Caray, Caray!

Disclaimer: I take full responsibility for typos and translation errors. Help is always welcome! ;-)

We revisit CL, on his knees in his office, reassuring a seated Paula that things will calm down, they won’t be beaten by whatever setbacks (contratiempos) occur, and they have to accept whatever comes. Monica’s sarcasm, offensive (hiriente) comments, whatever fury (rabia) she’s feeling. He’s not guilty for what Monica is doing. Paula, who hates being inconvenienced and prefers to feel comfy all the time, whines at him in her best nasal whine. She doesn’t like that psychological warfare. Apparently, I was not the only one who thought Monica’s praise for her dress was a subtle commentary on appropriate office wear. Paula only wants peace. He tries to hug her and she pushes him away. She whines a little more and he kisses her hands.

In the garage, Juan is taking a stand with the boys on resigning. Kike asks what the Doña wanted. She wanted him not to resign, Juan retorts. The boys look at him in disbelief. Juan wonders what’s with the two of them, he’s always told them the truth. The looks get more intense. Fern tries to say something and Juan holds his hands out: at the moment, he’s not into games. Kike hands him the resignation letter. Juan signs it while Kike asks about Monica trying to get Juan not to resign. Juan blathers on rapidly and says he’s going because he’s going. He asserts that he’s good for his word. Excuuuuse me. He puts his jacket on, grasps The Letter in his right hand using his best pincer grip, and stalks off with the print facing any oncoming folks. The boys scoff and chuckle.

Juan walks through the lobby where all the world’s a stage, carrying his letter so anyone who walks by can see it clearly on the fly. His jaw is set, his shoulders back, his posture ramrod straight. He’s a man on a mission. He makes a 90 degree turn toward Pastor’s office. Reminds me of all those years in the marching band in high school. Paula has come out of CL’s office and speaks across the lobby to ensure that Juan and everyone else can hear her ask him to stop a second because they need to talk. He looks over his shoulder and hears Nidia’s voice echoing in her head, telling him to get tough (amarrárte los calzones - hitch up his trousers), never give up (because of) the pain love causes, and look his enemy in the eye. He makes a sharp military turn back to her, and asks her to excuse him but he’s on his way to give Pastor his resignation letter, after that, he’ll be pleased to talk to her. Paula tells him that’s exactly what she wants to discuss, that letter. She walks him a few steps across the lobby, like that’ll muffle the conversation. He tells her there is nothing to discuss. She stops him, with Ivonne looking on raptly from behind them. He wants to know what she wants. She wants him to listen before he talks to Pastor. They fuss a little and she tells him that she doesn’t want him to make a decision under such pressure. He tells her it’s better for everyone, especially her. She tells him no. Ivonne’s blurry face reminds us that she’s recording this conversation for posterity. Paula finally tells him she doesn’t want him to go, she needs him here. He asks her to please let him do what he has to do. Leave things where they stand (de este tamaño, of this size, “where they stand” is my best guess at interpretation). He excuses himself and the lobby potatoes all watch him move slowly toward Pastor’s office, no military precision involved. Paula’s extreme profile moves toward her office, almost in a trance, while Marely frowns at the scene. Ivonne smiles like the cat with the canary but catches herself and pastes on a judgmental glare toward Marely.

A knock at the door sends Pastor into a frenzy of putting his make-up kit away, cleverly disguised as a book. Juan comes in with his letter still gripped tightly in the first two fingers and thumb of his right hand. Pastor wants to know how he can help, and Juan shows his letter of resignation. Pastor sighs and tells him to quit with the jokes already. Juan tells him it’s no joke, it’s for real. “What does it mean?” “What it looks like! My resignation.” Juan tells Pastor he’s leaving Farell Industries, and it’s ire…..irre…. Pastor helps out – irrevocable. Yep, that’s it. That’s what it is. Juan sets his jaw and Pastor shakes his head, impactado and frustrated. [Ed. Note: oh, heck, Pastor, you’ve been frustrated since you first laid eyes on the boy.] Juan’s letter falls onto the desk so we can almost read it.

Marely brings Paula a bottle of water (green office not) from the cupboard and tells Paula she has to do something to calm herself because everyone has noticed and is talking. Paula says I don't care two hoots (me importa un pepino) about what they think. Marely says excuse me, but these scenes in front of all the employees are causing you to lose respect [Ed. Note: that could be a mild understatement]. Paula wants to know what she’s supposed to do? She’s desperate, feeling she’s mistaken all the time. Marely wants to know if this is about Juan. Paula tells her Juan’s taken his resignation letter to Pastor. Marely tells Paula she knows Paula doesn’t want Juan to go—is it a feeling of guilt? Yes, Paula affirms, and lots more. Marely is worried and wants to know what that means. She tries to convince Paula that she should let him go, because it would be better for him, for CL, for Paula herself. Paula turns, her hands on hips, with way more décolletage than the law allows at work, and retorts that it may be so for them, but definitely not good for her. She’s accustomed to his presence, seeing him every day, his conversation, his little gestures, that smile. Marely protest softly that Paula had promised her…..Paula retorts that she doesn’t want to have something with him, but she doesn’t want to see him go because he means something to her. (El es algo in mi vida – he is something in my life). A brother, a cousin, Paula doesn’t know. Marely looks muy worried about the doesn’t know part.

Pastor wants to know why this decision? Juan whirls around to face him at his desk and retorts that he has nothing more to do there. Pastor points out he can better himself, and study, etc. Juan says he’s going out to better himself and return when the time is right. Pastor gets to the point; does this have something to do with the Licenciada Paula and Don CL? Juan admits it does, he can’t lie. Pastor tells him it’s a bad idea, and he wants to give him some advice. Now is the time when he should least want to throw in the towel. Now is when Juan should fight. What? Fight? It was lost as soon as it started, Juan retorts. Pastor points out if he leaves, he’s leaving the woman he loves in the arms of someone who doesn’t suit her, who isn’t worthy of her. If he really wants to do something for her, the best thing he can do is stay. He can defend her from Don CL, who is going to give her pain! Juan thinks it’s out of his hands. Pastor says it’s not. Juan won’t know a moment of tranquility knowing that he could have saved her from the clutches (garras) of the wolf and he didn’t. Pastor tells Juan he’ll never forgive himself. He points out that even if the Licenciada isn’t for him, not to leave her with someone who doesn’t deserve her. Juan’s unhappiness will be his biggest setback. Juan is impactado and pensive.

Ivonne, always the bearer of glad tidings, is making sure that CL is fully informed of the office grapevine’s activity. She wants to make sure that CL knows how Paula begged Juan not to go in full view of all the lobby potatoes (Lobby lizards? Lobbyists?). She was d*** near on her knees. Everyone saw it. CL tells her “Ivonne, I’m not interested.” She tells him he should be, because this scene was beyond work-related. “You think?” “No, I don’t think, I KNOW.” She tells him his adored Paula is capable of wiping the floor to make sure that Juan stays, and CL hasn’t realized it. He chuckles but there’s no smile. He points out she’s lacking one small detail. The idea for Juan to stay in the company was CL’s, not Paula’s. It was CL who tried to convince Juan to stay. [Ed. Note: ¡MentirOso!] Ivonne scoffs. CL makes a cutting retort and tells her if she doesn’t have anything else to impart, he’d deeply appreciate her leaving him alone, because she gives him grief. She turns, disgusted. He keeps working on his papers.

Pastor isn’t accepting Juan’s letter. He hands it back. Juan yells that he can’t keep torturing himself. Pastor yells back that one only has to pay attention to what the heart says, and Juan’s heart is yelling at him to stay. Juan says he’s not paying any attention to that yell from his heart. Pastor tells him to pay attention to his feelings. He tells Juan to consult with his pillow (sleep on it) and delay the decision. Juan retorts through gritted teeth that he knows exactly what he will do tomorrow. Pastor tells him if that’s right, he won’t insist more, but give it just one more day. Juan takes The Letter back.

We find Marely in the ladies’ room, waiting until the others clear out (one apparently walked out of the stall and passed by the sinks, so her hands are still dirty. Blech.) Marely tells herself that “she loves him. Say what she will, Paula loves him.” She looks like she could hyperventilate, pobrecita.

Juan leaves Pastor’s office with The Letter still grasped in the pincer grip. Could it be that he thinks it’s poison and doesn’t want to hold it too tightly? He thought bubbles that Pastor is right. He thought bubbles on and I don’t understand, folks. But Ivonne interrupts his flow of thought, and lets him know that Don CL wants Juan in his office. Juan grits and grinds his teeth, this guy is so inconvenient! He greets Ivonne “bombon” and goes in….awkwardly opening the door with his left hand since his right still carries The Letter like a flag in front of him. At your orders, Patron, he tells CL. CL gives him the “hail fellow, well met” smile and greeting. CL wants to know if Juan wants a drink. Juan declines and sits. CL tells Juan he’s just found out that Juan wants to leave Farell. Is that right? CL grins ear to ear. Juan affirms it, and thrusts The Letter forward. CL puts it on the desk, he’s going to be direct. Juan tells him he’s listening. CL pastes on his biggest fake smile and tells Juan he doesn’t want Juan to leave. Better stated, CL isn’t going to accept The Letter. Juan looks up, muy confused. Then wary. Then commercial.

CL asks him what he thinks. He points out that Juan needs to think about how difficult it is to find work. Here he has a secure salary, and what’s more, if he stays, he’s going to move up. There’ll be a raise, and more favorable conditions. How does being the assistant to Licenciado Perafán sound? Juan is muy impactado. He thought bubbles about how strange this is. The big boss is begging him not to go? Juan tells himself he’s not such a blockhead. There’s definitely something fishy going on here (a cat trapped). It has to be Licenciada Paula intervened. But Juan wants to stay far from his “ex.” He hears Pastor’s voice exhorting him that Juan shouldn’t leave Paula in the wolf’s clutches. He’ll never forgive himself. He sees the scene in his head. He tells CL, okay, I’ll stay, but there is one condition. CL laughs and pastes on the fake smile again. Sure, whatever Juan wants, CL is here to serve. Juan thanks him, and tells CL the condition is that he remains the chauffeur for the Licenciada Paula. CL is muy, but muy, impactado.

Nidia is sitting on the desk, her phone at her ear. She asks Paula if she can see her at Paula’s house at 8:00 p.m.? Paula isn’t so sure. What’s it about? Nidia is coy; she doesn’t want to discuss it by phone. They’ll see each other in person. Paula tries to beg off; her Mami just got home and she doesn’t want….Nidia interrupts. They’ll just have a little cup of coffee….Yadi comes in behind Nidia, suspicious of this call. Nidia wants her to be on time; she doesn’t want to be kept waiting. They hang up, and Yadi, arms crossed, wants to know what she is doing with Paula Dávila. Nidia says it’s private. She tells Yadi not to be a busybody because that’s just ugly. Yadi is incensed. They face off with glares.

CL has recovered slightly from his impactado state. He stands and buttons his jacket, a sure sign of exerting power, In My Experience. CL’s surprised that Juan would want to remain a…..chauffeur, when he has the possibility of moving up in this company. He raises his eyebrows so Juan will know it’s a Bad Choice. Juan passionately tells CL that as much as he wants to accept this wonderful post that CL is offering, and move up in the company….CL asks “well?” Juan continues that he doesn’t yet feel capable of taking on such a great charge, he wants to keep studying, improving his skills and take it easy (pian)….CL interrupts and tells him it’s the main reason why he should be becoming familiar with all the activities of the business, get this experience. Juan gets up, and tells CL he doesn’t know how much Juan appreciates this opportunity, and he would never want to get on CL’s bad side, who believes so much in Juan……CL asks if that’s his final answer. Juan says it is. He asks CL to excuse his insolence, but he’s staying a chauffeur. If not, he’s leaving. CL is NOT a happy camper.

Kike is giving Delirio a lesson in pugilism. Apparently, Delirio has asked for help, and Kike’s just the man. He tells Delirio he’ll teach him. Kike batters at Delirio and exhorts him, explaining how it’s done: kicks and headbutts (cabezazos). Rocky-like music plays in the garage. Delirio is ecstatic. He tells Kike that he wants Kike to be his personal trainer. Both wave their arms around and talk about how it’s going to be. Delirio says in this life one has to learn everything, and if Kike is an expert, he’s going to put himself into Kike’s blessed hands. Delirio is so pleased he’s got someone to teach him, and Kike does a 180 and tells him “nope.” Delirio is impactado; he thought it was all sewn up. Kike tells Delirio he’s a peaceful guy (cuate). He doesn’t like rows (brawls) [Disclaimer: the next part is translated but not likely to be an accurate interpretation into English!!!] and when he has fought, they split his cheese up well. He’s a very bad (remalo) spinning top (Soy remalo para el trompo). Slang notwithstanding, the bottom line is he’s not teaching Delirio to box. Delirio wants to know who can help him learn; he has such an urgency (premura) to learn. Kike doesn’t know anyone, but he wants to know what’s up, why so much haste? Delirio tells him case closed and filed. Since you’re not the one who’s going to teach me, I’m out of here. He bids Kike farewell and takes off. Kike speculates on who might be the target. He’s got it figured out—it must be Juan.

Paula is asking Marely if she knows what Nidia wants. Marely has no idea and Paula thinks it’s pretty strange. They can’t figure it out, and CL bursts in with Juan, who is STILL hauling around his letter grasped in two fingers and thumb. CL explains that Juan is staying with them. Paula beams and stands. She tells Juan how happy that makes her. He scowls as CL describes how he offered a promotion, a raise, and Juan was insistent; he turned it all down. He wants to stay her chauffeur and there is no human power to convince change his mind. Paula bites her lip and smiles a little. “Ay, amor” plays in the background as we see The Letter.

Turns out, The Letter is actually with Juan in Pastor’s office. Since Juan’s right hand is full of The Letter, and Pastor is pumping Juan’s left hand with both of his own, congratulating Juan on this decision. Juan wonders if he really had another option. Pastor wonders if his words struck a chord. Juan tells him more than Pastor probably realized. He couldn’t leave the Licenciada Paula at this time, even if she never is his. Pastor is glad he did it in time to save her, and to save himself. Juan scoffs—save himself? He doubts it. But, he’ll see what he can do. Pastor tells Juan to count on him and Juan thanks him.

Juan goes down the stairs to the garage, and as he enters the area where Kike and Fern are hanging out (do they ever work?), Juan tears up The Letter. Kike, who probably spent forever typing the blessed thing, wonders qué the heck Juan is doing. Juan drops pieces into the waste can. Juan says he’s pitching The Letter of resignation. Kike asks if that means he’s not going, and Juan confirms it. The Patron begged him to stay. Oh, sure, Fern tells him. Juan says it’s true! CL told him he’s an indispensable part of this company! It they don’t’ believe him they only have to go upstairs and ask. It’s the gossip of the day! Fern and Kike look at each other. They think this must mean he got a raise at the very least. Juan explains that CL offered him and executive position, but Juan’s not an opportunist, and he’s going to be what he’s always been (at least since June), a chauffeur. That’s what it takes to make him happy, to be a chauffeur. Kike rubs his neck. Juan excuses himself and the boys stare after him dubiously. They look at each other and make that scoffing noise they do so well in harmony.

CL wants to know if Juan’s attitude doesn’t seem pretty weird to Paula. She says it doesn’t, it’s pretty normal. [Ed. Note: Right.] They argue about what’s going on with Juan. CL thinks it’s stupid, and Paula thinks Juan just wants to be more prepared for a promotion. CL tells her no one’s buying this. (Eso cuento no se lo come nadie, no one is eating this story). He tells her Juan just accepted this because he wants to stay close to her. She scoffs but smiles.

Kike tells Juan he should have accepted the raise and promotion that CL offered. Juan denies this. He didn’t stay for the money. He stayed to fight for Paula. Here we go again, Kike tells him. Juan says this is the final battle.

Paula and CL are still going to it; she wants to know what he’s always making these absurd conjectures. CL asserts that Juan wants revenge. He doesn’t want to lose. Paula points out that now CL is the paranoid one. She doesn’t think those are Juan’s intentions at all. CL wants to know why she thinks that. But of course, everything that Juan does, Paula will see as up front, transparent. Paula tells him to drop the jealousy. CL tells her he sees it, Juan is her hero. She retorts that’s not true. He says it sure is, and this cretin is still feeding his hopes and you’re helping. She tells CL that’s enough. He dives across her desk at her, and grabs her hand to kiss it. He begs her to marry him. Just about the time we think he could actually be sincere, he gets the wolf grin on his face. Paula looks at him warily, yet there’s a little triumph in her eyes.

Juan and Kike walk around the garage, Juan’s arm on Kike’s shoulder. Kike tells Juan he won’t be insistent because once Juan has an idea in his head, no one can convince Juan otherwise. Kike changes the subject to tell Juan about someone who came to see him. “He asked me to teach him to fight, to box….” “Who?” Juan’s inquiring mind wants to know. Kike tells him it was Licenciado Perafán. He wants to come after you. Juan is impactado. That’s what he told you? Kike denies it, the truth is he didn’t say exactly that. He indicates that’s what it must mean, though. Juan says that’s all he needed to make the picture of tragedies complete. Kike says it’s Juan’s brawl now, but suggests he talks with the Lic to avoid problems. Juan agrees he would have to do that. He makes a gunslinger move.

Paula wonders if CL is feeling all right. Doesn’t he realize what he’s proposing? He says he does. Paula tells him matrimony isn’t a game. It’s not something you just decide to do one day to the next. Why not? CL wants to know. Well, because those are heavy words, it’s a tremendous commitment. [Ed. Note: Well, we all knew that Paula hasn’t been paying much attention or she’d know that CL has never viewed marriage as a tremendous commitment.] She yells at him some more and tells him not to pressure her. He tries to persuade her, and she yells some more about him not pressuring her. He grabs her hands again, and tells her he only needs to be sure of one thing: love. The love he feels for her. She takes her hand back and turns away, muttering to herself. He follows her around the desk and puts his arms around her, trying to turn her head back toward him, telling Paula he adores her. He’s loved her since the first second he saw her. When he lost her, he almost died. He’s never been so sure of anything except that he loves her. Etc., Etc., Etc. Paula says she’s afraid; he’s so jealous. There not an adequate reason to marry him. Plus he’s STILL married to Monica. They argue more. He wants to know if they don’t deserve to be happy.

There’s a knock at Pastor’s door, and an unsmiling Moni is ushered in. Pastor tries his best to make her welcome, toady that he is when it suits him. Pastor wonders how he can help her, why did she come? Two things: to congratulate him on resolving everything with CL, and she appreciates his intentions to find out if everyone in the company knew except her. Her tone of voice suggests she doesn’t believe for a minute that he intended to find out for her. Moni says she’s referring to the “adventures” of the big boss. Pastor stops toadying and has the good grace to look guilty. However, he swears he knew nothing. Moni isn’t buying it. She points out that no one in the company moves a paper without him knowing it. She likes that. She relaxes a little and Pastor warily tells her he admires the maturity and dignity with which she’s handling things. Moni tells him she’s not going to fool him. She’s not so mature as he thinks. That’s all she had to say to him, and she excuses herself. Pastor is left looking after her warily.

Juan is taking Paula home. He thought bubbles that he wonders what his Licenciada is thinking about so seriously, because she hasn’t said a word since they left the office. He wonders if she’s thinking about him, and all the blunders (regadas) she’s made with him, and that’s why she’s feeling like a shoe (???). She wants to know why he didn’t accept the position CL offered. He thought bubbles that he didn’t want to tell her the truth, and then he tells her he wants to study, prepare himself, before he accepts a position of such responsibility. She wants to know if that’s it, or is there anything more. He tells her that’s it. Why? She fumbles around and tells him it might have been for her. Juan thought bubbles that if she wants him to say that he stayed because he adores her forever and forever, she’s very wrong. He basically tells her that was then and this is now, and he knows perfectly well the difference between the work relationship and a personal one. She protests she didn’t mean that. He tells her he learned his lesson very well. Moreover, he’s going to handle his emotions perfectly well. What’s more, she will have no kind of conflict with Juan Dominguez Coral. She smiles a little and tells him it’s very good to know that, and sighs deeply.

At Paula’s, Juan lets her out of the car and she says she’ll see him on Monday. He doesn’t make eye contact as she goes to her gate. She calls him as he walks around the car; she just wants him to know that having him near her calms her, and she thanks him for staying. He thought bubbles to his saint that these tests confuse him more.

CL has his customary drink as the dark overtakes the D. F. The bell rings and he welcomes Moni to the apartment. He thanks her for coming; she thinks she had no other option. CL acknowledges that. She’s dressed for a cocktail party; good thing, he’s got one ready. She tells him “what kindness.” He cheerily asks if she wants a drink. She says no and takes off her coat; we note that she has a little black dress in her wardrobe, and it suits her way better than the Mrs. Claus suit. He asks her to sit and Moni responds that she supposes this isn’t exactly a social visit, right? They chitchat, and she asks if this is the time when he’ll ask her to come back. No. CL says that since their lawyers have communicated, here’s the divorce paperwork for them to sign. She looks a little disgusted.

Nidia has arrived at Ana’s home, and is drinking a cup of coffee. She asks Paula if Paula is sure she wouldn’t like to go out to a café. Paula says no, her mother called to say she’d be late, and they really wants to see her. Nidia asks for Paula’s pardon for meddling in her life, but lamentably, she can’t keep her mouth shut. Juan is Nidia’s friend. No, he’s more like a son, really, and she can’t stand to see him suffer. He’s changed into a sad man, distressed (acongojado). He’s like a ghost, wandering about the house without rhyme or reason (sin ton ni son). Nidia’s soul aches because he’s carrying a very deep pain in his heart. Paula gives her a guilty look. The love this man feels for you, Nidia continues, is killing him. Ana is slipping in the door behind them, and overhears Nidia’s voice. Paula tries to interrupt, but Nidia continues that Paula says that CL is the man who interests her, but when a woman accepts sharing the bed with a man, it’s for something. Ana stops and listens a second, and decides to move back into the shadows and listen more. Nidia tells Paula she’s sure she’s one of those women who gives in on account of love. Nidia looks at her hopefully and Paula won’t make eye contact. Ana has her customary frown as she holds herself against the wall just inside the door.

Moni looks at the divorce papers and tells CL there are several things she wants her attorney to see. CL agrees, but as quickly as possible, please. Why such a rush, CL? CL can’t make eye contact and admits he wants to marry Paula as soon as possible. Moni bitterly tells him this marriage won’t work. CL tells her he’s going to run that risk. She reminds him that what begins badly, ends badly. If Paula was his lover, they were in agreement with their infidelity; it could happen again. He tells her perhaps, she’s right, but he’s only going to discover by living and fully committing. He’s not going to live with speculation and fear. He could be defeated, but he has to do it. Moni tells him that the ghost of his first marriage will always be there, and Paula will never live calmly, thinking that history could repeat itself (the same thing that you did to me, could happen again). He chuckles without humor; is she condemning before it even begins? She accuses him of playing the adolescent, looking for passion, love, ideals that don’t exist. He’s losing what he’s built—what they’ve built together –with such strength. Just to begin from square zero with a woman he barely knows. CL tells Moni “I love her. I love her. For me that’s more than enough.” Moni knows she’s lost the war. She slaps the papers down on the table, and stands to announce that everything in life ends. He agrees, and says unfortunately their relationship is at an end, which he regrets. The last thing he wants in this world is to give her pain. But, this is something he has to do. She says she supposes that he’s not going to recognize his mistakes until he crashes with the consequences. Moni tells CL if he’s worried she’s going to deny him the divorce, don’t worry. He can count on it from this moment. She wishes him much luck, because she knows he’s going to need it. She stalks to her coat, and he tries to call her back. She can’t go like this. She tells him to have his lawyer send her the papers; she’ll sign them, and be well. He tries to call her back again, half heartedly and sighing, while she stalks out.

Nidia asks Paula if that was it—love? Paula says she understands Nidia’s worry, but her feelings for Juan are very complicated. Why? Because at times it’s not easy to define how one feels. Nidia tells her “you care about him.” Paula admits she cares about him a lot, or better said, she admires him, esteems him. Ana shakes her head in dismay. Paula says she can’t see him as her boyfriend, the man for her life. Nidia says she’s going to tell Paula a story, so she’ll realize that at times we women are blockheads and don’t think clearly (think with our legs). Paula smiles. When she was young, (not a long time ago, of course) she had gobs of suitors…she describes the long list white, black, tall, short….. there was one insignificant fellow who was hopelessly in love with her. But she wasn’t so much in love with him. Ana is listening raptly back in her corner, too. Nidia loved to play hard to get (me chiqueaba), and he put up with her whims, gave her gifts, told her she was lovely. But, this man wasn’t worth her trouble because he was poor. Then, when she married Samuel (Ana looks startled), Nidia realized that a love like this man had for her, she would never have again in this life. And because she had aimed at something “more lofty” she let the happiness of love escape her. She chuckles a little sadly and asks Paula what she thinks, now Nidia is rich and powerful. Paula smiles gently and tells her it’s a shame, and wipes a tear away. Ana looks a bit sad, too. Nidia tells Paula the same might happen to her. True, most men aren’t worth the trouble, but she shouldn’t be turning her back on Nidia’s Juanito. He’s worth gold. Paula smiles and responds she knows full well he’s worth a lot, but she’s in love with César Luis Farell. Nidia fusses at her that with this man, she’s going to suffer the rest of her days. She tells Paula she knows what she’s talking about.

Juan comes into the dining room to find Alirio, and greets him warmly. Juan’s so glad to see him because they have to talk seriously. About what? How did it occur to you to ask Enrique to teach you to fight? Do you think that blows are going to resolve differences? You’re a learned man, a lawyer, don’t you feel ashamed? Alirio protests—“okay, but when I can’t see another way, blows!” Juan interrupts and they fuss at each other, with Juan demonstrating his muscle strength until Alirio finally realizes Juan thinks Alirio wants to fight with him. What? This matter has nothing to do with you, Juanito! No? No! The person Alirio wants to give a good lesson about strength is NOT Juan. But it is someone from the office. Alirio doesn’t want to be humiliated by those despicable people, that’s why he needs an instructor. Juan says, permit me. He runs to close the door. Alirio should have told him this before. Alirio is excited; here’s his help. He gets up from the table, and Juan shows him how it’s like a dance. They choreograph feet and hands. [Ed. Note: I hope Alirio isn’t considering Bailando por La Boda; he’s not ready.] Juan gives him a pep talk and coaches the moves. “That’s it!” Alirio asks “you would do this for me?” “Yes, because I don’t like injustices.” He chuckles about Alirio’s moves and tells him he’d just better sit and finish dinner. He’ll teach Alirio the theory tonight and tomorrow they’ll practice. Juan wants to know whose the subject in question. Alirio won’t tell, it’s not important, his lips are sealed. Juan says that’s not important, but he just needs to be ready for the world title…..in…..featherweight. (pescuezo pluma, feather neck, my best guess). He touches Alirio’s tummy and tells him to eat the chicken, it’s protein.

Nidia remarks that it should suit her that Paula’s ended up in CL’s arms. Paula asks why she’s saying this. Well, she dares to say it because she cares so much about Juan. And about Paula. A horn sounds, and Nidia says it’s her taxi. She picks up her purse and thanks Paula for the coffee, while Ana scrambles off through a door near the front. Nidia asks Paula to think about it; it’s easy for Nidia to give her advice that she forget Juan exists, but that boy loves you so well! Nidia minces away and turns back, wagging her finger at Paula. “And you, you’re not indifferent!” And there’s nothing you can do against it! Paula smiles uncomfortably and tells Nidia she’ll walk her out. Nidia asks her to give regards to Ana, and they exchange parting chitchat. Nidia tells her to think about it well. Paula smiles, sighs, and closes the door as Nidia goes to the taxi. Somehow, Ana zips out of her hiding place after Paula is out of sight, and catches Nidia. Nidia is impactada and Ana says she heard part of it. If Nidia doesn’t want her anxiety to mount, she needs to tell Ana qué the heck is going on. Nidia drags her into the cab and the viejas go off to a café for a chat.

Ana wants to know why Nidia didn’t call her to let her know about all this. Nidia says it was because she thought Ana knew about Juan’s and Paula’s “engagement.” Ana says the only thing she knew is that this girl promised to talk to Juan. And she ended up more involved with him. Nidia adds that she’s destroying his heart when it wasn’t necessary. Now that CL is getting a divorce, her Juanito is going to be the leftover (sobrando). Ana had no idea. She shakes her head sadly. Nidia wonders why Samuel left them both with such willful daughters, such obstinate ones. Well, yes, Ana agrees. She tells Nidia she knows CL won’t make Paula happy. She knows it, can just feel it. And there’s nothing she can do to prevent it from continuing. Nidia agrees, and trying to chase after the girls is much worse. Just look at Yadira, thanks be to God she’s going to get married. Ana’s frown deepens and they mournfully stir their coffee.

Paula sits on her bed, haunted by Nidia’s voice. With this man, you’ll suffer for the rest of your days. I know what I’m talking about. Paula bites her lip and thinks. She hears her mother saying that she’ll never believe in this man; anyone who lies once always lies.

In the morning Ana is getting ready to go out when Paula comes down from bed. Paula wants to go with her mother, but Ana prefers to go alone. They give each other a kiss and Paula goes off to the kitchen while Ana goes to the front door. She opens it and CL walks right in. Ana glares at him. CL greets her and apologizes for showing up without an invite. Paula turns at his voice—she’s got her fetching shorty robe on, so maybe Ana is going to stay home? CL tells Ana it’s necessary for him to speak with her. Ana purses her lips. Whatever. Paula looks distinctly nervous. CL tells Ana that above all, he loves her daughter. Paula looks irritated. CL continues that he’s not going to commit the errors of the past again. Ana asks if he’s sure. CL says he wants to marry Paula. Everyone faces off and we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula say yes? Will Juan haunt her? Will Marely’s heart be dashed to bits again?

Vocabulary

Contratiempo – setback
Hiriente – offensive, wounding
Amarrárte los calzones – hitch up your trousers, get tough
Me importa un pepino – I don’t care two hoots (also on our list that Sylvia posted on 11-3-7)
Garras – clutches, paw, bite
Consultar con la almohada – sleep on it (consult with the pillow)
Pian - take it easy
Cabezazos – headbutts
Entrenador – coach, trainer
Cuate – guy
Premura – urgency
Eso cuenta no se lo come nadie - no one is buying this story (no one is eating this story)
Regadas - blunders
Acongojado – distressed
Sin ton ni son - without rhyme or reason
Me chiqueaba - to play hard to get
Pescuezo pluma – featherweight boxer (feather neck, my best guess is featherweight)
Sobrando – leftover

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Labels: Destilando

Here are some fun and interesting phrases that have popped up in our telenovelas over the past few months. They are mostly new but there might be one or two repeats. A huge shout out to Maricruz for holding our hands through many of these translations, and to Judy B. and other beloved commenters for your input and assist with the vocabulary.

Caray, Caray recappers...a big high five to you all for making these telenovelas fun and...ahem...dare I say educational? Enjoy!

ahogarse en un vaso de agua = to make a mountain out of a molehill (Lit. to drown oneself in a glass of water)

“Al quirófano y al matrimonio no hay que meterse sin anesthesia” = to the operating room and to marriage you can’t enter without anesthesia.

Blanco es, gallina lo pone, y frito con pan se come. = This is a Mexican riddle and is trying to make the point that the answer was obvious. The riddle would be; it is white, a hen lays it, you fry it and eat it with bread.

Chinches bravas! = How annoying! Shoot! (At first we thought this meant “brave bedbugs”, but MariCruz set us straight: 'I just realized yesterday why Juan keeps on saying chinches bravas! He is using the word "chinches" in stead of the offensive word "chin", like somebody would use shoot in stead of sh*t, (you know what I mean). The word “chin” is not that offensive per say, but depending on how you use it could mean f***. For example the worst offense that somebody could tell you is "Ve a c***gar a tu madre" [I'm blushing here] you get the idea. No wonder Juan changed it to chinches bravas.')


como agua para chocolate = hopping mad, fizzing, about to explode (Lit. like water to chocolate, referring to [I think] if you put water in a pot of melted chocolate it will fizzle and make the entire pot of chocolate seize up into an unmovable mess)

dar alguien una sopa de su propio chocolate = give someone a taste of their own medicine (Lit. give someone a soup of their own chocolate)

dar el ancho = to be up to the challenge. (Lit. to give it wide or big?) “No se si des el ancho para dirigir la compañía”. I’m not sure if you are up to the challenge to be the new company director.

estar hecho polvo – to be really down, shattered (Lit. to be made into dust)

Estoy tan perdido como un volante sin un poste = I’m as lost as a flyer without a pole. (referring to “Los Voladores de Papantla”)

hablando del rey de roma = speaking of the devil (lit. speaking of the king of Rome)

hacer la barba = to suck up to (Lit. to give the beard “El nuevo empleado es un barbero, le hizo la barba al jefe" The new employee is a suck up, he sucked up to the boss”

hacer la vista gorda = to turn a blind eye (Lit. to give the fat look)

hacer de tripas corazón = to pluck up one's courage (Lit. make heart from tripe)

irse de nachas al piso = fall on one’s sword, fall down butt first (Lit. to put one’s butt on the floor)

jugar el todo por el todo = to bet everything, be all in (Lit. to play everything for everything)

“ladron que roba a ladron, cien años de perdon” = a thief who robs from a thief gets a hundred years of forgiveness

Ley de Hielo = To give someone the silent treatment (Lit: the Law of Ice)

mandar a la goma = tell someone to get lost (Lit. send them to the rubber)

El martillo implacable del destino cuelga sobre mí = The implacable hammer of destiny hangs over me, i.e. the Acme anvil, the sword of Damocles

matar la víbora en Viernes = to get lucky (Lit. to kill the snake on Friday)

me devuelve el alma al cuerpo = I’m relieved (Lit. my soul has returned to my body)

me importa un pepino = I couldn't care less (pepino = cucumber)

me salio el tiro por la culata = my plan backfired on me (Lit. I got shot in the butt?)

meterse en camisa de once varas = to complicate things unnecessarily, to bite off more than one can chew. (Lit. to get into a shirt of eleven sticks?)

mucho tilin tilin y nada de patas = all talk and no action (Lit. a lot of ringy-dingy but no legs)

multiplicarme por cero = make myself scarce (Lit. multiply myself by zero)

no alborotes el gallinero = don’t make things worse (Lit. don’t frighten the henhouse)

no hay peor ciego que el que no quiere ver = there are none so blind as those who will not see.

no te pongas tus moños = don’t be picky, don’t give yourself airs (Lit. don’t put your hair in a bun)

no tiene ni vela en este entierro = somebody innocent (Lit. somebody without a candle in this funeral)

un ojo de hormiga = someone so far out of mind they are as small as an ant’s eye, out of sight out of mind (Lit. an ant’s eye)

otra vez la burra al trigo = he/she’s back to her old tricks (Lit. the female donkey is going again to the wheat)

ponerse las pilas = get one's act together (Lit. put on the batteries)

¿Que desayunamos alacranes? = Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed? (Lit. Did we breakfast with the scorpions?)

qué la importa un comino = she doesn’t give a d**n (Lit. a grain of cumin isn’t important to her)

rascarse la barriga = to twiddle one's thumbs, laze around (lit. to scratch one's belly)

Se me fue el santo al cielo = time flew by and I did not realize it (Lit. the saint left me and went to heaven) I know it doesn’t make much sense, but I think this expression was used to denote that time flew by because when you are watching a heavenly vision you lose the sense of time.

ser un cero a la izquierda = to be worthless, no good (Lit. one zero to the left)

sin dinero no baila el perro = he/she needs money (Lit. without money the dog doesn’t dance)

¿Soltaste la sopa? = Did you spill the beans? (Lit. Did you let the soup out?)

tener mala leche = to be a complete jerk (Lit. to have bad milk)

¿Todavía andas derrapando por Yadira?— Are you still crazy about Yadira?” (Lit. Are you still skidding along for Yadira?)

usted dice rana y yo salto = I’m ready for whatever you need (Lit. You call frog and I jump)

vete a ver si ya puso la marrana = get lost, go fly a kite, don’t just stand there, do something (Lit. go see if the sow laid an egg)

(By the way, please feel free to correct or improve upon any of these if I have missed the boat so to say.)

Labels: amar, Destilando, Juan, Vocabulary

Quickie recap for Thursday's episode, full recap for Friday coming later -

With Diego taken by Mo's security, Azul doesn't have any outside excuse to not sign the register and she and Mo are married. She could always just stand up for herself and not do it, but she is more of a 'my problems are the only important problems and it's everyone else's responsibility to fix them.' Over the course of the episode she cries a lot and finally decides that she'll try to love Mo again.

Diego is taken to Mo's original house, the guys are going to do I don't know what with him. These guys already threw Eva into the lab so she'll die when the bomb goes off. Ivan tries to save her but gets shot in the gut for his efforts. The bomb goes off with Eva trapped inside. As Diego is being brought in, Ivan rises up with his bloody belly and Diego gets away in the confusion. The bomb goes off, Diego somehow gets loose of his handcuffs, then he finds Eva in the wreckage, they sit and have a long conversation about stupid crap before she finally dies. Diego carries her outside, Ivan cries about it. Diego and Ivan try to walk for help, at some point Ivan sits down and dies.

Gaspar, Chucho, and Efrain stand around wringing their hands a lot since they didn't do anything to help Diego.

Piero and his not wife argue, then make up and go back into the wedding party.

Ines and Emilia have a bitchy conversation where Ines says she isn't trying to get GSD back, but then later when she sees GSD and Emilia kissing, she freaks out so she obviously IS trying to get him back. Why either of these women like him at all is beyond me.

Ok that's all I remember today from the episode, please fill in anything I missed.

Labels: amar

Happy/sad news, y'all... just two more installments to go after this one, and then we're truly done.

Missing Recap 33: The Fly/Honey Diet
Lety once again tells Fern his company's in good hands. He touches her face again and he moves in for a kiss again. Suddenly they start dancing a tango-like dance while they discuss the company; yep it's time once again for Fantasy Island Lety-Style. She tells Fern she supports him unconditionally and he tells her his love is as big as the sea. The real Fernando has to ruin it all by snapping his fingers to wake her up wanting to know que the hell is she doing?!

Marta is sadly eating her pathetic little lunch when Fern walks by and, surprised by how small it is, asks her what she's eating. She tells him while he asks about what she usually eats. He then notices how skinny she is and compliments her. But, like so many other characters on this show, suddenly his evil twin takes control of his body and he begins to berate her for eating at her desk. He takes her dish and pours the food into his mouth and walks off, leaving Marta in an emotional downward spiral.

The cuartel are chatting in the bathroom (what a surprise, huh?) and Marta joins them. They're talking about their huge lunch and Juana says she doesn't feel well and we're treated to yet another Pepto Bismol commercial, this time it's Sara with the bottle handily in her locker, extolling its virtues. Commercial over, Marta asks them to stop talking about their fab lunch because hers was tiny and Fern ate it all. They go back to work (hee hee, I love saying that when y'all just KNOW it's not true! These guys wouldn't know real work if it actually bit them in the butt!).

Saimon comes dancing off the elevator and showers the cuartel with compliments and mail. Jaz walks up, calling Saimon's name, and his drool spigot starts running. He stops what he's doing and goes to talk to her while Lola does her usual, now-boring freak-out thing. Jazmin wants to know if Saimon's talked to Fern yet, which he hasn't. She pouts. She pushes him to please talk to Fern, and then complains about the cuartel. He calms her down and flirts more. She relents and flirts back and he leaves happy. He dances back into the lobby and continues with the mail. Lola gives him hell, telling him not to talk to Luigi about Jazmin. Personally, I'm wishing someone would tell this woman the old saw about getting more flies with honey than with vinegar. Oh well, I guess this is where she's supposed to "grow" by the end of the show. During this whole conversation, Alicia comes in off the elevator.

Efren comes into reception and PM sends him upstairs. He looks worried about what Lola will do. He gets on the elevator, crosses himself, and prays. The feas tell Lola to try to talk to Efren calmly instead of getting her usual freak on. I guess they listened to me and gave her the flies/honey/vinegar speech. When he gets off the elevator in the lobby, Alicia laughs at him and Saimon growls at him. Lola chugs a mental margarita and is calm while the cuartel chant mantras in the background. He says hi to everyone and is surprised by Lola's calmness. Jaz walks in and he begs her to stay back, not wanting to start anything. He gives Lola a check, explaining that it's short (no wonder he crossed himself). She tells him it's ok and he can give her the balance later. He's happily impactado and makes his escape while he can, barely speaking to Jazmin. She looks at the cuartel, gets scared, and runs off. Naturally, once they're both gone Lola can't contain it any more and releases her inner Psycho B*tch Queen from Hell.

Saimon's back downstairs when Luigi comes in with the dancers. He asks to talk to Luigi, but Luigi says no and gets on the elevator. PM makes fun of Saimon.

The cuartel are all laughing (I told you they wouldn't be working) in the lobby when Fatima comes in looking for Fernando. Lola tells her Fern isn't there and she wants to know if he's with Marcia and Marta tells her Marcia's at her in-laws house (ok one, F & M aren't married yet... two, that's some personal info to just be handing out to any random visitor. Oh well, that's our fun-filled unprofessional cuartel). Fatima thanks them and leaves, and Lola comments that Fern's gonna be dead if Marcia finds out about her.

Back at the senior Mendiolas' nest, Teresita gives Marcia a gift and they chat about the wedding and other stuff. Humberto comes in and asks about the company and Marcia tells him everything's just peachy keen-a-reno. Humb's upset because he hasn't heard anything from Fernando and again Marcia placates him.

Fern and Lety are at the bank talking to the manager. He's concerned about how much debt Conceptos has built up and F and L are trying to calm him down. Lety shows him a presentation that I think is probably just bullshite and the banker agrees with me and continues to worry. He wants to know if Humberto is aware of all of this, and Fern tells him not to worry about Humberto because HE'S in charge of Conceptos now (poor Conceptos). They discuss the possibility of a scandal should the public find out about all the debt.

Back at Casa Mendiola, Marcia's trying to call Fernando but can't reach him. Teresita asks Marcia if she's worried about where he is and if she's jealous. Marcia denies the jealousy and says Fern's just with Lety so there's nothing to worry about, which makes Teresita laugh. Just then Ariel comes in with hugs and kisses for everyone. He wants to know where Fernando is while they all chat, then he breaks the news that Fernando's going to be presenting the Bella Life commercial tomorrow. The 'rents act shocked, which surprises me because I thought they knew that and it was, in fact, one of the reasons they flew out from London. But heck, what do I know?

Luigi is still working with the dancers, preparing for the B.L. Launch presentation. Jazmin is still dancing along in the wings. Luigi's happy with how it all looks and he lets the dancers all go home.

Fernando and Lety enter reception and Saimon runs up to them wanting to talk, while Jazmin and Fatima hover in the background. Fern tells him he has to get to his parents' house and can't chat and leaves. Jaz whines.

Fern and Lety discuss his parents and the bank. I think he asks her to give his parental units the same presentation she gave to the banker. Just then Fatima comes in and Fern asks Lety to go to her office. When she's gone (but you know she's got those big ears planted at the door listening), Fern asks Fatima what she wants, and she says "you". He mentions Marcia and she tells him she knows Marcia's not there in the office and she wants to spend the night with him again. He says he can't, he has to get to his parents' house. She flirts and insists and he's trying to resist. She climbs onto his desk and starts kissing him and what's a handsome young studmuffin to do? Meanwhile, Alicia is talking to Marcia on the phone, telling her about Fatima, and Marcia tells her to go in and find out what's going on. Marta overhears and tells Lola to call Lety and warn her, which she does. Lety goes out to Fernando's office and yells out his name loudly so they'll stop kissing. Lety and Fernando then start playing tug-of-war with Fatima across the desk. Alicia walks in and Fatima jumps off the desk and all try to act like nothing's happening. Fatima leaves and Alicia tells Fernando that Marcia's waiting for him at his parents' house. He tries to give her some bull explanation but she just cuts him off and says he doesn't have to explain anything to her, Marcia's the one he has to worry about. She leaves as Omar comes in asking how things went at the bank. Fern tells him as Lety goes back to her office. Fern tells him about his close call just now with Fatima, and Omar warns him that she was involved with a married man once and created so much trouble with his family and his work that he got fired.

Saimon once again hits Luigi up, saying he knows a great dancer and starts extolling all her virtues like she's Pepto Bismol or something. Luigi, who knows but asks anyway, wants to know who Saimon's talking about and of course he says Jazmin. There's a lot of chat about it, but ultimately Luigi says uh uh, nope, no way no how, nyet, etc. He tells him Jazmin's a crappy dancer, and of course she comes walking up just in time to hear that. Luigi also mentions the Lola/Cheque thing and I'm shocked because it sounds like he's actually supporting Lola. See, like I said, more flies with honey... if she'd have just ASKED Luigi not to use Jaz instead of ORDERING him... Anyway, Luigi leaves and Jazmin runs off crying with Saimon following.

Fern, Lety and Omar are again rehashing finances. Lety gives Omar more grief about the contraband and how much money they lost on that and Fern tells her to calm down. Meanwhile, to save space I won't start a new line, Jazmin is crying and Saimon is trying to calm her down. Everyone's tossing "calmate"s and "tranquila"s all over the place in Conceptos these days. Meanwhile, back at the office, Lety goes back to her office, then leaves. Omar continues to lay seeds of doubt in Fern's mind about Lety, saying it's going to take a year or more to pay off all their debts, and therefore Fern isn't going to reach his stated goals and will lose the presidency, and if that happens Lety will be the true owner of Conceptos.

Meanwhile, Lety's chatting with the cuartel down in reception and I couldn't care less and fast forward.

At Marta's house, Paco gives his daughter a watch and she's happy and leaves the room. Marta gets home and he asks her about the car. She acts all sexy and tells him she's not fat any more and does he like it? He says yes, but where's the car? She tells him she spent the money on herself, on liposuction, and he's very upset. They go back and forth about it; she thought he'd be happy she was pretty, he wanting her to have a car. She shows him a really skimpy negligee she wants to wear for him and he just cries and blows his nose into it.

Now to Casa Padilla, Lety and Tomas talk about the new loan. It's just rehash, nothing new here. They also put themselves down about their feo-ness. Lety locks away the papers as there's more rehash and fea talk, as well as more discussion about Alicia and her baby.

Fern finally gets with his family and greets everyone. There's a lot of back and forth with Ariel about the meeting and Humberto wanting to know how the company's doing and Mom not wanting to talk about it now. It all boils down to Humberto and Ariel wanting a full-on board meeting or shareholder meeting and Fernando wanting to keep it just the small group. Mumsy actually sides with her baby boy on this one and Humb and Ariel back down.

Meanwhile, Lety's talking mushy stuff with her mom, complaining about all the responsibilities she has at work. Mom bucks her up because after all, that's what moms are for (are you listening Teresita?).

Next day Alicia is at the lab for her blood tests. She's very nervous and we learn she doesn't care for needles at all. Meanwhile Marta is crying to the cuartel, including Lety, about Paco's reaction about the car (or lack thereof). Fern comes in and takes Lety with him to his office and tells her about having to have a meeting. He's upset and she tries to calm him down. He asks her to create a financial report that lists their expenses, but also shows the income from the Bella Life campaign. Lety reminds Fern that they haven't yet received any income from B.L., but Fern says that it's necessary for them to make up the numbers. Lety's so impactada by this comment that she forgets to come to attention at the word "necessary".

---

Missing Recap 34: Lunch Break
Alicia's getting stuck again, Marta's crying again, and Fernando and Lety chat again. Fern asks her to call Carolina, then goes out looking for Alicia. He eats more of Marta's scant food and starts to ask them to set up lunch, but just then Alicia comes of the elevator, really drama-queening up the sore arm thing. Fern gives her hell for being late and she tells him it's because she had to go in for blood tests for work. Fern tells her to set up lunch in the conference room for the meeting. She claims she can't, using her arm and the baby as an excuse, so Fernando tells Marta to do it. Natch, this makes Alicia want to go ahead and do it, the cuartel all laugh and he tells them all to get to work. When's he gonna learn that telling them that doesn't work and he just needs to fire their lazy butts???

Marta calls the lab pretending to be Alicia and asks them to include a pregnancy test, and tells them to send the results to her (Marta).

Back at home, the embargo lawyer calls F.I. and asks for Tomas. He isn't there and mom pretends to be his secretary and takes a message. Tomas comes in and shows mom and pop his new cell phone, posing with it and stuff. Mom laughs at his cute silliness while pop calls him an idiot. We get a shot of Fernando and Lety rehashing in the office, then we're back to Padilla Central where Robopop and Tomas are working. Pop asks about F.I. and Conceptos and the bank and Tomas gets nervous and tells him to ask Lety about it. Lawyer Sanchez calls back and tells Tomas that he and the appraiser are ready to go to Conceptos. Tomas tries to talk them out of it but Sanchez says they have to do it, it's part of the process. He tells Tomas he'll meet him there and hangs up and Tomas goes upstairs to Lety's room for some privacy to call Lety.

Lety brings some papers to Fernando and then leaves with them, and while she's gone Fern answers her phone. It's Tomas, but Fern says Lety's busy and hangs up on him. Pop comes in and sees Tomas on Lety's bed and gives him crap, but Tomas tells him he's meditating. Erasmo asks why he's so nervous and Tomas gives him some lame excuse, and Erasmo boots him out of Lety's room.

Saimon's entertaining the cuartel out in the lobby, and I skip it. Lety goes back to the office while Fernando and Omar are rehashing about the upcoming meeting and their finances. Lety prepares stuff for the meeting and puts it in the conference room while Fern shows a copy of it to Omar. Meanwhile, Marcia's out front with Teresita and Humberto. They go into Conceptos just as the lawyer and appraiser show up in a taxi looking for Tomas. The 'rents go into reception and greet PM, and Carolina comes in and greets everyone as well.

Omar thinks the papers look good. Lety's phone rings again and Fernando complains about it. He goes and answers it again, and once again it's Tomas trying to get hold of Lety. Fern tells him she's busy and to call back, but Tomas tells him it's important. Fern starts giving him hell for bugging Lety at work, but Lety comes in just in time and takes the phone from Fernando. Tomas tells her that Sanchez and the appraiser are going to be there at any moment to do the inventory and she tells him this is a really bad time because of the meeting. He explains that he had no choice and she hangs up and leaves her office. She tells Fernando what's going on and he freaks out. He and Omar start to give her hell about it, but she explains that it's not her fault.

Everyone's still chatting downstairs in reception. Humberto's still worried about the fallout from the Benny Ibarra video (like I said to Ariel, let it go dude!) but Marcia and Carolina tell him the current commercial's coming along really well. Someone mentions that they're just waiting for Ariel to show up, when of course outside Sanchez and the appraiser drive by in their taxi and almost run him over. Ariel joins everyone in reception and Carolina tells them all that the Bella Life commercial is fabulous. Ariel says something rude to her about sex and everyone gives him hell about it. Celso comes in trying to keep Sanchez and partner out and Marcia wants to know what's going on.

Just then Fernando and Lety show up in the elevator. Fernando herds his family into the elevator saying it's nothing and sends them off upstairs. He then sends PM on an errand to get rid of her, then he and Lety chat with Sanchez and the appraiser. Sanchez explains why he's there, that as part of the process they have to make sure Conceptos has enough assets to cover the debt. Fernando tells them to do what they have to do, but to PLEASE be discreet about it. They agree to be discreet and he asks Lety to take care of them. Sanchez asks Lety why she's working at Conceptos, he thought she was in charge of Filmo Imagen, she just answers that it's a long story and leads them off.

Up in the executive lobby, Teresita and Humberto are congratulating Marta on how good she looks. Fernando shows up and herds everyone into the conference room, telling Omar in an aside about the lawyers being there. Meanwhile, Lety's showing them around, reiterating that they have to be discreet because the company can't have a scandal. They again agree to be discreet and she lets them look around downstairs while she leaves.

The meeting starts and everyone goes over the papers Lety prepared. Humberto asks about the men downstairs and Fernando gives him some kind of excuse. Ariel gives Fernando the usual crap and mentions the information he saw on the internet. Fern tells him it's false or incorrect information and Humberto and Teresita get mad at Ariel for always looking for trouble.

Downstairs, Sanchez and the other guy are still looking around. Celso and PM are talking about it, wondering what's going on. Lety overhears them and tells them to stop gossiping, that it's Fernando's business, not theirs, and not to say anything to anyone about it. No Lety, nothing suspicious about that at all...

The cuartel are dragging Marta to lunch and I ignore most of the conversation. They want Lety to come too but she can't; they leave.

Ariel is still droning on and on when Lety comes in and explains all the paperwork. Outside in the lobby, Alicia is giving instructions to the wait staff. Luigi comes in with the dancers and she tells him about the meeting, but he tells her he can't go, he's got too much to do to get ready. In the meeting, Lety's still 'splainin' and Ariel is still giving crap. Humberto (finally!) cuts him off and says he's happy with what he heard.

Alicia enters the room to take everyone's food orders. She hands a menu to Ariel and says something to him about his son. He tries to shush her but goes to the door and brings him in, a little boy dressed in a suit like Ariel's. The kid jumps on him and calls him Papi. The real Alicia snaps him out of his daydream (or daymare actually). He yells at her for no reason and everyone gives him que the hell looks.

At La Comedilla, the cuartel's food gets waved under Marta's nose and they all talk about it. The waiter offers to bring her a salad, but she's not at all happy. More chat I ignore.

Back to the meeting, Alicia's still taking lunch orders. She tries to hand the menu to Omar but drops it. She comes around and hits him and tries to hand him a baby. He says he's in a meeting but she gives it to him anyway along with a bottle, and tells him to feed it. Everyone looks at him and he begs there pardon for interrupting but he has to feed his son. Fernando snaps him out of HIS daymare as he's holding a menu like a baby and singing to it. He tells Alicia what he wants to eat, as does everyone else. Luigi shows up and greets everyone and gives Alicia his lunch order.

Marta is staring at everyone else's plates while they eat. The others all yack at her about staying on her diet and keeping the weight off. The waiter tries to take Sara's plate and he and Marta fight over it. They go back to work, having to fight to drag Marta out of there.

Back to the meeting for more talk, with Carolina explaining how she's set everything up. Ariel spreads his usual sunshine and Marcia yells at him, telling him the commercial is important. Luigi tells them all about the Launch Party Production and offers to give an advance showing to everyone. Lety excuses herself, con permisso'ing every single person in the room.

Out in the lobby, the cuartel come in hatching their usual anti-Alicia schemes. Marta leaves to go to the bathroom. Luigi comes out and asks Irma to go with him, and thanks Alicia for the lunch.

Meanwhile, the lawyers are chatting in an empty office, it looks like the one the computer tech had before he got fired for messing with Lety's computer. Lety comes in and they tell her they have to take pictures of the company and its inventory. She twitches. They leave and she says to herself that they can't go into the studio and embarrass Don Fernando. She chases after them and catches them in the hall and refuses to let them pass, planting herself spread-eagle in front of the doorway to block them.

---

Missing Recap 35: Pimp My Boss
Lety's still blocking the door, telling the men they can't enter. They say fine, but they're just trying to do their jobs. She tells them they can look everywhere else but they can't go into the studio because there's an event going on in there. They tell her to calm down, they'll be discreet, and they move on.

In the studio, everyone's watching the commercial. It ends and they clap and sing Luigi's praises. Luigi gives a speech and Humberto's happy and Ariel isn't. Luigi refuses to allow them to argue in his studio and calls in the dancers to give them a preview of tomorrow's show. Omar and Fernando clap a little too enthusiastically for the dancers for Marcia's taste. The dancers do their thing and Fern and Omar notice that Fatima is one of them. She starts playing to Fernando right in front of everyone, blowing him kisses and everything. He acts like he doesn't know what's up with her but Marcia's still pissed. Omar reminds him of the scandal she caused. The show ends and everyone claps.

Down in reception Lety's trying to hurry the lawyers along, and they get on the elevator to go upstairs. Meanwhile everyone's still in the studio congratulating Luigi. Naturally Alicia's fanning Marcia's jealousy flame, telling her how Fatima had been in Fern's office. Marcia calls Fern over and starts in on him, but he just denies everything.

Everyone leaves as Lety comes in with the lawyers. She shows them the studio and they say they're impressed. She leaves them for a minute and they keep looking around. They wander into the dressing room where the dancers are changing and Luigi boots them out. Lety runs up and apologizes and drags them off. Just to prove that they actually are good for something, we get a gratuitous shot of the cuartel all on the phones doing various types of work to prepare for the big launch party. The lawyers watch them work.

Nighttime in reception, Marcia tells Humberto that she hopes he feels better now that he's seen everything for himself. Down comes Lety with the lawyer and appraiser. She gives Fernando their paperwork to sign while making some lame excuse for everyone who's there. Humberto, Teresita and Carolina leave. Marcia wants to leave as well, with Fernando, but he tells her he needs to talk to the two men, so she goes back upstairs alone. Fernando talks to them about how the inventory went and the appraiser tells him he'll get the information registered with the Public Minister while Sanchez congratulates Fern on how nice the company is. They leave as Fernando hands the paperwork to Lety and Omar says something totally innocuous like let's go. This causes Lety to lose it and she totally goes off on Omar. She's going after him physically while yelling about his crappy suggestion for which lawyers to use and how it's all his fault because of the contraband (naturally, totally forgetting just how much of the trouble was caused by Fernando paying in advance for the contraband, and for just plain starting the whole problem with has bad financial plan. However, this is her Tan Divino I'm talking about so of course she'll ignore all that). Fernando holds her back as she continues to try to get at Omar, and he tells her something along the lines of "don't make me call out my flying monkeys". Ok, he actually said Celso, not flying monkeys, but I had to toss in a little humor there and I just love that saying. Anyroad... eventually she calms down as Omar rings for the elevator, which gets there awfully fast considering Marcia just went up in it. He and Fernando back into it slowly while Lety acts like she'd still like to rip out Omar's throat and Fernando's reminding her that Conceptos is now in her hands (again??? How many times is this company "just now" in her hands??). They leave as she stares at the paperwork in her hands, then heads towards the stairs.

Alicia and Marcia are talking and Marcia walks away just as Omar and Fernando get out of the elevator. Just then Lety also exits the stairs and once again she goes after Omar and once again Fernando stops her. Alicia watches as Fernando makes Lety and Omar shake hands. They hear Luigi talking and go watch the dancers for a minute, then Fernando drags Omar out. Lety starts to dance, at first trying to imitate the dancers but degenerating into her usual spastic dance, and Fernando drags her out too. You can see Jazmin still dancing in the wings, ever hopeful. Fern and Omar begin to discuss how Marcia is jealous of Fatima when Saimon runs up and Lety leaves. Saimon asks Fern to help get Luigi to allow Jaz to dance but Fern tells him though he's the President, Luigi's the director and has total power on whom to hire and Fern can't help him.

It's late and the dancers are all tired and want to stop but Luigi wants to keep driving them. Saimon comes in and motions to Jazmin that he failed in getting Fernando's help. The choreographer asks if they can stop for the night while Jazmin leaves, crying. Luigi lets everyone go after a short speech. Fatima tells one of the other dancers that she's going to nail Fernando.

Speaking of, he and Omar are in his office discussing the embargo. Omar is trying to cheer him up but Fernando says his conscience is bothering him for lying to his dad and the committee. Omar makes fun of Lety but Fernando doesn't like it, so after a couple more cheering-up efforts by Omar, he leaves. Fernando calls Lety in and tells her to either go get Fatima or keep Fatima away, but in walks the devil herself horny as hell and ready to go. She flirts with Fernando and Lety tries to drag her out of the office, but Fatima pulls a fast one and it's Lety that gets locked out. She starts chasing Fernando around his desk and the rest of the office, he's climbing over the sofas and stuff trying to get away from her. She won't be dissuaded, though. He's mentioning Marcia but she doesn't care.

Meanwhile, Marcia and Alicia come walking up to Fernando's door and ask Lety if Fern's in his office. She tells them he's in Luigi's office and they leave. Though he's still protesting, you can tell Fernando's starting to give in. Lety knocks and yells but Fatima won't let him answer. As with all the men on this show, once she starts kissing him, his johnson takes control and he's ready to throw caution to the wind.

In Luigi's office, he's telling Marcia Fernando isn't there and never was. Marcia wants to know where Fatima is and Luigi tells her he doesn't know that either. So we don't ever forget who the sponsors are, boxes of Garnier Nutrisse are prominently displayed all over his desk.

Lety's still trying to get into Fern's office and sees Marcia coming. She finally grows a brain cell as it occurs to her to duck into the conference room to get to his office through that door. Fernando's still protesting yet kissing Fatima. Marcia tries to get in and finds the door locked, while Lety runs in and drags Fatima to her office. She shoves her under her desk as Fernando lets Marcia in, saying he has no idea why the door was locked. Marcia's sniffing around like a bloodhound on a prisoner's trail and interrogating Fernando about Fatima's behavior. While Lety listens in, Fern's denying everything claiming that Fatima molested HIM. Fatima keeps pushing Lety's chair away (with Lety in it), making a lot of noise. Lety kicks her and tells her to be quiet, and you know the jealous little thing just LOVED being able to get that kick in! Marcia asks Fernando if he thinks she's an idiot and he says fine, whatever, look around if you want, you won't find anything. Fatima's still making noise while Marcia suspiciously looks in the conference room and in Fernando's armoire. She goes into Lety's office and looks around there suspiciously. Fern's in his office praying that Lety will save him. He looks in and Lety indicates to him that Fatima is under her desk. Marcia leaves, still suspicious but unable to prove anything, and Fernando pulls Fatima out from under Lety's desk and yells at her for causing trouble. She tells him she didn't mean to but Fernando grabs her arm and takes her out of Lety's office.

Marcia is in the lobby telling Alicia what happened and she's convinced something shady was going on. They walk away as Lety peers out the conference room door. She see's that it's all clear and hustles Fatima out. Unfortunately, Alicia is walking back and, though she doesn't actually see Fatima exit the conference room, she's close enough to the door that Alicia knows that's where she came from.

Lety goes back and tells Fernando "mission accomplished" and he thanks her, then she leaves to go to the studio. Meanwhile Alicia tells Marcia what she saw and that Lety must have hidden Fatima. Marcia catches up to Fatima and demands to know where she was but Fatima just blows her off. Marcia is super incredibly pissed at Lety for hiding her and Alicia, as always, just fans those flames higher and higher.

Fernando is worrying about where Lety is when Marcia comes in, sarcastically clapping at his ability to hide a girl. Lety walks in and overhears her complaining about Lety helping him. She turns and sees Lety standing there and starts giving her hell, practically calling her Fern's pimp. Fern tells her to leave Lety alone and Lety defends herself saying she was just doing her job (I guess pimping for her boss falls under "other duties as required"). Marcia leaves and Fernando tells Lety not to worry.

Marcia goes to Luigi and demands that he fire Fatima, but Luigi says he can't do that the day before the show, he doesn't have anyone to replace her with. They go to leave and Fatima gives Marcia a nasty, smug look. Omar comes up and asks what's going on and Marcia tells him and gets all in his face as well. Omar goes into Fernando's office and asks Fernando what happened and Fern tells him, mentioning that Marcia treated Lety really badly.

Tomas calls Lety and Fern and Omar listen to her conversation and they wonder about Tomas and Omar says they need to find out more about him. Lety talks to her parents, more "when ya comin' home" questions and Tomas invites himself to dinner. Fernando tells Omar that he trusts Lety and Omar reminds him that Lety is poor and was once tempted to accept a bribe. There's more back and forth on this, she's shifty, no I trust her, blah blah blah, and in the end Omar tells Fernando to be careful that Tomas doesn't have too much influence on her. Marcia comes in and says she's leaving and gives Fernando just a tad more crap before going. Omar says they should get rid of Fatima but Fern tells him they can't, they couldn't get someone new in time.

Jazmin is dancing for Saimon in reception while PM watches and gets jealous. Marcia comes out and startles them, then leaves. Jaz continues dancing, and it's true that she's terrible. She whines about not getting her chance and thanks Saimon for believing in her (which is sad, 'cause I think the only thing Saimon actually believes in is her boobs). They almost kiss but she just busses him on the chin instead and leaves. PM's pissed and reminds him that she's with El Cheque, but Saimon says he doesn't care, she hasn't rejected him so he can still dream.

Lety brings some stuff out to Fernando and tries to leave, but Fern and Omar say they need to talk to her. Omar gives her his chair while Fern reminds her that only the three of them are supposed to know about the embargo, and he wants to know if she told Tomas about it. She 'fesses up that she did and Fern wants to know why. She tells him she needed him to go with her to talk to the lawyers so she had to tell him about it. Omar isn't happy and wants more info about Tomas, and Lety replies that they should trust him because he's her very good friend. She asks them to please understand, and Fernando tells her ok and lets her leave. Fernando and Omar continue to discuss the situation and Omar is still worried.

Lety gets home and there's some silliness about a fake phone call between her and Tomas, who tells her about the questions dad's been asking. She calms her dad down, then she and Tomas go upstairs to talk. He wants to know what' s up with the embargo and she tells him everything that happened with Sanchez. He's happy when he hears that the paperwork is being filed, which is odd because I thought he was against this all along. They discuss his cell phone a bit and he pretends to call Alicia and my skin crawls at this stalkerish behavior that Lety seems to find so amusing.

At Marcia's pad, she's in bed when Fern comes in and kisses her. She's still pissed and Fern tells her it's not his fault Fatima was flirting with him. She ain't buying and he tells her he's not interested in Fatima and she needs to understand that tomorrow's important and they can't just let Fatima go this close to the show. Marcia says fine, she'll forgive him under one condition, if she can't get Fatima's head on a platter she wants someone else's. Dumbo Fernando asks who and Marcia says she wants the head of Leticia!

Labels: fea-m

Kike and Yadi are on the phone. Unable to communicate like adults, they bicker about the gender of their baby. Yadi calls him an idiot and Kike stares at the phone like a...well, like an idiot.

Wretched Paula, alone in her room, removes Juan's ring and reflects on his angry words.

Meanwhile the King of Rome stands outside her window wondering how his steps brought him to her house. He thought bubbles that there he stood, trying to pluck up his courage once again, but like a puzzle it wasn't easy.

Back to Paula who recalls Juan's words of love, when he said that holding her in his arms was like holding a little piece of heaven.

Back to Juan again (and this flip-flopping is making me seasick). He says he once kissed her feet but now God will give him the courage to retire his love and move on.

Yadi holds her shirt up to admire her belly which still looks concave to me. The phone rings and it's Kike. They resume their bickering. Kike interrupts her with some sweet talk. He calls her stubborn and says he loves her with the insanity and compassion of a firefighter. (Did I hear that right?) Yadi admits she's hormonal. Ha, not that there is much deviation from her usual screechy self.

Juan enters his room and rolls his eyes. Nidia awaits yet again, although this time not in a negligee. She tells him his eyes are sad and she advises him to tell mama Nidia what afflicts his heart. It's Paula, no?

We must be in some alternate universe because Nidia has Juan all tucked into bed and she's not even trying to jump his bones. He says his heart will put him in the insane asylum and she tells him to get a grip. Folks, I'm afraid I can't do Nidia's speech justice. She used a lot of dichos and phrases and I just couldn't follow. Suffice to say she gave Juan a major pep talk and basically told him to grow a pair and show the world how brave he is. After she leaves Juan thought bubbles that in spite of everything he would sleep well that night knowing he had a real family.

Next morning Nidia and a maid we have never seen before serve Juan a huge breakfast. Paula telephones and Nidia scampers away with the receiver so Juan can't hear. Paula is wearing a cantaloupe colored dress that shows off her cantaloupes, heh heh, a treat for our gentlemen viewers. Nidia doesn't want Juan to talk to her but Paula insists, it's urgent. Actually it's nothing really, except that Paula wants what she wants when she wants it.

While Nidia carries the phone to Juan, Paula's doorbell rings. Whoever could it be? It's the smug CL come to claim his trophy; would it be crass of me to say trophies?

Paula throws out the "aren't you coming for me today" line to Juan. Juan, remembering her recent smack down, says he's too busy. She presses and he gruffly agrees to meet her at her office.

"Juan, are you OK?" she stupidly inquires. CL stands behind her and gives her the major stink eye. This is how Paula likes it, using one sap to make the other one jealous. Juan remains gruff under Nidia's urging. After they hang up Nidia says he did pretty well but he has to have more "gazñetas". (Balls? I'm not sure but she makes that sort of gesture.) Juan says something like they are going to be measuring the water to the sweet potatoes. (Eh? Whatever.) Alirio comes downstairs and sees Nidia fussing over Juan.

CL and Paula argue tediously over her phone call to Juan. He challenges her, who is taking this worse, Juan or her?

Mari chases Juan as he leaves the house. She knows his resignation is for the best but she'll miss him at work. He says it's not the end of the world, no big deal,she'll get used to it all. "Not to all Juan," she coos. They share a meaningful stare.

Mari gives him a quick kiss and splits. Juan thought bubbles how strange women are. Hadn't he assumed that she hated him? Hadn't he broken her heart which was the very thing he himself vowed never to forgive ? Hmmm...

Good lord CL and Paula are still at it. She feels guilty. He stares at her cantaloupes and promises to be fair to Juan, and as his prize he will get...? Paula demands results first. CL wants to go public with their relationship. Go public? Like the entire Farell Industries doesn't already know?
Suddenly Ana walks in with her suitcase and gives CL her best cat butt face. Like mother like daughter.

Back at Casa Cachón Nidia is pretendercizing with Yadi's help. Yadi whines that she doesn't want to be far from the father of her child. Nidia says NO, hers is a decent house, not the house of Madam Cachon, a house of ill repute. One day Yadi will thank her for educating her in the style of the barefoot Carmelites. Really...I never knew that the barefoot Carmelites had extra-marital affairs, copped feels off of any comely male tush that passed by, and regularly boinked young studs while their husbands slept upstairs. Really... Well then get me to a nunnery!

CL wisely waits outside while Ana hears to her displeasure that CL plans to leave Monica for Paula. Paula insists that CL loves her. Doesn't Ana want Paula to be happy? Ana snaps that a person who lies once lies forever.

Juan visits the market and hits up Angarita for a job; he'll start from zero. Angarito balks, the pay is too little and Juan's not experienced as a dock loader. Juan urges in his persuasive way.

Dang, Ana must be desperate...whom does she call to complain about Paula but Nidia of all people. Ana complains that CL will be the disgrace of Paula. Oops, too late mom. Ana tells Nidia that she's seriously thinking about moving to Monterrey so she'll never have to see CL's mug again. Way to go ma, you're going to leave your daughter alone with the big bad wolfe? But oh yeah, this is the woman who packed her kid off to the U.S. so she could fool around with Nidia's husband.

Juan tells Angarita that he's not leaving Farell because of Pastor, no no no, Pastor is a great guy, simply marvelous in fact. Angarita asks Juan to forgive him for being frank, but is Juan Pastor's husband or something like that? Juan is impactado.

Fernando drives CL and Paula to work, and is thereby forced to listen to their odious conversation. "My mom hates you." "I'll win her over." "Let's take it slowly this time." "I couldn't agree more my love." Fer rolls his eyes at this pair of hypocrites in the back seat.

Monica strolls through the garage as they drive up. Paula and CL get out and are face to face with Monica. They stare at each other.

Moni tells Paula not to use 'usted', they are friends aren't they? Moni and Cesar exchange unpleasantries. As they leave for the office Fer winces, he is baffled by the upper classes.

The three jostle each other over who gets to exit the elevator first. Moni wins but CL kisses Paula in front of the office staff to the amazement of everyone.

CL wants to talk to Moni in private. He scolds her for being ironic with Paula. He tries to tell her how to behave but she reminds him that he threw her out of his life and now he doesn't have a say in how she lives or acts, claro? On her way out she says she'll not endanger his relationship with Paula. "Nothing can endanger that relationship," he insists half-heartedly.

Angarita mentions the nude painting to Juan. What else was he to think except that Juan and Pastor were...you know. Juan laughs, it's art not porn. Anyway, he decided not to judge Pastor because he saw that Pastor was no better or worse than any other guy. He suggests Angarita do the same. Angarita says he'll never get used to it.

Paula whines to Mari about her situation; she's ticked about running into Moni and CL's PDA. Yep, adds Mari, CL pretty much clarified the situation for all. Paula continues to whine shrilly that she's nervous around Moni. Mari suggests it's because Paula feels guilty. Speaking of the Queen of Rome, Moni enters the room, "Who feels guilty?"

Paula makes up some lame excuse and excuses Mari so she and Moni can stare at each other.

Pastor and Alirio get into the elevator together and you can cut the tension with a knife. Pastor thanks Alirio; due to his big mouth Pastor is now liberated from his shame. He told CL of Alirio's blackmail and CL in his infinite generosity forgave Pastor. Alirio says that explains Cl's rotten attitude toward him and Pastor should go to jail for thievery. Pastor says Alirio should go to jail for extortion. They glare.

Pastor removes his jacket and calls Alirio out. Alirio snidely comments that he won't dirty his hands fighting a "LOCA" (using the feminine) like Pastor. Pastor slaps Alirio hard, "Loca your grandma!" Alirio uses the standard telenovela line, "you are going to pay very, but very dearly for this," he threatens. "So long Licenciado Chicken," taunts Pastor as he exits smiling. This early altercation has put him in a good mood and his toupee never budged. Not a bad morning.

Moni and Paula have a strained conversation. It's really boring except at the end Moni asks Paula whatever happened to her relationship with Juan?

I guess Juan got the job with Angarita because back at the garage Kike congratulates him for it. Juan backslides into his old lying ways and says his job is as administrator. Kike is sceptical.

Juan asks Fernando for a typewriter so he can write his letter of resignation. "Typewriter? Dude that is seriously prehistoric," laughs Fer.

The guys manage to locate a typewriter and Juan begins to type painfully, slowly, excruciatingly. Moni surprises them and wants to see what he's writing. Juan hides the paper and agrees to drive her somewhere.

Alone, Moni asks Juan what went down between him and Paula. Juan responds that gentlemen have no memory. (Yet another difference between him and CL.) Moni pushes, he and Paula were so close then suddenly it was over. She will share with him what Paula told her. She told her that lamentably their relationship could never go anywhere. Their relationship had more complications than good times. Juan is surprised that Paula would say such a thing, especially to her rival. He thinks that he will never understand women.

Back at the office CL "comforts" Paula by reassuring her, and I paraphrase, that due to his drawn out lies, machinations and perfunctory dumping of Monica, she is no longer his wife. No matter that they are still married. Paula insists she'll never have a moment's peace working close to Monica, boo hoo. CL tells her to ignore Moni's rabid jealousy and sarcasm. Paula doesn't want to engage in psychological warfare, she only wants peace and tranquility.

Juan strolls back to the guys and tells another fib, that Monica begged him to stay at the company. Fernando calls Juan a Pinochito, basically a little Pinocchio I think. He and Kike are on to his bull. Juan finally handwrites his resignation and marches upstairs while Fer and Kike snicker in unison.

Juan strides through the office waving his resignation but is stopped by the never-working ever-bawling VP Paula who wants to talk. Juan hears Nidia's voice in his head telling him to wear the pants, be firm, don't get squashed by love. He tells Paula he will resign first, then he will talk to her.

But that's what Paula wants to discuss, his resignation. He shouldn't make such a hurried decision, he can't leave. Juan tells her his leaving is better for everyone, especially for her... And Tivo stopped here, right on a shot of Ivonne's big head watching them intently.


Más se perdió en la guerra = it's not the end of the world (Lit. More is lost in war)

rompecabezas = puzzle (Lit. headbreaker)

Vas a pagar muy caro = You are going to pay very dearly

Labels: Juan

EPISODE - Nov. 1, 2007 (ULTIMAS SEMANAS! countdown to the gran final - 19 episodes remaining):
* Aaron and Bruno are discussing the business - Aaron presses his pa for decision on who will be in charge; Bruno hesitates, wants to take time to think and talk with Granny P before making any huge decisions like that.

* Pancho is in a hurry to leave the hacienda as he comes downstairs to see Sofia and James in the living room. Pancho talks with Sofia and becomes jealous of James being there alone with her; Sofia tells him to stop it, he will be late for his plane. As Pancho is about to leave the room, James pipes up and asks Pancho about the medicine he is going to be purchasing in Mexico City. Pancho doesn't respond and leaves. James asks Sofia if she's ready to be a widow. Sofia wants to enjoy wounding Pancho horribly first.

* Rod welcomes Erika into his office. He is very excited to see her, but leaves to attend a business meeting. Just then Dani stops by to see her brother. Margarita tells her that Dr. Erika is in the office waiting for Rod. Dani is surprised and intrigued. Dani enters the office and greets Erika. Dani is glad Erika is there - with the impacto information she has to give Rod, she's sure he's going to need major psych. help.

* Gavi and Clara have a personal phone conversation about the Montalvos(?). Gavi hangs up with her mom as Alonso enters her office to discuss Don Roberto's job offer in London, and the new campaign (crop piracy). Alonso reminds Gavi he needs to know her answer in two days about the London job.

* Rod, Patricio and Bruno meet with Aaron in Aaron's office. Aaron quickly signs the documents. He makes a comment then a call comes in. Aaron takes it in private. Rod and Patricio discuss Aaron's attitude towards quickly signing it, and about Aaron's secretive business dealings. Patricio leaves as Aaron returns to his desk. Aaron makes another comment and Rod leaves.

* Rod returns to his office. Erika excuses herself so Dani can talk with Rod alone. Rod is so disappointed his private shrink/girlfriend is leaving. Dani asks Rod to sit down. Rod sits in his chair - he thinks Dani is going to argue with him about his feelings for Erika and Gavi again - he doesn't want to hear it or argue with her anymore. Dani stops him - she says it's about his son, Ricky. He stops and looks directly at her. Dani says she finally spoke with Dr. Tijeros and says that Ricky isn't his son. Rod is very impactado. Dani cries as she continues to relay the whole truth about Isa's sick trick on Rod - that Dr. T said Isa was pregnant before the insemination was even done; on how Isa used Dr. T to cover it up. Rod growing furious and still in shock, asks who is the father? Dani says they don't know. Rod punches the desk, stands up and stomps his way to the door. Dani tries to stop him. He throws her off and she lands on the floor. Rod stops and sees Dani down - He apologizes to her, he cries in desperation - he is my son! he is my son!

* Isa talks with Ricky about their trip and how time away will hopefully make life better for their little family. Maid enters with an envelope delivered by special courier. Isa signs for it and takes the envelope. Maid waits as Isa opens the envelope. Isa is impactado over seeing the checks inside. Maid quickly vanishes from the room.

* Rod sits in his chair, crying and angry over Isa's dirty rotten trick. Dani continues to talk and calm him down. He grow more and more angry and punches the desk and pushes all the items off the desk. Margarita enters to see if everything is alright. Dani covers for Rod. Margarita leaves.

* Isa calls Dr. T's office and speaks with the secretary. Dr. T is busy. Isa leaves an irate message for Dr. T. When the secretary hangs up, Dr. T suspects it was Isa and she just received the checks. Dr. T talks with the secretary about how he will have to handle things on his side of Isa's treacherous scandal.

* Dani and Rod continue to discuss the deception scheme - Dani reminds Rod that legally Ricky is Rod's son. Rod realizes that they need to come up with ways to keep Isa and Ricky in Mexico City. They also wonder who could be Ricky's father, and who is Isa's lover. Dani asks Rod a poignant question about if the lover may be someone they know. Rod gets a light bulb over his head and remembers Sofia's phone call earlier. He calls for Margarita to contact Sofia at the hacienda immediately. Dani asks what that's about and Rod explains Sofia's phone call.

* At the hacienda, Sofia and James discuss Pancho's lies about leaving for Mexico City versus what James knows to be true. Sofia is growing furious with her husband. The phone rings - it's Margarita. Sofia takes the call - Rod comes on the phone - Sofia urges her brother to take immediate action so Pancho and Isa don't run off and skip town together. She tells Rod everything she and James had discovered about Pancho and Isa being lovers all this time. Rod is impactado and furious. Sofia is crying and ultra-upset. He stays calm and tells Sofia to do the same - he and Dani are on her side. He asks to speak with James - Sofia sits down on the sofa - James agrees to help in Rod's plan. As James hangs up, he goes to comfort Sofia. Rod tells Dani that they have to stop Pancho and Isa immediately and decisively.

* Pancho is at the airport on his cellphone. He doesn't pay attention and runs into another passenger with loaded baggage. He falls and hurts his shoulder (oh, poor baby! I play my widdle violin for you.) He cries for help. No one pays any attention.

* Rod, with Dani in his office, calls for Margarita. Margarita enters. Rod tells her to get in contact with someone. Margarita leaves. Rod calls, and calmly talks with Isa - he has changed his mind, he will be accompanying them on the trip, after all it is Ricky's first plane trip. Isa is in shock. After Rod hangs up, he explains to Dani how he is planning to set up Isa (in very calculate moves). Bettina(?) enters. Rod gives him instructions on spying on Isa and reporting in on her every move. Bettina leaves.

* Gavi cries in her office. She misses Hurricane Rod and all his mood swings. She feels so alone and abandoned by him. She quickly wipes her eyes as Alonso enters. He asks if she's tired, she can go home to rest. Gavi refuses, she will stay to finish with the project. Alonso leaves. Gavi calls Rod's office - Margarita answers. Gavi quickly hangs up - she decides not to speak with Rod, instead she will patiently wait for Rod to return to her on his own.

* Pancho finally calls Isa from the airport public pay phone. Isa is very upset and angry. He explains about his sore arm and the delay in calling. Isa tells him that Rod has changed his plans and wants to go on the trip now. They hang up quickly. Maid enters - Isa tells her to tell Rod she couldn't wait and had to leave now. Just as Isa leaves the condo, Rod calls. Maid answers and tells Rod everything - from the messenger with the envelope with the two checks inside, the mysterious phone call for Isa, and that she just left without Ricky. Rod hangs up and tells Dani. They discuss the curious events.

* Isa is driving in her car.

* Dani and Rod are bewildered about Isa and the new turn of events. Rod picks up the latest tequila magazine with their grandpa on the cover. He flips it open to show Dani the phone article about Gavi and Alonso. Dani wonders about Rod's feelings for Gavi. Rod doesn't want to think about that now - he's too upset with Isa and Pancho.

* Fedra visits her son Aaron at the apartment. Aaron gives Fedra some good news over his latest plot.

* Pilar talks with Don Roberto by phone about Gavi. Don Roberto tells her that he has offered Gavi a prestigious position at the London office, just Gavi hasn't decided whether to accept or not. Pilar is happy and hopes Gavi does, it will be so great for Gavi's career to take the position. Don Roberto also informs Granny Pilar that Alonso will be going to London also. Granny P is surprised. She thanks Don Roberto for the information.

* Alonso thought bubbles to himself in his office.

* Sofia finally arrives in the city and cries and talks with Rod and Dani in Rod's office about Pancho and Isa's deception. Dani informs Sofia about the rest of the scheme - that Ricky isn't really Rod's son. Sofia is impactado and more furious. Bettina calls and reports in to Rod about Isa's latest movements. Rod informs Sofia and Dani that Isa is definitely going to meet with Pancho. Sofia wants to go with Rod to the confrontation. Rod thinks he should go alone. Dani agrees. Aaron walks in and interrupts the conversation - he brings up Gavi and Clara's inheritance. They brush him off and he leaves. Rod and Dani discuss whether to involve Gavi - Rod says no, this is a private family matter.

* Aaron calls Gavi and tries to start a fight with her about Clara's inheritance. Gavi tells him off and hangs up. Aaron is furious and frustrated.

* Bruno and Fedra meet with Granny P at the house. Fedra is furious when Granny P tells her about Gavi's job offer in London.

* Gavi and Don Roberto are hosting the latest tequila presentation to the public - this party is for Tequila Corso, and includes an art show. Don Roberto makes the opening remarks and then turns the microphone over to Gavi to introduce and explain the tequila products to the invited guests.

* Rod, Dani and Sofia continue discussing plans to confront Isa and Pancho, and about Ricky. Bettina calls in again and reports that Isa is with Pancho.

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