works for the plot and getting us to the gran final Friday, I'm all for it.

Julieta arrives and asks the classic telenovela question: ¿Qué haces aqui? If you don't know what that means, it's back to Spanish 101 for you. Julieta starts hyperventilating, throws Jaime out (Leonor winks reassuringly at him) and then our little chippie starts complaining about the stress of having two suitors vying for her hand. Leonor settles it by noting that Julieta is way too young to get married. That being said, Julieta finally notices Jaime's fine graduation certificate on the table and realizes her former novio is now a bona fide lawyer. Will this change things? Sure hope so. Cesar is just a wet behind the ears office Romeo in comparison.

While the Auto Sigloites are gushing about the beautiful ValleSol, a hungover Marco and Chavez also arrive. Chavez gets stuck with the bill for the taxi (nothing new there) and they sneak into their quarters before anyone can realize they're on campus. This is a stealth operation, after all.

Stealth II, Miss Vicky, arrives shortly after, vowing with clenched, perfect teeth that RAFA IS HERS! AND NO WAY IS HE GETTING AWAY FROM HER!!!! Got that, amigos? What's Private 057's bet on this one?

Stealth III arrives, with a little too much eye makeup. It's none other than Miss Milagros. She's still trying to decide if Ramirez is her future or the convent. Lordy, that's a tough choice. Think I might opt for the convent, in spite of his surprisingly robust physique. But what do I know? A lifetime of those pompous lectures though could make you homicidal.

Now our two lovebirds make an entrance in the Pantera. They're running late because Rafa was stopping every whip stitch to check the oil, the tires, go pipi and grab some tacos. Ale is in a skin-tight hot pink strapless dress so he may have grabbed something else besides. Just sayin'. Although given those sterile kisses, maybe not.

A big Auto Siglo fuss at the registration desk. Rooms must be shared. Shock, Awe and Horror. Marino immediately requests Claudia for a roommate. Pepeto puts in his bid for Rosaura. And Doña Arcadia puts an end to all that nonsense. Boys with boys; girls with girls. And the Presidential Suite for me and another suite for my pups. I guess if Chato's lucky, he'll find a couch somewhere.

Next to arrive are Stealth IV, Daniel and Marian, also in a strapless dress and looking quite fetching. Both of them are actually. They make a nice couple. Or would if he weren't such a doofus.

But wait! Here's a new visitor. We see her sandal feet and some exotic long garb. Yikes. It's the lioness MGM style of the auto industry. The feared and revered Rebecca Madariaga. Hard to take her seriously, since this actress plays the hopeless naca in those cheesy Hora Pico comedies but whatever. Let's go with it. This could be fun. She's carrying a lion cub as her accessory and is taunting the venerable Queen with an astounding lack of respect. Marino starts to suck up to her and Doña Arcadia fells him with one well-timed blow. Bien hecho Doña!

A short gloomy return to the apartment where Rosario is in the doldrums. Jorge reminds her that Quintana must be genuinely repentant if he confessed his previous bad intentions. And she still loves him, right? Yesssss...snivel snivel. Plus the usual telenovela cant: One can't forget a great love overnight. I had so many dreams, so many illusions. Yada yada. We know this will work out. Back to ValleSol where the action is.

Rafa and Ale have finally walked in and Doña Arcadia has that gleeful I-know-what-you've-been-up-to-look. And tells 'em that have to share a room. WHAT!!!??? Just kidding. A room for each. And get changed and come on down. The party is starting and we're going to have a couple of drinks.

Licenciado Gomez of Clos Autos now shows up. He's quite genial given how sharply he and Rafa parted. He's introduced to Ale, compliments her beauty as he razzes her about causing him to lose his best salesman. But nevertheless, he's going to give them a run for their money for the trophy for Best Agency. Let the games begin!

And the games are afoot between Doña Arcadia and the fearsome Rebecca. The lioness refers contemptuously to the crazy goings-on she heard about at Auto Siglo. Crazy? Well, yes, we've been making money like crazy, if that's what you mean, snaps back the Queen. I like these two together. Nice of the writer to throw in this extra little tussle during the last week.

Back in the room, which Ale and Rafa do seem to be sharing: he's getting the heebie-jeebies though he doesn't know why. Ale tries to calm him down and snuggles up to kiss his cheek while he clamps his lips together. I'll cut him some slack this time because he's nervous, but he only has a few more days to show me he's galan-worthy. They saunter forth to the lobby and check each other out. They're definitely hawt!

Three raggedy men come shambling up the path now. Clearly not guests. But they're looking for Rafael Medina. And they've found him. Good thing because he has to marry this guy's daughter. WHAT!? Well, is this the Medina who gave a lecture on Love in Monterrey? Er, yes. It was all a mistake, but yes, I did. Well, you got my daughter pregnant and now you have to do right by her! And they drag him off, throw him in a red van and vamoose.

We see a pair of hands hidden behind some bushes. Part of the Marian plot, no doubt.

And now Ale, staggering down the steps in impossibly high heels shouts at a taxi to follow the red truck. Whoops. And take her with him please. Off they go.

Back to our clot of Auto Siglo salespeople who are traveling in a big amoeba-like mass. They've finally noticed that Ale and Rafa aren't with them and Claudia assumes the worst (or best, depending on your point of view). Susana tries to get Ale on her cellphone but it's turned off. No room in that tight Ale dress for a cellphone anyway. Doña Arcadia orders everyone to search the grounds.

Back to our odd couple. Chavez wants to bunk with Marco because the rooms are so expensive. And the bed's big enough, surely. No way. You're on the couch, snaps our licenciado. Next horrific discovery. The whiskey is in those little bottles meant for dwarves! How can one get a buzz on with that!?

Exactly what Marian's thinking. Daniel's only plan seems to be to go out and mingle and see what their tormentors, Ale and Rafa, are up to. Marian's thought bubbling that she has a much better plan, but mum's the word.

And now the answer to our machete question. An angry brother is holding it to Rafa's throat while Papa beckons daughter Coralina, a toothsome lass, in to verify if this is the culprit who got her pregnant. We see Ale staring worriedly in the window at this frightening scene. Is this the guy? asks Papa again.

Wanna know the answer? Tune in tomorrow because that's where our episode ends tonight.

Previews:
Bebé is bleating that they should be worried about the whereabouts of Rafa and Ale. Indeed they should!
And Marian's mysterious partner in crime is asking if it was part of the plan to kidnap Medina. WHAT? shrieks Marian.

Vocabulary:

No soy tu gato = I'm not your servant. (Chavez to Marco)
que la cancion! = same old story, (Chavez getting stiffed for the taxi fare and tip)
sigilo = stealth (Marco says they have to sneak into their rooms with "el mayor sigilo")
degüello = slaughter. (Jimenez worries that if he loses his job his wife will "deguella" him)
brincos dieran = you wish! Doña Arcadia teasing Rafa and Ale when she told them they had to share a room
no te andes creyendo la muy muy = don't go around thinking you're a big shot, hot stuff....Dona Arcadia and Rebecca insulting each other
mojado de gaznete = a little something to wet the whistle (Chavez looking for a drink)
enano = dwarf (Chavez, horrified to find only those little airline type bottles of booze in the room)
ñaña = heebie-jeebies, creepy {feeling} Rafa trying to explain why he feels strange

Dicho of the Day

El león cree que todos son de su condición = The lion thinks everyone is like him( but used to mean Not everybody thinks and acts the way you do.)

Not particularly relevant here but used a lot in telenovelas and since we've got a new character, the lioness Rebecca, just thought I'd throw this in.

Labels: dinero

Until yesterday, our Merry Marco had everything tightly controlled. There may have been some pressures, some of his plans were just about bursting at the seams, but everything was (barely) under control, much like one of Claudia’s blouses. But Chavez “opened the clasp”, so to speak, and now just about everything is out in the open. As such, we may not be too surprised that there are numerous things still “hanging”, and with so much “exposed”, Marco was sure to try to cover up a bit. Tonight we took a breather from yesterday’s delights, as new plans were hatched all over the place. We also had a possible new love connection, one character finally growing some cojones, and a touching moment for two of the characters who have been almost like pinballs in this crazy machine. We also had lots of things promised for “tomorrow”. Here’s what happened.

A lipstick-covered, half drunk Marco is arguing with a disheveled, fully drunk Chavez, having found out that loose lips sink ships, Chavez’s having been sufficiently loosened that both of them are about to go under.

In contrast, Ale and Rafa are brimming with confidence. Although they still have to solve the problems of Frank (Zetina is searching for him), Vicky, Marian and Daniel, they’re happy, because love will keep them together.

Nighttime at the Jimenez hostel, where the ladies get the bedroom, Father-in-law gets the couch, and Ramiro usually gets the shaft. Suegro is asnooze, and our ladies in waiting are waiting in the dark, armed with rolling pins, for the arrival of their whipping boy. Jimenez enters, half drunk, turns on the lights, to be met by his horrendous harem of hostility, his wife threatening with the pin, accusing him of being out with Arcadia again. And how could he cheat with someone like Arcadia? What does she have that I (Elvira) don’t? She shrieks for Jimenez to get out of the house, and just show up every two weeks (quince días) with money. Ramiro first moans that he almost lost his job, but when suegro makes another of his stupid remarks, Jimenez explodes! I’ve HAD it! Elvira tells him not to yell, but he GRABS the rolling pin and yells that it’s HIS HOUSE, and they all had better SHUT UP! You’ll respect me, he roars. I still pay the bills, and I’ve never been unfaithful, never! He threatens the three with the rolling pin, and they cower on the couch like little mice.

It’s over, he adds, from now on, you’ll respect me, or GET OUT!!!! He even throws a few things at them, and tells them he’s now going to the bedroom to sleep. As he leaves, Suegro bounds up, declaring THAT’s a real man! Wish I could have said that. I’m going to sleep in the bedroom, too, and you two cockatoos are stuck in the living room! He staggers after Jimenez, leaving our nightgown-clad nellies speechless.

Chavez tells Marco that at least he finally blew off Carmela, the human vacuum cleaner, right? Nope, laments Marco, I actually let her have her way with me, and it was horrible. Then everything’s lost, says Chavez. Marco disagrees, he’ll still get all the money from the sale of the hacienda, and flee to Brazil, woo-hoo! Not so fast, replies Chavez, that low-life Shrimp Man double crossed us, and sold it! Marco’s enraged, threatens to sue the guy, put him in prison, he’ll make cocktail of that damned shrimp! But Marco then realizes that Chavez has very likely betrayed him, and sold the hacienda out from under him. Chavez claims to be Markie’s only friend, but Marco is so mad he falls over the sofa.

Chavez complains that he always wanted to be Marco’s friend, but got treated like an employee, a slave, a wet newspaper on the corner. “And that’s not right, because I see you as a brother”. Marco protests, I don’t have any brothers, certainly not as ugly as you. But then he gets wistful, saying he actually does have brothers, but he hasn’t seen them in a long time. “It’s true, I miss my family, Vicente”. “You called me Vicente?” Chavez gets teary, and our two slimy slobs melt into a bit of a man-hug, they’re down, but they’re not out (yet).

Rafita arrives home, greets his Mom and Sis, telling them this has been a great day, only to be startled by Vicky from behind, “Pajarito!!” She’s hopping mad that he didn’t answer his phone all day. Rafa hides behind Leonor and Julieta,


begging Vicky to wait until tomorrow, and they’ll talk. Vicky isn’t too happy about this, calling Rafa unfaithful and a liar, but she agrees to wait, and tells them goodnight. As soon as she leaves, Rafa gets a big smile and tells his Mom they know where to find that swindler from the radio, and she’ll be free! He then notices Juli’s long face, and finds out that both Cesar and Jaime proposed to her. No way! You’re too young! And your career! But this decision will have to wait until tomorrow, too.

Now it’s tomorrow. We’re at Siglo, and Arcadia gives Beltran a list of candidates for a whole new crew of salespeople. She has to keep the current ones until after the convention, but after that, they’re out, and it’s his job to pick replacements. He wonders about HIS job, and she waffles a bit, then says she’ll probably keep him, since she doesn’t want him to have a heart attack with his checkbook. A few money, money, moneys, and she exits, leaving Beltran a bit shaken at this development.

Jaime’s wearing a suit, standing before three serious guys with white hair. Turns out he’s passed the bar, he’s officially a lawyer! He jumps for joy (and stumbles, of course), thanks his new “colleagues” and turns to his family, which consists of his granny and his cousin. He unfolds his diploma, says he’ll dedicate it to granny, who weeps with pride. Curls is proud, too, having never gotten out of high school. Jaime misses Rafa, Julieta and Leonor, wishes they were here. Curls tells him to go rub (restriégales) the diploma in their noses. Jaime’s not mad, they always supported him, at least until Vicky messed things up. Not deterred, Curls wants to celebrate, and picks up both Granny and Jaime, let’s party!

Doña Arcadia is addressing the troops. If you don’t win the title at the convention, heads will roll (van a rodar cabezas). Marino doesn’t think there’s anything to worry about. They’re like Titans of selling, they’ll win it all. You’d better, says Arcadia, and asks Jimenez to come to her office.

Urdiales is telling Rafa and Ale that he submitted their estimate to his board of directors, and it’s almost sure to be accepted, but they won’t know until tomorrow. They shake on it. After he goes, Rafa and Ale both yell “gol!” They’ll still go to the convention, and they sneak a little kiss.

Frank the Freak is cutting pictures of women out of magazines (don’t we all do that in our spare time?),

when there’s a knock on the door. It’s Zetina (I guess he DID know where to find Frank), who says he came on behalf of Marco and Chavez, who need to see him. Frank just needs a minute to get his things. Zetina thinks to himself, could it be that for ONCE things went right for me?

Nope. Two scenes later, Zetina calls Rafa to tell him that Frank’s given him the slip. Dang.

Our two brothers in slime (Marco and Chavez) are out like lights, when Marco’s cell rings. It’s Vicky with a wake up call, in full scream mode (she’d make a great alarm clock), telling Marco they have to meet. Something has to be done, once and for all. Marco hangs up on her, and she REALLY goes crazy! Marco tells Chavez it’s too bad Vicky’s hung up on the idiot Medina, because she’s HOT!

We see the big hands, we see the sleek laptop, we see the boring test pattern on the secondary monitor, and we know we’re witnessing a powerful man.

He instructs his secretary to have an envelope delivered to Leonor Nuñez, with no explanation. This is, of course, what Marian was working on. The man (whose face we don’t see) says “the moment has arrived we’ve all been waiting for”. Not quite. Tomorrow, maybe?

Rosaura and Claudia, wearing similar outfits of high waisted dark skirts topped by low cut frilly white tops,


are gossiping as usual. Rosie thinks that rich guy (Urdiales) is giving Claudia the eye. Claudia’s hormones activate, and she “walks” over to him, coyly displaying all her charms. Urdiales doesn’t exactly want a car, he wants a “personalized accessory”. Right. And he’d like to discuss it over lunch. She beckons Mr. Big over to her cubicle first, as we see Carmela enter to pick up her car.

She hears the greeter girls (sorry, I forgot their names) talking breathlessly. Girl 1 starts. “He lasted all night, he gave, he gave, he gave, and never got tired”. He looks fat, but he’s a total athlete, he went up, down, up, down (Carmela’s ears are perking up). Were you satisfied, asks Girl 2? Totally, I couldn’t take it, I said I was so tired I’d have to go to sleep, but he said, don’t worry, I’ll finish myself! What he did in one night would have taken another a week! If only all men were like that.


Uhh, excuse me, asks Carmela. Who are you talking about? Oh, that chubby guy Trapito. Could he do the same job for me? Just ask, but he only works at night. Perfect! replies Carmela, striding off to make a date. Gee, that’s strange, says Girl 2. She wants HER apartment painted, too?

Frank shows up at Marco’s, grabs some whiskey, and Marco has a new plan.

Carmela makes a date with Trapito for the “same job he did for that young lady”. Trapito wonders if he should bring “his things” or use hers. She’ll lend him hers, but he has to keep going all night. He assures her he’s “a machine”. She thinks to herself, finally, a REAL MAN.

Ale calls Marco, urges him to withdraw the lawsuit against Leonor. She’s going to a convention for a few days, but he’d better do as she says, or she promises, he and Chavez will go to jail.

Okay, what Urdiales really wanted was a personal advisor or consultant. He said asesoría, which I thought was an accessory. Well, Claudia fits both descriptions, so we’ll let it go. Generala and Rosaura urge her to go for it with the big guy, he looks rich, not like the losers (muertos de hambre) she’s been going with. Speaking of which, Marco calls, and gets the time and place of the convention. Claudia’s tired of his spy requests, with never any bonus for her. He says they won’t be seeing much of each other anymore. After he hangs up, she thinks it’s too bad, because he did turn her on. She envies Ale, who has two guys crazy about her, when Claudia doesn’t even have one (there really was no reason for this picture, except that I really think Claudia is pretty :))


Rafa wants them to go to the convention in the Pantera, it’s an extension of himself (una prolongación de mi mismo). Ale agrees. Rafa’s happy friends enter. They’re afraid to talk in front of Ale, but says she knows everything, the hacienda was free of the lien for months, and Marco had an arrangement with Carmela to keep it quiet. So, says Dandy, do you believe us now? Well…..yes, but I’m not too impressed with your method (procedimientos) of seducing a woman to get information. The boys look duly chastised.

Todo yo Daniel sidles into Marian’s office, full of plans to recover Ale, and get Rafa for Marian. Let’s join forces. Marian is dubious, why? Because I’m totally in love with you, Marian. Oh really? If you’re so in love with me, why do you want to conquer Alejandra? Good point, but Dan forges right ahead with not wanting to be outdone by that car salesman. How can three sexy women be gaga over that slob, when I, so full of love, don’t even have one? Marian explains why. You act like a child, Daniel, and love is not a game. He’s not deterred, still insists that he can seduce Ale, leaving Rafa free for her. And his plan? Go to the convention. (Okay, we had the famous barbecue, next up, the famous convention. Should be something).

In an outdoor café, Claudia is talking cars, but Urdiales admits he’s already bought them. Then, why are we here? asks Claudia. Can’t you guess? he hints. Well, maybe, but (she actually tries to COVER her boobs here), I don’t go out with married men! How about divorced ones? She lights up, uncovers the boobs, give them a little boost, and asks if he has children. Not yet, but I’m not discounting the possibility. Do you have any candidates to help with that? she purrs. Could be, as they look in each others’ eyes, some fine wine is poured, and Claudia may have finally hit the jackpot, as she languidly waves her ringless, sensuous fingers.

Leonor is watching a telenovela when there’s a loud knock. This time, it’s not Vicky, it’s Jaime. He proudly presents his diploma to Leonor.

They smile, she gives him a congratulatory hug, and he tells her he owes all this to two women. My Granny, and you, Leonor. She gets misty as he thanks her for all the support she gave him. He adds that he’s not thanking her to get Julieta back, he knows that’s his sole responsibility. He had to come, to give her this diploma, to thank her, from the bottom of his heart, because she’s always, always been the mother that he never had. He loves her very much. She cries tears of joy.


Rafa gets a call from Urdiales, the sale is confirmed! So they can go to the convention without worrying about that. Ale and Rafa do “gol!”, they high five, they say they’re invincible, and they kiss. The only thing, says Rafa, is that Urdiales has to go to a meeting in Cuernavaca in two days for the final signing, by the Director of Acquisitions, and Rafa and Ale will have to go there, too. So (I think) Rafa and Ale will go to the convention “tomorrow”, and the next day to Cuernavaca. Let’s hope the Pantera doesn’t break down (or as Private 057 predicted, Rafa doesn’t get kidnapped). Ale’s not worried, if the Pantera breaks down, she’ll help push. Money, money, money, says Ale in glee. For the wedding. But, says Rafa, we’re not going to spend TOO much on the wedding are we? Do we have to have all that champagne? Of course not, handsome, she gushes, I don’t need any expensive wedding, just to be with you for the rest of our lives. But promise me you’ll sing. And I’ll be totally yours. They kiss again.

Vicky calls Marco, angry. So are we going to meet? No, replies cool Marco, I’ve already decided what to do, and I’m not telling you. But I’m going to a convention for a few days. He hangs up. Vicky EXPLODES with rage. If things don’t go her way, WATCH OUT!!!!!!



And Monday? It’s “tomorrow”, and (although they could be teasing us), it looks as if Private 057 is right!!!!!


Vocabulario:

Quince días – two weeks, literally 15 days, but the first and last are counted, unlike the way we calculate it
Restregar – scrub or rub. Restriégales en las narices means rub it in their noses, or in their face
Van a rodar cabezas – heads will roll, you can also say rodarán cabezas
Asesoría personal – a personal advisor, or consultant (not a personal accessory, as I originally thought!) Actually a consultant is un asesor, but asesoría is like a consultancy
Una prolongación de mi mismo – an extension of myself
Procedimientos – procedures, or methods of doing something

Labels: dinero

Zetina’s detective work has snagged Ale and Rafa a huge fish. A soused and cluelessly contented Chavez, enjoying his beloved whiskey in his second favorite place (after the hacienda). “Chavez!” “Licenciada Alvarez del Castillo!” Rafa is shocked that they know each other. Ale explains that she knows him alright, and lists his attributes— un ratero, un estafador, un desgraciado (a thief, a swindler, a loser). “It’s his fault we lost the hacienda. He should be in jail!”

Ale throws Chavez’ whiskey in his face, which draws more concern from him than the threat of jail. Ale does NOT want to talk to this guy and makes to leave, but Rafa convinces her there is much they can learn from Chavez about all the shenanigans happening in both their lives. They start the game of 20 Questions with the first question being what Carmela’s got to do with all of this.

We’ll have to wait for the answers, as we go back to our other fishies wriggling on a hook- the whole Siglo team. Doña Arcadia has just fired the whole lot for being impertinent loafers. They all beg her on bended knee to reconsider, but as they have no Trancazo food with which to tempt her this time, they’re having to beg particularly hard. Even her precious Susanita has earned the Queen’s ire for going out to eat with Dandy. They beg her for one more chance (una ultima oportunidad). Claudia and Rosaura say she’s like a mother to them. (That only works for Daniel ladies.)

The Generala womans-up and says they all should take responsibility for their mistakes and accept the consequences with dignity (she does remain on her knees, however). Marino tries a different, and more effective approach. Money, money, money. And a healthy dose of competitive pride. He reminds Arcadia that she needs her sales team for the upcoming dealership convention, in order to beat their competition ClauAutos. This gets the wheels turning in Arcadia’s head, and she paces thoughtfully, parting a path through her supplicants. Unfortunately, Bebe is neither agile nor fast enough to avoid getting trod upon by Arcadia’s royal shoes. Finally Arcadia decides she can’t go to the convention and compete against ClauAutos without a staff. “Les voy a dar una ultima oportunitdad.” (I’m going to give you all one last opportunity.) Cheers all around!

Carmela is not in as generous of a mood. She’s tired of giving Marco opportunities to pay her in full. Now she wants to receive her reward from her bizcocho (gorgeous; cutey; cutey-pie). Marco’s lack of liquidity means he has to pay up in another way, and they’ve arrived at Carmela’s favorite love hotel for her to receive payment. She’s ready to give his recently tuned up parts a test drive, and wastes no time removing his jacket, tie and shirt, leaving a trail of red lip stains on each item and Marco. A veil of discretion is dropped on this scene as we head back to our game of 20 Questions at the bar.

Chavez continues to spill the dirty details. The hacienda’s been free of debt for months. He and Marco had Carmela hold off on sending them the letters. Oh, and all the money Marco used to live his good life and “help” her family all came from what the hacienda produced. (I’m amazed that Ale is still managing to stay standing through this assault of hard truths.) She rubs her temples in utter shock of what she’s hearing. And the sale of the hacienda was fictitious too. The Shrimp, uh Señor Rubiales, just loaned us his name. Ale has had just about enough. She lets go a stream of insults to Chavez. “Usted es un desgraciado (see above), un transa (a crook), un mentirosa de lo peor (a liar of the worst kind)!” Chavez tries to throw all the blame back on Marco, but they point out that he’s not so innocent. “He swindled me too.” He tells them how Marco nearly tricked him into going to a dangerous country in Africa and then sent him to even more dangerous Iraq to find Rubi.

“Rubi sabe todo esto?!” (Rubi knows about all this?) Yep. And Quintana too. Ale has to sit down now. “No lo puede ser!” (It can’t be!)


And who really owns the hacienda, Ale wants to know. “Un tal Daniel Cepeda.” (Some guy named Daniel Cepeda.) Both Ale and Rafa look impactados. Chavez explains how Dan played into the hacienda scheme. And no, Marco doesn’t know about him. “Once he knows, he’ll die of rage (coraje).” Chavez is gleefully blitzed. Ale lets this all sink in. What she’s really worried about is Rubi. She explains to Rafa Rubi’s role in accompanying Jorge to Switzerland to track down the Swiss account information. She’s worried Rubi is just trying to scam Jorge. Chavez tells them to relax, since Rubi is truly gaga for the old bald guy (pelón).

Now we come to the 50 Million Dollar Question. Rafa wants to know what Chavez knows about the supposed radio contest that got his mama in trouble and sent her to jail. Chavez finally starts to squirm guiltily under Rafa’s intense gaze…as we head to commercial.

When we get back, Chavez is still on the hot seat. Ale turns up the temperature. “We’re waiting for an answer Chavez.” Chavez is saved from answering when the Shrimp man strolls in. “Ignacio Rubiales para servirles” (Ignacio Rubiales at your service.), he says gallantly. Ale is not impressed by his gentlemanly greeting. She is ticked off, but Shrimp man thinks he did nothing wrong. He just lent his name after all. Ale’s rage builds to new levels when just then Quintana comes sauntering in with his lackey. Looks like all the roaches are scurrying out of the woodwork now that a bright light is being shown on their dirty dealings. Quintana casually greets everyone with a buenas noches. Rafa has to hold back an enraged Ale from attacking Quintana physically.

“I’ll never forgive you for what you did to my aunt Quintana!” Even Shrimp man tries to calm her down. Quintana graciously accepts Ale’s ire. He loves her aunt, even if Ale doesn’t believe it.

Now that all the relevant players are in the room, Chavez thinks it’s time for another round of whiskey. “Un momento!” Rafa protests. “This isn’t a party or a meeting of friends.” Ale, however, thinks the whiskey is a good idea if it will continue to loosen their tongues. “We’re here to learn the truth, mi amor.” Pascal brings a fresh bottle, glasses and ice cubes. Ale asks where they should begin. She is met by guilty faces all around, but Quintana decides to start first.

We need some relief from all this truth telling, so we head back to the Siglo crew. Everyone there is feeling pretty relieved that they’ve still got their jobs, although Bebe’s nerves are still so jangled that Claudia playing with his sparse hair is not enough to calm his nerves. He needs a hit of Jimenez’s Pepto. He chugs the whole bottle down to the horror of the crew.

The Generala thinks they all need to go out for drinks at El Trancazo after work to calm their collective nerves and everyone agrees. Dandy runs off to invite his Nonicita, and Marino scornfully makes fun of how whipped Dandy is by his skinny vegetarian. “Can he even go to the bathroom by himself?” (Ira solo al baño?)

In storms his latest victim, er baby-mama. Sandra, looking striking in blue, and like she means business. “Marino! Necesito hablar contigo!” (I need to talk to you!) Marino looks like he’s been caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Maybe we need to step away from this intense scene for one that provides a bit more diversion. The veil has been lifted on a very tussled and satisfied looking Carmela, lounging in bed under the sheets. An even more tussled, but less satisfied looking Marco sits on the edge of the bed hurriedly dressing.

“I knew under those clothes was something marvelous. You’re a sensual animal! From the first time I saw you, I knew you’d make me very, very happy.” Carmela purrs like a contented cat. Marco tries to raise a smile. He thinks that because she’s a satisfied customer, he doesn’t owe her anything else. But he doesn’t know our Carmela. This little diversion was just a down payment on the money he still owes her. She’ll now give him all the time he needs to pay her. In the meantime, she’s eager to go another round. Marco thinks to himself, “Si tu supieras lo asco que me das.” (If you knew how disgusting you are to me.) But out loud he calls Carmela a super hembra, una hembra sensacional (a super woman; a sensational woman). Carmela is sure he must be making that wife of his, the one who gets to share his bed every night, a very happy woman. This sets Marco off on an unhappy thought bubble about that damn Ale and Medina.

We’re transported over to the increasingly enlightened couple. Quintana is confessing his sins. Daniel is his nephew and that’s how Dan came in on the hacienda deal. Ale is shocked by this familial revelation. Rafa wants to know what’s the difference between leaving the hacienda in Shrimp man’s hands or Dan’s. Well Dan bought it for real. Although Quintana thinks he just bought it on a whim (capricho), like rich people tend to do. Rafa speculates that he probably wants to gift it to Marian as part of his seduction of her. Ale looks as shifty eyed guilty as their four companions. She tells Rafa that Dan has OTHER intentions.

Ale cannot believe that so many people were conning her without her realizing, but our sweet Rafa tells her it’s because she’s so honest herself that she thinks the rest of the world is the same.

Now we get to the question we’ve all been asking. What about the ghost? Both Chavez and Quintana admit to arranging for their own headless (descabesado) horseman ghost on various occasions, but admit to unplanned ghostly appearances that neither of them can explain. They all conclude that there must be a REAL headless ghost. They have a toast to the ghost. Suddenly, the resident spook, Zetina, appears from nowhere at Ale’s elbow, giving a fright to both her and Rafa. All he wants is a drink of whiskey, and Chavez happily obliges by giving him the last dregs of the bottle. He orders another bottle. Rafa asks once again for an explanation of the radio contest. And we veer off to another scene once again.

Sandra confirms that she is indeed pregnant with a girl. Marino is over the moon. Finally he will have his precious, beautiful baby girl! Not so fast Marino. Seems that Sandra is not like his other women and doesn’t need his support. She plans to raise HER daughter by herself, and Marino will NOT get to see her. Unless, Marino conforms to her demands: marry her; live under the same roof; help educate her three sons; and no other women.

Marino takes orders from no woman (a mi ninguna vieja me obliga nada). Anyway, he’s still married and has NINE of his own kids to educate. Sandra is horrified. He told her he has three kids. Marino’s apparent lack of concern earns him a slap and a “hasta que nunca” (until never). Sandra storms out. Undeterred, Marino decides to turn the Trancazo outing into a celebration of his little girl. Obviously he does not remember the begging, blubbering mess that was Sandra’s ex when we first met her long ago. I have a feeling Marino will never see that girl of his if he doesn’t tow the Sandra line.

Rafa is finally getting his answer about Frank, aka Jerónimo Vega, and the radio contest scam. “That’s the guy! The one who brought charges against my mamacita.” Shrimp man has a one track mind and thinks Rafa is referring to Ale, his other mamacita. When Rafa takes offense, saying he is talking about his sainted mama, Ale takes offense. Isn’t she his mamacita? (This is what you get when you can use the same term of endearment for your loving mother, or your hot girlfriend.) “Si, si, si hombre. Eres mi mamacita.” He gives her a few kisses to prove his point. But back to the business of his mother, Doña Leonor Nuñez de Medina. Poor, lonely Zetina interjects that Rafa is lucky to have a mother. Chavez offers his lawyer services to Leonor and is derided for his cynicism. They all decide to toast to Leonor instead.

Rafa wants to find Frank, ASAP. Chavez understands, but can’t seem to help. He’s interrupted by a call from none other than his ex-other half, Marquito. He explains he’s at the usual bar, but not with the usual people. He’s with Ale and Medina and he’s told them everything. “Es demasiado tarde. Ya sueltó la sopa.” (It’s too late. The soup has already been spilt./The beans have already been spilt.) Click!

Rafa starts to get violent, giving Chavez’s lapels even more of a workout than they usually get with Marco. He demands Frank’s dondeabouts. Ale calms him down, and Chavez self medicates with more whiskey. Rafa takes a moment to point out to Ale that he never lied about the contest and Ale apologizes for doubting him. The bar urges them on. “Beso, beso, beso!” They share a sweet, chaste kiss.

At Trancazo, things are a bit more caliente. The drinks are flowing and Margarita La Diosa de la Cumbia (goddess of the cumbia) is singing with her band. Everyone hits the dance floor to Margarita’s upbeat tune Amor de Mis Amores.


Nadie Sepa Mi Sufrir (Amor de Mis Amores) Lyrics

no te asombres si te digo lo que fuiste
un ingrato con mi pobre corazon
porque el fuego de tus lindos ojos negros
alumbraron el camino de otro amor
y pensar que te adoraba tiernamente
que a tu lado como nunca me senti
y por esas cosas raras de la vida
sin el beso de tu boca yo me vi

amor de mis amores amor mio
que me hiciste que no puedo soportarme
sin poderte contemplar
ya que pagaste mal a mi carino tan sincero
lo que conseguiras que no te nombre nunca mas
amor de mis amores si dejaste de quererme
no hay cuidado que la gente de esto no se enterara
que gano con decir que un hombre cambio mi suerte
se burlaran de mi que nadie sepa mi sufrir

no te asombres si te digo lo que fuiste
un ingrato con mi pobre corazon
porque el fuego de tus lindos ojos negros
alumbraron el camino de otro amor
y pensar que te adoraba tiernamente
que a tu lado como nunca me senti
y por esas cosas raras de la vida
sin el beso de tu boca yo me vi

amor de mis amores si dejaste de quererme
no hay cuidado que la gente de esto no se enterara
que gano con decir que un hombre cambio mi suerte
se burlaran de mi que nadie sepa mi sufrir

(morire de amor sin que nadie sepa mi sufrir)

amor de mis amores si dejaste de quererme
no hay cuidado que la gente de esto no se enterara
que gano con decir que un hombre cambio mi suerte
se burlaran de mi que nadie sepa mi sufrir

The gang takes a break from the dance floor and Claudia brags about her natural cumbia skills. She’s always felt something moving within her. The Generala thinks it’s those additional parts of hers that are filled with liquid. Claudia asserts that she was born with these assets, including her sensual dance moves. Pepeto takes her back to the dance floor to prove it, and everyone else returns as well. Dandy busts an intricate move while dancing with Susana, and some shapely chickadee (skank) takes the opportunity to cut in and wedge herself against Dandy. The Siglo ladies jump in to aid Susana, then send the chickadee and her friend packing. “El señor tiene dueña. Fuera!” (This man has an owner. Beat it!)

Susana thanks them for standing up for her and protecting her interests (cuidado mis intereses). I think all is forgiven for the meat test incident. The scene ends in expected Trancazo fashion with Susana falling flat on her bum, and banging her elbow, from a busted chair. Everyone laughs and all is well with the world.

All is not well in the world of Ale and Rafa, but things are starting to right themselves. Ale invites Rafa in to her apartment for some coffee. She begs his forgiveness once more and he happily gives it with a hug and kiss. They still have many problems to resolve, but Rafa doesn’t doubt that they will do so after all they have already been through. “Quien, que podre impedir nuestro amor?” (Who , what will be able to stop our love?) Absolutely nothing.

A desolate and disheveled Marco wanders the streets wondering where it all went wrong. He had it all and now he’s lost it, and to that naco. He does not want to go to jail. He has to make a definitive decision.

Back at the Alvarez del Castillo apartment, we have a cozy scene. Ale, Rafa, Rosario, Jorge and Rubi are enjoying a coffee. Ale has just recounted all the revelations of the night. Rosario always knew that Chavez was the worst of the worst. What surprises Jorge is that Marcario. And Rafa is perplexed by this new character. Ale explains that it’s Marco and Rafa chimes in that he never liked Marco from the get go. And then Quintana and Shrimp man too! Ale wants Rubi to clear up where she fits into all this. (Tienes que explicar muchas cosas.) Now Rubi’s in the hot seat.

She explains that she was never a nurse, but when she started taking care of Georgie she decided to become a nurse, started taking classes and stopped dancing for good. She realized how much she loves taking care of people, especially someone as sweet as Georgie. “And Iraq?” Dastardly Marco and Chavez sent her there to keep her from spilling the beans to Ale’s family. She worked as a dancer once again at a bar for tourists and diplomats. (We see an animated Rubi shaking her bon bon in Iraq.) There she met a rich, old sick guy whom she began taking care of. Then he kicked the bucket (looks like he was quite happy at the time) and left a small but significant inheritance for Rubi.

It’s with this money that she returned. And she hasn’t returned to dancing, although she really misses dancing. Jorge seems have gone right through and past the forgiveness stage and tries to cheer-up Rubi. She can dance with him! The two take a happy spin. The ladies look on in horror. Rafa stirs his coffee and looks like he thinks Jorge is the luckiest man in the world.

Rosario’s not ready to let her off the hook about knowing about the hacienda and not telling them. Rubi explains that she wanted to, but Marco and Chavez threatened. But she was able to help them with their house the first time they were about to be evicted. She was the one who went to Quintana and got his help in stopping their eviction. They all realize that it wasn’t Marco who worked that particular miracle, as he lead them to believe. The thought that it was Quintana who saved them brings a smile to Rosario’s face. Rubi assures her that he really does love her.

And what about Switzerland? Well, Rubi met a lot of men there, but all they wanted was her bodacious body. Rafa, who has been taking this all in wide-eyed, makes an involuntary appreciative sound at this, but quickly plays it off as appreciation for the coffee under Ale’s wilting gaze. Rubi just had to come back to the best man she’s ever known- her Georgie. She gives him a big hug and a kiss for his bald head. Awwww!

Marco is back at his apartment having a drunken, paranoid conversation with his whiskey. An even more drunk, but carefree Chavez enters. He wants to talk, but Marco doesn’t talk to or drink with his enemies (yo no bebo con mis enemigos). Chavez claims he is a friend, not a foe. As much of a friend as Marco was when he tried to send Chavez off to Africa (touché). Marco isn’t interested in talking about the past, but instead about Chavez’s betrayal in the here and now. Chavez doesn’t think that Medina is such a bad guy. This does not get a happy response from Marco. They already know everything, and they’re looking for Frank. When they find him, you’re toast.

Ale is meanwhile explaining that Marco threatened her with throwing his mama in jail and that’s why she broke up with him. Rafa knew all along (he sure didn’t act like it), and that’s even more reason why they need to resolve this issue. They hope their man Zetina can find Frank.

On to business. Rafa shares the good news about Urdiales’ purchase of the fleet (flotilla) of trucks and they celebrate the expected commission. Rafa wants her to go to the dealership convention and he’ll stay behind to keep an eye on all these outstanding problems. No señor! Ale wants her man with her at the convention (and so do we). He’ll think about it, but he really wants to know what she plans to do about the hacienda. Ale doesn’t think there’s anything she can do. It’s been sold; her dad signed the papers. “Santa Claus!” Well, then they can start anew together and help their parents.

But wait just a minute buster! Ale wants to know what he intends to do about Vicky and Marian. And what is Ale going to do about Daniel, Rafa wants to know. Mr. Todo Yo? She’ll resolve that issue just like that (*snaps fingers*). Well, Rafa will resolve things with his two auxiliary women just like that (*snaps fingers*). They both look skeptical, but beam happily at each other.

What’s important is that we love each other, and we’re together. We end the evening of questions and revelations with an embrace and a kiss.

Labels: dinero

Rafa is attempting to comfort Ale. He assures her that no matter what comes their way they will get through this together. He suggests she go home and try and relax. Ale with a mournful cry gives Rafa a hug.

Across town it is decision time for Julieta. Her two suitors are vying for her hand. Julieta has had enough and angrily tell them to both stop and storms away. This leaves our two suitors blaming each other.

Dandy has approached Susana attempting to nuzzle up to her while she sits at her desk. An irritated Susana wants to know what he wants. “To ask me again to go eat meat in front of the whole world to prove my love for you.” Dandy tells her of course not but, for that reason they need to talk about their relationship;
their likes and dislikes, their intimacies.




If they are going to continue to love one another they need to not obligate each other to do things they don’t want to. Susana seems impressed with Dandy’s rational discussion. They decide to talk and have diner together. Of course it has to be in a neutral place. One where Susana can have her salads and Dandy can have his meat. What better place than the trancazo. We are treated to Dandy’s funky eye swirl.

Marco looking every bit the part of the “found out novela villain” is sharing his tragedies with the final two constants in his life, Chavez and a bottle of whiskey. Chavez is trying to figure out what went down. Marco informs him that Ale found out he never even knew Urdiales. Chavez can’t figure out why the guy would need to buy cars. It would have been better if he just bought bikes for all the workers. Marco is not impressed with his stupidity as he shakes him by the lapels. Chavez is able to detangle himself from Marcos clutches and asks him what’s going to happen now. Marco doesn’t have a clue. Now it is Chavez turn to go after Marco’s lapels and we have a lapel showdown.



Jorge is trying to comfort Rosario by offering her a cup of tea. The door opens and a morose Ale enters. Jorge wants to know what she is doing their so early and with such a face. Ale wants to know why they all have such faces as well. Jorge tells her it is the same face he has always had. Ale wants to know what’s wrong with Rosario. She asks if she found out about Marco. This brings a concerned Rosario to her feet wanting to know what happened to Marco. Ale assures her nothing happened to him. She found out that Marco lied to her and never worked with Urdiales. This is met with a unison “What?” Jorge can’t believe this. Certainly she is mistaken. She tells him she is not mistaken. Marco didn’t have a single explanation for her. Rosario can’t believe that their beloved Marco has been lying to them all this time. Jorge asks her why Marco would be lying. Ale tells them she doesn’t know and sadly sits down. She says she is going to divorce him and doesn’t ever want to see him again.

Vicky is serving up beans to the men folk when we hear a knock at the door.
The boys are to busy to answer so Vicky of course gets the honors. It is none other than Rafa who much to Vicky‘s displeasure is not there to see her but to pay off his debt to the family. The family is quite surprised that he is there to pay off the debt in full.

Chavez and Marco continue to commiserate as Marco salutes to their final whiskies together. Zetina walks in and seems quite surprised and excited to see them together. He quickly hides at a near by table and goes into full spy mode with his mission being to find out what they are discussing.

Marco is envisioning what Ale might be capable of if she finds out what they have been doing with the hacienda. It would mean a bullet between the eyes. Chavez has a worse image of what the old buzzard Rosario would do to him with the pistol. Zetina trying to listen in with the latest spy listening devices doesn’t have a clue what they are saying.



So we are in our final chapters why not add a little more intrigue as we see a pair of man’s hands stirring a cup of coffee.
Who should approach with an envelope but none other than the lovely Marian and hands it to our stranger.
He opens it and we see him thumbing through pictures of Rafa Julieta and Lenora with Marian asking “What do you think?”

You would have thought at this stage of the game Rafa would have figured out how to pay off his debts with a cashier‘s check, but no, as we see Felipe, Don G. and Pancho counting out the fruits of Rafa‘s labors in cash.

Vicky escorts Rafa to the door and reminds him about their agreement. Rafa assures her he has not forgotten they have an agreement.

Rosario is still beyond disbelief at what Marco has done. Jorge wonders if this might not be the reason why he was never able to remember his name. He continues to say “There was something inside me that knew he wasn’t trustworthy.” Ale sadly agrees that this could be the reason. Ale than want’s to know what’s been going on with them as they appear to be all upset as well. Jorge tells Rosario to tell Ale all about Quintana. She tells Ale it is very similar to what happened with Marco. That he was there to tell her he only wanted to marry her for money. Jorge is fighting mad about this. Ale is all sympatric as she tries to console a broken hearted Rosario asking her what she said to Quintana. Rosario tells her she told him he was the worse man she had ever known. Jorge walks over and gives a sympatric pat as well telling her “Well said.” The three sit together giving one another comfort.


Rosario goes on to tell them Quintana wanted to clear the air before they got married so there would not be any bad intentions between them. She says that he told her now it isn’t important to him that they don’t have any money he still loves her. Rosario says that his words now have her all broken up and feels bad. Ale shares her sadness and tells Tia that she feels really bad herself. Ale continues on saying both Marco and Quintana were liars.


The misery continues as the doorbell chimes. Ale answers it as we pan from a pair of black heels up to the lovely face of none other than a smiling Ruby, waving an enthusiastic “Hola.”


Rosario is in total shock as she sees Ruby at the door stating “That’s all I need.” Jorge on the other hand is more excited and this is exactly what he needs as he taps Rosario’s face to keep her from fainting. Ale shuts the door on Ruby stating “It’s just a ghost.”

Jorge knows better as he rushes to the door and opens it to Ruby gleefully greeting Georgie. Ale is surprised that Jorge would have asked her to return. He tells her “Yes, I called her.” Rosario and Ale are impressed that he remembered her phone number. Ruby clapping her hands in excitement wants to know if they missed her. In unison both Ale and Rosario answer “No.” Then looking at each other reluctantly state yes. Ruby rushes to them and gives each a sweet kiss telling them she missed them. After all they are like a family to her. Ale now giving her a forced hug, wants to know how things are going in Switzerland.



Ruby tells them it was very cold and she missed the warm climate of home. Rosario with no snootiness to spare tells her they were referring to the matter of the bank account. Ruby answers “The same. Neither backwards nor forwards.” (Ni para atras ni por adelante.)

Jorge tells her that it doesn’t matter, as he leads her joyfully to the sofa telling her they have lots to talk about. Ale rushes to Rosario’s side and asks her if she feels better. Rosario tells her a little with the distraction of Ruby’s arrival. Ale agrees looking over at Ruby and states “She could distract anyone.”

Rosario continues on their mutual saga of the broken hearts and asks Ale what they should do. Ale tells her she is going to continue on insisting on getting her divorce. Ruby is listening in intently. Ale tells Rosario she is worried about her and wants to know what she plans to do about Quintana. Rosario doesn’t understand why men have to be so hateful and such liars. Ale assures her not everyone is like that. Ruby agrees as she stands and tells them “Georgie isn’t like that” smiling as she continues “he is an a good and enchanting man.”

Ruby sits back down on the arm of Jorge’s chair and Ale casually asks her to go sit on the sofa. Ruby isn’t budging. Ale and Rosario continue on their man bashing rant stating that men are like children looking for mothers. Rosario admits that at her age she isn’t ready to become Quintana’s mother. Ale tells her that isn’t what she means. She just needs to decide if what Quintana told her was sincere. If he loves her it is worth the pain. After all he did tell her he still loves her. Again we see Ruby attending to Jorge but listening in to Ale and Rosario. Jorge wants to add his two cents, but Ruby sweetly tells him no, after all men don’t know about such things.

We are back at Vicky’s house where the men continue to count their dollars. Vicky is at the door telling Rafa how proud she is of him for paying off the money so much sooner than he had too. He tells her with some awkwardness that “On the day of the wedding (stutter stutter) he promised he would pay back all the money as soon as possible.” Vicky continues singing his praises telling him he is a hard worker and because of all his wonderful attributes he deserves a reward and plants a kiss on Rafa’s not to eager lips, as he begs his leave. Before he can make his escape Vicky pulls him back and asks him about the debt he has with that witch. Rafa wants to know what which. Vicky says Ale. He tells her Ale is not a witch and yes he has paid her as well.

This earns Rafa another reward as Vicky plants another kiss on him. This was met with the same lack of enthusiasm as her first kiss as Rafa is almost able to make his exit but not before Vicky drags him back to remind him once more that they have an agreement and that they are “novios“ and he owes her because his mother is free. Rafa tells her he knows and this was the second time she has reminded him about this and that he will never forget it. She tells him sweetly that he can go to work now and not to forget to come visit her tonight. If he doesn’t show up she will just have to go find out where he is. This has left poor Rafa to talk to himself asking Santa Claus when he will be able to end this farce. As he leaves Vicky is left to mutter to her self that something is going on, but she will keep a close eye out.

Marian has finished her business with the stranger whose only seen from elbows to hands as they shake on their arrangement, with Marian telling him they will be in touch.

We are now at the Hacienda with Daniel talking to some man, (I imagine it is his lawyer) about finishing up the papers regarding the hacienda. The man wants to know what the urgency is. Daniel tells him the only one here who can ask questions is him. He dismisses the man as if he were a simple servant and muses to himself that perhaps these papers are the only thing that will help him secure his objective. To win over Ale.

Chavez and Marco are still at the waterhole drowning their miseries. They are still trying to figure a way out of this mess. Chavez suggests he continue with the lie that he works for him in secret. Marco tells Chavez that he has said so many things now that he doesn’t remember them all. Marco says the worse thing of all is that ingrate Ale doesn’t believe him. She is now even doubting him. She has taken to her role as the offended one and is full of doubts. In the background we see Zetina hidden behind a newspaper taking his role as a spy to new levels.

Marco goes on to warn Chavez that if Ale and her family figured out what they were up to they could end up in Jail. Chavez doesn’t believe this could happen as it would be a very long and costly process. He reminds them that after all they no longer even own the hacienda. He says they have the contract that says Shrimp man now owns the hacienda. This gives Marco the opportunity to tell Chavez that he never really trusted the Shrimp Man. He suggests Chavez goes to the hacienda to get as much money as possible and close the sales with Shrimp man. Chavez tells him it isn’t that easy to get more money out of the hacienda. He tells him he has to wait. Marco isn’t buying this and tells Chavez he can’t wait. He does a disgusting hiccough in his face which causes Chavez to almost tip out of chair as he bumps into Zetina.

Marco’s phone rings and we hear the ultra high helium voice of Carmella ragging him out. Marco trying to calm her down tells her he will meet her at her office so they can talk. Marco abusing his phone as he hangs up says every day she torments him more. Chavez wants to know what his adoring tormentor wants now. He tells her the man eater wants her part of the money. He tells Chavez he has no other choice but to go see her. He stumbles out asking for his taxi, giving our resident barfly a pat on the shoulder as he leaves.



Susana is chewing out Dandy telling him she didn’t like it one bit that he made her eat meat, shaking her finger at him. Dandy tells her she has no idea how repentant he feels about the whole thing.

He then goes into a little Hare Krishna shoulder dance as we hear the music playing in the back ground. He tells her that he asked Doña Dolores to play the music she likes just to please her. Susan melts a bit and we get a big discussion about meat lovers verses vegetarians. He tells her that their relationship is stronger than the foods they eat. She tells him she doesn’t know if she can share her life with someone who doesn’t share in her beliefs.

Chavez now Marco-less but still at the bar is calling Quintana and the shrimp man. Zetina is listening in and decides this would be a great time to call Rafa. He tells Rafa he has news and this would be a good time to come to finally face Chavez. He tells him to fly over immediately (por que no viene de volada)

Chavez has reached the yellow breasted shrimp man and tells him he needs to talk with him urgently. He will be waiting in the usual place for him. Then he calls Quintana telling him as well they need to talk. It seems as Marco wants to know how they are coming along with closing the Hacienda deal. He hangs up offended that Quintana would think he might be drunk.

Ale is now on the phone with Rafa telling him she needs to talk to him. Rafa tells “his love” that he has talked with Urdiales who told him that she asked him about Marco. She tells him that Marco has been lying to her. Rafa tells her even though it hurts him to say it he did warn her. She agrees and tells him this causes her pain as well. He was telling the truth and she didn’t believe him. That’s why she needs to talk with him urgently.

He tells her Urdiales left and he needs to go meet with Zetina. He tells her he believes he has the opportunity to finally unmask the rascal that she is married to. He asks her if she would like to accompany him. She tells Rafa she doesn’t know if she could take so many things in the same day. Rafa assures her he will be with her to help her through it. He tells her he knows it will be painful but the things that strip us down can make us stronger. ( lo que se vaya a pelar que se vaya calamanco./ I am just taking a guess at this) We get a split screen of our two lovers.




He continues his pep talk and asks if he should come and get her. Ale agrees and tells him she will wait for him and tells him she loves him before she hangs up.

Rosario approaches her and wants to know if that was Rafa. She also wants to know if she really does love him. She tells her yes. Jorge stands now and wants to know if that means she never loved Marco. She tells him she will explain it all later. When she was with Marco she believed she did love him but once she met Rafa her life changed. She smiles brightly at saying this. With him she discovered love and learned how to laugh and smile and have fun. She continues “With Marco I never felt that.”

Rosario who just can’t leave well enough alone wants to know if what she has with Rafa is just a passing passion. Ale smiling tells her it isn’t just a passing moment and that she doesn’t want another moment to pass by that she won’t be by Rafa’s side. She continues to explain to Rosario that with Rafa she has seen life through different colors and a different form. She asks her if she remembers about all the doubts they had about Rafa. She tells her that they were all Marco’s tricks. She tells her Rafa is a great man and they have the opportunity to be together without obstacles. She knows he is the man of her life.

Rosario tells her she would love to have her clarity and sentiments. Ale tells her she could have that but not if she won’t leave her comfort zone (I think that’s what she said). She continues “Love sometimes hurts. But there is nothing better in the world than to be at the side of the man you love.” Rosario wants to know what they should do with the lies. Well if they confess their lies and asks for forgiveness everything should be just fine. Rosario has to think this over. Ale Asks her what’s worse the man that lies but confesses or the man who continues to lie and hides it. Rosario ponders this as well as Ruby thinks to herself that she should come clean to Jorge and tell him the truth if she doesn‘t want to loose him.


Dandy and Susana are eating and he tells her that love isn’t half of the total. There isn’t a perfect other half (Las medias de naranjas no existen/this is another guess here) He tells her that they are different as he takes his fork and grabs a piece of her salad and intertwines it with his meat skewed fork. He continues to say holding the forks together “If we are willing to share our differences together we will be stronger” and scoops both forks into his moth savoring them .

He tells her that when he is with her he is a much better human being. She makes him feel many things. She tells him that he has changed her life as well but still has doubts.

We travel to Carmella’s office as she closes the door and we see a wreck of a man who use to be Marco standing in there. She is chiding him about not seeing the money yet and she is tired of it. Swaggering to the effects of the afternoon spent in the whiskey bottle he tells her he has given her the first payment, and right now he doesn’t have any more.
She goes behind her desk sitting down and says “Look doll. I am a women. You are a man. I have needs.” as she shows off her ample assets continuing “and you haven‘t completed your side of the bargain. How long do I have to wait? I am not use to being rejected. What assurance do I have that you don‘t have the money and you are just going to take off? Hey?”

Marco still tipping about, sits down and tells her “Look sweetie, I am incapable of doing something like that to you.” She tells him the only thing she believes he is not capable of is to make a women happy. Marco leans in closer and tells her he is a real man and has made many, many women happy. Carmella pipes in “Minus me.” She tells him the worse thing a man can do is to reject a women. He knows what he has to do if he doesn’t want her to hand in his head and send him to jail. Marco asks her if she is really capable of doing that. She laughs at him telling him the difference between them is she is capable of many things and he is just a fraud. Marco leans away and Carmella gets ever close continuing to say “Or do you want to show me that isn’t true?” Time to pay the band Marco.

Dandy is still trying to get Susana to forgive him. He tells her he will never ask her to eat meat again. He tells her that they have been through so much together. Susana is still hung up on the food preference difference. Dandy brings up other differences they have like music. He wants somebody that will help him when he does something wrong. He tells her he can’t imagine life with out her. Susana is charmed and tells him he has never talked to her like that. Finally all is forgiven as they stand to seal it with a kiss. As they go to sit down the chairs break in unison.

We go to Doña Arcadia who is in her office watching her monitor grumbling about her employees wasting time. We see Chato sound asleep at his station. She rudely awakens him as he rushes to her beck and call. For his punishment for not being attentive she tells him he has to give the dogs a bath and brush their teeth as well as perfume them and fumigate them for fleas. Or something like that. As he leaves she continues to watch her screen and is not amused with antics her sales crew are up to. She is about to go confront them all. As she leaves we see Chato all dressed in full dog bath gear.



Muskrat is telling Marian what she feels for Rafa isn’t love but a fantasy. (Capricho/whim or fantasy.) She tells her she can’t understand why Rafa is ignoring her like this. This has never happened to her before. She feels rejected. Muskrat tells her that she should know that she is a very attractive women, but that her self-esteem is affected by Rafa’s indifference. Marian agrees with her. She tells her she has spent many sleepless nights wondering how far she would go to get Rafa. Muskrat wants to know what would be her limit. Marian tells her she has one last card to play. She tells her it is something that could be very dangerous but could be the opportunity to convince Rafa how much she loves him. Muskrat tells her she knew she was up to something as she has seemed very mysterious lately. She asks her what she is up to and Marian isn‘t ready to tell her for fear of loosing the game. None the less her plan is in play. She is certain it will be a great surprise.

We are back with Ale and a very pleased Jorge now that Ruby has returned. She is the best medicine for him. Rosario isn’t convinced. Ruby tells Jorge that she is sorry to say that she doesn’t have any news about the bank account. He tells her not to worry. Now that she is back at his side he is certain he will remember the account number.

If it’s not the phone it has been the doorbell interrupting us all night. This time it happens to be the door and Azucena rushes to answer it. It is Rafa who is warmly greeted by Ale with Rosario looking on crossly. Ruby seems a bit confused as she asks Jorge if Ale isn’t still married to Marco. Jorge tells her yes but she is about to divorce him.

Ale tells Rosario not to give her such a sour face. Rafa apologizes to Jorge telling him he knows he made a promise to him but many things have happened and he would like to talk with him about this but very calmly.
Rafa asks if he can borrow Ale for a little while. Jorge tells him not to go drinking and not to be late. They both promise in unison.

Ale gets her purse to leave and Rafa tells Ruby “Goodbye it’s been a pleasure” as Ale is chiding him and telling him “No no, not so much pleasure there” and closes the door.

Jorge tells Rosario not to worry. He tells her he may be loosing his memory but not his clarity. He tells her that Ale is in Love with Rafa and has been for a long time. Rosario wants to know how she can remember Rafa’s name. He tells her once again that Ruby is the best medicine for his memory.

Doña Arcadia is now front and center in the show room and is rounding up the “bunch of lazy good for nothings.” ( bola de haraganas ) She has had it and they are all fired. Including Dandy and Susana who have just arrived from their little make-up dinner.

Our final scene is with Rafa and Ale entering our favorite bar. Ale wants to know why they are at this bar. She would rather go to a different place. Rafa apologizes but tells her he needs her to see someone. Rafa is looking around and spies Zetina in the corner. Ale is confused and wants to know why she needs to see Zetina. Zetina points out Chavez in the chair and as they approach Ale is quite shocked to recognize a semi-comatose Chavez sitting at the table.

Well I can’t wait for tomorrow.

Labels: dinero