Caray, Caray!

Hola, queridos! This recap includes quite a bit more detail than usual, and that’s because the episode contained much, much more material of significance than usual.

Marisa finds out that Lucas went to Morocco, and she throws the mother of all tantrums. “I don’t want your pity!” Gee, then why does she sing the Gloom, Despair, and Agony on Me song daily? The most interesting part of the scene is the competition against Leo for the title, “The Person Most Self-Centered, and Most Oblivious to Everyone Else’s Needs.” She blames Leo for bringing her husband’s amante into the house. She rants about all the sacrifices she’s made, and how no one accepts her. She says that all anyone cares about is Natalia, and that’s why they forced her to stay in this miserable marriage. Leo might lose the Self Centered trophy, but he certainly wins the Biggest Load of Bull award, claiming “I never manipulated anybody.” She rants on, saying that she was forced to stay because Natalia is abnormal and emotionally unstable. Natalia is listening to all this from the stairs. Alej comes in and hears the continuing rant.

Finally Natalia bolts and Alej chases after her. In the rain. She is distraught and steps in front of a car. Because she wanted to? Because she didn’t care about anything? We don’t know. Alej reaches her just in time, hurls himself at her, and they both land in the bushes, Alej on top of Naty, nose to nose. The intense emotions of the past several minutes, the rejection by her mother, the guilt for making her parents miserable, the near-death experience, and Alej’s panic of nearly losing her, .. Those emotions all get transferred into a very intense kiss. Suddenly Alej pulls away and apologizes. He fears he has taken advantage of her vulnerability. But Naty rolls over on top of him and makes it obvious that she is perfectly happy to be taken advantage of. They walk down the street, splash in the puddles, and impulsively grab more kisses and hugs like two lovebirds.

Leo is instantly transported to Cristina’s doorstep. He steps in the door, looking like he’s lost his moorings, and starts seriously kissing her. That is, until Cristina’s date, Augustin, comes out of the other room. Cristina introduces them and both men try to excuse themselves but Cris won’t permit it. One thing about Cris, nobody will ever call her a doormat! Here’s my best guess at the gist of Cristina’s monologue. “I met Augustin after Christmas (e.g. within the past week), and we got together again. That’s why I can’t understand why certain men would spend a night full of delicious passion, and then the next day, after thirty phone calls, wanting to say how happy he made a woman, and she could make him very happy too, but somehow he’s always busy in meetings. And after that, I thought, what would I do so that this caveman (cavernicola) doesn’t only look for me in the mattress (colchon)? Then Augustine showed up, so nice, so wonderful, to put my life in order, but now everything goes back to the same shambles (despelote) as always.” She explains to Augustin that she adores him, but she wants to be honest with him. He protests that they just met and she doesn’t owe him an explanation. But she explains that she doesn’t want him to think that she was just taking advantage of him like certain people usually (soler) do! She explains that she loves Leo even though he’s afraid to be happy, even though he’s a macho caveman. Augie says it’s a shame that he arrived too late. Though if he would have met her before her fixation on Leo, he would’ve been in 5th grade. Augie leaves and Leo tries to leave too. Not so fast, Buster! She asks, “Did you come to find me or to ruin (estropear) my night?” He still wants to leave, but she insists that she knows how to give him what he came for. They end up horizontal in short order.

At the dance club, Dora is waiting for an answer. Ozzie says Dora’s question caught him off guard. She says she won’t put a gun to his heard; goodbye. Well, when you put it that way.. Ozzie says, “You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved,” gets down on one knee, and asks her to marry him. She accepts. Dora has a face of sheer happiness, and Ozzie has a face of sheer wonder.

Marisa cries over her wedding picture. She tells Rosa that she can’t stand it for another moment. She can’t understand why that woman who is so far beneath her could capture her husband’s heart in such a profound way, that even after 20 years he still holds her in his heart. She doesn’t want to face the idea that her husband has spent the past 20 years dreaming of someone else. Rosa wants to bring her a tranquilizer, but Marisa has in mind a more active method of improving her mood. She calls David and gets his voice mail, so she pulls out a photo album of other men available for a price. She orders a two-fer, Ricardo and Manuel. Cost is no object when you charge it to your husband’s credit card.

Alej and Naty are in an antro. He notices that she’s wearing the bracelet he gave her. She tells him that she’s surrounded by people but she feels alone because nobody understands her. She tells him about her guilt for making her parents stay together and miserable. She also feels guilty because she has been a disappointment to everyone. Alej won’t let her continue because he sees her as beautiful, intelligent, and good, and he’s going to teach her to like herself. He doesn’t realize that when your mother rejects you, only a miracle can fill that void. Then again, this is telenovelaland, and the laws of human nature are different here. She tells him he’s the first person she’s told about all this. He says, “I’m going to take good care of you. I want to see my novia very, very happy.” She’s shocked by the word novia, and he backpedals, worried that she doesn’t want to be his novia. She answers his doubts with a big kiss.

Dora comes home and tells Estela that she has news. She brings in Osvaldo and tells mama that they’re getting married. Dora says that she thought she could raise Daniel alone but she was wrong, and she quite nearly lost him entirely. So she changed course and went looking for Ozzie. Dora says that Ozzie will accept paternity of Daniel. Estela is delighted. Gee, I wonder how twenty-year-old Daniel will feel about this.

Jade complains to Zoraida about being trapped in the house. She doesn’t even know how long Lucas will stay, so she could be trapped for a long time. Zoraida wisely points out that she couldn’t resist him in the US and she wouldn’t be able to here, either. Lucas calls the house but Zoraida talks as if it’s one of Abdul’s associates.

At the gym, Alej gushes to Pablo about how wonderful Natalia is.

Luisa tells Albi that this foolish argument has gone on for too long. They kiss and make up, and they go out on the town, leaving Alicia alone in the house.

Metiche Ramon tells Mohamed that he heard Nariza is going to marry Osvaldo. Mo says that’s impossible because he hasn’t given his permission. Mo decides that Nariza will leave for Morocco first thing tomorrow. He rushes home and accuses the Naz of planning this behind their back. She denies, but he says Osvaldo is telling everyone he’s getting married. Nariza is sure this means Ozzie will marry her, and she can’t contain her joy. Her smile expands to its full circumference, big enough to eat Cincinnati. The Naz faints, and Bubba Mo starts telling her unconscious body all the things that must be done first. Latifa tells him to ease up, Mo shoots her down, and the two of them walk out arguing while Nariza lies passed out on the floor. Funny stuff! When Mo is gone the Naz magically recovers.

At the clinic, Julio and Escobar tell Albi that the test results came back, and it’s certain, someone switched the results. They’re unwilling to say it, but they believe Luisa is mistaken. They suggest she take a vacation, and that they have Alicia fill in while she’s gone.

Enrique pays a visit to Lucas. Lucas complains about his father running his life. Riq tells him that everyone is responsible for how he lives his own life. Lucas tells him that’s just the point, and now he’s taking control of his own life.

Said goes to see Leo at his office. He’s looking for Lucas, and Roberto says he’s in Chicago o n business. Said says he’ll wait for his return.

Chismoso Ramon is at TODCIM and sees Ozzie and Dora together. He remembers seeing Ozzie with Karla too. He’s got hot poop and he can’t wait to tell somebody. At Gloria’s party, Karla and her mom show up and Gloria is none too happy to see them. Alej calls Naty to ask her to come to the party too, but she can’t. Ramon tells Karla that Alej’s new novia is a millionaire and Karla claims she doesn’t care. Pablo tells Alej that his ex-girlfriend is flirting with him (Pablo), and Alej tells him Adalante! But Alej warns him, he doesn’t want to listen to Pablo complaining when he discovers Karla’s claws.

Ramon’s having a busy night. Or shall we say, “a busy-body” night? He tells Prince Amin that he saw Osvaldo with his novia Dora, and also with Karla. Inside, Mo forbids the Naz from stepping foot outside the house. She says no one can stop her; the slave has proclaimed her freedom. Amin, CIT (chismoso in training), rushes in to announce that Ozzie has a novia. Actually a few. Dora, Karla and Lariat. (Nariza). She faints again.

Next we get a montage of everyone’s New Year’s celebrations: the party at Gloria’s, the party at Cristina’s bar, Andrea’s family celebrating alone at home, Clara’s family (with Fernando on the phone and Escobar gazing at the TV) joined by Carolina, Leo’s family at home, and Albi with Luisa, Alicia, and Julio. Julio and Alicia spend some extra time on the New Year’s hug. The montage burns up several minutes of the show which is good - it’s easy to recap! At Ali’s house, they don’t observe the Western new year, but they have a belly dancer to celebrate their return to Morocco. And Lucas sits alone in his hotel room, pining for Jade. He’s been pining for twenty years. I’m not sure pines live that long!

Jade informs Zoraida that she and Jadiyah are going to the market alone. She leaves before Zee can stop her. Can anyone guess who she sees in the market? And can anyone guess where they agree to meet, in tomorrow’s previews?

One more observation. Jade should wear her veil differently. She already has a long, narrow face. My husband calls her “hatchet face.” But in that veil at the end of the episode, I swear, her face has the proportions of a telephone pole!

In review, what are the develpments in tonight's show?
1. Alej and Natalia
2. Dora and Ozvaldo
3. Ozzie and Lariat - not.
4. Leo and Cristina
5. Lucas steps away from Leo's control. That was actually Monday, but close enough.
6. Marisa finds out Lucas left for Morocco and everyone hears her rant.

I could include the meeting between Lucas and Jade, but that's really nothing new.

Labels: clon

Well, we've been promised decisive episodes this week, so I can safely assume tonight will be a real snooze-fest.

Out on the high seas, Santos, Pedro, et al, are still not having any more luck getting fish. There's a suggestion to go out farther, but they're already out pretty far. They decide to risk it.

Juan and the workers keep cutting cane. Juan says they've got to finish the job today. Remigio is shocked, considering he figured Juan was only taking the job to piss off the MdO's. Despite the hurry, Remigio wants love advice from Juan about the gal he met yesterday. Juan knocks him over to show his happiness for his bro. Remigio says she's a cook and she works in the casino, and her name is "Malu." Juan doesn't remember anyone there with a name like "Malu," but then again, he's never gone into the kitchen. He's going to go snooping on Remi's behalf. And he wants to start planning a party to celebrate Remi being in love. Juan and Remi roughhouse as the other workers look on.

"Farther out" the guys have caught more fish, at long last, and they're giddy with relief, dreaming of the riches they'll have when they sell the haul. They start paddling back to shore, but the boat is taking on water at a shocking rate, and from a suspiciously perfectly round hole. The boat sinks fast and the dead fishes murmur that karma's a bitch. But don't listen to them, they're just bitter that they were stupid enough to swim into the nets.

Servando gives the gypsy camp a rah-rah-rah speech about the town having confidence in them again. The guitarist arrives and claims to be a relative of Servando's. He's Branco, the "Zingaro" (which apparently means "gypsy"). Servando is now happy to see his long-lost relative, all growed up. Branco shows off his mad guitar skillz and the assembled ladies dance. He hands off the guitar and starts dancing with the ladies. Jimena isn't into it, but Branco gets her dancing as well. When their eyes meet, sparks fly, as we knew they would.

The boat is well and truly sunk and the guys are hanging on to barrels, but it appears Pedro is lost.

Jimena goes down to the river and does some laundry. Branco comes over to seduce her. He's been waiting for a girl like her, you know. His gypsy heart speaks flowery phrases of love. But, to be more direct, he wants to know if he has a shot. Since she doesn't have a boyfriend, he figures he does. He says he'll see her later, he has a surprise for her.

Fed goes to get his stash of cash to buy Regina's engagement ring with, and finds his cashbox empty. He goes into shock and rips up his drawers looking for the money. He immediately assumes Fifi must have stolen his money and that's why she left so mysteriously. Well, he's going to go show her who Federico Martin del Campo is. A whiny little shit who can't keep his penis in his pants any more than he can keep his money in his safe? Although, thanks to Don Fulgencio for stalling the marriage plans. Now, be a good guy and don't offer to lend Fed any more money!

Branco dances for a crowd in town. A couple of gypsy ladies make eyes at him. Branco catches some money from the crowd. Salma flirts with him. Branco is moderately receptive. He likes her sincerity and says she's pretty, but since he met Jimena first, sorry. Ouch!

Fed goes to accuse Fifi of taking the money. She has no idea what he's talking about, even after he threatens her with the cops. Philippe and Madame don't believe she took the money. In fact, Madame didn't know Fifi was in his house--that's forbidden! Fed goes for the cops, but Madame vouches for her. Fed won't be put off, despite Madame's pleading. All he wants is his money back. Madame is receptive to that, but she needs a little time. She offers her necklace as a promise of future payment. Fed takes her up on it, but only gives them a day to get the money back or he'll own the casino. Philippe says that's too much, but Fed insists. Madame is upset at Fifi for lying to her and sends her away. Madame has no idea what to do.

Through Rosenda, Leo has sent word to Renato that she's not going to Eloisa's party. Renato is tired of her making him feel guilty and he begs her to come to the party if she's feeling even a little better. Oh, but Leo's not in any mood to party. Renato says he'll try to do things to please her, but she needs to be reasonable. He begs again for her to come party. She says she will, if only to prove that she's all too willing to resolve things. He leaves the room and lets Rosenda in. Rosenda says she was listening at the door and she has an idea of how to manage Renato. Leo doesn't want to hear it and just says to help her get dressed.

Eloisa and Fulgencio greet their guests. Leo, Regina, Renato, Aimee, and Noel all walk in together. Eloisa is so happy they all came. Fulgencio begs Noel's indulgence to tell Leo that she looks more lovely than ever. Leo starts whining about her health. Cause there's nothing more attractive than that. Fulgencio promises an unforgettable night. Aimee compliments Eloisa. Renato wishes her a happy birthday. Leo runs off to throw herself at Rodrigo. Aimee and Eloisa go off to giggle over the presents. Fully and Noel leave together, leaving Renato and Regina standing at the door. Rod asks Leo to dance, getting her hopes up and annoying Noel. Renato asks Regina to dance, saying there's nothing wrong with dancing with his wife's sister. Pobre de Regina looks terribly uncomfortable, while Fed looks calculating.

Gabriel and Juan get all dressed up for Eloisa's party. Gabe has to fix Juan's tie just a bit, and they're off.

Santos and the other guy who isn't Pedro have finally washed up on shore. They call out for Pedro, but there's no reply and they assume he's lost. Santos' girlfriend gets a very bad feeling and starts praying to the Virgen. Cause when you get a VBF about something, it's time to pray to the VDG. Or VDC in this case.

Federico announces he has a surprise for the guests, but is interrupted by the doorbell. He thought it was Raul, but it's actually Gabe and Juan. Aimee is less than pleased. Well pretty much everybody is less than pleased. Juan immediately grabs a drink and nods to Rod.

Rod gripes at Juan about being there without an invitation, it's an insult, blah, blah, blah. But Juan does have an invitation and is only too happy to show it. Eloisa is sure he wasn't on the guest list and wonders where he got the invitation. Well, from Raul. Rod tries to kick them out, but Fully intercedes. He insists that if Juan has an invitation, then he's welcome there. Rodrigo gets his panties in a bunch and threatens to leave. Leo tells him to stick around and show that he's the bigger man. Renato goes over to ask Juan what he's about, but Leo pulls him away, and Juan insists he comply with his poor sick mother's wishes. Gabe wonders what they gain by doing this. Eh, pissing off Rodrigo, that's all. And showing him that no door is closed to Juan. The MdO bunch all look concerned. For different reasons.

The hos discuss Fifi's dilemma and suggest she tell Fed the truth, but Fifi is worried about the scary (and scar-y) guy's threat. She doesn't know what to do. Well, Brigitte says they're all involved now. The doorbell rings and it's Remi with flowers, looking for Malu. Brigitte tells him there's no Malu there and Pobre de Remi is heartbroken.

Raul shows up at the party without his invite and Rod takes him to task. Noel wants Rod to calm down already, instead of blowing things up. Well, Rod thinks it's a humiliation, blah, blah, blah. Fulgencio tells them to quit ruining his wife's birthday party already and shut it! Regina goes over to gripe at Juan for upsetting her daddy. Juan says he'll explain, but first he needs to stuff his face with the excellent food at the buffet. Fully gets everyone's attention back and asks people to clear the floor for his surprise. In come the gypsy gals, dancing up a storm, followed by Servando and Griselda and the portable wooden door of death. Servando takes out his knives and starts throwing them, not blindfolded--boo-- and hitting close to Griselda, but still missing her. He pulls the knives out of the board and announces the arrival of the lovely Jimena and Branco the Zingaro. Jimena's in an all-black Morticia Addams-esque getup and she and Branco indeed make like Gomez and Morticia. Well, okay, it's more flamenco than tango, but so what. And Gabe's definitely jealous, so at least someone's plans are going well.

Philippe saves the day and says that Brigitte didn't know they hired a cook named Malu. By obnoxious winks he encourages Brigitte to back off. Remigio wants to leave some flowers for Malu and gives them to Philippe. When he leaves, Brigitte demands an explanation and Lulu confesses to being Malu. Brigitte and Fifi giggle as Malulu sniffs her flowers.

The dancing continues and Gabe moves closer to the dance floor. Aimee's baser instincts are also being, ahem, aroused by the dancing. Juan sneaks off and she follows, as Jimena and Branco bask in the applause.

Juan finds a quiet patio and is quickly set upon by Aimee. They suck face.

Still no Pedro. Santos blames the sea. I blame their crappy boat. The appear to be stranded on some island, with no real hope of rescue.

Santos' girlfriend goes to Juan's house, but decides to come back later since he's not there.

Jimena and Branco keep dancing. Regina loves it, but notices that Renato has noticed Aimee's absence. Leo goes over to talk to Renato, but we don't hear it. Renato and Leo sneak off.

Regina finds Aimee and Juan first and gets rid of Aimee. Then she grabs Juan and insists he hug her, for the benefit of Leo and Renato, hot on her heels. Why does she keep saving her ungrateful skanky sister's ass? I have really had enough of Aimee getting away with everything.

Leo accuses Juan of being a barbarian with no respect for decent people. He refuses to let her insult the memory of his parents. Renato asks her to quit making a scandal. She fires back at Regina that she's a shameless hussy trying to kill her dad. Juan and Renato agree they need to have a man to man talk about this. Renato gets Leo to leave. Aimee comes running in and Juan takes Aimee to task for letting Regina take the rap for her. She says Regina would do anything for her, and what's the big deal? Regina says she didn't do it for Aimee. She did it for Renato, and for love.

Leo is pissed that Renato didn't let her expose Regina for the hussy she is. Renato says he's defending the family name, or does she want everyone talking about them? He reminds her they also have to worry about Rod's health. Leo agrees to that as a reason to keep her mouth shut.

Regina tells Juan to go away and let her talk to Aimee. Juan agrees, and then tells Aimee this was a chance for her to tell the truth and prove she loved him. Aimee whines that this wasn't the best time. "Whatever. All I can see is that your sister covered for you and I doubt you'd do the same for her." Juan takes off, with Aimee shouting after him, "Juan, Juan, Juan" (drink?). Once he's gone, she fake-gratefully thanks Regina for doing this for her. Regina tells her not to be a hypocrite, slaps her, and says she's not grateful, she's selfish. "If anyone's going to be responsible for our father's death, it's you, Aimee!" Aimee says that's her business. Regina reminds her that she swore to protect Renato's happiness, so if Aimee doesn't cut it out, Regina will tell Renato what's going on. Regina takes off. Aimee says to herself that Regina's not going to tell anything, because she (Aimee) will take care of that! Dun, dun, dun!

No previews for tomorrow, so we'll just have to wait.

Labels: salvaje

I've been away for six days so I'm far behind! Let's see if I can catch up. I just can't write a good recap until we back to one-hour episodes. Last night: Marco should win an Oscar for pretending so well that he loves Ale as well as her daffy daddy; VVV wins the "bring the crazy" for tearing Rafa's precious photo of Ale looking at him fondly while wearing her collar; Rafa and Ale slip towards alcoholism.

Vicki Vicki Vicki is losing her last marble.

VVV's interrogation of Rafa, centering on the odious photograph and the party, continues. Rafa: "It was just a bizness fiesta meeting. And that picture's nothing more than a remembrance of my first successful deal." "But she's pretty, you never told me". "No, she's actually very ugly, it's just that she's photogenic." (Hah hah that was funny.) VVV rips the picture, gives Rafa his half, she is going to keep the other half, the picture of the "witch." Probably to do voodoo with it.

VVV eerily talks to the Ale half of the photo. "If you try to take him this time you're wasting your time - he's going to marry ME, you know what, Alejandra? You're elegant, well dressed, but you don't convince me." Compares the Ale half-pic to a big glossy VVV picture: "Just look at my eyelashes!" Hits the photo over and over.

VVV dresses seductively and laughs at the pic. She asks her brother Pancho: "Am I pretty?" "Yes, why?" "Is she prettier than I am?"

Uh-oh, her brother takes too long to answer. He asks: "Is this picture from a magazine?" "Yes." "Well, she's prettier, look at her smile! How about you introduce me to her?" VVV still doesn't give up: "And if you had a girlfriend as pretty as I am but then you saw this picture?" "I'd kill my girlfriend and go with this woman instead."

VVV, come to bother her pseudo-mother-in-law and sister-in-law, notices Jaime is at their house 24 hours a day. "We're working, we are super busy." he and Julieta tell VVV.

VVV can never be swayed, she asks Julieta: "Are you way in love with Jaime?" "Yes of course!" "Even considering - everything??... do you trust him? What if you found a card written to him from another?" She quotes from the recommendation Ale wrote and then ripped up. Then she exhibits nausea. Is this the fake pregnancy she threatened?

Pointless goings-on and gossip at Auto Siglo

The team watches Marco arrive behind the wheel of Ale's nice car. Marco tells Ale he has another meeting with Urdiales, hah. Ale is distant but is yielding a bit. She says he can keep her car all day. He: "Do you feel anything for Medina?" Ale enumerates Medina's evil deeds: "He tried to kill me, he brought me to ruin, he wrecked my marriages twice, he works for the competition, he tried to kill me..."

The team gossips: is Marco forgiving Ale? Claudia says men never forgive. Merino takes off his belt and practices whipping Rafa. Jimenez thinks Marco would marry Ale just for the sake of having her car. Rosaura sez Marco has a lot of money in this "investment." Marina: he's getting back with her in order to humiliate her. Ale's arrival ends this speculation.

Susan: disgusted to see Ale arrive with Marco. "Ugh, are you back with him?" "No, but we have arrived at a new step of our relationship." "But how about Medina? You're fooling herself, you don't really want Marco." "No, Marco is stable, good to my family, he is what's real. Marco and I made it through a hard trial. I have to stop weeping for that criminal. Help me or leave me in peace!"

Chavez is a noodge

Chavez is pleased that Marco has the great car again. "Good, a licenciado of your category should have a worthy car. How about some little friends and a party to celebrate? I have some fresh meat for - you need the honey of sex...

"... or, hey! Did you get Ale (Chavez gets rumbling with excitement) in the sack last night?" "No, just a kiss, she asks patience." "Watch out -- last time you were patient Medina showed up."

Marco gets so irritated he starts strangling Chavez, yelling: "She feels nothing for him!" "Well, you better hurry, time is running against us. I'm having to bribe harder and harder to keep the un-embargo hidden - we'll be discovered soon. .."

It was, of course, another bad month at Siglo. Ale yells, but more ominously, Beltran is furious, citing "cifras de horror." "Maybe we should close the showroom and, instead of selling, we'll just pray to the saints." Zetina likes that, and besides, he's already praying a lot. That's his selling strategy.

Ramirez thinks Zetina should hit on Ale

Zetina is a little obsessed with Rafa, who has become a Siglo legend. Zetina sits, after all, in Medina's cubicle (the Escritorio del muerto). "Is it true Rafa and Ale were doing it?" "They had an encuentro carnal, muy fogoso (frisky, fiery)." "Was he rich and cute?" "No, he was ugly, and one of the poorest guys on this earth." "But she's so classy. How could she?"

"How little you know of women. You don't know what moves them at their foundations, their aberrations, their weaknesses". Zetina: "She has weaknesses with salesmen? Do I have possibilities with her?"

Zetina gets over-excited, poor thing, and does a modified strip-tease (not really) to express himself. "I dunno, she always shouts at me." "She loves to shout! You're too timid. You haven't proven you're available. Aren't you interested?" "How could I not be?!! She hits me in the base of my sexual feelings." "Optimism, energy, man - seduce her!"

The pesky niece...

... now works at CloAutos! Pepeto hits on her but gets a brushoff. His mournful rhetorical question: "What does Rafa have that I don't have?"

Later, the niece snags Rafa and brings up that terrible night at the restaurant, when the Refri guys made fun of Rafa's mom and he came over and delivered some home truths. He tells her: Nobody messes with my family. Then he brushes her off. "Why do you avoid me?" "Right now I don't want to go with anybody." "Are you in love?" "Maybe." "Do I know her?" "Maybe."

Rubi is good for what ails Georgie

Rubi feeds Jorge, offering lots of cleavage right at his eye level. Rosario, Jorge's sister, frowns to see it. She then invites Jorge to go out to the colonies with her, but Rubi won't let him go. "You, giving orders?" "The orders are medical." Jorge is happy right here he is, with his eyeballs nestled between Rubi's knockers. Rosario: "It's the last time I invite you to go with me to the colonies like we used to. In fact, it's the last time I'll bother you. "

She calls Ale, who is, as we will see, in the midst of her own crisis, to say: "I'm leaving. Rubi has appropriated Jorge, she says I am unable to take care of him. And he was on her side!"

Ale tells Susana: "I have to go home, I can't leave dad in the hands of that white monster." "Well, you can't leave Beltran, just before your meeting with him, in order to go home."

Chavez is wondering why Marco can't just knock Ale over the head with a club and drag her somewhere by the hair

Chavez tells Marco his people are afraid - they need more $$ to keep them quiet. Ale calls: "Are you busy?" "Yes, with Urdiales." She wants Marco to deal with the Rosario vs. Rubi disaster at home. Maro tells Chavez: "Our nurse has gone too far. I better fire her before she tells things she shouldn't - she has a long tongue."

Auto Siglos loses another big deal

Merino has a great lead, one that will land him a huge commission and pull Siglo out of the slump: Transorganicos, aka Vegitrucks, will be replacing their fleet. He has their requirements, and also the "first option." He makes an offer he is confident will be accepted. But...

Medina's secretary buddy (Mireya) leaks the Transorganicos deal to him. He makes friends with the receptionist (Carolina, or is it Rocio?) at VegiTrucks and she says he can come in and wait for the boss, Padilla. Rafa talks fast enough to convince Padilla to accept a second proposal - Padilla says, call at 4 pm (the same thing he told Merino).

A couple minutes before four, Rafa's buddy Pepeto at CloAutos says, "Call now!" Padilla: "The two proposals are quite similar, but you said you could do better so come convince me!"

At four, Merino calls, but too late: "Sorry, I got a better deal, Merino." Merino: Giant temper tantrum. Ale says he should have pushed harder. "I didn't think I had to, I was the only one..."

Ale: "I will go to Padilla, I'm not gonna lose this one." Merino: "But it's mine!" "No, you lost it with your arrogance."

Beltran staggers hearing the bad news; they get him a chair, Claudia consoles him with cleavage. "Am I still young and sexy, Claudia? I should be playing golf, not suffering this martyrdom." Ale tells Beltran she's taking a taxi to VegiTrucks and will bring back the deal. "You better or it's your head."

The sweet Vegi-Trucks receptionist calms Rafa as he paces waiting for his appointment. Here comes gate-crasher Ale! Shouting, a security guard is trying to throw her out. Ah! Rafa and his ex-jefa see each other.

Padilla opens his door and tries to usher Rafa in, but Ale will not yield; "No! Ladies first, even though this guy (Rafa) has no idea how to treat a woman." There is a shouting match, Ale will not let Rafa enter the office. Finally Rafa suggests they both go in together and present, one point at a time ("cards on the table!").

Watching them bicker, Padilla comments: "You know each other." Ale: "Lamentably, yes." "Well control yourselves!"

Ale and Rafe submit their new proposals and proceed with cut-throat oneupmanship and counter-counter-counter proposals. This guy is getting a great deal! Finally, Ale gets out the calculator. Rafa: "I want to talk to you a couple minutes outside, Licenciada, about some personal things." She reluctantly and irritably follows him into the hall. He mentions "What you did to me!" (the embargo) but it doesn't penetrate. He stays to the business at had, and says they'll ruin each other with these incredible add-ons they are offering. She says she wants the deal, he says ok you got it. Ale: "Are you joking? Are you mocking me?" "Well, I need the deal in order to pay you, but with these discounts I'd have nothing left anyway. Goodbye."

Ale: "And are you going to pay me this month?" "Yes, I can't have another embargo." She gets quiet. "Medina - I have nothing more to offer this client. The deal is yours. But pay me punctually!" She cries and leaves. Her skirt is so short we can see France. Medina seals the deal but gets no pleasure from it.

At CloAuto, Rafa's new buddies exult, but he looks sad. At Siglo, Merino is furious to hear it was Medina who one-upped him.

Medina calls his buddie Jaime. "Ah, I don't want to fight with her, we were distroying each other. It was so sad." Elsewhere, Ale: "He was better prepared than me. He was honest. He said I could have it, but it was I who left." Medina: "She hates me. But she's so beautiful, this warrior, reminding me I still love her."

She goes to Beltran and has to tell him the deal got away. She admits it was Medina and says she will tender her resignation. Beltran says he'll accept it, but she must stay until her replacement is found, he won't let her desert the sinking ship: "You deal with the disaster you caused."

Labels: dinero

Jimena thinks of Gabe and says she loves him with all of her heart. She recalls moments spent with him as Estrella and Jimena. She decides to go see Felipe to help her write another letter to Gabe.

Gabe asks Juan if he can start a side business to get more clients so that he can make more money. Juan asks if he wants a raise or if he has treated him wrong. Not at all replies Gabe. Of course you can says Juan. But your eyes tell me there’s more behind it. Is it Estrella? I can’t deny I miss her replies Gabe. Do you really miss her or the idea asks Juan. Because lately you have appeared captivated by Jimena. Yes replies Gabe. But Estrella is just like me where as Jimena and I are very different. We come from two different worlds. I cannot and will not love a gypsy. Be quite says Juan. It shames me to hear you speak like that. First you come to me like a man wanting independence. And now you say you cannot fall in love with a gypsy? I know that I may not be the best person to give advice. Because my heart is dominated by love. A love that will not let me sleep. Think clearly and make a decision. Or you can lose Jimena. Don’t you realize what has happened to me? I thought I had Aimee. But now she is married to Renato.

Leonarda recalls Aimee’s conversation with her about Regina always defending the salvaje. She tells Renato, but he doesn’t listen. It’s like she’s interested in him.

Regina is writing in her journal and thinking about Juan. She thinks that though he may be a salvaje he has a good heart. She recalls her first encounter on the ship. She never thought that that encounter would be so important. How Aimee has changed. If only he would leave. I know he hates the Montes de Oca. I just don’t know why.

Leonarda asks Rosenda if Regina is on friendly terms with Juan. No replies Rosenda. Leonarda says she can tell Rosenda is hiding something, but whatever. She wants Rosenda to keep an eye on Regina and report everything back to her. And another thing. Do you think that loose woman Bridgette is still after Rodrigo? I don’t think so replies Rosenda.

Fifi converses with Rodrigo and is about to tell him about Bridgette’s encounter with Rosenda when Madame overhears and stops it. Telling her that we must not complain to Rodrigo. She takes Fifi aside and tells her not to tell Rodrigo about the incident. She believes Leonarda is behind it because she is secretly in love with Rodrigo.

Noel goes to see Leonarda and says he heard she have been sick. Leonarda replies that she didn’t think that he would care since he is the one that has planted radical ideas into her son’s head. Now this is the consequence. But all those ideas you planted in his head will not bear fruit. Not if she has anything to say about it. Now leave! I’m tired. Noel leaves and she thinks to herself that she has to find Griselda so that she can read her cards. She also wants help in getting rid of Noel. She despises him so much.

Federico tells Rodrigo that he still wants to marry Regina and need his help in picking out her engagement ring. He also wants to finalize the wedding date. Rodrigo agrees and offers up a toast. A couple of men come up and ask him if the rumors around town are true. That the price of wood is falling. Rodrigo assures them that it is all rumors and to invest more.

Aimee tells Rosenda to tell Leonarda that she has seen Regina go out at night dressed as a nun.

Renato asks Noel if he has seen his mother. Yes replies Noel. And she accuses me of putting ideas in you head. Your mother has always tried to manipulate you since you were a child. But I am a man now replies Renato. Noel says you are now a man and can make your own decisions. I advise you to listen to your heart. I will replies Renato. Are you off to the casino? Yes says Noel. I’m going to try to convince Rodrigo to change his attitude towards Juan. It is dividing the family.

Jimena asks Felipe to help her pen another letter to Gabe. Lulu tells Jimena that she needs to quit playing this game with Gabe and just tell him the truth. I understand replies Jimena. But he will never fall in love with a gypsy. Madame comes in and orders Lulu back to work. Jimena asks for Madame’s hand and says that Madame is thinking about a young woman. This woman is sinking into trouble. What can I do to help asks Madame. Nothing or you will be rejected replies Jimena. But there will be a time when you can. How would I know asks Madame. Her downfall replies Jimena.

Juan tells Gabe about his meeting with Maria Del Rosario (don’t know what he calls her) and how she said that he finally returned for her. Who does she think I am? Gabe says that is not in her right mind. But she looked at me like she knew me says Juan. Perhaps it’s because you both share a similar past. She lost her son and you lost your mother. Your right says Juan. He changes the subject and says that Clemencia showed him his mom’s room. Where I was born. Gabe becomes worried and says that he shouldn’t be staying at the finca. Of course I should replies Juan. That finca destroyed my parents and it is there where I will destroy the fortune of the Montes de Oca.

Regina does to visit Clemencia in her room. Clemencia wants to know what Regina feels for Juan. Why asks Regina. Just answer me says Clemencia. If you think that that man wakes up feelings in me, you are wrong says Regina. You know I love Renato. Although I have accepted that I will never have his love. But for Juan I am confused. There are times I feel much hatred and then other times I feel sorry for him. Clemencia warns Regina to stay away from him. Why asks Regina. Just listen to me replies Clemencia.

Santos, Pedro and another fisherman are fixing their net and eating. Head policeman and sidekicks are watching Head policeman tells one sidekick to make a hole in the boat.

Federico asks Fifi why she left. Because I did not want Madame to notice my absence and you were taking to long. Well your absence makes me suspicious says Federico. I just came back home and if you think otherwise you are creating an injustice. (WHO CARES ABOUT THIS STORY LINE!!!)

Fifi storms into Madame’s office and tells Jimena and Felipe that men are all the same. Felipe agrees. Fifi asks Jimena if she is writing another letter. Jimena says this is actually a goodbye letter. Fifi tells Jimena that in order to have Gabe fall in love with her, she is to make him jealous. Spend time with another.

Gabe tells Juan about the going on's at the casino. He says that Don Fulgencio is throwing a lavish party for his wife. It will be an exclusive event and they are not invited. Not so replies Juan. Tell De Martin that I want to see him in the morning. I have something very important to tell him.

Noel comes up to Rodrigo and says I have been trying to talk to you all evening. It seems you are avoiding me. I have replies Rodrigo. We have nothing to talk about. You have to hear me out says Noel. I don’t want to talk about anything that involves the new administrator. I will not go back to the finca while he is still there. Now please excuse me. I have to go find Bridgette. I have something important to tell her. Lulu comes up to talk to Noel and wants his opinion. She met a guy Remelio. She likes him, but lied to him about her profession. Oh what do I do? Tell him the truth. Perhaps this is a sign to change your profession.

Remelio thinks about his meeting with Lulu. FF>

Fisherman talking and fixing the nets. They hear a noise and investigate. Decide it’s nothing and go back to work.

Regina teaches Curly head boy (forgot his name) his letters and then how to pray.

Jimena recalls Fifi’s advice on trying to make Gabe jealous, but who can fill that spot? New cute guy on beach.

New guy is approached by Head policeman and sidekicks. Who are you? I’m Ivan (????) Couldn’t really hear this part. Help please.

De Martin tells Juan no. He will not give his invitation to the party to him. Why do you want to go anyway? Its obvious replies Juan. We want to go to the party. But your not invited says De Martin. Giving you my invitation will cause problems for me with Don Fulgencio and Rodrigo. Don’t worry says Juan. Read these telegrams and you will see I am doing you a favor. De Martin starts reading and says you were right! The price of wood has gone down. I told you says Juan. I saved you from ruin. De Martin says thank you and gives him his invitation and leaves. Gabe looks at the list of ruined investors and sees Aimee’s name on it. He shows Juan and says Rodrigo convinced her to invest all her money. Juan is shocked. It seems destiny will leave her without a fortune says Juan. It will be terrible for her. Although I don’t think she’ll suffer much. She is married to Renato and he is rich.

Renato gifts Aimee jewelry and apologizes for his behavior. They kiss and make love.

Fisherman get ready to leave FF>

Leonarda ushers Griselda in. She wants Griselda to read the cards to her. She asks if a young woman is trying to take Rodrigo from her. She needs help to keep her away.

Rosenda comes to visit Rodrigo, but he tells the maid to send her away. He’ll call her when he needs her. He then gets back into bed with Bridgette. EEEEWWWW!!!!!

Gabe reads the goodbye letter from Estrella and then starts EMOONING (ENDA joke here). Jimena tells Gabe that she doesn’t want to see him suffer. It pains her to see him this way. Gabe yells at Jimena to leave him alone and walks off. Jimena wonders if she did the wrong thing.

Manana: nothing was given

Labels: salvaje

Hi everyone! I'm just posting this as a place for discussion until the recap is ready. Thanks.

Labels: salvaje

Rafa gets drunk. Ale gets drunk. And even Rubi gets drunk. Nelson tries but as a born again vegetarian, into only natural food and drink, he just can't manage it. And that's it for the recap! Going to bed now.



Oh, you want more? You insist? Okay, a few more details then.



We open with a delicious replay of Rafa outfoxing Marino by giving the secretary a big discount on a future car purchase. This wins him a brief moment with the boss before Marino's scheduled appointment and presto! Rafa's got the contract and Marino's got the booby prize.



Back at Auto Siglo, Ale's trying to calm down Beltran, promising him he'll feel better when Marino comes back with the contract. Marino comes back with nada and Beltran feels a heart attack coming on. Didn't you tell me you were going to kill Medina? sneers Ale to Marino. Bring me his cadaver then.



Worse news once she huddles with Beltran. He decides the sales force needs more motivation so he'll give one percent of Ale's commission on institutional sales to them instead. Why not my whole salary? she snaps. Good idea, he chuckles. Grim prospect indeed.



But for Jaime and Julieta, it's coming up roses. Love is in full bloom. He's trying to help her with her homework but she's more interested in hot kisses. Within a moment, so is he. Major smooching. Homework forgotten.



After the ads, they're still kissing. Getting better with practice. Elsewhere, Rafa and Ale are both drinking their love woes away...separately. But they need help. He calls Jaime. She calls Susana. Here's the short version. She hates him. She loves him. She wants to kill him. She misses him. He's the love of her life. Short version Rafa style. New boss wonderful. Decent hours. Sunday off. Everybody super nice. I miss her. I miss her torture, the yelling, the humiliation, the slaps, the mistreatment. I love her!

How can I forget him?

How can I forget her?

What crime did I commit that she was put in my path?

What an idiot I was to hire him, train him and now he's killing Auto Siglo as the competition?

I miss her.

I miss him.

You get the picture.



Brief scene where a distraught Beltran hits the accelerator instead of the brake and bashes the back of our two cops' patrol car. He promises to fix things up for them at Auto Siglo and they agree as long as they can have a little "cafecito" while they wait. Things get better when they catch sight of the two hospitality girls with short skirts and awesome legs. Hope no crimes get committed while these two are ogling the merchandise.



Meanwhile, the drunken conversations are continuing. Susana is mildly amused and happy to sense that Marcos no longer figures in any of Alejandra's thoughts. Nope. But he's practically living at my house, sitting with Tia Rosario, helping out with dad.



Rafa mientras tanto is wondering what he can do about Vicky. The relationship is totally off track. He doesn't have the feelings necessary to continue with her. But her brothers will kill me if I don't. Jaime's advice. Marry her. Take off for Bangladesh. Lock her up. Lose her at the beach. Whatever. Come back and take up your life again. Okay....no counselor's license for Jaime. Who knew?



Vicky's also deeply engaged in conversation--with her good side and her bad side. Bad side looks like more fun and has a better costume. It's a toss-up. Act decently. No, go for it. Discussion interrupted by Dad and the need to fix dinner.



Back to our borrachos. Ale's chin is now resting on the table as she proposes having a pill to forget painful love affairs. How about something called "Olvidatex"? (sounds good to me, there was a time I could have used a lobotomy to get over a disastrous love affair). And Lordy, even Nelson is having a whack at getting drunk! But no, there's no natural healthy way to do it. He's doomed to deal with his feelings. Good boy.



From there we segue to Rubi's boobs. And I'm not kidding. The camera is practically nestling in her cleavage. And so is Jorge. She's spoon feeding him his dinner and he gets a big dose of bosom with every bite. And is positively thriving on it. But he's tired (no wonder) and wants to skip the bedtime story tonight if it's alright with Nursey. It is. She tucks him in, wishes him sweet dreams (you betcha) and is off to her other clients...er, patients.



Rafa arrives home, stone drunk, falling all over the couch, causing an uproar. Mom comes out and there's hell to pay. It's not just this one night. She knows about the half empty bottle of tequila in the cabinet. And she's afraid he's going to turn out like his dad the borracho. And she's not having it. Every night you shut yourself up with the tequila bottle until you go to sleep. You're becoming an alcoholic. Basta ya!



Same drill at Ale's house. With Tia Rosario leading the catechism lesson. You're so drunk you couldn't drive home. What if your dad saw you in this state? Absolutely decadent. What's more, I know about the bottle you're hiding in the office. And don't tell me it's work problems. You've had problems at work before. You're losing your grip. You're not the same. Ever since that...that man came into your life.



Life isn't any rosier at Auto Siglo. We see Nelson the next morning, at his desk early, making paper clip chains and hoping for a smile from Susana. He doesn't get it. But he does field a nasty ribbing from Marinero and a little support from Claudia who offers to link him up with the psychiatrist who treated pilots (at her previous workplace) who were suffering from mean-spirited wives. Zetina, mientras tanto, is making a little ecumenical shrine of his desk to chase away the evil spirits. (Every other salesman at that spot, including our dear Medina, has departed in disgrace). Marino kvetches about the nasty incense and once again Claudia is supportive, saying it's a free country and if Zetina wants to worship Hare Krishna and the Virgencita, go right ahead. (what's gotten into our Claudia? repentance? so early in the game?)



A repentant, and thoroughly hungover Ale, is trying to escape the house while Rubi, getting uppity, is yelling at the maid that the orange juice is too high in sugar for her Georgie. When Ale snaps, Rubi assures her that Papa wouldn't like Ale yelling at her either. I see trouble ahead. Ale manages to leave after another scolding from Tia. And drags into work late. The salespeople are buzzing and continuing their mutual insults. Marino is being characterized as the Hugo Sanchez of sales. And that name, alas, no longer signifies success. Since Marino knows nothing about soccer, and everything about his own importance, he misses the joke at first.



Ale heads straight for her office and a little girl talk with Susana. Upshot. Susana is like the black box in an airplane. The information she contains (about Ale's love life) will only be revealed if there's an accident. Otherwise....lips and black box sealed. Understood? Ale's had a little talk with God and is on the straight and narrow. Now gimme that Alka-Seltzer!



And a little guy talk at the bar with Chavez and Marcos. Chavez is counseling a full scale attack. Marcos prefers to go slow. No problem with last night's drinking binge 'cause there were no men involved. Slow and steady wins the race now.



Rafa's in full work mode at CloAutos while Pepeto hovers around his desk. He sets up an appointment and then Vicky calls. Miracle of miracles, he takes it. She's stunned. He tells her he'll meet her tonight. She's super stunned. So's Pepeto. In fact he feels Rafa's forehead to make sure he's not running a fever. Yep. Rafa's on the straight and narrow too.



After the ads, the first thing we see is a huge platter of hors d'oeuvres. And then we hear the Mañanitas and we learn it's Jorge's birthday. And Ale forgot! Fortunately Marcos and Tia Rosario remembered and have cooked up a lovely do with cake, champagne and later on, some mariachi singers with guitars. Lovely. Rubi's so festive she's allowing Georgie permission to eat all the sweets he wants. And that's not all. (tell you later)

Not so festive at Rafa's house. Vicky's banging on the door like she's the Gestapo. Interrupting Jaime and Julieta in full schmooch and they're not happy. And tell her so. Mom isn't either. She's heading to the kitchen. So Vicky makes do with waiting for Rafa in his bedroom. (we know this won't end well.) First thing she does is look around and decide that NONE of this crap is coming with him when they get married. Well, except for the picture of her and Rafa. And the little Virgencita statue. Now she opens a drawer. Oh my, what a mess. He'll thank me for organizing it. (yeah, right.) She finds the picture of him with Ale at the wedding. "¿Y esto, qué es?" The fat's in the fire now, folks.

Let's go back to a more charming scene. Jorge is right where he wants to be, nestled in Rubi's generous cleavage, wondering if he's really a year older. Surely not! A perfunctory opening of presents and an equally perfunctory thanks. Back to the cleavage. Still, he's pleased to see Alejandra and Marcos' name together on one of the packages. How wonderful that they're back together. But really, he feels born again. Brought back to life, thanks to the incredible care of his dear nurse and the affection of Marcos (alias Marcario etc.) whom he loves like a son. Marcos responds with an equal amount of schmoozing while Ale looks alternately worried and nauseated. Meanwhile, Rubi is hitting the champagne and promising Jorge eternal life as long as he's in her care. A toast to that!

Quick flash to Vicky. Not only has she found the photo, now she's found the love/reference letter. A letter that no one should write about a man who has a NOVIA!!!, namely Miss Vicky. Rafa arrives home at that moment, interrupting more kissing practice by Jaime and Julieta. Heads for his room when he realizes Vicky is there. Waving the picture, Vicky asks the key question:"¿Qué es esto?" Yep, fat is definitely in the fire.

Things are heating up at the birthday party too. Rubi, well into her cups (champagne cups, people!) hops onto Jorge's lap, opens up her uniform a bit more, and does a fair imitation of Marilyn Monroe singing Happy Birthday to our former president). Jorge's entranced. Ale and Rosario not so much. Marcos decides to call a cab for Rubi.

And now a prolonged and uncomfortable good-bye scene at the door. Ale just wants Marcos to leave. He keeps lingering. And sneaking in kisses. On the mouth. Which she backs away from. You're tired. YES. I've gotta go. YES. Sleep well. YES. Excuse Rubi. SURE. Finally he's out the door and she pushes it firmly shut.

Back in Rafa's room, he's not getting off so easy. Vicky's in full dudgeon now, shrieking out the words of the letter and wanting to know why the heck this inappropriate paen to his virtues is in his bedside table along with the photo. Plenty suspicious. Well, the photo's a keepsake. KEEPSAKE!? Er, yes, of my first big sale. That's all. And who's the woman. YOUR BOSS!? But you told me she was ugly. She's PRETTY!!!! No, no..uh, she's just photogenic. And remember, she's the one who embargoed my house, put me in jail, etc.

Well, if she's so bad, why do you keep her picture!? No problem in tearing it up I suppose. And rip, rip, rip. He gets his face, Vicky gets Alejandra's. You're crazy, he screams. You're the crazy one, snaps Vicky. And leaves. Slamming the door. And Rafa? He grabs his pillow and screams into it. And there we end.

* a mournful country song about a gal named Ruby who was off to fool around in the city, breaking her poor guy's heart

Previews:
Marcos drives Ale to work the next day (he took her car to drive home the night before) And sneaks in another kiss. Salespeople are sure they're back together again.
BUT Destiny has other plans. Ale and Rafa run into each other in the anteroom of a mutual client.

Vocabulary:
enganche initial = initial downpayment (what Rafa gave the secretary)
embaucar = trick, con
farsante = fraud, fake
arrebatar de las fauces = to snatch out of the jaws (what Rafa did when he snatched the sale out of Marino's hands)
cuartillas = sheets of paper (Julieta was to write on something. Eight pages worth. But she preferred kissing Jaime to doing homework.)
pocima = potion, concoction (Ale, in her drunken state, thinks Rafa must have drugged her to make her fall so hopelessly in love with him)
desvariar = to talk nonsense, to rave (Rafa talking about how his romance with Vicky makes no sense anymore)
asi se habla = now you're talking, atta boy
se te haya pasado las manos con las copas = you've had too much to drink

Dicho of the Day

Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. (literally 100 in flight) However, looks like Vicky's pajarito has already flown the coop. And she knows it.

Labels: dinero

They promised us bombas in the previews but tonight's episode delivered not much more than a few damp squibs.

No puede ser,
It can't be, says Lucas on finding out that Jade has gone back to Morocco. He says that Jade can't do this to him after what just happened. [Lucas doesn't seem to care or realize what this relationship might do to Jade.] Cristina wonders if Said found out about Lucas and Jade. Lucas doesn't think so because if he had, Said
ya habría cortado de raíz todas las negociaciones con mi papa
already would have cut at the root all the business with my father
or come to confront him. He wonders what to do and when he suggests following Jade to Morocco, Cristina is supportive.

At Albieri's house, Alicia is reading Albieri's journal. She hears someone coming and leaves the book on the night stand. Albieri sees that the book has been moved. He goes ballistic on Alicia. She plays innocent. Luisa comes in saying that they can hear him yelling in the living room.
Estás gritando como un demente
You are yelling like a crazy person, says Luisa.
¡Tú tambien estás mal de la cabeza!
You are crazy, too! (bad in the head), replies Albieri.
Albieri says that first she mixed up the DNA results and now she has done this with his diary. Luisa runs out of the room offended.

Enrique makes a romantic dinner for Carolina and they kiss.

The Naz harasses Mohamed to buy a plane ticket to Morocco for Osvaldo. She sums up the problem:
Tío Abdul no viene a América, Mohamed no compra pasaje para Osvaldo y Nazira se queda soltera, Nazira no se casa.
Uncle Abdul won't come to America, Mohamed won't buy a ticket for Osvaldo and Nazira remains single, Nazira won't marry.
In a bit of hyperbole, the Naz says that,
Los pretendientes llueven, Mohamed, llueven como flores de primavera y ustedes los espantan a todos, ¿Por qué? Porque claro, no pueden perder a la esclava Nazira que les resuelve la vida.
My suitors rain down, Mohamed, they rain down like flowers in the spring and you scare them all away. And why? Because, for sure, you can't let your slave, Nazira, have her own life.
Mohamed says that if the Naz wants to marry, they will get her a husband, she shouldn't be doing the looking herself. [Twenty years have gone by and no husband for Nariza - either her brothers aren't looking too hard or there aren't any out there.] Mohamed tells the Naz that Abdul will decide on whether Osvaldo can come to Morocco and if the says, no, she will just have to accept it.

Ali, Jade and Jadiya return to Morocco. Jade tells Zoraida that she was with Lucas. She says that it was Said's fault, he pushed her toward Lucas. Zoriada asks Jade if she thinks that Said has some kind of plot against Lucas. Since Said behaved so strangely, she wonders if he wants to kill Lucas or lay a trap for him. Jade says that she hopes not. She was afraid for Lucas and that's why she left the States. He wanted her to run away with him.

Zamira complains to her mother that they don't have a computer and she has to use BOOKS to do her homework. Once again Zamira says that she doesn't want to be a Moroccan woman.
Más facil se nos cae este techo encima antes de que tu papá compre un computador.
It is more likely (it would be easier) for the ceiling to fall down on us that for your father to buy a computer, says Latifa.

Zamira says that if she doesn't get a computer, she will lock herself up in her room and starve to death.

Diana tells Pablo that she thinks Alej is getting involved with Natalia. Pablo replies that when Leo finds out, Alej will be jobless again.

Nati tells Alej that the boys at school are looking for babes, rich girls or popular girls. They aren't interested in what is inside a woman.
A veces me siento como de Plutón.
Sometimes, I feel like I'm from Pluto, says Nati.
Alej replies that he feels the same way. He is looking for a nice girl who doesn't care about what car he drives, how much money he has or if he is famous or not. He tells Nati that he isn't still in love with his ex. Alej asks if she is still in love with Fernando. Nati claims that she was never in love with Fernando. At first, there was an attraction between them but she isn't his type. She says that she doesn't know where Mr. Right is waiting for her. [I bet you're looking at him, dear, but not 'til the novela ends.]

Fernando shows up for his first day as an intern at the Ferrer company and his mother fusses over him.

Albieri and Luisa are not speaking. Luisa says that this time she won't apologize. When Julio asks Alicia what is going on, she tells him that she thinks that Luisa is losing her memory. Escobar tells Julio that he reran the DNA test and Albieri was wrong. Julio won't believe it. He suggests that it was Luisa's fault.

Meanwhile, Alicia tells Albieri that she thinks Luisa is exhausted and has committed many errors because of her mental fatigue. She suggests that Luisa go on vacation.

Enrique tells Leo that Lucas grabbed his briefcase (agarró su maletin) and left without a word to anyone. Leo is furious. Enrique suggests that Leo and Lucas should sit down and talk.
¿A hablar? ¿Tú has visto cómo estamos cotizando en la bolsa?
Talk? Have you seen where we are in the stock market? says Leo.

Nati and Andrea are reading emails from Fernando at work [a good thing to start early in your career] when Lucas runs in without saying a word. Lucas takes off his wedding ring and packs a bag. Leo comes home. Lucas comes downstairs and announces that he is going to Morocco. Lucas leaves. Leo is fuming and Rosa is concerned about his blood pressure. The fact that Lucas is going to Morocco after a woman is news to Nati.

Lucas calls Roberto from his car and asks him to tell Leo that he isn't going to mess up their business deal.

Albieri tells Leo that Lucas knows Islamic law and that he wouldn't put his life or Jade's at risk. This is news to Leo but Albieri says that he hopes Lucas knows what he is doing.

Nati is sad. She tells Andrea that her father is the only one she gets along with in the house. He understands her, respects her and doesn't judge her.

Roberto tells Clara that the Arabs mustn't find out anything about Lucas' trip to Morocco.

Dora comes back to Houston alone [bummer]. Daniel didn't want to come back. She decides to live for herself again.

Marisa finds Said at the pool of the hotel.

Said is uncomfortable meeting with her alone. He says that being alone with a woman gives people an opportunity to talk. She should be concerned about that and so should her husband. Marisa says that her husband doesn't need an excuse. They don't have a good relationship because he was in love with someone else when they married. She hoped he would come to love her but it didn't happen. Said asks if Marisa thinks that her husband and this woman still see each other. Marisa replies that she thinks that they do because otherwise he wouldn't be as enthusiastic as he is.
Y estoy segura de que algo tuvo que haber encendido otra vez la llama.
And I'm sure that that something lit the flame again, says Marisa, casually.
Like what? asks Said. Marisa replies that maybe they saw each other again or talked. Having casually laid her little poisonous eggs, she leaves.

Marisa tells Lucia that she is dying to know what Said will do. She says that he was very tense and seemed to want to ask her to tell him everything. Lucia expresses fear for what Said might do to Lucas or Jade. Marisa apparently believes that such a result would be ok because she is the biggest victim in all this. Lucas thinks he is the victim because he couldn't live the life he wanted. That's his problem, says Marisa. Jade has a millionaire husband who treated her like a queen. And Marisa, she had to spend all these years with a man who loves another woman and is always thinking about her. Lucia says that she can't imagine how Marisa was able to put up with that. [Spending all Lucas' money probably helped.]

Zamira goes off ostensibly to study with some friends. Prince Amin goes after her. Latifa persuades Mohamed to get a computer for their children. They will get access to the Internet blocked.

Karla tells her mother about blackmailing Osvaldo.

Abdul asks Ali for advice on how to deal with the Naz's suitor, Osvaldo. Ali knows better than to get involved in that and won't give any advice. Ali goes down to the kitchen (instead of shouting) to have Zoraida bring them some tea. She tells him that Albieri just called to warn them that Lucas is on his way to Morocco. Ali is impactado. At first, he doesn't understand why Lucas would come to Morocco but Zoraida's concern is contagious and without her saying anything, he realizes that Lucas is coming for Jade.

Zamira is at The Only Public Pool in Miami (TOPPIM) with her friends. She is in a bikini and tells her friends that if her parents knew what she was doing, she would be on her way to Morocco to be married off. Pablo and Alej are also there and Pablo warns Alej against getting involved with Nati. Alej assures Pablo that he is just being responsible and doing his job to protect Nati. Pablo replies that he believes Alej
pero Diana está muerto de celos y ella no ve un tierno abrazo sino un abrazo amoroso
but Diana is consumed with (dying of) jealousy and she doesn't see an affectionate hug, she sees a love hug.
In the same breath, Alej says that he has nothing going on with that girl and asks if someone like Nati could have a future with someone like him.

Latifa brings the Naz some tea and gets an earful of the hard life of Nariza. Latifa tells the Naz that she prays every day that Abdul agrees to buy Osvaldo's plane ticket. [I bet she does!] The Naz says that Said wanted her to be with him when he met the Western woman (Marisa) and didn't even ask how she felt or if she wanted to go out or not.
¿Quién quiere cargar algo en la espalda del camello Nazira?
Who wants to carry some of Nariza's burdens, literally, who wants to carry something on the back of the camel Nazira?

Dora's back at the dance club. Osvaldo is happy to see her.

She says that their love life has had some ups and downs. Osvaldo agrees,
Somos como dos imanes ques se atraen, se repelen.
We are like two magnets that attract and repel.
Dora agrees but says that this time it is different. She asks if Osvaldo still loves her. He says that she is the love of his life. 'In that case', says Dora, 'you have until the end of this song to ask me to marry you'.

Ali tells Jade that Lucas is coming to Morocco. Ali tells her that Said has made him responsible for Jade in his absence. Jade protests that she didn't know anything about Lucas coming to Morocco. Ali tells her not to go alone to the medina and if she has to go anywhere, she must be accompanied by Zoriada or someone Ali trusts. Jade reminds them that she tried everything not to have to go to the US. Do they think she is lying and that she arranged the whole thing? Ali replies that he doesn't know what to think. Ali orders Zoraida to tell Lucas that he is in Cairo with Jade if Lucas calls or shows up at the house. He warns her not betray him. Ali tells Jade to remember how she felt when she almost lost Jadiya so that she doesn't risk having that happen again. Jade hugs Zoriada and says,
Qué suerte tan triste la mía, Zoraida.
Nothing works out for me, Zoraida, literally, What sad luck is mine.

Leo is still fulminating. Roberto passes on Lucas' message that he isn't going to queer the business deal but Leo isn't buying. Natalia eavesdrops.

Leo and Enrique are going to Morocco after Lucas. Rosa says that the worst thing is that Marisa doesn't know anything about this and she doesn't want to be around when she finds out. In walks Marisa. Leo tells her that Lucas has gone to Morocco after Jade.

The credits roll.

Labels: clon

Hi Gancholanders. For those of you who bonded in friendship over the long haul, we can still get together throughout the week on this keep-in-touch blog. So bring us up to date on what's happened since last we gathered 'round Carlos' wonderful gran finale recap. My highlight was seeing our son graduate from college this weekend. Since I had him later in life, and he graduated later than usual, a nice lady from church saw me and asked if I was there to watch my GRANDCHILD get his degree! Yikes. Another humbling experience. Botox anyone?
yours truly,
JudyB

Labels: gancho

Capítulo 56

[Warning: Passion ahead! Carnal caution advised! This is not a night for the kiddies.] As we return to the mad, mad, mad, mad world of one of early Mexico’s finest finca families, Dr. Pablo comes to check on the scheming Leonarda who really needs a shrink instead. Rosenda helps feed the lie per her “madrina’s” orders. Renato is forced to dutifully listen as Mama kvetches about being ignored by her son and treated like yesterday’s news. Meanwhile, Juan enters Maria del Rosario’s new and improved dungeon digs and sees a new and improved MdR literally decked out and dressed in white --like an ailing Mexican version of Dickens’ Miss Havisham. Juan calls to her and asks if she recognizes him. She focuses on the rosary beads around his neck and thinks it’s JD Sr. come back for her as promised. She begs him to take her with him far away from there and then promptly falls into a drugged sleep, courtesy of one of Leonarda’s mighty fine Micky Finn’s. At the same time, upstairs, Clemencia begs Regina to never ever mention Juan’s real name, Juan de Dios, to anybody, especially to anyone in the family. Regi can’t imagine why it needs to be kept a big secret, but eventually she promises to keep mum for the bum.

Arcadio asks Juan why “his wife” would be asking Juan to carry her off with him. (Excuse me? She’s been locked in a dark, dank, basement dungeon for twenty-five years with only Mirta the Mute and his ugly mug for company. I’d beg to be taken as far the hell away from there as possible too!) Juan admits he doesn’t understand it either. The only thing he can think is that she must be confusing him with somebody else, but he wouldn’t know who. Orca then complains that the one thing he understands is that Juan entered everyone’s life there under the strangest of circumstances; and first he takes his job and now he wants to take “his wife” from him. Juan tells him to can it. (Cue the harps and cherubs.) “Whatever feelings the woman has awakened in me,” says Juan, “it’s much deeper than your thoughts go and is something I’ve never felt before. It’s something maternal.” (It’s the call of the blood, fool!)

Arcadio continues the charade and pretends to be worn down by “his wife’s” constant lamentations and demands for the cadaver of their dead child; he’s been suffering lo these many damnable years to the point of nearly going crazy himself. Only his love for her has given him strength to carry on. (Damned if the Orca doesn’t rate a major Premio for this acting job!) “Despite my rudeness, I love my wife deeply.” (Sob, sob, sniffle!) He gets on his knees, lets loose with a flood of crocodile tears, and begs for Juan to intercede with Sr. Renato, not for him, but for his kindly, invalided wife. Juan falls for the ruse and says he’ll do it for her sake, not his. Juan then wants some time alone with her. Mirta and the Orca leave Juan alone with MdR. Juan is so moved by pity for her that he takes her hand and gently kisses and caresses it.

Back upstairs, Dr. Pablo has finished examining Leonarda. He tells Renato that she’s not serious, only suffering from overwrought nerves. He recommends rest and avoiding anything upsetting. Ren thanks him and sends him on his way. Aimee comes in to the hall and asks Renato why he’s not left for Paradise yet. He explains he had to see about his mother’s fainting spells first. Aimee promises to look after her while he’s gone. Ren agrees and heads out. Aimee giggles mischievously to herself that she will take advantage of his absence to spend time with Juan.

Clemencia waits for Juan in the garden to tell him that she has a bad feeling about everything that’s going on there. She’s afraid that if he doesn’t leave right away everything will come to light and there’ll be trouble. He says fine. Better that way. She wants to know why he took the job as administrator of the finca--if it was just for a better chance to get even with Ren and Aimee for what they did to him, he’d have done that by now. She suspects there’s something else at work here. Juan confesses to Clemencia, as Aimee passes by them on her way out, that he hasn’t left the finca because of the passionate desire that continues to torment him “-- And it’s killing me!” It was the passion that at one time made him think that there could be a world filled with love rather than hate, of pardon rather than vengeance. (We luhhv this poetic mush, don’t we? Admit it!) Well, he blew it and now he’s paying the price for it. Clem says he’s a fool for not taking Regina’s advice and leaving well enough alone. She begs him to leave before another misfortune happens to the Montes de Oca family. He stubbornly refuses, saying his fate was forged in this damnable family although they rejected him twice before: once when he was newly born and the second time when he was hired by Renato. He’s not leaving before they pay for that!

Upstairs again, Rosenda keeps Leona company. Leona says self-confidently that her plan has worked and that Renato will think twice before going against her wishes. She’s sure that little by little he’ll listen to her and get rid of that miserable wretch of an administrator. Rosenda smiles and agrees with her. “He’ll have to choose between your health and the new administrator.”

A bit later, Juan arrives back at the love cave. Aimee has purposely left the mat they used to lay on during their love-making sessions out in the middle of the entrance for him to see. Juan spies it and thinks sadly back to their steamy, X-rated lovemaking, his confessions of love for her and Aimee’s XXX-rated passionate promises to be his and only his. (Hot Damn! --And I do mean H.O.T.!) Juan looks up and finds Aimee standing there. (Nothing like a bit of 1870’s style sexual harassment to keep the juices flowing.) “I knew you’d be coming here. We’re tied to this place, you and I. We’re tied to… the passion that makes us…burn.” She takes off her shawl provocatively. Juan laughs and walks away. She tells him he might deny it, but she’s always on his mind. “I am inside your head and in your heart, Savage.” She kisses him passionately and Juan, poor boy, still suffers from a weak spirit and a very willing body as the steam factor rises. He pulls away and gripes at her for seducing and bewitching him again, then kisses her a bit more, then pushes her away for good. No. He just doesn’t desire her as much as before. (Sure had me fooled!) She laughs and says she doesn’t believe him because his eyes give him away [delatar]. “They shout just the opposite to me.” She giggles seductively again and mocks him. “You and I are twin souls, Juan. You know it. I am yours because you are mine.” He finally gets some traction and tells her a woman who sleeps in another man’s bed isn’t his. “You are Renato’s. He is your owner, your master! He and only he!” He leaves her there and walks out. She laughs to herself that he almost fell this time. “It’s only a question of insistence and being patient.”

That night Rosenda has been sent by Leona to ask the Orca how the business that day went. She wants to know what Leona is talking about. He tells her it’s between him and the Sra. and none of her beeswax. “Just tell her that things turned out better than we hoped and all is fine. She can rest assured now.”

Upstairs in her bedroom, conniving Aimee preens in front of the mirror and spritzes half a bottle of perfume on herself while thinking of the passionate encounter she and Juan shared earlier in the love cave. Just then Clemencia comes crying to her in her room about leaving Juan alone. In the second Premio-worthy performance of the evening, Aimee swears three ways from sundown that Juan’s yesterday’s news and she hasn’t gone near him. Why, if anybody’s messing around with Juan it’s Regina! Clem cannot believe that because Regi isn’t capable of something like that. Aimee swears she is. Clem says she sees how Aimee acts around him. Aimee says there’s nothing wrong being polite to the servants. (Tell it to the hand!) Then she turns on the fake waterworks and whines that Regi’s been lying about her and it’s just so cruel and unfair. She cannot understand it at all! Boo-hoo! “How could you doubt me, Nana? I couldn’t be so merciless as to toy with two men’s hearts!” (Viewerville chokes back a gag.) No, judge her if she wants, but gee whiz, why doesn’t anyone ever believe her? “It’s Regina! With her supposed gentleness and prudish ways! She a lying hypocrite!! Nana, I’m not deceiving you! I’m not! It’s Regina!!” Clem, after this grand performance, is left not knowing who or what to believe anymore.

On the lighter side, we beam over to the casino for more can-can’t and Lulu, still ever the working girl, tells her dancing partner that tonight he definitely can—if he’s willing to pay extra for private lessons. On the other side of the dance floor, Philippe gets carried away with the crowd and the music and dances a bit with Mme. Marlene. FF>>

Back at the finca, Aimee congratulates herself on the progress of her plan to destroy her sister’s rep and figures Clemencia is now full of doubts about Regi. She heads upstairs to gossip a little with Leonarda and sprinkle a few well …er…fertilized seeds of doubt in her MIL’s mind as well about sugary sweet Sis. (Will somebody slap that sh!t-eating grin off Aimee’s face, puh-leeeese?)

Up in Leona’s lair, Rosenda gives Leona Orca’s message and gets permission to “go to church” (to worship at the golden altar of Almighty Rodrigo) in town the next day. Aimee walks in at that point and greets her. She asks why Rosenda’s not wearing the medallion. Rosenda says she’d rather not cause any more problems with Sr. Renato because of it. Good thinking, says Aimee. You’re always looking out for “the family.” (Wink, wink.) Once Rosenda leaves, Leona gripes about Ren’s defiance since hiring the new administrator. Aimee commiserates and says it irks her too the way he’s always defending that rude savage. He’s tearing the family apart! Even her father left because he couldn’t stand the guy! Ren simply won’t listen to her, and Regina even less. Leona asks what Regina has to do with all of this. “She’s always defending him too, as if she’s interested in him or something!”

Outside, thunder and lightning hit and drenching rains begin to fall, emphasizing Leona’s new-found concerns. (Cue the narrator.) Juan enters the tack room to get out of the rain and feed the horses. The narrator tells us that Juan’s blood is boiling with passion for the woman who now belongs to another man, a man who has all rights to her, a man to whom all has been handed (on the proverbial silver platter) from the day he was born, even the woman who awoke Juan’s savage heart….. Just then Regi races in to wait out the rain. She asks him what’s wrong. He says nothing’s wrong. She says she can see it in his face. He gets snarky with her and asks what’s wrong with his face? Perhaps his face doesn’t have the same handsome features that Renato’s does? (Milking for sympathy are we here, Juan?) Regi refuses to be insulted and starts to leave. Juan stops her and tells her not to be a fool. She’ll get wet. “What’s the matter? My presence is so odious you can’t spend a few moments out of the pouring rain with me?” She warns him off her. “You’re just as much a fool as I, Juan del Diablo –or should I call you Juan de Dios?” (Oops!) Juan is dagger-stare impactado.

Aimee continues with her tall tales about Regi’s strange behavior and stubborn defense with everything concerning the new administrator. Leona asks if she’s insinuating that Regina would be romantically inclined towards him. No, says Aimee, she’s not exactly saying Regi is interested in him, but her melancholy, her nervous outbursts, everything sure points in that direction….. Leona can’t believe that of Regi. Aimee says Regi puts on a good front for everyone, but… Leona starts to wonder if it could be true, though she says it’s just too hard for her to believe something like that about her. Aimee says that perhaps she’s been misjudging Regi. “God forgive me for thinking ill of my sister.” (Viewerville can’t deny itself a snide “Amen to that!”)

Back in the tack room, Juan demands to know why Regi called him that. She tells him not to worry because she promised Clem she wouldn’t tell anyone he’s Juan de Dios. He asks if Clemencia told her and she says she cannot reveal who told her. “Don’t call me that!” “—Why? It sounds better than Juan del Diablo.” He smiles evilly at her and she asks why. He says he’s smiling like the Devil at her because he has realized that she is just as deceptive as her sister. He’s angry as hell and ready to give people sh!t. “Go ahead and unsult me! Right now I am sure you’d like a lightning bolt to strike me, right?” She tells him to cut it out already and tries to leave again. He prevents her and says she’ll get wet because it’s obviously pouring buckets out there [a cántaros = literally pitchers’ full]. “—Oh, since when does what happens to me worry you? Such a gentleman…you…you—“ “—Go ahead, insult me! I’m a savage, an animal, a wild beast, right? You never stop insulting me! I’m a devil and not a gentleman only because I choose not to be one. Don’t forget that. I’m used to doing whatever I have a mind to, so I’m a wild man, just like you say.” She tries to apologize and he tells her she shouldn’t be sorry. He needs her scorn so that he won’t regret what he does. So, he’s still going to carry out his villainous plans, she says, and warns him again not to think about carrying her sister off with him.

Juan insists that it’s Aimee who’s hot to be trotted away. Regi refuses to believe it. He says yes and at least with him she’s an honest woman. “--With everyone else she’s a lying cheat! [embustera] Ask her yourself. She will tell you that I am hounding her, that I’m pursuing her, all to avoid admitting that now she begs for what she ridiculed before! Don’t mistake it. She is in love with her Juan del Diablo!” Regi insists he’s wrong. It’s impossible for Aimee to be like that! --No, he says. She’s a flesh and blood woman, unlike you, who are made from the cake of heaven. “--You have no right to talk about me that way!” “—Of course not! You’re irreproachable! So perfect! So noble! So good! Such a pity you’ve set your sights on the wrong man!” The taunt hits home and he pushes the advantage. “A-hah! The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Well, don’t worry. I don’t care at all about your agony. Renato is the one you fell in love with, right?” She yells at him to shut up. “I’m only pointing out you’ve got a glass house [tejado = literally, roof] too. So don’t be throwing stones.”

She warns him that Ren would kill him if he tries taking Aimee. He taunts her again. “Ah, so you think Renato loves Aimee so much that he would threaten to kill me?” He takes her by the hands and he tells her that she is very beautiful and probably capable of something naughty herself for all her purity [manos tan limpias]; for that he receives a right nice slap in the face. “Don’t touch me!! I warned you!!” He fingers his red cheek. Uni --to placate a few crass commercial interests of the sponsors—breaks in the middle of what appears to have been a subconscious and muy intense attempt at foreplay.

After Viewerville returns with a fresh bucket of ice to cool off with, it's back to the casino where a lovesick and confused Gabe overhears Fulgencio inviting Rodrigo and the rest of his friends to his home for Eloisa’s birthday bash. (That's sure to be a snore-bore.)

Once again in the tack room, Regi tries to leave. Juan grabs her and says, on second thought [viéndola bien] she seems to be a much more interesting person now. “You are quite beautiful when you’re angry.” (That one’s as old as the hills. Don’t tell me that old saw got started here with him!) “—because your eyes shine somehow!” “—Don’t ever speak like that to me again!” Juan laughs at her as she finally races away into the downpour. “Hot diggity! She does have a personality!”

Back at the casino, Philippe finds Gabe mooning around and chats him up. Gabe’s bummed because he hasn’t received another letter from his beloved Estrella who is gravely ill. Frenchy, still carried away with all the hubbub and gaiety, slips up and says something about Jimena being slow off the mark but the letter’s sure to come. Gabe asks suspiciously how he knows Jimena brings him her letters. After stumbling a bit, Frenchy says it’s because she’s friends with the working girls there and he’s overheard her chitchats with them. Even so, says Gabe, why would she tell them something so personal. (Get a grip, Gabe!) You are one sheltered shlub not to realize women go gaga over love, says Frenchy. “Jimena is no exception on that score.” Frenchy the fey says he’s spent long enough with women to be an expert in this area and Gabe should just accept that they are an indecipherable mystery. “Just loving them is enough.” Gabe says well, she’s at least lucky to have some friends to vent with. I, on the other hand, am sadder and more exhausted by it every day.” He leaves the casino in a funk.

Speaking of Jimena, Tia Grizzly Bear starts browbeating Mena for not bringing in the money she used to. Mena explains she can’t get anyone to let her read their palms because ever since the kidnapping of that little girl they don’t trust the gypsies anymore. “Everyone says now that we gypsies are child-stealers!” Grizzy says wash of hogs! “They just don’t like us, but we still need money [parné] to survive.” She orders her to beg money from Gabriel or Juan. Jimena wishes that Griz would treat her better. “Why are you so mean to me? It’s as if you’re not really my aunt at all; and that you’re not really my family!” “—Oh stop playing the victim!” Grizzy says since Servando won’t share his take with them, if Jimena doesn’t produce they will have to leave for some other place. Jimena begs them not to leave and promises to do her best. She heads out and Grizzy ponders the possibilities if Jimena (duhn-dun-duhn-duhnnnn!) ever finds out that her real mother’s family lives in Puebla and that she kidnapped her when she was a very little girl.

Speaking of Jimena’s real family, her abuelo tells her real mother that the private investigator still has had no luck, but he’ll continue to look in Veracruz because that’s where she was last seen. Mena’s mother has another crying fit thinking she’ll die before she ever sees her daughter again. Her grandparents tell her mother that surely once “Angela” is found she’ll be right as rain. In fact, the abuelo has a friend there named Raul de Marin with numerous contacts, and surely if they ask him to he will help them look for her. Mena’s mama shrieks “¡Ojalá! God willing!” in ear-shattering angst.

It’s dinnertime at the finca now, but Leonarda is “too ill” to eat with the rest of the family. (Yeah, spare me!) Noel tells Ren and Aimee that he’ll go up after dinner to chat with her before he leaves for the casino. Aimee is shocked that he would be going to that den of iniquities. Noel says he wants a chance to see Rodrigo and talk him into changing his mind about things. Aimee doesn’t think there’s a chance in hades he’ll succeed in getting him to return to the finca. Celestina comes in to tell them dinner’s ready at that point. They decide to wait for Regi to come down first. Aimee says nobody knows where she’s gone off to “so mysteriously.” Just then Regi comes in and she’s soaked to the bone. She explains she got caught by the downpour and had to wait for it to die down a bit first. Aimee asks if she was alone or not. Regi says no, that the new administrator kept her company. The three of them are aghast. Ren exclaims, “Juan? Juan kept you company???” Regi says yes, “--and he can even be quite nice and witty when he’s a mind to.” She goes up to change. Aimee races over to Ren and says she told him so! “Regina and Juan are involved!” [entenderse = slang for having a sexual relationship]

In her tent at the gypsy camp, Jimena says she cannot bear to stop seeing Gabe. Even though he doesn’t give a whit about her, she loves him with all her heart. She thinks back to their fun times together and the way his kisses sweep her off her feet. She thinks to herself that it’s high time she sees Philippe again for another stellar Estrella letter-writing session.

Gabe, meanwhile, returns home and asks Juan for permission to leave and start his own business. Juan wants to know if he’s not paying him enough or has mistreated him somehow. Gabe says no, he just has aspirations and doesn’t want to lose the chance to do something on his own. Juan is sad to see him leave the nest, but wishes him well. Although, he does worry what’s really behind this sudden need for independence. Juan says he sees in Gabe’s eyes that there’s something else the matter. Could it have to do with “Estrella”? Gabe says he does miss her. Juan suggests it’s just something he’s hiding behind because he’s noticed how interested he is in Jimena these days. Gabe admits his interest, but insists that Estrella is like him whereas Jimena is totally different. “Good golly!” says Juan. Gabe says they are from different worlds. He will not and has no intention of loving a gypsie! Juan tells him he’s disappointed to hear him say something like that. He thought he was trying to be an independent thinker. Juan admits that right now he’s not the best advisor to the lovelorn considering the all-consuming passion he himself has been dealing with lately. However, Gabe not only is consumed with love like him, but remains blind to it. Gabe had better decide soon or he will lose Jimena. “Haven’t you noticed what has happened to me? I lost Aimee thinking she was a sure thing and now she’s married to Renato!”

Labels: salvaje

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