Caray, Caray!

Opening scene: Ceci teases Azul that what gave her the courage to break up with Mo is the arrival of Santoro. She and Arnaldo tease Azul about her jealous streak, which doesn't sit well with princess Azul. She says that she came to them for help and they've made her feel worse. Ceci tries to cheer her up by suggesting that they order a pizza and rent a movie and have some popcorn and beer. Arnaldo suggests white wine.

Oh yikes! I've missed the last few shows and hadn't seen the new dragon lady! But I know this one - she's actually on the opening credits so I knew she'd appear eventually. I think she was on Mujeres Enganadas if any of you are familiar - she was always crying a river of black mascara. Anyway, back to Amar...

This is where Diego slips into Santoro's hotel room. She tells him to sit and he complies. He compliments her outfit as she fixes them a drink. When she hands him the drink she manages to sneak a little smooch in with it. What a naughty girl, this Santoro! She wants to know how he met Mo, and he explains that it was a "congreso" or something like it. I'm not sure what a congreso is. Can anyone help?

Meanwhile, back at Azul's place, Azul, Ceci, and Arnaldo are getting sloppy drunk when the doorbell rings. Arnaldo opens the door and sees a huge bouquet of flowers, then the flowers drop and it's none other than Mo holding them. Mo's impactado at their drunken laughter and the ladies haven't noticed his entrance - they're talking about becoming lesbians so that they don't have to deal with men. Ceci tells Azul that she has a visitor - Mo is standing behind Azul and he's not happy to hear them men-bashing. Ceci and Arnaldo leave the lovebirds alone and Mo picks Azul up and sits her on the sofa. He wants to know what's going on and she tells him that she's dying of jealousy over Santoro. Azul is a blubbering mess now -she turned on the waterworks quickly! Here's a good one - Mo basically tells Azul that one of the reasons he hired Diego is because they expect him to show Santoro a good time! Azul is impactada. They kiss and make up.

Next we're transported to Santoro's hotel room where she's fixing another round of drinks and commenting that it sounds like Mo basically owes Diego his life. He says yes, but he owes Mo for his mother's life and explains about the operation. He claims that he doesn't know who tried to kill Mo. She wants to know what he thinks of Mo, and if there's anything between Diego and Azul. He denies it and tells her that he needs to get going soon because it's Sunday and he needs to spend time with his parents. This guy is too much - he cooks, he sews, and he spends Sunday with his padres. How sweet is that? Santoro seems surprised and wants to hear more about his parents. Diego's face lights up when he describes them. As she asks him what he did before he met Mauricio, she's running her finger along his leg, and he's looking a little freaked out.

Burgay approaches Ivan in the hotel lobby and says that he needs to see Santoro about something urgent, but Ivan says that she's not to be disturbed. Apparently her seduction of our sweet Diego was premeditated. Burgay learns that there's a black truck in front of the hotel that's been following Diego. He and Ivan go to investigate.

While Burgay checks out the truck, Diego and Santoro are strolling out onto the balcony while he tries to get her to tell him how someone so young could have so much money and power. She gives him a look that would melt a glacier and he apologizes and says he was only asking becuase he's already told her his story. She tells him that her story is long, but one day he will know it. He responds with a big sloppy kiss on the lips.

Burgay sees that the guy following Diego is Andres and goes out to see what's going on. Before he gets there, Diego comes out of the hotel and jumps in his new 'stang and drives off with the black truck right behind him. Burgay calls Mo, who's watching Azul sleep off her hangover. Burgay tells Mo that he's just learned that Andres is following Diego, and he better control Andres. Mo says he'll handle it and tells Azul that he has to go.

As he's leaving, Ceci and Arnaldo return and they're not happy to see that it looks like everything's hunky-dory with Mo and Azul again. She tells them about how Diego's basically a paid escort, and she assumes that he knows it's part of his job description.

Mo is driving down the road screaming at Leo on his cell phone. I'm not sure what's going on, but he's telling her that it will happen today, and she better do what he says. Then he screams that if he doesn't go, he'll kill him. This Mauricio is a loose cannon!

Leo hangs up with Mauricio and calls Andres. She wants to know what he's done, but says he's done nothing. She says that if he doesn't come today, Mo will kill him.

Diego arrives at his parents house for dinner and tells them about the interesting woman he's just met. She's pretty, intelligent, important... he sounds like a man in love, doesn't he? It looks like Silvana has another woman to compete with! Diego tells Clemencia that Silvana won't be there because she's mad at him. Diego tells Manuel that he loves her, but is not in love with her. (At least that's what I think he means when he says "la quiero, pero no estoy enamarado con ella.")

Andres enters Mo's office, and tries to says that Burgay was lying, but Mo's not buying it. He grabs Andres by the coat and starts screaming at him when Leo enters and tries to break it up. Mo tells them that they must obey him as he pulls a gun from the closet. What in the world is this? Andres claims that he was trying to protect Santoro, but Mo's not falling for that. He tells Andres that he better stay away from Diego and leaves the office, leaving Leo there to comfort Andres. YUCK!

Santoro's dinner has been delivered and she comes to the table wearing a nightie covered by a robe and invites Ivan to join her for dinner. She wants to know about the guy following Diego. She's never known a man like Diego - authentic, pure, has a clean soul. Ivan takes her hand and she tries to soothe him... apparently these two have known each other since childhood and he's always had a thing for her, and she sees him as a brother. He tells her that he loves her and would give his life to see her happy.

Andres tells Leo that he's leaving, he's not taking Mo's crap anymore. Leo wants him to stay, that GSD's discovery will change everything. Andres doesn't care, he's going to Acapulco to rest. He needs rest. Just for a few days. Leo wants him to kiss and make up with Mo, but Andres refuses. He's not doing it this time.

Ines come to visit Alfredo because he hasn't called her. He says it's because he's been working a lot and offers her some wine. She tries to convince him that there's still passion in their relationship as he blows smoke in her face. Seriously - how can anyone take that? Alfredo tells her that he's met someone and he can't deny that he's interested in her. Ines comes unglued... they've been together for 15 years! She throws her wine in his face!

Isela is surprised to see Diego at the pool hall on Sunday. He's come to see if he can fix things with Silvana. He's trying to patch things up when a guy taps him on the shoulder - apparently it's his long lost buddy Flavio!

Ceci and Arnaldo have serious hangovers and they're regretting that they mixed beer and wine. Azul comes in with an ice pack on her head and asks Ceci to fix her some coffee. She moping because she has to face Diego and Santoro today. Arnaldo asks her if that means that the wedding is on?

Santoro's getting dressed for work while Ivan checks her sofa for I don't know what. She needs his help fastening the clasp on her giant plastic snowflake necklace. Burgay is in the lobby and he wants to talk with Santoro, she tells him to come on up.

Flavio and Diego arrive at Diego's parents house. They drop off their coats and cell phones and leave the dining room... the phone immediately rings - it's Santoro calling for Diego and she's surprised when Clemencia answers. Why does Clemencia keep answering Diego's phone? Doesn't he have voicemail? Geez! When Santoro learns that she's talking to Diego's mom, she's all sunshine and smiles. Clemencia tells her that Diego was just telling them how marvelous she is. Santoro is thrilled to hear this, and is rubbing a business card along her leg as she tells Clemencia what a gentleman her son is. She asks Clemencia to have Diego pick her up at her hotel, and Clemencia agrees to give him the message.

She tells Diego about the call and he grabs his phone and jacket and runs out the door without saying goodbye to his mama or Flavio.

Santoro asks Burgay who's following Diego, and he says that it was a guy who had a problem with Diego, but it's nothing to worry about. Oh, she's not worried for her, she's got a team of 15 men keeping her safe. She tells Ivan to assign 4 of her men to Diego. Burgay smiles and she tells him not to assume anything.

Gaspar (the son of Abuelo's buddy Efrain) has brought his boss home to meet Efrain, and call me crazy, but Gaspar seems to be smitten with him...

Santoro and Diego arrive at Mo's house of fun and Mo wants to talk to Santoro alone. She tells him to wait a minute, she needs to do something.

Azul is at her desk chugging water when Diego enters and apologizes for not knocking. He teases her about not sleeping well, which sets her off - she asks him why he doesn't just leave, run off with Santoro. Maybe he should just marry her. Little do they know that Santoro is on the other side of the door listening to everything they say as they have what sounds like a lover's spat. Azul tells him that he's not smart enough for the job that he has - he only has it becuase he saved Mo's life. Just then racoon eyed Santoro busts into the room and tells Azul that she's wrong! Credits roll.

Labels: amar

Happy Tuesday! Paula’s mad as hell and she’s just not going to take it! CL better think fast, because his world is thisclose to falling apart.

Alirio’s also mad. He thinks that Nidia is very rude to him and he’s just not going to take it anymore! (There’s a lot of anger at the beginning of the episode.) Nidia can’t believe that Alirio blames her. She reminds him that he’s the one who made the spectacle. Alirio decides to make the rules very clear to her. He’s not going to be that monkey in the painting on the wall! Nidia thinks they should take a step back and think about what they’re saying and what they’ll do after the wedding. Alirio breathes really hard and shakes while staring at his bride to be.

Paula and CL have another boring fight. She thinks she’s wasting her time and that CL can solve their problems by calling Monica and telling her about the relationship with Paula. None of this is stuff we haven’t already heard. The difference this time is Paula cries rather than standing around with a sour puss look on her face. Once again, CL claims that he’s trying to do what’s best for everyone. Paula says that she’s starting to re-think the whole thing. CL thinks that Paula is complicating things. CL says that he needs time. Instead, Paula gives him the door. She says that living together was a mistake and that he may take his s**t and go.

For once, Alirio gets the better of Nidia. He tells her that she’s going to comply with her obligation. I’m assuming this means marrying him. She replies that things will not get better between them even if they marry. Alirio threatens her with telling the Davila’s about the will and what he did on Nidia’s orders. Nidia pretends not to be worried about it, even saying that Alirio will receive a worse punishment than she, but her facial expression isn’t so confident once Alirio stomps out of the room. She says to herself that jail would be better.

Alirio runs into Juan outside. Alirio tells Juan that his ideas don’t work in practice. They don’t stand up to the test of time. Alirio sits and talks about his problems with Nidia. Alirio thinks that he needs to change his strategy to reflect himself. Her needs to put Nidia in the place. Alirio asks for Juan’s help with some mariachis the next night. Juan begs off and says that he has to be with another person that night. Juan sees Marely peering out her window at him and decides to go inside.

Yadira goes to Marely’s room to have a talk. Yadira asks about what’s happening with Kike. He’s not paying attention to her like she would like. Marely thinks that Kike just got tired of being treated poorly. Yadira thinks it’s something else. Maybe he’s going out with another woman. Marely says that he’s not going out with another woman but he did invite a woman from the office to go out to eat. Yadira wants to know the woman’s name. Marely won’t tell her and storms away from Yadira and Yadira’s drama.

Juan walks around the house in his PJ’s and thought bubbles about his depression. On top of everything he’s sleep like a baby in a hammock (or a rocking chair); he has insomnia. Marely discovers Juan pouring himself a drink. He explains that he just needed some help to sleep. She catches on that he’s pained about Paula. He denies at first but then agrees. Marely wants to know why he allows himself to suffer for Paula. Juan doesn’t seem to really know. All he does know is that he can’t get rid of the hope that one day Paula will feel the same about him. Marely assures Juan that he’s a good person who deserves the best. This pain is making him a better person; he even refused Marely’s advances. Juan’s a little more cynical; he thinks that he’s being an idiot and an ass. Marely takes his drink and tells Juan that his luck will all of sudden change. Marely insists that he put down the tequila and wait for things to get better. He sadly grabs her hand and kisses it. She reaches up and kisses his cheek. She leaves to go to bed. Juan thought bubbles about how said that he’s letting Marely go because his heart is occupied by another.

Meanwhile, Paula sleeps alone in her CL bought bed. She tosses and turns, suffering the same insomnia as Juan. CL sits at the dining room table, staring at his drink. She starts to go to him, but changes her mind and goes back to bed. Juan goes to his bedroom and “wipes” himself down with his handkerchief. Paula thinks back to key moments in her life with CL. Juan thinks about key moments with/about Paula. Paula cries some more. Juan scooches all over his bed. Neither sleep.

Morning has come and it’s breakfast time. Nidia greets Juan and asks if he has the car. She needs a favor; he must take her to Ana’s house. Juan hurriedly eats so they won’t be late.

Yadira invades Marely’s room. She throws the covers off in order to rush Marely in getting ready for work. Marely realizes that she overslept and hurries to get ready. Marely asks Yadira why she’s ready so early. Yadira wants to go to the office with Marely to speak with the woman that Kike invited out to eat. Marely reminds Yadira that she doesn’t know the woman. Yadira doesn’t need to; she knows the type Kike likes. Marely says that the woman isn’t like that. Marely says that she won’t take Yadira but Yadira says she’ll go with Marely or on her own. Marely makes Yadira promise that she’s only going out of curiosity. Yadira half agrees.

Outside of Ana’s house, Nidia explains to Juan that she wants to invite Ana out tonight. Juan comments that Ana and Nidia are becoming like friends. Nidia says they’re not friends; they’re more like a half family. Juan tells Nidia about Alirio’s plans, but Nidia doesn’t want to lose her last night as a single woman. Juan asks if she loves Alirio. Nidia says that she does not. Marrying someone you love is an idea of the young. She loved Samuel and it only brought problems. This time she’s marrying for interest. Juan thought bubbles that Nidia is missing a few screws in her head, but that she does have reason. Love does really bring problems.

CL and Paula have a cold breakfast (emotionally, not necessarily physically). Paula advises CL that she still feels the same as the night before. CL thinks that life will be better with Paula at his side. They argue about what they’ve done for the relationship. The phone rings; it’s Fernando for CL. Paula refuses to go to the office with CL. She’ll wait for Juan. CL says he hopes they’ll speak reasonably at a later time. Paula sits in her chair and stews.

Monica enjoys a much nicer breakfast with Chusa. Monica doesn’t like the office atmosphere. All the employees look strangely at her. It’s not the pregnancy, because she and CL never told anyone about it. What bothers Monica the most is CL’s attitude about her working at the office. She knows that something frightened him and that “thing” might become definitive in their marriage.

After apologizing for coming over to Ana’s house, Nidia invites Ana to the bachelorette party. Ana’s not sure she can go because of all the work she has. Nidia reminds Ana that it’s been a long time since either of them have been dancing. Ana asks about the friends who will be there. Nidia replies that it will be a surprise. She asks if Ana will come or not.

During the ride to the office, Juan thought bubbles to himself about the emotional state of his boss. She appears to be very distant and absent minded. This is weird because yesterday was supposed to be like the honeymoon. He wonders if CL did something to make her sad. Paula asks Juan what he knows about CL’s ex-wife. Juan says that he doesn’t know much and thinks to himself that it’s the shadow of the other woman that’s bothering his Paula.

CL goes to Pastor and breaks into a tirade about his crappy night and morning with Paula. Pastor tries to calm CL, but CL thinks that it’s all going to hell. This will ruin him in front of both woman. Pastor thinks that CL should come up with a second solution to the problem. CL blames Pastor for CL’s problems. Pastor tries to defend himself, but CL is completely irrational. He insists that Pastor solve the problem. If CL goes down, Pastor’s going with him.

Fernando approaches Yvonne to talk about the night before. She didn’t wake him when she left. Yvonne insists that he keep his voice down. She lets him know that last night was sumptuous, but also was an accident. It will not happen again. Fernando can’t believe that Yvonne is doing this to him once again. Yvonne reminds Fernando that they never talked about having a formal relationship. Fernando agrees. He tells Yvonne not to worry about her reputation, because she doesn’t have one to take care of. Fernando stomps away to the garage. Yvonne doesn’t look too disappointed.

Paula and Juan arrive at the garage. After Juan helps Paula from the car he runs into Fernando. Juan immediately notes Fernando’s upset disposition. Fernando doesn’t want to talk about it. Juan asks Fernando for another favor, but Fernando doesn’t want to hear it. Juan insists and tells Fernando about the little party coming up that night. Fernando asks if they’re going to another bar. Juan explains that it’s for Nidia’s bachelorette party. Fernando walks away from Juan.

Pastor tells CL that the risk lies with the two woman working together under the same roof. Maybe CL could move Paula to the job in Monterrey. CL obviously doesn’t like that idea. He tells Pastor to come up with a better idea. Pastor suggests that CL fire Paula or take Monica on a second honeymoon. CL doesn’t have to tell Paula that the trip is with Monica. Phone calls from Paula can be excused as calls from the office. CL says that that was Pastor’s most ridiculous idea. Pastor’s run out of ideas and CL is frantic.

Too late! Monica’s arrived. She greets Yvonne and asks for CL and then for Paula. Monica goes to Paula’s office and greets Paula. Needless to say, Paula’s impactada. The ladies soap-opera-stare at each other across Paula’s desk.

Monica’s openly friendly with a very nervous Paula. Monica asks if Paula recognizes her. Paula says that she does and tells Monica to sit. Monica tells Paula that she will be working in the office. Paula says that there’s always something to do in a business like this. Paula agrees to help Monica with her needs.

Pastor’s next idea is for CL to flee on a trip and allow the women’s relationship to develop. CL once again doesn’t like the idea. He thinks all of Pastor’s ideas are stupid. Pastor says that the real problem is that there is no solution to CL’s problem. CL’s only option to tell the two women the truth. CL doesn’t overact. Yvonne enters the office and advises CL that the women are in Paula’s office together. (Despite CL scolding her for interrupting.) CL looks like he’s about to have an emotional breakdown.

The women discuss the business. Monica wants to know about the daily going-on’s in the office. She wants experience first hand how the business conducts itself. Paula agrees to help. Monica asks for Paula to tell Monica about herself. Paula looks nervous and says that first she needs to cancel some meetings before they go look at the business. Monica wants to make sure that Paula won’t have any problems.

Yadira and Marely enter the office. Yadira scans for Kike’s hoochie. She sees Yvonne and gives her a “look.” Yadira asks for the woman. Marely makes Yadira re-utter the promise. Yadira does. Marely points out the woman. Yadira immediately charges over and accuses the surprised woman.

Fernando refuses Juan’s invitation. Juan persists and thinks that Fernando’s problems with love are all the reason for Fernando to join the party. Kike approaches the men. Juan wants Fernando and Kike to try to get along because they will be working together.

Julia tells Yadira that she doesn’t understand. Yadira calls Julia ugly and stupid. Kike is her boyfriend. Julia can’t believe it. Julia sarcastically congratulates Yadira. Marely tries to pull Yadira away, but Yadira continues throwing insults. Julia refuses to be pulled into Yadira’s game. This infuriates Yadira even more. Julia calls security but Marely advises that Yadira will leave.

Pastor tells CL that they must immediately extract Monica from Paula’s office. The only way is for CL to call Monica directly and insist she leave the office. CL knows that this will piss off Paula. Pastor says that he can enter the office and tell Paula that he needs her for a business emergency. CL likes this plan. Like two football players leaving the high school locker room after talking about the pretty girl, the men rush out of the office and toward their target. They asks Yvonne if the meeting continues. Yvonne confirms and asks if they’re nervous.

Before the men can carry out their plan, the women exit the office. Paula advises CL that they’re going to look at the business. CL offers to go along, but Monica says that he’s too busy to worry about it. CL mentions that this seems like a conspiracy. Monica replies that it is.

Vocabulary:

Escurrir el bulto – to pass the buck (to dodge the issue)
Güerita – used to refer to a person, a blonde in definition but in practice may be used to refer to any light skinned morena. Kind of like saying “Hey, blondie” but not disrespectfully.
Jose Alfredo Jimenez – Considered the greatest Mexican songwriter of all time despite no musical training.
Libidinoso – lustful

Tomorrow: The bad day continues. Will CL be discovered?

On a said note, for all you soccer fans, Antonio Puerta passed away. He was a soccer player for Seville, Spain who collapsed from a heart attack on the field. He died from complications to his organs from the cardiac arrest. He was 22 years old. Condolences to the family.

Labels: Juan

Dragon Lady takes her leave of Diego by the hotel room door. She kisses him on the cheek.

He calls someone on the cell to complain that no one told him Santoro was a woman. I’m not sure if it was Burgay he was talking to.

Mo Calls Burgay. They talk about GSD’s failure to achieve results even though he worked all night. Mo calls Azul to tell her to get there early before 10 am and make sure she looks great. Azul is PO’d.

Arnaldo is meeting with his old boyfriend. BF (Julio? what is his name?) says he really cares about Arnaldo. Arnaldo can’t yet forgive him for what he did. I don’t know what he did. Does anyone? BF asks how it went when Arnaldo came out to Pop. Arnaldo says that he thinks his father always suspected he was gay and didn’t say anything. Now that the suspicions were confirmed, things are terrible. BF seems to want to make up. Arnaldo seems to need more time.

Now it’s morning. Diego brings Santoro to the compound. Azul is pissy when she discovers Santoro is a woman. Santoro wants Martinis at 10 AM. Burgay takes Diego over to the bar to show how she likes them made (shaken not stirred?). Diego serves Santoro, and she is very flirty. Azul is not happy.

GSD comes in, and Santoro wants to talk to him alone. Santoro comments that Mo has a pretty girlfriend. When GSD goes out with Santoro, Azul stomps out of the room. Mo asks where she’s going, and she says she has things to do. She says he is deceitful (tramposo). He says she is acting like a stupid child. She says that woman is odious! He says something about how her father signed a contract and if he doesn’t fulfill it he could go to prison. (This is a bizarre threat. I can’t believe Mexican law is so different from U.S., but you can’t go to prison for quitting your job here–they abolished slavery awhile ago!)

Now for the conversation between GSD and Santoro. I found this a little confusing even though I replayed it a few times. I think she said she wanted results by Friday, and he said that was impossible. Then he asked her where the epidemic was that they wanted to stop, and she said it was somewhere in Africa, but she wouldn’t tell him where. He wanted to go to Africa to check it out, since that was the proper scientific method. But no–she wanted to avoid a worldwide panic. Everything must be secret. She’s a business woman, not a scientist. Once they have the formula, everyone in the world will want it. She won’t tell him what this is really all about, but she assured him it was legal. Look, just tell me what you need for this project–money is no object. Just don’t ask any questions. If you find the formula I will put you in charge at the highest levels of science? (I really could not make any sense of the last sentence). Music of doom swells!

Diego asks Burgay how one woman could be so young and beautiful (?) and yet so powerful. Burgay suspects there is something between Azul and Diego and tells him that he must not act on it. He will not permit anything like that while this project is pending. Just then Mo walks in. What won’t you permit? Burgay covers–he was just telling Diego that he won’t let anything interfere with the project.

Santoro asks Diego if he is afraid of something. or of her? She mentions to Mo that she noticed his pretty girlfriend left. I missed something else here.

Burgay and Mo rehash. Burgay lords it over Mo by reminding him of his superior contribution to the enterprise: Mo says he found Toscano and Diego. Burgay reminds Mo that Mo had offered Diego a terrible salary and Burgay was responsible for getting him on board. Diego is going to be extremely valuable now. Santoro would cut heads if there are no results, but Diego is the perfect distraction (he actually said sedante, or sedative). He buys us time. He’s worth his weight in gold.

Azul is complaining to Ceci and Arnaldo about Mo. She can’t believe the way all the men were kneeling before the odious Santoro just because she’s beautiful (?). Ceci asks why she’s so angry. She seems to say that she was hit in the liver (I guess in the gut), when she saw Diego. So she’s jealous. Yes a little. Diego is the problem, they all say. Just when she was going to call off the wedding, she’s now seeing that Diego seems to be running off with yet another woman. (what a pair!).

Now they change the subject and discuss Arnaldo’s meeting with BF. Azul asks if he’s going back with him, and Arnaldo isn’t sure. They quickly change the topic back to Azul and Diego. Ceci recommends enjoying pizza and a DVD to forget.

Meanwhile, Diego takes Dragon Lady back to her hotel. She asks him in, and he coyly demurs. She tells him not to be stupid–she’s not going to do anything. Do you think I’m going to put on a see through robe and go in the hot tub? No, just come in. He looks both ways behind him in the hall and then ducks in quickly. End of show!

(BTW, I am not recording the coming attraction scenes because the recording has to be set to run over by five minutes. I don't like to do that because it then interferes with recording other shows that start at 9 PM. So I will not be able to report on each day's coming scenes.)

Labels: amar

We open with a reprise of the long scene from Friday in which Diego and Silvana break up. I refer you to Chris's excellent recap for that.

Here is the first half of the show. I have to go to a meeting and will post the rest a bit later.

Burgay is talking to some other gangster honcho. The honcho (does anyone know his name?) wants results! Toscano is working hard and is very proud. If there are no results, they should stop supporting Mo. Burgay suggests that a gun to the head would be more effective in making him pay attention (hacer caso). We learn that someone named Santoro is coming.

Diego rehashes the Silvana situation with Isela. She thinks he’s in a wolf trap with his new job. Azul is going to marry her boss and Diego is foolish and impulsive. She gets him to help out in the bar. (is this because Silvana is gone?)

Ines goes over to see GSD. She asks if he had been planning to let her know he wanted out. He is a bit sheepish. He says the passion is gone. Passion, she says. You want passion? She attacks him, and they begin a creepy overaggressive makeout session.

Burgay shows up at the bar where Diego is waiting tables. He jokes that it is funny the head of personnel and PR is waiting tables in his spare time. He jokes that he will wash dishes. He gives Diego an important assignment: he will go to the airport to pick up Santoro and take him to the hotel, etc. He begins flattering Diego. You know, I’m not gay, he says, but you are handsome, agreeable, etc.

They leave. Someone is following in a car. It looks like Andres. Diego goes to talk to Abuelo and that friend of his. Andres seems to be following again.

Honcho calls Mo and tells him Santoro is coming. This strikes fear into Mo’s heart. Why didn’t you tell me before? Well, honcho didn’t know. He is going to talk to GSD to get results.

Mo calls GSD on the intercom. We see GSD working in the Hazmat outfit on a TV screen. He rudely says the equivalent of “whaddya want–can’t you see I’m working?” Mo says he needs results by morning. This view of what scientists can accomplish is ludicrous. Scientists don’t accomplish things faster by working harder. In any event, they don’t discover miracle cures in two days.

Diego is now waiting at the airport with a sign that says Senor Santoro. He asks a guy if he is Senor Santoro. The guy looks blank. We suddenly see a raccoon-eyed blonde dragon lady emerge. She is Santoro! Impactado looks all around. It’s hard to convey just how creepy and unattractive this woman looks. I understand some of you know this actress, but I don’t.

Diego has made a fool of himself. He tries to say that Burgay did not tell him Santoro was a woman. (I did not rewind to see what pronouns Burgay used. Anybody?) Santoro is dismissive. Then they go outside. She doesn’t want to ride in the limo. She wants to ride in the Mustang convertible with Diego.

Azul comes home from work and talks to Ceci. Ceci says her boyfriend is strange. Azul decides she is going to tell Mo tomorrow that the wedding is off. She has to figure out where this thing with Diego is going. She’ll tell Mo after the meeting.

Labels: amar

My friend Susan was instrumental in getting me hooked on Telenovelas. She just sent me a picture of herself walking her new doggie. The doggie's name? Tonki The Wonder Dog of course!!

Labels: duelo

My DVD recorder..once again failed me…new disc was not formatted…I never had this trouble with a VCR, but my Digital Cable won’t work with my old Analog VCR…so I may be off on the timeline and I may have gaping holes in the story, so feel free to add or correct…but I saw this as mostly a filler episode to move ahead three months.

Pammie’s Ma is talking to her. She tries to convince Pammie to go with her on a trip to Rome. We can see the sights, buy an audience with the Pope, get a priest to cast out the demons so the seizures stop. Okay, Okay I made that part up, living below the mason-dixie line in the heart of the red states, I forget that that medical problems are sometimes treated with scientific measures as opposed to exorcisms. ***Disclaimer, said exorcisms in my area are not performed by ordained Catholic Priests..but tend to be more of a store front experience***

Nancy & Gavi are talking, Nancy relates that Rod has called and asked about Gavi. Gavi will take none of his calls. He is to be Nancy’s problem.

Hilario calls Ma & Pa to tell them the good news; he is a hawt bod and will be a model. Gadzooks, Roman & Ofelia are in no way “Down with this”. They look horrified at the news. You can just see the thought bubble above Roman’s head. I’m sure he is thinking that Hil is about to become the traveling companion of some old rich guy. “No, No, Come back to the Ranch.” Hilario mans up and will seek his fortune in the world of ripped abs & bottled water.

Gavi is at home with Clarita. Clarita fills Gavi in on the fact that Dona Jose’s beloved son, Francisco; “Known to faithful views as Swarmy Frankie”, has married into the sacred Montalvo clan. He didn’t even tell his hardworking, mother. ****Now is it just me or have you wonder why knowing “the damned dirty life ruining Montalvos” like Gavi does, especially little mealy mouthed Sofie, don’t you thinked she’d “Google” images just to check out who’d marry Sofie? But NO of course not***

Gavi tells her mother that Isa showed up at the job today. She told Gavi that the child she is baring is a “product of their fertile love”, versus the “Jizz Whiz”. Clarita with unexpected insightfulness, says, “The Kid ain’t his”. Gavi scoffs. I do not know if Clarita has had a vision, a TeleNovela moment or maybe the vision was of the 52” plasma television she sees herself watching at the hacienda.

Let’s now saunter on over to the ol’ Hacienda, where James & Sofie are sitting on an impossibly small settee. Frankie comes in behind them, “Mi Corazon” says Sofie. My Heart (My Ass) I say to that. Anyway Frankie has been out talking to interesting people. James knowing Frankie has been trying to score with the local chicas; gets up and leaves in understated English showing of displeasure. Frankie then says he just can not support James living at the Hacienda. Sofie says the property belongs to Rod and that is the way he wants it. ***Yes little Jan Brady, is totally loving it, she has the uber slick husband and the constant attention of her ol’ English Sheepdog*** Alas Poor Acacia, who will watch over you, while James is watching over Sofie.

The heavily made-up Cassandra, shows up at the CRT with Hilario in tow. She wants him to be the roomie of Alonso. It seems Alonso’s wife died like four years ago and the apartment is a shrine to her. I am getting further “Aldo LFMB” vibes here as we realize Alonso has been dead in the romance department since his wife’s demise. I am left to wonder, could it have been caffeine posioning? I think not, I believe Opera music and hanging up pastel sport jackets all day, probably just led to the losing the will to live. Hey it happens. I think Hil is supposed to take care of the apartment and maybe hanging out with Alonso will knock some of the dung off Hil’s boots.

Nancy shows Hilario into Alonso’s office. She is muy impacted, by his naivete and charming “Shucks ma’m”, good looks. Hard to believe “Hilario Duke”, slammed the crazy pregnant lady who had just visited the office.

Gavi sees Hil and it is old times all round. Seriously this just goes to show that Mexico City, pop. 20 million is really just like a small town.

In what is to become a parasitic phone relationship, Rod tells Nancy, he is just concerned about Gavi and he is going to Jalisco to see about the Organic Tequila, but will call when he returns. Nancy passes the info on to Gavi, who recalling the words of Isa, vows to have nothing to do with that Rat Bastard Doble Dippin Rod.


Rod makes a trip to Tequila, where there is another fifth grade filmstrip of the distilling of Tequila. Now lets move on to the “Tequila Masters”. They are sampling the new organico Blanco Tequila. Hmmm is it too late for me to find a new career? They have glasses and they swirl it about.
***Seriously this makes me get out my $1.47, doble Tequila shot glass, I found at “Garden Ridge” and pour me a “Sauza Blanco”, if you look at the back label it has a rooster and says “Tequila, Jal”. If you drink enough of it you will buy a Fax machine and sit for hours waiting for Rod to send a message. Ah but I digress***
Anyway, the Tequila drinkers are just all shades of thrilled with the new product. It is clean and clear and has subtle favoring of citus and herbs. Not to mention it is organic, so that means it is really good for you right? The new Tequila is a success.

Now three months pass……………………………………..
Where apparently everyone’s lives go without a problem.
Though it does not tell…I the viewer am left to assume…

Sofie is happy with her new husband Frankie. Frankie is busy nailing the locals by day & grudging nailing Sofie by night. James steadfast and true, has become Sofie’s spiritual lover.

Acacia, well for all we know, she has whacked the entire staff of PsychoCentral and freed all the inmates. They are now making illegal copies of TeleNovelas online and have quite a lucrative business, selling pirated DVD’s and perscriptions drugs, which they order via 1000’s of script pads left by the dead doctors.

And we all thought Gavi was doing well.

Now over to Miami, where Aaron is on the phone with Johnny, seems things generally suck on his end. Minnie comes in and tells Aaron that she is fine and it will be a prime time to conceive. I’m thinking this has more to do with a blood red moon and human sacrifice than hormone shots. Minnie brings up the organic Tequila thing. Aaron is like “Bwwwahhhhh Rod is an idiot all he knows is how to farm Agave” Let’s make an AntiChrist.

Now then, Isa who has been on Rod like white on rice, is shopping with her Ma at HOME DEPOT. It is like watching a Home Depot commercial, the rugs, the paint. At least she has on a normal, taupe maternity top. I guess you only need to wear the belly baring tops in front of people who must constantly be reminded that “Hey Que the Hell, I’m barrin the Varon”.

Rod continues to be Nancy’s best new friend on the phone. Nancy who is now quite the phone buddy must deal with it. So they must be on a first name basis by now and does Rod say things like, “She just totally doesn’t get me, like I totally love her and she just disses me”. Nancy then says, “OMG you are so rightous, I totally don’t get why she doesn’t just like get over herself cause you are an awesome dude”. I think Nancy would vote for Rod for HomeComing King.
He continues calling but Gavi will not take his calls.
****I know, I know, we the viewing audience are left to wonder, why he doesn’t just stroll on over to the CRT & wait outside****

Rod is up at night pacing, Gavi has trouble sleeping. Time keeps on slippin slippin slippin into the future.

Hilario is now quite friendly with Gavi, Ma & Dona Jose..oh the good times.
Gavi is continues her quest for knowledge and attends classes. The word Tequila is written on the board. I mean I think it is classes, maybe it is an AA meeting. No I am sure it is a class, Gavi gives a speech and her classmates cheer her on.

Dani goes in to see Rod at work. He has just been told Gavi is in her three hundredth meeting. Rod is totally stressing cause “Tres Menses” have gone by with out a note in his locker. “Maybe she has forgotten me” or “Maybe she hates me”. Yeah Dude I’d put money on the second one, cause after all the crap you put her through, forgetting is a bit unlikely. Dani always the voice of sense and reason..calms crazy guy down. She is going to see Gavi.

Minnie decides it is time to screw with Isa and gives her a call. Hey she says I think the whole organic Tequila thing is just a ruse for Gavi & Rod to do the organic horizontal Mambo. Isa who had been relatively calm, goes BSC & starts with contractions. Minnie you are the devil.

Next thing Gavi is toiling away in her office. Nancy comes in and says, “Your sister-in-law is here to see you”. Gavi is rightfully confused, what with not being married and being an only child. Dani comes in and introduces herself as Gavi’s sister-in-law, the sister of the idiot named Rod, from the family who has ruined Gavi’s life for years. Gavi is like Isa, is your sister-in-law, no Dani says you are. Rod & Isa have nothing it is you, he has always loved. Once again it is doble Muy Impacteds all round.

Stay tuned tomorrow..
I wish I was recapping that one cause Rod is in a restaurant with Roses…
Gavi is attacked verbally on the street by Isa…
In true Soap Opera form..Gavi is driving Isa to the Hospital to deliver the kid.
I just so wanted to say “The Days of Whine & Roses” okay I couldn’t stop myself.

Labels: Destilando

The show starts with Diego picking up Diego, Roommate, and Gaspar the fabulous designer from LA, he wants to take them out to get some nice dinner. Roommate is worried about something to wear, Gaspar the fabulous says he’ll fix him up.

Mo interrupts Andres and Leo’s getting busy (BLEAH) to rip Andres a new one, as 5ft detailed yesterday. Mo threatens to put them both out on the street if they don’t get their acts together. Something is up with Leo, I think she may be a victim of a bad facelift or something. She looks like a mannequin come to life. Something is just off there.

GSD talks to Arnaldo. Arnaldo says maybe he and Azul haven’t been very fair with GSD and Ines. GSD talks about leaving Ines, maybe he’d be happier, he still has this great job, etc. Arnaldo tries to dissuade him, not sure why. GSD says he’s not too old to find another woman, right? Well well well. He has shared lusty glances twice with hoochie-clothed Emilia and he’s already planning to dump his 15 year girlfriend for her. Emilia is the hotter of the two and so far Ines is far bitchier, so based on that I see where he’s coming from, but his problems with Ines at the moment are entirely his own fault, so I don’t know what to think here. Arnaldo still tries to tell him that he should stay with Ines. GSD says he’s just soooo tired. Arnaldo says GSD is just tired from keeping everything inside, he’ll be ok. He kept repeating “vas a estar bien” over and over, it reminded me of Robin Williams telling Matt Damon “It’s not your fault.”

Andres is back in his suit now, he’s pulling a suitcase behind him. Leo unfortunately is still in her bedwear. She wants him to stay, now isn’t a good time to take a vacation, he isn’t in the right frame of mind. He says it isn’t a vacation, he’s leaving for good. Mo doesn’t trust him the same way any more. She tries to tell him things will be ok, Diego and Azul will be gone, Andres says no way, they aren’t going anywhere. Leo tries to calm him down, but Andres says Mo told them on the first day, if they fail they are gone, and he failed. Leo starts fussing about what she’s going to do without him. She starts crying and all that, they start to make out but he pulls away and says please don’t make this harder. She wants to be with him, he says they’ll always be together. Whatever that means.

Arnaldo reports to Azul on his discussion with GSD. He tells her that for the first time GSD seemed emotional, Azul asks if GSD was drunk. HA good one Azul. Arnaldo feels like the wall between him and his father is coming down. Azul isn’t ready to forgive just yet, no matter how much Arnaldo says he was nicer and all that.

Abuelo is eating with his roommate and Fabulous Gaspar, Abuelo is worried about Diego. He thinks he’s in over his head, he’s suspicious. DUH. Nobody just walks into that kind of money. Abuelo wants to know what’s up but doesn’t want to ask Diego anything, he doesn’t want to upset him. Gaspar says his boss from back in LA is ready to open his boutique in Mexico, he’s inviting Diego, Mo, Azul, all the people with mucha lana to come to the opening. Then he grins with his cartoonishly huge teeth, I was waiting for him to then take a bite out of the table or something. That grin took me by surprise, it looked like something from a horror movie.

Azul comes to see Mo in his office, Leo follows soon after with coffee, everyone is nervous. Leo says she’s fine and slumps out. Mo says she has been like that for a few days since Andres left. Azul asks if Mo fired Andres, he says he left because he failed in something. When Azul asks how he failed, Mo turns ugly in a hurry and snaps at her that it’s nothing important. What a dick.

Diego’s mom calls Mo looking for Diego. She ends up telling Mo thanks and all that for all his help. He says he’s going to send a car to pick them up so they can all have lunch together. After Mo hangs up, Diego arrives, Mo tells him the news. Then Mo says he’s going to show GSD his new workplace. Azul asks isn’t he going to work in the new lab? Mo says no, he has a new place for him. Mo leaves, Azul and Diego are alone again. For the 100^th time. Azul looks good with glasses. They discuss how they don’t understand why Mo invited his parents, she goes off to see what Leo is preparing for the meal. Diego’s cell rings, it’s his woman. She is very suspicious of the whole meal thing, he invites her to come and she loses it. She says he just wants to show her off to Azul (why is she mad about that? Before she was mad that he DIDN’T tell Azul about her) and that she can’t go, Mo killed her son. Diego tries to calm her down, but Morticia says he’s in love with Azul and she can’t put up with it and hangs up on him. Diego looks lost. Well, he got himself into this mess, I’m not feeling tons of pity for him.

Mo and GSD meet in the same room that Paco was discovered in. I’m guessing that Mo is about to show him the super secret virus room. Mo puts a document in front of GSD, some sort of confidentiality agreement. GSD wants to know what’s going on, all he sees is a reception area and a door, what is this business that is going on anyway? Mo says to sign the paper and then he’ll know everything. GSD signs the paper without reading it. Mo opens up his little laptop and dramatically puts in the code to open the door.

Morticia whines to Gloria about Diego and Azul. Then she whines about what she’ll do if she loses him. Gloria just tells her everything she wants to hear.

Mo is trying to get Leo to buck up, she just complains about Andres being replaced. Mo says he isn’t trying to replace him. He tells her to do what she has to do, she says she always does. She talks back a little and Mo snaps back at her to do what he orders. Then he kisses her on the cheek and leaves.

Gloria wants to take Morticia out to Garibaldi (someone explain to me better what that is, my wife says it’s an area of Mexico with lots of Mariachi, but it’s not a nice place) but Miss Gloomy doesn’t want to go. Eventually she agrees to go but only if she doesn’t have to sing. Gloria starts singing, it’s better than Singing Aunt from Duelo, thank God.

Diego’s parents arrive at Casa Malicia. They are impressed with the house. Diego’s mom tells Mo that Diego’s girlfriend was going to come but something came up. Mo says “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend, did you finally work it out with that girl of yoru dreams?” Diego and Azul just “um uh” and they move on. Diego hints that he argued with Morticia but doesn’t want to talk about it. Diego and Azul exchange looks while drinks are poured. Diego finally says that his girlfriend is not the same woman that he was dreaming about before, his mom pipes up to say that his girlfriend is sooo awesome. Yeah right. She’s psycho and she went into this with Diego with her eyes CLOSED. She knows he loves someone else and used sex to snare him. Whatever. Clemencia goes on and on about how great she is. Caty shows up, everyone loves her, kids always melt the ice in a room. Clemencia says she’s a teacher for orphans or something, Caty says “for kids with no mom, like me?” Then she says Azul is going to be her mom, more looks between Diego and Azul. Azul says Diego talks about his mom a lot but when she says “what does he say?” Azul has no answer. Somehow Diego and Azul end up alone in the other room and start bickering, Azul wants to know if he fought with his woman and wants to know how she suffered so much, Diego tells her to butt out. Manuel finally comes in to unwittingly break it up. He tells Azul that he wishes Lidia could have come, but she’s having a bad time now. Everyone else enters the room and they start talking about Lidia and Paco, then about how Paco is missing. Mo and Leo listen intently. Diego’s parents say how it is strange that Paco hasn’t even contacted Diego, they were best friends since they were kids. Diego says yes, he can’t believe he hasn’t heard from him. Manuel says he didn’t like Paco for his daughter anyway. He turns to Mo and says when Caty is older he’ll understand. Mo nervously drops his glass on the ground, it shatters. He looks quite discombobulated. He obviously didn’t realize Paco’s relationship to everyone. Leo calls the maid to clean up. Azul tries to change the subject by saying Paco is sure to turn up and everyone will be happy. Mo asks Clemencia if she would like to live outside the city,, in this nice air, she says yes, Mo says Diego will surely help her with that sooner or later. Leo whispers in Mo’s ear and Mo excuses himself. Manuel turns to Azul and tells some bad joke about her name, I didn’t catch it. Diego asks why they didn’t name him Azulado? His mom tsks him.

Mo goes into his office to find Piero talking on his cell phone, evidently to Lidia. He is telling her that he’s sure she wants to see him again, then he says that Paco won’t ever come back to her after what he saw. Mo moves quietly so he can overhear the conversation. Piero is conveniently facing away from the door to allow this. I guess Lidia hangs up on him, then he discovers Mo standing there. He tells Mo that it was the dumb girl he was telling him about before. Mo asks her name, Piero says “Lidia Moran.” Ominous music. Piero says he wanted to end it, but he can’t stay away from her. Then almost as an afterthought, he says ‘yeah I know I’m an idiot.’ Mo asks him if her family knows what’s going on, Piero tells him about when Manuel threatened him and when Abuelo caught him feeling Lidia up at the house. He disregards them as immaterial people. Mo listens with interest. He reminds me of Bertha from Heridas here, always filing away information for a later date. Piero changes the subject back to their agreement. Mo says he sent him an e-mail, uh oh Piero says he didn’t check his e-mail. They talk business, Piero wants to know if Mo told him what type of business it’s going to be, Mo says it’s private. Mo asks him to leave by the back door, he’ll explain later. Piero accepts this without question, I would have wondered why.

The meal has ended, now it’s dark out and you can hear crickets. Diego’s parents thank everyone, Mo walks them out. Diego and Azul somehow end up alone AGAIN. Diego wants to know if she’s leaving, she says no, she’s staying because she has things to do tomorrow. He actually asks her if she’s going to sleep with Mo. These two need to grow up. Mo returns, Diego leaves. Mo and Azul agree that Diego’s family is great. She immediately says she’s tired and disappears. Mo looks after her suspiciously, then goes to the lobby of the super secret virus room. He gets a phone call. He tells the other person that tonight no, his girlfriend is there and also he wants a peaceful weekend. He hangs up, then looks at GSD through a camera and tells him that’s enough, go home. GSD wants to stay and work, finally Mo orders him to leave. He heaves a sigh and gets up to leave. I wonder – normally GSD can’t go 30 seconds without a smoke, yet somehow he can work in a sterile environment for an entire night without a smoke break? I don’t buy it.

Diego and parents arrive home, Lidia is there. They explain where they were, at Mo’s house. Lidia says she didn’t find a job, nothing pays enough. Also, Paco hasn’t called. Diego also wonders where the hell Paco is. Clemencia goes on about how wonderful Mo is, Diego walks her off to bed while she chatters on about Leo being so serious, etc. Lidia goes to bed, leaving Diego and his father to drink a couple beers. When they are alone, Manuel says “You’ve got it bad for her, huh?” Diego says “Silvana?” Manuel says “No you idiot, Azul!” He wants to know what’s up with her. Diego says he isn’t saying anything. Manuel prods a bit, Diego finally says there’s something there, but she’s marrying Mo. Manuel says they have to figure out what to do. Diego says Azul can’t decide between them, Manuel says if she marries Mo it will be hard for her to work with Diego. Nothing new here, but it’s strange to hear Manuel suddenly be Diego’s drinking/talking about woman buddy. And Silvana? Diego says he cares about her but doesn’t lover her. Manuel says he better do something now, Silvana is so delicate and he can’t hurt her. Diego says that chasing Azul isn’t really being a traitor to Mo, since Mo hired him for 90,000 pesos per month, minus taxes, minus paying him back, etc. Manuel says this is a good salary, he doesn’t understand. Diego then explains the deal with Burgay, so he doesn’t really work for Mo after all. After explaining that Mo technically can’t fire him, and that the house and everything really belong to Burgay, Manuel says “Damn then take the woman!” Manuel really wants to be a drinking buddy, just listen to him talk. Diego says that he doesn’t want to turn against Mo like that, even if it wouldn’t cost him his job, Mo has been very good to him.

Mo is out at a bar with the same guy who was pressuring him the other day. He’s pressuring him again. Mo says he has certain things that are vital, without them there isn’t any business, kind of issuing a reverse threat. The other guy says “You want me to tell Santoro that? He’ll be here in a couple days.” Mo pales visibly, “Uh when is he coming?” In a couple days, and he wants RESULTS. Mo says he’ll have them and he gets up and leaves.

Gloria brings some bread to Diego’s house early. She kibitzes with Diego’s mom about Diego and Morticia having an argument the day before. Gloria is worried that Silvana will have a regression to her previous extra-gloomy ways. Clemencia says everything will be fine, if they want to be together they’ll be together, if not then no. Gloria says that’s easy for her to say, Diego is sane, but Silvana lost her child and if she loses the love of her life she’ll go nuts again and they’ll all feel guilty. Clemencia says no, and she doesn’t want Gloria coming to her house telling her crap like that. If she is so worried about Morticia, then she should go do something to help her, not come over here and make trouble. Gloria leaves snottily, taking the bread back on her way out.

Azul tells Arnaldo that Diego’s mom was so nice, he laughs and calls her ‘the perfect mother in law.’ (My wife comments that this doesn’t exist, I choose not to take offense. It’s true, nobody is perfect.) Arnaldo teases her some more. The parents are there, and Mo, and nobody suspects anything. She asks him for help, how can she stop feeling what she feels? He doesn’t have any real answer. She says she’s going to talk to Emilia. Arnaldo’s phone rings, he’s getting dramatic news. He says “I didn’t think you would call me again. You’re coming? When? Yes, I think we should talk. Give me your flight number, I’ll pick you up.” This must be the man who broke his heart in Brazil.

Diego arrives at Gloria’s, she testily lets him in. She says Gloria isn’t home, he asks to wait and she says “yes, I’m not going to run you out like your mother did to me.” Diego is surprised to hear this. She tells the story, one-sided of course, leaving out all the fine points. Diego says that the thing with Diego and Silvana is their own problem, Gloria says it’s her problem too. Gloria basically orders him to make nice with Silvana, he says he’ll be with her because he wants to, not because she orders him to. Gloria calls him out on loving Azul. He says he wants to love Silvana but he can’t. Silvana shows up and says he shouldn’t be there. He tries to explain but she won’t listen. He asks what he is supposed to do – she says she knows he can’t quit and she knows that Azul won’t leave. He says yeah, so then what? Silvana says she’ll just have to live in misery. He says he doesn’t want to hurt her. She says she would rather lose him than be close to Mo and his people, they are bad. Diego says he needs her help to not be like them, she says no, he needs Azul, not her. She just needs peace. She asks him to leave and leave her in peace, then says to get out of her life. Well then! He leaves, she cries. I’m sure she’ll be back to gloomy up the place soon enough.

Monday – some blonde woman with drug-addict black eyes shows up (is she Santoro?) at La Casa Malicia and tries to seduce Diego, or something like that. She looks like she doesn’t blink (reminds me of Marcia from La Fea) and tries way too hard to be sexy without really succeeding. We’ll see how that turns out.

Labels: amar

We open to Paula scolding CL, who is standing just inside her office door with his hands clasped behind his back like the naughty boy he is. No one disappears for a whole day, she tells him, especially not the Prez of a company like this. He flippantly replies that he trusts his execs, and she sternly tells him it’s not funny. CL, ever the MCP (Male Chauvinist Pig), informs her that he knows about women like her and when they get like this, the best thing to do is escape until the waters calm. She sarcastically tells him so now he’s an expert in female behavior. [Ed. Note: He should be by now, trust us.] He corrects her; it’s her behavior that interests him, only hers. She accuses him of hiding when problem come up. He points out that he’s here now. It’s too late, though, she says. For what? To resolve things. He informs her that he’s been looking for a radical solution to their problems, but she wisely isn’t buying it. [Ed. Note: One of the few wise things she’s done so far. It won’t last.] He asks if she wants to live with him. She’s impactada. Live with him? Does he realize what he’s saying? Oh, he realizes, all right. But she tells him no way, José. Impossible. She’s not making eye contact and he’s reading it that he has a great chance of getting his way. He gives his little sly smile.

In the garage, Juan is thought bubbling. In some other world, CL’s disembodied voice is telling his colleagues that he’s going on a long trip and he has decided to entrust Farell industries to Juan. He’s the ideal person to guide the future of the company. And we see a smoke-filled room, with Juan at the desk and his feet up. Behind him, CL is still addressing the throngs. “In difficult moments, trust in him! He’s not just a boss, he’s a leader, and a friend!” Juan looks up at him with agreement written all over his face. CL punctuates with just the right gestures. Juan looks very satisfied with CL’s little speech. We hear ooohs and aaaaahs from the audience of Farell employees, and see their awed faces with “o” expressions. Including Pastor. [Ed. Note: If we didn’t already know this was pure fantasy, this would be a dead giveaway.] Juan holds up his hand for them to stop oohing and aahing. CL tells them until forever. He rolls his little carry-on out as the group stands and waves in slow-mo. Pastor runs to Juan, arms outstretched. He takes Juan’s hand and calls him “big boss” and begins to kiss Juan’s hand, so Juan promptly bats him away with his bandanna until Pastor lets go and backs off. Juan calls him a fawning toady (lambiscón) and tells him not to touch the merchandise. He wipes at the back of his hand with the bandanna and Pastor clouds up to cry. He yells at them to all leave, he has lots to do. They go. [Ed. Note: Some Leader and Friend. Hmph.] He calls Paula back as the others leave. She comes back to him, and puts her hands on his shoulders behind him. At last, we’re alone! She has so much wanted this moment. She asks for a kiss. He’s not with the program. No smile, no snappy response. He stares at the ceiling as she kisses him and says, okay……he gets up, pushes his chair away, and dips her into a boiling kiss.

Back in the garage, Juan’s eyes are glazed over and only the whites show. His lips are poised for a mega-kiss. He looks more like an open-mouthed bass than Emiliooooooo. Kike waves his hands wildly in front of Juan’s face, “Juanito, are you okay?” He slaps Juan a little to bring him out of the coma. Juan comes to with a start, yelling “Enrique, what’s UP with you-are you crazy or what? I’m fine.” (Yeah, right.) He tells Kike he was totally slobbering all over his golden goddess [okay, so I paraphrased it], and gestures that she was just in his arms. And you broke into my dream! Kike looks at him, wary. Kike tells Juan to calm down and describes what it looked like to him, like Juan wasn’t quite all there and nothing but the whites of his eyes showing. Juan rushes him, makes like he’s going to hit Kike, yelling “Drooling? Drooling? I was meditating!” Kike backs off and Juan walks away from him again. “And you broke my concentration when I was floating in the clouds…” Juan bounces around with his arms flapping. Kike mocks. “Meditating? In my town they call it being stupid.” (Tarugear, tarugo means stupid, dolt, blockhead. This could be a Kike-ism). He laughs at Juan. He tells Juan that if only the whites of his eyes are showing, Juan can’t blame him for being worried. He should be calling someone to perform an exorcism. Juan interrupts him, a little embarrassed. Enough with your nonsense! [Ed. Note: Looks who’s talking!]

In Paula’s office, CL is coming around the desk to her. He would think the idea of them living together would charm her. He twirls her chair around so he is facing her and puts his hands on the arms of the chair. The camera pans up her leg beyond the high slit, up to cleavage that defies description as contemporary office wear, and to her face as he puts his hand on her cheek. How touching. (So to speak.) What was it K said Wednesday? Blech. He thought it was something she hoped for. She is caught off guard and it wasn’t what she expected. Why not? Because we were fighting recently? She stammers. He continues, because I haven’t given you your rightful place? Because of that? Or because you think I’m still hiding things and you keep hiding? She stammers again. CL nuzzles her and says he is very serious and wants to convince her of it.

In the garage, Juan want to know why Kike is here, and Kike tells him to greet Fernando, what do you think? Well, what then? Kike tells Juan many things. They haven’t had time to talk since Alirio’s thing. Kike wants to know how it’s going for Juan with his boss, what a gal! He noted that Juan was very attentive to her last night. Juan’s eyes get big and he begins to blow steam out of his ears as Kike waxes eloquent about Paula’s curvaceous beauty. “Look out! Be careful!” Juan tells Kike and slaps him with the towel (abusado, although the captioner said abuzado). Kike rubs his arm. Juan informs Kike he’s talking about Juan’s woman! Kike points out he wasn’t imagining it. Juan agrees. He tells Kike he put a spin on yesterday. Kike talks about the dancing (the cachi cachi bombon). He demonstrates how they’d dance up so closely, rapture on his face. Juan tells him everything in its time, he’s laying groundwork and then he’ll pounce like a tiger. Kike tells him that’s a lot of talk for this. With the ring, with cutting the hair, why? Juan repeats it’ll all happen in its time. He wants to know why so many questions? Kike comments about him trying to impress and Juan asks “moi?” They chuckle.

CL is seriously putting the make on Paula in her office, and Paula, naïve chick that she is, is still trying to get straight answers. Why this decision? Because she was furious with him? He gives her more of the line. She just hadn’t imagined this and he threw her a curve. Between kisses she tries to talk. He pulls her up out of her chair and gives her a full body press. He thinks it’s perfectly natural, but she thinks they haven’t had enough time to get to know each other. He doesn’t need more time to know that she is the love of his life. [Sheesh.] He’s known that since the first day. [Double sheesh, and keep in mind that the kissing is still interfering with Paula getting answers, but it’s disgusting so there’s no need to elaborate.]

In the garage, Juan is telling Kike to respect his betters. He’s fooling with his engine so he doesn’t have to face Kike. Kike tells him to calm down, there’s no need for him to be like that, especially about some old woman. [Ed. Note: Kike, caution. Them’s fightin’ words.] He tells Kike the woman’s never been born who will resist him. He informs Kike that these boots (he puts up onto the car) have been under the beds of many women: artists, beauty queens, you know, etc.., etc. He gestures expansively about his many conquests, Europeans, Asians, Africans, and the rest. So there. Kike says there’s always a first time. Juan denies this is possible. He wants the topic changed. Kike obliges, and tells Juan not to get offended.

CL is STILL working Paula over. If they’re going to get to know each other better, they should be spending the majority of their time together. Paula is doubtful; their relationship is fragile. He plays dumb. Fragile? You’re not sure what you feel for me? [Good ploy, it’s working]. She touches his face. Yes, I am sure, but living with someone is very serious. He tells her if she’s not sure, they should just live together for a time and decide if they suit or don’t suit, like a prematrimonial course. They’ll marry or break up then. He turns at strategic points and there’s no eye contact. [Did he rehearse this or does he just think fast on his feet from lots of years dodging exposure?] She jumps up; she’s not sure what to say. She puts her arms around his waist from behind. Tell me yes, please, he says. She protests. He throws her doubts back in her face. Ugh.

As Juan continues fiddling with his engine [Ed. Note: we all remember what happened the LAST time he fiddled with an engine.} Kike gets to the real reason he’s here. He wants Juan to make good on his promise to help get assistance from CL to start his business. Juan pops up from the car and is still talking about Paula. Kike tells him yeah, we got that all clear. He’s onto another topic, the transportation business he wants to start. He’s already paid Juan his “commission.” Juan is talking about Paula not being the first or the last executive gal he’s conquered. Kike is disgusted. He wants Juan to pay attention to him. They need to make something concrete with Juan’s big boss! Finally, Juan thought-bubbles to himself that Kike is right. He’s behaved so well with Juan, and helped him out of scrapes that were really Juan’s own fault (Juan puts his hand over his mouth in shock as he realizes this) and he’ll help Kike with the big boss to get this in concrete today. He turns back around to face Kike.

Paula says this is a lot of pressure for today. CL tells her he doesn’t have 20 years for a long engagement. He strings out a really long line about having discovered things he never knew existed, and each day is a gift now…..she responds it’s the same for her, too. He’s offering a commitment, his entire life, not just part of it. [That’s a compromise??] She tries to speak, and he interrupts, don’t say a thing. Take your time, think, and I hope you come to the same conclusion as me. More slobbery kisses and endearments. He tells her this is the only thing that is important to him and dramatically exits. Paula is commercial impactado.

Yadira is remembering herself and Nidia are having the heart-to-heart about marrying someone who loves you and not someone you love. She runs to the phone and starts to dial. She throws the phone down and thinks a moment, then picks it up and calls….Enrique’s mother. Yadi greets Doña Guillermina warmly. They chat. Yadi asks a favor, can she call Enrique? He’s out. Well, can you do me a favor and let him know I called when he arrives home? [Ed. Note: We have a new data point on Kike. He lives with Mami.] Yadi and Kike’s mother say warm farewells. Yadi hangs up, but holds the phone pensively.

In the elevator, Juan is leaning against the back thought bubbling about doing this favor for Kike and how it will all play out with Paula being CL’s amante. He realizes he and Kike had talked about being business associates, and he’s been busy thinking about Paula so he hasn’t thought beyond being a chauffeur much. Suddenly he’s in a room with money all over the place, in a variety of designs and arrangements, and thinking about how women like this. Paula is walking to him and lights his “cigar” which is made of rolled-up money. He’s borrowed Fernando Mendiola’s gel for this thought-bubble and is using it liberally. Could it be that Paula isn’t still setting her eyes on CL, he wonders as she sits on his lap? He thinks it’ll be better with his very own business. Kike stands in his doorway (with dark glasses in this very dark smoke-filled room, looking very executive in a suit). He talks on a cell phone, then strolls across toward Juan. We see Paula standing behind Juan and Kike across the desk from him as he keeps telling himself what a good idea this would be, and what a good couple they’d be. The boys throw money around. Kike fusses for him to get off the elevator as it stops and pushes him out, the elevator’s not going clear to heaven. Juan fondly fusses back at him. As they come into the lobby, the secretary Kike has been looking over runs into them, and Kike and she have a visual love-fest for a moment. Juan greets her while Kike stands mute a second. Juan lets it slip in her hearing that they are going to see the patron (big boss) if is available to receive them. Kike pats him on the back and assures him he’s ready (also in her hearing). She turns and smiles at Kike over her shoulder while he smiles, gives her his best guess for what a sultry smile looks like, and postures. She and Kike stare and smile at each other while Juan goes off and leaves Kike, who turns the wrong way while he’s still looking over his shoulder at her. He bumps the wall and re-groups, smiling again and waving at her, and going to wait for Juan. Juan meanwhile greets Ivonne “bombon” and takes her hand to kiss it. She greets him with a wary smile. He wants to know if CL is busy, and she tells him CL’s with Pastor. They told her for nothing in the world should she interrupt. He wants to know how long they’ll be and she has no idea, but if he likes, he can wait. He picks up her hand again, kisses it, says he’ll be glad to wait and please tell CL he’d like to speak to him. Ivonne quickly extracts her hand, leaving him holding his own up at his mouth. She says “fine, Licenciado,” and he muses to himself over that title. The secretary, Julita, calls him. What’s up? She wants to know who his friend is. Is he going to work here? Juan says that’s his soul brother and why do you want to know? She stumbles a little and says pure curiosity. Nothing more. She says he has such a tender face. Juan asks “who?” “Him!” Juan is impactado. “Enrique?” “His name is Enrique?” Julita is totally stoked to know her new Adonis’ name. Juan jokes that he swallowed a drum (more like a watermelon, if you ask me, but have it your way, Juan). She is NOT amused. He is very handsome. Juan is impactado again. He thought bubbles about this surprise. She tells him to not say anything. He promises and gestures to zip his lips. They go on their ways.

Juan returns to Kike, excited to tell Kike he has a female admirer in Farell Industries. Kike is surprised and pleased. Who? The Licenciada? [Ed. Note: DUH]. He’s joking and laughs at Juan, pointing. He falls back on the sofa laughing. Juan points, it’s her. “What the plump little gal from reception?” Exactly. Julita looks back over her shoulder at Kike from Ivonne’s desk and Kike returns the favor. Juan thinks she’s a little near-sighted (cegatona, from ciego, blind). We see Julita excitedly talking to Ivonne in the foreground, but we can hear Juan talking about her. He says it doesn’t matter much since Kike could take advantage of that. [Ed. Note: that’s kind of mean of Juan, if you ask me!]. Kike admits she fascinates him. Juan gives Kike advice on how to approach her, alone, alone. Don’t be so obvious. Kike waves at her, but quits when Juan says that, and pretends he was going to scratch the back of his head. Juan gives him a steady stream of good advice. [ Juan IS an expert with women, after all.] Kike makes a series of jerky gestures, trying to wave and not wave at the same time. Julita does a little of the same. The beam at each other.

CL is spinning his chair, quietly yelling “yee-ha!” Pastor waits quietly for him to stop spinning. CL declares to Pastor that it’s as if destiny has agreed to give him a hand. Pastor agrees he’s a lucky man, no doubt about it. It wouldn’t have gone better if he’d planned it all out. CL tells Pastor that all he needs now is for Pastor to take charge of keeping Monica as entertained and far away as possible. Pastor says it’s good to go; all that remains is for Monica to recover totally and take possession of the office they’ve found for her. He sits back, satisfied. CL tells Pastor what’s important now is to keep her very, very busy (full of work). Pastor is to speak with everyone they know, and make sure they give Monica lots of orders. CL is jubilant with this plan. Pastor leans over and tells him it’ll be way more effective if HE himself speaks with them all. CL agrees, but it’d be more dangerous, too. “I don’t want to risk myself. You take care of it!” He doesn’t want Monica to have a single second free in the next month. Pastor assures him he’ll see what he can do. CL scowls and leans at him. He yells “we’ll see NOTHING, Gaitán!” Pastor jerks back in his seat to escape the sudden rage. That’s an express order CL is giving him, and with a concrete objective. He expects that Pastor will have tangible results. He shakes a finger at Pastor, glaring. “Let me repeat. I am trusting completely in you. You are NOT going to fail me.” His voice gets very soft as he says this. Pastor looks resigned and a bit worried. “No, sir. Count on it.”

Consuelo wants to know what she can prepare for Monica to eat. Monica isn’t going to eat. She wants to recover fast because it’s driving her crazy to stay home all the time. Consuelo asks if she’s going to check out her new office. Monica tells her no, the new office isn’t going to be. Consuelo is confused. Monica tells her that the whole idea of the delicatessen was nothing more than a desperate idea to make her feel useful. She doesn’t know why she needs a new business when she has one that is working well and belongs to her (Farell Industries, as we learned earlier, is half hers). Consuelo wants to know if she plans to go work with CL. Monica informs her, with a calculating look, that an office like this is a perfect place for her to plan a seduction. He’ll work near her and be able to see but not touch. She looks very satisfies with herself for this plan. She asks Chelo what she thinks. Consuelo thinks she’s a really great manipulator. Admiration fills her face. She likes the trap Monica will set for CL. Monica tells her the tables have been turned, and she’ll have him falling into her web. (Los papeles se han cambiado-the parts/roles have been reversed, or the tables are turned).

CL is jubilant again. [Ed. Note: Is this what manic depression looks like? Euphoric one second and screaming the next?] He has to thank Pastor for his part in this. If not for his good advice and assistance, CL wouldn’t be getting what he wants. Pastor acts surprised. Pastor is pleased to have been able to help. But, he wants CL to know that in his humble opinion, there are still a couple of unsettling things. How is CL so sure Paula will accept his proposal? CL confidently responds to him as if he were a preschooler. She’s in love, of course. Totally enamored. A woman who has the typical fear of taking the first step of the most important thing in her whole life. She’s gonna end up accepting, of this he has not even the slightest doubt. Okay, Pastor tells him, and the second unsettling item is even more important, if she accepts, doesn’t CL think he’ll end up in the wolf’s mouth? [Ed. Note: Pastor, I think you have it backwards. Paula’s going to end up in the wolf’s mouth.] What Pastor means is maybe Monica will find she’s sorry and try to get CL back, then he’ll get busted. CL is unconcerned. He gives his chair another viewer-nauseating spin. Ah, this is just a first step. Now the time is coming for him to use this period with Paula to prepare the way for the future, for the time when everything is going to come to light. CL spins and spins, grinning wildly. Pastor is sure he’s going to come out smelling like a rose, he has the talent for these kind of things. [Ed. Note: we had no doubt, did we?] CL spins and grins. Really?

Paula calls Ana at her new office. Ana is glad to hear from her, though she has so many things to do. As they talk, she puts things on her shelves. We see her family photos on the credenza behind her. Paula wants to eat lunch with Ana. Ana wants to know what’s the rush? Paula tells her she must talk to Ana urgently. About what? Paula wants to tell her face to face. Ana wants to know if something has happened. Paula tells her nothing yet, but it will. Ana scolds her for playing guessing games. She wants to know what Paula’s talking about! Paula says she wants to talk to her personally. Ana agrees, somewhat reluctantly, and they plan to meet for lunch. Paula smiles and shakes her head fondly in the direction of CL’s office. She goes out to the lobby toward CL’s office, thinks better of it and turns back to Marely’s desk. She asks Marely if CL is in his office; Marely says she didn’t see him leave. Paula notices Juan and wants to know why he is up here. Kike greets Paula, too. Juan says he needs to talk with the patron a second. It’s a business matter, with his associate—he indicates Kike. Paula says she needs to talk to CL a minute, too, but won’t take long. Juan tells her to take the time she needs. Paula tells him about lunch, and goes to ask Ivonne about CL. He’s with Pastor—who is conveniently coming out of the office. Pastor insincerely greets her. She asks if CL is busy, and Pastor thinks he never is busy for her. She thanks him and goes in. Ivonne fusses about Paula, this stupid one who thinks she owns this business, but her days are numbered. Pastor tells her he’s not so sure about that. Ivonne wants to know what’s happened now. She is not a happy camper. Pastor tells her there is bad news. She wants to know, but he tells her not here, to come to his office in a little while. He tells her this thing is going to worry her. He leaves and she worries. She rolls to CL’s door and peers through the small strip of glass that is clear. She thinks better of it, and rolls back with Juan and Marely watching her watch CL’s glass door. She glares defiantly at Marely, who glares back judgmentally.

Paula informs CL she has a response for him. We note that he has his jubilation well under control. She accepts to live with him and hopes to the depths of her heart that it’s not a mistake. Now he’s jubilant. Really? It’s the most serious thing she’s done in her life, and she thinks the most risky. He runs around the desk to grab her. Now he’s spinning HER chair. He gets on his knees and puts arms around her. They kiss wildly. Well, at least HE is kissing wildly. She wants him to settle down. He tells her she won’t be sorry. [Hah.] She hopes so. He waxes eloquent about how happy they’ll be. He tells her she’s just made the decision that has changed the course of their lives. She agrees, then tells him the most important is yet to be said. There are some things…. What, he asks? For example, where will we live? He tells her the apartment is fine, though she wants to start new with another place that is just theirs, neutral, to begin. He says it’s not important where they live, but that they live together. Everything else is secondary. He assures her they are both aware of the risks and the compromises. Let’s not look for things that don’t exist. [Ed. Note: Lame, CL, lame.] All right, all right. She smiles and kisses him. [Ed. Note: Paula, you’re lost.] And the second thing. Another? Yes, when will you come over? Today? (he gives her a soulful little boy look and gestures). She’s mildly impactada—so fast? He says not really, can I confess something? Don’t be mad with me…..I had so much faith that I could convince you that….well….I packed a little suitcase and put it in the car today. He gives her the “aw, shucks” face and accompanying body language. (Ugh). She smiles at his cuteness and they kiss. “Today?” He asks her. He gives her the boyish grin and looks her in the eye finally to get a yes from her. She smiles and nods. And by the way, the blinds aren’t closed any better today than usual. The whole world just saw the big boss from behind, on his knees in front of his VP, kissing her for the last five minutes. Work should be fun, right?

Ivonne stands in front of Pastor, who is seated at his desk. She is scolding him for leaving her with these doubts, even if he is a boss. He tells her that such hunger for gossip will kill her. She scolds again and tells him she knows he’s dying to tell her. He grins and chuckles. Okay, but sit down and hold on, this information wouldn’t be good for heart patients. She looks a little impactada and sits. She sighs, well, tell me. He tells her he’s sad to bring the sad news. But, it seems that Don CL and the Licenciada Paula are going to live together. What?? Sorry. She curses. This damned infidel! How dares he? He promised ME that! He informs her that Don CL is obnubilado (over the clouds, my guess, from obnubilo-cloud) with Paula. Because of it, the balance is in her favor. It includes dealing with Monica, because he’s planned it out in minute detail. Ivonne asserts there’s one thing he’s forgotten, her. Do they think they’ll be happy forever? No, because she won’t permit it. She scowls in anger and hurt. Pastor looks at her quizzically.

Yadira is still trying to get ahold of Kike. In her best telephone voice, she says, “yes, it’s me again,” and asks his mother if he’s returned yet. Oh, not yet? She’ll call again. Bye bye…..in comes Nidia. They exchange greetings and chitchat. Traffic was awful. She asks Yadi what’s been happening here? Yadi says “nothing” and fiddles with her nails. Nidia says she’s just dead and is going to rest a while. Yadi says “Mami, I want to talk about one little thing.” She excitedly asks if her Mami wouldn’t like a bachelorette party? She’ll take care of organizing it. She bounces up and down on her chair. Nidia tells her that’s so lovely. Yadi wants to know if she likes the idea. Nidia does, but not with just women friends, how boring. She knows what will work better. Yadi says that’s the custom, but it doesn’t excite Nidia. “Huy.” Yadi gives her a wary wide-eyed look. Nidia smiles and wiggles her eyebrows once.

Paula leaves CL’s office with a glazed and dazed smile on her face and a happy sigh. We hear Juan still talking with Kike outside. Paula walks directly to her office, totally oblivious to everyone, including Juan approaching her rapidly and saying “Licenciada?” Finally, she turns around and says, “tell me, Juan.” He remarks on how well it must have gone for her with the big boss. [Ed. Note: You don’t want to know, Juan.] She smiles and agrees. She asks if it is so noticeable. He says, of course, with that smile that seems to be purely joyful. She grins from ear to ear, she can’t deny it. Well, then, if it was so good, could one know what it was? She evades any implication and tells him life can be so good some times. She points him to the office, CL is available now; she excuses herself quickly and leaves him standing there wondering. He thought bubbles about the face of this little lamb, which suggest to him she had a party and for him it’s just another thorn that’s going to go into the depths of his heart. Kike comes from behind to tug on his arm; Kike has an objective that won’t be delayed. C’mon, let’s go talk to the honcho, man. Juan jumps, and tells him not to shake him up. He composes himself and says “wait for me.” Kike mutters “good luck, brother.” Juan knocks on CL’s door. [Ed. Note: if he asked CL for a vice presidency right now, he’d get it.]

As Juan goes into the office, Kike turns around to see Julita bringing him a cup of coffee, smiling prettily. [Ed. Note: Kike’s shirt is a marvel today. It’s bright red, with a big white square in the middle, with words and numbers on it. It’s tight as always, a knit polo, that hangs over his belt when tucked in. Big time.] He remarks that he likes coming to this office. She hopes the coffee suits him, she put in one sugar. He assures her if she made it for him, he’ll like it. He takes a swig. Huy, it’s hot! He nearly falls over forward trying not to spit it at her. Did it burn? No, he denies. They both stammer. He smiles as she worriedly offers to put some water in it. No, it’s super all right. She smiles apologetically and he smiles happily.

Pastor is counseling Ivonne in his office, offering her tissue and telling her to calm herself. She grabs one. He says he told her it was going to be difficult, but it’s better than she thought. [Ed. Note: where the heck did he get that idea?] She wants to know why this vile man had to do something so bad? Pastor knows her history, this is something he should have done for her! He tells her that’s life. [Wrong answer, Pastor.] She complains that she gave her body and soul entirely to this man for two years, putting up with all that. He never, never thought to go with her (permanently, implied). He reminds her that at the time he warned her. She replies that he humiliated her, hid the relationship with her. He stayed with Monica. He’ll never change. And here comes this vile woman playing the good girl, and for her he tells his wife to get lost (mandar a la goma- tell someone to get lost). Pastor holds a finger up. Hold on here. I never for a minutes said he’s going to leave his wife, and even less now that she’s pregnant. Ivonne is impactada. She mouths “pregnant?” Her eyes widen and mouth drops. He nods.

Juan apologizes for bothering CL, since he’s always so busy. CL impatiently tells Juan he’s listening. Juan wonders if he remembers mentioning a friend, who wants to start a transport business. He knew Samuel Cachón well (Juan crosses himself, may he rest in peace). Ah, yes, that…..Ernesto! No, Enrique. Oh, I remember. Juan beats around the bush about Kike needing to work, etc., and he needs a little contract with you. Juan wanted to see CL before he went on his little trip. CL smiles….who told him CL was going on a trip? Oh, I can imagine, CL says. It was Fernando, right? Juan tells him yes, but it wasn’t gossip, it was merely a comment, he’s very discreet….CL assures him Fern won’t be in trouble. It’s just a misunderstanding. He left with a suitcase this morning. But not for a trip. He’s moving. Juan smiles, ay. His house was so far, that’s why, Juan says. No, CL informs him, smiling, that he’s going to live with Paula. Juan’s smile freezes. We hear Ivonne’s voice in the background.

She tells Pastor she still can’t believe it. Pastor has been so close-mouthed about it. He tells her he couldn’t continue that way, he has to let her know that the relationship she had doesn’t have a future. And, CL isn’t going to end his marriage. He’s an old wolf. She protests. He’s a wretch! Pastor agrees—he’s a wretch and a half. He’s going to keep living with his wife and is going to live with Paula. She laments that the fiasco of it is that he’s going to win. This little dead fly deserves what she gets. He points out that he’s seen high towers fall. Ivonne declares that she’s going to take care of bringing that cretin down from the cloud she’s sitting on. He cautions her; no, how can you think of it? As soon as you open your mouth, I’m going to be the one out on the street. Ivonne says no matter what CL does to her, she’s not thinking she’ll miss the pleasure of telling this old woman the truth! She shakes her finger to punctuate.

CL tells Juan he’s not going to waste time with a long engagement. With a woman like Paula? From today, they’re living together. Juan congratulates him through gritted teeth on a well-thought out plan. CL says he’s counting on Juan for more than a chauffeur, he’s a friend for Paula. He’s counting on Juan’s discretion, and Juan knows how things are in this company—CL doesn’t want commentaries. Juan grimaces, bites his tongue and barely holds it through this. Are we clear? Juan affirms, very clear. CL goes back to Ernesto, Juan’s friend. Enrique, sir. Whatever. CL’s going to see Paula immediately about contracts for Kike. Teeth still gritted, Juan thanks him. Good thing CL’s not looking at him. Juan’s stink eye is every bit as good as Nidia’s. CL picks up the phone to call Paula, his “amor.” Juan thought bubbles about getting crucified, with “INRI” on the front. He is bitter while he listens to endearments, telling himself that he can’t fool himself any more, no more fantasies. The truth is sitting right there in front of him, and the hardest part is that this guy, so good-looking (bien pintado), rich and elegant, he can’t hate because he owes the guy favors for what he’s done for Juan and Kike. CL wraps up his call to Paula about getting vendors to ship with Kike by kissing the phone and thanking her. Juan rubs his eye, still thought bubbling that for all he aches in his soul, he can’t hate this guy and that’s the hardest thing. Juan grimaces again as we go to commercial.

Pastor tells Ivonne that she’s half confused, right? Doesn’t she realize that what he just gave her is the appetizer so she can wait for the main course (plato fuerte- strong plate, my best guess). What? Are you going to eat it all in one mouthful? She nods defiantly. He tells her it’s elementary. The Licenciada is going to get all inflated, and when she bursts like a toad, the blow is going to be part of an anthology (she’s just one more chapter in the book). And who do you think will be the first in line? Us, of course! He smiles triumphantly. [Ed. Note: Is this meant to be comforting?] Ivonne is worried that she might get what she wants, that she might end up married to CL. Pastor tells her no, that’s not how things work in real life. He assures Ivonne that Licenciado Farell sooner or later will tire of her, and probably sooner if they live together. She’ll probably end up killing herself. Ivonne hopes God’s listening. He says all they have to do is be patient and wait, and help out the spectacular romance between the two. She sighs at him doubtfully.

Paula is talking to CL on the phone. She’s at his command. If he’ll send Juan to her office, she’ll handle it all. They exchange the endearments. She hangs up and tells a quizzical Marely (who is standing in front of Paula’s desk, chewing her pencil) that she knows Marely is dying to know. Marely says “pardon?” Don’t lie, you let me tell you. I’m dying to tell you, too. You’ll never guess. What? Marely wants to know as she sits down. “I’m going to live with Cesár Luis!” Marely is impactada. So fast? Well, yes, it seemed fast to Paula, but he was insistent. And, she decided he was right, why wait? What do you think? Marely just looks at her, in shock. “Aren’t you going to congratulate me?” Oh, yes! Marely wishes her much luck. [Ed. Note: In this case, that’s better than congratulating her.] And, Paula continues, you know what the one thing that worries me is? How my Mamá will take it. [Ed. Note: And for a very good reason!] She probably won’t agree with it. Marely agrees, but it’s Paula’s decision. Paula wants to know about Marely. Marely wants to know what about me? Well, what’s up with Juan? Paula mentions the ring. Marely hesitates….they left it at that. Why, Paula wants to know? Well, Marely tells her, it seems that Juan is enamored of another woman. Paula can’t believe it. What’s up with Juan? He behaved so divinely with Marely, he gave her the ring, how can he care about another woman? Marely smiles anxiously. Paula wants to know who the other woman is, does Marely know her? Marely can’t answer…..

Juan comes out of CL’s office into the lobby. Nobody’s having fun at work today except CL and Paula. Juan’s a thundercloud. Kike tells Julita to give him a moment, precious. She tells him not to leave without saying goodbye. He says he won’t and runs to Juan. What happened with the boss? (Sad Palomita music is playing in the background). Juan tells him they’ve done well, and need to talk with Licenciada Paula. Kike grabs him and hugs him, with Julita smiling broadly in the background. Kike thanks Juan, he knew Juan wouldn’t fail him. He’ll never forget this, never. Better said, Juan will get his place in heaven with this. Juan hopes so. Kike realizes he’s very down and asks why. Life is nasty, rubbish. He frowns and looks ready to cry as Kike looks him over, also worried and frowning. “Ay amor, Ay amor” plays slowly and sadly in the background.

Paula is insistent that if Marely knows who the woman is, she should tell Paula and not be this way. Marely says no, it’s that she doesn’t really know and Juan wouldn’t want her to say. Paula points out that he couldn’t really know too many women; he goes from work to home and home to work. Marely evades it by saying men are weird and Paula insists that Juan is a liar, and that told her that he likes Marely. Paula says she’s going to find out the truth. Marely begs her not to ask him anything. Why? You don’t have much confidence in me, Paula says. Well, it’s delicate for him. Paula is puzzled, why? Marely looks panicky as Juan comes in quickly after knocking. He excuses himself for coming in on them, and Paula says “speaking of the king of Rome…” and chuckles. “You came on behalf of your friend, right?” He tells her yes, and he is sorry to have entered like this but there was no one at the desk outside. Marely gets up and leaves; he greets her on the way out, awkward. He closes the door and faces Paula with the music in the background, “Ay amor.”

Monday: Paula tells Juan she’s going to live with CL, Monica tells CL she’s going to work with him, and Juan has an opportunity to say it like it is.

Vocabulary:

Lambiscón – fawning toady
¡Abusado! - Look out! Be careful!
Mandar a la goma – tell someone to get lost (literally send them to the rubber)
Plato fuerte – main course (strong plate, my best guess since it came after the appetizer)
Los papeles se han cambiado - the parts/roles have been reversed, or the tables are turned
Obnubilado - over the clouds, my guess, from obnubilo-cloud
Compromiso - commitment (also engagement sometimes), added thanks to Judy B.'s catch

Jeanne

Labels: Juan