Caray, Caray!

Like a lamb to the slaughter, Camilo has just been ushered into the lioness’s den (Casa Curiel) by the She-Wolf Maripaz. He explains to Lucrezia that he’s there to talk to Carlota, on behalf of Toni, about the approved loan, and finding an administrator for their ranch. Lucrezia gives him one of her typical scorn filled glances, while Maripaz checks out his décolletage and other assets. Cleto gives Carlota the 411 about Camilo’s presence as she enters the front gates.

At the hospital, the doctor gives Lucia a clean bill of health and allows her to take off the sling (cabestrillo). She’ll have to be careful and do some exercises to strengthen the muscles, but she’s psyched to get rid of the darn sling.

At Casa Curiel, Lucrezia’s giving Camilo the third degree about how they can trust that he’s a decent person and qualified for the job. Carlota puts an end to Camilo’s torture by interrupting and politely introducing herself. She thought he worked for the McGuires and wonders how he’ll have time to help them. Camilo explains that this is a special Toni request, and although they’ll hire a good foreman (capataz) for the ranch, Camilo will take on the administration. He’ll make sure everything is on the up and up. Lucrezia wants to know how they can trust that he won’t rob them like the rest. Camilo declares his honesty and honorability, despite his humble roots. Even Maripaz stands up for him! (She must find that flannel hoodie, unbuttoned down to there, endearing.) Carlota thanks him. Lucscreechia screeches her protest, but Carly puts her foot down. Camilo thanks her, and Maripaz expresses her approval of his new position by feeling up his arm. Carly sends her to do something useful, like get them something to drink, and sits down to get the scoop on Toni.

At the hospital, Ivan runs into Lucia and the two make moony eyes at each other. She tries to make her escape, but Ivan stops her to ask if she still loves him. “It’s no longer any use./There’s no longer a point.” (Ya no tiene caso.) Ivan admits he can’t live without her and she’s all he thinks of. She doesn’t waste time getting to the main issue. She loves her mother and grandmother, despite everything they’ve done. Ivan is left speechless. She politely says she’s happy to see him and to know that all is well with Toni, and leaves a conflicted Ivan standing in the hospital hallway. She wipes a few sad tears away once she gets outside, but looks pretty decided.

In his hospital room, Toni and Ivan discuss how to distribute the checks to the Curiels and the other ranchers. Toni can tell, from his clenched jaw and worried expression, that something is up with Ivan. He tells Toni about the run-in with Lucia and how the only thing she told him is how much she loves her family. Toni thinks this is totally normal. Would Ivan want to be with a woman, for example, who hated him (Toni)? “This is totally different! You’re incapable of doing anyone harm.” Toni points out that we all commit errors and injustices. If Ivan really wants to be with Lucia, he’ll forgive. He needs to figure out if his resentment (rencor) is bigger than his love (amor). Ivan goes back to the still unknown whereabouts of his son. The baby could not have just disappeared without at least one of those women having something to do with it. Toni wonders if he thinks they murdered the baby. No, but one of them must have given the baby to someone and knows where he is. Toni says he’ll ask Carlota and he’s sure she’ll tell him the truth. Ivan highly doubts she’ll tell him the truth if it means protecting her daughter. That family’s as thick as thieves (closer than bees in a hive/mas pegadas que abejas en un panal).

In Casa Curiel, Carlota is basically giving Lucia the same advice Camilo gave Ivan. When a woman marries she leaves her family to start her own. Sure, but Lucia can’t live with someone who hates her family. Carlota thinks time will heal Ivan’s wounds. Anyway, Ivan will eventually go back to the States (I’m assuming she believes Lucia would go with him), and the distance will help. Lucia is not convinced. Carly tells her about Camilo’s visit to the house.

Camilo is at that moment giving the same download to Ivan. He’ll head out to Ranch Socorro tomorrow. Ivan asks Camilo to request that Carly meet with Toni personally to receive the check. Camilo calls Carly right away and Lucia stands close to listen in. Toni won’t be able to meet with her for a couple of days, when he’s out of the hospital. Carly is very happy to hear he’s doing well. She passes the phone to Lucia. (She has spoken way more to him in the last few days than she has to Ivan. Hmmm…) Lucia thanks him for all the help he’s giving them with the ranch. She then moves on to the inheritance business and asks Camilo if Ivan has dual citizenship (doble nacionalidad). “What are you up to?” (En que estas metida?) She assures him once again it’s nothing bad.

Her loveliness and goodness must have won him over again, because in the next scene she’s calling the notary/lawyer to let him know Ivan has dual citizenship. This is good news and the documents can proceed in the name of Ivan Villagomez. BUT, he still needs Ivan’s current address. They decide to use the hotel address, or that of the house they just rented.

At Casa Galvan, the bros are knocking back beers while Celia cooks. Antolin is shocked that the McGuires are still going to give a loan to the Curiels. That’s how they roll! They’re good and generous people, Camilo assures skeptical Antolin. Antolin wants to know exactly how much they’re going to give the Curiels. Both Celia and Camilo tell him to mind his own business, but Antolin cleverly baits the info out of Camilo by saying he’s sure it’s a ton of money considering Lucia is Ivan’s novia. Camilo sets him straight, and tells him exactly what he wanted to know, by saying it was just 10,000,000 pesos. Celia laments how two women alone running a ranch must have been repeatedly fleeced by bad men. Antolin sips his beer and contemplates how he’s going to fleece those two women out of 10,000,000 pesos.

The next morning, Maripaz breaks away from admiring herself in the mirror (are we sure she’s not JJ’s child?) to answer her cell phone. It’s Tubby Thug, at a pay phone, being coached by Antolin. He knows she had a baby out of wedlock 10 years ago and wants 4,000,000 pesos, or else all of Alamos will know! Click! Maripaz runs in a panic to her mother. She tells mom she got a call to blackmail (chantajear) her about the baby secret. Lucrezia can’t believe it, since only the family knew. She seems to be forgetting about all of Ivan’s family and friends AND Marripaz’s big running mouth when she’s had a few too many appletinis. She thinks it must have been that darn servant in Guaymas! MP automatically thinks of using part of the McGuire money, which makes Lucrezia suspicious. Did MP cook this scheme up with someone to get some quick cash? MP freaks out. She’ll be a pariah of society! Grandma has to speak to Toni about giving them the cash. Lucrezia has a better idea—MP has to speak to Ivan about it. It’s his kid and responsibility too, after all.

In the pool hall, Antolin tells Tubby Thug to cool his jets and wait for the Curiels to get the cash. In the meantime, he’s going to put his gray cells to work figuring out where the kid could be. He smells more money in this.

In the morning at Casa Curiel, Lucia is rushing off to teach and will drive for the first time since her run in with that chair, wielded by Saul. Lucrezia drags herself to the dining table and asks Carly when the McGuires are going to start doling out the cash. Carly lets her know about the upcoming personal handover from Toni to her.

Toni’s is moved to a real hospital room, and is growing more grouchy and impatient to leave by the minute. He forces Ivan to give him his cell phone and wants the check for Carlota today, despite Ivan’s protests. Ivan asks Benito to make sure Toni doesn’t work too much and takes it easy. When Ivan heads off to work, Toni immediately sends his babysitter Benito away so that he can call Carly. They do some geriatric flirting and he asks her to come to the hospital to see him and get the check. She’s worried about his health and would be happy to wait a few days. He wants to send a driver for her, but she assures him she can take a taxi or wait for Lucia to return and take her. They agree to that.

Lucrezia skulks behind a column listening to the call. She then tells MP to get a move on talking to Ivan, because she does not want to waste their loan on this blackmail business. MP thinks that if Carly weren’t so set on giving Ivan his part of the ranch, they could just sell that part and have the needed money. Lucrezia repeats her order. Talk to Ivan! “Si mama.”

Ivan’s cell phone rings just as he gets to the Agricultural Association. Maripaz actually has enough manners to start with standard pleasantries. Ivan’s not buying it. She tells him something horrible has happened. “To Lucia?!” (LOL!) “Why do you always have to think about Lucia?!” Lucrezia coaches her to tone it down. You read that right. Lucrazya is actually coaching someone else to take it down a notch and act civilized. Maripaz says it does affect Lucia because it affects their whole family. Ivan doesn’t give a rat’s patoot about their family. MP whines about how important it is. He’s busy but gives in to meeting her that night at 8. Lucrezia reminds MP of the importance of this meeting and orders her to stay sober.

At the Association, Ivan sends David off to get the Curiel check to Toni. Buttinsky JJ wants to know why. Why do those women get so much consideration? He wants to know how much he gets before the other ranchers and is surprised by the small quantity. Ivan explains that his ranch, despite being big, is in pretty good shape. But he has needs! He’s so insulted by the small quantity that he rips up his agreement and check and heads to the waiting room to badmouth the McGuires to the rest of the ranchers. He tries to convince them to walk away too, which confuses them all since he was the head cheerleader for the McGuires. Ivan comes out and explains that although JJ is richer than the rest of them, and his ranch is in really good shape, he wants more than the rest of them. Ivan asks the other the ranchers to see for themselves what they’ll get, and THEN make a decision. JJ continues to spew hot air and threatens to go to the Ministry of Agricultural Affairs (Recursos Agrarios) to make a complaint. He leaves in a huff. The ranchers argue about whether to follow JJ or see what the McGuires are offering. The ones who think they should follow JJ are idiots.

Lucia drops Carly off at the hospital. Inside, Carly meets Benito and sits down to chat with Toni. First business, and then other stuff. Benito hands her the check and makes a hasty retreat. Carly is shocked by the large quantity. She doesn’t think they need so much. Toni says it was Ivan’s decision, which shocks Carly. He hasn’t forgiven them, but he’s a fair man. Carly has no doubt. He inherited his goodness from his mother. Toni reveals that he knows who Ivan’s bio dad is. There are no secrets between them. He even knows that Alicia died from a botched abortion. He asks Carly if she thinks JJ was the baby-daddy. Carly doesn’t think so, and tells Toni how she threatened JJ to keep away from Alicia years ago when Ivan was a young teen, when JJ tried to pressure Alicia to be his lover.

Ivan and David chat about JJ’s latest antics. David is sympathetic towards his father, but Ivan is not hearing it. David is either with them or with his father- his decision. David is firmly in the McGuire camp, and feels that his dad deserves to be in this situation. All these years he’s been the association president, JJ’s authored many scams/fraud ( tranzas). Ivan wants to hear the details. David starts with the high interest rates his dad has charged the members. We don’t hear the rest.

Outside the hospital, Lucia is waiting for Carly in her car and is surprised by Ivan at her window. She turns down an invitation for coffee, since Carly may be coming out soon. Ivan calls Benito to see if Toni and Carly are wrapping up. Since they are not, Ivan extends the invitation to Lucia once again. She can’t refuse his pleas.

Toni and Carly continue the discussion of Alicia’s mystery boinker. It must have been another man, but they can’t figure out whom. Carly calls Toni Ivan’s guardian angel. Toni takes no credit for the man Ivan is. He was always this way. Carly wishes she had done things differently, but at the time she was incapable of yelling to the four winds that Alicia was her late husband’s child. It would have done damage to Lucrezia and her daughters. Had they lived in the capital, where no one cares about other people’s business (obviously she doesn’t watch those tns that take place in D.F., where everyone is worried about appearances or being left in the “calle”), then she would have done things differently. She would have told the whole truth. Toni doesn’t need justifications. He understands. The real injustice of it all was done to Alicia. Toni thinks the only thing that can help Ivan move on is the love of Lucia. They agree that those two crazy kids still love each other, so they need to carry on with their plan to get them married.

In a nearby café, Ivan and Lucia chat over coffee. He talks about his bad day. They handed out the checks, but only some of the ranchers accepted them because of JJ. Lucia says JJ’s greedy and ambitious and she’s never liked him. Ivan’s in agreement. What’s more, there are times when he hates JJ. Lucia wants to know why. Ivan explains about the young girl who once worked on JJ’s ranch, whom he seduced, impregnated and abandoned. He admits this girl was his mother and he is JJ’s son. And he’s not proud of it in the least.

Toni questions Carly about what happened to the baby. She swears she doesn’t know and asks him to believe her. He does. He’s sure she’s a good person and he’s honored to have her as a friend. She feels the same. He proposes that after he’s feeling better, the two of them go on vacation together. Carly blushes. What will people think? He wasn’t thinking just the two of them alone. Ivan and Lucia would accompany them. Carly doubts Lucia would accept since she’s studying at uni. Toni is sure they will find the right time and opportunity soon. The two giggle like school kids at their super cool plan.

Lucia wants to know why Ivan is telling her this. He just wants her to understand the full extent of his suffering. Lucia gets it, but we all suffer for different reasons. “What are yours?” Lucia knows they aren’t as grave as his sufferings, but growing up, the divorce of her parents really affected her, as did the anxiety of her mother and grandmother when they saw their assets dwindle, the constant arguments between her mother and grandmother, and her disappointments in love. Ivan wonders if she’s speaking about him. He puts his hand on hers and tells her he can be hers again, whenever she wants. She wants to know for what? So that he can fight with her family all the time? Ivan tries a new tactic. They can go back to being friends, like when they were kids. Lucia points out that she was in love with him back then too. “And now I’m in love with YOU.” He reminds her of their old times hanging out together, eating ice cream, and playing with Pipo. He thinks they should buy a dog to relive old times. They both smile. He promises not to try anything. Boy Scout’s honor. (Uh huh.) Looks like she’s falling for it when his cell phone rings. It’s Benito telling them Carly is ready to leave the hospital.

Ivan’s still pressing his case for “friendship” as they approach the hospital. Lucia promises to think about it. Ivan politely greets Carly. He takes his leave and asks for an answer soon. Carly’s all for this “friends” plan.

Inside Toni’s room, Ivan gives him the update on JJ’s tantrum, the rancher walk out, and what he learned about JJ’s fraud schemes and possibly even theft. He explains about the sky high interest rates. This is a huge crime and Ivan will happily throw JJ’s ass in jail, despite the fact that he’s his father.

Previews: Camilo presses Ivan to think about the possibility of Alex being his child. Ivan wants to talk to Gerry about his mother and his child. Ivan refuses Maripaz’s plea to pay the blackmailers.

Labels: Fuerza

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #28, Monday segment, at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 72 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. I'm reminded of the old dig, "No, Diego, everybody doesn't hate you! How can you think such a thing? Everybody doesn't know you!"


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Labels: Alborada

The patriots find themselves at a standstill. Gen. Santander won’t come to Santa Fé to help liberate the Almeida brothers without arms, ammunition and information. Arcos is now Sámano’s escribano and is completely shocked when he hears Sámano say that the Almeida brothers will be shot within a week after a military court-martial. Pola had tried to recruit Arcos, but he was still angry at her for rebuffing and insulting him. With a little friendly persuasion, he decides to meet with her.

Eusebia and Gaspar find out that Pola is the Policarpa of patriot fame. She admits to them that she was the woman to whom Alejo Sabaraín was engaged. They want no part of her. They demand that their donation be returned to them. They will remain sympathetic to the patriot cause, but they blame Pola for all the misery brought upon María Ignacia and their family because of her relationship with Alejo.

Speaking of whom, he admits to María Ignacia that his emotions are in conflict. She doubts everything he says and even follows him to the chicharía where she sees him talking to Pola. She becomes furious and verbally attacks him. This is just déjà vu – use your imagination and memory. The wedding is on, the wedding is off. How will anybody ever marry me after this?

Pola and Juliano meet Arcos and Lopezito in the woods. They were followed and discovered. Arcos tells Pola that the Almeida brothers are to be tried within the week. He also agrees to provide her with any information she wants. Then, the troops who followed them open fire. Juliano is shot. Pola orders Arcos and Lopezito to go since she is more likely to be able to find a hiding place, and, she wants to help Juliano. Pola believes in the standard operating procedure of that day – that women are not executed

Labels: LaPola

Labels: Fuerza

¡Hola á todos!

Thanks for all the great comments. In particular, thanks to Hombre, Novela Maven and Novelera for helping me out with the phrase, 'Si pedir por fuera.' It seems like a handy phrase to know.

MÍ CORAZON: It seems like we ought to be getting near to últimas semanas with this one. We're up to 80 episodes so I suppose there are another 50 to go if it runs 130 episodes so maybe we're not that close.

After Tiberio obligingly tells Lola about all his property holdings and that Soledad is enjoying 'fresh air' in the country, she deduces that Tiberio is holding Soledad on his ranch in Tijuana.

It was very amusing to see Débora scared witless and deciding to make a run for it when she believed that  Ángel would rat her murderous plans out to Tiberio. Débora ultimately decides that she can't leave Andres. Her parents think that she is nuts.

Ángel claims that he doesn't believe Soledad's story about his mother Tamara. Later, Felix confirms the story for Ángel and now Ángel turns against Tiberio.

Rodrigo gets his cornea transplant and regains his sight. Everybody is happy.

Daniel turns his life around and is released from the clinic.

Tiberio is having bouts of excruciating pain. He won't tell anyone what is going on. He does unchain Soledad, though.

Ángel goes to see Débora. She tries to back off of her previous proposal but finally Ángel tells her that now he wants to kill Tiberio and become God or something. They hatch up a plan, which involves pretending to discover an illegal shipment of acetone in the name of Carlos Gonzales, aka, Tiberio Guzman.

FLOR SALVAJE-

Pablo succeeds in ending the workers' strike. Management's concessions are not good enough for Sacramento but the workers accept them. The sick worker, Fernando, is taken to the clinic in Timotes and promised his job back when he recovers. I gather that Peter, as company representative,  has basically overruled Rafael on the management of the workers.

Catalina's lawyers are played by the actors who played the priest and the doctor in Doña Bárbara.  They are non-commital about helping her divorce Rafael.

Zahra is still mooning over Rafael but she counsels Rafael to court Flor and she suggests to Flor that Rafael might be the one to make her happy. Flor is curious about what happened with Zahra and Rafael but Olga won't tell her.

Rafael offers to pay Catalina's lawyers to drop her case and then threatens them when that doesn't work.

Enrique and the girls of the 4Ps celebrate their victory. Zahra reminds them that they still have to get Rócio out of the asylum.

Lourdes, Mariano's witchy wife, decides to lead a decency campaign against the prostitutes in Nueva Esperanza.

Raimundo's son, the doctor, is on his way to NE.

Catalina seeks Peter's support saying that business would be a lot easier with her than with Rafael. She goes on a tour of the oil works and makes nice with the workers. Pablo picks right up on her making goo goo eyes at Sacto.

Rafael is given one of Ana's auction notices.

Piruetas is jealous of Enrique and Malicia. Enrique tells Malicia that he is worried about what Mariano will do. Malicia is nervous herself but won't tell Enrique why.

Mariano comes to see Rócio. He offers to take her home if she will express regret for what she did and love him (like a brother?) She spits in his face and he starts to strangle her, only being stopped by the asylum staff.

Rafael gives Flor a horse. She names him, Ángel.

Raimundo's son (I forgot his name), the doctor, comes home and it is the actor Pedro Rendón who played Efraín in Herederos and Carmelito in Doña Bárbara. [DB fans: I just noticed that it was Jencarlos Canela, Andres in Mí Corazon, who played Asdrúbal in the first episode of DB. I remember he was very good looking.]

Pablo takes Sacto to a secluded place to discuss who is taking the biggest risk in romance. Pablo claims that Cat is just using Sacto and he risks being dismembered like her previous lover, Alirio. Pablo says that Flor is different. She loves him and he has enough money to take her away from NE. Just then, both men see Flor and Urrieta riding together.

No novelas on Monday for the Miss Universe pageant they've been promoting, I assume.

Labels: casa-lado, flor-salvaje, insiste, telemundo

The teasing continues in Zacatecas: Teresa tells Fer she’ll divorce Arturo but first, Fer must break his engagement with Luisa. She kisses him then slinks away. Fernando is left panting – oh what to do? What to do?

CASA FERNANDO: Poor, innocent Luisa still has on her wedding gown while Oriana continues to talk smack about Teresa, saying she wouldn’t put it past her to search for a new husband since Arturo hasn’t recovered his fortune. Luisa defends Teresa as usual. Lucia comes back into the room but tries to leave when she hears the topic of conversation. Luisa explains Oriana is imagining the worst for Arturo while she (Luisa) is convinced he’ll reclaim his old lifestyle. Luisa believes Teresa loves her brother and wouldn’t leave him for someone else. Oriana says Luisa’s youth and naiveté are to blame for her views and her parents weren’t around to guide her(orientar).
VECINDAD: Refugio & Armando talk about the possibility of her babysitting Rodriguito. She wants to take him to visit Grumpy Gramps to see if that will de-grumpify him. FF>>

CASA FERNANDO: Oriana is convinced Teresa has no scruples and thinks she took the easy way up by finding the perfect match. Luisa refuses to believe Teresa acted with premeditation. Oriana is convinced Teresa’s ambition is satisfied with power, wealth, and fame. Luisa bristles and reminds Oriana that Teresa, her friend and sister-in-law, studied and worked hard because she aspired a better life. Oriana thinks this proves her point. Living in Fernando’s apartment is much better than Teresa was accustomed to. She urges Luisa to realize Teresa knows no limits, she always wants more. She whispers devilishly into Luisa’s ear: “Ambition with no limits is an impediment to happiness. It destroys the heart and feelings.” Uy, cucuy! Odiana scares me but I have to agree with this last sentiment.

ZACATECAS: Mar, Doofus, Butts, and Tio-Butts continue their night out and Tio-Butts proposes a toast to the end of bachelorhood and to all the couples: Doofus/Juana, Mariano/Aurora, and Johnny/Pati. The only one without a partner is el Tio – hey, Oriana’s available! Jaja. They’re into some serious drinking here and tio makes a joke, saying they’ve always called Cutberto “el genio” (genie) cuz whenever a bottle is opened, he appears. Yuk, yuk.

CASA FERNANDO: Arturo is hard at work as Oriana gets ready to leave. She tells him Luisa looks stunning in her bridal gown. Arturo mentions he was originally opposed to the pairing between her and Fernando. Oriana agreed she never thought she’d see the end of Fernando’s mujeriego (womanizer) days. (don’t look now momma el mujeriego is baaaaack) Luisa’s sweet and innocent ways won him over. They both agree the couple will be very happy. Arturo’s grateful she has been able to step in as Luisa’s mother figure during this pre-wedding time. Oriana promises to always be there for them. However, someone needs to help Luisa wake up. She’s lived such a protected life that she has no malicia (maliciousness, alertness, awareness). She explains that although Fernando loves Luisa, there will be many women who will come after him, especially now that he’s come into his father’s vast fortune. Luisa needs to be very aware of this. Arturo starts to object, thinking Oriana is about to jump on the Teresa bashing bandwagon. No, she was going to talk to him about Lucia, whom she finds to be extraordinary. She knows his mother would agree that Lucia would be the ideal woman for him. Artruo reminds her he’s already chosen Teresa as the woman he’ll spend the rest of his life with. Oriana disagrees, Teresa chose him and in him she found all the qualities she was looking for in one package: social standing, wealth, and if that weren’t enough, an extraordinary boost (impulso extraordinario) to her insipiente (ignorant) legal career. (Boy, Oriana, tell us how you REALLY feel.) She tells him to think carefully about what she’s said and he’ll realize he was the perfect solution to Teresa’s carencias (deficiencies).

Upstairs, Lucia tells Luisa she was on the brink of quitting because of Teresa. On top of that, Oriana started asking her about her feelings toward Arturo. Luisa tells her not to pay attention to all that, she loves her job and shouldn’t quit. Besides, Arturo needs her. Lucia admits something was telling her not to quit. Luisa suggests she ignore Oriana’s rants about Teresa. She’ll soon see Teresa as a friend. HA!

CASA CACERES: Aiiiiiida’s invited Oriana for a visit. Oriana hopes it isn’t to discuss her efforts to recapture Mariano. He wasn’t right for her just as Teresa isn’t right for Arturo. The perfect couple in her view would be Lucia and Arturo because she’s of the right social standing. They played a round of golf today and he seemed so happy afterward. She doesn’t understand why Arturo stubbornly insists on keeping Teresa as his wife. Aida hopes he’ll someday rid himself of that rrrrrrrrrrata. She lets on that Teresa is in Zacatecas, something Oriana didn’t know! Oriana does a double take: wha-what?!

CASA FERNANDO: Lucia, Luisa, and Arturo talk wedding stuff over coffee. Lucia shares her views on love and marriage, neither of which she’s interested in now due to a recent disaster of a relationship.

CASA CACERES: Oriana tells Aida that Fernando is also in Zacatecas on business --- yeah monkey business ---. She’s sure Teresa found out and that’s why she’s there. Aida mentions Juana’s wedding and assumed she went with Arturo. Oriana clarifies that Arturo didn’t go. Aida can’t believe that rrrrrrrata fixed it so she could go alone. Oriana worries that Fernando is over there while Luisa the Vulnerable is here. Aida is sure Teresa’s in the big Z to go after Mariano again. Oriana’s surprised to hear he’s there also. Aiida’s convinced Teresa’s after him again. Oriana only hopes Teresa isn’t able to get anywhere with either man.

THE BIG Z: Fernando runs after the Strolling Strumpet that is Teresa. He must speak to her. “There’s nothing left to say,” she says. “When you end it with Luisa, then I’ll divorce Arturo. You’re now the one who has our future in your hands.” Who should walk by then, but our head scratching Johnny-on-the-spot! Of course! He’s the one who saw them outside Fernando’s door way back when. Fernando agrees to break his engagement, but first they must be together. She resists and tells him to please go and keep his promise. He responds by kissing her as Johnny looks on. Teresa breaks away saying they’ll talk later. Again, Fernando is left panting.

CASA LEDESMA: Poor little Rodriguito is finally home with momma. Doorbell rings – it’s not the landshark but a Barracuda by the name of Ruben! Dun-dun-DUN!

CASA GENOVENOM: Fito el Maldito tells Geno he was right outside the Ledesma’s home when she called. She’s glad he knows where her baby is living. She wants her baby and wants him now. Fito explains that Ruben had told him to hold off. She reminds him it’s her money and she wants the baby now, understood? He responds, “el que paga, manda, Chula.” Ooooh, so sleazy.

CASA LEDESMA: Espe tells Ruben to scram. The judge’s orders only allowed him to visit while the baby was hospitalized. She starts to close the door on him and he forces it open asking her if she’s afraid to be so near him. She tells him he disgusts (asco) her. LARGATE! He shoves her into the room and wonders if she’s worried about having problems with her husband. He bets that within a very short time he’ll recover her and their son. Their son is what will unite them forever. He jokes about this being the other side of the coin. She’s now married and can have him as her lover and she’ll realize the one she truly loves is her lover. He rushes in and gets her in a bear hug and she struggles against him. Eeeeeew, he’s so disgusting! He tells her not to be so proud and admit that she loves him. She scratches his hand as she breaks free and shouts for him to leave or she’s calling the police. As he leaves he tells her she’ll change her mind, “mi amor.” He blows her a kiss as she slams the door.

CASA CHAVEZ: Refugio is praying to Virgen de Guadalupe that Armando gets that job. He walks in just then to announce he’s got the job as a mechanic’s assistant.

CASA FERNANDO: Arturo’s on the phone with Teresa, telling her he won’t be able to make it to the Big Z. He reminds her he’s home earning the bacon so they can get ahead. Oriana comes in and they chat about last night. He tells her they decided to stay in for dinner and Lucia made a delicious pasta (oh, she can cook, too!) She tells him Fernando is also in Zacatecas, which is news to him. She wonders if Teresa and Fernando have seen each other there. He tells her he just spoke with Teresa and she didn’t mention it but he’ll ask her later. Oriana’s been trying to contact Fernando but apparently, his cell is turned off. Arturo hopes they run into each other (ha!) and that Fernando is able to accompany her to Juana’s wedding so she won’t have to go alone. Oriana figures he says that so there won’t be an issue with Mariano, who is also in the Big Z. This is news to him.

BIG Z CANTINA: Mariano’s sitting at the bar as Johnny comes running in telling him he got lost. Mariano assumes that’s why he’s so nervous. After he slams back a drink, Johnny spills it about seeing Teresa with Fernando. He’s sure there is something going on between those two. Oh, oh, oh, this is getting good!

CASA FERNANDO: Luisa has joined Oriana and Arturo in the den. She hasn’t been able to get in touch with Fernando either. If she’s able to contact him, Arturo would like to ask him to find Teresa. Oriana thinks Fernando will be too busy with business to see Teresa. Luisa tells him not to worry about Mariano. It makes sense for him to be there since he’s such good friends with Cutberto. Now Lucia arrives. Oriana and Luisa leave and Lucia asks what’s wrong. Arturo explains his dilemma. Teresa is in Zacatecas, as is his archrival but he has too much work to leave and go after her. She offers to work all night so he can make it to the wedding in the morning. That won’t work but he thanks her for the offer. He can’t stand the thought of his wife being near that infeliz. Lucia suggests he calm down and think of how much his wife loves him. Surely if she loves him she’ll reject any man that comes near her. He must trust his wife. That’s imperative in any relationship.

CASA GENOVENOM: Ruben is pacing as Geno walks in. She immediately notices the scratches on his hand and knows they were made by a woman! He admits it was Espe. He merely went to visit his son at her house and this is how she reacted. Geno ain’t buying that story. She accuses him of trying to relive old times and Esperanza scratched him in self-defense.

CASA FERNANDO: Arturo is clearly downtrodden and Lucia notices the difference in his mood from last night when he was so happy as in her sketch. She tells him she prefers the “Arturo” in the sketch. Aw, that draws a smile from my handsome hunkasaurus. *sigh*

CASA GENOVENOM: Ruben can’t believe Geno would think he’d want to go near Espe. He only went there to see his son, “their” son. Espe scratched when Ruben tried to pick up his son. That’s the truth! Geno doesn’t believe him – she knows him. He pleads with her not to be jealous. If he didn’t want to be here with her he’d leave. She knows too well how much he desires her. Geno admits this but she also knows how much he desires money and las jovencitas. “Listen very carefully because I’m only going to say this once,” she says. “If you betray me, I’ll kill you.”

THE BIG Z: Mariano catches up to Teresa in a lobby, telling her he needs to talk to her. She wrongly assumes that the fling with Aurora was temporary. She knew he couldn’t live without her. Wrong, Sharkface! Aurora is very important to him because that is true love. She scoffs at this. He tells her he’s only there to ask her to behave and not do anything to ruin the Cutberto/Juana wedding. She assumes he’s referring to her disapproval of the Mariachi/Seamstress match. Wrong again Sharkface! He spills it that he’s aware of her fling with Luisa’s BF. Sharkita is stunned!

CASA FERNANDO: Arturo is tells Lucia he’d very much like a portrait of Teresa. Esperanza arrives carrying the baby. After Lucia leaves, she tells him of Ruben’s craziness. Arturo confirms the judge’s order doesn’t give Ruben the right to see Rodriguito outside the hospital. Esperanza fills him in on Ruben’s aim to continue to come after the baby and also after her. He wants her back and she’s very confused. She doesn’t know what to do to keep him away from her. She doesn’t want Hernan to know about the visit because he’s so jealous. Oh, it was horrible, she tells him. She tells him about scratching Ruben as he tried to kiss her.

THE BIG Z: Oh, silly Mariano. Tere assures him he’s been misinformed. It’s true Fernando is here, but it’s only because of business. He did call on her to advise him (guess that’s what they call it in Zacatecas) but that’s all. Mariano assures her he could care less about her goings on. He’s only concerned Juana may find out and it will ruin her big day. He doesn’t believe her when she tells him she only spoke with Fernando about business. He repeats what he’s told her before. Don’t treat Arturo as she treated him. Arturo loves her, she shouldn’t deceive him. He thought she’d fallen in love with Arturo but sadly, he sees she’s incapable of love. He walks away from her as she sheds a tear. Waah, waah, poor sharkita.

CASA FERNANDO: Arturo and Lucia are working late into the night. We learn that Arturo went to the police station with Esperanza. He gets a call from Teresa but we only hear his side of the conversation. He tells her he’s learned Mariano is there. He tells her that even though Aurora is there he’s still worried. He wonders if she knew Fernando is also there and maybe he can come with her to the wedding. Before he hangs up, he asks her to be careful. Lucia has fixed him a cup of coffee and they talk about jealousy and love. Her ex was very jealous and it was pure hell. She tells him no woman can bear that kind of life.

CASA LEDESMA: Espe is waiting up for Hernan and tells him about Ruben’s visit and that she’s reported it to the police. She hopes this shows Hernan how much she loves him.

THE BIG Z: Fernando can’t understand why Teresa wants him to return to D.F. She explains she doesn’t want to do anything they’ll regret. She promises she’ll see him as soon as she returns. They share a hungry kiss, but she still rolls her eyes.

MEANWHILE BACK IN D.F., Arturo and Lucia have worked the whole night through. They have just enough time to shower and change to be ready for their meeting with the Germans. He holds her hands as he thanks her profusely and says he appreciates all her help. She stammers as she steps away to go upstairs. Methinks she’s been struck by the luuuurve bug!

JUANA/CUTBERTO’S BIG DAY: Inside the church, Aurora is fussing with Cutberto’s charro suit as Teresa gives them the evil eye. Goofberto’s tio introduces her to Goofy’s grandparents. Mariano walks Juana down the aisle and Goofy continues to act his doofus self as Teresa shakes her head in disgust. He acts the buffoon through the entire ceremony which is mercifully cut short for us Juana/Hector fans. The bride and groom kiss and Mariano steals a kiss from Aurora (shocking! Kissing in church?). Anyway, this is not lost on Teresa who is furious.

CASA BARRERA: Lucia is nervously getting ready in Luisa’s room for their meeting with the Germans.

RESTAURANT: Oriana and Fernando are lunching. Apparently, Oriana met his plane on the tarmac and he’s pissed that she was there. She explains that since he claimed he had an urgent business matter she wants an explanation. She wants to see if she can help. He’s offended, saying his father left the businesses to him and he’ll decide how to run them. She reminds him that she and her husband jointly built that fortune. Besides, they’ve always made business decisions together. She demands to know why he has such a curt attitude. He apologizes but says she at times makes him feel like a child, incapable of making decisions. She asks if he saw Teresa in Zacatecas. He admits he did but she was too busy with Juana’s wedding preparations to see him. She’s glad he didn’t spend much time with her and advises him to keep his distance from Teresa. Arturo is a very jealous man and she’d hate for them to have problems. She reminds him of that old saying: El hombre es fuego, la mujer estoga (coarse cloth), Llega el Diablo y sopla. (basically: man is fire, woman kindling, the devil arrives and fans the flames). But clearly, Odiana says, that’s not so in his case, especially now that he’s only a few days from his wedding. Fernando looks guilty as sin and then excuses himself. That Oriana is a smart old broad, she knows what’s going on.

Arturo and Lucia arrive at the restaurant. While waiting for a table, we learn the meeting with the Germans was a huge success. They congratulate each other for their work and then hug. Of course, Fernando sees them hug. Ack! Arturo explains their success. Fernando responds coldly that he sees they’re celebrating. They chitchat about Zacatecas and Fernando excuses himself to go see Luisa and grumbles about being detained by his mother. Lucia notices Fernando’s attitude and Arturo hopes the trip to Zacatecas didn’t cause problems.

THE BIG Z: Quick peek – everyone stands outside congratulating the happy couple.

CASA FERNANDO: Fer arrives home and has a flashback of Teresa promising to divorce Arturo once he breaks off with Luisa. Luisa comes to him, happy to see him and he tells her, “we need to talk.” Eeeek!

THE BIG Z: More celebrating. Juana is wearing a beautiful regional dress. Love it! I’d love to go to a wedding like that.

CASA FERNANDO: Fernando starts by telling her everything is almost ready. She talks of her dress and begins to cry because she’s so happy to see him and how they’re finally going to be married. He wonders why she’s crying. She tells him she missed more than she thought she would and she’s happy to see he obviously missed her too because he returned early. They hug and he has a very worried, guilty, look on his face. What a skunk – he needs to man up.

THE BIG Z: As everyone celebrates, Aurora shares messages sent from Hector warning Cutberto to take care of Juana and wishing Juana every happiness. Everyone’s happily dancing, etc. Everyone but Teresa, that is, who stands by and sheds a tear.

CASA GENOVENOM: Geno has asked Fito if he noticed her “husband” there. (her husband? I don’t recall her calling him that before! CARAAAAAAZY CHICA) Anyway, Fito didn’t see him there. Geno asks him to notify her immediately if Ruben ever appears at Esperanza’s home. Of course, she realizes this will cost more money. It just never seems to be enough. He accepts that but also warns her that if they cross him, things will get really ugly.

THE BIG Z: To the sounds of “Corrida de Zacatecas” the celebration continues and Teresa continues her brooding.

CASA LEDESMA: Hernan and Esperanza share some time together, he promising that he won’t let Ruben ruin their relationship.

THE BIG Z: Back at the celebration, Teresa warns Cutberto he better treat her madrina right because there’s always divorce. Aurora interrupts her and says that won’t be necessary because Juana truly loves him and proved it by giving up Hector. Juana agrees Love is the most important thing. Cutberto picks up a very reluctant Teresa in a bear hug. They raise their jarritas-on-a-rope in a toast and the celebration continues.

D.F.: It’s evening now and Espe drives up to her house with Rodriguito but before she can open the garage door, two gunmen (one is Fito) approach and demand she get out. She complies but before she can get the baby, she is thrown from the car and they take off, baby and all! No Puede Ser!

Labels: Teresa

Buenos dias a todos. I typed this up as soon as I could since Univision has already made us wait long enough this week for our CME fix!

Selene spills her guts to Jero. Rafael was the father of Berta's baby. Jero's head is spinning. Selene says that Rafa and his hacienda weren't enough for Berta. Besides, Fina forced Berta to break it off with Rafa. It was her idea that Berta should sleep with Matias to make it look like the baby was his. Then Berta said the baby was Jero's because she was jealous that he chose Nata over her.

Poor Jero can hardly keep up with this information dump. He's going to have to start taking notes soon. Selene thinks it's pretty simple. Berta killed two birds with one stone. With one lie, she made both Nata and Jero's lives miserable.

Manuela is worried sick over Matilde. Her heart tells her that Mati might be in the town where Lazaro and Mati grew up as children. Laz begins the search party anew.

Meanwhile, Matilde wanders the countryside with a killer headache. Suddenly, she passes out near a dirt road.

Gonzo calls Nata to give her the good news about Blanca going to jail. Honorio will be free that very day. Nata is overjoyed that their ordeal is over; now she and Berta can go home! Gonzo is confused. Berta is at the hacienda? Gonzo never sent her there.

Jero asks Selene why he should trust what she says. Sele can only give her word that it's the truth. She is spilling all of Berta's secrets because Berta is sleeping with her galan Agustin. Jero was sure that Nata was Augie's lover. No way, says Sele. She knows that Berta and Augie are carrying on together behind Nata's back. Sele knows how the pair of them operate.

Nata moves on from her confusion about Berta. She's just happy to have heard good news from home. (Let's face it, the Monterrubios aren't know for their joyous tidings lately). Gonzo asks how she fared at the hacienda. Nata was fine but home is home. They can't wait to see each other again.

Jero grills Selene for more details. There is no way she will repeat what she told him to anyone else. She'll deny having said anything. Sele thought he needed to know what kind of person Berta really is. She tells Jero to ask Marina about Roberta's miscarriage. Before leaving, Selene says that whatever bad blood there is between Nata and Berta...Nata did not deserve to be tormented.

Matias and Adriana help Constanza prepare for Honorio's welcome home party. Adri is pleased to see Connie so excited about Hon. Mat asks Adri how her talk with Chema went; he can tell she is not telling him something.

Nata gives both Berta and Augie the cold shoulder. She asks them why they are lying to her. "Is there something you two have to tell me?"

Jero broods over this new-found information. What sticks in his mind to most is what Selene said about Fina. "It could have been her." Jero thinks. "It could have been Fina who shot Rafael." (Felicidades, Jero, you are barking up the right tree for once!)

Nata presses Augie and Berta for the truth. Gonzo did not send Berta to stay at the hacienda. Augie admits that he lied; he invited Berta because Fina asked him too. Nata still isn't buying it. Berta swears that Fina made Augie take her in. Nata softens slightly. Berta asks Nata what her plans are now that she can return home. Nata doesn't know. She's still giving Berta the cold shoulder.

Manuela tells Marina (who is Tatariffic as always) that Jero returned to Mexico. Marina had no idea.

Adriana comes out with it; she kissed Chema. They were in the house alone. Matias is upset that Adri didn't tell him about it earlier. He flips a chair over like a child and stomps out of the house.

Lazaro and Carlos are en route to where they think Matilde might have gone. Carlos cries that he might die if they don't find Mati. Fortunately, a kindly family has found an unconscious Matilde and brought her to safety in their home. A woman tends to Mati's wounds and tries to make her comfortable.

Chema visits Honorio in jail. He has something important to tell him about Connie. Hmm.

Regina accompanies Adriana at physical therapy. She will have to walk with a cane but her leg will get stronger in time. Adri asks Regi for love advice. "Is is possible to love two men at the same time?" Regi thinks a person always knows who his or her true love really is. Adri is pensive.

Gonzo vents to Matias about how crummy his love life is. The lawyer interrupts to announce that Blanca's trial is about to begin.

Blanca grips the cell bars as her fate is read. She is sentenced to serve time (indefinitely?) in a psychiatric hospital. Blanca foams at the mouth that she isn't crazy and swears revenge on everyone, especially Gonzo. They drag her away screaming and crying. (Soto does say that they diagnosed Blanca with multiple personality disorder. Apparently her ruse worked. Maybe too well? She seemed awfully upset to have been carted off to the manicomo.)

Fina calls Berta and urges her to come home. She has something life-changing to talk to her about. (Now what has Fina got up her sleeve?)

Honorio strolls out into the sunshine as a free man. Constanza is right there to meet him. Chema spies from behind a tree but his headache causes him to leave. Honorio is cold with Connie and, in place of a greeting, asks her why she let him believe that she and Chema had an affair. Oh jeez.

Matias arrives back at the casa with a huge chip on his shoulder. He asks Adri how he is supposed to feel now that he knows Adri has feelings for Chema. Adri had to be honest with him.

Chema told Honorio that he and Connie were only make-out buddies and nothing more. For some reason, this makes Honorio really angry. Connie said what she said because Hon had already accused her without knowing the facts. She thought he knew her better than that.

Meanwhile, everyone gathers at Connie's house for Hon's party. They are all in decidedly better spirits. Regina and Gonzo are going to have a church wedding and they want Ines and Isidro to be their maid of honor / best man. (As best as I can describe it. "Padrinos" is the term they used for the honored guy and gal who help with the wedding ceremony).

Connie and Honorio re-open old wounds as their arguing continues. They are both hurt and disillusioned. Now they have to put on happy faces for the sake of the party and save round two of their fight for later.

Augie and Berta commiserate in the fields. Their fling isn't over just because Nata found out about one of their lies.

Marina runs into Nata in town. They chat in clipped tones. Nata recalls having bumped into Marina at the airport. Small world, huh? The two of them head into the church.

Lazaro and Carlos arrive at the house where Laz and Mati were born but Mati is not there. But Carlos does find her earring on the floor! They take off to check the pueblo. Elsewhere, Mati's caregiver frets over her high fever. The lady leaves to buy medicine.

Padre gives Marina and Nata their traditional dresses for the fiesta. Jero unexpectedly shows up to have a word with Marina. In private, Padre oversteps his bounds by asking Nata if she still loves Jero. Yes, she does. But there is nothing she can do about it now.

Jero relates everything Selene told him to Marina. She can't give him any details about Berta's medical records. He asks her to think about it.

Honorio is received with hugs and well wishes by everyone at the party. He and Adriana have a sweet reunion. Connie sneaks away from the fiesta unnoticed by everyone except Ines.

Fina watches the fiesta from her steps. (Am I crazy for never having noticed that the Monterrubio Mansion and Hon/Con's place are so close together?) She has a hissy fit when she sees Regina at the party. Fina vows to get rid of Regina very soon.

Avances: Everyone comes face to face at the party in the pueblo. Jero and Augie exchange words and punches.

Vocab:

fregar - to wash/scrub. No clue what this meant in context of Sele's chat with Jero.
Tres pájaros de un tiro - Three birds with one stone. (Sele to Jero)

Labels: Cuando

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #27, Friday segment, at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 72 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. I suspect Carlos won't have too many more opportunities to post screenshots of Gasca.

Labels: Alborada

Summary: The drama in this chapter focuses on the capture of the Almeida brothers. Pola is determined to organize another rebellion and to free them. Alejo perceives her patriotism and loyalty to the Almeida brothers as a person affront. The best I can say about Alejo is that he scowled throughout this episode.

He loves Pola with his whole being, but, he cannot escape from himself and the prevailing belief that a man’s woman should be available for home and hearth. She, however, is now a leading player in the American rebellion.

Sámano now holds plenary powers vested upon him by the king. Sámano not only believes he is God’s representative on earth but also that he is God. No one dares to contradict him. He will try the Almeida brothers in a quick military court martial. They will not receive justice from a king’s court.

Labels: LaPola

Carlota fills Toni in on her checkered past. You go, grandma! Toni's not all that shocked or impressed, but he's onto Maripaz's game. He thinks she's bluffing, though, cause she'd look just as "bad" as the rest of them. Well, Carlota's willing to air all the dirty laundry if it means Lucia and Ivan can be together. Toni brushes that off and says there's got to be some other way to shut that "endemoniada" (be-demoned, posessed, evil ho-bag) Maripaz up. You go, Toni! Carlota refuses his apologies--she knows full well what Maripaz is like. Toni hopes she won't take it the wrong way, but he offers to buy Maripaz's silence…does Carlota think she will take it?

Lucia finishes a session with one of her students in tears. I wonder if it's physical or emotional pain. She lets loose once he leaves the room, then tries to pull herself together. That metiche principal comes in. Lucia was just about to go tell her she needs to leave because her shoulder is hurting. The principal gives permission.

Ivan watches a telenovela at an electronics store and flashes back to him and Lucia on the beach. I LOVE those butterfly earrings she's wearing. I will not rest until I find some! The TV is on sale, by the way. "Promición" (promotion; special promotion; on sale). Benito is asleep in the SUV when Lucia comes home in the taxi. She rings the bell for Cleto to let her in and Ivan catches up to her, but she won't talk to him.

Carlota tells Toni that when Ivan finds out, he'll hate her and Lucrezia. Toni doesn't think so. Toni's way too optimistic.

Ivan tells Lucia he saw Maripaz last night.

Carlota brings up the deed to the ranch and says it's time to end the lies. Ivan and Lucia come in and Ivan is yelling at Lucia that he doesn't want to be with Maripaz, he wants to be with her! Carlota is glad they're both here, because she has something to tell all three of them. She's done with shameful (vergonzoso) secrets. "Later your father will give you the details, but I want you to know that Lucrezia and I committed a crime. A shameful crime. In my dead husband's will, it's written that one third of Rancho el Socorro is for his illegitimate daughter, Alicia Villagomez." Dun, dun, dun! "And we, out of greed, and with the complicity of the clerk, always hid it." Dun, dun, dun! "Since your mother died, you are her heir." Ivan is shocked. He asks how Carlota could condemn his mother to be a maid and how her daughter could try to have him killed knowing that he's the grandson of her father. "Calm down? These…women…have committed a crime." Carlota says that Lucia didn't break up with him to hide this--she's just now finding out. "She broke up with you to defend my honor." Ivan takes exception to her using the word "honor." Toni won't let Carlota be insulted. He reminds Ivan again that without all the mess that happened, he never would have come to the States and he wouldn't be Toni's son. "Or do you regret that?" Well, of course not, but he can't help thinking of his mother and all the crap he put up with from people in this house. Toni shouts him down and Ivan leaves without saying another word. Toni asks Lucia and Carlota to give him some time to digest. He knows it won't be easy, but Ivan is a good man. "Yes," agrees Carlota, "but he loved his mother above all things and we hurt her a lot." Toni tells Lucia that if she's still interested in Ivan, she needs to not lose hope. "He really loves you." Lucia says she has no hope left. Toni thanks Carlota for her honesty and trust and assures her he won't say anything. With respect to Maripaz, he'll take care of it. "You and I understand each other," he says to Carlota. Lucia cries and says she's lost Ivan forever, but Carlota says love is stronger than anything.

Toni comes out and asks Benito where Ivan went. He thinks he's gone to the square.

Actually, he's gone to see his mom. He cries to his mom about what she could have had if not for those people, who have done who knows what with his son.

Carlota explains to Lucia that they never told Alicia because they didn't want to get busted for fraud and that Alicia died before they could recover their losses and return her third of the ranch to her. And then when she was dead, Ivan was gone. "I could give you lots of reasons. I also wanted to keep my family together. And then I thought that by giving Alicia a job and paying for Ivan's school, I could compensate her somehow." Lucia says that Carlota and her mother committed a serious crime and that the ranch belongs more to Ivan and his mother than to her. "But there's nothing to be done!" Lucia insists that there is--they have to give Ivan what is rightfully his. "Yes, but that won't erase the harm we did him." Lucia agrees, but says it's still something.

Toni goes back to the hotel, but Ivan isn't back yet. There are a buttload of files from the Ag association, though. He asks to have them sent to the suite.

Lucrezia Borgia reacts predictably. Carlota agrees that she may well be senile, but she did what was fair! "Now we're going to have to give him the part of the lands that belong to him…and that's the least of it! How are we going to explain this to people?!" Carlota doesn't give a rat's ass about "people" ("la gente me vale un sorbete"; "people" are worth a sorbet to me). What she care s about is Lucia. Because of all these secrets and Maripaz's "mala leche" (bad milk, literally; nastiness) Lucia has lost the love of her life. "What do I care if he's the love of her life or not! She'll find another one!" screams Lucrezia Borgia. Carlota cares. "She's the only decent one in this family. The only one who's worth a damn!" Awww, Carlota, I think you're worth a damn too! Lucrezia is still worried about people looking down on them. Well, like Carlota said, she doesn't care about "estas mamarrachadas" (that crap; that BS). She's tired of stupid prejudices and living by what other people think of them. They don't feed or house them or pay their bills! Lucrezia says Toni isn't going to give them a cent. "We'll have to sell the house, go live on the ranch, and work the land." Carlota says that's a good idea! "You'd better fix this, because I'm not going to be the laughingstock of half of Alamos!" Carlota screams after her that it won't be half, it will be ALL of Alamos.

Toni reviews the paperwork and calls JJ. JJ tries to finagle a copy of the deed to the Curiel's ranch since Carlota was going to give it directly to Toni. Toni brushes off the request and says the checks will be handed out tomorrow. "So we'll see each other at 11 here at my hotel?" JJ agrees.

Toni calls David, who has just finished signing his contract. Toni asks him to come over at 4, because he wants his advice about the loans. David is flattered to finally have someone treat him like an actual person possessed of some competence. He's practically glowing.

Lucrezia gets a phone call from JJ, but she refuses to take it, even though he told the maid it was urgent. The poor woman has to endure his wrath as she tells him that Lucrezia isn't home. JJ says to pass on the message that if she doesn't call him the project of the "hidroponia" (hydroponics) is going to go to the devil! The maid has no idea what word he used.

She goes to complain to Cleto about getting yelled at. He thinks strange things are afoot. He tells her he saw the shouting, and that Ivan was angry and Carlota and Lucia were crying. He figures the family's got a proper enemy now. "What do you mean who? Young mister Ivan! He's not the same poor kid as before, he's got tons of money now!"

Ivan looks down on Alamos from Makeout Point. Toni calls his cell, but Ivan doesn't take the call.

Maripaz comes smarming and smirking into the dining room, whining about getting all dusty out at the ranch. Carlota says she'll have to get used to it. "After that stupid stunt you pulled, threatening Lucia, you won't have anything left to do but put your boots on and go to the ranch every day." Maripaz plays dumb. Carlota threatens to smack her again. "You know what? Get out of my sight!" Maripaz asks why Carlota hates her so much. "Because you're not a good person." She sits there noisly munching on her apple. "You're always thinking the worst of me." "You've earned it." "Well, I don't care. Hopefully the day I can finally leave this house will arrive! I can't stand your scolding anymore. Or my mother and her bad humor. And much less that bore Lucia. I don't like the three of you." She leaves her half-eaten apple on the table and walks out. The maid comes in to announce that JJ is there to talk to Lucrezia because she wouldn't talk to him. Carlota says she'll deal with him and asks her to take the apple away.

Toni calls Camilo and tells him he's worried about Ivan and Ivan won't answer his phone. Camilo says that Ivan's SUV is parked in front of his house. Toni asks him to let Ivan know that he needs to talk to him and that he needs both of them at the hotel at 4 to meet with David and go over the loans.

JJ comes in asking to speak to Lucrezia. Carlota insists she's not there. "I just saw her car!" Well, Carlota amends it to "She's not here for you." "Tomorrow MacGuire is going to hand out the loans. I would advise Lucrezia not to accept the money to plant in earth, but to insist they install the hydroponics." Carlota says she won't be able to. JJ knows about the broken engagement, but since he knows Toni and Carlota get along well, well…. Carlota says her friendship with Toni isn't about business. JJ says it would be good for them--it's the current technology. Installation is expensive, but later on the cost of the labor is minimal. "What do you care? How do you benefit if at El Socorro they put in that hydroponic stuff?" "Well, I asked Lucrezia to plead my case as well." "Well, that's not going to happen. First of all, Toni told the Association that hydroponics were out. And besides, I don't want to. So there." JJ says she doesn't know anything about growing or ranches. Carlota doesn’t care. It's HER ranch. Lucrezia has been managing it, but she won't own it until Carlota dies. Her answer is NO and she's not going to take advantage of Toni, much less ask for favors for JJ. JJ wonders what he did to her. "Pues, fijate que me cáes gordo. No te parece suficiente?" (Well, see, I just don't like you. Don't you think that's enough?) JJ says if that's how things are going to be, she won't find him an easy enemy to deal with. Carlota doesn't care--"perro que ladra no muerde!" (a dog that barks doesn't bite; your bark is worse than your bite). JJ says he can bite. "Well, you'll have to vaccinate yourself against 'la rabia'" (double meaning: rage, or rabies).

Ivan cries to Celia. "I swear I didn't know! When you got here…" she flashes back. She was surprised to hear that Alicia already had a job lead. Sure enough, Alicia got the job and Ivan was even allowed to live there. But as for an inheritance and Don Teodoro being her father…Celia had no idea. Camilo comes in and asks what's going on. Ivan says quite a lot has happened.

Camilo and Ivan head back to the hotel. Camilo has now been filled in and laughs over the irony of treating Ivan to ice cream when all that time Ivan was an heir. Ivan figures his mom never told him because Carlota must have forbidden it. Ivan says it was a "canallada" (a rotten thing to do), and more for his mom than for him.

Toni lets David know that Ivan and Camilo are on their way. David says it's important to take into account the type of crop to help calculate the amount of the loans. And no, he doesn't need to consult his dad. He already knows what everyone is growing. David asks if Toni has already spoken to JJ. Toni claims JJ didn't say anything. "He didn't tell you I'm an imbecile and a good-for-nothing?" Toni says what JJ says isn't important. He has a good education, the job is his, that's the end of it. David thanks him for his trust. Toni says we'll see about that. Camilo and Ivan arrive. Toni shakes Ivan's hand and introduces Camilo and David. Toni reviews that he and David were talking about acreage and crop type to determine the loan amounts and Camilo agrees and says he can help with that too. Toni wants to hand out checks tomorrow and Ivan says he hopes the Curiels are off the list. Toni insists they are and takes Ivan off to another room to discuss things. David is left confused and Camilo claims not to know what's going on.

Ivan reminds Toni that he's the one who suggested that Ivan come home. Toni's sorry he did it, but Ivan says now he knows the Curiel's suck. Toni calls Ivan on his use of "immoral" and asks if he wasn't being "immoral" in getting Maripaz's hopes up and convincing her to get divorced. "Well, um, she was gonna do it anyway! I just sped the process along." The topic changes to Lucia, but Ivan won't talk about her. All he wants to talk about is what those two "viejas infelices" (mean old bitches) did to him and his mother. Toni begs him to try to understand where Lucrezia was coming from--being prejudiced because she's lived in this town her whole life . Not that he wants to justify her behavior, he just wants Ivan as an intelligent person, to try to understand her. Ivan doesn't want to, nor does he want to forgive her for trying to have him killed. He doesn't want to justify Carlota taking his mother's inheritance from her just to hide her husband's sin. "You're no one to judge!" Ivan says he does judge and he blames her for his mother dying. "Everything that happened was because she was poor! Maybe if she had gotten her inheritance she would still be here by my side!" Toni says just like if he hadn't given a sports car to his son and his son hadn't invited his mother along for a ride they'd still be there, alive. Ivan says that's different! It was an accident and it could have happened to anyone. Toni calls a halt to the discussion.

Lucia tells Carlota "it" has to be done tomorrow. She agrees, but they need to find a different clerk since the old one is dead. Lucrezia comes in and asks what they're talking about. She laughs when they tell her their plan. "What are you going to tell the clerk? That for years we stole from the Villagomez and now that we don't know what to do with the land we'd like to give it back?" She calls Carlota a old woman who "chochea" (is gaga) and does stupid things. Lucia takes offense, but Carlota doesn't care. Lucrezia turns on Lucia and says she doesn't care what Lucia thinks. She asks if they haven't considered what they'll tell people when they find out that Ivan owns a third of the ranch. "We'll tell them he bought it." And what if he tells the truth? Carlota says maybe he won't. Lucrezia is convinced that he will and that he'll try to appropriate his grandfather's name. Carlota laughs and says it's not like they're royalty! There's no title here. Lucia says in these days, no one really cares about a name. "Well, that's your opinion, but I have mine, and I deserve respect! So tell Ivan we'll give him his inheritance, but he'd better keep his mouth shut!" Lucia reminds her that Ivan hates her. "He won't listen to me." "If you were as quick-witted as your sister, he'd listen to you." "What do you want me to do? Sleep with him to convince him?" Lucrezia throws a "hm, not a bad idea" look over her shoulder and Lucia and Carlota exchange shocked looks…though Carlota looks like she's on the verge of giggling and encouraging it herself.

Toni insists on giving the Curiel's the loan. "To a murderess and a prostitute?" That's the last time Toni wants to hear that from Ivan. "Lucrezia isn't a murderess. You're still alive. And with respect to Carlota, don't ever say what you just said again, understand? And I'll remind you of something--I'm the president of this company and I do what I like!" Ivan agrees and says he quits, both as vice president AND his son. He storms out and slams the door, but Toni has had enough and mutters after him "Whatever you want."

Ivan gets as far as the hallway before he feels bad and comes running back. By then, Toni has pitched over onto the floor. Ivan finds him and calls for help. He grabs the phone and demands they get an ambulance there ASAP. Ivan starts blubbering that what he said was stupid and begs for forgiveness.

Lucia and Carlota pick a clerk at random from the phone book and decide to make an appointment early. Lucia says she'll skip school. She calls and says she needs an appointment as soon as possible.

Ivan keeps repeating it's his fault to Benito, Camilo, and David in the hospital waiting room. David tries to comfort him. The doctor comes in and says Toni is still in intensive care. "Did you know he has high blood pressure?" "Yes, but he was taking his pills!" "OK, well…he had a heart attack." It looks like he's going to be fine, but he needs to spend some time in observation, and have some further testing. The doctor says he'll be fine if there are no complications. Ivan asks about taking him to the States. The doctor says not for a few days, but he will be well cared for there. And no, Ivan can't see him, because he's under sedation right now. The doctor agrees to let Ivan know when he can talk to him. Ivan thanks God and the guys encourage him. David reminds him the checks are supposed to go out tomorrow. Ivan tells David to call it off. "Get your dad to take care of it." Camilo offers to talk to JJ, but David says he'll do it. Benito offers Ivan some coffe, but he's not interested. Camilo takes him up on it. Camilo and Ivan are left in the waiting room together and Camilo asks him qué the hell happened. Ivan fills him in. Camilo gripes at him for being so cruel to Toni when Toni loves him like a son. Ivan knows he let his anger get the better of him. Ivan says he'd never forgive himself if Toni died. Toni is the only family he has. Camilo tells Ivan to just forget about everything or he'll get bitter. "Life is too short to waste on anger and vengeance." He knows what they've done, but Ivan still got out ahead, while they sure as hell haven't. "Be generous and learn to forgive, from your heart." Ivan cries.

David calls JJ. JJ gripes that he hopes Toni doesn't die cause he doesn't want to have to deal with Ivan. David says Toni will get better, but the loans will have to be postponed. JJ complains that everyone needs the money. He doesn't care what Ivan ordered, a deal is a deal! David tells him to chill, which surprises JJ. "I'm not saying it as your son, but as the Operations Manager for the MacGuire company. Have some consideration, please." David asks him again to please let everyone know and then I assume they get off the phone.

David comes into the waiting room and tells Ivan he needs the list so he can call everyone. "Isn't your father going to do it?" David says he'd rather do it himself, but he isn't sure if he should tell the Curiels since he doesn't know if they were ever told that checks would be handed out in the first place. Ivan doesn't want to talk to them, so Camilo offers to go. Ivan hands David the key to his dad's hotel room. Camilo tells him to buck up and then he and David leave.

Camilo goes over to the Curiel house and rings the bell.

Lucrezia is still trying to figure out how to save face over handing over 1/3 of the land. Same lines as the previous conversation. Cleto comes in, announcing that Camilo Galvan, the General Manager of the MacGuire company is there. Lucrezia agrees to see him, then asks Carlota if that isn't a family member of Alica's comadre. She mocks him for going from "pelafustán" (poor schmuck) to General Manager. Lucia says that's Ivan's best friend she's talking about and goes to attend to him herself. Lucrezia insists that she and Carlota go to the kitchen. Camilo gets a look at Lucia, who smiles at him and shakes his hand. He is instantly smitten. Yep, he's in deep smit. Camilo tells her the meeting that maybe she doesn't know about for tomorrow is now not happening. Lucia asks if it's off for her family or everyone. Camilo rushes to assure her that it's off for everyone because Toni is in the hospital.

Ivan is asleep in the hospital waiting room. JJ walks in and wakes him up. "David told me. How's Toni?" Ivan says he's still in intensive care. JJ asks why he had a heart attack, was he already sick, what happened? Ivan says he has high blood pressure. "Oh. You've gotta be careful with those things. Listen, Ivan, I know now isn't the best time, but I was thinking…instead of giving me a loan to plant in earth, why don't you give me one to finance hydroponics?" Ivan reminds him they already said they weren't going to do that yet. "Sure, but you could make an exception for me." "Why for you and not the others?" "Because I'm your contact. I'm the president of the Association. Besides, your father and I are friends." "When my father gets better, he'll decide." "Do you have something against me? Can I know what it is?" No answer to that for tonight!

And no previews, either, since my DVR cut off!

Labels: Fuerza

In our refresher from ayer, viewerville is reminded that Maurora is an hecho.

Labels: Teresa

Today's episode is covered in Melinama's Recap #27, Thursday segment, at this link.

On YouTube, haguilar78's clips for Cap 71 start at this link.

Thank you, Carlos, for today's picture. The moment we've all been waiting for!

Carlos's caption: "Hey fellows, couldn't we just shorten the pants and sleeves instead?"

Labels: Alborada