Caray, Caray!

Yep, the incipient romance between Mauricio and Moni is in trouble again...and it's not Constanza's fault either. And while we're at it, Ximena's and Estrella's love life has taken a turn for the worse as well. Charming women, stupid choices tonight. Let's see how our three gals went astray.

Constanza has flopped down on Maricio's bed to whimper, after arriving at the house for the birthday party and finding Moni already there. The rest of the group is out in the other room singing "las Mañanitas" for Danny who's happy as a clam.

Beto suddenly emerges from the bathroom in full Fantasma Vengador regalia, scaring the bejesus out of Constanza. He's delighted to see her, of course, convinced she's ready to fall into his well-fed lap. She can't get through to him that she's an engaged woman (oh...you wanted me for your daughter's party? NO!) and she's beginning to think she's in the naco version of a Fatal Attraction movie when Ximena bursts in the door. Our spacey Valley Girl thinks Connie's up to something with this lowlife but she seems more amused than shocked.

Scene switch to the party room and Beto's Fantasma act isn't going over well. Danny knows he's not the real thing. HER Fantasma Vengador smelled good and was slender. This Fantasma is paunchy and smells raunchy (huele feo). Moni, meanwhile, is hiding out in the kitchen.

While they're partying at Mauricio's, the hired thieves have shown up at the office, knocked out Salvador, in turn been knocked out by Paula, wielding a wicked broom and dustpan, have recovered and grabbed Gabriela (they're molesting me!) taking her gold chain (present from great great-grandmother) snatching the briefcase full of cash from a desperately cooperative Jeronimo and also taking him along as a "hostage". Fine, sneer Gabriela and Salvador...take him! (Clearly they're on to this scumbag but Mauricio, as usual, is clueless).

Meanwhile Danny has forgotten her disappointment in the Fantasma and has dived into the cake. Beto, still in costume, is wheedling some booze out of Teresa, who won't deign to give him anything but cooking sherry. Moni, of course, is still hiding.

And Constanza still hasn't come out of the bedroom. Ximena is threatening to tell Mauricio she's cheating on him (with Beto! hard to believe) but she's sidetracked by their umpteenth fight. "I'm your novia!" "Quit making scenes". ( We may have to start saying Mau's lines, Connie's lines if this goes on much longer.)

The spat is cut short by a breathless phone call from Gabriela telling about the robbery. Mauricio's on his way and Moni insists on coming with him. Meanwhile, Salvador's passed out and Gaby tenderly lays her head upon his chest to listen to him breathe. (Here's a romance I definitely want to see flourish.)

Jeronimo has paid off the thugs, taken a generous cut of the money for himself, and is now handing over an insufficient sum to Bonilla who's so outraged, he pulls out a pistol and shoots at Jerry's feet. A fight ensues. Bonilla rolls down the hill, hits his head on a rock and appears dead. Jerry pitches over the side as well, scraping and roughing up his face as he rolls, grabs the briefcase with the money and is ready to play the injured hero.

The police arrive to investigate and both Gabriela and Salvador are convinced SOMEONE tipped off the robbers about the presence of the large sum of cash. (dar el pitazo...give the whistle, tip-off). Maury, clueless but loyal, defends his cuz as having sacrificed himself for you all and how could you suspect him of anything!?

Just at that moment, the elevator door opens and a disheveled, limping Jeronimo staggers out, playing his superhero role to the max (no mention of the missing money, of course)

From the seemingly sublime to the ridiculous....Beto, back at the house, is still trying to score with Constanza, who seems half-repelled, half-attracted. Maybe she finds his self-confidence sexy. He's certainly got a ton of it.

Aha...now it gets interesting. Tano, Maury's mechanic shows up with a present for Danny as well as plans to talk Ximena into having a drink with him. These two evidently have a history, and clearly he's the man for her (not the scummy Rolando). And just as clearly, it's going to take many an episode for Xime to realize it. Right now she thinks they're from two different worlds. He's not with it, not "fashion", not VIP, not "in". Oh get a clue, Ximena!. But she's not ready yet.

Jerry's theatre continues back at the office. He's working it for all it's worth, reminiscing about his childhood with Maury, bemoaning the loss of the money while Mau laps it up and Salvador and Gaby glower in the background.

Moni is also there and still trying to hand in her cellphone and disappear from Maury's life but he's not having it. But "su novia no me traga" (your girlfriend can't stand me). Okay...fasten your seatbelts 'cause here comes the big romantic scene. She asks why he's so attached to her...after all, she's a goof, uneducated, has a temper . The romantic music swells. But he says nothing. And yet his tender look says it all.

Still, she wants more. Why so quiet?
-When I'm with you, I feel confident....I feel "magic".
-Magic?
-Yes, no matter how tough the day is, when I look into your eyes, everything around me disappears. It's magic. The beauty of your eyes, your gaze, your smile....I need you. How can I live without seeing that smile every day?

Their eyes lock, their lips are about to, my heart's racing..........and Dang! Gaby busts in the door and the moment is over. But after Maury leaves with her, our Moni leans against the wall, starry-eyed, and the romantic music swells again. Nice. She's got an after-glow and nothing really happened. Way to go, Moni.

Our lovestruck hero returns home where Danny is still bouncing off the walls (Nunca se te acaban las pilas ). A tired Teresa looks appalled at all the toys lying around and Mauricio offers to help her (another sign he's a good guy, no?)

Rolando, on the other hand, is NOT a good guy. He told Ximena he was in for an early night in order to try out a new race car in the morning. Turns out instead he's trying out two chicklets (fulanas) instead and she catches him at it. He defends himself saying she's cheating too...having a drink with her "ex", Tano and breaking his heart. She wails and begs his forgiveness while he waltzes off with the babes. Turning on Tano, she accuses him of wrecking her romance. Oh wise up, Ximena. You're cute, but you're clueless. (Must run in the family.)

Jeronimo, now fully recovered from his little spill down the hill, is sniffing around Estrella's door. He lays a line on her (I tripped looking for a star (estrella) and here she is!) and she falls for it, just like she fell for the line about his contacts in the theatre. He proposes getting to know each other a little better and she's enthused. Beto arrives, drags Jerry off for a moment and decides to let Jerry contribute Gaby's gold necklace to his booty. Jerry thinks it's worthless but Beto, biting on it, declares it to be 24 carats and Swiss to boot. We end this series of scenes with a montage of Moni training to the catchy theme song and Mauricio smiling his dopey lovestruck grin, as he remembers their earlier conversation.

When we come back from the ads, we're in the kitchen. Ivan has snuck back to raid the fridge and Luisa catches him. She doesn't want him sleeping in the street...she cares about him...he decides to collect a kiss and whoops...another interruption. This time it's Mauricio, who wants to know where he's been and what he's been up to. And by the way, we've all been worried about you. (Not me, snaps Aldo, who's arrived as well.) To condense, Mauricio asks Ivan to stay the night and work out his differences with his grandmother. And then he takes Luisa aside tells her to chill the romance. She's not even 15 yet and Ivan is 19. Way too old for her. And otherwise, he'll have to assign Aldo as her bodyguard (guardaespaldas).

Okay. Back to the barrio. Estrella is all dolled up for her rendezvous. There's a knock at the door. Must be Jerry. No, it's Ricardo, with a bouquet of flowers and an invitation. Take it, Estrella. Forget that upper-class bum. But of course, she runs Ricardo off with a lame story about a late-night casting call (casting couch is more like it) and he slinks off but is clearly not convinced because he lurks around and catches her sashaying off with Jerry in his convertible (descapotable)

Before they actually leave, our Estrella and her creep Jerry have a sexy little conversation where she asks him if he likes this chick (pollo) and offers him a wing (her arm) while he protests that he'd rather have a thigh. And she does flash a great set of gams as she plops her body into his car. We see no more of this hookup but we can just imagine. And so can poor Ricardo!

Well I guess it's betrayal season because Beto's on the phone, trying to arrange a date with Costanza and offering the gold necklace as bait. Monita shows up and he quickly ends the conversation but she's still suspicious. Why are you all dressed up? And why do you smell good? Me, ripostes Beto, sniffing his pits, I always smell this way! She knows he's hiding something in his hand, rips it away from him, assumes the necklace is for her (of course, you know how thoughtful I am!) and asks him to put it around her neck. Scary music plays so we know this will lead to trouble.

Another ad and when we come back Gaby and Salvador are sparring in the office. She's reading from a magazine that says 70 per cent of husbands are unfaithful and 30 per cent are impotent. What percentage is he in? The percentage of men dominated by their wives. Ouch!

And now comes the fatal moment. Moni arrives for work wearing the necklace. Gaby spots it, hustles her off to prepare coffee and then rushes to tell Salvador "we never should have hired "la changa esa" (that monkey) because she's in with the robbers...she's wearing Gaby's great great grandmother's necklace!" Paula overhears this conversation and rushes off to confront Moni while Gabi calls the police.

While this is going on, Constanza has dropped by the house looking for her gal pal Ximena and finds Jerry instead. Our tireless Don Juan starts putting the moves on her, reminding her that Maury will never marry her, he's smitten with his new secretary.... and besides he's adopted three snot-nosed kids.

But alright, he'll help her get rid of Moni, if that's what she wants...but what will she DO for him? Connie gives the impression she's ready to go along with this scheme, whatever it takes.

Back at the office, Moni (who's spent a lot of this episode hiding and creeping around on her knees) is trying to sneak into the elevator to escape the police. But when the doors open, there's Mauricio. And the episode ends.

Previews: Mauricio confronts Constanza , who's clearly delighted that Moni's been accused of a crime. Then he confronts Moni, just wanting to understand how she came by the necklace. Her boyfriend gave it to her. YOU HAVE A BOYFRIEND!!!???

Vocabulary:

ñero = buddy, pal
baratija = cheap junk (what Jerry thought the necklace was)
dar el pitazo =give the tipoff
dando largas = stalling (Bonillo accusing Jerry)
nunca se te acaban las pilas = your batteries never run down, you never get tired
guardaespaldas = bodyguard
descapotable =convertible (car)
hasta en la sopa = everywhere. Constanza complaining that Moni is always around
pollo = chick, chicken
dos fulanas = two so and so's, two babes in this episode
su novia no me trago = (lit. your girlfriend doesn't swallow me...your girlfriend can't stand me)
huele feo = smells bad

Dicho of the Day

No todo es miel sobre hojuelas = (lit. it's not all honey over flakes)
"It's not all fun and games". and no, indeed, looks like things
are taking a dark turn for our Moni

Labels: gancho

No recap of the recap. Seeing last night’s chapter once was enough. And as far as tonight’s episode is concerned, I hope we don’t have to suffer through another ghost whimperer scene. Thanks to the person who coined that phrase.

Gardenia, in a fury pulls “the box” out of the black bag.

The music plays on and the brothers Elizalde work their magic and charm on the crowd, especially Ms. Lovely. Steve charms Ani and Pris, especially her green eyes – or as Steve says, her eyes are the color of the sea and advises Ani to compliment her every day. Smirk, smirk.

Gardenia throws the letters on Ed’s bed to scare Erika?

Erika and Ed continue dancing. Erika wants Franco to get rid of Gardenia?? And then says kiss me, kiss me, and thankfully, the lights go out. Fer looks at Ed, Barb looks at Fer, everybody looks at everybody. Ed announces a special dance – men and women next to each other. Guess what? Ed and Fer end up together. I think I hear David Bisbal singing in the background, but it’s just my imagination. This couple is hot. Feel the flames and the fire. He pulls her closer and it looks like her hair keeps falling down a little bit. Damian looks at them and like the animal he is, smells trouble. They do not exchange words, just looks and mental telepathic carnal thoughts.

Camilo, who doesn’t look as orange as usual has walked Lovely out to the patio to exchange niceties. His lips don’t look as pink. He must have left the Tangee at home. For you younguns, Tangee was a lipstick we used to use in the cave era. It changed colors depending upon the wearer. Lovely knows how to handle him. What a line – he sees her as the mother of his children. The bar girl in Lovely comes out and she laughs in his face.

Fer and FrEd now speak. She wants to know about the “woman” and he says their kisses meant nothing. She says she arrived at the same conclusion. He says he was stupid because she never hid the fact that she was married.

Once again, Aurora is washing what is supposed to be blood off the walls and is making a fine mess of it. This would be the perfect time to call Santiago. Where is that hippie wannabe when you need him?

Erika bubbles over at Damian. Dam is interested in her wedding – like when. She tells him that it is going to be a long formal affair. It will make Damian so very happy to see them married.

Fer asks FrEd if maybe he might have advised her beforehand. He says kissing her was a mistake. He said he took liberties with her. Fer says, know what – what happened between you and me – my marriage really doesn’t exist. But FrEd says – it might be reconciled.

Camilo continues trying to work the working girl. She tells him Steve is a little jealous. Camilo wants more time to get to know her. He keeps telling her that she is very special. He invites Lovely to horseback ride. Steve salutes her from the background.

Fer worries about her family – FrEd says why. The brief encounter they had will not affect business. It was just a brief fling between two adults – just a few kisses. She says you got that right, Franco. Erika continues her brainless chatter. Ed looks angry.

Cam tells Lovely he’s serious. He has the feeling he’s seen her before – maybe in his dreams. She has a moment of caution. But, we know Camilo is too stupid to think too deeply about anything. She says, give me your number and I’ll call you. He wants her number. She says, No. She’s got her lines down. Steve comes upon them and wants to know what’s happening. He’ll wait for her inside.

The dance floor is getting crowded. Damian escorts Fer to a table and kisses her. Why doesn’t she just slap him. Barb and Gonzo get ready to leave and say goodbye to Erika and Ed. She brings up the engagement and says she knows more about weddings than anybody. Good night and good riddance, Bar.

Erika wants to know why Dam and Fer are leaving so soon. Damian is beside himself with joy at seeing Erika and Franco together. Erika knows Fer is sad. Franco says he hopes Fer enjoys married life. I must say, FrEd is acting like a jerk. Fer suffers while Ed acts like an adolescent.

Erika’s mother and father are jumping with joy over Erika’s engagement. Ani and Pris also say good night. As they are leaving, Damian stops them. Fer says they are husband and wife, not just business associates. Dam whispers in Pris’s ear that he sends his regards to Vladi.

Lovely says she has good manners and will not give Cam her number because she’s a high fallutin root ‘n tootin well educated woman even though she really wants to see him. That makes him happy.

Back at the Elizalde hacienda, Gonzo remarks that Franco is the partner they’ve been waiting for. He’s their guarantor. She says, yes, while he’s on our side. Shrewd Bar knows that in business things change. And, poor Bar is worried about our little Lily. Gonzo is ready to put up whatever it takes to get Lili back. She’s got him all worried, maybe he’ll have a coronary. Maybe she’s found another way to get money out of him.

Erika’s mom and dad are leaving. They are overjoyed at her extraordinary luck.

Dam stops the car and Fer asks why. He wants to thank her for tonight, for going to the party together. He’s anxious to seal this deal, and he thinks that making love to her is like sending a thank you card. She still isn’t ready. His return was too sudden. He sort of understands but is desperate. He notes that she has changed. He’s really grasping at straws, but she’s not convinced. She wants to move ahead. He says she has destroyed their marriage because she doesn’t trust him. Her mind has been poisoned. He still claims innocence, and he’s going to win her over. It’s the only thing that’s important to him. Fer may end up being a 40-year old virgin.

Cam compliments Steve on the party. Steve confirms with Cam that Cam had a good time. He sees another opportunity to grab Lovely. Steve and FrEd are delighted. Cam also takes the opportunity to trash that Indian Jacinto who stole his car and has no respect for the upper class. Caray – Cam wants to say goodbye to Lovely. She’s left already.

In the foyer, Barb sees Aurora and wants to know if something is wrong. No, says Abora. Bar says she’ll prepare some milk for her and that she should go upstairs.

Steve takes a picture of the wait staff, also known as the Arabian knights, and thanks them for their good work. FrEd and Steve and Lovely review the night’s success. Steve says Lovely is the best actress. Steve says that Lili and Martina are waiting. Lovely and Steve leave. FrEd is left in the middle of the dance floor to ponder this night.

Aurora is hysterical when Barb enters her room. Something horrible happened. Bar wants all the details. Barb believes her, but somehow Abora managed to wash the nasty message off the wall, and she doesn’t want Santi to find out. The editor thinks Aurora doesn’t want Santiago to find out she’s crazy. Barb wants to find out if Abora told Rosenda everything. She wants Abora to see Rosenda again. Aurora, the imbecile, agrees. This is the lamest plot line.

Ed goes into his bedroom and sees the letters on the bed. He picks them up and begins to look them over. He opens one, reads it, and hears the childish voice of Fernanda saying how bad she felt when she couldn’t catch up with his bus. Flashback to the day he left and Fernanda ran after the bus while he looked on helplessly.

At the Elizalde’s, Fer is reading in bed and gets mad. This cannot be. It is not possible that Franco is engaged to Erika. Why didn’t he give her a chance to explain. Everything is lost through misunderstanding.

Damian sighs. He knows he’s lost too much ground with Fernanda, but, he won’t sleep in a cold bed. Hopefully, he says “Pequena” when he hears his bedroom door opening. It’s the wicked witch dressed in red with black undies who does a little strip for him. He tells her to get lost. He’s afraid of her and doesn’t have to follow her orders. She’s determined, and we know how weak he is. She’s going to show him how much he’s missed her.

Avances: Fer continues chastising herself and Barb continues to help herself.

Someone, please post this to the sidebar for me. Thanks.

Labels: manana

From last night: Mau and Rolando growl and insult each other. Then they allow a photographer take a picture of them for the society page. Three frowns and one big smile (Ximena).


Meanwhile, Monita butts her way in, throw her dress over Mau's head (where he gets an eyeful), and falls into Mau's arms. "I caught you," he remarks. "From the first day," she sighs. Consti has a hissy fit and makes a fool of herself in public. Hopefully the paparazzi got a pic of her yowling yap. Could she look any crankier? Yep, when Ximena giggles "that Monita is so amusing!"

Beto and Jerry are gambling away. Jerry hates Beto's antics so I figure Jerry's losing. Beto likes to take his time which annoys the hell out of Jerry. Could Jerry look any crankier? Yep, when Beto writhes with joy because he wins again.

Mau tries to sign the important Toronto papers. Moni goes all ADD, impatiently pacing and making noises while he tries to concentrate on his papers.

Beto advises Jerry that dice are like women, you heat them up and they give you what you want. Nieves interrupts the gamblers. Beto is embarrassed because she keeps calling him Little Beto. She wants the rent money (Good). He sends her off to get chicharrones (Bad). When he finally gets rid of her guess what? He wins again! Frankly he's an obnoxious winner.

Meanwhile Nieves is having a hot flash outside. She diverts herself by insulting Estrella. Then she calls the police to report a clandestine casino.

Consti has had it (esta harta) first with the orphans and second with Moni always showing up. Ximena blathers on about meeting Rolu and love at first sight. Consti asks how does she know? Ximena says when love comes know just like that (tries to snap fingers). Consti looks thoughtful and suddenly unconstipated. I wonder who she's thinking of?...

...Beto is on a roll and challenges Jerry double or nothing. Jerry has to borrow money from Costeño the extreme hunk who was also in Alborada and Destilando Amor (I think). Uh oh, Jerry wins. Beto accuses him of cheating. Jerry points out they are Beto's dice. Well duh, that's how Beto knows! Suddenly...Police Police!!! yells Nieves.

Beto grabs the cash (lana) and Jerry makes a run for it. He sees Estrella and begs her to hide him.

Mau drops his his papers on the floor, Moni gets on her knees to pick them up. Just then Consti bursts in and sees the top of Moni's head at Mau's manhood level. I think you get the idea. She jumps to conclusions and Moni jumps to her feet. Consti has her second public hissy fit of the night. She's going to the office to get her things! (Is that supposed to be a threat? Oh throw me in the briar patch!)

Moni shows up to work to deliver the papers and Gabi jumps all over her for her dress that she thinks looks like a curtain. After Gabi dresses Moni down about dressing up Moni overhears Mau and Consti having a big fight over her. Consti gives Mau an ultimatum, it's her or me! "You're my girlfriend," reasons Mau. Moni hears and rushes out.

Jerry is enchanted by Strella, especially when viewing her from the rear. He lies to her about his contacts in the acting biz and reluctantly leaves when the coast is clear. Strella bids him adieu by giving him her phone number to give to his famous pal Paco Cejudo.

Nieves greets the police and feigns ignorance. Clandestine gambling in her house? What an idea! It must have been a false alarm.

Mau and Consti have their usual fight. She's a super bitch but that doesn't mean her instincts aren't spot-on.

When Moni gets home Pau and Strella fill her in on the neighborhood excitement and that Beto is a lazy good-for-nothing (pelafustán). Moni confronts Beto and demands the rent. He aks her why she's dressed like Cinderella (Cenicienta). She takes his money and leads him off by the ear.

Mau gets home to find Aldo and Luisa waiting for him. Tomorrow is Dani's birthday and they want to have the best surprise birthday in the world for her. Mau agrees and they high five all around.

I'm not sure what to make of this next scene. Beto comes home to mama and he's sporting a black eye. He says it was Monita. Nieves says good job. (Yikes!) Monita told him she was tired of his lazy ways and when he finally brings money in she beats him. What's up with that? Nieves scolds Beto, he should grow up and get a job like a real man because one of these days he's going to lose Monita. (OK, I know this is supposed to be funny but if she really gave him a black eye isn't that physical abuse? And wouldn't he be lucky if he lost a woman who smacks him around? Just sayin...)

Moni is pouring her heart out to Strella when her phone rings. She recognizes the number and puts her head in her hands. Could it be Mau? Well of course it could. Strella places it on a cushion like a treasure but Moni sits on it.

Mau leaves a message under Moni's butt. He called because he wanted to make sure she got home all right and he'll see her at the office. He looks truly smitten.

Next a.m. at breakfast Dani fishes for birthday cheer while the others pretend to forget. She sadly leaves the table when when nobody bites. I know it's supposed to be a surprise but couldn't they at least wish her happy birthday? Poor little tyke. Luckily Mau has an idea that will make everything OK.

Cute chauffeur Ricardo tells Teresa that Ivan did not sleep in his bed last night; she gets all upset.

Jerry travels across town holding a briefcase and dodging cars. Boni calls to give him his morning threat, this time the ultimatum is death.

Moni tells Pau she's not going to work today or ever. She hands over her cell phone and says she never wants to see the place again!

Costeño, looking super hot even in his stupid shiny blue pants, helps Beto "work out". Beto drops the weights on his toe.

Jerry whines to Ximena that the bad guys are after him and he needs her help. He wants her to use sex to save him. She tells him she's getting ready for the best experience of her existence with Rolu and please leave her alone. "But they're going to kill me any minute now!" he whines. "Why didn't you tell me sooner," she scolds, "now I have to change my nail polish to be ready for something darker!" Oh, I do love that girl.

Mau shows up at the gym and wants El Vengador to visit Dani for her birthday. No problem says the Costeño, with 4,000 pesos and a handshake the deal is secured. When Beto finds out he is slightly less enthusiastic to be spending his afternoon in a room full of escuincles for 2,000 pesos (about $150.00). Beto's not a very good businessman; he lets his "agent" take the other 2,000 for himself without even negotiating. Beto's a little worried because it was Monita who was El Vengador but his agent reassures him that he's the original El Vengador and his infantile fans will never know the difference. (Those are anvil words if I've ever heard them.)

Aldo catches Luisa pouting because Ivan didn't spend the night at home.

Speaking of pouty faces, Gabi gives Sal a hard time for going home with his wife. Just as Jerry, whom they vehemently distrust, walks into the office they decide to say clearly and loudly that they have to pay someone in cash and they have the ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS, "What, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS?", "Yes, ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS" in cash and ready to pay.

Jerry calls Boni and tells him he has his money but he'll need a little help. Boni is irritated but interested.

Mau is bummed when Pau tells him that Moni doesn't want to work there anymore. No, Mau cannot call her because Pau is returning Moni's cell.

Bernarda the social worker shows up for a surprise visit and to check on the kids. Dani says they love living with Mau except for his stupid sangrona of a girlfriend who rubs Dani the wrong way (me cae gorda = she rubs me the wrong way). The others go inside and Luisa slips away to flirt with Ivan.

Mau surprises Moni at her pad, "I won't accept your resignation".

Moni says she had to resign to maintain her dingity! "Uh, dignity" he corrects. "Don't correct me!" He tells her today is Dani's birthday and they want her at the pary. Of course she cannot say no to that. "Si!!" she congratulates herself after Mau leaves the room.

Aldo sees Luisa and Ivan and blows a fuse. The guys start to fight and Luisa jumps between them. I have to say that when these guys rumble they really look authentic.

Consti looks for Mau at his work and gets all bent out of shape when she hears he's at home for Dani's birthday party and she wasn't invited. "No me importa un bledo" she pouts. (I don't give a damn!)

Beto arrives at the house, meets Teresa and asks to use the toileté, which is baño in English since she doesn't speak it. Teresa sniffs at at some bad odor and Beto goes to change after admiring the digs.

The kids show up for the surprise and Moni makes a play on words about the witch Constantina but unfortunately I didn't get it. Did any of you? I would love to know what she said. (La bruja consta ________? or La bruja esconda _____?)

Back at Sermeño a couple of bad guys show up to rob the place. They knock out poor Salvador, then Jerry conveniently arrives and points out exactly where the money is.

Meanwhile the party guests have arrived and so has the suprise. It's...La Bruja Constantina with the most terrifying luchador mask ever created! Oh wait, it's her face. Hey, what happened to the avenging ghost?

Mañana: Masked Beto sees Consti in bed. This could be interesting.

Labels: gancho

Rolando Klunder tells our Val Gal he just bought a house in Acapulco and he needs company there, not furniture. She agrees to go.

Luisa tells Ivan she invited him to the fight which was great. Ivan says his G-ma never said a word. G-ma shows up and tells Luisa to go off and tells G-son that she is the daughter of the boss and you and her have no future together. Naco gancho #1

Moni and gals went shopping. Moni tells Estre to hide her packages from Beto so he doesn’t know what money she spent. They go off, Moni begs him for the money to pay the rent. He only gives her 300 pesos because he says he had to buy the costume. She thinks he told her before they were buying it for him. They argue about working and he complains she’s taking and not giving. Me thinks the pot calls the kettle black. He rushes off all indignant.

At work Sal has a major crook in his neck, too much kissing up to his wife it might seem. Gabi has just the thing. The magicness of her body rubbing all over him. First he begs for coffee which Moni shows up with. It’s actually for Mau. She wonders why he keeps looking at her bubis, she assures him they are real. He tries to explain that’s not what he was doing. Gabi comments on her “looks” Naca Gancho #2 (clearly she’s copying Soledad from Tontas.)

Moni goes into Mau’s office where Conni has just begged him to let her hang out for a few days because her workplace is being redone and finds them smoochin’. This our little Moni is none to happy about. Conni of course plays up that they are animals frothing at the mouth for each other. Moni leaves the coffee and Conni makes sure she will bring a cup of green tea everyday while she is there. She makes fun that Moni probably doesn’t know what that is. Naca gancho #3

Moni goes back to the kitchen and smashes the heck out of a can of green tea while describing the smooch fest to Pau. Yep, not happy.

Our one eyed wonder pulls up in a car driving no less (funny, just the other day someone pulled out in front of me with a similar eye patch on and I thought, there’s some cajones) and gets met at the door by none other than Bonilla who of course wants his money. He pulls the eye patch off and tells him he won’t need it, he’ll need a coffin instead if he doesn’t get the money by tomorrow. Man it’s hard work roughing someone up for money everyday, no? Jero thinks this is impossible but doesn’t get much chance to protest.

Beto calls Constanza who corrects his use of bolsa v bolso.Naco gancho #4. He says yeah well I’ve got this nice wallet here with pretty cards and money and stuff so when will I get to see you. She looks in her purse and realizes he’s telling the truth and becomes more friendly. She sends him to Rictus bar in San Angel to meet her. Estrella hears his conversation and thinks he’s going to meet a girl.

Moni shows up with the tea and Conni throws the biggest beatch fit about where to set it. She manages to turn around right into Moni and the tea spills. This chic is fond of causing spills it seems. Naca Gancho # 5

She cries to high hell like the spoiled brat she is for Mau to come in and fix it but Moni claims it was an accident. Mau believes Moni and simmers down Conni a bit. When she goes to the restroom, he tells Moni he likes her outfit and the kids are ok.

Conni whines to Jero about the situation. He thinks she should tell Mau to fire her, but she doesn’t want Moni to look like a victim. Jero realizes that’s why she’s here.

Moni tells Mau she has a problem with her sick aunt who needs medicine and asks for a salary advance. He gives it to her, despite her having been at the work place for maybe a week?

Estre calls and tells Moni Beto took a bath, oh and he’s going to meet a girl. Moni isn’t sure. She goes back in to Mau and asks this time for the afternoon free to follow her loser boyfriend, er get to the lab in time to get tests for her aunt or something. Again he caves and lets her go. This is a great job, she never works.

At Rictus in San Angel Beto shows up with Conni’s wallet and she is thrilled but dismisses him. He begs her to stay. He yells across the room for the waiter and orders birria with plaintains and cream and plenty of tortillas. She gives him the rich girl death stare that says you are sooooo naco. #6 He’s oblivious.

Gabi tries her massage therapy on Sal, who still walks around like the hunchback, she wants him to take off his jacket and get on the floor. He realizes he likes it and begs for more. Enter wife wondering what the morally challenged senorita is doing on him. #7

Beto can’t believe this place doesn’t serve birria and thinks the food is dressed up but doesn’t taste any better. Conni is actually tolerating him and tells him this is a bar not a cantina. He offers her half. She goes off the restroom and in walks Moni. He sees her before she sees him and he ducks behind the table. For some reason Mau shows up too. He runs into Moni who says she had to go the restroom and that’s why she’s there.

Sal and wife argue about the “incident” and Gabi listens in outside of the window and makes comments about how evil the wife is.

Moni and Mau comment how coincidental it is that they run into each other and she says yes like a dream. He asks if she dreams about him and she says only in her sleep. Uh huh. She leaves and he calls Conni who also sees him before he sees her and she talks to him around the corner saying she’s at the aprtment instead of the bar, He reminds her of the event tonight and she tells him she’ll just be a little while longer. He leaves and then she goes back to Beto who says something else naco and she decides that’s enough and leaves. #8 He lusts after her.

Back at the office wife apologizes to Gabi who promised not to get on top of her husband again. Ha. She leaves and Moni comes back. She gets an earful from Gabi who gives her her advance and some work to earn it. This work is just so hard too. She has to go the gala and get boss to sign some papers.

She goes home and gives Nieves money for the rent telling her to hide it from Beto who will drink it. Nieves thanks her. Beto looks on from behind the curtain. Ruh roh.

At the elegant gala Conni is still going on about how Moni spilled the tea on purpose and if not she’s useless and why should you employ her. Xime runs up saying she brought her galan they will love to meet. Turns out it’s Mau’s nemesis, Rolo and they are mildly polite to greet him but wander off in disbelief that Xime is with him.

Moni is dressing for the gala. I think it’s hysterical that on a day when her original wardrobe would actually have been appropriate for her task, she changes her usual cocktail dress for shorts. Estre is lending her plastic pearls for her dress. She helps Moni escape without anyone seeing her dressed up.

Beto arranges with Costeno a “game” because there is a guy looking to play.

Abue continues to berate Ivan for his interest in Luisa. #9 He thinks she has no confidence in him. One day he'll be just as rich as Mau. He turns the tables though and tells her to go ahead and send him to the country with his Dad, he’s better off anywhere than with her. Ouch. He’s kind right in this instance though.

Beto steals the money and Nieves catches him. For some reason she doesn’t tear him a new one, but lets him take the money to gamble with only ineffective protest. I see why he’s a brat that she lets him get away with that.

Moni shows up at the event without an invite and gets a hassle from the door man. He kicks her out and she says fine.#10

Jero shows up to Beto and Costi for the game. He’s not sure he likes this.#11

Ricki calls Estrella and sweet talks her. Ivan escapes out the back, Jack.

At the event, Mau warns Rolu not to hurt his cousin, when she returns, they start arguing about racing and it turns out that Mau thinks he caused an accident that almost killed him and killed someone else. They almost get to blows until the press saves the day wanting a photo of the two best drivers together. While the photo session is on, Moni is back up above them getting kicked out again by the doorman. This time she manages to fall off the top part into the arms of Mau who is below getting photographed. Silly smiles all around.


You know I just want to add a personal note...please everyone think good thoughts for our hermanos in Honduras that they are able to resolve this presidential power struggle without bloodshed. Thanks much.

Labels: gancho

It's good to be home and back with you all. Thanks a million Jody for the two weeks of Wednesday night recaps. I will enjoy the second one as soon as I catch up a bit. My Internet connections were sketchy after I left Devil's Tower (nothing ominous in that is there?) I covered 3528 miles in NM, CO, WY, SD, MT, ID, UT, and back with over 3000 photos jammed into every memory device I had on me which makes almost one photo per mile. The Rockies are just too beautiful to describe this year with green like velvet and wild flowers everywhere. Heavy editing to follow but here is one little gem at Devil's Tower I am pretty amazed to have snapped:



So here goes, we will see how much I missed The party is still going strong, Fernanda redoes her excellent scene of recovery of red eyes they should be selling Cover Girl. And how did Gardenia get back to Jacinto and Margarita's in that lovely little dress without ruining her luscious hair or high heels. Fernanda looks disheveled as she emerges nearly breaking into tears as she assures Damian nothing has happened, but Barbara is quick to blame him. The party rolls on FR/Ed greets and grimaces and Errika grins and clings. Esteve assures Venus that she will devastate whomever meets her but for this special occasion her intended target conquest is named Camilo Elizarde. He will try to get you into bed but Venus don't do it. For the good of the mission and of yourself, do not fall in love with this lout (patán).

Said Patán arrives questioning the real reason for this gala, and FrEd likes his suspicion (suspicacia), how did he guess. as Cam guesses that FrEd will announce not the alliance of their companies but the alliance of their (FrEd and Err) lives.

Fernanda puts forth the suggestion that her upset is because of her sister missing and they are here at the lovely party. Errika takes Nanda and Barbara demands that Damian enjoy his honeymoon in 24 hours, he says there is still a lot to discuss but assures him that the rules have not changed, she is the one that give orders.

Santi and Aurora enjoy childhood photo albums and finally get to the oldest of him at 6 months. When he asks if she doesn't have pictures of her childhood, she has none, only school reports (boletas of calificaciones de escuela).

Nanda and Errika drink tequila and play the girlie game. Errika simpers, you can't guess how Franco is treating me, yes this party is to announce our engagement. Fernanda is shocked, but you haven't had an agreement. Errika says, but now I think that Franco really does want to marry me. Fernanda's tears slip, but mercifully she never whines. Errika looks clueless.
*****
Break, Willa wants attention, gets a treat, she follows me from room to room
*****
Errika is sorry to see Fernanda's pain, but spouts platitudes about the calm coming after the storm.(in English it comes before) and they will make plans to be the four of us, Fernanda pretends that sounds like fun.

Santi and Aurora continue to look at the pictures of Barbara and family and Santi points out that Aurora and Barbara's old pictures look alike.

Back at the Jacinto house, Gardenia is still dressed to kill and now she is going to toast that Nanda has returned to her husband and Eduardo is now free to look on the other side, for her she has no doubt. She downs tequila shots with lemon chaser and says the chauffeur (aha, she didn't fly) will take her back to the party. Jacinto wisely points out that Eduardo always was and will always be a goner for Fernanda.

FrEd tells Cam that they can be real friends and wonders if a BIG boy like Camilho would steal his father's car.

Santi finally gets a love scene with Aurora.

FrEd tells Cam that maybe he isn't lying but is playing a game with Jacinto. Cam advises that Americans don't know how to be heavy handed (pie de plomo - lead footed) with underlings.Especially since he has taken on the uppity native who acts like a Spaniard (indio ladino). What do you suggest, that I fire him? Then, what would you say if I told you that your father's car is in my power, are you kidding, I am absolutely serious. Santoro, come, Let's go talk, FrEd laughs like a loon and says I love big jokes (bromas pesadas = closer to jokes in bad taste) , orders a drink from a passing exotic server to lubricate (lubrique) his sense of humor.

Love making bliss for Santi and Aurora and look Mom, no tears. Both of them and we so deserve this scene.

Damian sweeps Fernanda from Errika and says this is enough for today, I want to be with my wifey, they sit while FrEd watches with eyes in slits of bad humor. and here comes the Lovely in soft elegant, tasteful aqua, and oh yes Camilo swoons but where did this beauty (hermosura) come from?

FrEd takes the mike and says we have many reasons (motivos) to celebrate, the association of Lacktos and Power Meelk, he presents Power Milk and Esteve come up with Lovely. Camilo is instantly smitten with her and Lovely Norton is presented as the niece of Esteve, she is Mexican, the main reason Franco gives for wanting this business in Mexico. Viva Mexico. Damian continues ot devour Fernanda's arms and shoulders, not seeming to notice she flinches every few minutes, but Franco notices and says and now there is a third reason I want to share, as he presents Errika my girlfriend who from this moment is my fiance. Gardenia almost storms the stage but stops, Fernanda shrugs off the lurpy kisses from the persistent Damian and almost storms the stage too. The toast for all this good news is presented. Fernanda looks like a drowned cat, Barbara looks like the cat who ate the canary, FrEd looks like he is grinding his teeth into powder.
*****
Break and give Willa a dog treat and let her out
*****
The exotic party continues, Lovely is paraded in front of the Elizaldes, Camilo drools, Damian drools on Fernanda's arm, Errika drools on FrEd's shoulder. Gardenia is in a rage alone in her room, you are rubbing elbows with (te codeas con) the well heeled (las ricachonas)! She hates Eduardo, hates him now and sobs bitterly on her bed.

Esteve wants to introduce Lovely to someone, Camilo and Barbara argue about what Franco is doing. He tells her what Franco said. Esteve wants to introduce the niece to the ambassador. Camilo sniffs the wind.

The love scene is loverly with no tears, Aurora rises in her chaste cotton nighty, and says it is lack of respect to the family to spend the night now that they have done the deed. Santi says no one would be offended by true love but Aurora thinks His dad and Barbara might not agree. Santi reluctantly leaves, she plumps the pillows and an evil shadow crosses the window.
*****
Break and let Willa in, she offers to play ball, I have to refuse, she sulks
*****
The band plays a slow dance love song, Errika asks about the pact again, he covered her for the confrontation with Camilo and she covered him for his girlfriend but she doesn't know who she is, looking around furtively. He agrees and says she agreed to go with the fake engagement. She begins to look into each woman's face and even though Fernanda suffers through Damian's pawing, Errika can't guess and FrEd tells her she never will guess.

Fernanda pulls away, Damian thinks it is because she is feeling for her sister. Clueless Papi says but will Damian forgive us for misjudging him , Barbara says he is so in love that as he well knows, love will win out. She is so right, he says.

Camilo makes kissy, sucky moves to enchant Lovely, (will this patan never learn that women aren't thrilled by that kind of pickup technique??? Errika continues to discuss with FrEd that she wants the engagement to be real, He is at least honest that he doesn't love her and that when they made their pact, she did not love him either. But that doesn't mean that he doesn't like her. She looks hopelessly hopeful and strokes his face while Fernanda continues to come undone. Barbara silently calls her stupid while she watches on the side of the dance floor. Poor Fernanda thought that Franco Santoro was interested in her but he was just amusing himself.

Aurora has another case of the scary bathroom door opening mysteriously by itself, she creeps toward the shower to see help me (auxilio) written in blood and lets out a scream echoed by the sobs of Gardenia in her room. Nice transition. Gardenia takes the box of letters out of the black case and marches out of her room with spitefulness filling her lovely tearstained face.

Esteve, introduces Anibal saying he's nothing more nor less than the General Director of Grupo Lactos, and Camila cuts in saying but he is the most boring. Camilo flirts shamelessly kissing her hand. She responds that his greeting is like an old time movie. Her name, Lovely is suggestive/sexy (sugerente) says Cam asking her to dance.

Esteve allows her to go off and dance with Camilo. As if to punctuate Camilo's claim of his brother being boring, Anyballs wants to talk business and know more details about the work in New York but Esteve side steps neatly saying they should speak of more important/transcendent (trascendente) things and compliments Priscila's marvelous eyes. . Priscila bats her beautiful eyes in total agreement.

End of episode, but don't worry this party is not over yet. Tomorrow Pasofino can regale you with descriptions of the dance floor when they all change partners and dance that dangerous dance...
And Willa sleeps on, good night mis amigos.

Labels: manana

Thanks again to Julie for picking up the slack for me for the last two weeks!

Capitulo 96

From last night: Fernanda continues to interrogate Damian. Gonzo tells Anyballs that if he makes a scene at the party because of Damian, he’s gonna get it. Aurora’s has her cards read by the scary old witch who says this certain secret will be hanging over her all her life. Aurora says meekly wants to know if that has anything to do with all the weird stuff has been happening to her lately. La Bruja says it will continue to happen if she doesn’t reveal the secret. Wonder how much Babs is payin’ this lady? Witch says Aurora has to free the spirit and Aurora asks if it’s the spirit of Dominga. Witch wants to know who is Dominga is, and says that anything Aurora tells her stays in that room and if the old lady does tell anyone, the bad spirits will come back on her.

The Witch probes Aurora about her parents. Aurora gets spooked and runs out. Witch explains to Babs not to worry, because the girl will be back. Babs instructs the witch to squeeze ever last bit of truth out of Aurora’s soul.

Artemio Bravo is reading the news articles about the fire at the Big Cups Cantina and is mourning over Aurora’s supposed death.

Camilo comes in to gloat with Santi that he took his girl out for a horseback ride and wants to know where she is. Santi explains she left with Babs. Santi tells him they’re not going to the big party tonight and Camilo says that’s too bad, he wanted to dance with Aurora. Santi finally grows a pair and clocks the cackling Camilo, who swears to get him back.

Erika is preparing her jewelry for the evening when the maid comes in with bags for her that contain her lingerie for the evening. She giggles uncontrollably - she’s truly delusional.

Martina, Lili, and the newly made over Venus aka Lovely Norton, are giggling while playing cards. Venus is excited because Esteve is coming over to help her get ready for the party.

The high society and fashionable elite begin to arrive at Las Animas for the party. Esteve has done quite a job – the theme of the party is Arabian Nights. Fr/Ed is looking especially delicioso. Fr/Ed and Esteve greet an Ambassador and OMG, Fr/Ed is speaking English and is even more HOT – can it be possible for this man to get any HOTTER???? OK, focus Melissa, focus!!!!! Fr/Ed finally gives Steve credit for putting together a good party, but he’s surprised none of the Elizaldes has shown up yet. But, his supposed novia, Erika, and her parents walk in and Esteve and Fr/Ed greet them. Gardenia eyeballs Fr/Ed like a woman who hasn’t eaten in days (oh hell, so do I).

Just then Fernanda and Scumian show up and Fr/Eddie is not so happy and neither is Nanda. Gardenia and Scumian look quite pleased, though.

Martina comes into Lili’s room to talk to Lili (who isn’t there), but gets engrossed in the television instead. The show just going into a commercial is La Hora Pico which just happens to be produced by Carla Estrada. The completely obvious product placement commercial is for Losec – for stomach problems. Martina hopes her friend Venus’ stomach is okay because of her pre-party nerves.

Fr/Ed and Steve greet Nanda and Damian. Damian explains the whole thing was a terrible misunderstanding and Fr/Ed says he always believed in Dam’s innocence. Fr/Ed makes a big display of complimenting Nanda’s intelligence, and Dam makes a big display of kissing Nanda in front of Fr/Ed. Erika bounces in to say Hi to her BFF Fernanda. Nanda is jealous seeing Erika with Fr/Ed.

Aniballs and Gonzo are waiting for their women to get ready. Camilo will meet them at the party. Babs comes down the stairs looking regal in a black and white halter dress – Gonzo is impressed. Prisci’s upstairs on the phone with her brother and wants to know why he’s not going to the party. Rolando says he’s not going to give Anyballs the opportunity to embarrass and accuse him publicly of industrial espionage. Prisci feels guilty knowing she played a part in this.

Erika tells Nanda she’s glad she and Scumian have worked it out and says now they can finally have a honeymoon. Fr/Ed is happy to hear they’ve never actually been on a honeymoon, but in order to play along, he tells Nanda and Dam that Powhere Meelk has its own private island near Bermuda and they’re welcome to use it. Nanda is not lookin’ happy, but Erika says she hopes one day she’ll be seeing this island.

Aurora is knitting in her bedroom and remembers the words of the Old Witch. Santiago comes in with two fruity umbrella drinks and says their party has started. Santi wants to know what’s wrong with her. She says the house seems like it’s filled with memories. She asks Santi how Barbara came into Gonzo’s life – Santi seems stunned by this question.

The two couples have now moved to the bar. Fr/Ed excuses himself, but before he goes, Erika kisses him and Nanda looks perturbed.

Steve and Fr/Ed greet Gonzo, Babs, Anyballs, and Prisci. Fr/Ed tells them he’s glad they showed up, what with the all the anguish over the situation with Lili. Babs wants to know how Fr/Ed knows, and he says he spoke with Fernanda and she told him. Babs says she doesn’t want this information public.

Esteve is waiting for Venus to finish dressing and says her “date” hasn’t arrived yet, but he’ll be proud to accompany her. She steps out and asks how she looks, Esteve is smitten, but we don’t get to see Venus the Lovely yet.

Santi tells Aurora that he can’t understand how his father fell in love with Babs. Nobody was invited to the wedding and they know nothing about her. Aurora says she thinks Babs is weird and strange. She says she doesn’t understand why they call her La Hyena. Aurora wants to see photos of Santi’s childhood – he goes off to get them. Aurora picks up her knitting again when a door starts to creek open – she asks who’s there and goes to look, but the door slams closed and she’s terrified. She screams at the spirit to leave. Santi comes back and she tells him she thinks someone is in the bathroom. He goes to look and of course, finds nothing but the window open. He tries to calm her down. She realizes he doesn’t believe her – just like Babs said. They start looking at the pictures and she looks over her shoulders to see if anyone or anything is lurking.

Erika wants the dirt on Damian from Nanda, who has no patience for her friend, but explains anyway. Erika asks how Nanda feels about Damian now, Nanda admits she’s confused. Erika explains how affectionate Fr/Ed is with her. Damian shows up and takes Erika’s seat and Erika leaves to flirt with Fr/Ed. Damian comments on how happy Fr/Ed and Erika look. Nanda is miffed and excuses herself.

Fr/Ed and Erika stop to mingle with the Elizaldes. Babs wants to know if this is the first time Fr/Ed has been in love and he says yes.

Nanda’s alone in the bathroom and is a wreck, but tries to pull herself together.

Gardenia has come to see Jacinto and Margarita in order to give them the latest gossip.

Erika and Fr/Ed mingle with more guests.

Damian and Anyballs confront each other. Anyballs refuses to shake Damian’s hand and says he’ll be watching Dam’s every move. Dam asks Prisci what she thinks and then leaves to find Nanda. Anyballs wonders why Dam said that to Prisci – she feigns innocence.

Nanda is still in the bathroom and Dam knocks on the door and asks if she’s alright, people are asking if she’s alright. She’s not ready to come out yet and tells him to give her a few minutes.

Gardenia animatedly recounts to Cinto and Mags how Nanda showed up on the arm of Scumian, and Fr/Ed didn’t act like it bothered him at all. Cinto wants to know why she cares so much. Denia goes off on one of her rants. None of them can figure out if the police have been looking for Damian, how does he just show up at the party? I can’t even be bothered with this. FF>

Nanda finally comes out of the bathroom and she’s surprised Dam’s still waiting. He wants to know what’s wrong with her, when Babs shows up and asks what Dam did to Nanda.

Previews: Gardenia is convinced that now that Nanda is back with Damian, Fr/Ed will finally be hers. She’s shocked when she hears Fr/Ed present his “novia” Erika Astorga!

Labels: manana

Hi, all. If you’re wondering about the tone of this recap, this is Hombre de Misterio, subbing for JudyB (who’ll do my Friday recap this week).

So what was the deal with Moni and Beto in Moni’s office? She locked the door, and I was thinking she sort of wanted Maury to catch her kissing Beto. No, she was just keeping Beto quiet. After Maury gives up on opening the door (Aldo was going to thank Moni), Maury goes back to work, Aldo is sent home with Salvador, and Moni sneaks Beto out. On the way out he gives her some flyers (volantes) of his upcoming wrestling match, and she quickly hides them, as Maury returns.

He informs Moni that not only did they catch the fake Dad, but Maury took a page from Moni’s book, in that he punched the guy out (lo agarré a trancazos). Moni digs this toughness, but Maury surprises her with a kiss on the cheek. What was that? I’m delivering a kiss from Aldo (good strategy, Maury). So bring us some cappuccino, and we’ll talk. Moni backs away to get the coffee, obviously smitten. As she goes, Maury sees a flyer on the floor, which says “Sensational Wrestling” (wrestling is lucha libre, or free fight).

Cut to the wrestling ring, where Morales is peeved that Beto has finally deigned to show up, given that the match is Saturday (the next day) morning. Beto thinks he’s ready, but a funny montage proves otherwise, as Beto is tossed all over the place, after which five huge wrestlers, with silly masks covering their faces, pile onto our pobrecito. This inspires Beto to put on HIS mask, after which the guys REALLY smash into him (actually his body double, that’s why they put on the mask at this point), flipping him, crushing him in the corner, and stomping on him. What fun!

Back at Grupo Sermeño (easy to remember, as it ends with Meño, a character from Tontas, which many of us just finished watching), Maury, Salvador, Jerry and Gabi are discussing what to do about Bonilla’s fraud with the fake Dad thing. Salvador wants to press charges, Maury wants to let it go. Sal thinks someone else is behind this, looks right at Jerry as he wonders how Bonilla found out Maury adopted the kids. Jerry gets indignant and stalks out, complaining why everyone always accuses HIM. (let’s guess – because you DID it, Jerry?). As the door closes, Sal holds up his finger, telling Maury that Jerry’s hiding something, be sure of it.

Back en casa, Beto’s sore, Moni’s massaging his back. He likes the costeño (Morales, who apparently is from the coastal region of Mexico), but this wrestling stuff hurts! Nieves comes in with some ointment, but Beto leaves to check on dinner. Nieves apologizes to Moni for telling Beto where she worked, but the lies have to stop (I doubt it). Moni’s not mad anymore, and the two are excited about Beto’s big match tomorrow.

The three kids are sitting on the bed, staring at…. Connie, who tells them about their big day tomorrow. They’ll start with a sauna, then haircuts for all, manis and pedis, we can’t have you looking unrefined, but Danny wants to go to the park. Aldo and Luisa are no more enthusiastic. Maury comes in with a great plan. Let’s go to the wrestling match! He shows them the flyer, as Connie makes a face. Too bad, they’re going, as rock music starts playing and the kids flex their muscles.

So, now it’s tomorrow. Two big hooded wrestlers decide not to eat the sandwiches (tortas, also means cakes, but apparently often used for sandwiches in Mexico) brought by someone’s girlfriend. Don’t want to interfere with the training. Of course, when Beto comes in, he can’t resist, can’t believe how great this wrestling is, even free sandwiches are provided, and he digs in. Morales enters, doesn’t think this eating before a fight is wise, is Beto really in shape, is he 100% (estás a cien)? 1000 percent, replies Beto, but all of a sudden the food hits, it’s gaseous eruptus, and he has to find that men’s room immediately!

It’s thug time. Bonilla tells Jerry he wants his dough. Jerry reminds him the plan didn’t work. Boney’s tired of Jerry’s plans. He wants his money, and to emphasize his point, snaps his fingers and two suited mafia types punch Jerry in the gut, sending him to the turf. Lucky for him, Ximena shows up (not having seen the hits), and the guys leave. She then notices Jerry, tells him she told him so, or maybe it was his horoscope.

It’s wrestling time! The ring is empty, the room is filled with people and smoke, the fans are screaming as Moni and Nieves (wearing a rhinestone-covered baseball cap), find their seats and say a little prayer. Morales tells them Beto’s tummy is upset. Over on the other side of the ring Maury arrives holding Danny, followed by Connie, Luisa and Aldo. Moni spies them, and ducks down to hide (I don’t really see why she’s so uptight about all this, but we’ll let it go for now). She calls Estrella on the cell for help, but Estrella has a date.

Moni and Nieves go to the dressing room to check on Beto. As they approach the bathroom, they’re overwhelmed by the smell. Beto yells through the door, he’s got a problem. No toilet paper? No, he doesn’t feel good, and he’s got a favor to ask Moni (I have my guess, we’ll see if I’m right in a few minutes).

Back in the barrio, Estrella parts the waves of hanging laundry to greet handsome Ricardo. And he brought flowers. They were going to go for a walk, but… change of plans. Would Ric like to go see a wrestling match?

At the ring, some big wrestlers are flying all over the place, and Maury and clan are enjoying every crash and splat, even when they go over the ropes. Connie’s a little mortified by it all, but even she starts smiling.

Not everyone’s at the match. Gabi the workaholic is at the office (this is Saturday, remember), and Salvador shows up, saying that when he got home, his wife had packed his bags, the door was closed and locked. Well, replies Gabi, maybe one door closes, another door opens, your next adventure could be with me! Sal is startled, until Gabi says she was just kidding to cheer him up (sure). She wants to go somewhere, they can have a glass of wine, she’ll listen attentively. He first says he needs a hotel, he can’t sleep in the office, but she says no to worry about that now, let’s talk. He agrees, and she’s making progress!

Back at the ring, guess what? Beto wants Moni to take his place (yeah, saw that one comin’). No way in hell, says Moni (I’ll lay odds the next time we see her she’s in the wrestling outfit with the hood and all). Ringside, little Danny has her own cute hood, and is eating popcorn. Connie’s fixing her makeup, and Estrella (in a nice black strapless dress with a white fringe) enters with Ricardo. Strella spots la momia (the mummy, her nickname for Connie), as Connie complains to Maury about the smell of everyone’s sweat. She wants to leave. Maury starts to agree, but Danny wants to see the avenging ghost (fantasma vengador), so they agree to stay for one more fight.

The announcer walks center ring, and introduces the villain first, known as The Crow (El Cuervo), who looks like a cross between Ozzy Ozborne and Michael Jackson, long black hair, white greasepaint on his face, long black robe. The crowd hisses and boos. And now introducing The Avenging Ghost! The crowd rises to its feet, cheering our avenger, in the silver suit with the blue trim, somehow filling it out quite differently than Beto in the hip and bust areas, but bouncing happily up to the top of the corner of the ring, climbing the ropes, to the delight of the crowd. And now introducing the dean (decano) of referees, Pepe Lopitasa (probably legitimately famous, but I couldn’t find him on Google).

The fight starts, and as usual in these things, the hero starts out losing, receiving all sorts of punishment, being kicked, smashed into the corner, thrown to the mat (oh, and BTW, they’ve got that body double back for this part, or else Moni just gained 45 pounds, I think it’s a guy with a bra on under the suit). Danny’s upset, but Maury tells her to have faith. Doesn’t look good tho’, as the Fantasma gets thrown right out of the ring, landing conveniently in Maury’s lap! He’s none the wiser, but I think this inspires our girl, as she pops back up, and the tide has turned! How? She starts BOXING. Beto, sitting in the bleachers with his Mom, says that’s not allowed, but no one can stop Moni now. She even slips in a kick to the nether regions. One more punch, and El Cuervo is down and out! The crowd explodes!

Not quite as exciting, but promising nevertheless, Gabi (looking very pretty) and Salvador are chatting amiably in a restaurant. A mariachi band starts, and Gabi thinks it’s so romantic, until Sal says that’s the song they had at my wife’s tenth anniversary, and Gabi quickly tells the band to shut up. Both Sal and Gabi have been upset by work lately, she by Moni (although he admits he likes Moni), and he by Jeronimo, who keeps manipulating Maury. He’s convinced Jerry is bad, but he has no proof. Gabi says she’ll help, they can be a team. They clasp their hands together.

Back at the ring, the kids are glowing in the aftermath, and Danny wants to meet El Fantasma. Connie’s not into it, she’ll wait outside. Up come Ric and Estrella, introductions are made, and Aldo can’t help stare at the sexy Estella with his mouth open. Strella sweetly tells him to stop it, flies might get in. Maury asks Ric to watch the two big kids while he takes Danny to meet the hero of the night.

Meanwhile, Beto has crashed into Connie on her way out, knocking her pocketbook to the ground. He immediately starts putting the moves on her, but she’s disgusted. He picks up her card from the ground, mispronounces her name, but memorizes her number. He’ll call her tomorrow. She slaps him and leaves. He LIKED that. Oh yes. And you know what else? She also dropped her wallet. Now he definitely has an excuse to see her.

We see some feet entering a nice house, it’s Ximena helping Jerry, patch over his eye, arm in a sling, the result of his warning from Boney’s goonsquad. Okay, you’re fine, I’m going out dancing with the girls, says Ximmy. Wait, you need to help me, sister, says Jerry, wincing in pain. He wants her to seduce Boney, so Boney will stop bothering Jerry about the money. You like Bonilla, right? Sure, but that was DAYS ago. Jerry tells Ximmy she can manipulate Boney through sex. She’s so good at that, and maybe she could even get him to marry her. Then all Jerry’s problems would be solved. Ximmy doesn’t think so. Why don’t YOU manipulate Boney through sex! You’d be great, she says with a wink, off to go dancing.

Maury and Danny are at the dressing room door. Moni, still in the wrestling outfit, but with the hood half off, sees them first, ducks behind a door. What’s she going to do? Maury talks through the door, your biggest fan is here, don’t let her down. Moni puts the mask on and opens the door. Danny’s first words are “you’ve got your mask on crooked (chueca), Fantasma”. Maury asks for an autograph. Moni brings out a poster of the Avenging Ghost, Danny remarking that the picture in the poster is way fatter, but of course, Maury doesn’t notice at all. Moni signs the poster. Danny asks if Fantasma’s butt hurt when “he” fell onto the canvas (la lona). Fantasma stays silent, but nods a bit. Finally, Danny wants a kiss, and after getting it, says “how nice you smell”! (qué rico hueles). Fantasma keeps making macho poses, and of course, Maury doesn’t suspect a thing. If he only knew!

At the superfresa dance club, Ximena’s dancing a sixties dances like the frug with her amiga, while three guys look on. One remarks to the second that she’s the cousin of that race car driver whom they don’t like. But the third guy (whose name might be Rolando) is intrigued by our girl, dancing with wild abandon.

Moni’s lying on her bed, waiting for her cue (oh sorry, I guess she’s thinking about the day’s events). The phone rings, and it’s little Danny. Danny tells Moni she went to the wrestling match, and her favorite was the Avenging Ghost, because he was skinny, and all the other fighters were tall and fat. Maury and Connie come in, who are you talking to? It’s Monita, and she hands the phone to Maury. Connie says she’ll wait in the bedroom, but as soon as she gets there, she stealthily picks up the phone to listen in. Maury tells Monita how they had a good time, and they all missed Moni. And you know what? he adds. I missed you, too (Connie doesn’t like this part).

Paula, Strella and Moni are girl talking in the kitchen. Paula can’t believe Moni now does wrestling, too. Strella says Moni’s a good-hearted person (buenaza), can’t turn anyone down. Moni asks if the girls will come to Tepita tomorrow, she wants to go shopping for office clothes, and needs some advice. With the money from the fight, she can afford it. Strella says Moni can keep borrowing Strella’s outfits, but Moni wants something to show her own personality. They agree she wants a change of “looks” (the English word, pronounced with a strong spanish accent).

Next morning, at the gym, Moni is hitting the bag with feeling, and Beto observes that her right handed punch is back. But you’re hitting like a child, he kids, and she gets mad. She gets up at 4 A.M. to train before work, so lay off it! And it’s Sunday and he STILL has her training. So, you want me to leave? I will, and he starts to leave, but doesn’t really want to, says I’m leaving, here I go, I’m starting to go, but she wants him out NOW. He starts again, runs into Don César, who inspects Moni’s hand. It’s much better, and very soon, she’ll be able to box again.

Connie is complaining to Ximena about Mao (Maury) and you know who. Also, she hated the people at the wrestling match, all fat with tight clothes, smelly, whereas here SHE is, divine, refined, a goddess….and all so your cousin can tell that THING he misses her! Ximena says to chill, the truth (la neta) is Mao’s yours, don’t worry. Connie leaves, still upset, and when Ximmy gets up, she crashes right into Rolando Klunder, the third guy from above. She even remembers him, from those car races several years ago. He was the guy who always came in third place, right? He was, but these two look promising, as they sit down for coffee.

We now see all of Mauricio’s racing trophies, displayed in the garage where his race car is being worked on by Cristano, Aldo helping . Danny’s sitting in his lap, looking cute as a button with a red shirt and a little gray and white striped tie. She asks if he were the Avenging Ghost, who would be his worst enemy? He really doesn’t have any enemies. None? Cristano interjects. What about Rolando Klunder? (Nooooooo!)

And next time: Beto gets a new shirt, and we meet Salvador’s dear wife!

Vocabulario:
Volantes – fliers
Lo agarré a trancazos – I punched him out
Estar a cien – to be 100%
El Decano – the dean
Chueco(a) – crooked
La lona – the canvas
Qué rico hueles – how nice you smell
Buenaza – a good hearted person
La neta – the truth

Labels: gancho

We are grinding our way slowly towards the big party, but we're not there yet. This was a slow, repetitive episode, which could be summarized thus:

Barbara's new plan is to get Fernanda, finally, boinked by her husband Damian, thereby wrecking her chances with Fr/Ed. In order to do this, she has concocted some completely ludicrous story (about the $3 million dollars) which no normal human would believe for a second, in order that Damian can come out of hiding and do the deed.

She spends this whole episode with a loony grin on her face. Let us not forget that she, seemingly the puppet-master here, is having her own strings pulled by Artemio Bravo. He gives her tough assignments but she accepts them zestfully.

In addition, she is determined to plumb Aurora's secrets and is wreaking havoc with the poor girl's weak mental circuitry.

I could stop right there, but for those who insist on more...

• Out at the statue, Barb (with her loony smile) pressures Fernanda into going to a hotel with Damian so he can explain his actions and "clarify her doubts."
  
  
• So Damian takes Fer to a hotel. He wants to sign in for several nights, she says: "Just one." The main questions she asks again and again: (1) why did you tell me a few days ago that Barbara stole the money and framed you, and now you and she are so chummy? (2) where have you been hiding?
  
  His answer to the first: this is his chance to clear his name. He doesn't answer the second. I'm not sure why it matters, anybody know?
  
  To sum up his moves: he orders champagne (Fer doesn't drink hers) and lounges around en deshabille, coming up to Fer as close as possible as often as possible and beaming his slitty little eyes into her eyes and repeating that his love is eternal. He says "let me embrace you" and uses his endearing nickname for her - "peque" (shorty) - a lot.
  
  After a bunch more bull, he imagines she must be sleepy and extends his hand to her, "let's go to bed, shorty!" She nixes that and he sleeps on the sofa.
  
  
• Barb goes home and tells her intolerably dimwitted husband how happy she is that everything is resolved and Fernanda and Damian can now have marital bliss. The old duffer is, oh so happy, and then he remembers for a second - wait, my daughter Lili has been kidnapped - and his brow furrows a tiny bit - but Barbara assures him all will be fine - that surely it's Dr Obregon who has kidnapped Lili and he'll take good care of her - so the furrow disappears and old duffer daddy is happy again.
  
  Barbara suggests the Big Party will make a fine time to show the world that the Elizalde family has rehabilitated Damian and clasped him back into their collective bosom. Old duffer agrees although he still thinks Damian could have called, at least.
  
  
• Flor wants to sing like a stooley and tell everything she knows: that she saw Damian and Vladimir and Prisila at Vlad's apartment. Gardenia and Jacinto tell her to keep her mouth shut. She is bent, however, on telling Fernanda, at the very least, that her hubby is holed up with his best buddy Vlad.
  
  
• At the hacienda, Aurora teaches Prisila how to knit - they'll make booties next - but she, Aurora, is having a literally hellish time. She prays and cries, then she finds a voodoo doll full of pins on her pillow and screams and cries.
  
  
• It's the next day. Fer slept in her clothes. The phone starts ringing. It's Franco, Franco, Franco. Esteve, watching him make these calls, suggests it may be too early to call her. "Last night, it was too late." He wants to tell her what he heard from Jacinto: that Vladimir's apt was Damian's hideout. Esteve wonders why Fr/Ed is so hot to tell Fer about this - "can it be, you want to see her reaction?" Fr/Ed calls, calls, calls. "Why doesn't she pick up? She always answers her cellphone!"
  
  Under Damian's watchful eye, Fer does answer a couple other calls. First, from her daffy Daddy - he wants to hear that everything is wonderful for her and Damian, but she sounds wan and unhappy, even Daddy notices! He reminds her, to her dismay, that the big party at Fr/Ed's is this very night.
  
  She also answers Flor's call but says she isn't coming in to the office today. She goes to take a bath, thought bubbling among the bubbles that her husband seems a stranger to her now.
  
  Damian calls Vlad and boasts that, while it's taking longer than he'd imagined, he's well on his way to seducing Fer. Proof? She isn't going to the office, because she wants to spend the day with him!
  
  He slips her cellphone out of her purse to see whose calls she wasn't taking. It was Franco, Franco, Franco! But why didn't she answer? he wonders.
  
  He blabs, blabs, blabs at her, telling lies, flashing his sincere eyes and unbuttoned shirt. I fear she is weakening somewhat.
  
  
• It's morning at the hacienda too, and Aurora is not in a good mood at breakfast. Santi (who does a brief orange juice product placement) thinks it's because she misses him at night.
  
  Barb comes in; Santi is astonished to hear from her that Aurora has developed a strong interest in pasteurization and longs to go to the plant with Barb that day.
  
  So Barb and Aurora drive off - but they don't end up at the plant. Instead, Barb has driven to some seedy back alley. Smiling goonily all the while, she pushes Aurora up the stairs to meet - Rosenda the witch. The witch drags Aurora off into the back room, chants, asks her name (shouldn't she be able to figure that out via her extraordinary mental abilities?), and Aurora is terrified. Perhaps by the skulls and lava lamps everywhere.
  
  
• It's morning at the office, too. Daffy Daddy Elizalde warns Anibal (who has always loathed Damian and continues to do so) (and calls him an inepto, I like that term and plan to use it myself) that at the party this night he'd better not wreck Fernanda's happiness (at her reconciliation with her husband).
  
  
• It's morning at Fr/Ed's house too. Gardenia bounces in, all excited about the stuff that's being delivered for the party. Fr/Ed isn't interested so Esteve will take charge.

Tomorrow: Finally the party! Erika is very happy. Fer arrives on Damian's arm to Fr/Ed's utter consternation.

Labels: manana

Buenas noches a todos.

Maury has put his money where his mouth is and adopted some kids from the broken-down orphanage. The one kid, Aldo, is really violent and should probably be placed in an alternative-care facility in sunny Spain. It would be more of a spa vacation than anything, what with the tennis courts, swimming pools, and soccer tournaments. No way! I adopted the little hoodlum and he’s gonna be my kid no matter how many times he beats up on everyone else, says Maury to his scheming girlfriend.

Well, all this violence and adoption has gotten Maury thinking about biological fathers with vengeances and depleted bank accounts—to the point where he no longer is a reliable business opeartor: he wears sweats and his office worker wears a towel on non-casual days, what more can I say? Sal promised Maury’s late father that he would always protect him, or was it the family fortune? The point is, Sal doesn’t want Maury racin’ no cars, and he better not let Wayne Newton (the new fake dad) into his life.

So the whole office staff is in on some secret operative mission for Maury to meet Wayne. Looks like they found some voice recorder and they strung it through Maury’s clothes. If the deal goes bad Val will be there to give our dyed-hair friend a one-two to the old kisser. In a painfully, overly-animated performance we discover that, with some small economic assistance, Wayne will disappear from his children’s and Maury’s lives forever, or until he spends it all and decides to blackmail him again. Poor Maury lets everyone walk all over him, and really, what’s an extra $100,000. But it’s not a business transaction, it’s about the kids. Oh, and you better not take advantage of me, sir.

Maury doesn’t really know if he should tell his kids about their father, but eventually decides that not telling them will add to the dramatic effect of the show months in advance. Towell girl (Val, who can only afford portions of whole outfits) can’t believe that someone would use his family for money—obviously her boyfriend has trained her well.

Jerry’s crackpot sister Jimena comes to visit the new twin children, but she’s worried about her brother beating her, so she needs more alcohol. Then Jerry arrives to beat up on his sister and explain Spanish portmanteaus. Putting on my Aunt Judy cap: taratúpida = tarada + estúpida = really, really stupid girl. She threatens to tell about Jerry hiring Wayne Newton as an imposter to collect the money for Jerry and Associates. Don’t make me guess things because it took me three hours last time to figure out you wanted to kill me, says stupid sister.

Jerry effectively hits on all three adopted children: Do you work out? Aren’t you a pretty one? Goo gah goo gah. Does this man feel ok?, asks the six year old. I can tell that everyone is going to be fast friends.

So Val is leavin’ the skimpy dress for the sweats. Cue the video montage: Theme song accompanies Val practicing her boxing moves and Maury in his racecar talking to a guy. Rrrandommm!

It just keeps happening! I’m convinced that Televisa is making a cry of help to TLC’s What Not to Wear. Val has to be some sort of plug for publicity on What Not to Wear: South of the Border. Please, we’re running a business, not a Disco-themed night club. No wonder the office managers give her hell, she’s dressed like a freaking street walker. Anyway, they give her a cell phone, and she doesn’t really know what it is, but she says she does, and goes all commando on the pretty one. Then she wants to put some hick music on and leans in for a kiss, stare, hair comb, etc.—only to be interrupted by the girlfriend who is an overly-involved psycho bitch girlfriend.

So Val lied to her boyfriend about working for a Chinese guy so Mamma sent the bf to the Chinese store to find out about the lie. Then Estrella goes with him to interpret and eventually it comes out that Val doesn’t work there and when everyone comes back Mama goes into some sort of diabetic shock because her daughter-in-law lied to her son.

Back at the office, Wayne goes to collect, and is sort of surprised when he has to sign a document. Things get sticky when Aldo shows up to the office where Maury, Sal, and Wayne/fake daddy all meet up and Aldo denies that Wayne is his father. As a knee-jerk reaction Sal takes the suit case and Wayne runs away. Then Secretary calls the police while drunk-as-a-skunk Jimena shows up wondering what’s going on. In an adventure fit for the best racecar drivers in the nation, Sal and Maury decide to follow Wayne’s taxi. We really could have used Val’s athleticism during all the drama, but she was stuck making 800 copies. Poor Aldo doesn’t understand why his father wanted to sell him. Eventually Maury catches up to Wayne and Bonilla and nocks him out. Don’t mess with my family, or I’ll mess you up.

Unfortunately, things go from hick to major hick when under-shirt wearin’, beer guzzlin’ bf shows up at work. What do you have goin’ on here, NASA? No, I lied to you about my job because I didn’t want to seem uppity. Then Val knocks him out with her right hand so she doesn’t have to be embarrassed in front of everyone. Yay, she regained use of her right arm!

In the end the whole family is talking about learning lessons in trust and family bonding. Little Aldo doesn’t understand why his father is allowed to punch out people, but he can’t. It’s an adult thing, son. Jerry says he would have done the same thing to someone who he hired to pretend to be the father of his cousin’s kid so he could collect big time. Then Maury and Aldo go to say goodbye to Val, but she locked herself in the copy room with her bf. She’ll just die if the love of her life discovers her there—but he’s getting married anyway, and has kissed his fake gf many more times than the other couple!

Tomorrow: Maury sort of confronts Jerry. The fam goes to the boxing match—they probably won’t see Val the office worker.

Labels: gancho

Sub recapper for Jardinara. She will be back next week.

Padre Basco asks Solidad for forgiveness (at her grave site).

Fernanda asks Fr/Ed for a favor. Tonight she has a reunion, but doesn't know what it's about. Suddenly Fr/Ed receives a phone call from Padre Basco. Padre tells Fr/Ed things are dangerous. Your enemy is everywhere. Please listen to me. Don't talk about this anymore to anyone. Don't confide in anyone.

Vlad and Pris pull up to his apartment with Flor close behind. Vlad tells Pris not to be upset with him anymore. I promised you that Damian will not bother you anymore. Pris tells him that she doesn't believe him. The more I know you the more I realize you are one of those men whose words don't mean anything. They walk into his apartment building with Flor looking on. Flor is pissed.

Vlad and Pris walk into Vlad's apartment and Pris starts in on Damian. She says that she's a married woman and can't be coming at their beck and call when they feel like it. What game are you trying to play? Vlad tries to explain, but Pris tells him to shut up. You guys are made for each other replies Pris. (viewerville nods in agreement) You guys are a bunch of idiots. Pris, responds Damian, all the Elizandes including your husband have realized that I am innocent. Sit down. I'm glad. So why did you call me here then asks Pris. I am offering you my help responds Damian. How do you plan on helping me asks Pris. Proposing a pact. In exchange for my silence, I want you to watch my back. You insult me replies Pris. Well then everyone will know that the child you expect is not your husbands replies Damian. You are a jerk says Pris and gets up to smack Damian across his face. He gets up pissed and Vlad must have grown a little bit of balls and gets in front of Pris and defends her. Damian says tell me what you want me to tell your family then? That I found you in Vlad's apartment arguing about the paternity of your child? Vlad jumps on this like a ducks on a junebug and agrees that Damian should tell Anibal that he is the real father. He turns to Pris with a crazed look in his eyes and says "Mi Angel, it's best that everyone knows the truth." He kneels on the couch, takes her hand, kisses it, promises her then says no swears to her that I assume my responsibilities. She gets a scared look in her eyes like this guy is nuts.

Barbara brings Aurora coffee. Barbara tries to be all nice and tells her that she just wants to help her. She reminds her that she also went through the same hell she is now going through. She knows of an expert who can help her. They helped her so much. Aurora asks if she means with a witch (bruja). The ones that talk with the spirits? Yes, replies Barbara. Isn't that bad asks Aurora. Seeking help is bad asks Barbara. No, responds Aurora. Barbara tells her she doesn't know what she would have done if it wasn't for that sainted woman. Do you think that woman could help me asks Aurora. It wouldn't be a sin? Aurora it helped me, but if you doubt then there' not point responds Barbara.

Fr/Ed is walking around the living room. Fernanda asks what's wrong. Ever since you received that call your attitude has changed. Tell me what has you worried. Fr/Ed says that to feel confidence in your heart and then to have it poisoned are reasons to disregard that confidence. She asks if he has no confidence in her.

Vlad tells Pris that there will never be anything that her and there child will ever need that will not be met. I promise to give you the best of me. Damian interrupts and tells Pris to give her "lover" an answer. Thank you Vlad, but that's not necessary replies Pris. Just get up. She asks Damian that if he is now found innocent then why does he want her to investigate what's going on in the house? Because I want to make sure that Barbara doesn't have a trick up her sleeve for tonight that why replies Damian.

Barbara is worried about Aurora's relationship with Santiago. Why, asks Aurora. Because if you want to stay by his side you must take away these fears. My situation was the same as yours. I was at the point of losing my husband. He thought I was possessed by a demon. But I did want I had to do to keep his love. I can make an appointment with the person who helped me. Can you do that for me asks Aurora. I will do that for you, but you can't tell anyone. Not even Santiago. Understand?

Pris calls Tomasa and tells her to tell Barbara not to expect her for dinner. She asks Damian when is his meeting with Barbara. Tonight responds Damian. And how do you want me to investigate all this asks Pris. I tell you want to do not how to do it replies Damian. I will be waiting for your call. Pris leaves and forgets her phone.

Fr/Ed says we all run with danger. And the only way to protect ourselves is to confide. There are reasons for all of us to doubt each other. That is why I ask why you have confidence in me? I just do replies Fernanda. That's what I'm saying. You can't have confidence in everyone. You cannot tell anyone what we are doing. I beg you. The danger is so big we cannot risk it. Even the ones we love. She says the one she worries the most about is Lili. Don't you realize the danger is real? Don't tell your father even your brothers. We have to find out who Gregoria Bravo and her son Aremio Bravo are.

Vlad is following Pris outside. He wants to take her. She doesn't want him too. Flor is watching all this. Damian takes the phone to Pris. Flor is muy impactada to see Damian.

Venus comes back from her shopping trip. She calls Martina who tells her how pretty she looks. Venus shows off her purchases to Martina and Lili. They call get presents too.

Santiago asks Fernanda that their father told him that Lili escaped from the mental hospital. Is that true? Yes confirms Fernanda, but I believe that we will find her soon. Is it also true that she was kidnapped asks Santiago. That's what the police think, but we have to wait and see replies Fernanda. She changes the subject and asks Aurora if she found out anymore about who painted the bloody cross in her bathroom. Santiago believes it was Camilo. Aurora doesn't believe it was. Knock on the door and Tomasa says dinner is ready. Fernanda says she is going out with Barbara for dinner. Santiago says to be careful what she eats. It could have poison in it. He laughs.

Pris tells Damian that she doesn't sense anything weird going on in the house and Barbara is calm. Vlad tells Damian not to hang up, but he does anyway. Damian lies and says that Pris said "hi". Damian and Vlad are getting ready to go. Vlad says it's too early, but Damian wants to get there early to make sure there are no surprises for him. Vlad doesn't want to go, but Damian insists he goes. Vlad little balls that he had grown when he defended Pris after she slapped Damian have disappeared and now he's scared that the police are going to get them. Damian says Pris told him all is good and he trusts her. Let's go.

Barbara tells Gonzo she's leaving. There going to the Casa Blanca. He hopes everything goes well.

Flor tells Margarita that she saw Damian. Margarita thinks she can't be sure, she only saw him for a second. I know what I saw replies Flor. I have seen him in the office day in and day out. But you can't tell Fernanda responds Margarita. Why not, asks Flor. Because that is her husband replies Margarita. That is exactly why I should tell her says Flor.

Fernanda says I don't see a restaurant. Barbara tells her change of plans.

Margarita asks Flor what will she gain from telling Fernanda what she saw? For her to open her eyes replies Flor. Jacinto comes in and wonders what's going on. Margarita tells Jacinto that Flor saw Damian today.

Barbara tells Fernanda to get out to the car and walk over to the statue. Fernanda says no. Tell me what we are doing here. Barbara tells her that if she goes over there and after 5 minutes doesn't like what she hears then they will leave. Fernanda again tells her no. She doesn't understand what the whole mystery is about. Barbara doesn't want to ruin the surprise. She hands her the keys and begs her to please go. Fernanda gets out and looks around. She goes back to the car and questions Barbara again. Barbara tells her this is what's best for you. You have nothing to lose. Are you sure asks Fernanda. I'm just hoping you can get back your happiness responds Barbara.

Esteve and Fr/Ed come in with pizza. Venus extends her hand for Fr/Ed to kiss. Esteve remarks on how well she has learned. (if I was Venus I would never wash my hand again) Anyway she asks Fr/Ed if after her job is done can she keep her clothes? Fr/Ed says of course. Venus wants to know when she will know who this guy is that's she supposed to make fall in love with her. Esteve tells her at the party. At least tell me his name replies Venus. Fr/Ed says his name is really not important.

Damian is waiting by the statue and Vlad calls. He wants to know if Barbara is there yet. Damian says he'll call when he knows something. Suddenly Fernanda appears.

Fr/Ed praises Venus on her picking up quickly on her studies. Venus says that Esteve is a wonderful teacher. Esteve says only because your a wonderful student. Venus tells him to stop because he is making her blush. She gets into her hooker attitude, but Esteve clears his throat and she corrects herself back into a more ladylike behavior. She's scared that when the time comes for her to get into her role, she will reverse back into her old self. Fr/Ed says well then I'll tell you his name then. It's Camilo. Esteve tells her all will be well. Venus wants to know if Camilo is old,young and defects. Esteve tells her that he will give her some of the defects. He is vile, a lazy bum, a playboy, and a womanizer. What if he finds out about me asks Venus. Esteve says have confident. I believe that will not happen. Not when he comes face to face with Lovely Norton. And who is that, you asks Venus. That beautiful and sophisticated woman is you. That is your new name. Lovely Norton. My beautiful niece.

Damian didn't know that he was going to be seeing her and vice versa. Barbara is happy and says that is why I didn't want to tell you anything my love. Right says Fernanda and tries to walk away. Barbara grabs her and brings her face to face and joined hands with Damian. She says nothing stands in the way of Damian returning to the hacienda. What says Fernanda. Damian says is that true? Barbara tells Damian that all the charges have been dropped.

Lovely Norton says Venus. So we are now related. Yes, replies Esteve. This gives creditability to our plan. Fr/Ed says that he and Esteve will be watching out for her at all times. And also that Camilo will want to sleep with her, but under no circumstance is she to do that. Esteve also interjects that she cannot fall in love with him. Fr/Ed looks at him funny and agrees.

Barbara says let's go to the house and finish talking about this. Damian thinks it's a good idea, but Fernanda is not in agreement. Fernanda has to many questions that need to be answered first. Damian says I will answer your questions, but not here. This place is to isolated and dangerous. I will not return with you until you answer all my questions and doubts first responds Fernanda. Damian says I want to save my marriage. Give me a chance. Fine responds Fernanda. Let's go to another place. Barbara smiles her evil smile.

Flor tells Jacinto that Fernanda should know what's going on. Margarita thinks that Flor has a reason. Jacinto thinks it'a a bad idea. You don't know what problems you can cause.

Barbara thinks they should go to a hotel for the night to talk out their problems. Damian agrees.

Tomorrow: Fernanda and Damian talk, Jacinto tells Fr/Ed about Damian, Fr/Ed calls Fernanda

Labels: manana