Caray, Caray!

Delirio is still trying to get answers out of Nidia. He demands to know where she was and tells her Gladys said Nidia wasn’t with her. Nidia jerks open the bathroom door and acknowledges she wasn’t with Gladys at all; she went looking for her lover. She rubs up and down against the doorjamb as she tells the truth for once in her life. She describes how they spent the day together and had some beers in the evening. Delirio scoffs at the story. He’s serious. He thinks she wants to make him jealous and embarrass him. But, she won’t get away with it. He goes back to his place in bed and tells her he’s not going to fight. What does she think of that? She tells him it’s marvelous, and minces back into the bathroom, shutting the door and looking oh, so worried again and breathing deeply.

Kike and Yadi are at it—and it’s not good for Kike. Yadi is trying to get him to rat on Mami and he’s doing his best to avoid it like the plague. Kike plays dumb and Yadi tries to nail him into spilling the beans. He spins a yarn about how they ran into her. They had a couple of beers and chatted, how nice. But he’s so tired. He flops onto the bed to show how tired he is. Yadi hits him with a pillow and yells. She’s not sleeping with a drunk like him. Kike jumps up and screams back at her…four sets of little feet patter down the hall to glue their ears to the door (okay, so Juan’s feet aren’t so little). Nidia asks the rest what it’s about in there. More screaming—it’s Kike. The eavesdropping audience members argue about what’s up, are they arguing or what in there? Then they listen to Yadi scream that everyone is hearing them argue. [Ya think?]. Delirio points out they’re fighting like an old married couple even though recently married. The audience continues to analyze the fight, taking sides as needed. The fight continues and the eavesdropping continues, and suddenly Kike emerges while the audience works hard to look like they’ve been dusting the hall lights and other chores. Kike remarks on the heat in the room. He thinks it’ll be cooler in the living room. The audience disappears into its respective places…and Kike ends up in Juan’s room, too.

Kike is still lamenting his spoiled honeymoon at Yadi’s hands. He’s throwing in the towel. He’s going to the US and never come back. Juan can’t believe it. Why should he stay, Kike wonders? To listen to Yadi screeching every day? Juan lectures him about Kike’s child growing up without a father. He reminds Kike that he has too good a heart to let that happen. Kike argues that’s why he married Yadi, for his child and because she’s the love of his life but he’s not putting up with this. Juan argues that it’s not going to be easy, of course. Kike thinks the dream is lovely, but it’s not the reality. Juan lectures more about staying at Yadi’s side, regardless, and making a family. Kike’s eyes fill with tears as he contemplates the future. Juan’s hand pats Kike’s cheek fondly.

Yadi and Nidia are in Yadi’s room having a heart to heart, with Yadi complaining about Kike. He better respect her or this marriage is over right now. Nidia tries to give her good advice about thinking before she acts, because she is depending on a good marriage, and Yadi scoffs that Nidia gives advice but does the opposite. Nidia denies it—she never set a bad example for her daughters, and Yadi wonders where she was all day. Nidia gives the line about being with Gladys. Yadi scoffs and Nidia says her suppositions are wrong. They argue a little and Yadi tells her Mami NOT to meddle in Yadi’s life. Nidia is impactada.

Juan is working off some nervous energy with 25-lb weights in each hand. [I know this because they are the same ones my hubby uses. It’s just that Juan moves them quicker than my 71-year old hubby.] He thought bubbles about how things are in Casa Cachón, all the scenes, etc. It’s never boring.

In the morning, Marely and Juan eat breakfast and Marely tells Juan that Paula mentioned his chat with CL. He tries to defend himself. Was she very angry? Marely tries to tell him and Juan interrupts that he has to know. Well, she felt betrayed and offended. [Marely is wearing a VERY off-the-shoulder top, worthy of a night at the opera in the US or a day at work in the D. F.] Juan keeps trying to defend himself. She tells him he acted in good faith and she’ll have to understand sooner or later. Juan laments that all his good deeds turn out bad. Marely takes his hand and tells him if it makes him feel better, she’s very proud of him. He beams and sits up straighter. Really? Yes, a man who is capable of doing so much for love is worth the trouble, Juan. Marely looks lovingly at him. [Marely, honey, you’ll have to hit this guy with a 2 by 4 to get his attention, no matter what top you wear to work.] That is, guys like you are few and far between. Juan smiles fondly at Marely, gratitude oozing from every pore of his face. [Ed. Note: Qué the h*** is the matter with you, blockhead? Grab this woman!] She tells him he’s one of a kind, really. Juan kisses Marely’s hand and thanks her sincerely. She smiles lovingly at Juan.

CL is already at work with Pastor planning today’s schemes. CL is not sure qué the heck is going on with Paula. Pastor offers his take on it. Paula is very proud, and she has all the reasons in the world to be offended. Whatever. What CL needs now is to know qué the heck to do? Pastor thinks he just needs to go to Spain already, but CL protests that’s exactly what he wants to avoid doing. Pastor says if the woman in question reacts, just go already. [Ed. Note: the logic here escapes us, but Pastor claims to know women’s minds.] Go for a week, a month. They argue about it, and Pastor urges CL to just go to Spain as fast as possible. That’ll show her he’s serious. CL shakes his head and evaluates the proposal.

Gee, we haven’t seen Julia and the other lobby lizard chatting at Ivonne’s desk for a while, but here they are. Julia can’t imagine the Licenciada Paula cutting her veins. [Oh, great. Everyone has a take on this situation. How revolting.] Ivonne, the bearer of all the news, elaborates. They wonder how she knows all this. Pure coincidence. [Uh-huh, you just happened to be in CL’s bedroom when Juan showed up to spill it.] As she continues gossiping, Marely is coming off the elevator and approaching Ivonne’s desk. Marely registers that Ivonne is talking about things she shouldn’t be, and Marely’s stink eye is just as good as Nidia’s. She trains that eye right onto Ivonne as we hear Ivonne babble on about how sorry she is to hear about Marely’s boss and how much she’s missed. Marely looks at Ivonne, disgusted, and turns to her desk as Ivonne and her chismosa buddies smirk.

Juan and Fern greet each other in the garage. Fern is worried and expresses his concern about Juan’s absence the day before. The usually talkative Juan, with a pained expression, tells him there’s really nothing to say. Fern looks a bit stunned as Juan walks away.

Nidia gets into a taxi and gives directions, while close behind Gutis directs another taxi driver to follow, hurry! Gutis has his spywear on; a hat over the bald spot and dark glasses. They all zoom off to a commercial for Pasión, which I can’t watch until this recap is done, drat. Gotta fast forward for the cause.

Fern and the boys lament their life situations. They’re all sad and forlorn. Kike reminds him that they warned him about his situation with Nidia while Juan nods his agreement [Big Help, Kike]. He says the interest with this woman is past. Nothing has him nailed down now. Juan jumps up and warns him not to speak ill of the woman he loves like his own mother. He warns Kike to be respectful of his mother-in-law. Kike denies any disrespect, they all have reasons to love Nidia. At least one more than the others. Fern makes a grunt at him. Kike keeps babbling, and Juan comes over to put his arm on Kike’s shoulder and caution him to shut the heck up. Kike, never one to take a broad hint, keeps talking, but changes the topic to the Lic Paula. Fern looks around the corner and “speaking of the Queen of Rome….” Juan asks “What? What’s she doing here?” And we see Paula drive into the garage. Kike asks Juan what, you didn’t know she works here? Juan walks toward where Paula is pulling her car in, impactado.

Nidia, resplendent with little dead animals on her shoulder, senses something wrong over that shoulder and looks back. She tells the taxi driver “young man, at the next corner take a left.” She’s worried. He retorts that she told him to take her to the central market, and that won’t get us there. She tells him she’s changed her mind. They argue about the route, and she tells him she’s sorry to spoil his plan, but a higher force has taken over. Finally, she tells him someone is following them and he makes a big deal of looking in the mirror. She fusses at him to be discreet. He wonders what’s up, and she says she’s a married woman, decent, and victim of a jealous husband. He makes a crack and she retorts that lots of women in this world suffer. He asks her pardon and wonders what they should do now. She tells him to lose them and he chuckles and moves out. Behind, Gutis leans out the window with his camera. He struggles back in, losing the funky hat and glasses in the process. The driver tells him he thinks they’ve been noticed. Why? Gutis wants to know. The driver can’t say why, so Gutis goes back out the window. The two cabs turn a corner tightly together. Not exactly your high speed chase, here.

Juan sits on the hood of the car, stopping Paula on her way by, asking her to pardon him, but what’s she doing her? She came to work. He asks if she isn’t supposed to be at home resting? She acknowledges she’s supposed to but she’s fine. He wonders if it’s a good idea to disobey the doc. She snarls at him. Stop worrying, you’ve done enough for me. He protests and she cuts him off—she knows very well the consequences of him worrying. She wants him to maintain his distance. Does he understand? She stalks off and he looks like she just slapped him hard. Well, she did.

The taxi driver wants to know if Nidia’s hubby is very distrustful of her. She asks if he’s married. He sighs contentedly—he’s happily married. She points out then he knows how difficult it might be. He says she doesn’t have to tell him; he spends all day on the streets, without knowing what his wife is up to. They talk about life at home. She tells him about Samuel working all day, and he’d arrive home and scarcely greet them. Nidia goes into her Nidia-esque hot flash hoisting mode, telling the driver how women need (fan-fan-fan, huy!) attention and caring. She wonders how long he’s been married. Fifteen years, he tells her, they’ve gone as fast a water. She chuckles companionably. Gutis and company are still tailing them. Nidia talks on…..

Paula stalks off the elevator followed by the lobby lizard while other lobby lizards stare. They must be intrigued by her emerald green dress with the disco décolletage, ya reckon? The lobby lizard waves at Julia and gestures at Paula, who makes a beeline for her office. All the lobby lizards rotate to keep their eyes trained Paula. Paula greets Marely and realizes she’s being scrutinized from all sides. Marely greets her back. Paula says what’s up? They act like they’ve never seen me. Ivonne and the lobby lizard chick stare at her retreating back as she beckons Marely into the office. Ivonne, always helpful, runs to inform CL that his Veep is back. “I have news!” “They’ve fired you already.” “No.” She gives him a disgusted look and tells him the dead fly has arrived. “Who?” The Licenciada. She urges him to run over there. He tells her not to be absurd. “What, you’re not going to give her welcome to the land of the living?” Nope, not interested. Ivonne heard him but doesn’t believe him. He informs her that Paula is no longer one of his interests. Ivonne scoffs. He advises her what she needs to do is get out of his office, sit at her desk like a good secretary, and get on the line with an airline. He wants a ticket to Spain. One ticket, one-way (de ida—one-way. Round trip would be de ida y vuelta), to Madrid, first thing tomorrow morning. Ivonne is impactada. He asks if she’s clear, or will he have to draw her a picture (explain with blocks, my best guess)?

As is usually the case when Paula comes in to work, Marely is hearing her gripes about the world, first thing. It comes before the day’s to do list and everything. Looks like the world knows all the gossip. Marely confirms it, and the worst thing is that they got the suicide version. Paula yells about Juan. [Remind me, why DOES Marely put up with all this bellyaching?] She never thought he’d do something like this. Marely tells her it wasn’t Juan; someone else got this gossip going. Who else, Paula wants to know. Marely points out that it could have been her. Paula thinks she wouldn’t have the capacity to do that. Well, much less Juan, Marely asserts. Paula says she’ll quit defending Marely. Marely fusses back at her, defending Juan—what about CL? Marely reports overhearing Ivonne and her buddies. Paula just can’t believe CL talked about it. Paula is so angry she gets up to go out into the office and deal with it. Marely makes her stop—it’s not worth the trouble. Why doesn’t Paula just go home? Nope, not and have them still talking behind my back. [Ed. Note: not that I’m a good judge, or anything, but this green dress does nothing for her hips except outline them so it looks like saddlebags. And while I’m at it, Marely’s top looks like she could lose it in a strong breeze or with too forceful a gesture.] Marely tells her she’s stubborn and Paula says she has to distract herself. Fine, Marely takes her by the wrist and aims Paula back to her chair—TO WORK! Only to work! Someone is peeping in the door as Marely comes back around the desk to her seat. Oh, what do you know! It’s Monica, here to welcome Paula back warmly, and how does she feel? Marely high-tails it out. Moni tells Paula it’s a relief that she’s recovering so fast, given the circumstances. Paula asks her “what circumstances?” Moni tells her everyone knows she tried to kill herself. She doesn’t know if she should admire Paula or feel sorry for her. Neither, because the supposed suicide attempt was a bit of fiction (mentira, another definition). Moni smiles and chuckles snidely.

Moni sits herself down in Paula’s office. She doesn’t have to deny this, it won’t serve anything to fool herself. It’s better to recognize our weaknesses. Paula says it is worth it to be sure the world isn’t believing fiction. She didn’t try to kill herself and she doesn’t need to give any more explanations. Moni presses and Paula tells her again she doesn’t want to discuss it more. Moni says she just wants to help, and Paula doesn’t want her help. She has work to do, if that’s all right with Moni. Oh-kay. As you like it, Moni singsongs, throws up her hands with a shrug, and bounces out the door. She turns back and gives a little smile as she closes the door and mouths some farewell. [Ed. Note: for someone so nice at the beginning of the novela, she’s a world-class witch now. Whew.] Paula mouths something nasty at the door behind Moni, mocking.

CL is making clear for the millionth time that Ivonne is NOT going to Spain with him (okay, I exaggerated about the millionth thing). He says please, I NEED this reservation NOW, and I want an appointment with the employees at 11:00 so I can say goodbye to them. Ivonne’s face has fallen. Really, do you think leaving is going to solve your problems, she asks him. He reminds her that he had already told her it was over between them [talk about mixed messages, since after that you slept with her at least two more time, you creep.] Ivonne wants to know what will happen to her. He tells her to live her life, find a guy who’ll love her, marry, have kids, I don’t know. It’s your life, LIVE it. She argues back; she’s being dumped like so much garbage with nothing to go to. They continue to argue about it and she tells him she’s not going to let him go. He asks how she’s going to prevent it, and what she plans to use to threaten him now; it’s already all lost. He tells her the only thing that she can try to do is save her work and he can’t help her with that. If she hopes to do that, she’d better talk with Monica, because after today, she’s in charge. Ivonne strikes back; he’s a wretch, the worst human being she’s known in her life.

Nidia and the taxi driver are jubilant; they seem to have lost Gutis. The driver feels like he’s James Bond-007, like in the movies. He knows those streets inside out. Nidia checks around again, then they celebrate and then decide where to next.

Ivonne has come to cry on Pastor’s shoulder, figuratively. Without CL, she is going to die. Pastor tells her it’s her opportunity to begin to live. She can’t believe that Pastor is saying exactly what CL told her. Pastor tells her it’s not the same, since CL told her with cruelty and he is telling her with great caring. [Judy B., I think you mentioned this scene in the first part of the recap; it was indeed lovely. Pastor is a good guy to have at your back.] She’s not had love at CL’s side, but slavery. Now she has her opportunity to find a genuine love. She protests, but he points out this guy has avoided having something permanent with her. Pastor encourages her to go find love. It’s scary but she doesn’t have a choice. Ivonne thinks if she speaks with Paula and asks for acceptance and pardon, CL won’t leave. Pastor fondly tells her she’s crazy. She just loves him, she says. He goes around to put his arms around her and comfort her (blinds open as usual, but now no one’s paying attention).

Tomorrow? Moni is mildly impactada. Yes, tomorrow, that’s what you wanted, right? CL furrows his brow and looks her in the eye as they sit in his office. Moni points out he had told her a week. Yes, I know, CL responds. But you were in such a rush for me to get out of the company, I changed my plans. Moni tries to talk him back into taking a week. He points out with his departure there’ll be plenty of happy folks. Paula, for example? Moni is annoyed. But she is also a little concerned, and she tells him she didn’t really think he’d be able to leave. He wishes her luck. It’s not easy, but with her abilities, all will go well.

Fern answers the phone in the garage. Someone is summoning, and he assures the person they’ll be right up. The three boys exchange chitchat as they head upstairs.

Marely answers the phone in Paula’s office. She thanks the person, and hangs up. Marely tells Paula that CL wants to see all the employees. Paula smirks that he’s going to assure us he’s not going, according to what she’s been hearing. Marely says she was told they better not miss it. They finish up a column of numbers.

Pastor claps his hands up on the mezzanine to get the employees’ attention and calls to them. CL, Monica and Pastor stand on the mezzanine catwalk just over the elevators, looking down at all the Farell employees. It puts us in mind of Juan’s fantasy of CL leaving and putting Juan in charge, but the reality it’s Moni who will be in charge. Pastor asks for silence so CL can say a few words. He clears his throat. “Unfortunately for me but lucky for you, people come and go, but companies stay.” He wants to wish them farewell, and thank them for being such loyal, passionate workers and great colleagues. That will stay with him as a good memory. He wants them to have the same attitude of service with Monica, who will be taking over. (In the crowd we see Juan, Fern, Kike, Alirio, Julia, the lobby lizards, Ivonne – with arms crossed and a scowl). They applaud and Juan thought bubbles eloquently about how there is no doubt now that CL is going. For some reason I can’t fathom, Paula smiles up a little at CL and smiles back a little at her.

The boys are on their way back to the garage, and Fern is wondering why the big boss is in such a rush. Kike says that’s the least of it; what’s going to happen to all of them? Juan, whose tie has gotten shorter in the last couple of weeks, is silent. Fern protests that everything’s going to stay the same. And for some of them it’ll even get better—he smiles a little in Juan’s direction and adds a crack. Juan doesn’t like it much and fusses at Fern. Fern tries to make light of it; he wasn’t analyzing the relationship. Juan tells him it’s a question of sensitivity. Juan thinks he should know that there are many folks who will be roughed up by all this. Fern points out that now he will have a free road with the Licenciada and could win her heart back. Juan tells Fern he knows absolutely nothing about this topic. It would have been much better if the boss had stayed. Much better. Both Kike and Fern look puzzled as Juan stalks off. Fern tells Kike he understands even less now. What’s up with Juan? Kike explains to Fern that finally, Juan accepted that the Licenciada was not for him. The one who trips her trigger is CL. Fern’s jaw drops.

Delirio is excited by something as he opens the door to his…um…office. Oh, it’s a miracle, or an illusion! Nidia sits with her arms crossed behind the desk, glaring at him. He tells her sweet nothings, calls her his life and his love, and either doesn’t care that he’s about to get chewed out or doesn’t register it. She asks him what hours he works. All day, of course, he tells her. But I was upstairs to hear the farewell speech CL gave. Farewell? He’s going to live in Spain. Nidia is impactada, and she begs him for the gossip. Delirio tells her he doesn’t know it, and she scolds him for not paying attention. He says he doesn’t have the head for gossip, hablablabla and she sits back, skeptical as Gutis in funky hat, trench coat and dark glasses comes in the door. Well, look who is here, she sneers. What a surprise, right? Gutis actually looks busted.

Moni is working on investment numbers with Paula in Moni’s office. Paula refers to CL’s strategies—it’s complicating things, and Moni advises her they’re changing strategies. They’re done for the day and Paula gets ready to leave the office, when Moni has one more thing….Moni wonders if it’s important to Paula that they change chauffeurs. What? Yep, Paula can have Fern and Moni will take Juan. Paula is impactada.

In the garage, speaking of the King and Prince of Rome, Juan and Fern aren’t speaking. Well, Fern is trying, but Juan is just walking past him. Kike tries to get Juan to calm himself. It was just a comment, Kike tells him, Fern doesn’t know how the story went. Juan fusses about Fern and one of these days he’s going to plant one in his nose. Juan makes a fist to demonstrate his intentions. Kike tries to get him to settle down again. Don’t tell me that you’re taking it hard that the big boss is going? Juan says it’s not, but he just didn’t expect it. Kike tells Juan not to get mad with him, but Fern might be right, if CL goes he can…..Juan interrupts. I can what? Be the second plate? No! Juan Dominguez Coral de Chichipico is not served for dessert! Kike says it’s the opportunity he’s waited for. Juan won’t hear it. Nothing’s changing just because CL is going. Everyone will head back to their own places, clearly.

Moni explains to Paula that Fern has always been more than a chauffeur to CL. She alludes to the things he knew about CL’s activities that she doesn’t want to be reminded of. What’s more, she thinks she and Juan will get along well and he inspires confidence in her. Paula stands with a blank look but smiles a little and says Juan knows how to give caring. Moni also thinks the interchange will be better for both Paula and her, since it won’t be easy for her to have Juan around after all this. It’ll be Paula’s opportunity for some distance. Fine, Paula replies. You sure? Moni presses her. Yep. Perfect, Moni thinks.

Nidia is in full swing—nobody in her life has humiliated her in such a despicable, contemptible manner. Gutis looks embarrassed and Delirio tries to look puzzled. She chides them for this infantile plan. Delirio begs her, he swears….she cuts him off. What? You’re going to swear to me? Or are you going to tell me that your friend Gutierrez spies on his friends wives just to pass the time? She yells at them and Delirio tries to get her to calm down, he’ll explain. He turns to Gutis, demanding that Gutis tell her that Delirio knew nothing! Gutis won’t do it; he tells Delirio you wanted to know where your wife was going! Nidia looks stricken and puts her hand to her chest. Delirio begs again; he never said a word, it was all Gutis’ idea! They yell simultaneously and Nidia yells that she doesn’t care who had the idea. Gutis yells at Delirio that he told Delirio it wouldn’t work. She warns Delirio—Don Perdador Roncho de Fantoche (using words that sound like Perafán etc.) – loser – that if he doesn’t shape up she will kick him out of her house and her life forever. She snaps her fingers at him for emphasis. He’s impactado.

The elevator opens and an impactada Nidia looks up from the inside to see a VERY tall figure stalking onto it with her. Fern, arms crossed and facing Nidia, greets her—what a miracle! He’s glad to be able to greet an old friend, he says with some sarcasm. Nidia isn’t in the mood and tells him not to begin with her, this isn’t the time or place. He wants to know what’s happening. Is this a way to treat your lover? She tells him that even if they have had something, he has no right to demand explanations, much less raise his voice to her. He tells her to save the drama for her hubby. He’s not just anyone that she can give him a cheap excuse. All Nidia can say is that he’s raising his voice again. He wants an answer. Why is she avoiding him? The elevator opens and in comes Ivonne. She looks at their faces and sweetly asks if she’s interrupting something. They both scowl. No, Fern spits out. Nidia doesn’t speak, and Ivonne studies her face.

CL is packing his office up, complaining to Gaitán that this is the most ridiculous thing he’s done in his life, going to live in Spain. Qué the heck is he going to do in Spain? Pastor points out that a little vacation never hurt anyone. Oh, no, brilliant. He’s risking his business, women (plural!), his life is changing, for what? A vacation in Spain? Pastor struggles to come up with something pithy----well, you’re risking it all….for love! What love? What those two women would love is to burn me with green wood! Pastor begs his forgiveness for contradicting him, but reminds him this is purely for display. The three women, counting Ivonne, are all dying for him. CL leans forward with his sardonic sneer—oh, really? The two principal ones, Monica and Paula, won’t dare to show it but deep down it’s eating them alive. Well, when is Paula going to dare to take the step, CL wants to know. Will it be in this millennium or the next? Pastor blusters that CL has conquered all her resistance. CL can only say “oh, sure.” Pastor continues that she’s weakening and the thread’s about to break! CL asks if it isn’t the case, what am I waiting for? Pastor assures him that he knows human nature and Paula and CL will end up together much sooner than he thinks. CL says it better work out that way, because if it doesn’t and he’s wrong, he’s going to come back and skin Pastor alive. Is Pastor clear on that, CL asks with a smile. Pastor gulps loudly and nods.

CL walks out of his office into the lobby, a box in his hands with his briefcase on top. Ivonne looks up as Pastor follows CL out. CL, always so sure of himself, sighs and turns to Ivonne slightly, then walks by her as Pastor shuts the door and follows him to the elevator. Lobby lizards look on with interest. CL meets Marely coming off the elevator. She asks if he is going now. He replies that he is, and Marely wishes him luck and a good trip. He thanks her and awkwardly asks her to give his farewell to her boss. She tells him she will and excuses herself. The little voice on his shoulder – oops, it’s Pastor – tells him “well done.” CL walks the green mile onto the elevator with his jaw set, nods to Pastor, and the elevator closes.

In the garage, CL has made good time getting off the elevator and coming around by the boys’ station. Garage lizards are shining shoes and reading. Fern jumps up at CL’s “let’s go.” He takes CL’s box and runs to open the trunk. Juan sees CL approaching and thought bubbles that at the end, his sacrifice didn’t serve for anything. CL is really going forever. He and CL face off. Juan is definitely left without the Licenciada. CL comes by him and looks Juan over derisively and Juan continues to thought bubble about where all this has brought them. He’d like to punch the guy, and hard. He wonders what’s going through Paula’s head now. Who will comfort her? Who will sing to that guitar?

Pastor is briefing Moni, Juan’s portrait in its full splendor behind them. He just lacks a few details to the paperwork to liquidate Ivonne. Moni is going to leave him to finish the matter, and not one day more can pass with that woman in this office. He tells her yes, and he’ll see her to the door. Moni tells him not to bother. Oh, yes, there’s one more little change she’d forgotten to tell him. From this moment, Juan is the President’s chauffeur and Fern is the Veep’s. Pastor is impactado and starts to speak….but Moni continues. Is there any problem with it? No, of course not, whatever you require. She sneers a little as she tells him how good it is that he’s clear.

Ivonne is asking Moni why she wants to fire her. Ivonne tells Moni she’s a good secretary and she doesn’t think she’s given any reason to her or CL that she would deserve this. Really, do you want to know why, Ivonne? Yes. It’s simple, Moni tells her. Monica doesn’t want to have a woman who betrays, lies, and then has the nerve to ask not to be fired. Ivonne protests and Moni informs her that she’s aware Ivonne was the lover of CL. Ivonne protests that this is pure office gossip. Moni reminds her that Ivonne came and begged for Moni to not allow CL to fire her, but she could have told Moni then. She just wanted to keep her position and stay close to CL. Moni regrets having served as her advocate. Ivonne tries again and Moni cuts her off. There’s nothing more to say. Oh, yes, there is one more thing. She tells Ivonne to call the employment agency they usually use and send a few candidates to replace her. Ivonne is impactada.

Juan continues to muse that just when he thought nothing worse could happen, it did. We see Moni coming into the garage. She calls him and he snaps up at her orders. She gives him the good news that from now on, Juan is Monica’s chauffeur. He is muy impactado. And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely a coincidence.

Vocabulary

Pasaje de ida – one way ticket (round trip would be de ida y vuelta)

Schoolmarm Jeanne

Labels: Juan

[My VCR recorded only black static last night, so I have only this from memory and a bit of esmas to go by for now, till I double check my daughter's Tivo. Hope I didn't lose much.]

We begin when the daring and defiant Daniela arrives back at the manse with the loyal and ever-regal, legal eagle, Videgaray, just in time to have Elvis come out scolding them for allowing Grammie P to become frightened by their secrecy and the call that she just received from Avellaneda. Pilar comes out then and demands to know what has happened to Rod. She wants the truth and nothin' but!!

Meanwhile, Francisco and Priscilla, both mentally patting themselves on the back for the con they're playing so successfully on each other, start heavy smooching at 80 mph on a narrow two-lane. Frankie doesn't notice the one semi truck passing the other and which are both coming from the opposite direction until it's too late. Darwin's principle of natural selection takes over and two sets of stupid genes are abruptly scrubbed from the gene pool. (We can assume here that little Ricky got the recessive intelligence and the nurturing benevolence genes from Jose's side of the family.)

Priscilla dies immediately, but Frankie hangs on long enough to make it to the hospital. He has been literally boiled in motor oil and regains consciousness only long enough to realize he's dying and mutilated beyond all recognition. In the throws of his agony he mumbles to his mother to forgive him, rolls his one remaining lidless eye, then dies as his half-melted fingers clutch spasmodically at the air in one last, torturous tremor. (Now that, folks, is cosmic justice writ large!)
=============

Across town Dani explains to Pilar that Rod took the blame for everything to ensure that Mariana Franco would not lose her prestigious position with the CRT.

Rod is suffering a bit of claustrophobia in his cell. Later on he starts to breathe deeply as he remembers his and Gavi's little "marriage ritual" by the waterfall. Somewhere along the way he says to himself, as he clings to the bars, that when he finally gets free he'll look for Gavi and explain everything to her. At the same time Gavi is awake on the plane thinking that she never really knew this guy at all and blames herself for having gone looking for him at the airport and then allowing him to sweet-talk her into going off with him for another weekend tryst. She just cannot understand why he played with her feelings like that and says as much to Clarita. Clarita's spot on reply is essentially, "Well, if you'd have made that little call like I told you to, you'd know by now."

Back on terra firma at Montalvo Corporate Offices Aaron demands that Lluvia tell the authorities in her statement that the employees in shipping abused her trust and she merely signed the shipping documents without reading through them. Lluvia defiantly defends the people in shipping and says that would have been an impossibility because of the strict measures that are always taken. Aaron spits and spazzes in frustration 'cuz of course he knows all this and simply doesn't need or want to hear it from a no-account, smart-mouthed, ex-sexratary like her. He warns her that if she doesn't follow the lawyer's and his advice she'll end up in jail.
===============

Isa calls Pilar's from some coffee shop, looking for Rod. Dani answers and doesn't fall for the old-disguise-your-voice-with-a-handkerchief trick. (Damn! The A-team must have been back outside tokin' again, cuz even I couldn't believe they'd resort to a plot device that hackneyed.) Dani recognizes who it is after asking a couple times for the name of the caller.

Daniela tells Isa outright that her brother is otherwise occupied and in jail, paying for a crime he didn't commit, and that she would have loved to tell her future ex-SIL that Rod hadn't backed up her daddy's debt (to get and to keep his sorry rear out of jail) and that it was all a bad dream that Frankie the Fraud hadn't sold their copper sulfate to black marketeers leaving the whole plantation infested with bugs and worms; but it is, in fact, their reality now. So since Rod is totally ruined because of her and that louse of a lover of hers, she can forget asking for anything more from any of them.

Isa confesses then that Frankie left her for one of his lovers, stole her car and took most all her remaining cash, that then she had to sneak out of the hotel without paying the bill and now has nothing for the baby, not even a place to stay. Dani softens up when she hears this and agrees to deposit the monthly stipend Rod arranged for Ricky.

This isn't enough for Isa and she insists she needs the hotel billed paid, too (obviously to keep the cops from throwing her in the calaboose along with Rod). Dani says there isn't enough cash to cover that. Isa will have to make do and solve that problem herself. Isa agrees to call the next day with an account number for the deposit and hangs up.

Jose comes in looking for Isa and the baby and offers to put her up at her place. Isa is amazed that the woman would offer to help a perfect stranger like this but she accepts.

Everyone there in the city except for Patricio (and the incarcerated Rod) comes to Pilar's for the family meeting. Aaron assures his once gullible Grammie that Rod and Mariana Franco are the only ones guilty of criminally doctoring tequila and illicitly shipping it off to foreign ports. He also suggests that either of them probably also knew where to hide their dirty money in order to use it later on when it becomes necessary. Pilar asks Aaron if Mariana had access to that kind of money, how come when he fired her, she was out on the street and practically starving months later. Greed outweighs Minnie's hurt pride and despite the fact she's grimacing next to her adored Aaron, she backs his story.

Pilar tells Aaron that at least, if Rod is guilty, she will recognize that he had the dignity to accept it. She is emphatic in warning Aaron that if she finds out it was actually he who conspired to devise such scandalous and illicit activities now destroying the family, she will never pardon him for it. Minnie stands up for Aaron against Pilar's "partiality". Fedra chimes in with another complaint that Rod's the grandson Pilar's always spoiled and says she's heard enough and is leaving. As they get up to go, Pilar asks Bruno to get to the bottom of this as soon as he can.

Once they are gone, Nestor tells Pilar that he believes Bruno was not privy to any of this. Daniela remarks that Patricio wasn't there and complains that he is just a puppet of Aaron's.

Back at Pat's place, he is explaining to Lluvia that he couldn't face Pilar without breaking down and confessing everything, so he simply stayed away. Lluvia is worried about Rod and Gavi taking the fall for Aaron's rotten schemes and complains to Patricio for always confiding in and counting on Aaron. She tells him she's frightened of having to lie when she gives her statement.

Aaron tells Minnie that as soon as they sentence Rod they'll leave the country since Rod can very easily break at the thought of facing a 20 year jail sentence.

Jose arrives home with Isa and Ricky in her apartment. She offers her the bedroom for the two of them to sleep in and suggests they could stay and live with her. They get to talking and Isa wonders about Jose's family. Jose tells her that she has a son named Pancho but that he comes around very little to see her. She lives there alone. Sure she had some good friends, but they have just recently moved far away.

Later, in Jose's bedroom, Isa thinks about the helping hand Jose has given her, and that she of all people never expected to end up living in the "vecindad" (a barrio, aka, the inner-city).

In London, capital of England, Olavaria hands over the keys of their new, prestigiously posh pad, to Gavi. Clarita practically swoons at the surrounding luxury that was once unimaginable for either of them. Gavi, though, is oblivious to it all and walks out onto her balcony. Staring out at the city she remembers her first trip to London. She says to herself that four years ago she came to London looking for Rodrigo Montalvo, and now that she's back this time around in this city she'll learn to forget him.

Back in Mexico City at the corporate offices, Aaron unceremoniously informs Margarita that he's decided she's done working at the corporation as of that day and must leave at 2 PM sharp. Before he goes back into his office, though, Quintana comes out to tell him he's working on the financial reports for Turquoise Agave that his lawyer and Aaron have asked for. Aaron says he wants them on his desk at 11 AM on the dot and goes back inside his office.

Margarita has obviously learned a thing or two working for the Montalvos and shrewdly asks Quintana for a copy of those financial statements he's working on, saying she needs them as a file copy. He says they're confidential but she persuades him by saying that she better than anybody understands the need for confidentiality with someone like Aaron in charge, and so he agrees to make her a copy for the files.

Across town at the prison Vid tells Rod that Dani gave Aaron the message about his retracting his confession if anything at all happens to Mariana Franco. He is certain that Aaron will not try anything since it doesn't suit his purpose. Rod confesses to Nestor he regrets that he was so cruel to Gavi when breaking off with her, but he had to make sure she would go to London like she had planned. Nestor commiserates and then walks over to open the door and brings in Pilar to speak with him.

Rod is moved to tears and, being in a jail, is compelled to wipe his face and nose on his sleeve like the other hardened criminals there. Pilar just continues to stare with that signature smile of hers frozen in place, not once (to my eternal chagrin) thinking to offer him her hanky. Rod assures Pilar that this was all a trap Aaron had set for him, and he swears that sooner or later he will prove his innocence. He asks her when she goes to speak with Avellaneda to tell him the whole truth concerning Gaviota and him, as it would be unfair to make her come back from London. It would make his sacrifice useless.

At Montalveña James tells Sofia that he will have to settle up with the workers and let them all go since everything is probably lost. She refuses this idea and tells him that the two of them together will fight to come out ahead with the hacienda and what they can save of the agave crop. James can no longer contain himself and he kisses Sofia and she kisses back. He confesses that he still loves her and now feels only a brotherly love towards Acacia. He's worried she still feels something for her ex, but Sofia admits that she has no feelings for Frankie and tells him that "that curse is now Isa's problem."

Sofia, who has had an epiphany somewhere during this tragedy, says she's very happy together with James, working side by side at the hacienda with him. They remember the old days in London when they were short for cash a lot of the time and the silly things they did to get by.

Back in the barrio, Isa explains to Jose that a smooth-talking playboy stole her car and she is planning to make a complaint to the police. It seems that Jose apparently took care of the hotel bill for Isa somewhere along the line. Jose agrees that this man should be punished for what he's done to Isa. Isa is moved and says that once the police get her car back she'll sell it and repay everything.

Just then Isa gets a call on her cell from the police asking about her car's license plate numbers. When she says those are her car's they ask her if she knows a Francisco de la Vega. Isa tells the caller that of course she knows the name Francisco de la Vega then she, impactada, tells Jose that the father of her child is dead.

Isa explains to Jose that Francisco de la Vega is the father of her child and there was a car accident, that his lover died at the site of the accident and that he died a bit later at the Red Cross. Jose chokes out a scream of horror at the news and her eyes fill with tears. Isa gets confused at Jose's extreme reaction, and is wide-eyed impactada when Jose, trembling from the shock of this news, screams in a shrill, piercing voice that Francisco de la Vega is her son.

Labels: Destilando

Permalink posted by Jardinera654 @ 12:31 PM 36 comments

This is Part 1, the first hour. I posted the second hour in a separate post. Enjoy!

Poor Marely, she’s always covering for someone, and as we open tonight she’s covering for Paula who Marely tells CL she supposes is not feeling well -- for the second day in a row. CL thinks it’s such a shame things have come to this, doesn’t Marely agree? He insinuates there’s something serious here. Marely, good sis and assistant that she is, gives him no face and no clue if he’s on track. Marely dials Paula and fills her in fast because she’s worried. CL was very strange. Why? Paula wants to know. Marely can’t say for sure, but anyway, he asked how you are. Paula says she’s better. Marely assures Paula that she has everything under control and will call her if anything urgent pops up. Paula thanks her and Marely tells her it’s nothing, and we’ll be in touch.

Ivonne slinks into Pastor’s office and closes all the blinds. Apparently, she’s the only one at Farell who knows how they work. Pastor chuckles about playing hide and go seek. Ivonne tells he there’s serious gossip to share here, the gossip of the year. “Don’t tell me!” Pastor replies cynically. Let me guess. They reduced the price on those blue shoes you saw the other day. She chides him, disgusted—it’s very, but very, interesting! It seems that cretin (taradada) Paula wasn’t sick, she tried to kill herself. Pastor is impactado. He wants to know how she knows. She won’t admit to how she knows, but she was listening. Pastor thinks his plan for CL is working well, he’s a genius. Ivonne tips her hat to him, he’s totally on target. Pastor tells Ivonne this is the act of a desperate woman, they cut their veins, take insecticide (you gotta be kidding us, Pastor), throw themselves off a bridge. So little elegance, so ridiculous. Ivonne says she’d never be so dumb. Pastor scoffs. Then he tells her they have to put the Lic aside and talk about something serious. He tells her she’s going to be fired. What, again? He tells her it’s Monica who wants you out of here.

CL is irritated with Moni, and wants to know what’s the rush, is she bothered? She taps her fingers and tells him she wants to assume the Presidency of Farell ASAP. She doesn’t see anything odd about it, she wants to plan, get some new projects started. CL tells her he knows she’s just a slave to the company, and her problem is that he hasn’t given a specific date. Well, she retorts, at least give an approximate date—a year, a month, a few days. CL asks how about a week? It’s clearer. She confronts him: why a whole week? I thought you were in a hurry?

Pastor is still explaining the situation to Ivonne. This time there’s nothing we can do. I’ve been told to get the paperwork done. He recommends that she get herself the best possible parting gifts. She tells him she’s not going to ask for anything. Pastor reminds her she’s worked in Farell a long time and that she should….Ivonne cuts him off. She just wants to go to Spain with CL. Pastor breaks the news that Spain is a ruse, with the goal of getting Paula back to CL. She argues with Pastor, and he tells Ivonne not to dream. She can’t believe it, but Pastor points out that CL set the trap and Paula fell into it, that’s why she did what she did. He tells Ivonne she’s the one who’s going to lose forever. Monica strides in (who heard the door open?) and greets them, without any trace of a smile in her “good day” message. Ivonne tries to smile, but Moni won’t go there. She asks for a moment with Pastor and Ivonne gets out fast.

Paula is home when Juan comes to visit. He wants to know how she is, and if she’s doing better. He’s brought sweet bread. They exchange chitchat, and Paula gives him a huge smile. She wants to know about CL, though. He confesses that he told CL the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, that Paula tried to kill herself. He did it so Paula and CL would have a free road. She erupts, how could he have told CL this lie? He’s confused; it was no lie. She yells that she didn’t try to commit suicide--she was taking a sedative and drank when she wasn’t supposed to. It was an accident. It’s bad enough that he believed this of her, but then he told this fool CL. He yells back that everyone thought she was trying to kill herself. She never told him anything and he told CL to help her out. She yells that what works for her is her decision and she never wanted him to intervene. He yells back that he was worried. Paula yells that this was stupid, and he retorts it wasn’t stupid, it was for love, so she could be happy with the man she loves. She yells that it’s her life and he shouldn’t meddle and decide for her. She tells Juan she never wants to see him again; he’s abused her trust. (Like CL appearing at the end of the epi and everyone impactado, it seems like we have heard this line before. Are the writers on strike in Mexico? Are they recycling scripts?) She tells him to get out of her house. Juan goes. Paula cries.

Moni tells Pastor how it’s gonna be at Farell. She wants them to hurry with several changes at Farell. She wants to revise the organizational chart (organigrama) and she thinks it’s worth the effort to reorganize the four directors’ roles. Pastor tells her whatever she wants. She continues that CL is going away more quickly than she expected and she wants everything ready very quickly. Pastor says whatever she wants, but first there’s something he wants to comment on that he thinks will interest her. Monica wants to know what they are talking about. About Paula Dávila. What about her? Did you know she tried to kill herself? Monica wants to know where he came up with this nonsense. Pastor plays with his fingers (but doesn’t make eye contact) and says he’s no saint, but he had a good source.

At Casa Cachón, Yadi drags her new spouse into the living room (she’s always the height of fashion, tonight with a black mini-falda and jacket, tight white top, and silver mid-calf boots with white knee sox. I guess she’s gotta wear it while she can before the maternity clothes.) She wants to know what Kike found out. Yeah, that I’m one beer short of a six-pack! (güey, an ox or worse, from my Mexican Slang dictionary and a website explaining the word—he’s the biggest ox in the world). Yadi fusses at him; why can’t he ask a simple question? Kike retorts he asked where he had no business and got mixed up in a mess. Yeah, but what did he tell you, Yadira asks. Kike wants to know what it is she doesn’t get here. Yadi mocks how he must have asked. (Actually, she has it down pretty well). She yells at him for being an idiot and pops him one on the arm. He yelps and tells her not to hit him. Nidia comes in and wonders qué the heck? Yadi pretends the kiss Kike, who plays along. Nidia’s friend just smiles stupidly and Nidia tells them to lower their voices because it’s bad manners. She and her friend have some things to do out and they’ll be back in a while. Yadi sarcastically says how nice, you advised us that you’re going and everything. Nidia tells Yadi and Kike that if anyone asks, she’s going here and there….excuse me. Her friend just keeps that smile pasted on. They all say their farewells while Yadi clings to Kike…until Nidia and her friend are gone, when she slaps him away and he yelps again (spousal abuse, if you ask me).

Paula is sitting cross-legged on the edge of her bed, close to falling off, fussing into the phone. She’s yelling about what a gossip he was. Marely’s at the other end in Paula’s office, trying to assure Paula in her best calming voice that Juan had no bad intentions. Everyone thought the same thing, that she had tried to kill herself. Paula acknowledges her culpability because she didn’t bother to clarify for everyone, but that’s no excuse for Juan. Marely wants to know what he said by way of explanation. Paula yells that he said he wanted to help for her own good, he loves her, etc. She grimaces. Marely asks if she still thinks he did it in bad faith. Nope, on the contrary, Marely thinks he’s the most noble man who exists on this earth. Paula retorts he’s also the most dim-witted and meddling. She hates him. Marely, the voice of reason as always, tells her to calm down, she knows Juan did something bad, but don’t forget that you owe your life to him. He took you to the hospital and prayed to God to save you. Do you really think this guy wants to do you dirt? He wasn’t separated from you for a single moment all night! Marely tells Paula that Juan doesn’t care if she goes with CL, as long as she’s all right. Paula retorts that no one asked him to do all that, and he promised to keep this incident to themselves, like Marely has done. Marely wants Paula to put herself into Juan’s shoes. Just think, loving you as much as he does, he’s letting you go. And, you know what? It can’t have been easy for him. His attitude just shows the love he has for you. Paula isn’t going with the program here.

Juan walks outside and thought bubbles about this turn of events. How could have known that the Lic Paula was taking things that could have turned bad? Despite the sacrifices he’s made, he can’t understand why life is treating him this way. His heart is empty, without love. His Palomita won’t be for him; he’s accepted that since the moment he spoke with CL. But, her contempt was something he didn’t expect. Juan is about as downcast as we’ve ever seen the poor boy.

In CL’s office, the boys are considering the situation. CL asks Pastor “What, you already know?” Pastor says it wasn’t too secret. CL blames Ivonne for having a big mouth. Pastor tells CL not to blame her, but this information changes all the plans. CL has to be honest, he’s not yet absorbed what all has happened. They muse about all this; it’s time to close the circle and Pastor thinks it’s a clear message from Paula [Ed. Note: Pastor better not quit his day job; he’s not a good analyst for female behavior.] He doesn’t want it to get lost in the shuffle (pasar por alto). Pastor speculates that their strategy has conquered her. CL wants to know what Pastor means by closing the circle. Pastor theorizes that now it’s time to chase after his prey, to close in on her and bring her down.

As Juan approaches, Kike is sitting outside looking bemused. Kike’s so happy to see a friendly face in this house. He gives Juan a high five. Juan’s face doesn’t look so friendly, though. He’d like to say the same to Kike, but he can’t. Nothing’s making him happy. Juan philosophizes about how bad life is. Kike empathizes; he’s utterly fed up with Yadira (estar hasta la coronilla (de) - to be utterly fed up (with), which actually looks like I’m up to the crown of my head). Juan thinks he should be happy. Kike is worried because this sounds like Juan’s heart is breaking again. Juan can only shake his head miserably.

Our questionable heroine rushes to answer the doorbell at home. GUESS WHO, folks?? Oh, you’re all so clever, of course you got it right! It’s CL for his usual visit to Paula to irritate her. That’s all she needed. He wants to know if they can talk. Well, of COURSE we can talk, she informs him with mild sarcasm, because she needs to explain to him. He wants to know why she committed such an insane act. Paula shakes her head disgustedly as we cut to commercial.

Amanda was right. CL’s always showing up in time for a break.

CL and Paula finally get away from the door and into the living room as she storms around accusing him of being high-handed, arrogant (prepotente). [Ya think?] She yells that he thinks she’s crazy because of her love for him. It’s not the case. He tells her she was bad off, depressed on his account, his indifference. He says he drove her to a decision that could have cost her life. She retorts that even if it was the case, what’s the difference between her being dead or alive? Everything, he responds! He couldn’t imagine losing her. That terrified him. That’s why he came. He’s canceling his trip to be with her. [Well, we did wonder how he was going to weasel out of the trip, didn’t we?] It’s not for pity, it’s for love. She yells at him and punctuates it by informing him she never intended to take her own life. What? It was a mistake! CL is impactado.

Kike invites Juan to go out for some good, cold beers (frías). Juan doesn’t think so. Yadi will get mad. What does Kike care? She left him during the honeymoon and spoiled it. He waxes eloquent about the lovely beach, etc. And he had to leave it all-why? So the little girl wouldn’t be angry. Now she’s just yelling and pounding, pounding, pounding him. Kike punctuates by pounding one hand on the other. It’s not worth it. Let’s go! Juan gives in, cheering up a little, muttering about it. As they walk off together, Yadi’s screech skids them to a halt and Kike looks up to see her hanging out the window. Juan turns his attention to catching invisible bugs along the hedge. Yadi wants to know donde the heck he thinks he’s going. To the street, can’t she see? He retorts sarcastically. Nope, sir, you’re not going out while I’m locked up here. Kike lets her have it with both barrels; he’s not going to spend his days letting her spoil everything with her bad treatment. Period. We see Juan’s face leaning over the flowers, as he holds his head like it’s aching and his face screws up in a grimace. Behind him the scene of Kike chewing Yadi out while she tries to chew him out unfolds….He calls to Juan to come along, and Yadi yells while Juan wishes her farewell. Yadi can’t believe he would defy her like this. She screams both their names.

Paula explains so CL won’t have any misconceptions that she was taking sedatives and drank when she shouldn’t have. He doesn’t believe her. They fuss and she looks like she’s caving a little when he gets on his knees, takes her chin in his hand, and tells her ever so sincerely how much he loves her. Hablablablablabla. He wants her back and begs her to tell him she will. It’s just that easy, a single word. She jumps up from the sofa—well, nope. You know why? Because I don’t believe a single word you’re saying. Why? You have the nerve to ask me that, she rejoins. She reminds him of all the lies. He tries to convince her and she won’t be convinced. She tells him it’s better if they’re not together; he disagrees, it’s not better for him. She reiterates that there’s no way this is going anywhere and he might as well go quietly off to Spain. He doesn’t believe her, but she says she doesn’t care, she doesn’t want to see him again. He wonders if she’s sure, and she responds that she is. CL says he won’t ask again. She doesn’t understand what this means; he’s never had to beg a woman. He wishes her luck and storms out while Paula cries.

Geez, Louise, what have we here?? Nidia is helping Anga out at the market? They’re doing some calculations. She tells him to hold on, she’s not a magician. She’s impressed with the money he earns and Anga tells her he’s grateful for it but it requires hard work first. Nidia’s also impressed with his drive. He points out that years before it wasn’t enough for her to stay with him rather than go with Samuel Cachón. She acknowledges she committed an error. He smiles at her lovingly.

Meanwhile, the husband whose territory is being horned in on by Anga and Fern is shuffling papers in the dungeon of Farell with his trusty sidekick, Gutis. Perafán wants to know if he doesn’t have anything to do in this life. Gutis looks up from the newspaper and says he has lots of free time on his hands now. Delirio makes a crack and Gutis tells him that Gutis is thinking of a solution for Delirio’s problem. Delirio may not believe it but Gutis has a wonderful idea. Delirio’s all ears. Well, they both need cash (efectivo) and Delirio needs some self-esteem because his is on the floor. Delirio needs someone to spy on his wife like a pro. Delirio doesn’t like it. Gutis says he needs some real proof that will help him get a divorce. Delirio REALLY doesn’t like it. Gutis works on him to see why he needs to be divorced and get some of that fortune he made sure Nidia got…..after all, he’s the offended spouse.

Speaking of the guys who are horning in on Delirio’s territory, Nidia and Anga are still talking about life. Anga wants to know about why she married that…..husband she has now. She says she was a blockhead and there were circumstances she didn’t anticipate. Anga wonders if she was afraid of ending up alone. Well, yes, Nidia tells him. She explains that she thought at this stage finding love would be impossible, and this would give her some company. That’s her sad story. He doesn’t understand because she’s always been strong and in charge of her life. She tries to shrug it off; she’s lived from mistake to mistake. He tells her not to talk like her life is over. He asks her why doesn’t she rid herself of this mess (mamarracho) and come to live with him?

Speaking of Nidia’s mess, Delirio tells Gutis he’s just not sure about this plan. When Nidia gets wind of it…..Gutis says it will just require good planning. Delirio tells him that in spite of everything, he actually adores this woman. Gutis thinks that’s the last straw. He thinks his proposal is the best Delirio can do.

Anga escorts Nidia through the store. Nidia tells him he’s crazy; she can’t separate like that. Anga wonders what’s stopping her. She lists the things: her house, her daughters….Alirio. Anga reminds her the girls are grown up, and she just has to explain to Alirio, he’ll understand eventually. Nidia doesn’t think so. Anga offers to tell him. That’s worse. Anga wonders what she’s afraid of—changing her life? Losing that man? Or making a mistake with me? She tells him he might not believe it but yes, she’s afraid of many things. She hedges, and Anga wants to know if her marriage is really bad or not. She tells him she just cannot, period.

Kike leads the way to some cold brewskis and taps the waiter on the shoulder to make his order [oh, they probably don’t have those in Mexico, do they? They just have cervezas and frías]. The boys find a table. Kike talks about his complaints about Yadira and Juan’s troubles with Paula. Juan tells Kike that nothing is going well for him. Juan thinks there’s no reason for him to be in this world and Kike hushes him; he can’t do what the Lic did. Juan tells Kike he meddled to the fourth degree, no, to the eighth. He explains what Paula had told him about not intending to kill herself—it was confused, and he was a blockhead and spilled the beans to CL. Kike thinks he needed to keep his mouth shut (when will he learn?) but Juan retorts that he did what he should because he’s a man in love. But Paula didn’t see it that way. She kicked him out of her house, her life.

Paula is crying as she talks to the teddy bear. Juan, why did you betray my trust? She jerks the bear and throws it to the floor in her bedroom. The phone rings and she ignores it, crying.

Nidia puts her hands on Anga’s shoulders and asks why he wants to complicate her life. Why can’t they live their relationship like this? They can enjoy without taking the risks. What? Anga wants to know if she just wants him as a lover. [Is it just me, or is Anga not exactly the picture of the telenovio?] She bites her lip and tells him “well, well, ….. yes.” He tells her that the problem is that’s not going to please him. She tells him he has to take it or leave it. He tells her he’s waited all his life for her and loved her. She tells him she doesn’t want to go fast, because of her history of bad experiences.

Marely’s found her way to the garage to ask Fern if Juan has returned. Fern tells her no, but the last time Fern saw him, Juan was in the doldrums (de capa caída). Marely says she imagines so. All Juan gets is insults…..he’s the most lovely man she’s ever known. Fern tells her that, or the most stupid. They say their goodbyes, but Fern tells her if she needs a friend to talk to, call him. She thanks him and gives him a hug.

Moni and Laura are talking about how ridiculous Paula is, playing the dramatic Juliet without CL’s Romeo. Moni is only worried that Paula and CL are birds of a feather and he’ll be moved by the drama. Laura tells Moni if CL has a lick of sense he’ll run from this crazy woman. Moni thinks his vanity will be totally flattered by this. They speculate on the Paula situation. Monica is worried that this woman will do whatever it takes to get her man. Laura points out that a suicide attempt demonstrates the bad stuff going on in the woman’s head. Laura asks if Moni would do something like that because of a man. Moni nibbles on fruit in a martini glass and looks shocked; of course she wouldn’t. No matter how enamored she was. She asks Laura the same question. No, Laura responds, how could you think that? Moni would love to know what’s up with CL at the moment. They dissect it some more and Moni says she thinks this is a really big gamble on Paula’s part. Laura shrugs.

The bell is ringing in CL’s dimmed apartment as CL downs his usual glass of booze. He thinks it’s Paula and rushes to the door. What do you know? It’s Ivonne. Surprise. He lets her in and rubs his forehead. What? You expected someone else? Ivonne wants to know. He’s already back in his seat as she finishes letting herself in and closing the door. She invites herself to join him in a drink and makes herself at home, coming over to sit on the arm of his chair, clinking his glass—“salud.” He looks irritated. Apparently, this doesn’t meet his criteria for getting lucky tonight.

Paula is still crying into her pillow when Ana arrives home. It’s dark outside the window, and Paula’s room is dim. Ana worries about her. What are these tears? Ana says she called and no one responded, so she was anxious. Paula replies that at least she was able to sleep. She’s realized no man is worth the trouble. Ana hugs her.

Kike tries to reason with Juan about his relationship with Paula as they drink their beer. Kike thinks he’s always been able to reconnect, but Juan says this is the end. He really hurts. [In the background, we see Kike’s mother-in-law being manhandled affectionately by Angarita; the boys must be in the market area restaurant or the telenovela rule about the world being a small place kicked in—that’s how it is, folks. In the D. F., which has millions of people, there are only a few restaurants and bars.] Kike tells Juan to look who just arrived. The boys are impactados as Anga lovingly caresses Nidia!

That maid who has no name and no regular hours serves Yadi’s dinner. She calls Yadi Srta., and Yadi corrects her. Alirio shows up for supper, as always. He wants to know if she knows anything about her Mami. Yadi pours lots of ketchup on her French fries, apparently that’s the extent of her dinner. “She’s not here.” “Yes, I can see she’s not here.” He wants to know donde the heck she is. They exchange veiled barbs, and Yadi tells him to ask Gladys. He wants to know why Gladys? Well, she left with Gladys, that’s why. Delirio wants to know if Yadi has Gladys’ telephone number? Nope. He’s frustrated. He sees the fries and wants to know if Nidia left food. Nope. So, what’s that you’re eating? She picks up the plate and shows him the fries. “With ketchup?” “No, with caramel.” She smirks at him a little and he laughs sarcastically at her put-down. She offers him some and he tells her not to bother. Oh, my, what a civil conversation. He’s going to find this Gladys’ phone number, to find out where the lady of the house is. Yadi pours on more ketchup and tells him that the two went off partying, and when they do that, they lose all track of time. Delirio gets disgusted and mumbles at her as he leaves. Yadi keeps munching with her eyes closed in rapture.

Nidia entertains Anga, who looks annoyed, Kike, and Juan. The world is funny. She explains to the boys about the Coincidences of the Day. She was getting a taxi and came upon Anga, who invited her for a beer. Kike looks skeptical. And she’s so glad they came on Kike and Juan, because she’s going to be late getting home and with the bad stories one hears about ladies out late….Hablablablablabla. Anga’s earlier loving looks have mutated to irritation. He tells Nidia he never thought to leave her alone. He would be delighted to accompany her home. Kike and Juan watch the interchange with interest. Anga grins widely at nailing Nidia with this offer of taking her home. She thanks the Sr. Calvo. Anga asks what’s up with this Sr. Calvo stuff? You spent the whole day calling me Angarita. He smiles some more. Nidia giggles, how funny! She looks at Juan to scope out his reaction. She makes a remark about how that sounds like many years they’ve known each other. He smiles and asks if that isn’t the case? She hedges and calls him Sr. Calvo again, giggling nervously, and telling him how funny it is. Anga gets serious and tells her that Juan and Kike aren’t fools, so drop the drama. She grits her teeth and mumbles through them to try to get him to shut up, “what are you saying?” He proceeds to tell the boys that the story about them meeting by chance is a lie, and they wanted to see each other, period. Nidia gives Anga her very best stink eye, but he’s immune. Kike smiles nervously; she’s nailed. Nidia looks toward Juan, maybe more worried about disillusioning him than her son-in-law. She smiles a little and grimaces.

Delirio is on the phone in the bedroom, holding a book in his other hand. He’s found Gladys, and she wants to know who is calling. He explains he’s Nidia’s husband and Gladys bolts up from the sofa. She regroups and asks how he is. He is fine, and by the way, is Nidia Estela there? Nope. Well, but you two left together, right? Gladys regroups and says they were, and what?? Hasn’t she arrived home? She just left a while ago. No, Delirio tells her, and he wants to know when Nidia left. She hedges and “can’t remember” but has something happened? Delirio tells her no, nothing’s happened, and not to worry. He tells her Nidia will be along any time, and he hears someone knocking, so it must be her now. He says his goodbyes and gets off the phone. Delirio throws the book and storms around the room, growling.

Ivonne and CL are watching the tele, still fully dressed, each occupying an opposite edge of the king-size bed. CL is lamenting that poor Paula denied it, but she wanted to die for him. Ivonne tells him it’s simple, the supposed suicide was a symbolic act. That was her way of definitively renouncing his love. He sarcastically asks if she couldn’t be a little more direct. They analyze the situation. CL doesn’t believe Paula could stop loving him. [Arrogant son of a buck.] He keeps analyzing and Ivonne basically tells him to shut it so she can watch her program. He doesn’t shut it; he says Paula looked so convincing. He mouths some words while Ivonne sighs with disgust.

Ana and Paula sit on Paula’s bed and Ana says she feels responsible. She didn’t explain to Juan that it was an accident. Paula doesn’t want her to feel guilty since she had begged Juan not to talk about the incident. She tells her mother that CL wants back with her out of pity, and he’s thinking she’s nuts (bad in the head). Ana reminds Paula what’s done is done. Paula won’t be comforted; she wants it all to be over with.

Ivonne and CL are still where we left them, watching the tele and talking. Ivonne asks if he knows that Monica wants her out of the company. CL wants to know who told her that. Ivonne tells him Pastor told her. CL actually makes eye contact—“really?” Yep, my days at Farell are numbered. Huy! She asks what he thinks. CL offers her no support—yep, Pastor is right, you better start looking. She tell him there are other plans. “Really?” “Yep, I’m going to live in Spain.” He smiles and tells her she surprises him more every day. She tells him they’ll go together and he tells her nope, he’s going alone. She’s staying. She gapes at him, totally irritated.

Marely is at her favorite window in her shorty jammies, checking for Juan’s return, as Yadi, in her shorty jammies, sneaks in and says “don’t tell me, you’re waiting for Juan.” She’s waiting for Kike and they’ll just see what time the boys return. If they do. Marely says they just got home and leaves the room, with Yadi trailing.

The boys and Nidia come in the door. “Home, sweet home,” she waxes eloquent. There’s no place like home. When one’s away from home all day, the only thing one wants to do is get home, right? [Who DOES she think she’s fooling?] They chat about the serenity in the place. Juan wishes her a good rest and kisses her cheek. Kike tries to excuse himself, too, and Nidia makes them wait. She says there’s something they need to discuss. The boys act like there isn’t an elephant in the hall. Kike says they should leave it for another day. Nope. She appreciates all their efforts that she won’t feel any worse, but she feels it and they will talk about it once and for all. The girls peek around the landing. Nidia drags the boys into the office to talk. The girls peek again as they disappear into the office. Nidia persuades the boys to sit. She gets to the point (al grano). She imagines they’d like an explanation of her presence in that place. In Anga’s company. Juan protests, it’s not necessary, it’s the most normal thing in the world. Right Kike? Right. Nidia starts again. It’s not normal for her. For her, it was shameful that the boys had seen her in a situation that was so …. Um…. Compromising. Juan assures her that her private life is hers. Right, Kike? Right. She interrupts again. But she feels the need to explain. They’re both family, after all. She tries to tell them that nothing happened between her and Anga. They share a look, and Juan raises one eyebrow at Kike, then they try to look like they believe her. She explains how she’s encountered him on more than one occasion and flirted. It really meant nothing to her, because her feelings weren’t involved. She asks if Juan will excuse her frankness. Juan and Kike share a skeptical look again. She explains she’s known their boss, Anga, for many years. [No kidding!] She tells them with him, everything is different. The boys share a slightly impactado look. Then she confesses that this is the love (man) of her life. We see the boys stand slowly in unison and hear their jaws hit the floor in harmony as they share a LOOK. She tells them how she lost him because of Samuel and the boys cross themselves, may he rest in peace. The girls have their ears glued to the door with a very strange look on Marely’s face. She asks Yadi what she hears. Yadi hears nothing. Marely thinks they ought to get out of there, it’s ugly to spy on Mami. Yadi wants to stay, and does, as Marely takes off to sleep.

Nidia wants to know if the boys understand. Yep, sure, Juan tells her and taps Kike so he’ll agree. She begs them not to tell the girls and much less Don Alirio de Perafán Rocha y etc. They won’t understand and it’ll just cause unnecessary suffering. Juan assures her there’s no worry, they are a pair of tombs. He taps Kike again for agreement. That’s what Nidia hoped for. She stands and the boys pop up respectfully. Nidia bids them good night and they dutifully bid her a good night, in unison. She grasps Juan’s muscled arm and sighs a little as she thanks them for their …. Um…. Understanding. She goes out, leaving Yadi to scramble out of sight.

Kike rubs his head and wonders aloud to Juan if Juan understood all she told them and does it mean that Alirio is getting cuckolded? Juan understood what she said, but he can’t believe that. Juan warns him not a single word to anyone and reminds him that he knows Kike tends to let his jaws flap. Kike looks sheepish and agrees to keep quiet—he zips his mouth shut. He “opens it up again” and says but he can’t believe it and with no less than Don Angarita—and zips his mouth again. Juan gives him an eyebrow raise. Kike unzips again and says “poor Don Alirio.” He’s got the title and all….Kike zips again. Juan muses that Don Anga is a well-established guy, too, right? Kike unzips again – “and he’s rolling in dough, right?” Juan laughs about Perafán. Kike zips again and gestures—he’s done.

Speaking of the King of Rome, he’s in his jammies and robe in bed waiting for his errant wife. He accosts her when she creaks the door open—“And where was the Sra., if one might know?” Nidia goes on the offensive—once again the same refrain. What if I went to the disco, or what? Every day with the questions. He wants to know where she was. She looks a little worried as she gives him her back and slinks off to the bathroom muttering “out there.” He yells again, asking about the disco. She tells him she was with Gladys, and don’t bother her. Alirio tells her how strange, it seems that Gladys has lost her memory. Nidia, on the other side of the bathroom door, looks really worried and asks why? He reports that he called Gladys at home and she said she wasn’t with Nidia. Nidia breathes out deeply and says nothing.

And we are reminded that any similarity to real life is pure coincidence.

Part 2 to come.

Vocabulary

Taradada – cretin, idiot
Organigrama – flow chart
Pasar por alto – get lost in the shuffle
Estar hasta la coronilla (de) - to be utterly fed up (with), which actually looks like I’m up to the crown of my head
Prepotente – high-handed, arrogant
Frías – cold beers
Efectivo – cash
Mamarracho – mess
De capa caída – in the doldrums
Al grano – to the point (to the grain)

Schoolmarm Jeanne

Labels: Juan

Hour #1 - repeat of episode that aired Nov. 2, 2007 (CAT FIGHT! DOG FIGHT! CAT/DOG FIGHT!)

Hour #2 - repeat of episode that aired Nov. 15, 2007 (when Rod and Gavi are away, Aaron becomes a menace)

of the plethora of Pasion promos, the one that really caught my attention was the one that announced Univision's christmas gift -- Pasion starting Dec. 4.

And since I didn't have to do any recaps, here are some ironic coincidences I have noticed about pirates:
1. Disney will be releasing Pirate of the Caribbean 3 on DVD on Dec. 4
2. Univision will start to air Pasion on Dec. 4.
3. During the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, Sarah Brightman was aboard the float the Holly Jolly ship, with a pirate crew and she was wearing a costume that looked really similar to FC's pirate costume in Pasion.
4. And how funny is it that Univision's computer animated self-promo for Thanksgiving would be a flock of pilgrim turkeys on a ship that crash lands on Univision Plymouth Rock.


Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! :)

Labels: Destilando, Pasion

I think I lost count of the episode #'s at one point, so if I'm off let me know!

Leftovers: Mauricio promises to make Azul and Diego suffer and gives his best Jack-Nicholson-in-The-Shining smile. Arnaldo asks GSD to lie about his whereabouts the night before. Tavo comforts Lidia about Clemencia's impending death (since she can't go more than a day without somebody upsetting her). Silvana has started using Lidia's hairdresser. Oh, and Gloria embarrassed her at Top Model school. Mauricio comes over to visit the Morans.

Casa Moran: Mauricio says that as much as he hates coming over when Clemencia's sick and all, he's come to ask for her help.

Ceci's place: The camerapeople are having a grand old time filming with various objects getting into the frame, like poles or shutters, or window frames. I guess it's supposed to be artistic, but I just think it looks weird. Anyway, in this shot there's a pole in the middle of the screen, while on the left, Azul tells Diego they've got to cut their lovefest short since Arnaldo's coming over. Azul says she feels guilty for meeting Diego like this, but Diego reminds her of how Mauricio tangled them in his web. Then they smush faces and talk about how much they want each other.

Casa Moran: Mauricio cries about how his woman done him wrong. Clemencia says she tried to talk to both Diego and Azul, but they won't stop seeing each other. She says she doesn't know what Azul is playing at, but she must have been in on the kidnapping plot or she wouldn't have defended Diego to the police. Mauricio's so upset, Clemencia hugs him. I can't tell if he's genuinely upset or not. I know it's all part of his evil plan, but except for the "poor me" part, he seems genuinely upset. Oh, wait, then he smiles. Apparently this is all part of his plan, but I'm not sure how Clemencia's sympathy is going to help him.

Julio's Boutique and Love Nest: Ceci whines to Julio about her headache, stomachache, etc. Julio's all "yeah, you've got a bad hangover, so what?" He sends her home, though, and says it's the "last" time. Then he gripes her out for being this way on her first day of Top Model school. He tells her to really think about what she wants to do with her life. He looks like he's sewing up a piece of bright red lacy lingerie. I didn't know that was part of the Julio Corso fall collection.

Casa G&I&S: Isela comes home, shouting for Gloria and asking how it went at "their" daughter's first day at Top Model school. Well, Isela, little Silvana played well with others, but Mami Gloria talks too much and doesn't follow rules. Isela bumps into the chest of drawers, which knocks over Gloria's purse. The card from that morning's flower delivery falls out and as Isela's picking everything up and laughing that she knows the truth about Gloria's "secret admirer" Gloria walks in and gets defensive.

Casa Moran: Clemencia apologizes to Mauricio on Diego's behalf. Clemencia says her son's a good boy who wouldn't be doing all this if it wasn't for Azul. Wasn't this the woman talking about equal rights a few months ago, and now she's going to blame it all on the woman instead of acknowledging that perhaps her own son has made some bad decisions? Mauricio slips in the idea that Diego was working for Eva's criminal organization (which he allegedly heard from Azul). Clemencia gets really upset now. Mauricio says Diego and Azul are committing a crime with what they're doing to him and that they know he's got an incurable illness. Clemencia's surprised to hear this. Mauricio says that just that afternoon, Diego and Azul got together, even knowing he's a walking dead man. Clemencia continues to comfort him. They both cry and Clemencia says Mauricio shouldn't put up with this humiliation. Mauricio says he's doing it for his daughter, so she won't be without a mother again. He says Clemencia knows what one is capable of when it comes to one's children. He can't forgive Azul for telling his daughter she'd be a mother to her. Clemencia says the best thing would be for Azul not to be anyone's mother because she'd have to be downright evil to behave the way she's been behaving. She advises Mauricio to get Azul away from him the way she's going to get Diego away from her. Clemencia's having a hard time breathing and keeps clutching her chest. Mauricio apologizes for upsetting her, but he says he's got one more favor to ask.

Emilia's: While Caty plays over in a corner, GSD sits across from Emilia at her desk rejoicing in Arnaldo's apparent team-switching. Emilia tries to explain that he shouldn't be so happy--some gay men sleep with women for years, but it doesn't mean they're not gay. GSD is confused, but Emilia tells him to let Arnaldo live his life and quit paying so much attention to who he's sleeping with. For a smart guy, GSD's pretty stupid sometimes.

Outside Casa Moran: Silvana runs into Mauricio as he's leaving. He says Clemencia asked him to come over, but Silvana's not buying it and reminds Mauricio that Clemencia's not well. Mauricio says he doesn't owe Silvana any explanations and then leaves.

Casa Ceci: Arnaldo tells Azul he's made the worst mistake of his life. He fills her in on the events of the night before, saying that he can't remember anything and they had a lot to drink. He feels terrible, since he's not into girls, and he figures being drunk is the only way he could have been with one. Ceci walks in and they all look awkwardly at each other.

Casa Moran: Clemencia, Silvana, and Lidia are conferencing. Lidia's saying "I told you so," that she knew Azul was a gold-digger, who only wanted Mauricio for her "gastos" and Diego for her "gustos" (gastos=expenses; gustos=desires). Takes one to know one, eh? Clemencia's convinced Azul must have done something to turn Diego into a "titere" in her hands (a puppet). Silvana tells Clemencia not to be so hard on Diego, but don't worry, Clemencia's convinced it's all Azul's fault. Clemencia can't imagine how Diego ever got interested in Azul, since he had Silvana at his side. Silvana smiles smugly (say that 10 times). When we come back from commercials, Silvana encourages Clemencia to talk to Diego and find out his reasons for doing what he's doing. Clemencia brings up how horrible it is to do this to a dying man, which is news to Silvana.

Mauricio's office: Mauricio congratulates himself on getting Clemencia on his side. Andres doubts that even her tears will separate Diego from Azul, but that wasn't really Mauricio's plan. He was hoping the news would give Clemencia a heart attack and kill her. Unfortunately, Clemencia wasn't completely surprised, so her death may have to come on more slowly. He says Andres is responsible for phase 2 of his plan and starts giving him instructions. Oh, no, he's already a tialoving abuelokiller, let's not turn him into a mamikiller as well!

Casa E&G: Ivan's doing better. His guy in Prague came back to Mexico with an envelope of papers from Eva for Ivan. He's going to make Mauricio think he's leaving, but he's actually planning to stick around and keep an eye on Mauricio. Diego says they need to be careful because Azul is starting to find stuff out and he doesn't want her at risk. Part of the info the guy from Prague brought back includes a letter for Diego and instructions on where/how to get the money Eva had been saving up for them. Diego won't take it, though. Ivan reminds him of all the money he owes. But Diego doesn't want to piss off Azul by accepting it. Efrain tells Ivan that Diego's like that--he won't even take the half of the boutique, he's only accepting a regular salary. Diego says when he's earned it, he'll take it, but not before. He says he sent the other money to the orphanage where Eva and Ivan grew up, since that was the closest thing Eva had to family. Ivan looks at him like he's an idiot. I was waiting for him to say that Eva's story about growing up in an orphanage was a complete lie, but he didn't.

Casa Ceci: Arnaldo and Ceci are fighting about whose fault it is. Azul plays mediator and says it's both their fault and the world's not going to end over it. Then they fight about whether or not Arnaldo wanted it and Azul tells them to shut up again. She says they've got to remember what happened and tries to leave so they can talk it out, but Arnaldo says he doesn't want to be left alone with Ceci. Then they start bickering about which one of them had the worse time.

Casa Moran: Clemencia's rocking a turquoise robe and nightie (see, someone around here knows about fashionable sleepwear). Unfortunately, I don't know that it's appropriate attire when you've summoned your son in to reprimand him. Diego comes in, completely unaware of how pissed off Clemencia is, and her response to him asking how she's doing is to slap him across the face. She says she doesn't recognize him as her son and if he keeps seeing Azul, she doesn't want to see him again.

Mauricio's office: Jacinto calls Mauricio to tell him Azul is on her way. Mauricio starts yelling, for Azul's benefit, that Andres can't imagine how he felt when Clemencia called him over to tell him that Azul's cheating on him with Diego. Azul overhears, just like she was supposed to and stands out in the hallway, breathing hard. Back from commercial, Azul further overhears that Mauricio told Clemencia that he trusts Azul and she would never do something like that to him. Azul keeps standing there, looking around and not doing anything.

Casa Moran: Clemencia's said all she has to say. Diego's cell phone starts ringing, but he says it's more important for him to talk to her. He says he can't choose between his mom and the woman he loves. Clemencia says she's not going to talk this over with a stranger, and that's what he's become to her. Her Diego would never have done this to her. The cell phone keeps ringing.

Mauricio's office: Azul's standing there, begging Diego to answer. She starts to leave him a message saying that Mauricio already knows they saw each other and right then, Mauricio comes up behind her and grabs her arm. He yells at her about calling her lover already after she'd just seen him a few hours ago and drags her into his office. He tells Andres to get out.

Casa Ceci: Ceci lies in bed with an ice pack on her head while Arnaldo paces and tries to remember what happened. He remembers Ceci offering him a cocktail she called a "Chiquitibomba Cecilia". Cecilia is astounded that she made him one. She says the Chiqitibomba is her personal aphrodisiac and she only makes it when she wants to seduce someone. Arnaldo says she's got no scruples and she planned this seduction! Ceci says she was just drunk or she never would have used her best weapon on him. Arnaldo calls her a damned witch and Ceci agrees…her potions work even against the odds! Arnaldo pushes her to remember what happened after the Chiqitibomba, but with her headache and Arnaldo yelling at her, she can't and lies back down with the ice pack. Okay, mixologists, what would be in a Chiqitibomba? I tried a Google search for a literal translation of the word, but found nothing. I'm fighting the temptation to change all my screen names to Chiquitibomba. Go on, say it out loud, it's fun.

Casa Moran: Clemencia says she never would have gotten involved in Diego and Azul's relationship, but she found out that Mauricio's dying. Diego sits her down and asks how she found out. Clemencia can't believe Diego already knew. She mentions Mauricio and Diego's pissed that Mauricio talked to Clemencia. He starts to say it's not what she thinks, but she cuts him off and points out that neither Diego nor Azul seems to have any problem doing this to a dying man. Diego says Mauricio is dying, but first he's going to pay for everything he's done.

Mauricio's office: Mauricio yells at Azul about how he wishes he'd never found this out from Clemencia and asks how Azul could do this to him. Azul swears she didn't want to hurt him, but there were circumstances. He keeps yelling "Why?" and Caty wanders in and gets between them. Azul has to tell him to stop because Caty's there and she's getting upset. Caty's crying and she tells Mauricio to leave Azul alone and then (I think) tells him she doesn't want him to come back.

Casa Moran: Diego tells Clemencia that Mauricio's done a lot of bad things and he has to pay. Clemencia says even if he has, it's not Diego's place to make him pay. Diego says it is his place because of all the principles Clemencia taught him. Clemencia wants Diego to tell her once and for all, what it is Mauricio's done and what proof he has. Diego says he can't tell her anything right now or he'd be putting her at risk. Clemencia says that in that case, she can't believe him, and if he wants to keep carrying on with Azul, she doesn't want to see him again. Her principles tell her that what he's doing is bad and she can't support him. She thought Diego was setting an example even she could follow, but then he disappointed her. Diego says if she doesn't want to see him again, then he'll go away. Oh just flippin' tell her already! Enough with the manufactured drama!

Casa Ceci: Ceci still can't remember anything. Arnaldo says if she ever does remember, she should call him and tell him. Arnaldo says they can't hang out anymore since he doesn't think they can look each other in the eyes again. Ceci reminds him that they're friends, but Arnaldo says they "were" friends, because after what happened…. There's some more talk about how they didn't think and that even though it wasn't a big deal for Ceci, it was for Arnaldo, then he leaves and Ceci runs after him, a glycerin tear of pure dolor running down one cheek. Awwwwwwww.

Casa Moran: Lidia wonders what's going on. Diego tells her that Clemencia doesn't want to see him again because of what Mauricio told her. Lidia starts to take Clemencia's side, but Diego tells her when the truth comes out, they'll all understand. Lidia says in the meantime, what's going to happen to Clemencia? Diego asks her to look after Clemencia and if anything happens, to call him. Lidia cries on Diego's shoulder.

Casa Ceci: Arnaldo's standing by the front door as Ceci asks him again not to leave. As he opens the door, Andres walks in and asks what Arnaldo's doing there at that hour. Arnaldo says he was just leaving. Andres demands an explanation from Ceci.

Mansión Malicia, Caty's bedroom: Caty tells Azul she doesn't want her to die like her other Mami did. She keeps saying it over and over again as Azul tries to console her. Maurico, rather roughly, tells her to stop saying that. Chonita escorts a doctor in and he asks to speak to Caty alone. Azul and Mauricio leave the room as Caty keeps droning on about how she doesn't want Azul to die. Was this all part of Mauricio's plan? Cause if it is, he's way more heartless than I'd previously given him credit for.

Casa Ceci: Andres is grumpy because Ceci had Arnaldo over even though she keeps saying she feels bad. Ceci's like, "you can't be jealous of Arnaldo!" He says he knows Arnaldo's gay and nothing is going to happen between them. Ceci hides under her ice pack.

Casa Moran: Lidia tries to calm Clemencia down, but she's weeping over Diego. She says she's lost her son, and all because of Azul.

MM v 2.0: Mauricio blames Azul for Caty being upset and Azul says it was his fault. She insists that she hasn't slept with Diego, but says she's sorry she hurt him. He keeps holding it over her head that he "loves" her and look how he gets repaid. Blah, blah, blah, the wedding, the lack of sex, Mauricio's impending death, etc. Azul finally says this isn't going to work out. They've got to think of Caty and if she stays in the house, it's only for Caty's sake. Mauricio tells her not to make that sacrifice and to leave. Oh, but before she goes, she should know that she's got the same fatal illness! Azul tries and fails to look properly surprised or concerned. She mostly looks confused.

Tomorrow: Mauricio tells GSD that Azul knows she's sick. Clemencia either passes out again or dies. Mauricio taunts Azul some more about her impending doom. Diego declares his undying love for Azul to GSD, who isn't interested.

Labels: amar

Recap more complete now, thanks for your patience. I'm out of town with no access to Univision, but thankfully access to the net. Caray Caray is my only novela source until December, thank heavens I'll be back in time to catch the pirates!!! Muchas Gracias a Maricruz who will be filling in for me next Wednesday the 28th so look for her fine work! Enjoy!!!

Happy Turkey Day! Wish I could stuff that Cesar Luis!!!!!!


Cl shows up with flowers and tells her the whole office is worried about her. Pau tells him to bug off she's fine with Ma and Juan. He finally leaves when Ana tells him she's in no condition to take visitors. Pau says she's fine and that guy won't hurt her any more then she hauls off and smacks the you know what out of the roses he gives her trashing the poor little innocent flowers. I never see what good that does. It's maybe a stress reliever, but I think she should do it to him, instead!!!

Moni is talking with Laura telling of her fear that CL's travel to Spain is just another trick, and if Pau falls for it that he'll change his mind. She says she is going to have to bring CL to the point of no return on all this, so he'll have to go.

Juan shows up at Casa Davila with food and according to Ana enough of it to fill all the pinatas for the next seven posadas and some ingredients to make an Achichipico breakfast delight .

Ana goes to the office and Juan asks how Pau's been feeling. Pau says better thanks to him. She asks how things are going at the office and he says the boss wanted to speak with him about her, and that he watch after her while he's gone to Spain, because if he can't make her happy then Juan should. She wonders what he's up to with this. Juan thinks he seemed sincere this time and that he had his heart in his hands. Pau says she doesn't now care about him, if he goes to Spain, Patagonia or the Belgian Congo, she's a different woman now. Juan doesn't buy that she's changed her feelings that fast. he thinks she's talking because she's resentful, she agrees but says she's tired of all this and she is going to take advantage of him being gone from this country. Juan thinks that this is about her happiness and she may be forgoing the opportunity to be with the man who really loves her, she should be sure that she's doing the right thing because he doesn't want to see her hurt anymore, and she wonders if CL sent Juan to convince her, he says it's his idea, and she thinks she's doing the right thing.

Alirio complains to Mar and Yadi that he works like a burro all day and comes home to find his wife gone without any idea where she is as if this is a hotel.

Juan and Pau play cards and he gets a flor corrida (flush all in one suit)She asks about how his school is going and he decides to be honest with her, that he was suspended for missing too many classes. She tells him that's really bad. He tells himself that he couldn't tell her that was in part because he was caring for her and doing things for her so he’ll just take this ribbing about missing school because he his happy that Pau has taken an interest in him and what is happening with him and her words are balm for his wounded and beat up breast.

Kike calls Angaritas office and finds out that he’s not there having left with a well perfumed, and made up woman. It dawns on him it’s Yadi’s Ma! Yadi is worried about what they are going to do about Alirio.


Juan is serving his achichipico rice, they ask what's in it, and he tells them vegetables, cactus, secret ingredients and meat of the chichicuilote (I think that is a some kind of a small sea bird - not a usual edible ingredient)


Alirio and everyone except Nidia and Juan are eating dinner and he is still complaining and wondering what the two girls have against him. Marely tells him Juan is with Pau not her Mom. Yadi tells him she's had it up to her neck with him he's a pain in the neck (higado).

Cl & Ivy lie on the floor in that love nest. Ivy tells Cl she knows CL doesn't love her, but she tolerates him and tells him she should go with him that she would make the best companion because she's not going to watch out for him like his other women. CL tells Ivy that she is right and would maybe make a better traveling companion. Ivy thinks they should go together.

Alirio is confiding in Marely he just doesn't know what to say or not to say to keep the relationship good with his wife. I almost feel sorry for him. He says he loves her so much and breathes for her and doesn't understand why she does this. Marely almost feels sorry for him to and she is weeping. She tells him that her Mom has her own way of caring about people and that she is sure he has a small corner in her heart.

Juan & Ana are doing dishes. Ana tells him to quit. she'll do so he can watch the movie with Pau and maybe she'll realize what a man who really cares about her is like. Best thing I've heard Ana say since she stuck it to her daughter before the suicide attempt.


Nid shows up with Ang and stops her some distance from her house because she doesn’t want anyone to see them arrive together. She said her kids and Alirio must be fuming by now. She said she had a great time, as did he and he wishes that she wouldn’t go in. She thanks him for the excellent time that they spent together and he was glad they got to reminisce about old times. Nidia comes in seductively to the bedroom and Alirio ignores her. She jokes he's punishing her with his whip of despise. She confesses that she was with an old love that she's found again and they were eating and toasting and she does ones of her famous breast rubs. Alirio tells her to stop being so funny and tell him the real truth about where she was. She says fine if you don't believe me there is nothing else to say.

Pau falls asleep watching the movie with Juan, he covers her and leaves. Juan thought bubbles that this was a perfect day but still something is bugging him and he thinks she has been completely honest with him and hasn't told him everything she feels. This is making more noise than a Manada de changas in his head, but he says he still has to look after her though because it's a question of ethics.

Ana leaves telling Pau not to go to work.

Nid asks the girls at breakfast the next day what's wrong, does she have Monkeys on her face? Marely still wants to know where she was. The two are upset that she left early without telling anyone where she went and came home so late. Nid says look if I want to disappear for a week or a month is of no concern to anybody. I can do what I want so leave me alone, because neither of you should care what happens to me.

At CL's place the doorbell rings and Cl thinks it's Fer, but it's actually Juan. Ivy goes to take a shower. Juan tells Cl that Pau really didn't have stomach problems etc., she tried to take her own life. CL and Ivonne listening from the bedroom are impactados.

Cl wants to know what he's talking about. Juan tells her that she did it for love of him. He tells CL that they love each other and everything is not lost. CL can't go to Spain and needs to give this one more chance. Ivonne is listening in and shaking her head, obviously angry because she doesn't want Pau to have another chance. CL is still in disbelief and wonders why Juan is saying this. He says it's because he loves her so much that she deserves to be happy even with CL. CL thanks Juan.

Yadi wakes up Kike and is upset that he isn't helping her out in this situation. He is upset that because of her he is without the beach, and the ocean etc. the least he can do on his honeymoon is be allowed to sleep. She doesn't relent.

Out front of CL, Fer is waiting for him and sees Juan coming out all upset. He says he's de-boned his fish. Fer is concerned. Juan says that from here on out the big boss will have his happiness. Juan says he left half his life upstairs.

Ivonne tells CL this is all a big trick and that he shouldn't fall for this charade. CL tells her that if she's says anything she is going to regret it. She on the other hand tells him he's very sexy when he makes those kinds of warnings. BLECH!!!!! He tells her to be careful because she knows better than anyone how he is when he loses control.

Moni tells Pastor that Ivonne has to go and there are no compromises so fire her. Pastor tries very hard to talk her out of it, but she will not budge, she wants her out and she's giving an order.


Juan prays to Santo Nino again and says he feels he understands now what sacrifice really means and he feels closer to the saint because of this because that's what he did, sacrifice for love of someone else. He feels like he did the right thing releasing the woman that he loves with all of his soul to be free to be with another. He begs for help standing this pain and suffering, though.

Pau grabs the teddy Juan gave her and hugs it.

Airio is telling Guti how upset he is about what is happening in his house. He tells of her dissappearance and swears to Guti he will figure out what his wife is up to and if she is seeing someone. He says Guti, huis wife, and the whole world will learn who is Alirio Perafan Rocha de Francisco.

Kike shows up at the market to see Anga. He is surprised to see him as he thought he was on his honeymoon and wonders what happened. Kike tells him well, my wife didn't enjoy the heat, and let's just drop that subject. Kike sneaks in how did it go at my wedding, and well, with Nidia? Anga gets upset and says his private life is something no one messes with, that he doesn't like nosy, gossipy people.

Nid is in her office with an old friend who wonders how Anga ended up at her wedding. Nid explains the circumstances and how small the world is.

CL asks Marely about Paula's health in a very strange manner. I can't figure out why she does this, but she calls Pau and tells her this. Pau is of course curious.

Ivonne tells Pastor she has the gossip of the century, he thought they were playing hide and seek because she closed the blinds. He jokes that it must be that she bought the blue shoes she saw yesterday. No, she tells him the goods on Pau, and he congratulates himself for being right about her and the way to treat her. But then, he tells her the bads from Moni, and that CL is playing her again because it was his idea for CL to fake going to Spain. He's not really going, and she ain't going with him.
Cl and Moni are chatting. She tells him she wants him out of the presidency soon because she wants to get started on some projects. He refuses to give her a precise date. She doesn't understand why he is waiting so long when before he told her he was dying to get to Spain.

Moni shows up to ask Pastor something and Ivonne excuses herself, but we don't learn what she has in store for him.

Juan shows up with some pan dulces and asks her how her day went. She says she’s feeling good. She asks if he’s seen CL. Juan tells her and he didn’t do this just to let them be free to do what they want, he did it for love. He told CL the truth about her suicide attempt because of CL. Pau is impactada of course.

Labels: Juan

When I was a kid my mother terrified me with a Victorian children's book called "Water Babies." In this horrid story frail, tiny, young, undernourished, tuberculosis-wracked chimney sweeps in London die and are reincarnated underwater. This underwater world of dead children is managed by a sweet, nice fairy called "Mrs. Do-As-You-Would-Be-Done-By" and a scary, mean one called "Mrs. Be-Done-By-As-You-Did." This recap is dedicated to the latter.

By the way, my daughter is here for only one day and this recap is sketchy due to extreme desire to be playing with her. Happy Turkey Day, all...

• Isa realizes that her dear Frankie has stuffed all her dough - except for a few shekels of milk money for Rickie - and all his fancy clothes and shoes and handkerchiefs into her car and has split for good.
  
  She calls her mom, who, with Rickie Sr. happily playing golf in the background, tells Isa "This is all your own fault, take care of it yourself."
  
  She visits Minerva, who is very snippy and says "You should never have come to my house. How did you dare do this? I introduced you to Rodrigo, you just wanted to marry into the Montalvo family to get your clutches on their dough, then you run off with your brother-in-law!"
  
  Isa: "I thought of you as my sister! But it was YOU who used ME - to keep Rodrigo from the real threat, Gaviota. You saw he didn't love me! It's not my fault! Francisco was an accident." Minerva complacently points out she never strayed even when Aaron did. Then she yells: "You won't spend even one night under this roof! I wouldn't trust you with my husband!"
  
  Aaron arrives. Minerva announces that Isa is just leaving. Aaron: "I hope you've changed the last name of that little bastard." Isa: "I was one of the many women Aaron has held in his arms - he didn't tell you? He seduced me. Do you dare deny it, Aaron?"
  
  She leaves and Minerva refuses to hear Aaron's stringy excuses. "Have you forgotten the condition I imposed when I came back to you? That if you ever strayed again, I would leave you? You will never see your son."
  
  Isa then calls her lawyer and reams him out again about money. He says she hasn't been paying her bills. She says the bills are unreasonable. He fires her as a client and hangs up on her, she calls him an old rat and wonders what to do next.
  
  Penniless, she is sneaking out of the hotel in the service elevator when who should enter but Jose, grannie of BigHeadBaby!! She frostily informs Isa she's in the service elevator. Isa tearily whines: "I'm penniless, my jackass of a husband abandoned me, please don't rat me out."
  
  
• Rod makes an incoherent confession and exonerates the honorable and innocent Mariana Franco. He lies a lot despite warnings that if he's found to be lying, he'll be in worse trouble. He says "I had one and only one accomplice, he was in on everything, his name is Lorenzo Oñate." He later tells Videgaray: "I'm sure Oñate is key to this whole business, and I wanted to be sure I'd see him."
  
  Rod is taken to jail where he takes off his shoes and tie and looks quite fetching with his shirt unbuttoned. He sits on the floor in his cell and glowers.
  
  (Am I understanding that there was ten times as much tequila when the shipments got where they were going? Aaron was diluting it 1:10? Nobody noticed?)
  
  
• Clarita and her giant box of saints and her furious daughter make a brief appearance, Clarita complaining that the airplane hasn't come yet and Gaviota explaining federal regulations require them to be at the airport three hours early. Was this a public service announcement (so we in the audience will not miss our flights) or is somebody going to arrive with an important message?
  
  
• Frankie's shirt is as unbuttoned as Rod's, but he is seemingly much better off than Rod, being on his way to a luxury jaunt with Priscilla. Neither has a functioning credit card - they tell each other lies - Frankie pays the hotel bill in cash. Priscilla tells a friend on the phone that her husband has cut her off and she's penniless.
  
  In the car, they are smooching away, eyes on the prize - thinking the "shmaltz-grub" (Yiddish for "pot of gold," literally "pit of chicken fat") has arrived... Priscilla praises him for making stupendous time. "This is just proof," he boasts, "that Francisco de la Vega always does as he promises."
  
  Frankie notices two tractor-trailers side-by-side coming, at warp speed, towards him and his fellow con artist in the sporty little car stolen from Isa. He is impactado - figuratively for now, actual impact will hopefully follow shortly.
  
  
• Aaron is exhilarated in a coked-up way, he's suspicious that Rod has taken the blame but is willing to run with it. He thinks all the Corporation's problems will now be resolved and the freeze on their accounts lifted, but there is an ongoing investigation. He boasts that Oñate has created for him an impeccable paper trail.
  
  Patricio is furious that his girlfriend Lluvia has gotten a subpoena. She's terrified. He promises no harm will come to her.
  
  However, he watches wordlessly as Aaron struts and boasts and blames Rod for everything. Daniela enters and tells Bruno "Your son is so cold-blooded and you won't hear a word against him. You, Patricio, you're not cold-blooded but you're weak. By the way, Aaron, Rod has a message for you: if any harm comes to Gaviota, he'll retract his confession." Aaron gloats that he doesn't need to lift a finger against Gaviota, CRT will do the punishing. Daniela clarifies: that would constitute harm and would trip the retraction.
  
  Daniela leaves. Patricio asks how long Aaron plans to keep this up, and complains that Lluvia is implicated. Aaron says if they move fast they can get it all sewed up, and Rod safely put away, before his team can move against them. Patricio asks: "Have you not wondered how CRT found out about these irregularities?"
  
  Cut to Pammie, not looking so healthy, thoughtbubbling: "Aaron wasn't sure what his feelings for me were. But I am sure of my feelings for him: great love and infinate hate."
  
  Realizing that Margarita plays for the other team, Aaron fires her. In the hallway Videgaray whispers to her that she is Rod's only hope (in terms of getting proof of Aaron's evildoing).
  
  
• Pilar, who has been handed a bunch of bull about the whole situation, hears from Av* that Rodrigo has confessed. She asks if she can come see Av* in the morning. "Yes, but don't bring Aaron or Bruno." Elvis is very sweet to her.
  
  She calls Bruno and insists that he and Aaron come speak to her immediately. Aaron says he's too busy to go but Bruno won't let him weasel out of it.
  
  
• Back in the agave fields, everybody is scattering white stuff around, even San Juana, her baby is going to be born with two heads if she doesn't watch out. Aaron has made some demand about agaves which horrifies James. Sofia tells James about Rod going to jail. He is further horrified. They have a chaste hug.

Labels: Destilando