Monday, October 29, 2007
La Fea Más Bella #47-50 Missing Recaps 29-32, by Kim P.
Missing Recap 29: Alicia's Palace of Lies
Again with the big prezzie for Marta. She gets all teary and opens it. It's just a bunch of paper, then a card, which daughter reads and everyone else gets all teary. The family hugs. Turns out Paco has just given her 10,000 pesos that he's been saving up forever so she can buy herself a car. Alicia gets off the elevator and hears what's going on. The cuartel all congratulate Marta on her soon-to-be new car.
Fernando and Marcia are at her crib eating. Fernando says he thinks Alicia's just trying to trap Omar with a lie. Marcia tells him no, she's really bun-baking, she tested positive. He's shocked. Ariel calls Marcia and she tells him that Humberto and Teresita will be coming to the big BL Launch Party. He makes a crack about Alicia and Marcia sticks up for her. Meanwhile, Omar calls Fernando on his cell phone and Fern tells him that Marcia confirmed that the preggo test was positive. Marcia's still talking to Ariel and wants to know why he's so interested in Alicia's pregnancy (here's a quarter, buy a clue Marcia!) He gives some lame excuse and they hang up, and we see a shot of him being upset. Fernando asks her who she was talking to, and she tells him Ariel about the meeting. She asks him who he was talking to, and he tells her Omar about Alicia. They discuss it and Fern's still skeptical, pointing out that she's having financial trouble and how well this works out for her.
Meanwhile, at Alicia's Palace of Lies, she's throwing away the dresses that Marta copied. The doorman announces that Ariel's coming up, and she powders up her face to make herself look pale. When he gets there, she acts good and sick. He gives her hell and she tells him it's her problem, not his. He denies the child is his and she tells him she doesn't want anything from him. He tells her he doesn't believe her, but says fine, he'll take care of her but she has to move to another country, she can't stay here. She asks where, Miami? He says no. She asks Rio de Janeiro? He says no, it has to be a totally different continent. She says Paris! London! Madrid? He says no, some place like Sidney or Pretoria. She says she doesn't want to go to someplace like Africa or Australia or Korea. He says too bad, that's my offer, and leaves.
Back at home, Lety talks to Tomas about Alicia. He says he wants to meet her and Lety teases him about what the meeting would be like. She asks if he'd really take Alicia's child as his, and he says yes. She then shows him the new loan documents and Tomas again tells her that Conceptos is practically in her hands (ok, he says this every darned time! Isn't the company in her hands by now??). He asks her why they had to do the new loan and she tells him Fern had to do it to cover their losses from the Panama caper. They discuss the embargo more, and while she talks we get a shot of a shirtless Fernando (woo hoo!!!!!) unable to sleep. She's saying that Fernando's worried and preoccupied (as well he should be). Fernando remembers when daddy turned the empire over to him. He gets up, puts a shirt on (darn it!) and sits on the sofa still reminiscing, wondering how he can tell his dad what's going on. Marcia joins him wanting to know what the problem is but he tells her it's nothing. She guesses it's Conceptos and tells him the Bella Life stuff will be fine, and gets him back to bed. He goes back to remembering his dad turning over the company and Ariel's threat. He says to himself no Ariel, you'll never be president.
Next day, Saimon and Celso are looking at Fernando's fixed car, and Saimon is once again thanking his lucky stars he didn't get busted for that. Jazmin comes up, pouts and walks away. Fernando comes up and discusses the car with Saimon. Marcia comes up and says car looks good dude.
In reception, the cuartel are discussing the car Marta will get. Fernando walks in and asks if they all shouldn't be working and they agree (hah!), but when he leaves they just continue talking. Saimon joins them and they discuss the car more. Irma tells them they all need to get to work (hah again!), but of course they don't. Alicia comes in and orders Saimon to go get her car and mentions how expensive it is, just to give Marta crap because 10,000 pesos isn't going to get much metal. The cuartel give her the usual garbage.
Fernando and Marcia talk about the launch and the meeting. Fernando wants Lety there, Marcia doesn't. Fern points out that Lety knows about negotiations, contracts, etc., and therefore should be there. Marcia turns harpy. Fernando points out that Alicia's late for work just when, speak of the devil, she gets off the elevator. She hears his comment and starts walking with her back swayed and stuff like she's already 9 months gone. He ain't buying and gives her grief, but she says she was sick. He's still climbing her back, but Marcia pulls him off and tries to get him to stop. He makes a joke and Alicia's expense and Marcia laughs, then asks him again to stop. He leaves and she tells Alicia they need to talk.
Fernando calls for Lety and they discuss how they're going to be meeting with someone to discuss the camera equipment. She tells him that Isabella is there, and he gets excited and has her smell him to make sure his cologne is ok. She likee muchee and follows him all dreamily as he heads out to hit on his own sister. Ooops, I mean the famous model.
Marcia tells Alicia that Omar called Fernando in the middle of the night, upset by the pregnancy. Alicia wonders if that means Omar wants to commit himself to her. Marcia says only in your dreams babe.
Omar comes into the office with his tail dragging. Fernando and Lety run into him and Fern the ever-sympathetic teases him and Lety laughs. Then Fernando manages to cheer Omar up by telling him Isabella's there and they get on the elevator as Saimon gets off it.
Saimon dances by Alicia and she calls him over and gives him money. The phone rings and it's the Little Mermaid. He tells her he's set it all up so she can go and live in Jakarta, Indonesia. He tells her he has a friend there who will give her a job, and she hangs up on him. Saimon dances by again but she ignores him and the ringing phone, thinking about how pissed she is by Ariel's offer. Saimon leaves and she answers the phone and tells Ariel No! He tells her it's this or nothing and she flat out refuses, she wants someplace nicer. Also, she doesn't want to work, he has to take care of her. She hangs up on him again. His secretary comes in to tell him something, but instead he sees Alicia come in with a baby that she introduces as his son. He says it's not his and tells her to leave, but she stays and calls him papa. The secretary and the people she brought in are in his office looking at him when he finally steps out of his fantasy.
Meanwhile, Omar is in his office having his own fantasy moment. He's in bed with Alicia when a baby starts crying. She orders him to take care of it but the baby won't stop crying. She laughs maniacally and he freaks. Sara walks in and wakes him up from his fantasy. She tells him there's a meeting and asks if he's ok, and he asks her to send Alicia in. She does so, but only after giving Alicia crap first. She, Lola, and Marta then head into the bathroom, Marta carrying a bag. Marta makes a big show of the bag to Alicia.
Alicia goes into Omar's office and he says they need to talk. She asks if that means he's ready to accept paternity of his son. He tells her he's not ready to be a father and she reminds him that she hasn't asked anything from him. She plays the guilt card and says she'll just be an unmarried mother. She says something about Paula Maria and says hey, it's my problem, don't worry about it.
Fern and Lety meet with Jackie Palacias (?), the manager of Rodaje.com. She's a pretty woman (hey, isn't this the lady from Yo Amo Juan Querendon?) and Ferni's flirting with her. She mentions the Benny Ibarra video disaster (no one wants to let that go, poor Fern!) and he schmoozes more, then they decide to get down to business.
Alicia tells Omar that she'll love her child no matter what and will raise him alone. Omar starts to say something but she cuts him off and lays it on thick, holding her stomach. She cries and leaves, saying she doesn't want to talk any more. Once outside his office, she dries her eyes and calls him desgraciado. Once again I'm siding with the devil here (Alicia) and worried about my soul, but really, shouldn't Omar have worried about not wanting to be a dad BEFORE he got busy with Alicia? Has no one ever told him about the birds and the bees? Anyway, Alicia heads back to her desk and walks by Marta, who's crouched down behind a desk laughing at her. She pops up and, of course, is in another knockoff. Alicia says go ahead and copy me, I'll always look better than you, and walks off. Marta's upset.
Fern and Lety are trying to convince Jackie to let Conceptos buy equipment from Rodaje.com on credit in return for a contract where they'll be committed to buy from them exclusively for the next five years. Jackie has one of her men in the meeting and he's very strange, the way he just stands hunched over and staring.
The cuartel try to cheer Marta up and discuss liposuction. They try to convince her to have it, and tell her once she does Alicia won't be able to insult her any more. Marta says she doesn't have the money, but they are insistent. Meanwhile, Paco's down in reception with roses and an envelope full of money that's supposed to be for her car, but you know where's it's gonna wind up going. In another meanwhile, Alicia's in the bathroom primping, telling herself she's glad she's not really pregnant because it would ruin her figure.
Marta and Paco go into the conference room to chat. He gives her the money and they get mushy and the cuartel, who are listening because there's no privacy anywhere in Conceptos, once again get teary. Marta hugs Paco and cries and he leaves, and the cuartel all congratulate her on having such a loving husband. PM continues to talk about the liposuction. Meanwhile, so I don't have to create another separate line, Lety and Fernando are still negotiating at Rodaje.
Luigi and Marcia walk into the lobby talking about Fernando. They see Saimon bring a plate of green apples (that must be what she gave him the money for earlier). Luigi wants one but Saimon tells him no, they're all for Alicia because she's pregnant. Luigi freaks and guesses it's Omar's. He calls him an imbecile and how could she! She tells him well, I was in love. He says ok fine, but is Omar going to accept responsibility? She sadly shakes her head no. Just then Omar walks by and Luigi grabs him and gives him grief about Alicia and the baby. Omar manages to get away.
The cuartel are still trying to convince Marta about the surgery. She doesn't really want to do it but they keep pushing.
Fernando and Lety walk into reception talking about how the negotiations went. They go upstairs and he talks about how sexy Jackie Palacias is just as Marcia comes up. She tells him Bella Life wants Conceptos to organize the event to announce the launching of their campaign. Marcia walks away to talk to Alicia and Lety points out to Fern that if Rodaje.com doesn't provide them with the equipment, there won't be a campaign to promote.
Missing Recap 30: Apples and hot sauce
The cuartel try to convince Marta again, Fern and Lety talk about the negotiations again, Marcia tells Fern about Bella Life again, and Lety points out the obvious again.
Marcia comes back and wants to know what Fernando and Lety have been up to, Fern tells her nothing. She tells them the production meetings have been going well and they want to start filming and when will the equipment get there? He makes up something and promises Luigi will be happy with what they got. They kiss and Lety makes a jealous face (Fern's not in love with you yet Lety, you don't have a right to be jealous of him kissing his fiancée).
Lety tells him she's being trying to contact Carolina Angeles but she refuses to accept any of Fernando's calls. Fern tells her to try again. In Carolina's office, the secretary answers the phone and when she tells Caro it's Fernando calling, Caro again refuses to take the call. Lety tells Fern, and he's not happy. He says he'll go down there personally to talk to her, calling Omar to join him. As he leaves he runs into Lola, who says she needs to talk to Lety. She tells Lety there's a code red meeting in the bathroom. Lety has a lot of work to do but goes ahead and goes to the meeting anyway because naturally gossip and other crap are much more important than actually working to earn that paycheck.
Fernando sees Alicia eating an apple with hot sauce (sounds good to me) and makes fun of her and gives one her apples to a kid that's sitting there in the lobby (not one of the cuartel's kids, for a change). Omar comes by and Fernando teases him about the pregnancy, gives him one of Alicia's apples, and calls him Papa as Omar hears a baby cry in his head. Fernando then gives both Omar and Alicia crap. Just then Jazmin and two models walk out of the elevator and start crawling all over Omar, who's enjoying it, you can tell by all the snorting he's doing. Alicia's watching it all, still eating her apples and hot sauce (damn, that sounds good! Am I preggers? No, I just love hot sauce). Luigi comes in and makes the models leave. Fernando teases Alicia about "THIS is the papa? Sucks to be you!" Fern and Omar leave as Fern cries like a baby.
The cuartel head to their meeting room, laughing. Sara whips out some shoes for everyone, I think I mentioned earlier this was another evil anti-Alicia plot. Everyone pays her, then the liposuction gets mentioned. Irma gets mad and tells them they shouldn't be trying to get Marta to waste her money on this since the only reason she wants it is so Alicia won't make fun of her any more, and the money's supposed to be for a car. The rest are still trying to convince Marta that liposuction is the way to go.
Fern and Omar get to Carolina's office and start teasing the secretary. She tells them Caro's in a meeting, so they say they'll wait for her and start being obnoxious in front of the other clients sitting there. I'm not sure how they think being obnoxious is going to help, but this is telenovela world after all and they do make a good comedy duo, not to mention an excellent sandwich, though I'd make a much better filling than Lety!
The cuartel are still trying to convince Marta, I don't care and fast forward.
Alicia goes into Lety's office looking for her, but of course she's not there. The phone rings and Alicia answers it, it's Jacqueline Palacias. Alicia says she'll take a message.
Back to the big important cuartel meeting, the feas ask Lety for her opinion about Marta getting lipo'd and she replies that she never thinks about such things because she doesn't like artificial things. She says if someone falls in love with you it should be for who you are, not some prefabricated body. PM asks her if superficial beauty is so bad if it helps make men fall in love with a fea. Sarah asks Lety if she'd have the surgery if she had the money. "Imagine if Tomas saw you transformed" she says. Lety begins to daydream about how Fern would react if Lety became beautiful. From her point of view we see her go into Fern's office, and he's shocked (happily) at how she looks. Marcia comes in and doesn't realize at first that it's Lety and is jealous of the new woman Fernando's got in his office. He tells her relax, it's just Lety, and Marcia is shocked. Alicia comes in and it practically takes a pry bar to levy her jaw off the floor and back into place she's so shocked by Lety's new look. Marcia tries to talk to Fernando but he's ignoring her, busy staring at Lety. PM wakes her out of her fantasy as Alicia comes in, gives her crap for being there instead of her office, and tells her about Jackie's phone call. She gives the rest of the cuartel crap as always, and especially picks on Marta calling her fat. Alicia leaves, laughing, making Marta decide on the lipo. Lety says she has to leave.
Marcia asks Alicia what's going on and Alicia whines about how Lety wasn't in her office and poor Alicia actually had to answer her phone. She tells Marcia it was Jacqueline Palacias and Marcia gets all thoughtful, remembering how she heard Fernando call her guapa. She asks where Fernando is, and Alicia tells her he's at Carolina's office.
Carolina comes out and Fern and Omar do all kinds of stupid tricks to try to convince her to work with them again. They sing (apparently a song by Jose Jose called The Desperate), beg, and have a pillow fight with the pillows from her waiting room sofa. They make her paper flowers, which she throws away. She tells Fern that when Conceptos got discredited, she did too.
The cuartel and Marta are still going on about the lipo and she acts sexy, happy with the idea of how she'll look once it's done. Sorry, once again I am forced to fast forward through this exchange.
Omar and Fernando are still begging and tell Carolina about the Bella Life commercials and how much the contract is for and how important it is. She gets an O/F sandwich and now I have to be jealous of both her and Lety, but then Omar snorts and I think "never mind". Eventually, after some hand kissing and other stuff, she gives in to their begging and agrees to work with Conceptos again, but she'll only work with Luigi and Marcia, she won't work with Fern and Omar. They agree.
More fast forwarding by me as the cuartel are STILL discussing liposuction. Fern and Omar walk by and they scurry back to their desks like little non-working vermin when a light gets turned on.
Fern calls to Lety and she tells him that Jackie called and has agreed to their terms. Fern's very happy and moves in for a hug. She gladly throws her arms wide open, but he brushes past her and hugs Omar, and Lety's not so pleased. Fernando says he's happy because they got both Rodaje.com and Carolina. Lety gets loud happy and Fernando tells her to calm down, then Omar also gets loud happy and she tells him to calm down.
Jackie and her incredibly odd henchman (henceforth known as IOH) come into reception. Saimon begins to drool over her and dance around her because he's popping WAY too many speed pills and can't sit still. He leads them upstairs as PM calls Lety to let her know they're there. They run into Alicia and Saimon introduces them to her and turns them over to her. She rudely makes them wait as she goes and announces them while the cuartel wonder why she's there and who the guy is. Lety tells Alicia to take the guests to the conference room and naturally Alicia gets all indignant that Lety is giving her orders. Fernando asks if the pregnancy is affecting her hearing and repeats Lety's order to take them to the conference room. She tells him to stop yelling at her because it upsets her son, as she clutches her still-flat stomach. Fernando probably rolls his eyes with disgust, but if he does I miss it because I'm doing the same. She leaves and Fernando teases Omar about her. Omar snaps back with a smart comment about Fernando and Lety. Lety looks hopeful, but Fernando just looks at her for a minute, then bursts out laughing. She's hurt but pretends to laugh as well. (Now in the recap comments people always give Marcia hell for clinging to Fernando when he didn't love her, but at this point one has to wonder why Lety continued to cling to Fernando after a comment like that. But anyroad...).
I guess Alicia assumes there's some kind of hanky panky going on with Fern and Jackie because she's incredibly rude when she leads them to the conference room. Lopez comes up and sees Jackie and lick/squeaks his head in lust. Marta asks to talk to him, but he'd rather swoon over Jackie, but Marta convinces him and they go to his office.
In the conference room, Omar is flirting with Jackie while IOH stand around staring weirdly (after nearly removing Fernando's arm shaking his hand). Fernando clears his throat at Omar and Omar hears the sound of a baby crying in his head. Everyone sits and Jackie says they accept Conceptos' proposal. IOH pulls a contract out of his briefcase and gives it to Fern, who tosses it to Lety to read.
Marta asks Lopez for some vacation time to have the liposuction. At first Lopez just laughs and wants to know who will do her work. She tells him Lola and Sara have agreed to help out. He then decides that with a few less pounds Marta might not look too bad, so he grants his permission.
Alicia gossips to Marcia that Fernando is in the boardroom with Jacqueline Palaces. Luigi comes up and complains that he still doesn't have his cameras and Marcia says she'll talk to Fernando about it.
Lety tells Fernando the contract's good and gets right up in his face as he's trying to sign up. Once again he has to ask her to step back and give him some space. Jackie and IOH get up to leave and Fern kisses her cheek just as (of course) Marcia and Luigi come in. Fernando introduces everyone and Luigi tries to make a joke with IOH, but he just stands there staring like a zombie, freaking Luigi out. Fernando tells them about the negotiations for the cameras and Luigi's happy. Jackie, IOH and Luigi leave and Marcia gives Fernando crap about the new lady. Fern asks if she's jealous and she says yes, and Fern tells her don't be, it's just negotiations. He tries to kiss her but she tells him he smells (I guess like Jackie's perfume?) and stalks off. Fernando, Lety and Omar go back to Fern's office. Fern tells Lety that even though the company is getting better, the embargo with Filmo Imagen has to continue.
Next day Lety goes to the bank to ask for a loan of one million eight hundred thousand pesos in the name of F.I. The manager tells her that exceeds the amount of the company's capital, but Lety shows him the letter from Fernando guaranteeing the loan based on the total value of Conceptos. The banker still looks unsure and Lety gives him a begging look. Back at work, she comes in and tells Fernando they got the loan. Fernando's happy that they can now proceed with the commercial, and says Luigi's happy with the camera they chose. Lety reminds Fern that Conceptos is now into F.I. for 2 million pesos and Fern tells her she's always a pessimist. He shakes her hand and thanks her for everything and leaves, and she Tan Divinos.
We get a montage of the work being done on the commercial while Lety voice-overs in case we miss anything.
Now it's a new day. Saimon and the cuartel are talking about Marta and Sara makes fun of Lopez. Alicia is at her desk and gets upset by one of her bills about her car. She shows it to Marcia while whining. Fernando overhears her as she works up a tear and describes the horrors of the microbus. Fernando makes fun of her as Omar tries to slip away, but Fernando pulls him back. Alicia pretends to be feeling faint and Marcia takes her to the ladies room. Fernando tells Omar he needs to take care of his future wife as Omar continues to deny the baby's his. They walk away, Fern teasing him the whole way like he's holding a baby. There's a funny comment when Omar brushes impatiently by Fernando and Fern tells him to be careful, they don't want the baby to fall on its head and end up like Ariel.
Back in the office, Lety's worrying about all the debt Conceptos has incurred with the banks and now Rodaje.com. Lety's also concerned that all this stuff is public information, someone could find out about it and there could be a big scandal. As always, he just tells her to calm down.
The rugrats are all at work again and everyone's wishing Jaimito happy birthday. PM asks her son what he wants as a present, and he tells her he wants Saimon to be his papa.
Missing Recap 31: Less of Martha to love
Fernando teases Omar again, Lety warns Fernando and is pessimistic again, and Jaimito wants to be Saimon's little bundle of joy again.
Fernando, Lety and Omar are chatting and Omar recommends a lawyer who can represent F.I. in the embargo process. Lety agrees to set up a meeting with the guy. Omar leaves.
Marcia helps Alicia back to her desk while she whines about her poor baby (poor for real I guess). Omar overhears their conversation and Marcia asks if he's ready for the upcoming meeting, he says he is and heads back to his own office. Carolina comes in and asks what's wrong with Alicia and Marcia tells her (after hearing Alicia complain about the cuartel sharing her deep dark secrets, here's Marcia also telling the whole world about it!). Caro is happy for her, then she and Marcia head to the conference room where Marcia can dish the real dirt on the whole sordid story. Omar comes up and gives Alicia a check. She tells him she doesn't want his money and he's only trying to assuage his own guilt for not making a commitment to her, but he says he's just trying to help her out. She tells him again she doesn't want it, he whines a little bit and leaves, leaving the check behind. As soon as he's not looking, Alicia gives her now famous smug little smile and kisses the check.
The choreographer is working with the dancers while Luigi watches and he's unhappy with how it looks. He's trying to get some work done, but Irma comes in and tells him he has to go to yet another meeting (you have no idea what's in store for you in the coming months meeting-wise, Luigi!). He whines but eventually heads out. Jazmin stops him and asks him to let her dance in the production, but he tells her she's not a good dancer and he only wants to use professional, experienced dancers.
Juana brings her niece in to join all the other kids in reception, and the mothers discuss what to do with them. I have some ideas but doubt they'd like them much...
Jazmin begs Irma to help her convince Luigi to allow her to dance in the Bella Life promotion, but Irma tells her not to bother her and don't even thing about trying to interfere with the production, because if she keeps bugging them, they'll let her go.
Saimon takes the little brat monsters, I'm sorry, I mean the adorably precocious children, to play in a warehouse where old costumes are kept, and you just KNOW total havoc will be wreaked. Juana's niece, turns out, follows in old Auntie's footsteps and has the gift of clairvoyance. The girl tells Saimon he has a big heart and is capable of loving many women, but right now he loves a woman that doesn't return the feeling.
Even though Sara and Lola are helping him, Lopez is lost without Marta. He's screeching, they're making fun of him, and Lola tells him Marta will be back tomorrow. Meanwhile, the kids are playing, dressed up in costumes and face paint and stuff, and the talented niece thinks she hears Lola yelling. She tells everyone about some herbs she's carrying around with her (signs of a possible future profession as drug pusher maybe?) and something about using them to calm Lola down.
In the meeting, Marcia tells everyone that Carolina will do the publicity for the B.L. Launch, and Caro tells when the invitations will be going out. Omar is dumb enough to ask Luigi how the preparations for the spectacular are going, and Luigi gets all offended and says he's working on it so of course it will be marvelous. Caro hands out the potential menu and mentions all the booze that's going to be there and it sounds like a helluva party woohoo!! Fernando's unhappy about the cost. He yells for Lety and Marcia makes a rude comment. Lety comes in, takes the menu and drink information from Caro, and leaves. Luigi whines that the studio is too small for his dancers to work in and he'd like to have them rehearse someplace larger and again Fern reminds him they have to keep costs down. Marcia says she's starting to worry that Fern is always talking about the budget.
Sara and Lola are talking when Irma comes in looking for Jazmin. As always Lola freaks at the slightest mention of the little family-destroying ho, so why Irma is dumb enough to tell her that Jaz is trying to convince Luigi to let her dance, I'll never know. Irma apparently has also had enough because she cuts her off.
Back at the meeting, Marcia still wants to know why Fern's so hung up on money. This give Carolina an idea on cost savings, and Fern thanks her, I guess because she's the only one supporting him when Marcia and Luigi aren't. Caro asks why Fernando doesn't have Lety in the meetings when they talk about budgets and Fern cuts right to the chase and tells her it's because Marcia and Luigi refuse to work with her. Lety comes in with information for Carolina and Marci, shamed by what Fernando said, asks Lety to stay.
Naturally the children make a complete disaster with the costumes and makeup they find. They also find bags of fake snow they can break open and get everywhere. Their parents come in and Lola orders them to remove the costumes and makeup and clean up. Naturally the kids don't listen and Saimon just joins in on their fun. Meanwhile, Marta comes into the office looking pretty trim, and she shows off to Alicia. The mothers are still yelling at their kids and PM is blaming Saimon. Sorry, I can't take it and I fast forward.
Sara, Juana and Irma ooh and aah over Marta's new svelte figure. Lola comes in and literally screams with happiness at seeing her. Lopez comes in and walks right by Marta, saying hello guapa. He stutters when he realizes it's her. He drools as he leads her to his office.
Back at the meeting they're still talking about the dancers. Lety makes a suggestion that Luigi doesn't like, but Fernando backs her up so Luigi agrees. Lety then asks to be excused, she has something important to take care of. She reminds Fernando that they have to meet with the bankers tomorrow. Marcia also reminds him that tomorrow Teresita and Humberto get in from London. He asks her to meet them at the airport because he has an important meeting.
Lety goes to her office and calls Tomas and asks him to go with her to talk to the lawyer that will be representing FI, and he agrees. Fernando, Omar and Carolina come into Fern's office and Fern yells for Lety. Caro gives him grief about the crappiness of Lety's office, but he tells her he tried to give her something nicer but she didn't want it. Lety comes out and, as always, gets just right into Fernando's face, and the way she stands at attention it looks like she's shoving her boobs at him. Once again he has to tell her to back off and give him some space. Carolina tells her goodbye and leaves, then Fern, Lety and Omar sit down for the usual rehash about the embargo and how Lety's still uncomfortable with it. Again he has to talk her into it, and she leaves. He and Omar then continue to chat about it.
At a restaurant, two lawyers are sitting and drinking, and Lety and Tomas greet them. They're they lawyers Omar recommended and they don't inspire Lety with much confidence, but she goes ahead and starts explaining about the embargo.
Back at Conceptos the kids are cleaning up and I really don't care about their conversation, more crap about how to calm Lola down. I'm recommending a bullet to the brain, but no one listens to me (her brain, I mean, though if I have keep listening to this storyline, I could mean mine as well).
Back to Lety and the lawyers, she's telling them that they need to avoid a scandal at all costs. They demand a ridiculously high fee and Lety and Tomas start to walk. The lawyers drop their price so they stay after all.
More kid stuff, Saimon comes to get them, yawn.
The choreographer is still working with the dancers. Jazmin is in the background mimicking their moves. Luigi's happy to see that Fatima Bosh, Fernando's former one-night-stand, is one of them. He tells the dancers they can all go home, then calls Jazmin over and tells her to stop hanging around and she leaves, upset.
The kids are rubbing herbs on Lola's legs while she sleeps. Jaz comes in and says crap, Lola gets mad, and I guess the old herb trick didn't work so well. Jaz leaves and Lola yells at the kids.
I guess to help Televisa pay some bills, we now have a commercial moment as Irma brings in some red apples while Luigi is trying to come up with a commercial for Garnier Nutrisse. The commercial has to do with one of their red dyes, so the apples give Luigi an idea: "the temptation of color".
Marcia, Fernando and Omar are leaving, Marcia giving Fern crap about Jackie Palacias the whole time, when Fatima comes in and plants a big fat wet one on his cheek right in front of her. She goes ballistic on him as Fatima leaves. Marta walks by and Marcia compliments her on her new slim bad self while Omar teases Fernando about Fatima. He mentions Fernando's ethics for giving him crap about PM when he himself was doing the nasty with the dancer. Fernando tells Omar there's no comparison between the two, and Omar quips back with a comment about Marcia. Omar's phone rings, it's a woman, so he walks away to take the call. Marcia and Fernando leave; Omar continues to chat with his little chippy, snorting all over the place, and suddenly he realizes Alicia's listening. He gets a guilty look on his face.
PM and Saimon are arguing in reception when Jaz comes in all bummed because Luigi won't let her dance. Saimon sympathizes and drools and PM gets jealously pissed. She tries to get Saimon away from the skank homewrecker but he won't leave her and they head out together as PM builds up steam. The kids all come in making a ton of racket.
Up in the lobby, Marta again poses in front of Alicia, and Alicia lets fly the usual insults, but this time Marta isn't bothered by them. She talks to Irma and Sara as they're all leaving, and tells them she doesn't know how to tell her husband what she spent the car money on. They go down to the lobby and join everyone else and discuss Saimon and Jazmin. Lola gets her usual freak on, and Irma advises her that if she wants Cheque to come back to her, she needs to calm down (I jump up with a resounding Here Here on that!!!) and stop fighting with him. Finally everyone leaves.
Meanwhile Lety and Tomas are still talking to the lawyers at the restaurant. The lawyers are questioning why the embargo was necessary and tell her Fernando was crazy to create it. Lety's eye twitches.
Missing Recap 32: Lien on Conceptos when feeling loanly
The cuartel again, ugh! The lawyers again ask questions about the embargo and she twitches again. Tomas reminds them that there can't be any scandal.
Fernando and Marcia discuss his parents coming in. She asks him what's up with meeting at the bank, and he just drinks. She asks him again and he gives her some lame excuse.
Discussing the embargo, one of the lawyers tells Lety that Fernando is either crazy or an imbecile to put his company in her hands like this. Since they just dissed her Tan Divino, she jumps to his defense and tells them she respects Fernando and his judgment. The lawyers ask for an increase in their fee due to the secret nature of the deal, which shocks Lety and Tomas, and they want an advance so they can pay the restaurant bill as they have no money. Tomas pays them and he and Lety leave.
Jazmin and Saimon are eating and Jaz is whining about Luigi. Saimon calms her down and offers to speak to Luigi for her. Jaz tells him it would be better to talk to Fernando, the president, and Saimon agrees to do it. She talks to Cheque on the phone while Saimon flirts with girls at another table, then she tells him she has to leave. She kisses his cheek and he swoons.
Tomas and Lety discuss their meeting and she stresses again that she's not happy with Omar's recommendation. Tomas again chats with her about technically being the true owner of Conceptos. Meanwhile, we get a shot of Fernando still unable to sleep, upset by everything that's happening with the company.
The next day Marta's going to a gym to get info on joining it, and the cuartel are with her. They see Alicia there exercising and realize she can't be pregnant. They discuss ad nauseam.
The lawyer, Sanchez, is once again meeting with Lety and Tomas. Lety asks Tomas to go with the lawyers when they create the embargo, and leaves. The lawyers tell Tomas they have to go to Conceptos to do an inventory as part of the embargo process. Tomas is worried about the problems this might cause.
Back at the gym, Alicia's getting reamed by her trainer because her check bounced. She promises to pay tomorrow. The cuartel go and talk to him and tell him they work with her so he feels free to dish the dirt on her to them.
Back at Conceptos, Alicia's crying and Marcia sees her and asks what's wrong. Alicia tells her about what happened and Marcia tells her she shouldn't be going to the gym while she's pregnant. Alicia realizes her boo boo and gives Marcia some fake excuse. Marcia then wants to know where the frapping hell the cuartel is. Ok, she didn't use those exact words, my bad.
Speak of the devils, they wander into reception still talking about what they just discovered. Sara wants to warn Omar but Juana says first they have to get proof and they discuss how to go about that. Saimon comes in and Lola freaks on him, blah blah blah. He and PM exchange barbs as Jaz comes in and flirts with him.
The cuartel finally show up in the lobby and Alicia goes all harpy on them and the usual crap flies. I ignore the rest of the conversation. Saimon and Jazmin come dancing in and continue to flirt with each other. Omar comes in and Alicia pointedly asks Saimon to get her some chocolates she's been craving because of the pregnancy. He goes to get them and the cuartel all laugh as Omar walks on. Jaz gives Lola crap and the cuartel once again have to hold her back as Jaz leaves. Again, yawn.
Lety comes in and apologizes to Fern for being late, telling him she was meeting with the lawyers. They discuss that this information is available to the public and she shows him where it can be found on the internet. He's not happy, but says something along the lines of hopefully no one will see it.
Tomas is still with Sanchez, who hands him copies of the embargo paperwork. He once again hits Tomas up for a fee hike and Tomas is impactada.
Marta comes up with an idea for a way to force Alicia to get a blood test and tells the cuartel about it.
Tomas and the lawyer are still discussing the embargo and his fee. Tomas starts to leave, but the lawyer asks for another advance. Tomas says Lety will kill him, but goes ahead and gives the guy money anyway.
Lety's on the phone trying to get more information about exactly what will be available on the internet, just what's registered with the Publico or the bank information as well? Fernando's listening. She hangs up and Tomas calls and she tells Fern it's the embargo lawyer.
Marta tells Lopez that because Alicia joined the company as Marcia's friend, she never had to provide the tests that are required by the company. She says he should order those tests to avoid any problems for Conceptos, though her real reason is so the order will come from him. He wants Marta to tell Alicia the news, but she explains to him that they don't get along, so he says he'll do it. He ogles her as she leaves, telling her she looks good and she wiggles her butt at him.
Tomas tells Lety the lawyer wants another advance and she's not happy about the amount. He also asks for permission to buy a cell phone and mentions that FI is continuing to make gains on their investments. Fernando's still listening to her conversation. At Lety's house, Mom lights a candle at the alter and prays for Lety. Just then Lety calls and they talk mushy mother/daughter stuff. For some reason both are whining and crying, then Lety hangs up.
Marta tells Sara and Lola that Lopez agreed about the tests and the results will have to pass through her hands. Omar walks by looking really bad and they feel sorry for him. To play devil's advocate, it was Omar who first took advantage of a drunk Alicia, so it's hard for me to work up any sympathy if she's now taking advantage of him. Sometimes you play, you pay, pal. Anyway, in Ariel's office, he and his secretary have a conversation about public information.
Fernando and Omar talk, rehashing about all their loans. Omar tells Fern that he's worried that Ariel might find out about Conceptos's problems from the internet or from public registries, while in his office Ariel and his secretary continue to discuss the same topic. Marcia calls him and tells him about Teresita and Humberto coming in and he mentions that he'll stop by to see them later on.
He then calls Alicia and she puts him on hold while talking to Lopez, who's telling her about the blood test requirement. She doesn't want to have it, but he doesn't give her a choice. They argue while the cuartel smirk. Marcia walks by and Alicia tries to get her help, but Marcia tells her if it's required then she's just gonna have to do it. Alicia then tries to get lunch out of her, but Marcia tells her she has to go to the airport to meet Fern's parents.
Marcia goes into Fernando's office where he's talking to Omar. He ignores her at first and she wants to know what's wrong. While Lety listens, he makes up some phony excuse and she leaves. He worries about his parents and Omar tells him not to say anything to them about what's been going on. Fern calls for Lety just as the phone rings. She comes out and tells him Tomas is downstairs and he tells her she can go. Omar wants to know who Tomas is, and Fern tells him he's a friend of Lety's who's working for Filmo Imagen. Omar's not very happy to hear this, but Fern tells him don't worry, Tomas knows nothing about the embargo. Meanwhile Lety and Tomas are discussing that very subject downstairs. Tomas is telling her how the lawyers are going to have to come and inventory the company as part of the embargo process and she's not very happy to hear it. As always, Tomas's brain completely stops when Alicia walks by.
The cuartel are discussing their evil plot and decide not to tell Irma about it since they know she won't like it. They all want to go to lunch, but Marta can't because of her diet and unhappily shows them this little thing of vegetables she gets to eat. They feel sorry for her and encourage her, then head to lunch.
Lety goes into Fern's office and gives him copies of the embargo paperwork. The phone rings and Fernando tells her to answer it and she goes to her office to do so. Omar begins to sow the seeds of suspicion into Fernando's head about Lety and Tomas.
Marcia brings Humberto and Teresita to their house and they ask about Ariel and Ana Leticia, then about Fernando. Humberto asks how Conceptos is doing and she tells him everything's fine. Humberto wanders away and Teresita tells Marcia he's been worried about the company ever since the video fiasco.
Lety comes out to go to lunch and Omar asks her to sit. He starts questioning her about the embargo and whether or not she's been discreet. She tells them someone will be coming to inventory the business and Fernando's upset because the timing sucks what with his parents being there and the Bella Life Commercial Launch and all. Lety uses the diversion to escape to her office. Omar leaves and Fern goes into Lety's office. He plays for sympathy and tells her he's afraid of the steps they've been taking with the company. Seeing him so sad and vulnerable, she tries to reassure him that the company is in good hands. Fern moves in close and touches her face and moves in for a kiss.
Again with the big prezzie for Marta. She gets all teary and opens it. It's just a bunch of paper, then a card, which daughter reads and everyone else gets all teary. The family hugs. Turns out Paco has just given her 10,000 pesos that he's been saving up forever so she can buy herself a car. Alicia gets off the elevator and hears what's going on. The cuartel all congratulate Marta on her soon-to-be new car.
Fernando and Marcia are at her crib eating. Fernando says he thinks Alicia's just trying to trap Omar with a lie. Marcia tells him no, she's really bun-baking, she tested positive. He's shocked. Ariel calls Marcia and she tells him that Humberto and Teresita will be coming to the big BL Launch Party. He makes a crack about Alicia and Marcia sticks up for her. Meanwhile, Omar calls Fernando on his cell phone and Fern tells him that Marcia confirmed that the preggo test was positive. Marcia's still talking to Ariel and wants to know why he's so interested in Alicia's pregnancy (here's a quarter, buy a clue Marcia!) He gives some lame excuse and they hang up, and we see a shot of him being upset. Fernando asks her who she was talking to, and she tells him Ariel about the meeting. She asks him who he was talking to, and he tells her Omar about Alicia. They discuss it and Fern's still skeptical, pointing out that she's having financial trouble and how well this works out for her.
Meanwhile, at Alicia's Palace of Lies, she's throwing away the dresses that Marta copied. The doorman announces that Ariel's coming up, and she powders up her face to make herself look pale. When he gets there, she acts good and sick. He gives her hell and she tells him it's her problem, not his. He denies the child is his and she tells him she doesn't want anything from him. He tells her he doesn't believe her, but says fine, he'll take care of her but she has to move to another country, she can't stay here. She asks where, Miami? He says no. She asks Rio de Janeiro? He says no, it has to be a totally different continent. She says Paris! London! Madrid? He says no, some place like Sidney or Pretoria. She says she doesn't want to go to someplace like Africa or Australia or Korea. He says too bad, that's my offer, and leaves.
Back at home, Lety talks to Tomas about Alicia. He says he wants to meet her and Lety teases him about what the meeting would be like. She asks if he'd really take Alicia's child as his, and he says yes. She then shows him the new loan documents and Tomas again tells her that Conceptos is practically in her hands (ok, he says this every darned time! Isn't the company in her hands by now??). He asks her why they had to do the new loan and she tells him Fern had to do it to cover their losses from the Panama caper. They discuss the embargo more, and while she talks we get a shot of a shirtless Fernando (woo hoo!!!!!) unable to sleep. She's saying that Fernando's worried and preoccupied (as well he should be). Fernando remembers when daddy turned the empire over to him. He gets up, puts a shirt on (darn it!) and sits on the sofa still reminiscing, wondering how he can tell his dad what's going on. Marcia joins him wanting to know what the problem is but he tells her it's nothing. She guesses it's Conceptos and tells him the Bella Life stuff will be fine, and gets him back to bed. He goes back to remembering his dad turning over the company and Ariel's threat. He says to himself no Ariel, you'll never be president.
Next day, Saimon and Celso are looking at Fernando's fixed car, and Saimon is once again thanking his lucky stars he didn't get busted for that. Jazmin comes up, pouts and walks away. Fernando comes up and discusses the car with Saimon. Marcia comes up and says car looks good dude.
In reception, the cuartel are discussing the car Marta will get. Fernando walks in and asks if they all shouldn't be working and they agree (hah!), but when he leaves they just continue talking. Saimon joins them and they discuss the car more. Irma tells them they all need to get to work (hah again!), but of course they don't. Alicia comes in and orders Saimon to go get her car and mentions how expensive it is, just to give Marta crap because 10,000 pesos isn't going to get much metal. The cuartel give her the usual garbage.
Fernando and Marcia talk about the launch and the meeting. Fernando wants Lety there, Marcia doesn't. Fern points out that Lety knows about negotiations, contracts, etc., and therefore should be there. Marcia turns harpy. Fernando points out that Alicia's late for work just when, speak of the devil, she gets off the elevator. She hears his comment and starts walking with her back swayed and stuff like she's already 9 months gone. He ain't buying and gives her grief, but she says she was sick. He's still climbing her back, but Marcia pulls him off and tries to get him to stop. He makes a joke and Alicia's expense and Marcia laughs, then asks him again to stop. He leaves and she tells Alicia they need to talk.
Fernando calls for Lety and they discuss how they're going to be meeting with someone to discuss the camera equipment. She tells him that Isabella is there, and he gets excited and has her smell him to make sure his cologne is ok. She likee muchee and follows him all dreamily as he heads out to hit on his own sister. Ooops, I mean the famous model.
Marcia tells Alicia that Omar called Fernando in the middle of the night, upset by the pregnancy. Alicia wonders if that means Omar wants to commit himself to her. Marcia says only in your dreams babe.
Omar comes into the office with his tail dragging. Fernando and Lety run into him and Fern the ever-sympathetic teases him and Lety laughs. Then Fernando manages to cheer Omar up by telling him Isabella's there and they get on the elevator as Saimon gets off it.
Saimon dances by Alicia and she calls him over and gives him money. The phone rings and it's the Little Mermaid. He tells her he's set it all up so she can go and live in Jakarta, Indonesia. He tells her he has a friend there who will give her a job, and she hangs up on him. Saimon dances by again but she ignores him and the ringing phone, thinking about how pissed she is by Ariel's offer. Saimon leaves and she answers the phone and tells Ariel No! He tells her it's this or nothing and she flat out refuses, she wants someplace nicer. Also, she doesn't want to work, he has to take care of her. She hangs up on him again. His secretary comes in to tell him something, but instead he sees Alicia come in with a baby that she introduces as his son. He says it's not his and tells her to leave, but she stays and calls him papa. The secretary and the people she brought in are in his office looking at him when he finally steps out of his fantasy.
Meanwhile, Omar is in his office having his own fantasy moment. He's in bed with Alicia when a baby starts crying. She orders him to take care of it but the baby won't stop crying. She laughs maniacally and he freaks. Sara walks in and wakes him up from his fantasy. She tells him there's a meeting and asks if he's ok, and he asks her to send Alicia in. She does so, but only after giving Alicia crap first. She, Lola, and Marta then head into the bathroom, Marta carrying a bag. Marta makes a big show of the bag to Alicia.
Alicia goes into Omar's office and he says they need to talk. She asks if that means he's ready to accept paternity of his son. He tells her he's not ready to be a father and she reminds him that she hasn't asked anything from him. She plays the guilt card and says she'll just be an unmarried mother. She says something about Paula Maria and says hey, it's my problem, don't worry about it.
Fern and Lety meet with Jackie Palacias (?), the manager of Rodaje.com. She's a pretty woman (hey, isn't this the lady from Yo Amo Juan Querendon?) and Ferni's flirting with her. She mentions the Benny Ibarra video disaster (no one wants to let that go, poor Fern!) and he schmoozes more, then they decide to get down to business.
Alicia tells Omar that she'll love her child no matter what and will raise him alone. Omar starts to say something but she cuts him off and lays it on thick, holding her stomach. She cries and leaves, saying she doesn't want to talk any more. Once outside his office, she dries her eyes and calls him desgraciado. Once again I'm siding with the devil here (Alicia) and worried about my soul, but really, shouldn't Omar have worried about not wanting to be a dad BEFORE he got busy with Alicia? Has no one ever told him about the birds and the bees? Anyway, Alicia heads back to her desk and walks by Marta, who's crouched down behind a desk laughing at her. She pops up and, of course, is in another knockoff. Alicia says go ahead and copy me, I'll always look better than you, and walks off. Marta's upset.
Fern and Lety are trying to convince Jackie to let Conceptos buy equipment from Rodaje.com on credit in return for a contract where they'll be committed to buy from them exclusively for the next five years. Jackie has one of her men in the meeting and he's very strange, the way he just stands hunched over and staring.
The cuartel try to cheer Marta up and discuss liposuction. They try to convince her to have it, and tell her once she does Alicia won't be able to insult her any more. Marta says she doesn't have the money, but they are insistent. Meanwhile, Paco's down in reception with roses and an envelope full of money that's supposed to be for her car, but you know where's it's gonna wind up going. In another meanwhile, Alicia's in the bathroom primping, telling herself she's glad she's not really pregnant because it would ruin her figure.
Marta and Paco go into the conference room to chat. He gives her the money and they get mushy and the cuartel, who are listening because there's no privacy anywhere in Conceptos, once again get teary. Marta hugs Paco and cries and he leaves, and the cuartel all congratulate her on having such a loving husband. PM continues to talk about the liposuction. Meanwhile, so I don't have to create another separate line, Lety and Fernando are still negotiating at Rodaje.
Luigi and Marcia walk into the lobby talking about Fernando. They see Saimon bring a plate of green apples (that must be what she gave him the money for earlier). Luigi wants one but Saimon tells him no, they're all for Alicia because she's pregnant. Luigi freaks and guesses it's Omar's. He calls him an imbecile and how could she! She tells him well, I was in love. He says ok fine, but is Omar going to accept responsibility? She sadly shakes her head no. Just then Omar walks by and Luigi grabs him and gives him grief about Alicia and the baby. Omar manages to get away.
The cuartel are still trying to convince Marta about the surgery. She doesn't really want to do it but they keep pushing.
Fernando and Lety walk into reception talking about how the negotiations went. They go upstairs and he talks about how sexy Jackie Palacias is just as Marcia comes up. She tells him Bella Life wants Conceptos to organize the event to announce the launching of their campaign. Marcia walks away to talk to Alicia and Lety points out to Fern that if Rodaje.com doesn't provide them with the equipment, there won't be a campaign to promote.
Missing Recap 30: Apples and hot sauce
The cuartel try to convince Marta again, Fern and Lety talk about the negotiations again, Marcia tells Fern about Bella Life again, and Lety points out the obvious again.
Marcia comes back and wants to know what Fernando and Lety have been up to, Fern tells her nothing. She tells them the production meetings have been going well and they want to start filming and when will the equipment get there? He makes up something and promises Luigi will be happy with what they got. They kiss and Lety makes a jealous face (Fern's not in love with you yet Lety, you don't have a right to be jealous of him kissing his fiancée).
Lety tells him she's being trying to contact Carolina Angeles but she refuses to accept any of Fernando's calls. Fern tells her to try again. In Carolina's office, the secretary answers the phone and when she tells Caro it's Fernando calling, Caro again refuses to take the call. Lety tells Fern, and he's not happy. He says he'll go down there personally to talk to her, calling Omar to join him. As he leaves he runs into Lola, who says she needs to talk to Lety. She tells Lety there's a code red meeting in the bathroom. Lety has a lot of work to do but goes ahead and goes to the meeting anyway because naturally gossip and other crap are much more important than actually working to earn that paycheck.
Fernando sees Alicia eating an apple with hot sauce (sounds good to me) and makes fun of her and gives one her apples to a kid that's sitting there in the lobby (not one of the cuartel's kids, for a change). Omar comes by and Fernando teases him about the pregnancy, gives him one of Alicia's apples, and calls him Papa as Omar hears a baby cry in his head. Fernando then gives both Omar and Alicia crap. Just then Jazmin and two models walk out of the elevator and start crawling all over Omar, who's enjoying it, you can tell by all the snorting he's doing. Alicia's watching it all, still eating her apples and hot sauce (damn, that sounds good! Am I preggers? No, I just love hot sauce). Luigi comes in and makes the models leave. Fernando teases Alicia about "THIS is the papa? Sucks to be you!" Fern and Omar leave as Fern cries like a baby.
The cuartel head to their meeting room, laughing. Sara whips out some shoes for everyone, I think I mentioned earlier this was another evil anti-Alicia plot. Everyone pays her, then the liposuction gets mentioned. Irma gets mad and tells them they shouldn't be trying to get Marta to waste her money on this since the only reason she wants it is so Alicia won't make fun of her any more, and the money's supposed to be for a car. The rest are still trying to convince Marta that liposuction is the way to go.
Fern and Omar get to Carolina's office and start teasing the secretary. She tells them Caro's in a meeting, so they say they'll wait for her and start being obnoxious in front of the other clients sitting there. I'm not sure how they think being obnoxious is going to help, but this is telenovela world after all and they do make a good comedy duo, not to mention an excellent sandwich, though I'd make a much better filling than Lety!
The cuartel are still trying to convince Marta, I don't care and fast forward.
Alicia goes into Lety's office looking for her, but of course she's not there. The phone rings and Alicia answers it, it's Jacqueline Palacias. Alicia says she'll take a message.
Back to the big important cuartel meeting, the feas ask Lety for her opinion about Marta getting lipo'd and she replies that she never thinks about such things because she doesn't like artificial things. She says if someone falls in love with you it should be for who you are, not some prefabricated body. PM asks her if superficial beauty is so bad if it helps make men fall in love with a fea. Sarah asks Lety if she'd have the surgery if she had the money. "Imagine if Tomas saw you transformed" she says. Lety begins to daydream about how Fern would react if Lety became beautiful. From her point of view we see her go into Fern's office, and he's shocked (happily) at how she looks. Marcia comes in and doesn't realize at first that it's Lety and is jealous of the new woman Fernando's got in his office. He tells her relax, it's just Lety, and Marcia is shocked. Alicia comes in and it practically takes a pry bar to levy her jaw off the floor and back into place she's so shocked by Lety's new look. Marcia tries to talk to Fernando but he's ignoring her, busy staring at Lety. PM wakes her out of her fantasy as Alicia comes in, gives her crap for being there instead of her office, and tells her about Jackie's phone call. She gives the rest of the cuartel crap as always, and especially picks on Marta calling her fat. Alicia leaves, laughing, making Marta decide on the lipo. Lety says she has to leave.
Marcia asks Alicia what's going on and Alicia whines about how Lety wasn't in her office and poor Alicia actually had to answer her phone. She tells Marcia it was Jacqueline Palacias and Marcia gets all thoughtful, remembering how she heard Fernando call her guapa. She asks where Fernando is, and Alicia tells her he's at Carolina's office.
Carolina comes out and Fern and Omar do all kinds of stupid tricks to try to convince her to work with them again. They sing (apparently a song by Jose Jose called The Desperate), beg, and have a pillow fight with the pillows from her waiting room sofa. They make her paper flowers, which she throws away. She tells Fern that when Conceptos got discredited, she did too.
The cuartel and Marta are still going on about the lipo and she acts sexy, happy with the idea of how she'll look once it's done. Sorry, once again I am forced to fast forward through this exchange.
Omar and Fernando are still begging and tell Carolina about the Bella Life commercials and how much the contract is for and how important it is. She gets an O/F sandwich and now I have to be jealous of both her and Lety, but then Omar snorts and I think "never mind". Eventually, after some hand kissing and other stuff, she gives in to their begging and agrees to work with Conceptos again, but she'll only work with Luigi and Marcia, she won't work with Fern and Omar. They agree.
More fast forwarding by me as the cuartel are STILL discussing liposuction. Fern and Omar walk by and they scurry back to their desks like little non-working vermin when a light gets turned on.
Fern calls to Lety and she tells him that Jackie called and has agreed to their terms. Fern's very happy and moves in for a hug. She gladly throws her arms wide open, but he brushes past her and hugs Omar, and Lety's not so pleased. Fernando says he's happy because they got both Rodaje.com and Carolina. Lety gets loud happy and Fernando tells her to calm down, then Omar also gets loud happy and she tells him to calm down.
Jackie and her incredibly odd henchman (henceforth known as IOH) come into reception. Saimon begins to drool over her and dance around her because he's popping WAY too many speed pills and can't sit still. He leads them upstairs as PM calls Lety to let her know they're there. They run into Alicia and Saimon introduces them to her and turns them over to her. She rudely makes them wait as she goes and announces them while the cuartel wonder why she's there and who the guy is. Lety tells Alicia to take the guests to the conference room and naturally Alicia gets all indignant that Lety is giving her orders. Fernando asks if the pregnancy is affecting her hearing and repeats Lety's order to take them to the conference room. She tells him to stop yelling at her because it upsets her son, as she clutches her still-flat stomach. Fernando probably rolls his eyes with disgust, but if he does I miss it because I'm doing the same. She leaves and Fernando teases Omar about her. Omar snaps back with a smart comment about Fernando and Lety. Lety looks hopeful, but Fernando just looks at her for a minute, then bursts out laughing. She's hurt but pretends to laugh as well. (Now in the recap comments people always give Marcia hell for clinging to Fernando when he didn't love her, but at this point one has to wonder why Lety continued to cling to Fernando after a comment like that. But anyroad...).
I guess Alicia assumes there's some kind of hanky panky going on with Fern and Jackie because she's incredibly rude when she leads them to the conference room. Lopez comes up and sees Jackie and lick/squeaks his head in lust. Marta asks to talk to him, but he'd rather swoon over Jackie, but Marta convinces him and they go to his office.
In the conference room, Omar is flirting with Jackie while IOH stand around staring weirdly (after nearly removing Fernando's arm shaking his hand). Fernando clears his throat at Omar and Omar hears the sound of a baby crying in his head. Everyone sits and Jackie says they accept Conceptos' proposal. IOH pulls a contract out of his briefcase and gives it to Fern, who tosses it to Lety to read.
Marta asks Lopez for some vacation time to have the liposuction. At first Lopez just laughs and wants to know who will do her work. She tells him Lola and Sara have agreed to help out. He then decides that with a few less pounds Marta might not look too bad, so he grants his permission.
Alicia gossips to Marcia that Fernando is in the boardroom with Jacqueline Palaces. Luigi comes up and complains that he still doesn't have his cameras and Marcia says she'll talk to Fernando about it.
Lety tells Fernando the contract's good and gets right up in his face as he's trying to sign up. Once again he has to ask her to step back and give him some space. Jackie and IOH get up to leave and Fern kisses her cheek just as (of course) Marcia and Luigi come in. Fernando introduces everyone and Luigi tries to make a joke with IOH, but he just stands there staring like a zombie, freaking Luigi out. Fernando tells them about the negotiations for the cameras and Luigi's happy. Jackie, IOH and Luigi leave and Marcia gives Fernando crap about the new lady. Fern asks if she's jealous and she says yes, and Fern tells her don't be, it's just negotiations. He tries to kiss her but she tells him he smells (I guess like Jackie's perfume?) and stalks off. Fernando, Lety and Omar go back to Fern's office. Fern tells Lety that even though the company is getting better, the embargo with Filmo Imagen has to continue.
Next day Lety goes to the bank to ask for a loan of one million eight hundred thousand pesos in the name of F.I. The manager tells her that exceeds the amount of the company's capital, but Lety shows him the letter from Fernando guaranteeing the loan based on the total value of Conceptos. The banker still looks unsure and Lety gives him a begging look. Back at work, she comes in and tells Fernando they got the loan. Fernando's happy that they can now proceed with the commercial, and says Luigi's happy with the camera they chose. Lety reminds Fern that Conceptos is now into F.I. for 2 million pesos and Fern tells her she's always a pessimist. He shakes her hand and thanks her for everything and leaves, and she Tan Divinos.
We get a montage of the work being done on the commercial while Lety voice-overs in case we miss anything.
Now it's a new day. Saimon and the cuartel are talking about Marta and Sara makes fun of Lopez. Alicia is at her desk and gets upset by one of her bills about her car. She shows it to Marcia while whining. Fernando overhears her as she works up a tear and describes the horrors of the microbus. Fernando makes fun of her as Omar tries to slip away, but Fernando pulls him back. Alicia pretends to be feeling faint and Marcia takes her to the ladies room. Fernando tells Omar he needs to take care of his future wife as Omar continues to deny the baby's his. They walk away, Fern teasing him the whole way like he's holding a baby. There's a funny comment when Omar brushes impatiently by Fernando and Fern tells him to be careful, they don't want the baby to fall on its head and end up like Ariel.
Back in the office, Lety's worrying about all the debt Conceptos has incurred with the banks and now Rodaje.com. Lety's also concerned that all this stuff is public information, someone could find out about it and there could be a big scandal. As always, he just tells her to calm down.
The rugrats are all at work again and everyone's wishing Jaimito happy birthday. PM asks her son what he wants as a present, and he tells her he wants Saimon to be his papa.
Missing Recap 31: Less of Martha to love
Fernando teases Omar again, Lety warns Fernando and is pessimistic again, and Jaimito wants to be Saimon's little bundle of joy again.
Fernando, Lety and Omar are chatting and Omar recommends a lawyer who can represent F.I. in the embargo process. Lety agrees to set up a meeting with the guy. Omar leaves.
Marcia helps Alicia back to her desk while she whines about her poor baby (poor for real I guess). Omar overhears their conversation and Marcia asks if he's ready for the upcoming meeting, he says he is and heads back to his own office. Carolina comes in and asks what's wrong with Alicia and Marcia tells her (after hearing Alicia complain about the cuartel sharing her deep dark secrets, here's Marcia also telling the whole world about it!). Caro is happy for her, then she and Marcia head to the conference room where Marcia can dish the real dirt on the whole sordid story. Omar comes up and gives Alicia a check. She tells him she doesn't want his money and he's only trying to assuage his own guilt for not making a commitment to her, but he says he's just trying to help her out. She tells him again she doesn't want it, he whines a little bit and leaves, leaving the check behind. As soon as he's not looking, Alicia gives her now famous smug little smile and kisses the check.
The choreographer is working with the dancers while Luigi watches and he's unhappy with how it looks. He's trying to get some work done, but Irma comes in and tells him he has to go to yet another meeting (you have no idea what's in store for you in the coming months meeting-wise, Luigi!). He whines but eventually heads out. Jazmin stops him and asks him to let her dance in the production, but he tells her she's not a good dancer and he only wants to use professional, experienced dancers.
Juana brings her niece in to join all the other kids in reception, and the mothers discuss what to do with them. I have some ideas but doubt they'd like them much...
Jazmin begs Irma to help her convince Luigi to allow her to dance in the Bella Life promotion, but Irma tells her not to bother her and don't even thing about trying to interfere with the production, because if she keeps bugging them, they'll let her go.
Saimon takes the little brat monsters, I'm sorry, I mean the adorably precocious children, to play in a warehouse where old costumes are kept, and you just KNOW total havoc will be wreaked. Juana's niece, turns out, follows in old Auntie's footsteps and has the gift of clairvoyance. The girl tells Saimon he has a big heart and is capable of loving many women, but right now he loves a woman that doesn't return the feeling.
Even though Sara and Lola are helping him, Lopez is lost without Marta. He's screeching, they're making fun of him, and Lola tells him Marta will be back tomorrow. Meanwhile, the kids are playing, dressed up in costumes and face paint and stuff, and the talented niece thinks she hears Lola yelling. She tells everyone about some herbs she's carrying around with her (signs of a possible future profession as drug pusher maybe?) and something about using them to calm Lola down.
In the meeting, Marcia tells everyone that Carolina will do the publicity for the B.L. Launch, and Caro tells when the invitations will be going out. Omar is dumb enough to ask Luigi how the preparations for the spectacular are going, and Luigi gets all offended and says he's working on it so of course it will be marvelous. Caro hands out the potential menu and mentions all the booze that's going to be there and it sounds like a helluva party woohoo!! Fernando's unhappy about the cost. He yells for Lety and Marcia makes a rude comment. Lety comes in, takes the menu and drink information from Caro, and leaves. Luigi whines that the studio is too small for his dancers to work in and he'd like to have them rehearse someplace larger and again Fern reminds him they have to keep costs down. Marcia says she's starting to worry that Fern is always talking about the budget.
Sara and Lola are talking when Irma comes in looking for Jazmin. As always Lola freaks at the slightest mention of the little family-destroying ho, so why Irma is dumb enough to tell her that Jaz is trying to convince Luigi to let her dance, I'll never know. Irma apparently has also had enough because she cuts her off.
Back at the meeting, Marcia still wants to know why Fern's so hung up on money. This give Carolina an idea on cost savings, and Fern thanks her, I guess because she's the only one supporting him when Marcia and Luigi aren't. Caro asks why Fernando doesn't have Lety in the meetings when they talk about budgets and Fern cuts right to the chase and tells her it's because Marcia and Luigi refuse to work with her. Lety comes in with information for Carolina and Marci, shamed by what Fernando said, asks Lety to stay.
Naturally the children make a complete disaster with the costumes and makeup they find. They also find bags of fake snow they can break open and get everywhere. Their parents come in and Lola orders them to remove the costumes and makeup and clean up. Naturally the kids don't listen and Saimon just joins in on their fun. Meanwhile, Marta comes into the office looking pretty trim, and she shows off to Alicia. The mothers are still yelling at their kids and PM is blaming Saimon. Sorry, I can't take it and I fast forward.
Sara, Juana and Irma ooh and aah over Marta's new svelte figure. Lola comes in and literally screams with happiness at seeing her. Lopez comes in and walks right by Marta, saying hello guapa. He stutters when he realizes it's her. He drools as he leads her to his office.
Back at the meeting they're still talking about the dancers. Lety makes a suggestion that Luigi doesn't like, but Fernando backs her up so Luigi agrees. Lety then asks to be excused, she has something important to take care of. She reminds Fernando that they have to meet with the bankers tomorrow. Marcia also reminds him that tomorrow Teresita and Humberto get in from London. He asks her to meet them at the airport because he has an important meeting.
Lety goes to her office and calls Tomas and asks him to go with her to talk to the lawyer that will be representing FI, and he agrees. Fernando, Omar and Carolina come into Fern's office and Fern yells for Lety. Caro gives him grief about the crappiness of Lety's office, but he tells her he tried to give her something nicer but she didn't want it. Lety comes out and, as always, gets just right into Fernando's face, and the way she stands at attention it looks like she's shoving her boobs at him. Once again he has to tell her to back off and give him some space. Carolina tells her goodbye and leaves, then Fern, Lety and Omar sit down for the usual rehash about the embargo and how Lety's still uncomfortable with it. Again he has to talk her into it, and she leaves. He and Omar then continue to chat about it.
At a restaurant, two lawyers are sitting and drinking, and Lety and Tomas greet them. They're they lawyers Omar recommended and they don't inspire Lety with much confidence, but she goes ahead and starts explaining about the embargo.
Back at Conceptos the kids are cleaning up and I really don't care about their conversation, more crap about how to calm Lola down. I'm recommending a bullet to the brain, but no one listens to me (her brain, I mean, though if I have keep listening to this storyline, I could mean mine as well).
Back to Lety and the lawyers, she's telling them that they need to avoid a scandal at all costs. They demand a ridiculously high fee and Lety and Tomas start to walk. The lawyers drop their price so they stay after all.
More kid stuff, Saimon comes to get them, yawn.
The choreographer is still working with the dancers. Jazmin is in the background mimicking their moves. Luigi's happy to see that Fatima Bosh, Fernando's former one-night-stand, is one of them. He tells the dancers they can all go home, then calls Jazmin over and tells her to stop hanging around and she leaves, upset.
The kids are rubbing herbs on Lola's legs while she sleeps. Jaz comes in and says crap, Lola gets mad, and I guess the old herb trick didn't work so well. Jaz leaves and Lola yells at the kids.
I guess to help Televisa pay some bills, we now have a commercial moment as Irma brings in some red apples while Luigi is trying to come up with a commercial for Garnier Nutrisse. The commercial has to do with one of their red dyes, so the apples give Luigi an idea: "the temptation of color".
Marcia, Fernando and Omar are leaving, Marcia giving Fern crap about Jackie Palacias the whole time, when Fatima comes in and plants a big fat wet one on his cheek right in front of her. She goes ballistic on him as Fatima leaves. Marta walks by and Marcia compliments her on her new slim bad self while Omar teases Fernando about Fatima. He mentions Fernando's ethics for giving him crap about PM when he himself was doing the nasty with the dancer. Fernando tells Omar there's no comparison between the two, and Omar quips back with a comment about Marcia. Omar's phone rings, it's a woman, so he walks away to take the call. Marcia and Fernando leave; Omar continues to chat with his little chippy, snorting all over the place, and suddenly he realizes Alicia's listening. He gets a guilty look on his face.
PM and Saimon are arguing in reception when Jaz comes in all bummed because Luigi won't let her dance. Saimon sympathizes and drools and PM gets jealously pissed. She tries to get Saimon away from the skank homewrecker but he won't leave her and they head out together as PM builds up steam. The kids all come in making a ton of racket.
Up in the lobby, Marta again poses in front of Alicia, and Alicia lets fly the usual insults, but this time Marta isn't bothered by them. She talks to Irma and Sara as they're all leaving, and tells them she doesn't know how to tell her husband what she spent the car money on. They go down to the lobby and join everyone else and discuss Saimon and Jazmin. Lola gets her usual freak on, and Irma advises her that if she wants Cheque to come back to her, she needs to calm down (I jump up with a resounding Here Here on that!!!) and stop fighting with him. Finally everyone leaves.
Meanwhile Lety and Tomas are still talking to the lawyers at the restaurant. The lawyers are questioning why the embargo was necessary and tell her Fernando was crazy to create it. Lety's eye twitches.
Missing Recap 32: Lien on Conceptos when feeling loanly
The cuartel again, ugh! The lawyers again ask questions about the embargo and she twitches again. Tomas reminds them that there can't be any scandal.
Fernando and Marcia discuss his parents coming in. She asks him what's up with meeting at the bank, and he just drinks. She asks him again and he gives her some lame excuse.
Discussing the embargo, one of the lawyers tells Lety that Fernando is either crazy or an imbecile to put his company in her hands like this. Since they just dissed her Tan Divino, she jumps to his defense and tells them she respects Fernando and his judgment. The lawyers ask for an increase in their fee due to the secret nature of the deal, which shocks Lety and Tomas, and they want an advance so they can pay the restaurant bill as they have no money. Tomas pays them and he and Lety leave.
Jazmin and Saimon are eating and Jaz is whining about Luigi. Saimon calms her down and offers to speak to Luigi for her. Jaz tells him it would be better to talk to Fernando, the president, and Saimon agrees to do it. She talks to Cheque on the phone while Saimon flirts with girls at another table, then she tells him she has to leave. She kisses his cheek and he swoons.
Tomas and Lety discuss their meeting and she stresses again that she's not happy with Omar's recommendation. Tomas again chats with her about technically being the true owner of Conceptos. Meanwhile, we get a shot of Fernando still unable to sleep, upset by everything that's happening with the company.
The next day Marta's going to a gym to get info on joining it, and the cuartel are with her. They see Alicia there exercising and realize she can't be pregnant. They discuss ad nauseam.
The lawyer, Sanchez, is once again meeting with Lety and Tomas. Lety asks Tomas to go with the lawyers when they create the embargo, and leaves. The lawyers tell Tomas they have to go to Conceptos to do an inventory as part of the embargo process. Tomas is worried about the problems this might cause.
Back at the gym, Alicia's getting reamed by her trainer because her check bounced. She promises to pay tomorrow. The cuartel go and talk to him and tell him they work with her so he feels free to dish the dirt on her to them.
Back at Conceptos, Alicia's crying and Marcia sees her and asks what's wrong. Alicia tells her about what happened and Marcia tells her she shouldn't be going to the gym while she's pregnant. Alicia realizes her boo boo and gives Marcia some fake excuse. Marcia then wants to know where the frapping hell the cuartel is. Ok, she didn't use those exact words, my bad.
Speak of the devils, they wander into reception still talking about what they just discovered. Sara wants to warn Omar but Juana says first they have to get proof and they discuss how to go about that. Saimon comes in and Lola freaks on him, blah blah blah. He and PM exchange barbs as Jaz comes in and flirts with him.
The cuartel finally show up in the lobby and Alicia goes all harpy on them and the usual crap flies. I ignore the rest of the conversation. Saimon and Jazmin come dancing in and continue to flirt with each other. Omar comes in and Alicia pointedly asks Saimon to get her some chocolates she's been craving because of the pregnancy. He goes to get them and the cuartel all laugh as Omar walks on. Jaz gives Lola crap and the cuartel once again have to hold her back as Jaz leaves. Again, yawn.
Lety comes in and apologizes to Fern for being late, telling him she was meeting with the lawyers. They discuss that this information is available to the public and she shows him where it can be found on the internet. He's not happy, but says something along the lines of hopefully no one will see it.
Tomas is still with Sanchez, who hands him copies of the embargo paperwork. He once again hits Tomas up for a fee hike and Tomas is impactada.
Marta comes up with an idea for a way to force Alicia to get a blood test and tells the cuartel about it.
Tomas and the lawyer are still discussing the embargo and his fee. Tomas starts to leave, but the lawyer asks for another advance. Tomas says Lety will kill him, but goes ahead and gives the guy money anyway.
Lety's on the phone trying to get more information about exactly what will be available on the internet, just what's registered with the Publico or the bank information as well? Fernando's listening. She hangs up and Tomas calls and she tells Fern it's the embargo lawyer.
Marta tells Lopez that because Alicia joined the company as Marcia's friend, she never had to provide the tests that are required by the company. She says he should order those tests to avoid any problems for Conceptos, though her real reason is so the order will come from him. He wants Marta to tell Alicia the news, but she explains to him that they don't get along, so he says he'll do it. He ogles her as she leaves, telling her she looks good and she wiggles her butt at him.
Tomas tells Lety the lawyer wants another advance and she's not happy about the amount. He also asks for permission to buy a cell phone and mentions that FI is continuing to make gains on their investments. Fernando's still listening to her conversation. At Lety's house, Mom lights a candle at the alter and prays for Lety. Just then Lety calls and they talk mushy mother/daughter stuff. For some reason both are whining and crying, then Lety hangs up.
Marta tells Sara and Lola that Lopez agreed about the tests and the results will have to pass through her hands. Omar walks by looking really bad and they feel sorry for him. To play devil's advocate, it was Omar who first took advantage of a drunk Alicia, so it's hard for me to work up any sympathy if she's now taking advantage of him. Sometimes you play, you pay, pal. Anyway, in Ariel's office, he and his secretary have a conversation about public information.
Fernando and Omar talk, rehashing about all their loans. Omar tells Fern that he's worried that Ariel might find out about Conceptos's problems from the internet or from public registries, while in his office Ariel and his secretary continue to discuss the same topic. Marcia calls him and tells him about Teresita and Humberto coming in and he mentions that he'll stop by to see them later on.
He then calls Alicia and she puts him on hold while talking to Lopez, who's telling her about the blood test requirement. She doesn't want to have it, but he doesn't give her a choice. They argue while the cuartel smirk. Marcia walks by and Alicia tries to get her help, but Marcia tells her if it's required then she's just gonna have to do it. Alicia then tries to get lunch out of her, but Marcia tells her she has to go to the airport to meet Fern's parents.
Marcia goes into Fernando's office where he's talking to Omar. He ignores her at first and she wants to know what's wrong. While Lety listens, he makes up some phony excuse and she leaves. He worries about his parents and Omar tells him not to say anything to them about what's been going on. Fern calls for Lety just as the phone rings. She comes out and tells him Tomas is downstairs and he tells her she can go. Omar wants to know who Tomas is, and Fern tells him he's a friend of Lety's who's working for Filmo Imagen. Omar's not very happy to hear this, but Fern tells him don't worry, Tomas knows nothing about the embargo. Meanwhile Lety and Tomas are discussing that very subject downstairs. Tomas is telling her how the lawyers are going to have to come and inventory the company as part of the embargo process and she's not very happy to hear it. As always, Tomas's brain completely stops when Alicia walks by.
The cuartel are discussing their evil plot and decide not to tell Irma about it since they know she won't like it. They all want to go to lunch, but Marta can't because of her diet and unhappily shows them this little thing of vegetables she gets to eat. They feel sorry for her and encourage her, then head to lunch.
Lety goes into Fern's office and gives him copies of the embargo paperwork. The phone rings and Fernando tells her to answer it and she goes to her office to do so. Omar begins to sow the seeds of suspicion into Fernando's head about Lety and Tomas.
Marcia brings Humberto and Teresita to their house and they ask about Ariel and Ana Leticia, then about Fernando. Humberto asks how Conceptos is doing and she tells him everything's fine. Humberto wanders away and Teresita tells Marcia he's been worried about the company ever since the video fiasco.
Lety comes out to go to lunch and Omar asks her to sit. He starts questioning her about the embargo and whether or not she's been discreet. She tells them someone will be coming to inventory the business and Fernando's upset because the timing sucks what with his parents being there and the Bella Life Commercial Launch and all. Lety uses the diversion to escape to her office. Omar leaves and Fern goes into Lety's office. He plays for sympathy and tells her he's afraid of the steps they've been taking with the company. Seeing him so sad and vulnerable, she tries to reassure him that the company is in good hands. Fern moves in close and touches her face and moves in for a kiss.
Labels: fea-m
Saturday, October 27, 2007
October 26, 2007 Yo Amo a Juan – In Which Pastor Meets His Brother and We Are Reminded That Fiction is Stranger Than Truth
We open to revisit Pastor checking his watch and wondering how many hours an operation can take. It’s really inconsiderate of them not to come out and let one know what’s happening, too. Juan, of course, tries to help him calm—these things take time. He tries to get Pastor to sit, and the doctor comes in with sad news that Doña Pastora has not made it through the operation. Pastor is inconsolable. Juan can only thought bubble that words are insufficient for the loss of a mother, and only time will help.
We revisit CL arriving home to find Chelo alone; when he asks about Monica, he’s informed that he should know better than anyone where she is. He grinds his teeth.
Juan stands behind Pastor, hands on Pastor’s shoulders, and lets Pastor ask the inevitable “why?” questions. She had always wanted to die in her bed, surrounded by folks who loved her. Juan assures him that Pastor was with her at the end, and that’s what matters. Pastor continues to mourn: his mother was everything to him, and without her he has no one. If she is not here, he has no reason to exist. Juan won’t hear of it. He assures Pastor he’s important to society, a good man, and an exemplary son. Pastor denies this. He says he’s a fraud, a caricature of a man. He walks away and Juan follows, sternly scolding him not to say such things. Juan tells Pastor there is nothing more important in this life than to have been loved as much as Pastor was loved his mother. Juan tells Pastor his mother was at peace. And he wants to assure Pastor that she was completely happy, totally fulfilled. Pastor is doubtful, but Juan exhorts him; he’s not just saying that so Pastor will feel better. It’s the pure truth, and from Juan’s heart. Pastor just cries and Juan guides him to a chair. Juan gets onto his knee to continue comforting Pastor [Ed. Note: What a Guy!] Juan tells Pastor his mother was lucky to have Pastor right until the end; she was loved. Many people don’t have that and it makes closing the chapters of our lives much more difficult. He reminds Pastor that she’s done with suffering. She’s got eternal peace, and is with God. Juan tells him to cry, because it signifies that Pastor is able to feel the most beautiful of emotions that God gave us to make us human. And above all, he had his mother’s love. Pastor whimpers and weeps as Juan smiles fondly and leans to give him a half hug. Juan tells him “cry, Don Pastor, cry,” and Pastor does. [Ed. Note: Wow. ¡Qué emoción! What a spectacular job these two did.]
CL stands in the empty and darkened bedroom of the apartment. He looks pensive as he leans against the corner of a cupboard. Chelo comes into the room behind him, in her regular clothes, and asks if she can offer him anything. He shakes his head without looking around and takes a drag on his cigarette. She’ll just go, then. The camera closes in on CL’s face. He’s crying and his eyes look like he spent the last week awake. At least for the next 30 seconds or so, he might be sorry that Monica is gone.
Paula is sitting on the end of her bed, talking on the phone and taking her 4-inch heels off. She tells Ana that she got her car today. It’s way cool! (padrísimo). Paula’s so pleased to share this moment with her mother. She’s had a difficult day, appalling (espantoso), with lots of work.
We see VERY red stockings and VERY high black heels with a rather short black skirt – makes me think of Nebraska on any Cornhusker home game Saturday – swaying up a couple of steps. CL’s disembodied voice asks Laura if she knows where “she” is. The camera pans to a lovely face of a young woman in a white blouse and black low vest. Laura says she has no idea. He tells her to understand; he’s desperate. Laura says she hasn’t seen Monica in ages (siglos, centuries). She has no idea where Moni could be. (I can’t understand why she would say that, since she and Moni clearly both got the same memo about wearing red, black and white today). Laura asks if they fought very hard. CL confirms it was hard enough. He doesn’t want to talk about it. He asks for a favor. If Laura finds out where Moni is, let him know, or tell Moni to call him. Laura tells him not to worry and hangs up. Moni wants to know what he said. She tells Moni “he’s really down.” (Está hecho polvo – he’s made into dust). That’s the point, that he’ll be in pieces. [Ed. Note: Fat chance. Moni, you’re barking up the wrong tree.] Laura thinks she should throw him out in the street. Moni thanks her for the advice, but she prefers to handle it her way. Laura wants to know why Moni is disappearing to give him an open road to keep it up with that woman. Moni thinks she has the upper hand (ventaja, advantage) and she’s going to make their life h***. Moni tells Laura not to worry that they’ll escape their punishment; she swears they’ll be punished and they’ll both be sorry. [Ed. Note: What the heck could she have up that red sleeve?] She squares her jaw and demonstrates her best stink eye for Laura.
Paula has changed into lovely sage green velour sweats. She answers the phone; it’s Nidia. Does Nidia want to talk with Ana? No, Nidia has a little advice for Paula, since she promised Ana she’d look after Paula while Ana was gone. Paula is fondly irritated. The advice is about Paula’s night visitor. Paula is confused. Duh. Nidia advises her that a decent little girl doesn’t let her boyfriend stay over and take advantage of Mami’s absence. So, don’t do it again. Paula sighs and rubs her forehead. Paula sarcastically thanks her, asks her permission to retire, then hangs up, and sighs disgustedly. Nidia, who hasn’t had the last word for the first time since mid-June, shakes her head and laments the girls of today. They just don’t listen to advice.
At the night school, students pass into the room, but Kike is already in his seat working hard on the lesson. The Profa is coming so the students rush to their seats. She wants to know why Kike is alone again. He stutters an excuse for Juan—he has a little family problem, but she’s not buying it. What a shame! Probably his grandmother died. Kike basically tells her that’s close enough. She doesn’t ever want to see Juan around there again, and she threatens again to expel Juan. Kike is again left holding the bag for Juan.
Paula is pouring coffee and talking to Juan about Pastor. “Poor man, he must be devastated.” Juan agrees that Pastor is. He’s still at the hospital with Pastor, but has found a pay phone. [Ed. Note: Do they still have pay phones on this continent? Not according to the Spanish ads I hear for Cingular/Sprint/Verizon, etc.]. Paula tells Juan to let Pastor know if he needs anything, she’s there for him. He calls her endearing names and asks her to inform the office folk. Pastor is so alone, Juan reckons he needs to stay and help him, especially tomorrow at the wake (velorio). She’ll take care of it, she tells him. Juan also wants to know they won’t be able to see each other tonight since he really needs to stay with Pastor. She tells him to calm down, it’s fine and she understands perfectly. It’s a noble gesture. He thanks her sweetly [Ed. Note: what an ANGEL!] and asks how she is. Paula tells him she’s okay, but going to bed early because she’s wiped out (molida). He scolds her to take care of herself (okay, not a literal translation by any stretch, but that’s the idea) “you hear me, Licenciada?.” She chuckles a little. Yes, Juan. He tells her they’ll see each other tomorrow, sends her an air kiss on the phone, and tells her to sleep thinking of him. She tells him thanks, until tomorrow, and hangs up.
Nidia, the muchachas and Delirio are all in their jammies in Nidia’s room, sitting on the bed, watching a novela on the tele that’s on the dresser. This is quintessential family togetherness. Delirio is not nearly as wrapped up in it as the girls all are. They’re oohing and aahing over the novela, all huddled together with Yadi in the middle, the muchachas sucking their thumbs. He grumbles at them as he’s being eased off the edge of the bed by Nidia’s rump. Delirio grumbles that he’s like Horace. [¿¿Qué??] Nidia totally ignores him and wonders aloud where Juan is, and why he hasn’t arrived home—is he sleeping away from home again? [Like she thinks one more big man will fit on that bed!] Delirio grumbles about Juan, “this señor thinks this is a hotel, and there are no schedules to follow. Marely snaps up and looks at Yadi and Nidia. “What an idiot I am! I forgot to tell you the mother of Pastor got very sick and he helped take her to the hospital! They were going to operate!” Nidia and Yadi express their sorrow, but Delirio thinks there’s a bright side—Juan will be pleased to be at the side of his “detail,” hugging him, giving him his shoulder, etc. [Ed. Note: Don’t you just want to slap the man sometimes?] Nidia scolds him. What a beast, an animal! (We hear a donkey braying in the background). Marely points out she’d like to have the sensitivity of Juan. Delirio finally falls off the edge of the bed. It’s about time. Nidia sarcastically asks his pardon. The girls giggle. Nidia tells Delirio that before she forgets, tomorrow first thing he’s going to get his okole up, get ready, get breakfast, and get into see CL to talk about his work . Delirio bounds up and yells. He’s NEVER going back to that office! Not even if CL was kneeling in front of him! Nidia yells back that he’s going to do that very thing, or there’ll be consequences. Delirio tries to yell again and Yadi interrupts him. He’s interfering with their novela! He throws up his hands in disgust, then starts to leave, but throws his hands up in front of the screen before he goes in defiance. The girls all put their thumbs back in their mouths and settle back down for a night of novelas. Sort of like us.
As Pastor and Juan leave St. Rita’s Hospital, Pastor thanks Juan. He’s taken up all of Juan’s day. Juan, his arm around Pastor’s shoulders, tells him he couldn’t have left him alone in this time. They should go eat something. Pastor says he’s not hungry. Well, then, Juan will take him home so he can make the calls to his family members. What family? Pastor tells Juan he has no one. Juan tries again….a lost uncle, a cousin? Pastor sighs; there is no one. It’s a cruel irony—all his life he dreamed of having brothers and sisters, cousins, someone to play with, to share Christmas with, or birthdays. But there never was anyone. Just her and me. Pastor continues; when he was in grammar school (colegio—a private parochial school, probably) no one wanted to play with him. He knew he was somehow different. He was sensitive, loved fine things and beauty, and not football. Everyone made fun of him. He suffered so much. It became an obsession to have a brother. What a cruel irony it was that at the end of her life, she had such a big surprise for him. Juan is curious what sort of surprise that was. “That supposedly I have a brother. What do you think of that?” Juan is impactado, but remarks that seems like it would be good news. Pastor supposes so. Anyway, he would be the only person Pastor needs to inform of his mother’s death. He needs to follow through with his mother’s last wish (voluntad – will). But, it’s more than a duty. He’s not the same child he was. After all this, they’re not going to toss a football around. Pastor cries again, and Juan hugs him.
Paula has called Marely. Her telephone is Grand Central tonight. She lets Marely know about Pastor’s mother’s death. Marely will help inform others. Paula thanks her and hangs up. The doorbell rings. So much for a quiet night and hitting the hay early. Guess who’s coming to ….. well, not dinner? CL, por supuesto. If she doesn’t open in less than a second he’s going to FREEZE! [Ed. Note; at least it will keep the champagne cool.] Paula wants to know qué the heck he’s doing here, and scolds him, reminding him she’s not going to be pressured, and that’s what he’s doing. He tells her she’s right, but he couldn’t keep away. [Ed. Note: apparently, his deep, prolonged grieving over Monica’s departure is over.] She tells him to begin to control his urges (ganas). She tells him that Pastor’s mother has passed away. CL actually looks a bit stricken by this news for a moment.
The girls have toddled off to bed and Nidia is getting her side ready. Delirio comes in and sarcastically asks if he can enter his bedroom, or are the ladies of the house inclined to watch more television? She remarks that she hears buzzing in her ears….and he can just glue himself to the roof (????). He tells her he’s going to buzz at her and he’s not returning to Farell. He gives her all the reasons why he’s not going, and lose his dignity. Yadi bursts into the room in her jammies and ignores Delirio, begging her Mami to come downstairs RIGHT NOW! Nidia runs after her, leaving Delirio fuming.
CL is finally serious and focused on something other than his ….. uh….. needs. Does Paula know what funeral home Doña Pastora will be taken to? No. Juan will be letting me know. CL is sorry for Pastor; he understands that Pastor has no other family and is very attached to his mother. Paula remarks that it’s terrible to be that age and be alone in the world. CL agrees. And of course, the conversation makes a 180 back to his…..uh….needs. He starts in on her again with his polished line. Life is offering them….hablablablabla….. She tells him there are times it’s better to be alone than accompanied badly. He agrees [Ed. Note: his favorite strategy, agree with everything and change the subject back to his goal]. He talks about when one finds one’s soul mate (alma gemela, soul twin)…..and strokes her cheek. And the line goes on, and on, and on. [Ed. Note: oh, my, what nicely buffed nails he has.] Paula pulls his hand away, but he’s not deterred. He murmurs more pressure-laden junk about the same soul and practices the kisses he learned from watching Duelo de Pasiones. She responds into commercial…..
Apparently during the commercial she came to and now she’s pushing him away. He protests he just wants to show her how much he loves her. She’s not buying it. She wants him to respect the deal they have. He agrees, okay. But, he just KNOWS she felt the same about that kiss as he did. She reminds him no pressure! Just go! Okay, okay, he adds a few more thoughts calculated to pressure about how he feels and backs toward the door. Ooops, one more thing….he rushes her again and she tells him NO. She points at the door. He starts toward it, but she calls him back. He looks hopeful, but she just wants to hand him the bottle he forgot. He smiles and takes it. [Ed. Note: I think it’s Judy B who keeps reminding us what a great actor Alexis Ayala is. He’s doing this to a “t..”] Finally, he’s gone. But, not forgotten. Paula smiles fondly. [Ed. Note: Idiot.]
Marely offers a drink to Pastor, who is sitting in the living room at Casa Cachón. Nidia is talking aside to Juan about poor Pastor. We see Juan’s lovely portrait in the background. [Ed. Note: Will Pastor take his painting of Juan home now that Pastora won’t be complaining about it? I’m just saying.] Nidia holds Juan’s arm. Pastor is suffering a lot. Juan points out he has no one, and is alone now. He shouldn’t be sleeping alone in his home tonight. He’d better stay here. Nidia is impactada. Where? Maybe Juan should go to Pastor’s home and stay with him there? No, given Pastor’s current mood, not a good idea. Juan volunteers his own room; Juan will be comfortable on the sofa. Nidia tells him what a heart he has. Not many men have his sensitivity. She is so happy, and proud of him. She hugs him and calls him son; he hugs her back. Could it be that Nidia is changing to feel motherly feelings toward Juan? Could be, since she has Fern as a back-up young galán. Marely, on her knees, comforts Pastor as he drinks a cup of tea. Juan thought bubbles that the Grim Reaper (huesuda) arrives when we least expect him. When another dies, a piece of one dies with him (her). We see a lovely sunrise, as Juan continues to thought bubble that the following morning, life continued. We see him at the hospital signing the death certificate with the physician, Pastor standing some feet away and not involved. “The poor man had no head” to do the formalities, sign the certificates that would make his mother’s death official. He continues to thought bubble that they selected a flower spray that would let her arrive to heaven well decorated. He had told the Child of Atocha that she had her unique personality, but wasn’t bad people. He asked God to give her a special place in heaven. Then they went to look for Pastor’s brother. Juan asks Pastor what? We’re looking for your brother here? He holds up the paper that Pastora had given her son with is half-brother’s address. Yes, that’s the place. Juan protests that this is in the middle of the public markets (abastos). Pastor is mildly impactado, and Juan is muy impactado. “What’s your brother’s name?” Juan asks. (Are you ready, gentle readers?) “Angarita,” Pastor responds, “Angarita Calvo.” “No way!” Juan tells him. Pastor says that’s what his mother put on the paper. Juan tells him that’s incredible, and we all agree with him. (Wasn’t it just two weeks ago that Don Angarita chased a herd of thugs away who were harassing Juan and Kike?) Juan declares that the world is a handkerchief (small); he knows Pastor’s brother. Pastor is really impactado. “For real?”
The market is humming; it reminds one of the Market in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Juan waits while Pastor confronts his destiny: he has the brother he always dreamed of. Or not. Angarita says “son of the guayaba,” which might mean a guava or the lie, the fib. Anyone know? Angarita can’t believe it. Pastor responds that he’s just as flustered as Angarita. Juan hovers in the background like a mother hen. Angarita says he must be the very Pastor Gaitán. Pastor reaches out his hand to shake Angarita’s, telling him “pleased to meet you, brother,” but his tone of voice and body language make us wonder…..caray, this is awkward. Angarita pumps his arm until Pastor’s teeth rattle. Angarita returns the greeting. Pastor grabs his arm away and rubs it; they eye each other warily and possibly with a bit of disgust. Juan eyes them both and thought bubbles that it must be a heavy thing to find oneself with an instant brother, and they have a mother in common. All he could think at the moment, Juan continues, is about the crash of two such different worlds that’s coming.
CL is giving instructions to Ivonne regarding how to handle Pastor’s mother’s funeral. Ivonne has found that the funeral home is “The Last Breath,” and the mass will be at noon, at the church near funeral home. CL wants to know who is going from the office. Ivonne says it’s a group of those closest to Pastor, if that’s not a problem. CL assures her it’s fine. For a change, they’re not fussing and they’re both subdued. He tells her to arrange everything that’s needed and to send a corona of flowers (a wreath) from the company. Monica bursts in and greets them; only Ivonne initially responds. CL tells Ivonne she can leave them alone. He accosts Monica, wanting to know where the h*** she stayed the night before. She smiles slightly with a “what’s it to you?” sort of look. They face off with glares.
Ivonne is back at her desk, with Paula standing in front of her. Paula is clearly dressed for a funeral. Her black dress is at least four inches longer than usual and doesn’t outline her okole. What a shame, Ivonne tells her with a signature smirk, but CL is busy at the moment. His wife arrived and is with him. Paula asks if she doesn’t mean his ex? Ivonne stands and asserts that Monica is still his legal wife, clearly taking much joy in making this point. She wonders if Paula maybe isn’t aware how CL handles these formalities (jerarquías, hierarchies, formalities). Paula warns her to watch herself. Ivonne continues that the wife is above the lovers. Paula sets her jaw. Ivonne continues that the wives who have class, like Sra. Monica, have preference over the **bleep** like you, you understand. Paula dives over the desk at her and a girl fight is in full swing. All the lobby folk run to the desk and Marely pulls Paula away from choking Ivonne over the desk. They’re all yelling. Ivonne calls Paula stupid and tells her she’s going to disintegrate Paula—“cut-rate slut!” (Golfa barata). CL and Moni come rushing out the door of his office, CL yelling “what the h*** is going on here?” Ivonne is angry impactada. Paula glares and gulps.
Juan chats with one of the market workers. We see Angarita coming down some stairs with a couple of coffees, telling Pastor “she was a good woman, with her temper, but a good woman.” [Ed. Note: he obviously knew the Pastora we all knew and loved.] Pastor tells him it’s a terrible loss. Angarita gives him a coffee, and tells Pastor at least he was able to enjoy her more than Angarita could. He just had her for short times. Pastor asks him for no reproaches, please. Pastor continues that he can hardly make sense of what was hidden for so many years. Angarita points out that everyone has something naughty (travesura) recorded in the book. And, all have attempted to cover some stain (corrector a la mancha). Pastor says that she wasn’t the kind of person to do those kinds of bad things, and even less the kind of deeds that she would hide in the trunk of secrets (baúl). Angarita tells him he’d best not judge, because he has no right. Pastor agrees. On the contrary, it makes her more human. Pastor imagines that it must not have been easy for her to have to give up Angarita, and perhaps that’s why she overprotected Pastor so much. Now he understands better why at times she was as she was. Pastor becomes sadder as the relates this to Angarita. Angarita jumps in, uncomfortable and tells him not to get to bawling right here. Have patience, like your mother, who was like iron. You have to be strong. Accept things as they are. Pastor agrees he is right. He tells Angarita that he imagines if she were here, she’d be whacking him for crying. He wipes his nose. He tells Angarita that when his mother told him he had a brother, he didn’t imagine someone like Angarita. Angarita agrees that he also didn’t imagine one like Pastor. He looks Pastor over and pauses before he finishes that thought. Pastor stares at Angarita. [Ed. Note: now we understand why a couple of weeks ago Kike saw Pastora get into a cab at the loading dock near Angarita’s warehouse, when she disappeared from the church while Pastor waited for her.]
Paula is being scolded, after a fashion, by Moni in Paula’s office while Marely looks on in the office. Moni is surprised by Paula’s attitude, since she says Paula has been a woman well self-controlled. Paula defends herself. She didn’t start it; she and Ivonne have not had a good relationship, but she never thought it would come to an assault like this. Monica tells her according to what she’s been told, Paula provoked it. Paula rubs her head and tries to explain. Well, Paula replies, I reacted to her insults instinctively, nothing more. Moni isn’t buying it. What could a secretary have said that an highly placed executive would have been caught like this in front of all the employees. Paula responds they were nonsense that don’t bear repeating. She begs Moni’s pardon and it won’t happen again. Moni gives her a stink eye and Marely looks distinctly worried.
Juan is selling fruit to some shoppers while Pastor tells Angarita that it was he who said they must accept things as they are, and they are brothers and should have something in common [Ed. Note: hard to imagine just what, but I guess we’ll see.] Angarita sarcastically points out it must be something well hidden. He wants to know about Pastor’s relationship with Juan. Is he family, too? Nope, Pastor tells his brother, just a friend. A very good friend. Angarita thinks he has this figured out. He changes the subject. Is Pastor going to have a wake, to stand watch over their mother? Juan looks over at them and thought bubbles that it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out that Angarita ….and doggone but there was no way I understood any of the rest of it. Jump in any time, anyone. Angarita and Pastor continue to chat and Juan continues to hawk Angarita’s produce.
CL is chewing Ivonne out. What the heck was she doing? Putting that woman in her place, Ivonne retorts. She calls Paula a fox, and it isn’t a compliment. CL tells her not to refer to Paula in those terms. Ivonne spouts back at him and tells him that Paula’s putting on airs and has no rights while he has a legitimate wife. [Ed. Note: how amazing that SHE defends his wife.] CL yells at her that Paula has rights. Ivonne retorts that he should yell a little louder so his wife hears. He tells her that Moni already knows about his thing with Paula, and Ivonne can’t blackmail him with it. Well, Ivonne says smugly, anyway Monica is an owner of this company. “And?” “And it’s not in your best interest to make her into an enemy.”
Alirio bursts into CL’s office with warm greetings. He asks if he can enter, and answers his own question, of course he can. CL rolls his eyes and closes them, sighing. He and Ivonne glare at each other.
Nidia is fitting her wedding dress onto Yadi, who has her hands in long white gloves, clasped above her head. She’s grousing about Juan bringing that Pastor to live with them. Nidia clucks at her. It’s not for so long, just while he’s going through this sad time. Nidia thinks Juan will be calling her any time with information about the funeral. Yadi says she hates funerals. Nidia clucks at her again. Dramatic flamenco music plays as Nidia surveys the effect and declares that Yadi will look quite the lady on the day she marries. Yadi pouts; she looks “horrible, horrendous.” She’s definitely not getting married in this dress, she doesn’t like it. Nidia argues with her; Yadi looks divine and it’s all fixed. Yadi doesn’t like the style….it’s a little….nerdy (naco, Mexican). What nerdy? Nidia is offended that she’s offered her wedding dress and Yadi is insulting it. Yadi sits and pats Nidia’s hand, “it’s okay for your age, Mami.” “But for me?” Nidia tells her not another word! She understands and is offended. She tells Yadi to take off the dress and sarcastically blathers on. Yadi tells her not to be drama queen. Nidia calls her a countess, a duchess, and begs Yadi’s pardon for upsetting her delicate sensibilities, then storms away.
Juan is driving Pastor away from the market. How did your brother seem, he asks Pastor. Plenty ordinary, Pastor tells Juan. His feeling were hurt and he’s having trouble thinking about Angarita. “With no class. I would have preferred something else.” Juan defends Angarita. He may not have much class, but he has a good heart. He’s good people. If you say so, Pastor responds, looking out the window. He’s a little coarse for my taste. Juan points out that the market owners have two things: short tempers and lots of money. His brother is rolling in dough. Pastor can’t believe it could be so much. Juan tells him Angarita has six markets. He moves a lot of merchandise and makes a lot of money. Juan wonders where Pastor wants him to take him. Pastor wants to go home and change clothes, if it’s not too much trouble, then to the funeral home.
Delirio has made himself comfortable in CL’s office to talk about his readiness to come back to work. There are conditions, of course. He wants his work environment improved, for one. He’s really unmotivated by his previous treatment. CL’s eyebrows go up. Delirio continues that he did everything he was assigned to do. What did he get in return? CL shrugs. I was fired like that! Like I’d done something bad in the company. CL asks him what, then, are his aspirations? Delirio wants guarantees for work. Fair and kind treatment. He shakes his finger in the air to punctuate his requirements. And to improve his work conditions. CL offers him to continue in the archives. Delirio protests. No way. CL says he’d better thank God Nidia intervened for him …. But if this doesn’t interest him…. They go around a little, and Delirio sees the light. No, that’s fine. He’ll stay in the archives, but he’s sure he’ll be offered improvements in the future. He looks at CL meaningfully. He understands that CL has made an apology and he accepts it. CL looks pained. Delirio adds a few parting remarks about how it is sure to improve, and tells CL it’s been a pleasure as he slithers out the door. He greets Monica and backs out of her presence, true sycophant that he is.
Moni strides over to Ivonne’s desk and announces that she wants to talk to Ivonne. Ivonne has the grace to look a bit nervous and follows Moni to the office. Marely runs back into Paula’s office, telling her that it looks like Paula is going to have problems. Paula wants to know what more? Marely isn’t sure, but Ivonne went with Monica to her office and Marely’s sure that Paula is the theme of the conversation.
Ivonne is describing how Paula became hysterical and tried to treat her like a servant but she wasn’t giving into it. But Ivonne only takes orders from Don Cesár Luís. Moni wants to know if Paula was abusing her authority how come Ivonne didn’t just take it up with CL instead of fighting with Paula? Oh, well, CL doesn’t like this type of intrigue, and much less when it’s about la Licenciada Paula. What? Well, she’s always had many considerations. Now she acts like she’s the owner of Farell Industries. Moni assures her she can be calm, because the reign of Paula Dávila won’t last much longer. Ivonne puts on a very convincing worried look when she really wants to cheer.
CL asks Paula what happened. Paula says that woman called her a slut, insulted her. Paula knows she did the wrong thing, but just responded to the slur. CL points out it’s even more important for her to control herself than for Ivonne. Paula normally would, but she couldn’t help it. This woman is insufferable! CL tells her in that she is totally right. Paula grins a little. Is he supporting her? One hundred percent! (Cien por ciento). She breaks into a wide grin. He can’t actually congratulate her, but it was about time someone put this woman into her place. She’s presumptuous and insolent. CL asks if she’s gone to the funeral home yet? She hasn’t, so he says they’ll go together. What about your wife? She’s not my wife. She points out the legalities. Okay, I’m no lawyer, no judge, but for all practical purposes, Monica and I are separated. Paula says she’s not used to it yet. He tells her she’ll get used to it. They’ll go together. They go to the garage and round up Fern to take them to the funeral home.
At the funeral home, the wreath from Farell is lovely. The wood casket is shiny and rich, with a lovely white spray over it. Candles burn around the room. Pastor stands mournfully at the end of the casket, looking at it. Nidia and Yadi stop abruptly as they enter the room and seem him and the casket. Yadi has changed into mourning clothing, which is simply her regular look in black. Nidia is a bit more reserved. Yadi protests again that she hates funerals. Nidia scolds and compels her on. They greet Pastor and Nidia offers the most sincere sympathy on behalf of her family. Pastor thanks her, and Yadi nicely tells him that they are with him. Nidia wonders where Juan is—isn’t he with Pastor? Yes, but he had to go back to the office, and he’ll come shortly. Pastor fights tears. He explains that Juan hasn’t left him alone for a single second. Nidia says Juan is of the tenth degree, and Yadi says the twentieth (the best). Pastor says it’s at times like this when one can really measure the size of people’s hearts. Juan, with no other motives, has such great generosity. He’s treated Pastor like a prince, like a brother. Nidia gives him a hug as his tears come, and Yadi stands with her arms crossed, looking a little irritated. Nidia looks over her shoulder at Yadi and makes a face at Yadi’s pouting.
Juan gets out of the car in the Farell garage and sees Kike. Kike wants to know where he’s been. Juan says he’s been helping Pastor with the details for his mother. Kike says that’s very big of you, but I have bad news. He tells Juan about the Profa’s threats to expel Juan. Juan tells Kike he was busy all night helping Pastor. He says all he has to do is go in and his lovely face will do the miracle and will change her mind. He tells Kike the news about Pastor having a brother—a brother in blood, not like Juan and Kike are brothers—Don Angarita! Kike can’t believe it. They have different last names! Juan explains that Doña Pastora, may she rest in peace, had a little thing before she was married and Don Angarita is the result. Juan wants to know where Paula is, he’s going to get her to go to the funeral home. Juan runs upstairs, and sees Marely, who is going to the wake (velorio). Marely breaks the news that she’s gone with CL. Juan frowns with a puzzled expression as we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.
Monday: Is Juan finally going to deck César Luis or are we going to have to wait some more?
Vocabulary:
Padrísimo – way cool, extremely cool
Espantoso – scary, appalling
Está hecho polvo – he’s really down, shattered (made into dust)
Velorio – funeral wake, funeral vigil
Molida – beat, tired, wiped out
Voluntad – wish, will
Abastos - public markets
Golfa barata – cut-rate slut, or street slut
Naco – nerdy, trashy, stupid
Huesudo/a - Grim Reaper, bony
We revisit CL arriving home to find Chelo alone; when he asks about Monica, he’s informed that he should know better than anyone where she is. He grinds his teeth.
Juan stands behind Pastor, hands on Pastor’s shoulders, and lets Pastor ask the inevitable “why?” questions. She had always wanted to die in her bed, surrounded by folks who loved her. Juan assures him that Pastor was with her at the end, and that’s what matters. Pastor continues to mourn: his mother was everything to him, and without her he has no one. If she is not here, he has no reason to exist. Juan won’t hear of it. He assures Pastor he’s important to society, a good man, and an exemplary son. Pastor denies this. He says he’s a fraud, a caricature of a man. He walks away and Juan follows, sternly scolding him not to say such things. Juan tells Pastor there is nothing more important in this life than to have been loved as much as Pastor was loved his mother. Juan tells Pastor his mother was at peace. And he wants to assure Pastor that she was completely happy, totally fulfilled. Pastor is doubtful, but Juan exhorts him; he’s not just saying that so Pastor will feel better. It’s the pure truth, and from Juan’s heart. Pastor just cries and Juan guides him to a chair. Juan gets onto his knee to continue comforting Pastor [Ed. Note: What a Guy!] Juan tells Pastor his mother was lucky to have Pastor right until the end; she was loved. Many people don’t have that and it makes closing the chapters of our lives much more difficult. He reminds Pastor that she’s done with suffering. She’s got eternal peace, and is with God. Juan tells him to cry, because it signifies that Pastor is able to feel the most beautiful of emotions that God gave us to make us human. And above all, he had his mother’s love. Pastor whimpers and weeps as Juan smiles fondly and leans to give him a half hug. Juan tells him “cry, Don Pastor, cry,” and Pastor does. [Ed. Note: Wow. ¡Qué emoción! What a spectacular job these two did.]
CL stands in the empty and darkened bedroom of the apartment. He looks pensive as he leans against the corner of a cupboard. Chelo comes into the room behind him, in her regular clothes, and asks if she can offer him anything. He shakes his head without looking around and takes a drag on his cigarette. She’ll just go, then. The camera closes in on CL’s face. He’s crying and his eyes look like he spent the last week awake. At least for the next 30 seconds or so, he might be sorry that Monica is gone.
Paula is sitting on the end of her bed, talking on the phone and taking her 4-inch heels off. She tells Ana that she got her car today. It’s way cool! (padrísimo). Paula’s so pleased to share this moment with her mother. She’s had a difficult day, appalling (espantoso), with lots of work.
We see VERY red stockings and VERY high black heels with a rather short black skirt – makes me think of Nebraska on any Cornhusker home game Saturday – swaying up a couple of steps. CL’s disembodied voice asks Laura if she knows where “she” is. The camera pans to a lovely face of a young woman in a white blouse and black low vest. Laura says she has no idea. He tells her to understand; he’s desperate. Laura says she hasn’t seen Monica in ages (siglos, centuries). She has no idea where Moni could be. (I can’t understand why she would say that, since she and Moni clearly both got the same memo about wearing red, black and white today). Laura asks if they fought very hard. CL confirms it was hard enough. He doesn’t want to talk about it. He asks for a favor. If Laura finds out where Moni is, let him know, or tell Moni to call him. Laura tells him not to worry and hangs up. Moni wants to know what he said. She tells Moni “he’s really down.” (Está hecho polvo – he’s made into dust). That’s the point, that he’ll be in pieces. [Ed. Note: Fat chance. Moni, you’re barking up the wrong tree.] Laura thinks she should throw him out in the street. Moni thanks her for the advice, but she prefers to handle it her way. Laura wants to know why Moni is disappearing to give him an open road to keep it up with that woman. Moni thinks she has the upper hand (ventaja, advantage) and she’s going to make their life h***. Moni tells Laura not to worry that they’ll escape their punishment; she swears they’ll be punished and they’ll both be sorry. [Ed. Note: What the heck could she have up that red sleeve?] She squares her jaw and demonstrates her best stink eye for Laura.
Paula has changed into lovely sage green velour sweats. She answers the phone; it’s Nidia. Does Nidia want to talk with Ana? No, Nidia has a little advice for Paula, since she promised Ana she’d look after Paula while Ana was gone. Paula is fondly irritated. The advice is about Paula’s night visitor. Paula is confused. Duh. Nidia advises her that a decent little girl doesn’t let her boyfriend stay over and take advantage of Mami’s absence. So, don’t do it again. Paula sighs and rubs her forehead. Paula sarcastically thanks her, asks her permission to retire, then hangs up, and sighs disgustedly. Nidia, who hasn’t had the last word for the first time since mid-June, shakes her head and laments the girls of today. They just don’t listen to advice.
At the night school, students pass into the room, but Kike is already in his seat working hard on the lesson. The Profa is coming so the students rush to their seats. She wants to know why Kike is alone again. He stutters an excuse for Juan—he has a little family problem, but she’s not buying it. What a shame! Probably his grandmother died. Kike basically tells her that’s close enough. She doesn’t ever want to see Juan around there again, and she threatens again to expel Juan. Kike is again left holding the bag for Juan.
Paula is pouring coffee and talking to Juan about Pastor. “Poor man, he must be devastated.” Juan agrees that Pastor is. He’s still at the hospital with Pastor, but has found a pay phone. [Ed. Note: Do they still have pay phones on this continent? Not according to the Spanish ads I hear for Cingular/Sprint/Verizon, etc.]. Paula tells Juan to let Pastor know if he needs anything, she’s there for him. He calls her endearing names and asks her to inform the office folk. Pastor is so alone, Juan reckons he needs to stay and help him, especially tomorrow at the wake (velorio). She’ll take care of it, she tells him. Juan also wants to know they won’t be able to see each other tonight since he really needs to stay with Pastor. She tells him to calm down, it’s fine and she understands perfectly. It’s a noble gesture. He thanks her sweetly [Ed. Note: what an ANGEL!] and asks how she is. Paula tells him she’s okay, but going to bed early because she’s wiped out (molida). He scolds her to take care of herself (okay, not a literal translation by any stretch, but that’s the idea) “you hear me, Licenciada?.” She chuckles a little. Yes, Juan. He tells her they’ll see each other tomorrow, sends her an air kiss on the phone, and tells her to sleep thinking of him. She tells him thanks, until tomorrow, and hangs up.
Nidia, the muchachas and Delirio are all in their jammies in Nidia’s room, sitting on the bed, watching a novela on the tele that’s on the dresser. This is quintessential family togetherness. Delirio is not nearly as wrapped up in it as the girls all are. They’re oohing and aahing over the novela, all huddled together with Yadi in the middle, the muchachas sucking their thumbs. He grumbles at them as he’s being eased off the edge of the bed by Nidia’s rump. Delirio grumbles that he’s like Horace. [¿¿Qué??] Nidia totally ignores him and wonders aloud where Juan is, and why he hasn’t arrived home—is he sleeping away from home again? [Like she thinks one more big man will fit on that bed!] Delirio grumbles about Juan, “this señor thinks this is a hotel, and there are no schedules to follow. Marely snaps up and looks at Yadi and Nidia. “What an idiot I am! I forgot to tell you the mother of Pastor got very sick and he helped take her to the hospital! They were going to operate!” Nidia and Yadi express their sorrow, but Delirio thinks there’s a bright side—Juan will be pleased to be at the side of his “detail,” hugging him, giving him his shoulder, etc. [Ed. Note: Don’t you just want to slap the man sometimes?] Nidia scolds him. What a beast, an animal! (We hear a donkey braying in the background). Marely points out she’d like to have the sensitivity of Juan. Delirio finally falls off the edge of the bed. It’s about time. Nidia sarcastically asks his pardon. The girls giggle. Nidia tells Delirio that before she forgets, tomorrow first thing he’s going to get his okole up, get ready, get breakfast, and get into see CL to talk about his work . Delirio bounds up and yells. He’s NEVER going back to that office! Not even if CL was kneeling in front of him! Nidia yells back that he’s going to do that very thing, or there’ll be consequences. Delirio tries to yell again and Yadi interrupts him. He’s interfering with their novela! He throws up his hands in disgust, then starts to leave, but throws his hands up in front of the screen before he goes in defiance. The girls all put their thumbs back in their mouths and settle back down for a night of novelas. Sort of like us.
As Pastor and Juan leave St. Rita’s Hospital, Pastor thanks Juan. He’s taken up all of Juan’s day. Juan, his arm around Pastor’s shoulders, tells him he couldn’t have left him alone in this time. They should go eat something. Pastor says he’s not hungry. Well, then, Juan will take him home so he can make the calls to his family members. What family? Pastor tells Juan he has no one. Juan tries again….a lost uncle, a cousin? Pastor sighs; there is no one. It’s a cruel irony—all his life he dreamed of having brothers and sisters, cousins, someone to play with, to share Christmas with, or birthdays. But there never was anyone. Just her and me. Pastor continues; when he was in grammar school (colegio—a private parochial school, probably) no one wanted to play with him. He knew he was somehow different. He was sensitive, loved fine things and beauty, and not football. Everyone made fun of him. He suffered so much. It became an obsession to have a brother. What a cruel irony it was that at the end of her life, she had such a big surprise for him. Juan is curious what sort of surprise that was. “That supposedly I have a brother. What do you think of that?” Juan is impactado, but remarks that seems like it would be good news. Pastor supposes so. Anyway, he would be the only person Pastor needs to inform of his mother’s death. He needs to follow through with his mother’s last wish (voluntad – will). But, it’s more than a duty. He’s not the same child he was. After all this, they’re not going to toss a football around. Pastor cries again, and Juan hugs him.
Paula has called Marely. Her telephone is Grand Central tonight. She lets Marely know about Pastor’s mother’s death. Marely will help inform others. Paula thanks her and hangs up. The doorbell rings. So much for a quiet night and hitting the hay early. Guess who’s coming to ….. well, not dinner? CL, por supuesto. If she doesn’t open in less than a second he’s going to FREEZE! [Ed. Note; at least it will keep the champagne cool.] Paula wants to know qué the heck he’s doing here, and scolds him, reminding him she’s not going to be pressured, and that’s what he’s doing. He tells her she’s right, but he couldn’t keep away. [Ed. Note: apparently, his deep, prolonged grieving over Monica’s departure is over.] She tells him to begin to control his urges (ganas). She tells him that Pastor’s mother has passed away. CL actually looks a bit stricken by this news for a moment.
The girls have toddled off to bed and Nidia is getting her side ready. Delirio comes in and sarcastically asks if he can enter his bedroom, or are the ladies of the house inclined to watch more television? She remarks that she hears buzzing in her ears….and he can just glue himself to the roof (????). He tells her he’s going to buzz at her and he’s not returning to Farell. He gives her all the reasons why he’s not going, and lose his dignity. Yadi bursts into the room in her jammies and ignores Delirio, begging her Mami to come downstairs RIGHT NOW! Nidia runs after her, leaving Delirio fuming.
CL is finally serious and focused on something other than his ….. uh….. needs. Does Paula know what funeral home Doña Pastora will be taken to? No. Juan will be letting me know. CL is sorry for Pastor; he understands that Pastor has no other family and is very attached to his mother. Paula remarks that it’s terrible to be that age and be alone in the world. CL agrees. And of course, the conversation makes a 180 back to his…..uh….needs. He starts in on her again with his polished line. Life is offering them….hablablablabla….. She tells him there are times it’s better to be alone than accompanied badly. He agrees [Ed. Note: his favorite strategy, agree with everything and change the subject back to his goal]. He talks about when one finds one’s soul mate (alma gemela, soul twin)…..and strokes her cheek. And the line goes on, and on, and on. [Ed. Note: oh, my, what nicely buffed nails he has.] Paula pulls his hand away, but he’s not deterred. He murmurs more pressure-laden junk about the same soul and practices the kisses he learned from watching Duelo de Pasiones. She responds into commercial…..
Apparently during the commercial she came to and now she’s pushing him away. He protests he just wants to show her how much he loves her. She’s not buying it. She wants him to respect the deal they have. He agrees, okay. But, he just KNOWS she felt the same about that kiss as he did. She reminds him no pressure! Just go! Okay, okay, he adds a few more thoughts calculated to pressure about how he feels and backs toward the door. Ooops, one more thing….he rushes her again and she tells him NO. She points at the door. He starts toward it, but she calls him back. He looks hopeful, but she just wants to hand him the bottle he forgot. He smiles and takes it. [Ed. Note: I think it’s Judy B who keeps reminding us what a great actor Alexis Ayala is. He’s doing this to a “t..”] Finally, he’s gone. But, not forgotten. Paula smiles fondly. [Ed. Note: Idiot.]
Marely offers a drink to Pastor, who is sitting in the living room at Casa Cachón. Nidia is talking aside to Juan about poor Pastor. We see Juan’s lovely portrait in the background. [Ed. Note: Will Pastor take his painting of Juan home now that Pastora won’t be complaining about it? I’m just saying.] Nidia holds Juan’s arm. Pastor is suffering a lot. Juan points out he has no one, and is alone now. He shouldn’t be sleeping alone in his home tonight. He’d better stay here. Nidia is impactada. Where? Maybe Juan should go to Pastor’s home and stay with him there? No, given Pastor’s current mood, not a good idea. Juan volunteers his own room; Juan will be comfortable on the sofa. Nidia tells him what a heart he has. Not many men have his sensitivity. She is so happy, and proud of him. She hugs him and calls him son; he hugs her back. Could it be that Nidia is changing to feel motherly feelings toward Juan? Could be, since she has Fern as a back-up young galán. Marely, on her knees, comforts Pastor as he drinks a cup of tea. Juan thought bubbles that the Grim Reaper (huesuda) arrives when we least expect him. When another dies, a piece of one dies with him (her). We see a lovely sunrise, as Juan continues to thought bubble that the following morning, life continued. We see him at the hospital signing the death certificate with the physician, Pastor standing some feet away and not involved. “The poor man had no head” to do the formalities, sign the certificates that would make his mother’s death official. He continues to thought bubble that they selected a flower spray that would let her arrive to heaven well decorated. He had told the Child of Atocha that she had her unique personality, but wasn’t bad people. He asked God to give her a special place in heaven. Then they went to look for Pastor’s brother. Juan asks Pastor what? We’re looking for your brother here? He holds up the paper that Pastora had given her son with is half-brother’s address. Yes, that’s the place. Juan protests that this is in the middle of the public markets (abastos). Pastor is mildly impactado, and Juan is muy impactado. “What’s your brother’s name?” Juan asks. (Are you ready, gentle readers?) “Angarita,” Pastor responds, “Angarita Calvo.” “No way!” Juan tells him. Pastor says that’s what his mother put on the paper. Juan tells him that’s incredible, and we all agree with him. (Wasn’t it just two weeks ago that Don Angarita chased a herd of thugs away who were harassing Juan and Kike?) Juan declares that the world is a handkerchief (small); he knows Pastor’s brother. Pastor is really impactado. “For real?”
The market is humming; it reminds one of the Market in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Juan waits while Pastor confronts his destiny: he has the brother he always dreamed of. Or not. Angarita says “son of the guayaba,” which might mean a guava or the lie, the fib. Anyone know? Angarita can’t believe it. Pastor responds that he’s just as flustered as Angarita. Juan hovers in the background like a mother hen. Angarita says he must be the very Pastor Gaitán. Pastor reaches out his hand to shake Angarita’s, telling him “pleased to meet you, brother,” but his tone of voice and body language make us wonder…..caray, this is awkward. Angarita pumps his arm until Pastor’s teeth rattle. Angarita returns the greeting. Pastor grabs his arm away and rubs it; they eye each other warily and possibly with a bit of disgust. Juan eyes them both and thought bubbles that it must be a heavy thing to find oneself with an instant brother, and they have a mother in common. All he could think at the moment, Juan continues, is about the crash of two such different worlds that’s coming.
CL is giving instructions to Ivonne regarding how to handle Pastor’s mother’s funeral. Ivonne has found that the funeral home is “The Last Breath,” and the mass will be at noon, at the church near funeral home. CL wants to know who is going from the office. Ivonne says it’s a group of those closest to Pastor, if that’s not a problem. CL assures her it’s fine. For a change, they’re not fussing and they’re both subdued. He tells her to arrange everything that’s needed and to send a corona of flowers (a wreath) from the company. Monica bursts in and greets them; only Ivonne initially responds. CL tells Ivonne she can leave them alone. He accosts Monica, wanting to know where the h*** she stayed the night before. She smiles slightly with a “what’s it to you?” sort of look. They face off with glares.
Ivonne is back at her desk, with Paula standing in front of her. Paula is clearly dressed for a funeral. Her black dress is at least four inches longer than usual and doesn’t outline her okole. What a shame, Ivonne tells her with a signature smirk, but CL is busy at the moment. His wife arrived and is with him. Paula asks if she doesn’t mean his ex? Ivonne stands and asserts that Monica is still his legal wife, clearly taking much joy in making this point. She wonders if Paula maybe isn’t aware how CL handles these formalities (jerarquías, hierarchies, formalities). Paula warns her to watch herself. Ivonne continues that the wife is above the lovers. Paula sets her jaw. Ivonne continues that the wives who have class, like Sra. Monica, have preference over the **bleep** like you, you understand. Paula dives over the desk at her and a girl fight is in full swing. All the lobby folk run to the desk and Marely pulls Paula away from choking Ivonne over the desk. They’re all yelling. Ivonne calls Paula stupid and tells her she’s going to disintegrate Paula—“cut-rate slut!” (Golfa barata). CL and Moni come rushing out the door of his office, CL yelling “what the h*** is going on here?” Ivonne is angry impactada. Paula glares and gulps.
Juan chats with one of the market workers. We see Angarita coming down some stairs with a couple of coffees, telling Pastor “she was a good woman, with her temper, but a good woman.” [Ed. Note: he obviously knew the Pastora we all knew and loved.] Pastor tells him it’s a terrible loss. Angarita gives him a coffee, and tells Pastor at least he was able to enjoy her more than Angarita could. He just had her for short times. Pastor asks him for no reproaches, please. Pastor continues that he can hardly make sense of what was hidden for so many years. Angarita points out that everyone has something naughty (travesura) recorded in the book. And, all have attempted to cover some stain (corrector a la mancha). Pastor says that she wasn’t the kind of person to do those kinds of bad things, and even less the kind of deeds that she would hide in the trunk of secrets (baúl). Angarita tells him he’d best not judge, because he has no right. Pastor agrees. On the contrary, it makes her more human. Pastor imagines that it must not have been easy for her to have to give up Angarita, and perhaps that’s why she overprotected Pastor so much. Now he understands better why at times she was as she was. Pastor becomes sadder as the relates this to Angarita. Angarita jumps in, uncomfortable and tells him not to get to bawling right here. Have patience, like your mother, who was like iron. You have to be strong. Accept things as they are. Pastor agrees he is right. He tells Angarita that he imagines if she were here, she’d be whacking him for crying. He wipes his nose. He tells Angarita that when his mother told him he had a brother, he didn’t imagine someone like Angarita. Angarita agrees that he also didn’t imagine one like Pastor. He looks Pastor over and pauses before he finishes that thought. Pastor stares at Angarita. [Ed. Note: now we understand why a couple of weeks ago Kike saw Pastora get into a cab at the loading dock near Angarita’s warehouse, when she disappeared from the church while Pastor waited for her.]
Paula is being scolded, after a fashion, by Moni in Paula’s office while Marely looks on in the office. Moni is surprised by Paula’s attitude, since she says Paula has been a woman well self-controlled. Paula defends herself. She didn’t start it; she and Ivonne have not had a good relationship, but she never thought it would come to an assault like this. Monica tells her according to what she’s been told, Paula provoked it. Paula rubs her head and tries to explain. Well, Paula replies, I reacted to her insults instinctively, nothing more. Moni isn’t buying it. What could a secretary have said that an highly placed executive would have been caught like this in front of all the employees. Paula responds they were nonsense that don’t bear repeating. She begs Moni’s pardon and it won’t happen again. Moni gives her a stink eye and Marely looks distinctly worried.
Juan is selling fruit to some shoppers while Pastor tells Angarita that it was he who said they must accept things as they are, and they are brothers and should have something in common [Ed. Note: hard to imagine just what, but I guess we’ll see.] Angarita sarcastically points out it must be something well hidden. He wants to know about Pastor’s relationship with Juan. Is he family, too? Nope, Pastor tells his brother, just a friend. A very good friend. Angarita thinks he has this figured out. He changes the subject. Is Pastor going to have a wake, to stand watch over their mother? Juan looks over at them and thought bubbles that it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out that Angarita ….and doggone but there was no way I understood any of the rest of it. Jump in any time, anyone. Angarita and Pastor continue to chat and Juan continues to hawk Angarita’s produce.
CL is chewing Ivonne out. What the heck was she doing? Putting that woman in her place, Ivonne retorts. She calls Paula a fox, and it isn’t a compliment. CL tells her not to refer to Paula in those terms. Ivonne spouts back at him and tells him that Paula’s putting on airs and has no rights while he has a legitimate wife. [Ed. Note: how amazing that SHE defends his wife.] CL yells at her that Paula has rights. Ivonne retorts that he should yell a little louder so his wife hears. He tells her that Moni already knows about his thing with Paula, and Ivonne can’t blackmail him with it. Well, Ivonne says smugly, anyway Monica is an owner of this company. “And?” “And it’s not in your best interest to make her into an enemy.”
Alirio bursts into CL’s office with warm greetings. He asks if he can enter, and answers his own question, of course he can. CL rolls his eyes and closes them, sighing. He and Ivonne glare at each other.
Nidia is fitting her wedding dress onto Yadi, who has her hands in long white gloves, clasped above her head. She’s grousing about Juan bringing that Pastor to live with them. Nidia clucks at her. It’s not for so long, just while he’s going through this sad time. Nidia thinks Juan will be calling her any time with information about the funeral. Yadi says she hates funerals. Nidia clucks at her again. Dramatic flamenco music plays as Nidia surveys the effect and declares that Yadi will look quite the lady on the day she marries. Yadi pouts; she looks “horrible, horrendous.” She’s definitely not getting married in this dress, she doesn’t like it. Nidia argues with her; Yadi looks divine and it’s all fixed. Yadi doesn’t like the style….it’s a little….nerdy (naco, Mexican). What nerdy? Nidia is offended that she’s offered her wedding dress and Yadi is insulting it. Yadi sits and pats Nidia’s hand, “it’s okay for your age, Mami.” “But for me?” Nidia tells her not another word! She understands and is offended. She tells Yadi to take off the dress and sarcastically blathers on. Yadi tells her not to be drama queen. Nidia calls her a countess, a duchess, and begs Yadi’s pardon for upsetting her delicate sensibilities, then storms away.
Juan is driving Pastor away from the market. How did your brother seem, he asks Pastor. Plenty ordinary, Pastor tells Juan. His feeling were hurt and he’s having trouble thinking about Angarita. “With no class. I would have preferred something else.” Juan defends Angarita. He may not have much class, but he has a good heart. He’s good people. If you say so, Pastor responds, looking out the window. He’s a little coarse for my taste. Juan points out that the market owners have two things: short tempers and lots of money. His brother is rolling in dough. Pastor can’t believe it could be so much. Juan tells him Angarita has six markets. He moves a lot of merchandise and makes a lot of money. Juan wonders where Pastor wants him to take him. Pastor wants to go home and change clothes, if it’s not too much trouble, then to the funeral home.
Delirio has made himself comfortable in CL’s office to talk about his readiness to come back to work. There are conditions, of course. He wants his work environment improved, for one. He’s really unmotivated by his previous treatment. CL’s eyebrows go up. Delirio continues that he did everything he was assigned to do. What did he get in return? CL shrugs. I was fired like that! Like I’d done something bad in the company. CL asks him what, then, are his aspirations? Delirio wants guarantees for work. Fair and kind treatment. He shakes his finger in the air to punctuate his requirements. And to improve his work conditions. CL offers him to continue in the archives. Delirio protests. No way. CL says he’d better thank God Nidia intervened for him …. But if this doesn’t interest him…. They go around a little, and Delirio sees the light. No, that’s fine. He’ll stay in the archives, but he’s sure he’ll be offered improvements in the future. He looks at CL meaningfully. He understands that CL has made an apology and he accepts it. CL looks pained. Delirio adds a few parting remarks about how it is sure to improve, and tells CL it’s been a pleasure as he slithers out the door. He greets Monica and backs out of her presence, true sycophant that he is.
Moni strides over to Ivonne’s desk and announces that she wants to talk to Ivonne. Ivonne has the grace to look a bit nervous and follows Moni to the office. Marely runs back into Paula’s office, telling her that it looks like Paula is going to have problems. Paula wants to know what more? Marely isn’t sure, but Ivonne went with Monica to her office and Marely’s sure that Paula is the theme of the conversation.
Ivonne is describing how Paula became hysterical and tried to treat her like a servant but she wasn’t giving into it. But Ivonne only takes orders from Don Cesár Luís. Moni wants to know if Paula was abusing her authority how come Ivonne didn’t just take it up with CL instead of fighting with Paula? Oh, well, CL doesn’t like this type of intrigue, and much less when it’s about la Licenciada Paula. What? Well, she’s always had many considerations. Now she acts like she’s the owner of Farell Industries. Moni assures her she can be calm, because the reign of Paula Dávila won’t last much longer. Ivonne puts on a very convincing worried look when she really wants to cheer.
CL asks Paula what happened. Paula says that woman called her a slut, insulted her. Paula knows she did the wrong thing, but just responded to the slur. CL points out it’s even more important for her to control herself than for Ivonne. Paula normally would, but she couldn’t help it. This woman is insufferable! CL tells her in that she is totally right. Paula grins a little. Is he supporting her? One hundred percent! (Cien por ciento). She breaks into a wide grin. He can’t actually congratulate her, but it was about time someone put this woman into her place. She’s presumptuous and insolent. CL asks if she’s gone to the funeral home yet? She hasn’t, so he says they’ll go together. What about your wife? She’s not my wife. She points out the legalities. Okay, I’m no lawyer, no judge, but for all practical purposes, Monica and I are separated. Paula says she’s not used to it yet. He tells her she’ll get used to it. They’ll go together. They go to the garage and round up Fern to take them to the funeral home.
At the funeral home, the wreath from Farell is lovely. The wood casket is shiny and rich, with a lovely white spray over it. Candles burn around the room. Pastor stands mournfully at the end of the casket, looking at it. Nidia and Yadi stop abruptly as they enter the room and seem him and the casket. Yadi has changed into mourning clothing, which is simply her regular look in black. Nidia is a bit more reserved. Yadi protests again that she hates funerals. Nidia scolds and compels her on. They greet Pastor and Nidia offers the most sincere sympathy on behalf of her family. Pastor thanks her, and Yadi nicely tells him that they are with him. Nidia wonders where Juan is—isn’t he with Pastor? Yes, but he had to go back to the office, and he’ll come shortly. Pastor fights tears. He explains that Juan hasn’t left him alone for a single second. Nidia says Juan is of the tenth degree, and Yadi says the twentieth (the best). Pastor says it’s at times like this when one can really measure the size of people’s hearts. Juan, with no other motives, has such great generosity. He’s treated Pastor like a prince, like a brother. Nidia gives him a hug as his tears come, and Yadi stands with her arms crossed, looking a little irritated. Nidia looks over her shoulder at Yadi and makes a face at Yadi’s pouting.
Juan gets out of the car in the Farell garage and sees Kike. Kike wants to know where he’s been. Juan says he’s been helping Pastor with the details for his mother. Kike says that’s very big of you, but I have bad news. He tells Juan about the Profa’s threats to expel Juan. Juan tells Kike he was busy all night helping Pastor. He says all he has to do is go in and his lovely face will do the miracle and will change her mind. He tells Kike the news about Pastor having a brother—a brother in blood, not like Juan and Kike are brothers—Don Angarita! Kike can’t believe it. They have different last names! Juan explains that Doña Pastora, may she rest in peace, had a little thing before she was married and Don Angarita is the result. Juan wants to know where Paula is, he’s going to get her to go to the funeral home. Juan runs upstairs, and sees Marely, who is going to the wake (velorio). Marely breaks the news that she’s gone with CL. Juan frowns with a puzzled expression as we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.
Monday: Is Juan finally going to deck César Luis or are we going to have to wait some more?
Vocabulary:
Padrísimo – way cool, extremely cool
Espantoso – scary, appalling
Está hecho polvo – he’s really down, shattered (made into dust)
Velorio – funeral wake, funeral vigil
Molida – beat, tired, wiped out
Voluntad – wish, will
Abastos - public markets
Golfa barata – cut-rate slut, or street slut
Naco – nerdy, trashy, stupid
Huesudo/a - Grim Reaper, bony
Labels: Juan
Destilando Amor 10/26/07: All In the Family
[This episodio's recap is dedicated to Jerry Lee Lewis, whose "great balls of fire" led him to marry his thirteen year old cousin. -ed.]
Furious, Gavi comes in with an angry slam of the door and scares the bejesus out of Clarita who screams at her for being so thoughtless, shaking the walls and her sainted icons to the foundation, not to mention scaring the unholy hell out of her that late at night.
Gavi smarts back that Clarita needs to have a large talk with those saints of hers, considering the way they fed her to the Montalvo hyenas earlier that evening. She explains how the three Scorpion Queens, Minerva in particular, provoked her by telling all the guests the Happy Hooker version of how she spent her summer vacation years ago in Paris. So, of course, this made her lose her cool and so she grabbed Aaron's lesser half in the bathroom, by her hair, and shook the tar out of her.
Clarita gets frantic to find a newspaper so they can start looking for another job right away, IF they are lucky enough that those people don't throw Gavi into jail immediately. Gavi snickers that since the giant giraffe was drunk out of her gourd and such a mess, that nobody would believe Gavi really hit her. However, she admits that she regretted it after she found out Minnie was pregnant. Gavi promises never to lay a hand on a Montalvo again, provided the baby stays safe and sound.
At the penthouse, Aaron is in a tizzy, but not over the trashing Minnie's tresses took in the toilet from the evening tribute's Tramp in Charge. He is furious with Minnie for drinking so heavily and causing such a scene, especially since the family could figure out that her pregnancy is bogus, as in, nobody who is pregnant and in their right mind would dare to get so sloppy drunk. For Minnie, about now, however, the only thing she gives a rat's rude patoot about is the fact her head is splitting.
Aaron, the king of compassion, is spazzing he's so furious with her. As Minnie's hangover hell turns the room into tiltawhirls, he scolds her at the top of his lungs, roughly poking and prodding for signs of a concussion. (Cheer!)
Back at the Montalvo manse, Dani tells her cover story to Pilar and Sofia: Minnie was so drunk she probably fell and hit her head against the wall, then decided to lie about it and blame it on Gaviota just to wreck her reputation with the membership. Sofia says that makes sense to her. Pilar must be having another senior moment here because she says she cannot believe that Minnie would go to such extremes just to cause grief for Mariana Franco.
Dani reminds her grammy then that the only reason that the gruesome threesome went to the tribute at all was to annoy Gaviota. Sofia reminds her that even though Pilar had asked them all to stay away from her and to respect her, they didn't listen.
Dani continues to explain that the part of the story Pilar doesn't know is something even Uncle Bruno can attest to. That was the way they humiliated Mariana in front of all the guests, entertaining them all with their story of her supposed life of sin tramping through Europe and how afterward she got sexually involved with all the executives at the Corporate Office.
Pilar asks if Dani would swear that Gaviota did not hit Minnie. Dani says she wouldn't "put her hand in the fire" for anybody, but if it were up to her and those three had slandered her that way she'd have kicked the teeth out of all three of them.
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Gavi is angry about the fact those three will bring up and chew on it all over again at the reading of the codicil the next day, but says she doesn't care since she's so tired of that plague of a family. "Even Rodrigo?" Clarita wonders. So Gavi tells Clarita how changed a person Rod is and how polite and behaved he acted towards her and during the event. "It's as if he were a totally different person and not the Rod I always knew. He was a perfect prince, so magnificently noble."
Clarita can't believe there wasn't some sort of giant ruckus or the need to call in the police. "So he didn't ask you to pack your things and go off with him? "--No." "--Nothing about how he missed you or needed you?" "--No." She says he simply congratulated her over the event's success, told her she was as lovely as the first time he met her, but never talked once to her about love. "He just raced off afterward to some major engagement he had planned." "--Did that doctor perhaps just weaken him when curing him of his jealousy?" Clarita wonders. "--No, nothing justifies it! That man! THAT man is going out with another woman!"
Gavi says she is sure now that he is going out with the psychologist who brought him out of his jealous breakdown that weekend away, and has convinced him that she is the only woman in his life. "Are we talking about the Rodrigo Montalvo who yelled to the four winds that he'd never love any other woman but you and would go to the grave loving you???" "-Yes, Ma." "--That sly slug of a liar!!"
Gavi explains how Dani caught up to her to tell her that so far nothing has happened between them; but Gavi tells Clarita that it could since now he realizes she is not the only woman in the world for him. "She's certain to convince him to stay with her instead." "--Ah, I warned you that psychologist would discourage him about you. So now what?" Gavi remarks that he was so calm, it was such impressive pacifism. "Well, he should just stay with her then, especially since he realizes now there are other women in the world!"
Speaking of pacifist pap, we are shunted back to Erika's apartment where Valeria and the others are raving over Mr. Entertainment. Considering these nurdlike 60's retreads, taking me so unwillingly back to that girls' school in '70-71, with the love beads and their Baez balladeering, I figure Rod's Duranguese daring-do couldn't be anything but a giant goose on that group's gas pedal. As for Rod, he is enjoying this new found popularity he's bought with the iconoclast crowd at highschool --even getting to date the queen of this not-so-in-crowd!
Erika, all smiles, is anxious to know how Rod handled seeing Gavi or if he mentioned that he was coming to see her tonight. Her professional pride wants to know how it went, what he felt seeing Gaviota again after all this time, but the female in Erika needs to gloat. Rod admits that although it was pretty bad to see her with her boss, he's not going to get in the way if she wants to be with him instead. He assures her that he didn't mention visiting Erika's because he didn't want Erika to think he was using her by trying to make Gaviota jealous, since finally he managed to detached himself from her.
Rod confesses he'd rather have stayed and says that at one time he might have gotten crazy jealous and fought with that little doc, pursued and argued with, or harassed Gaviota. He smiles a bit sheepishly then and says he is resigned and getting used to the idea of letting her go. Finally he feels he's loosened himself from her. Erika beams at this.
Meanwhile, across town in her darkened living room, Gavi is crying to herself for the umpteenth time over having lost Rod to another woman. (I was sighing and sobbing a bit myself at this point when the Hubster up and says she deserves to lose him if only because her taste in living room furniture is so gawd-awful. I got a bit angry at this rude verbal intrusion, but the more I stared at that sofa, the more I figured he may just have a point.)
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Next morning Isa walks out to the living room and finds Rod curled up asleep, still in his clothes from the night before. She screams for him to wake up and asks where he was that he ended up like that on the couch. Rod gets up with a start and says if she's worried he was with Gaviota, not to because he wasn't. Isa screams that that was obvious since the woman stayed after he left and got into it with the three of them at the tribute, and she had the gall to air out all her daddy's dirty laundry in front of the entire group of guests. Rod says it sounded like something Isa would have done.
Isa gets irate then. "No, it was a jealous fit she got into once you left! She even attacked Minerva!" "--Minerva?" Isa tells Rod that Gavi waited in ambush for Minnie in the bathroom and beat her up in there, but that Dani and Elvis and she lied about being with them all night. "--So, how is Minerva?" "--Only her pride was hurt." Rod snickers and says that if Gavi had really gotten into a fight with Minerva, Minnie would have ended up in the hospital in a bloody heap. Isa stomps off angry as all get out and once she's left Rod laughs to himself and says, "Gavi, you are tremendous! Ha! Nobody can handle you!"
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Gabby flies to Guadalajara with Urban while back at the CRT in Mexico City Avellaneda tells Alonso that Mariana's reputation has hit an all time low after the incident with Minerva Montalvo the night before. She can no longer work there. Alonso threatens that if she's fired then he's handing in his resignation. Avellaneda explains he wasn't thinking of getting rid of her, only transferring her and wonders if Alonso had discussed her going to London with him yet. Alonso explains that he was waiting till she returned from Guadalajara first.
Minnie and Aaron come downstairs, but just before they leave for Pilar's, Minnie has to take an antacid for the heartburn she's got after last night's binge, and we get another gratuitous plug for Mexican Pepto Bismal.
Isa refuses to go to Pilar's house in order to avoid being riddled with questions about her daddy's debt (and why it's all been done without their knowledge, no doubt). She says Amador's will has nothing to do with her anyway. Rod says to get herself ready anyhow because he wants to take Ricky since nobody's seen him since he was born. She makes excuses knowing that if they look close enough and see he still doesn't look like Rod they'll start asking questions (and she needs to make it through that 90 day deadline so that daddy gets his debt covered and she can claim 50% of Rod's fortune as mother of his child and Amador's heir.) Rod says he's taking Ricky whether she comes or not.
The family begin to arrive at the manse. Dani takes evil delight in teasing Minnie about having thought she'd be stuck in bed all day. Minnie says she'll shut her pie hole pretty darn quick once Mariana Franco gets hit with the lawsuit she's planning and Dani has to testify. Dani says she hopes then that Minnie has regained her sobriety by the trial since she's been getting stinking drunk lately and it's become an affliction for her. Sofia pipes up then that she doesn't understand why, if Minnie is pregnant, she was drinking so heavily last night at the tribute.
Aaron shakes his head and prepares for the worst. Minnie defends herself and says she didn't drink nearly enough to cause hallucinations. Dani says she and Elvis and Gavi didn't either and Gavi was with them the entire time. Minnie screams to stop covering for her and says they must put a stop to this woman once and for all because next time she'll end up killing her!
Pilar demands that Minnie and everyone else forget about suing Gavi since there are better, more civilized ways of handling these types of problems and indiscretions. The last thing the family needs is an open squabble between a bunch of cats and dogs. She adds she is planning to have Avellaneda ensure that the young woman never has contact with the Montalvo family again. Fedra adds her two cents' worth and says she should make sure they keep her 10 kilometers distance away from the Montalvo's for the rest of her life since the woman is a danger for them all. Minnie flaunts her bruised forehead at that. Aaron adds that luckily there was no threat of aborting the baby or the woman would be in jail right now charged with homicide, then moves to hug his wife in an exaggerated show of support.
Gavi calls home to check in with Clarita and tell her she landed safely. Clarita says Alonso called to confirm he's picking her up later that evening. Gavi asks if Dani called because she has a terrible feeling that right now the whole group of them are over at Pilar's talking trash about her.
Rod and Isa arrive with Ricky finally. First thing, Isa asks Sofia where her hubby is. She answers that Frankie is in the kitchen dishing up hors d'oeuvres he's made for the occasion. Dani asks to carry her nephew and Isa runs over to Minnie to ask how Pilar took the news about the bathroom brawl. Minnie says she stuck up for Mariana and Isa says she won't do a thing because Mariana Franco is her protegee. Minnie tells Isa then that the absent-minded old bag has another think coming if she thinks Minnie is just going to stand around with her arms folded.
Dani and Sofia are both looking closely at Ricky to find some trace of Rod's features in him. Isa suddenly realizes this and immediately orders Imelda to take away the baby to finish his nap. Videgaray arrives at last. Aaron tells him he wants to get down to business immediately so Pilar directs them all into the dining room.
Dani and Rod stay back and chat in the living room a bit longer. He laughs a bit and asks if it's true that Gavi hit Minnie. "--What do you think!" "--Knowing her, of course she did it! Now, though, she's in a real jam." Dani tells him not to worry because she's her alibi. She begins to tell him that Gavi was asking all sorts of questions about him after he left the tribute, but Rod rudely interrupts her and insists that he is not interested in hearing anything about Gavi then walks off. Dani frowns, a bit put off and no doubt feeling guilty for putting him together with enchanting Erika.
Gavi sits through Urban's boring lecture.
Vid opens the sealed envelope that Amador left. Inside it are two identical envelopes numbered 1 and 2. He opens the first and begins reading Amador's handwritten letter.
"I hope that at this time all of you are enjoying health and happiness. I'm anxious for all of you to be together and that my adored wife, Pilar's, sharing of my worldly goods has not caused a rift between my sons or between my grandsons. My only intention was to protect the heritage that I managed to preserve myself with great effort during my lifetime. My one great wish is that the corporation and the hacienda have been administered under the moral principles that I taught and emphasized repeatedly to you; and that rectitude and ethical management are guiding you in your business dealings; that both of course, have not been sold nor held in lien by by a third party, nor that they are being used as collateral for somebody else's commercial trade (big meaningful guilty look exchanged here between Nestor, Rod, Dani and Isadora complete with symbol crashing); and that my son, Felipe and my grandson, Rodrigo must never forget that the land is remembrance!"
"You're wondering what is contained in the other envelope. Well, when all my goods were doled out, I chose this date specifically for the reading of this letter with the irrefutable condition that there must be present Clarita Hernandez Garcia, or, in her absence, her daughter, Teresa Hernandez Garcia."
Stunned doesn't even begin to describe the kind of impactado Rod's feeling about now. We are talking major stockyard mallet-stunning impactado here. The group is all a buzz with confusion. Pilar, looking slightly more awake than usual, asks who in the world Clarita Hernandez is. Rod shakes himself out of his stupor and tells them all that she is Gaviota's mother and we have group-wide, jaw-dropping impactado as chaos reigns at Mansion de Montalvo. Nestor quiets them down and continues reading:
"Seek them out. Around this time they should be cutting jima in the fields for the hacienda like they do every spring.--" Aaron interrupts the reading of the letter here and confronts Rod saying Rod knew about this all along, but he eventually sits down again. "--I demand that you strictly comply with my wishes. Regards, Amador Montalvo."
Aaron screams at Pilar, "What sort of damned idiocy is this? It has to be some sort of perverse joke!" Minnie and Isa agree saying it's an unpardonable mockery. Bruno asks Nestor for an explanation, but he says he hasn't one and is just as flustered as the rest of them.
Fedra accuses Vid of having gotten rid of the original contents of the letter and forging this one purposely in cahoots with Rod and Dani to protect Gaviota. Minnie says no surprise and he probably did conspire with Dani and Rod. Rod stands up for Nestor's integrity and tells her he won't permit her to talk about Nestor that way. Aaron yells back that Rod isn't going to prevent his wife from anything! Bruno sticks up for Nestor then as a long time close friend of Amadors and the family's long time attorney. Aaron demands an explanation then demands he open the envelope and read it immediately, but Nestor refuses. He says he's obliged to comply with Amador's instructions.
Pilar steps in and says it will only be opened in Mariana's mother's presence and its contents will be honored. Minnie says she and Aaron should just leave now since everything was probably going to Rod and that...woman anyway, but Pilar says nobody is leaving til the matter is cleared up.
In the middle of this bedlam the resident family dipstick, Frankie, appears decked out in his chef's tall-hat and apron, balancing a tray of food, asking if they're ready to try some hors doeuvres. (Speaking of dipsticks and other more familiar phallic references to undesirable individuals' noggins, what's with the fruity two foot high chef's hat, Frankie??) They ignore him and scowl as they go back to their discussion. Suddenly Nestor jumps up and angrily offers to have a third party verify his care-taking of the envelope. Rod and Sofia step in and say nobody better than his wife to verify the letter so Pilar looks it over and verifies Amador's handwriting and asks Vid to locate Clarita and get her there ASAP to clear up this mess.
====================
Dani tells Nestor she has Gavi's home phone and Isa snidely suggests he just ask her brother for it since he knows it by heart. Bruno asks Nestor why the courtesy to the two female jima cutters? Nestor is clueless. Fedra pipes up to say that perhaps Amador had an affair with her mother. Aaron angrily knocks over the tray of hors d'oeuvres from the buffet at this suggestion and says that is all they are needing after the trouble Mariana Franco has caused them all these years, to have to accept her as a relative. Minnie whines that now she has to live with and get on in the same family as her attacker.
Pilar and Rod go into the study for a private talk. Rod says Gavi had told him that ever since she can remember she and her mother would go work at the hacienda every spring. Pilar says there were always rumors that his granddad had a woman jima cutter for a lover and that now she can be sure that her husband cheated on her with Gaviota's mother. Rod says nobody's sure of anything yet. Pilar tells him that ever since she found out Gavi and Mariana were the same person, she'd noticed how different Mariana was from the other jima cutters. Her eyes, her skin tone, her bearing and demeanor were not like just any jima cutter's. "I always thought I saw something in her features and now I know why!!"
Rod is left thinking to himself, "Dear God please it can't be! She can't be my grandfather's daughter!"
Gavi's daydreaming of the part of the evening before when Rod took time to speak to her and told her she was as lovely as the day he met her, and even more so now. Then she remembers how prim and proper he was when he said good-bye and rushed off for his big date.
Nestor calls Clarita and asks her to get over there immediately; she's confused about the situation thinking it's a trick to throw her and Gavi into jail for defending herself against the likes of Minerva Montalvo. "This is not the first time that familiy has threatened us. They've already left us to starve in the streets once. We'll get our own lawyer!"
Finally Rod takes the phone and listens to the rest of Clarita's rant. "Who is this? How many of you are there? You little men, flocking together against two defenseless women! Well, you want us then come for us and see if you're capable of getting us out of here!--" "--Clarita, it's Rodrigo Montalvo. It looks like my grandfather may have left you something."
Clarita says she thinks it's a trick to put the two of them in jail but he assures her he could never do that. She wants to just let his grandfather rest in peace. He explains he doesn't know anything more and that the letter cannot be opened until she is there in person with them, or, if she'd rather, Gaviota. She takes his word for it and agrees to have him pick her up at 4PM, but she'll have to call Gaviota first to discuss it.
Pilar cries over her wedding picture that she'd hope to bury Amador's infidelity with him but now she has a name and it's Gaviota's mother!
Rod tells the group that Clarita's agreed to come over and he's picking her up. Meanwhile they're free to speculate on whatever the heck they care to. Aaron says he doesn't want a jima cutter in the place but Rod says he can leave then, nobody's forcing him to stay. Minnie says she won't give him the pleasure of leaving now. Frankie tells them dinner's ready. Nobody has an appetite and they all wander off.
Frankie looks at Sofia and, encouraged by the thought that's just passed over him like an attack of gas, says that undoubtedly her granddad changed his will and left them something after all. Sofia just pats him on the shoulder and walks off in disgust.
Rod goes into the living room with Dani. She asks what Clarita said when she got the news. He explains her fear of a trick but says she's calmed down. Dani says it's odd, but today's her birthday. Rod says his only concern is that his grandmother now believes their grandfather cheated on her with Gavi's mother. So that would mean Gaviota would be their grandpa's daughter and that would be terrible because that would mean he is in love with his aunt! (Shudder!)
Clarita gets hold of Gavi and tells her what's just happened. Gavi doesn't believe a word of it and tells her to get Alonso to bring over a policeman or a lawyer and lock herself in. Clarita though tells her that Rod got on the phone to explain it all to her and is coming by at 4PM. Gavi tells her to wait till she gets back and not to say a word or go anywhere till then. Then she adds that this all is so strange and she's really upset that there are so many things here that Clarita knows but obviously hasn't bothered to tell her. "So just how well did you know this man, Ma?" It's all silence on the other end. "Clarita, did you have an affair with him?"
Clarita turns strange. "I knew him. Period!" Gavi gives in and tells Clarita that she is not to open that door even if it is the president of the republic, and to wait till she gets back home. Once she gets home they are going to have a talk and she is going to tell her everything. "Everything, do you hear, Clarita?"
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