Caray, Caray!

Carlota recalls comments made by Inaki and Paloma while she is making her special tea.

Impatient Inaki gets checked out by the doctor.

Orlando and Emilano talk about Inaki and Paloma. Orlando can't believe that after running away together that Inaki and Paloma would end up in the hospital. They go into Emiliano's office to continue the conversation. Emilano tells Orlando that his advice about Paloma being far away is for the best in regards to his feelings for her. Having her near by just confuses him. He feels that he is deceiving Inaki when he thinks about Paloma. Orlando asks him if it's love or an obsession that he has with Paloma. He says both. He feels if he can't be with her then it cannot happen with anyone else. Orlando tells Emiliano that he met a woman (Camilla).

Rafael is packing. Diana asks him what he is doing. He tells her that he is leaving. She says that if he leaves the house, he cannot come back. He says that you don't love me anymore perhaps never have, so what's the point in staying. Diana says we are married and have a family. Rafael says that I loved you completely and accepted you without conditions. We got married quickly, but I think I was your only option. Diana says you promised to provide for me and would never leave me. Rafael tells her that he is just giving her freedom. Diana is all concerned about what other people would say. Rafael tells her who cares, you don't have to explain anything. Do you want me to stay? Diana doesn't comment.

Macarena is feeding Paloma jello. Paloma comments that sometimes she thinks that Macarena is her mother. Macarena says why do you say that? Because I love you like one replies Paloma. Inaki shows up and apologizes for the accident. Macarena leaves and Paloma tells him that it wasn't his fault. Inaki offers to stay in Real del Monte if she wants. She tells him that all she wants is to stay with him. He gets up from his wheelchair and kisses her.

Angelica and Romina talk about Paloma and Romina's academic problems. Angelica will have to talk to her mother and Romina cannot attend any classes. Romina runs out and gets into a shoving/shouting match with Liliana. The nuns and Angelica come out to break it up.

Carlota comes into Paloma's room. She tells Paloma and Inaki that she will give her permission for them to get married. Paloma replies that she doesn't believe her. She believes that Carlota is playing a trick on her. Carlota responds that Paloma is insulting her, but Macarena sticks up for her. Paloma tells Carlota that Macarena told her that she was going to have an investigation started in her bad guardian treatment of Paloma and that is why she is doing this. Carlota says that she made a mistake and realizes that nothing will interfere with Inaki and her plans to be together.

Joel and Camila talk about the factory. Camila tells him that her attorney told her it was a bad idea to invest, but she is going to do it anyway. Her only condition is that no one finds out she is the one investing in the company. The phone rings and it's the school about Romina.

Carlota tells Paloma that there is no point in fighting because in a couple of months she would be 18 and can do whatever she wants. She doesn't want Paloma to be completely out of her life. Macarena says I have been telling you this all along. Carlota replies that she has changed her mind about Inaki and Paloma. Inaki tells Carlota that they have plans to move to Madrid. Carlota says that there is no reason, but eventually agrees. She just wants Paloma to finish school here first. She wants things done right without pressure and doesn't want to lose her family. They can get married tomorrow if they want. Paloma asks if she's sure. Carlota pleads for a chance to prove herself.

Rafael looks for a room in a hotel.

Diana calls Emiliano to tell him that his father abandoned her. He asks her what happened. A fight? I don't know he wants a divorce. He probably has another woman replies Diana. Emiliano leaves work to go to her.

Mother Superior, another nun and Angelica are telling Camila what happened. Of course spoiled brat Romina says it's not fair that they let Liliana go without calling her mother. Mother Superior says that if she wasn't in a much trouble as she is in now, then the same would have happened to her as Liliana. Just a suspension. Camila asks what does she mean. Mother Superior says regarding her grades. Camila says that she doesn't get them til the end of the week, but Angelica pipes up and says that they were given out last week. She asked Romina to tell her mother to come talk to her so that she can give it to her personally. But she didn't do it. Camila asks what's wrong with her grades. Angelica says that she is failing 5 classes and Mother Superior adds that with Romina's bad behavior she can no longer come back. Camila is muy impactada.

Liliana goes to see Emiliano to tell him that Romina admitted to her that she slept with German. Emiliano tells her that he doesn't have time for this, he has to go. Liliana says that some girls at school had photos, but Romina bought them first before she could. Emiliano says if you don't have the photos then it means to me that it never existed. You don't have proof and I really don't care.

Macarena and the doctor are meeting up to talk about her test results. Carlota comes up to them asking what the results were. The doctor says that the results did not come back as he thought they would. Are you injecting yourself everyday he asks Macarena. Yes, religiously responds Macarena. Well the results show that one day you do and then 3 days later you do it again. Carlota asks him what can we do? He tells them that he will put her on another medication and hopefully it will give him the results he is looking for.

Inaki tells Paloma that everything that Carlota said sounded good. Although the change in her attitude seems a little strange. Paloma agrees, but makes in convient for them. They don't have to run away. They can do things the proper way. Inaki asks Paloma about the house that she grew up in. What happened. Paloma tells him that Carlota had to sell it because of the mortgage on it. Inaki wants her to show it to him. Why asks Paloma? It's a surprise. Do you remember the attorney how handled your case? Why asks Paloma. It will be easier for you to get a grant for school if we can prove that you have no money. Paloma comments about how excited she is to have a purpose or a road to walk now. Paloma also wants to wait til she is 18 and out of school before getting married now that there is no objection from Carlota in getting married. Then they can go to Spain.

Emiliano asks Diana if his dad said that there was another woman. No replies Diana, but it's obvious. No responds Emiliano. There could be other reasons. I am going to talk to him. Diana says why, he wants nothing to do with me. He needs to explain replies Emiliano. Diana cries on that she doesn't deserve this.

Rafael is hanging up clothes in his room and the phone rings. It's Emiliano. Rafael tells him that they have to talk. They agree to meet up at a restaurant.

Camila and Romina get home with Camila getting onto Romina. You had your grades last week to give me, but didn't because you wanted your party. Romina says that she was going to tell her at the end of the week, but after all that is going with Paloma she never got the chance. Camilla reminds her that she promised to do better in school. Romina says that she tried really hard, but school is not for her. Camila says that she has abused her love and all that she wanted to give her. Now things are going to change. You will now have limits. Your liberty and lies have now ended. If you want anything then you will have to earn them. The first is having to complete school. Romina tells her that she wasn't born to be a student. Then what were you born for? You don't like school and don't like to work. It doesn't matter replies Romina because you are rich. I have just turned 18 and will inherit the money my grandparents left me. I have no problems. Camila replies that in this life money is not forever. You have to learn to manage it and maintain it. You have to be a productive person, understand that! Today you have it and the next it's gone! That is why you have to prepare! Romina tells her mother that she has people to do that and she'll have the same too. Camila replies back that she is not prepared at all! Tomorrow we are going back to the school and you are going to ask for forgiveness. You will go back to school and study hard, because I want you to graduate. I don't want to replies Romina. You have no other choice yells Camila. Romina reminds Camila that she cannot make her do anything now that she is 18. She will contact her attorney to give her her money ASAP. So that she can leave this house and look for her dad and stomps up the stairs to her room. Camila is like oh hell no that little girl didn't just talk to me that way. Or she should be saying that to herself if she isn't.

The doctor says that she can go home and he would be the one taking care of her. He will be there everyday to check on her. Paloma doesn't look happy, but Macarena is happy that she is coming home tomorrow. She tells the doctor that she is in his debt.

Rafael and Emiliano are at a restaurant talking. Rafael can't believe that Diana told Emiliano that all this happened because of another woman. He says things were bad and you knew that. Emiliano says yes, but not so grave. Rafael says that Diana thought by Emiliano returning home all there problems would be fixed. But that did not happened and she finally realizes that. What happened then asks Emiliano. Rafael reminds him that he is there child and the problems are only between the husband and wife. He says that the love died and so did the tranquility. Your mother thinks of me as mediocre a good for nothing. When did she tell you this asks Emiliano. When I told her that the factory will be closing. Emiliano says but you never told me. I was going to tell you at the end of the week, but haven't had the chance. All I have left is dignity. What if my mother asked for your forgiveness replies Emiliano. That would never happened responds Rafael.

Inaki wants to know if Paloma wants to him to stay with her until she gets discharged. Paloma comments that she is scared that Carlota will retract her promise to accept them and their upcoming marriage. Macarena tells Paloma to give Carlota one more chance to prove herself. Inaki says we can always change our plans if we have too.

Natalia is talking to a lady who knew Paloma's parents and she assures Natalia that they had money. One of Javier's sister has all the money. Sorlaio told me that there daughter's future was secured. Natalia says I have to tell Inaki all this.

Inaki is on the phone telling Emiliano that he has suspicions about Carlota's dealings with Paloma inheritance. Emiliano hangs up and Romina runs in saying that she cannot live with her mother anymore.

Carlota is at a store buying belladonna, but wants double this time. Acardia spots her and asks her friend what is Carlota buying. Her friend tells her that it's belladonna. Used for fun and relaxing. But if you use to much you will fall asleep....forever.

Romina tells Emiliano that she swears that she was going to tell her mother everything at the end of the week, but everything with Paloma happened. Emiliano says to Romina that you did the party anyway knowing that you couldn't have it if you did not do good in your exams. I agree with your mother. You need to finish school and afterwards if you don't want to advance your education then it's your decision. Go fix things with her. She is a wonderful mother. It is very sad living with constant fighting. Romina takes the focus off her and asks him if something is going on in his family. Emiliano says that his parents are fighting, but he hopes that it will be resolved soon. Romina thanks Emiliano for listening and says that she is also determined to find her father. Romina asks him to find her a private detective.

Orlando comes to visit Camila who had been crying. They talk about there roles as parents. He tells her not to take it so bad.

Emiliano visits his old nanny and gives her grandson a new soccor outfit. Her grandson wants to know if he can play in a tournament. I can't replies Emiliano. I have to attend my friend's wedding.

Paloma has her wedding gown fitting with Macarena and Rufi doing the adjusting. In comes Carlota with the wedding vail. Paloma tries it on and is so excited. Hugs for everyone. Carlota tells Paloma that it's time for Inaki and his parents to formally ask for Paloma's hand in marriage. Macarena doesn't think it a good idea due the fact that Inaki's parents: a) do not get along well and b) Inaki's dad is against the whole thing and thinks he is making a mistake.
Carlota says it's important for her that things are done properly. Paloma relents and tells Carlota that she will call Inaki and tell him to have his parents come over for dinner so that he can officially offer for her the why Carlota wants.

Inaki and the lawyer sit down in which he finds out from the attorney that the house never had a mortgage on it. And all funds, decisions were made by Carlota. Inaki looks at it all and says she has a fortune. Another thing she also has 2 bank accounts and a life insurance policy. Inaki cannot believed it. Who has the money, asks Inaki. The guardian of her estate, Carlota. Inaki says this whole time Paloma has had money and Carlota has been lying to her. If you have seen what I have seen replies the attorney, family members will do anything for money.

Carlota is making her special tea/drink/malta.

Tomorow: Joel tells Rafael that he has found an investor; Romina begs Emiliano to get back with her; Carlota serves Inaki her special drink/malta

Labels: amor

Carlota glows a murky shade of purple as she tells Paloma she’s been so worried, and soon Paloma will be as good as new. Paloma says she’d rather die than be imprisoned in Carlota’s house again. Carlota actually seems genuinely sad and shaken at this. Paloma says her life is Iñaki now. Auntie Cruel wonders if that means she’s already married him, or even (gasp, choke) slept with him?! “Think whatever you want,” smirks Paloma. “I’ll escape as many times as I have to, but I’ll leave with him.”

Carmen rushes to tell Iñaki the good news of Paloma’s awakening, only to find she has been scooped by Natalia. Iñaki wants a wheelchair so he can go visit his beloved, but they all say no way; he’s got to stay still. So he decides to send Emiliano as his envoy: “Tell her I’m really sorry, and I love her, and give her a kiss for me.” The sort of favor you can only ask of your best friends, I guess. Well, Paloma already has Emiliano’s blood, so what’s a little spit? Iñaki also has his mother remove his crucifix necklace (the medical staff left that on?!) so that Emiliano can give that to Paloma as well.

Macarena is mad at Carlota for going to visit Paloma first. Oh, also because Cruelota wants to send Iñaki to jail.

Camila and Romina find Emiliano in the corridor and confirm with him that Paloma is out of danger. Romina wants to go visit, but Emiliano wants to go first, since he is the bearer of mushy messages. And no, he won’t let Romina take his place as courier. Which is a little unfortunate, because that would surely turn into an amusing game of telephone. Romina leaves with a very strange facial expression which I cannot interpret.

Mac finally visits Paloma. Pal thinks Mac must be upset that she ran away, but Macarena says she understands it was a crisis. Paloma sobs that she doesn’t want to go home; she wants to go to Spain with Iñaki as they had planned. Mac is more interested to hear of the plans than upset.

Natalia and Alonso breakfast in the hospital cafeteria, as Alonso gripes that he hopes this little incident will convince Iñaki to stop being so stupid and change his mind about Paloma. Natalia says there’s no way; doesn’t he remember what it’s like to be in love and care about someone so much that it’s worth any amount of trouble? Alonso grouches that he was never like that. The only stupid crazy thing he’s ever done was marrying Carmen, and he’s regretted it ever since. Carmen overhears this from another table. For rude, Alonso.

Mac tells Paloma that she’s started a legal action to put an end to Cruelota’s abuses of her guardianship over Paloma. She says she’ll free Paloma from Cruel IF IT’S THE LAST THING SHE DOES. That’s anvil bait if I ever heard any.

Alonso continues sweet-talking his wife with pronouncements about how love is stupid; it’s better to be practical. She is touched by that deep romantic sentiment and asks whether he married her for love or for convenience. “Whatever, I’m talking about my idiot son, not us,” he responds. His phone sounds a surprisingly jazzy ring. It’s the lawyer, Ruben, and Alonso heads off to meet him.

After the old crab scuttles off, Carmen sashays on over to Natalia’s table and empathizes about the difficult husband. Then she asks whether Natalia and Alonso were already an item at the time of the divorce.

Ruben tells Alonso that if Iñaki and Paloma weren’t physically intimate, then Carlota won’t have much of a case even though Paloma is a minor.

Natalia says that although she had already met Alonso when he and Carmen divorced, they didn’t begin their…(I’m searching for a word here. Romantic? Intimate? Friendly? Passionate? None of those seem possible with Alonso. Carnal? Maybe closer)…whatever relationship until well after the divorce. At the time, Natalia herself was too distraught over having been left at the altar by Cristóbal. Carmen then rudely pries into Natalia’s personal life with question after question about whether Nat really loves Alonso, would do anything for him, etc., and whether Nat traded all the deep passion she had with Cris for a merely comfortable existence.

Mac has finished her visit with Paloma, so it’s Emiliano’s turn. Romina wants to tag along, but Mac helpfully says only one visitor at a time is permitted; Romina will have to wait her turn. He heads off and Romina is petulant and pouty, and Mac and Camila rave about what a good boy Emiliano is. Mac says Ro must be so proud of her novio, and Ro says yep, so proud, and so in love. Camila goes wide-eyed but says nothing. After Mac leaves, Camila reproaches Romina for having lied. Romina says it wasn’t the time to mention the breakup, but I don’t know why not. Camila, ever the wearer of rose-colored glasses, changes the subject by saying how nice it is that Romina is so concerned and affectionate toward Paloma even though they’ve had their differences lately. Ro says it’s all Paloma’s fault they’ve drifted apart, since she has a boyfriend now and wants to spend time with him. Cami says that doesn’t mean she doesn’t still care about you, too. Romina snarls.

Carlota finds the doctor and instructs him that he is only to talk to her about Paloma’s recovery, and to tell no one but herself when Paloma is going to be released. “Sure, and the patient herself, of course,” says the doc. Carlota says no, because Paloma is a minor. “And in full control of her faculties,” responds the long-suffering doctor. Carlota tries to intimidate him but he’s having none of it and tells her his only priority is Paloma’s recovery, and he’ll prevent Carlota from visiting her if that’s what his patient wants. Carlota threatens to go to his superiors, but he calmly replies that he’s the director of the hospital and she’s welcome to take it up with the law if she wishes. Carlota and her purple eyelids are foiled again.

Emiliano stands and stares swoonily at a sleeping Paloma while the theme song plays. She wakes up and thanks him for the blood. He says anytime, and now she has something of his forever. She asks about Iñaki, and he carefully releases her hand in order to give her a Deep Meaningful affectionate kiss on the forehead. She looks a tad confused, and he clarifies that Iñaki asked him to give her the kiss, and also to tell her that (slow and schmaltzy here) he loves her. “Wow, you’re a really good messenger,” says Paloma. He also passes on the disculpas about the accident and all. He puts Iñaki’s crucifix on Paloma’s wrist.

Paloma asks Emiliano to tell Iñaki that she loves him and is dying to see him (but not actually dying), and she gives him her Virgen medallion to take to Iñaki. He holds her hand for a long time as he takes it, and she gets him to promise that they will always be friends. He kisses her hand With Great Feeling.

Iñaki tells his nosy father that it’s none of his business; that’s between him and Paloma. Alonso reminds him that if Carlota gets her case to court, he and Paloma will have to testify about their personal life in front of a judge, and that will be even more embarrassing. So Iñaki says no, he and Paloma never had relations. All the parents breathe a sigh of relief. Iñaki can’t just leave it at that, he has to go on a bit about how they might have expected more to happen, but it didn’t, and he’s not going to get into details. Carmen stops him by saying, “well, that’s great! Now Carlota doesn’t have a case!” and he says he feels ridiculous talking about such things with them. “And we feel ridiculous asking,” replies Carmen, although Alonso doesn’t feel ridiculous because he doesn’t have feelings.

Emiliano is in the men’s room dousing his head with cold water, a full shower not being available. He thanks God for saving Paloma and Iñaki.

Carmen sits at Paloma’s bedside, trying to make idle friendly chitchat but accidentally mentioning Carlota’s attempt at a case against Iñaki, so then she has to explain the whole hassle. Paloma assures her she would never testify against Iñaki, and Carmen says she’s sure they’ll overcome this obstacle.

Macarena tells Camila that she’s got to stop Carlota’s perverse lawsuit, and she thinks the time has come to reveal her big secret, even though it might mean losing Paloma’s affection. Camila doesn’t think any secret could make Paloma not love her. Romina listens in.

Carlota slithers in and asks whether Mac did what she asked. “No. I’m going to do something better and definitive,” says Mac.

Before she can, however, Alonso and Natalia join them and introduce themselves. Mac is friendly, Carlota is rude. Alonso advises Carlota to give up on the legal proceedings; she isn’t going to get far because Paloma isn’t about to testify that Iñaki tried to kill her, and the two of them were never intimate. Emiliano returns from the gents’ just in time to hear that, of course. He tries to hide his delight. Romina does not try to hide her shock, and is shushed by Camila. Mac tells Carlota she guesses there’s no need to do anything definitive, at least for the moment.

Even though he dumped her, Emiliano is still compelled to explain his behavior to Romina. He says he had to go visit Paloma; Iñaki asked him to. Romina coerces him into going to the cafeteria with her.

Carlota paces toward Iñaki’s room, deciding to tell him that she doesn’t believe his claims, but stops outside the door to eavesdrop. Carmen is telling Iñaki that Carlota is up in arms and thinks she has the right to trample (atropellar) other people’s lives. Natalia chimes in to say that Carlota has always been like that. In fact, Sagrario wanted to move to the D.F. to get away from Carlota, but Javier was so grateful to Carlota for taking care of him after their mother died that he let her dominate him, which really bugged Sagrario. They all wonder why Sagrario would have named Carlota as her daughter’s guardian, when the logical solution would have been to make Macarena the guardian and Carlota the executor (albacea) of the estate. “What estate?,” asks Iñaki. “Paloma doesn’t have any money.” Natalia says she must have a big inheritance because Sagrario and Javier were quite wealthy. They decide Carlota must be hiding the money in order to manipulate and blackmail (chantajear) Paloma. Iñaki says he’s going to investigate the matter, and Natalia says she’ll help. Carlota looks stricken. She thinks to herself that they are NOT going to take what’s hers. No, dearie, they’re going to take what’s Paloma’s.

Romina tells Emiliano that according to Evil Auntie, Paloma has brought scandal and shame on the family. Em says that’s ridiculous. Romina would rather gossip about Paloma’s and Iñaki’s lack of action, but Emiliano says it’s none of their business.

Emiliano and Romina go to visit Iñaki, and Emiliano passes along Paloma’s messages and medallion, but without the accompanying emotion and smooches this time. Romina hints around at the only thing on her mind with remarks about the besmirching of Paloma’s reputation and what everyone at the party was saying, while Emiliano shoots hostile looks at her. Iñaki says he doesn’t care what anyone thinks. He’s in love with Paloma and he’s going to marry her, and Emiliano and Romina will probably feel the same when they decide to marry. Emiliano says they are, in fact, already splitsville, and Romina throws a little fit and flounces out. “Why?,” asks Iñaki. “I don’t love her like Paloma…umm…I mean, like you love Paloma,” fumbles Emiliano. Iñaki, sweet and naïve as he is, agrees that Emiliano would be much happier with someone like Paloma.

Camila asks Mac what the big secret is. Mac doesn’t want to tell. Camila says she really should, because you can’t change the past; the best you can do is accept it and move on, and it would be such a relief to get it over with. Mac still isn’t ready.

Alonso tells Iñaki that Ruben says there’s nothing to worry about, but to forget about Paloma and go back to Madrid and pretend he never met her. Nothing doing, says Iñaki. Alonso tells his son with all the affection he can muster, which is none, that he’s an idiot and that girl will be his downfall. Since he can’t get Iñaki to agree with him, Alonso says he’s done there and he takes off.

Paloma gets wheeled into a room after her x-rays or scans or whatever and the nurse asks her fan club to let her rest. Macarena decides to stay with Paloma, but Camila is going to go home, so Mac asks her to get the results of her tests. Camila says she will, and she’ll also tell Dr. Bermúdez what’s going on. Mac thanks her for being such a good friend, and Camila says it’s a privilege.

Back in Real del Monte, Rufi asks Carlota about Paloma’s state and gets the most cursory of reports. The lawyer arrives, so Carlota gives Rufi money and sends her to the pharmacy for aspirin to get rid of her.

Emiliano catches Romina at the elevator and says he doesn’t like to see her so upset. She whines about how awful her life has been, losing him and nearly losing Paloma. He still wants to be friends, but she thinks it will be too hard to be near him and not be able to touch him and kiss him. She wants another chance, but he seems to have a little more spine now and denies her. “You will never find someone else who loves you like I do!,” she threatens. He can only hope. “I love you!,” she says passionately as the elevator doors close, and he stands there and stares at her and I hope makes plans to preview the scripts and cut this scene out should the writers recycle it any more.

Carlota tells Licenciado Rojas that the icky musician is trying to inveigle (engatusar) Paloma and get her inheritance. They’ve got to stop him. The lawyer thinks they can try to keep the contents of the will secret so Paloma won’t know she’s entitled to money, but if Paloma gets it into her head to ask for a copy of the will after she’s 18, they won’t be able to stop her. Carlota is still pretending to him that she’s trying to protect her niece, so he suggests that she have a talk with Paloma about what that young man is up to. Carlota obviously doesn’t think that will work, and the lawyer says there’s not much he can do.

Emiliano says goodbye to Paloma, and Mac thanks him for his help and says he’s like a guardian angel. After he goes, Paloma swoons about Iñaki a bit and asks Mac whether she’s ever felt that way about anyone. Mac doesn’t want to talk about it. She didn’t have Paloma’s strong character, so it didn’t work out, but she’s sure Paloma and Iñaki will overcome.

Carlota messes with stuff on the Shelf of Mysteries and gets all twitchy-jawed thinking about Iñaki and his vow to find out about Paloma’s inheritance. She adds something to her cauldron and glares.
Avances: Diana tells Rafael if he leaves the house, he’s not coming back. Paloma and Iñaki kiss and hurt their damaged faces. Carlota gives her authorization for the marriage. Romina is suspended from school. Some lady tells Arcadia about belladonna, which makes you sleep forever. Carlota buys something. Belladonna?

Labels: amor

We start off with a rerun of Gonzalo acting like he's got a pair. Fernanda asks him to calm down and they'll discuss it later. She invites him to her dinner with Erika, but he's not in the mood. He will accept a kiss on the cheek, though. Fer walks out of the office, looking worried. Gonzo looks like a little kid whose favorite toy just got taken away--pouty lip and all.

Evil Barbie visits the convent, where Aurora is out digging in the garden, talking to the Mother Superior about what she wants to plant out there--including maybe some strawberries ("fresas") so they can make and sell jam ("mermelada"). The nun who answered the door whispers to the Mother Superior that Barbara Elizalde is there. MS confirms with Aurora that Santiago's stepmother, the one who found her with his brother, is named Barbara and then tells her that Barbie's come a-calling. Whether she can cross the threshold without bursting into flames remains to be seen.

Camiiii and Lovelyyyyyyy get home. She promises a demonstration of why she was class valedictorian at the school of Hearts and Tarts. Camilo still thinks it's strange a guy like Steve would send his niece there, but Lurvely says it's because Tio Esteve thinks women find their happiness in marriage. Camilo wants to hear more about Lovely--who is this woman he's going to marry? Lovely says her life is like a telenovela and she promises she will tell him, but not until they're married, and that's not going to take too much longer. They sip wine.

Franco runs after what I thought was Esteve's car as Esteve heads out of the Las Animas driveway. Turns out it's Gonzalo's car and Esteve wants to end this game with Camilo posthaste. Esteve wants to tell him we know who he is and all the stuff he's done. And to give the car back to his daddy and tell him what a lousy son he has. And the thing with Venus is over. O-V-E-R ("se acabó"). Franco wonders why, is Steve jealous? Esteve calls him crazy, but Franco says that not only is he not, he also doesn't think there's anything wrong with Esteve having a thing for Venus. "Once you pry all that trashy hooker makeup off her face, she's really an interesting person underneath it all." I'm paraphrasing. Franco says they can't rat on Camilo because it will ruin the relationship with the Elizalde family. Franco says he'll take the car back to its hiding place, but Esteve starts crying. He says he feels like he set a trap for himself. Franco says he's just feeling jealous, but Steve doesn't know, but something strange is happening. "Duh," says Franco, "you fell in love" ("te enamoraste"--"amar" is to love; "enamorar" is to fall in love; the two "te"s are for emphasis).

Barbie says she's come to the convent on some painful family business. She puts on a good show for the Mother Superior about how she hates the word "stepchild" because she really feels like her stepchildren are like her children ("-astro" or "-astra" gets added to any family relationship to make it step--"madrastra" stepmother; "hijastro" stepson). Blah, blah, bliddy blah, I'm such a kind and caring person. She says MS must know her stepson's girlfriend Aurora. Barbie says Aurora disappeared all of a sudden, but they don't know what happened and Santiago is "hundido en la desesperación" (sinking in desperation). They only want to know that she's ok. MS says she's fine, she's under the protection of the convent. Barbie is relieved to hear it: "Llegamos a imaginar lo peor" (we'd come to imagine the worst). She asks to see her and the dramatic music plays.

Esteve moans and groans about his crush. "No puede ser!" It can't be that he's in love with Venus, for the same reasons that it's absurd for Gardenia to be in love with Franco. Oh, no, says Franco, that's different, you're a real millionaire, you're from the upper class of a rich country, and it wasn't in your plans to fall in love with a girl who worked in a cantina, but you're the only one who can figure out what to do. Esteve frets that Venus isn't telling him everything that happens with Camilo. Franco guesses that's why he wants to call it off. Esteve says they can't leave her in the hands of "that idiot". Franco says they'll protect her and make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. But Steve doesn't know if he can go on. Franco has to ask the classic question "Estas enamorado o no?" ("Are you in love with her or aren't you?"). Steve says he's afraid so.

Camiiiii whines about wanting his "sorpresota" ("big surprise"--"sorpresa" surprise, "-ota" big) as he sits in his living room blindfolded. Lovely, wearing a very bad wig (to make it easier for the Stunt!Lovely to look like her) spins fire in a leather bikini and boots. It actually does look pretty cool, but I didn't know that was the kind of thing that turned guys on…oh, wait, it's the leather bikini, right? Silly me. I wonder if she knew how to spin fire before or whether that was in "Tío Esteve's Crash Course In How To Be A Proper Lady Who Nevertheless Knows Every Imaginable Way To Please A Man"?

Barbie wonders why Aurora doesn't want to see anybody. Barbie is upset to hear that Aurora was "completely destroyed" ("completamente destrozada") when she showed up. The Mother Superior says she hasn't been able to completely understand what it was that upset Aurora so much at the hacienda. She asks if maybe Barbie can explain it to her. Well, this gives her a chance to lie, but there's only so far she can stretch it, since MS does know a few things.

Aurora paces in her room wondering why Barbie wants to see her. She thinks maybe there are a few more insults Barbie forgot to throw at her. She asks the virgin to please make Barbie go away. Like she wouldn't have done it sooner if she could. Aurora says the only one she owes an explanation to is Santiago, but she's sure Barbie didn't give him her letter.

Santiago bitches to Priscilla that if only Aurora had left him a letter to explain why she'd left…. Pris doesn't understand who would have shown up to take Aurora away. She thinks it's more likely that Barbie's a big fat liar. Santi thought of that, but she's been so interested in helping him find Aurora. He says this is the first time he's felt like he trusts her, but maybe he's just desperate.

Barbie says what Camilo did to Aurora was terrible and she hasn't told Santiago because it will rip the family apart. She fake-asks the Madre Superior what she should do. MS tells her to ask her conscience. Hm, ok, so what's plan B? MS informs Barbie that Aurora has decided to isolate herself from the world and she supports that decision. Barbie asks if she's being forbidden to see Aurora. MS restates that she's not forbidding anything--Aurora made a decision and she supports it.

Night falls.

Barbie and Damian talk via phone. Damian tells her that his cousin has informed him that Villasana doesn't have a legal leg to stand on. According to Damian, Villasana showing up at Lactos was like the kicking of a drowning man ("patadas de un ahogado") and they have nothing to worry about.

Aurora worriedly asks the Mother Superior if she's going to have to leave the convent because she's "bad". MS says being pregnant doesn't make her "indigna" (unworthy). MS says the baby is the result of love and Aurora doesn't need human approval to be at peace with God. Well, that's very progressive of her. Aurora wants to know what Evil Barbie said. MS says that woman didn't come for any good reason, at least that's what her heart is telling her.

Pointless scene of Evil Barbie getting home and walking through the downstairs of the hacienda.

Franco wants to talk to Gardenia. She's busy chopping veg and tells him to talk.

Evil Barbie goes to inform Santi that Aurora is at the convent, but she doesn't want to see anyone.

Franco tells Gardenia it's one thing to marry someone you don't love and another thing to marry someone that you love the way he loves Gardenia. Gardenia asks how he loves her. "We grew up together." Well, you grew up with Fernanda too, Gardenia reminds him. Franco says he can't have Fernanda. Because she's married? Franco says that "Franco Santoro" couldn't marry Fernanda even if they were both available. Gardenia says he knows that's not true. She tries to run off, but he grabs her back. He wants her to listen to him, but she has some things to say too. Namely, that she loves him, etc. He says he loves her too, but…so she grabs him and plants a big one on him, just as Fernanda is coming to the door. Ok, here's the thing men (and I suppose this would apply to the ladies too), when someone has a crush on you or thinks they're in love with you, or whatever, and you don't have the same feelings for them, don’t start your sentence with "I love you, but…" Got it? No, "I love you, but not like that," or "I love you, but like a sister, " or "I love you, but I love your best friend more." Once the first three words are out, nothing else is heard. And then things start to go horribly wrong and your childhood sweetheart sees her kissing you through the front door and gets upset and leaves without saying anything. And once you start with that, it’s a slippery slope down to plot extensions that go nowhere for months. Just let that be a lesson to you.

Evil Barbie tells Santi that Aurora was doing a lot of babbling when she first showed up at the convent, but she showed up alone. Santi says he's going straight out there. Barbie tells him to be careful, that Aurora must not be well or the nuns wouldn't have her isolated. She says they have no way of knowing what happened between the time she left with that (completely fabricated) man and the time she made it to the convent. She tells him not to get his hopes up. Santi says the love of his life has shown up and she's in a safe place, so off he goes. Barbie wishes him luck and he thanks her. She picks up one of his paintbrushes, randomly.

After Franco breaks off the kiss, Gardenia is just swooning over it. "You can't tell me you didn't like that." Franco says it doesn't matter if he liked it or not. Again, wrong answer! The answer is "no, I didn't, and I can't have you working here anymore, so go home." But nooooo, he's gotta be Mr. Nice Guy. Gardenia says she's dreamed of this for a long time. Franco says it's not right, he doesn't want to hurt her. Gardenia says it's too late, he's already hurt her, everything he's saying is hurting her "hasta la médula" (to the marrow). Yeah, but he's slowly peeling the Band Aid off…rip it, already! He says he has to tell her, because they're like siblings and they will be for the rest of their lives. He says he loves her and he'd give his life for her and he's telling her the truth because he loves her. He says his feelings for her aren't going to change. He doesn't want her to get her hopes up for something that's never going to happen. Never ("nunca"). "Is he finally getting it through her head?" Mr. 5ft wonders. I say not. She's not giving up until some new guy shows up that she can be interested in instead. Until then she's going to keep thinking she has a chance.

Fernanda sits in her car, crying, and finally buckles her seatbelt, then cries some more.

Gardenia wants to clarify that what he's saying is that he's never going to love her. Yes, you dimwit, that's exactly what he's saying! How many times do we have to hear it?! He says that it hurts him too, to know how she feels for him and not be able to return her feelings. Oh, whatever. It's not the same hurt, man, so just shut it already. Gardenia cries and starts to leave the room, but she comes back to tell him that if that's the way he feels, she's sorry, but she can't be near him. And that is the first sensible thing anybody's said all day.

And then, to placate me, when we come back from commercials, we get treated to the lead-in clip of Colunga working his biceps. Repeatedly. Wow, ten minutes of that. Oh, wait, you mean I hit the slow-mo button by mistake? Hm, can't imagine how that happened.

Venus is in her room folding clothes. Esteve comes in to talk to her and she lets him in, but she gives him the cold shoulder. He says he has good news for her, but first off, he wants to tell her she's done a great job. She's really owning this role, and sometimes even he forgets that there is no Lovely Norton. He tells her she's "increiblemente talentosa" (incredibly talented). And he is surprised to discover that when she said "thanks, Steve" what she really meant was "Oh, bite me! I'm in love with you, you nitwit!" He tells her that she doesn't have to keep pretending to be Lovely, it's over. She doesn't respond.

Fernanda comes home and Tomasa tells her that her dad is waiting for her in the dining room, alone.

Barbie mutters to herself in her bedroom that she's sure Santiago will get Aurora out of the convent and bring her "to me."

Gonzo tells Fer that Barbie doesn't think they should involve the cops, but he wants Fer's opinion. Fernanda says he should do what his conscience dictates, but he says he's not sure and he doesn't want to put Lili's life in danger. Fernanda says she supports him completely, whatever decision he makes. Gonzo wonders if what Lili says on the tape is true. Fernanda says someone should analyze it, and Franco has a contact who specializes in that. Gonzo hesitates, because he's still got doubts. Fer tells him to "consultala con la almohada" ("consult with your pillow" i.e., "sleep on it"). She says she's headed upstairs, Gonzo assumes for some quality time with the hubby. She asks him to let her know if he needs anything. She tells him she loves him a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot.

Esteve explains to Venus that since they don't know how much farther to go with this thing and it's getting more dangerous, they don't want to risk her. Venus says she doesn't understand what risks they're talking about. Esteve says that Camilo is violent, but Venus says that with all he's taught her, Camilo is only ever nice to her. She doesn't understand why they're not going on. Steve explodes that the idea was to screw around with him, but it's over. Venus wonders about the wedding arrangements. Steve says there won't be a wedding, but Venus insists that she is going to marry Camilo and storms off to her closet.

Gardenia comes over to Margie and Jacinto's house and asks if she can stay. She talks around what's going on, but Jacinto wants a straight answer. Gardenia says she quit. She "canté las golondrinas al Eduardo" (sang The Swallows to Eduardo…Las Golondrinas is a goodbye song, but this can also mean "I spilled my guts, I said everything I had to say" etc.).

Steve says that now that he's told her everything, does she still want to marry that parasite (parásito), that good for nothing (buena para nada)? Venus says it's not an "idea," she's engaged and she's going to get married. He tells her she would screw up her life. "People can change," Venus Lovely-s. "Not him!" screams Steve. Not that "macho retrasado mental" (mentally delayed chauvinist) who will only get worse as he gets older. Venus says maybe he's right, but all men are alike anyway. Steve says "not all", but Venus reminds him that's what he said in her lessons. "Well, then, if it's that easy to give them what they want in bed and in exchange the man give the woman whatever she wants, then why wouldn't I get something out of it for myself, the real Venus?" Steve doesn't answer.

Ooh, again with the lifting weights. I must have been a very good girl recently!

Margarita wants Gardenia to go to sleep and go back to Las Animas tomorrow and get her job back. Gardenia won't. Jacinto tells her she can't quit her job "just because" (así porque si). Margie wants to know what she did and Gardenia swears it was nothing bad. Margie seems most worried that they not leave Eduardo alone because they're supposed to be his friends. Gardenia says that's too bad, he'll have to get along with out her because "ni de chiste" (not even as a joke) will she go back. Even as she says it, I'm looking at her facial expression and thinking that she really, really wants him to beg her to come back. Jacinto says if she's already decided, fine, but they're not happy about it. Gardenia says she's not going to just hang around on their couch, she's going to swallow her pride and go talk to Fernanda about work. Mhm, guess who's going to be working the Cheese Fair.

Fernanda is removing her makeup and remembering Franco presenting Erika as his fiancée, then remembering him "kissing" Gardenia just now. She scrubs the heck out of her face. She thought bubbles that Franco is "un asco" (disgusting).

Franco and Esteve sit in the kitchen talking about their women troubles. Franco says Gardenia was sad and she's really important to him. Steve says she got her hopes up without Franco's assistance. Steve says he should be worried, but because since Gardenia felt rejected she might reveal his secret identity. Steve says things are getting out of hand. Venus is stubbornly insisting on marrying Camilo. Franco says the same thing's happening with Venus and Steve as with him and Gardenia. Steve, shocked says "What? You're starting to have feelings for Gardenia?" But that's not the part Franco meant. He meant that he didn't want Gardenia to go and now Steve's trying to stop Venus from leaving, but they really can't do anything about it.

Venus cries over the phone to Martina about how stupid she is and all the stuff she said to Steve. Martina, rather than consoling her, yells at her. Martina thinks she forgot that Lovely was just a job and the job is over. Venus says her job was to "enredar a Camilo" (get Camilo all wrapped up) and now she's the one who's gotten wrapped up herself. Martina says she's got to go tell Steve the truth right now, but Venus won't. Quite sensibly, Martina says Lovely can't marry Camilo because Lovely doesn't exist. Venus weeps that she doesn't even know who she is anymore. She didn't know what would happen and now look at her--Steve made her think she could be a respectable lady and she got used to not being alone and feeling important and loved. Martina says that she is, but Venus counters that Martina said it was just a job. Steve created lovely and Venus created the rest. What "rest"? Why, thinking that a man like Steve Norton would ever look at a woman like her. So, she's going to give Camilo what Lovely promised.

Gonzalo watches Barbara sleep. He reaches out to rub her shoulder, but she turns away from him, pretending to be asleep. We see that she's not.

Back at the convent, Santiago wakes up in his jeep outside the front door. He gets himself straightened out somewhat and knocks on the door. Bangs on it, really. A nun answers and he asks to speak to the Mother Superior and it's a matter of life or death (un asunto de vida o muerte).

Inside, Aurora waxes rhapsodic about how much she loves being at the convent, feeling close to God, chatting with the Virgen about what to do with the rest of her life. She also thinks about how her child is going to grow up not having anyone but her. Mother Superior reminds her that her child does have a father and it's not right to deny her child that. The only way she'll know if Santiago would accept the baby is to ask him. Aurora says she can't go find him. Sister Fidelia comes to tell the Mother Superior that Santiago is here.

Damian wakes up and finds that Fernanda didn't sleep in her bed last night. I find it strange how neatly people sleep. My bedcovers always get all messed up, but these people wake up looking like they're ready to shoot a home décor ad. Fernanda comes in with breakfast for Damian (yeah, just throw him some raw meat and run the other way, I say). He gripes that he fell asleep waiting for her. Fernanda says she didn't want to wake him up, so she slept in Lili's room. She says she's really been ignoring him lately, but she's going to work harder to make their marriage work. He says she's made him the happiest man in the world with her words. He tells her she's the best thing in his life and he's dreaming of the day they really live like man and wife. Again, dude, she's not sleeping with you! Is that all he thinks about? Sex, sex, sex. Oh, and avoiding incarceration.

Barbie has come to visit Franco. She proposes a deal, but first he needs to agree to her conditions. If he agrees to her conditions, she'll tell him who has Lili. He says it sounds "tentador" (tempting). She says that's the only way she'll be able to explain to him how they're going to work together. He says it sounds like a deal with the devil when she puts it like that. Barbie says that's exactly what "that man" is…the devil. Dun, dun, dun!

And tomorrow: Barbie gives up Artemio; Gardenia won't leave Eduardo alone.

Labels: manana

And that's pretty much it in a nutshell.

What!? You want more? Well, Xime finds out it's not much fun to be poor, not if you're being squeezed like a sardine for hours on end in the metro. And Consti and Beto have another hot to trot almost kiss (dang! Moni comes in and interrupts) and even Mauricio gets locked in the coffee room.

Oh alright, if you insist, I'll just recap the whole darned thing. Fortunately we start with a little review of the stripper club scene. (Susanlynn, hope you were watching) We get to enjoy again Mau's little off-tempo dance, somewhat better knee scoot butt slappin' move and his tender request that Monita forgive him. They almost kiss also, but then another sassy lady tries to horn in on the action and pretty soon our galan is beseiged by a whole wad of lustful women. And who can blame them? Julia, Emilia and I would be right there helping out if we could. Oooooh if only we could! Quote of the evening? Monita saying tenderly, Gee you don't have to strip to ask my forgiveness. (But we're glad he did.)

And what else? Well, we see that Salvador definitely returns Gabriela's kiss. He caves completely. Oscar successfully plants the bug in Mau's office. Beto busts in, reeking as usual, but not yet completely under the effects of the dope they gave him. Jeri and Oily Oscar manage to convince him this was just a test. And he passed. What do I get, asks Beto (see his little brain cells are still firing) and sure 'nough Oscar forks over some money. But not a word of this to Mauricio he warns. And not a word about this money to Monita replies Beto. And even in his doped up state he doesn't spill the beans that he and Monita are actually novios. Well done, Beto!

We switch from the office to a tender good-bye scene twixt Mau and Monita. The romantic music swells and I'm dying for them to kiss, even if Nieves is watching, but they don't. Just gaze at each other with longing ...and yearning... and wanting.... and needing...and where was I?...oh yes, and goofy smiles. But no kisses. Still, Nieves is no fool. She felt the heat and she's worried.

Okay. Brief but funny Rocky take-off scene with Moni running up and down steps, punching away while mariachi-style "Getting stronger" music plays in the background.

Next morning a blissful Mau is breakfasting with his kids but things quickly deteriorate. (my, that brings back memories). Luisa rats out Aldo for not being prepared for his entrance exams to school. Mau offers to pay for a special prep course but our young galan wants nothing to do with it and stomps out. Luisa rats out some more about Estrella not returning Aldo's calls. Gets reprimanded for being a snitch. She stomps out. Only Dani remains and she wisely pretends to be asleep. Howevah gotta say I loved Mauricio's smile as he hugged the little girl. This guy has a terrific smile. Distracts me momentarily from the memory of his pecs and biceps. Momentarily.

Oscar and Jeri are listening in to the conversations in Mau's office and learn he was a stripper last night. Do you suppose he uses depilatory in those intimate parts? asks Jeri. Yep, this is definitely a guy show. No topic is off limits.

Meanwhile, Beto's lying around the barrio putting off going to work. Nieves tries to give him the 411 on taking better care of Monita so his beautiful girlfriend doesn't go off with someone new. Beto reminds her how often she's told him he's drop dead gorgeous. Did she lie? Does she know how traumatizing that could be to a son!? "Me dañas, me dañas" he bleats.

Don Cesar is being worked over also....by his loving, cosmetically inclined wife Dorita. She's worried about his pores and wants him to put on an avocado mask. He's more worried about Monita and whether or not she's serious about her career when she comes to ask for another chance. They agree he'll be her trainer again and Dorita makes her promise not to let anybody punch her in the face....because Lord knows she has nice skin and she'd hate to see it ruined! Dorita is very task focused...you gotta give her that.

And now my favorite couple--Salvador and Gabriela. He slides into the office and looks at her hungrily...(yes, I swear to God he does!) but Gaby plays it cool. Claims to remember nothing about anything last night, especially a kiss. Well, you DID kiss me, insists Sal, and then...well, WE kissed. Nope, don't remember. And then we made mad passionate love, he adds. No way, we did NOT! Okay, he laughs, you do remember. Yes, but I forgot the minute I saw Oscar. (Oh Gaby Gaby Gaby. I know Sal's married. But still he's better than that slithering lawyer. Wake up girl!)

Gaby's not the only one who's hungover. Even our professional daiquiri swiller Ximena is feeling a bit under the weather. Connie's not sympathetic and warns her that if she keeps hanging out with those girls who reek of frying oil, she'll lose Constanza's friendship completely. It's them or me! Well, muses Xime, there's three of them (her favorite number) so I guess they win. But a quarter kiss for you, Con, and the rest for my buds. And off she goes.

At the big house, Estrella has arrived with Aldo's shirt, neatly washed and ironed, but alas, she's there to give him the big brush off. Yes, I let you kiss me because I was feeling down, but you're just a kid. This can't go on. Don't call me. Don't look for me. Please. And off she swishes...as only Estrella can, leaving our lad bewildered and heartbroken.

Light is slowly....very slowly...creeping into Mau's little brain. He's wondering why someone always alerts the judge when there are problems at home. He suspects something by golly! Salvador is encouraged but of course Jeri and Oscar are listening in to this conversation and are on full alert. Oscar gets in a dig about Jeri's lack of brain power (guess it runs in the family) but they both agree technology is going to keep them well ahead of Mau's every move.

The light's going off in Beto's brain too. He comes in to confront Mau about Monita. Something's wrong. She's goofy, distracted, head in the clouds. He thinks she's going out with someone in the office. Could it be Jeronimo? No way. But why should Beto care? He's her brother, not her novio. Beto handles this adroitly. Well, I'm really close to this guy. He has, um, five or six character defects, yes, but he's really likeable, ticks along like a clock with her and he's "buena bestia" (a good guy) so if I thought anyone was trying to take Monita away from him, I'd hang him by his b***s, he adds menacingly. Mau gives this statement his utmost consideration.

Wow. And speaking of menacing, we're now in the gym and Andy is there with that really scary professional boxer. (I forget her name. Honestly I forget MY name when she's around. Scares the p*** outta me, that one) They want to set up a fight with Moni and offer a 60-30 split. And what about the other 10 percent asks Don Cesar.... I wasn't born yesterday. Okay, they agree to a 60-40 split. Done deal. But I'm still scared! Moni and my Nightmare get into a little scuffle but it's quickly settled. Whew. Protect me Moni.

Fortunately, we're back with favorite gal pal Xime. She's down in the barrio and is right suprised to find Estrella there also. Well, hey, it's because she lives here. Oh...well, then I'm down here to visit you, chirps Xime. I want to find out how working folks live. Estrella points out that "Pobre se nace, no se aprende" (You're born poor, it's not something you learn) but Xime insists she'd like to hang with her and find out what it's like to go to auditions. So let's take a taxi, she adds. No way, answers Estrella. When you're poor, you take the metro, and get squeezed like a sardine. Okay. Xime's on board. Somewhat.

Back to the coffee room where things are heating up between Consti and Beto again. She's angry because she found out Beto's Monita's "brother" and thinks he's after her so Monita will have a clear shot at Mau. Not so. Beto wants her for her own sweet babelicious self and is ready to prove it (in spite of the broom she's swatting him with). She's pressed against the door again, he's moving in for the kissing kill , murmuring Relax. This won't hurt. It's like an injection and will do you a lot of goooooood.

Rats. Monita comes in and the whole scene deflates. Pooh.

After the ad, Connie is talking fast about coming in for raw sugar (that refined stuff is toxic!) and Monita not believing a word of it. I'm surprised she doesn't ask Beto to drop his pants again for a chastity inspection. She's about to start the Big Talk when Paula tells her Gaby wants to see her. Saved by the bell is Beto.

Connie, properly inflamed, now spreads herself all over Mau's desk (that's as discreetly as I can put it) and starts in about this sexy dream she had about him being a stripper. But alas, it turned into a nightmare because that Monita was in it too. Mau plays dumb. Not really a stretch for him. And then suggests she talk to a psychoanalyst about this, not him. Meanwhile, our listeners Oscar and Jeronimo are intrigued. Wow. He's resisting her, muses Oscar. I'd be all over her in a minute. Beto barges in and they have to pretend they're listening to a soccer game. And now, gotta go. We're hungry. No prob', Beto wants to go along. Jeronimo archly reminds him that employees don't hang out with executives, and certainly don't eat in the same restaurants! So there.

Mau is still resisting and asking Connie to get off his desk. After all, he would NEVER strip before a horde of women. And Monita...well she has a novio, Don Cesar. Uh oh. More lies and more misunderstandings. Where will this lead? Give you three guesses and the first two don't count. And Beto, hearing this, is gonna be on the warpath.

A brief scene with Gabriela and Paula. Gaby's wondering how Paula can be fresh as a daisy after drinking like a fish the night before. Paula replies it's because Gaby has two hangovers--one from booze and the other from kissing a married man. Wow. Some down home wisdom there, Paula.

In the meantime, Beto has charged off for the gym and is accusing hapless Don Cesar of sneaking around with Monita. Sweet little Dorita goes ballistic and starts belting hubby and accusing him of being a "rabo verde" (dirty old man). Ay yi yi.

An all too brief scene with Monita and Mau in the coffee room. He's whispering, afraid of being overheard. She's wondering if Connie reamed him out and if she's jealous. The mood is tender and warm and dang! this time it's Costeño calling...you gotta get down to the gym pronto. All hell is breaking loose. Mau wants to go with her. She sends him back for her sweater. Then she whips out and locks him in. Runs out of the building.

Mau yells for help. Gaby goes to get the keys. Sal pleads in vain for him to stay because the Japanese clients are waiting for him in the meeting room. Take them to the Alameda, whiffs Mau, and off he goes in hot pursuit. (Alameda Central is a famous park in Mexico City. Google it for more info). Sal sidles up to Gaby and she's on red alert. I'm NOT going to disguise myself as a geisha, she snaps. Sal does a clipped "Come here and do what I say" routine and who knows? will she cave? Could be fun.

Xime drags in to Consti' boutique, aching all over from her tough day in the metro. She wants Connie to send her to a spa for a massage. She hurts all over. Connie's playing it tough like the Cuna de Lobos diabolical lady she is. Threatens to tell Rolu about the goings on last night. Xime promises to do anything, be her slave. Double uh oh. And...she needs money for the taxi. No metro to the spa for her. Ask Augustina, snaps Connie.

Beto's still accusing Don Cesar of nefarious doins' with Moni and getting thoroughly thrashed by Don Cesar for his pains. And now I understand why you wanted to take her to Vegas! Beto adds. This really riles Dorita because Cesar's only taken her to Xincolcuan (hey if this is wrong, it's what was in the closed captions...sorry) Monita arrives in the midst of this harangue. Cesar tells her to tell the truth, the whole truth! Whoops. And then Mauricio arrives. Cesar looks at him glumly....this is all we needed, he sighs.

And there the madness ends for the evening.

Previews:

Beto is caught kissing Monita. A big kiss.
And some sort of dream sequence? Beto's in black like the cowboy bad guy. And Monita and Mau, also in cowboy gear look mighty scared. Who knows? We'll find out tomorrow.

Vocabulary:

es un cromo= (she's) a looker. Nieves talking about how pretty Monita is.
dar duro a la pera = really work hard on the punching bag. Cesar's advice to Monita
esto no da para más = this can't go on. Estrella dumping Aldo.
que siga la fiesta = let the party continue. Ximene. Who else?
agasajando = celebrating
Alameda = tree-lined poplar grove but also a famous park in Mexico City , adjacent to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. Built on an area that used to be an Aztec marketplace. After the Spanish conquest, the Catholic Church used space to burn heretics and witches.

Dicho of the Day:

We'll credit Estrella with this one...

Pobre se nace, no se aprende. One is born poor, one doesn't "learn" it.

and another proverb about poverty....

Más tiene el rico cuando empobrece que el pobre cuando enriquece. The rich man who loses his wealth is richer than the poor man who attains wealth.

Labels: gancho

Friday: Inaki turns the car to head back to Real del Monte, doesn’t look, and drives right into the path of an oncoming truck.

Tonight: Blissfully unaware, Emiliano is kicking around a soccer ball with Chava and some other kids. Their team wins and Chava says come play with us every weekend. Cool, says Emiliano. Chava, worried that his cholesterol is too low, wants to go grab some quesadillas at his mom’s roadside stand, and Emiliano says he’ll go take a quick shower and join him.

He notices the message from Inaki on his phone. Call me immediately! He dials, but just gets Inaki’s tape.

Mac comes home from her blood studies and Rufi tells her that spending time with Camila sure makes her look perkier. Mac tells Rufi that if the phone rings they have to grab it before Carlota does.

She takes a big jar of birdseed from the shelf of mysteries in the kitchen and heads off to the canary cage. Rufi follows and in a low voice tells Mac about Arcadia’s two mysterious visits and how Carlota sent Rufi to the kitchen so she couldn’t overhear. Mac says it’s very strange that somebody working for Inaki’s family would come by.

She turns to feed her birds and gasps. There is little yellow feathered body on the bottom of the cage. She storms into Carlota’s office and tells her that the little bird’s neck was wrung and she’s the only one who would do it. Carlota is not the type to note the fall of a sparrow and says There is so much to worry about, what with Paloma and your blood sugar, who cares about a canary?

Mac says I’m outta here. Oh yes? says Carlota. Are you going alone, or are you going to join the runaway lovers? Mac says I’m going alone. I have to get out of this house where the air itself is pure bitterness.

Carlota says what are you going to live on? Are you going to mooch off your divorced friend? Or are you going to beg? Mac says I’m going to live off my inheritance. Our father left us both this house and I want my part.

Ha! says Carlota. You can’t live alone. You’re sick. Mac says I can take care of myself and I’m going to go see a lawyer. She leaves, Carlota’s evil laugh following her out.

Camila comes home and looks for Romina. Romina comes in the front door. Camila says I was worried – I thought you were sleeping. You were worried? says Romina. You say those things, but you’re actually the opposite. I can’t take it. I don’t matter to my father, to you, even to Emiliano.

Instead of telling her to get over herself, ever-patient and ever-doting Camila says what’s wrong? Romina says lies, gossip. Somebody told Emiliano that German and I had something going and he believed it. Camila says I warned you that it didn’t look good for you to be hanging around German. Romina wants Emiliano to beg her forgiveness and get back together with her. Camila says if he doesn’t want to date you, you can’t make him. You can’t force love.

Romina says I’m not a big giant loser like you. When Dad left, you didn’t do anything to try to keep him. I’m gonna get Emiliano back.

Joel comes in and finds Rafa sitting in his office, the blinds drawn. Joel tells him to go on home – Saturday is just a half day, and then you hang out with your friends. Rafa says he doesn’t have a lot of friends because he’s spent all his time working.

Joel says go home and have dinner with your wife and son. Rafa sighs and explains his wife thinks he’s a loser. Joel says chin up! There’s a possibility we might have a backer. Rafa says get real. This place is going to close and a big part of my life is going to close with it. Plus Diana and I are probably going to separate.

Diana meantime is at a spa with a girlfriend, where they’re in big fluffy white robes, getting facial massages. She asks her girlfriend what is was like when she lived in the DF. The friend says too many people, too much traffic. Diana says hopefully But a lot more fun things to do? Is it more expensive than here? Definitely, says the girlfriend. Diana dreams of a fancy home there, dinners at fancy restaurants. The girlfriend warns her that that’ll cost big time.

The girlfriend speculates that Diana maybe wants to go live there, or just rent an apartment and live there part-time? If so, Rafael must be earning really big! Diana smirks half-heartedly.

German has been waiting for Emiliano. Emiliano says don’t worry about that stuff last night. German says no, I want to explain! It turns out that Liliana just said those things to turn you and me into enemies and to piss off Romina. Emiliano really doesn’t want to get into all that and he doesn’t like being in the middle of gossip. German says he hates that his pal got caught up in it, and he feels bad that Emiliano might break up with Romina over something like that.

Emiliano says I already did and it was for other reasons. German fakes ignorance and says why? Emiliano says just other reasons, that’s all. German says if you do that, it’ll make it look like Liliana was right. German’s heart is just not into this speech and his eyes shift around.

We’re at the hospital, both Inaki and Paloma are being rolled in on gurneys. Inaki is calling out to Paloma and begs the gurney guys to call his mother and Emiliano to come take care of Paloma.

We are treated to the sight of Emiliano in a bath towel. He answers his phone. He gets the bad news and starts frantically grabbing for his clothes. Unfortunately, his towel doesn’t come untied.

The telenovela gods must have their moldy sacrifices, and so the writers have laid the requisite hospital scenes on their altar to placate them. We can’t FF through all this because there are some interesting developments interspersed among the clichés, so here we go:

Paloma is hooked up to beeping monitors and the doctor looks worried. We’re not because she’s in the opening credits, and besides, she’s the protagonista.

Emiliano has arrived at Carmen’s house. He gives her the bad news and says they have to tell Paloma’s family.

Carlota is at her lawyer’s. Ominous music plays. For some reason, in this show the ominous music always reminds me of thundering stuff they play in WWII movies when we see mighty destroyers making their way through the waves towards the enemy. Carlota says that Mac has gotten it into her head that a smaller house with just one floor would be better for them. The music thunders some more. The lawyer assures Carlota that she has managed Paloma’s money like a pro. Carlota says and what if Mac wants to sell the house and I don’t? The lawyer says one person can buy the other out, but they’d have to go through the courts and that takes forever and is expensive. Plus he doesn’t think Carlota would want everyone to know that there is a conflict.

Rufi and Mac are in the kitchen cooking. Rufi comments that nobody in town can bake like Mac. She could sell her stuff! Like to restaurants. They could do it together. They could name their business Just Desserts. Mac likes the idea but says she wishes Paloma was there to give her opinion. Rufi says you have to learn to make your life without her.

Mac wishes she would hear from Paloma. Plus she wants to tell her that she’s decided to get the hell away from Carlota.

Doorbell! It’s Emiliano with Carmen. They are startled to see Mac, and say they had heard she was in the hospital. She says no, I just went for some tests. Emiliano introduces Carmen to Mac who says Inaki’s mom! Have you heard from Paloma?

Dramatic pause.

Camila drops some bags on the sidewalk. A man rushes to help and guess what, it’s Orlando. Their eyes meet! A love song kicks in! This does not bode well for Rafa as a future galan for her – we never get a love song when he talks to her. Too bad. Orlando insists on carrying her bags. He’s excited to hear she has an art shop.

Mac is rushing to leave and Rufi begs her to call with any news. Just then Carlota arrives and politely bellows at Carmen What are you doing in my house? She starts to talk trash, but Emiliano cuts in and says Paloma has had an accident, so knock it off. Carlota actually looks upset.

For the ad break, we see Inaki with his big toothy smile. What a prince! I hope he makes it through.

Orlando and Camila have arrived at her shop. He likes it and so do I – I’d like to buy the place out. She thanks him and he says Why are you so sad? Your eyes look so sad. Hey, this guy is Deep. Camila says it’s nothing – just a fight with my daughter.

Though Deep, Orlando is not above using the usual single-guy lines: Oh, so you have a daughter? Well, it figures that a beautiful woman like you would have a husband and family. Camila says I’ve been divorced for some years. Orlando tries to suppress a small smile and the love song kicks in again.

German calls Romina and tries to get her to come over but she says after the photo caper, she can’t. He says too bad, I guess you’ll miss out on hearing about my conversation with Emiliano.

Chava is at the quesadilla stand with his grandma and won’t have a quesadilla until Emiliano shows up which he’s sure he will because he’s a stand-up, do-right guy.

The tias, Emiliano and Carmen rush into the hospital in Pachuca and beg the reception nurse for information. She reports that Inaki is okay, just a few scrapes and bruises. But when they ask about Paloma, she excuses herself for a moment.

Dios mio! says Mac.

The doctor appears out of the woodwork. Paloma’s critical. So ceritical that she’s hovering between life and death. (whatever. yawn.)

Mac comes unglued. Emiliano wants to know what they can do to save Paloma. The doctor says we need some type A blood. Mac says that’s her type – suck away! Carlota says diabetics can’t donate. Emiliano looks terribly noble and offers up his blood.

The doctor tells Carmen Inaki is pretty bunged up, but he’ll survive.

Romina is at German’s but she doesn’t think his news was big enough for her to come over. He comes on to her a little, but she laughingly says she better go. He says what about my prize? She says you get it when you get Emiliano to come back to me.

That’s all you care about, isn’t it? says German. Don’t you feel a little bad about what we’ve done? Romina seems to be searching her hard drive and then shrugs no. German says well I do. I feel like a total rat, a hypocrite. And all this just to get a bit of love from the woman I’m crazy about.

Romina says you’re boring me and she tries to flounce out but he grabs her arm. She says look, one thing I learned when my father left – guilt doesn’t help anything. If you want something, you fight for it tooth and nail and you don’t worry who gets hurt in the process. So if you’re not on the same wavelength with me, forget it.

Inaki tells his mom why they were heading back to Real del Monte. Carmen says Mac was never in the hospital. I knew it! says Inaki. He blames himself for what happened to Paloma and begs his mother to go find out if she’s out of danger.

Carlota bursts into the room and through gritted teeth announces to Inaki that she’s not only going to prosecute him for messing with a minor, she’s also going to prosecute him for attempted murder. If Paloma dies, you’re going to spend the rest of your life in prison!

Emiliano doesn’t look so red hot. It turns out he’s afraid of needles, but he’s given his blood. The nurse tells him they’ll bring him some OJ.

The doctor comes out to the waiting room and tells the tias that he has moved Paloma into intensive care and that they won’t know by tonight whether she’ll pull through. (zzzz.) Carlota wants to move her to a better hospital, but the doctor says she can’t be moved. Mac pleads with Carlota who gives in.

Mac heads off to the hospital chapel and Carlota asks the doctor where she can make a formal accusation. She wants Inaki arrested.

Mac is praying and flashing back on the night Paloma’s mother lay dying, and how her mother told Mac to love Paloma and care for her like a real mama. Sollozos all around.

The chapel. Candles. A big spray of white gladiolas. An angelic voice singing. Mac, tears streaming down her face, telling her rosary beads. Into this scene walks Emiliano and asks if he can pray with Mac. She’s praying so fervently he’s sure her prayers will be answered. Mac blubbers that Paloma’s life has been horrible and it’s all her fault, she’s so weak and she made so many mistakes.

Emiliano tells her to be strong and that Paloma is who she is, a wonderful woman, thanks to Mac. This is a nice sentiment so I forgive him his schmalzy acting in this scene.

Mac leans into him and dampens his shirt with her tears. She goes on and on about how Paloma’s sorry little life is all her fault.

Back in Real del Monte, Camila has dropped by to check up on Mac and gets the bad news from Rufi. Ay no!

Romina is trying to shove someone out the front door. It’s Liliana who pushes in. She says she knows about Romina buying the photos. Romina plays dumb and says all this for German? Lili says German’s a loser like you, I’m declaring war for Emiliano and for all people who get messed with by people like you.

Romina tells her good Samaritans have fallen out of fashion. Lili says who laughs last, laughs best. Camila comes in and Lili says she’d like to talk to her, but Camila says now’s not the time. She turns to Romina and says Paloma’s been in an accident and she’s dying.

Carmen has called Inaki’s dad who is very upset. He thinks Inaki’s irresponsible and that girl has caused nothing but problems. Carmen begs him to find a lawyer. She also scared that if Paloma dies, Inaki will never get over it. She asks him to give Inaki his emotional support.

She hangs up and we see next to her Emiliano who says feel better? She says you were right – it was a good idea to call him.

It’s early morning and we are treated to the amazing sight of Mac and Carlota conked out on the waiting room couch, Mac’s head on her sister’s shoulder, and Carlota’s head resting against hers. Sigh. The lion lying down with the lamb. That’ll last until the second they wake up.

Emiliano was sleeping in the waiting room too and he wakes and starts right in on today’s good deeds. He tells the duty nurse that Mac has diabetes and can the nurse arrange for her to have her daily shot? Whadda guy! He wakes Mac and goes with her to get her shot. Carlota falls back asleep.

Chris’s superior sees Chris off with his blessings, but I can’t tell if it’s for the 2-week retreat or for his assignment in Real del Monte.

Inaki’s dad and his wife arrive at Inaki’s hospital room. Inaki is asleep in his neck brace. Carmen throws her arms around Alonso and his wife looks like she feels a bit out of place.

Emiliano and Mac are back in the waiting room with Carlota. Emiliano offers to bring Mac something to eat. Mac says she can’t eat. Carlota says to Mac Quit acting like a child. Aren’t you embarrassed that you always need someone to take care of you? Emiliano says come on, let’s go to the cafeteria.

They start to leave, but Camila and Romina come rushing in. Romina says please tell me that Paloma is going to live, and she throws herself in Emiliano’s arms. Mac and Camila embrace. Carlota is disgusted by all these emotional scenes.

Alonso tells Inaki that a lawyer is on the way. Inaki says thanks, but what I’m really worried about is Paloma. I don’t want her to die!

Natalia says I’ll go talk to Carlota. Maybe she’ll recognize me and I can get her to retract her charges. Carmen says recognize you? Natalia explains her connection to Paloma’s mother and Inaki is astonished. You are the Natalia Paloma wanted to look for! Natalia is thrilled that Paloma remembered her and thought she could help them. And she will!

Emiliano and Romina are sitting in the hospital cafeteria. She tells him she didn’t realize how much she loved Paloma until she got the big news. Paloma is like a sister to her. They had such adventures growing up! Her aunt always tried to keep them apart. I don’t want her to die!

Neither to I says Emiliano kindly.

Okay, so nobody wants Paloma to die, apparently not even Carlota.

Carmen comes up and tells Emiliano Inaki wants to see him.

Meanwhile, in the waiting room, Natalia is telling Camila and Mac about her connection to Paloma while Carlota listens, disgusted. She says I don’t know why you’re so proud of being his stepmother – he’s ruined my niece’s life. Natalia says he’s a sweetheart who would never hurt anybody, so she hopes Carlota will retract her accusation of attempted murder.

Mac is stunned. Is that what Carlota is doing? Carlota says that and corrupting a minor and nobody’s going to make me change my mind. Camila looks at her agape. She starts to protest, but Carlota tells her to butt out. Carlota’s on a real roll and Natalia says Paloma’s parents would have reacted as Mac has, and she can’t believe that they left Carlota in change of Paloma.

The doctor comes in and says good news! Paloma’s going to make it. She’s regained consciousness. Everyone is thrilled, even Carlota breaks into a wide smile. The doctor says Paloma wants to talk to Inaki but she can’t be moved yet. And she wants to see her tia Macarena. Carlota’s face falls.

Inaki is worrying about Paloma, and Emiliano at his bedside understands. Inaki thanks him for giving blood and for everything. He’s in his debt. Emiliano says there are no debts between friends. Natalia bursts in and tells them that Paloma has pulled through. Big toothy smiles all around.

Suspenseful music. Carlota comes in to Paloma’s bedside and tentatively touches her sheets. She calls to Paloma who flutters her eyelids, then looks at her. Carlota actually asks kindly how she is and says how worried she’s been. Paloma says I asked to see Mac, where is she? Is she okay? Carlota says she’s fine, just worried like we all are.

Carlota strokes Paloma’s cheek gently. She says with Mac’s and my care, you’ll be back to your old self in no time. Paloma looks distressed. Carlota says what is it, my love?

Go away, says Paloma. I don’t ever want to see you again in my life. I’d rather die than to return to your house and to have to live with you.

Avances: Mac tells Inaki that she’s bringing charges against Carlota for her abuse of her authority over Paloma. Inaki says he wants to find out about the inheritance that he now hears (from Natalia?) that Paloma’s parents left her. Camila tells Mac that secrets held inside can fester into open wounds. The lawyer tells Carlota that when Paloma turns 18 she’s entitled to her money.

Labels: amor

Mao, Moni, Aldo, and Estrella are having a conference at the mansion when Moni receives a call. He's wrecked the company car. Conference canceled. Mau and Moni are off to the police station.We find ourselves at the police station where Hombre de M dropped us off over the weekend. Moni is not pleased to learn that Beto wasn't alone at the time of the accident...with a hooker and in the company's car! The nerve! The disgrace! Mao is more sanguine, at least no one was injured. Well, who should come running out but the always lovely Connie. "This is the shady lady?" The officer nods his assent. "Sí." Connie scurries to find solace in Mao's reluctant embrace as Monita looks on, stunned.

Back home in Naco Estates, Moni is excoriating poor Beto. "What was he doing with the car with Connie in the back seat? She demands that he drop his pants right there in front of God and everybody. She is going to examen him. Beto complies all the while pleading his case. He cautions a woman passing by not to pass out. He's under lots of stress from the job, needs to relax, maybe see a movie... she relents and sends him off. As Beto exits, Moni turns her attention to Estrella who has just walked up. "What were you thinking taking Dani and Aldo to your tryout?" Estrella knows she was out of line, but she finally got a job and will need Dani. "Find someone else." Well OK but Moni 's going to be coming to Estrella for help with Mau and Beto, you'll see.

At the big house, Mao is giving Aldo an earful over his latest crime, taking Dani off to the casting call with Estrella. More of ,"what were you thinking etc.?" and pointing out how this will certainly endanger the adoption if the judge finds out. Aldo's showing him the contract is not helpful to his case. "You're a minor!" Aldo offers to tear it up. He was just trying to help Estrella. Things are not good between them at this point.

Someone's been having fun, however. Stumbling in from their night out with great daquiris, Paula and Ximy have done some big time sisterly bonding. It's contagious. Paula has entered Ximy's wonderful world of rainbows and unicorns. Appealingly clad in one of Ximy's loaner-dresses she gushes to Moni about the wonderful night they had. She has learned the secret language and the secret signs. "What fun Paula is. She drinks like a sponge." Now Ximy needs a place to crash for a bit. The generous Moni fishes her apartment key from her cleavage and turns it over to Ximy. "The blue door," Moni points. Estrella is delighted with Paula's new look, "tell me about the reventon (blowout)."Moni wants to scold Estrella a bit more, but Estrella hears voices calling so Moni drags Paula off to work.

Back at the office, Mao, Connie, and Oscar are basking in the morning newspaper's account of Connie's adventure the previous night. Apparently the review is not so flattering. "Fashion Designer Arrested with Lover!" Oscar offers to help but Mao declines and leaves, Oscar points out to Connie that there are no lack of candidates for the wife-opening in Mao's life. Mao is off to see the judge about the adoption. He's got the medal she loaned him but after what happened the last time he wore it, she takes it back and gives an encouraging little peck instead. "Good luck,"he is wished by a worried-looking Moni.

In Sal's office, Beto is discussing his future in the company with Sal. Beto's ready to get back behind the wheel, but Sal thinks that he is better suited for a different position in the company. "OK," says Beto," where's my new office." In the utility/coffee room, Moni is attempting to revive Paula, who has sacked out and appears to be enjoying a pleasant dream, perhaps of strawberries and whipped cream. Oops, Beto is there and has had a change of uniforms, and apparently his new position does not appear to represent a move in an upward direction. He is wielding a back-scratcher. The new housekeeping togs are itchy. He wants to wear the suit and will discuss it with his pal Mauricio. "Oh no you won't!" Then Moni has got to speak to Mao about this revolting development. She declines but quickly rethinks her position when Beto points out a few details about their relationship that he could share with Mao.

A quick look back in the 'hood finds Aldo talking with Estrelle. Seems as though he's run away from home and now will be staying with her. She gives him an exasperated look. Yes, that's just what she needs.

In Sal's office, Moni is pleading Beto's case with Sal. At least allow him to wear the suit.They are interrupted by Mao who reveals that things didn't go all that well with thejudge. Bottom line, he has to get married. At a rare loss for words, Moni excuses herself, "I'll be outside." Flashing back to Beto's new office we find him in agony from the itchy outfit, utilizing the long handle of his dustpan to reach the right spot. Frustrated he drops his pants and attempts to scratch everywhere at once. His suffering is interrupted by the welcome appearance of Connie who initially scandalized, "Beto! You're naked!" is reassured by Beto that it's just his boxers and that he's burning with desire and it's not just the cheap outfit. She yields to his amorous assault. He has forgotten his urticarious misery for the moment. Her voice says , "No, no," but the rest of her says, "yes, oh my, yes." The heat index soars. The term in Spanish for the climate in the room is borchonoso.

Outside, Mao finds Moni at her desk (she actually has a desk?) and says, "We need to talk," and escorts her to (where else?) action central (the utility/coffee/game room). They overhear Connie in the throes of passion. They pause. Que the heck? "Sounds like a cat in heat," offers Moni, giving Mao's cell phone a chance to sound the alarm as well as detain them. It's Luisa, another crisis. Aldo's gone. Take care of it, Moni'll check on the cat. Connie hurries Beto. Pants still down around his ankles so he penguin shuffles into a closet. She recovers her composure and exits just as Moni is about to enter. Moni questions her about the noise but fortunately Connie does not have to explain anything to Moni. Moni enters and is about to catch Beto with his pants down, when the door opens. It's Gabi. Another crises. This time it's Paula. They hurry off and Beto, exhausted, shuffles out of hiding.

Aldo is pressing his case with Estrella. "Mauricio doesn't understand about what's going on between us..." "Ah, Chihuahua, what's going on between us?!" interrupts Estrella. "Well may I just stay one night?" Ximena emerges from Moni's apartment in time to overhear the rest. "No, no, no, and no!" objects Estrella. "Doesn't matter, I'll just go out in the street, but at least I can see you from afar when you go out." "Ah Chihuahua, you're the little bull...OK, my little bull, but for just one night." From afar, Ximy displays a mildly shocked but knowing look of revelation.

In the office, Moni and Gabi are attempting to resurrect Paula who has bunked out in the copy room. She had a busy night with her new best friend and needs to rest up for another reventon. "Another reventon ?!" Moni exasperates. "It's my birthday. Didn't you remember?"Paula asks Moni. Gabi congratulates her with a sweet kiss. Paula wants to continue napping but Gabi nixes that.

Mao, Connie, and Sal are in his office.Mao is on the phone with Bernarda discussing Aldo's disappearance .Connie is exasperated even more with the young man, as Sal reminds him that he needs to marry in order to keep the kids. Well, turns out that Connie can help with that little detail. Right now she must go to the boutique. "Call me."

At last Moni discovers Beto in the coffee room, with his trousers still around his ankles. He can't take this. As Moni scolds and threatens, Mao comes in so Beto appeals his case right to the top. He can't stand these clothes and ,anyway, the accident was , after all, an accident. He whines, Moni reproaches, and Mao caves. He'll find something else for Beto and grateful, Beto gives his soulmate a manly though unsolicited embrace. Now, can he confer outside with Moni? "Well of course," Beto graciously offers. Moni slaps him upside the back of his head as she follows Mau out.

Jerry and Oscar are relaxing at a table on a pleasant patio (anyone know where they are?) enjoying white wine and they are joined by Connie. Jerry greets her as the the next Mrs. Mao. Connie, not in the mood, says that right now Mau is more likely to marry Salvador and begins complaining about the ongoing distraction of the kids, especially Aldo who has disappeared and who deserves to be in a reformatory. Oscar is at work on that problem as she speaks, taking a phone call relating to the adoption proceedings. Things are looking good.The future lovebirds arrive in the barrio, Moni wants to have a word with Estrella. Nieves is hanging out laundry(don't clothes smell fresh when dried by the sun and breezes?). Ever the coquette, she checks her hair, smoothes her blouse, removes a clothespin from her collar,bats her eyelashes demurely, and wipes her hand carefullybefore offering it to this handsome hombre. Moni introduces him and Nieves introduces herself as Beto's mom. Uh oh. Moni quickly sends Nieves to prepare some of her delicious coffee. "Betos mama? Then isn't she..." Moni mumbles something about her and Beto being half sibs by way of a daddy and quickly changes the subject dragging Mau to Estrella's door where she aggressively knocks and then demands to know, "Where's Aldo?" She's not speaking to Moni, "What are you doing here, prince?" "Where's Aldo?" She has no idea . Now would he take Monita away since animals aren't allowed? She strands the two outside the apartment. Mao receives a call from Sal. "Did you agree about a new position for Beto?" "Yes." "Then it's true. We'll talk later." It seems that Beto has a new position as a security chief and is taking his job quite seriously. Beto proceeds in hassling the staff, demanding to see Gabi's ID badge (gafete). "Don't provoke the law, I'm the authority you know." Both can barely keep from cracking up. Gabi don't need no stinkin' badge.Estrella and Aldo emerge from her apartment. As he is about to leave he invites her for a movie when Nieve's rounds the corner seeking Moni and Mao. The coffee and empanadas are ready. Estrella shoos Aldo back inside. Nieves wants to know if and how much Estrella knows of the guapote(hunk) who is accompanying Monita. Not much it seems as she suggests that Nieves ask Moni, and disappears into her lair. Frustrated wth Estrella's lack of help, she shouts after her, "Tú eres una alcahueta" (you're a procuress), referring to her apparent enabling of Moni in betraying Beto.

Now back at home with Moni in tow, Mao confronts an unsympathetic emissary for the judge in the adoption case. "What's this about Aldo's disappearance?" he asks. "Was there an altercation or argument?" Monita takes exception to the tone. "And who is this?" he asks. "My personal assistant." Mao replies. The insensitive guy suggests that she not threaten him, meanwhile Moni observing that his tie and lapels aren't straight, offers to knock his teeth out as she pounces like a tigress to adjust them for him. Mao pries her of of the frightened and startled bureaucrat, who suggests a nuthouse for Moni (I'd be careful dude) and hauls her off into an adjoining room to cool down. Ever the calm, gracious hostess Teresa asks the trembling guy if she may offer him anything. He considers water or a soft drink but decides, "Nada!" Mao tries to counsel Monita about decorum; that his successful adoption depends on making a good impression (hey, I was impressed) and that she needs to think. Oops, wrong choice of words, she's outta here.

Nieves calls Beto to check on him. He tells her about his new job, then asks about Moni and she tells him that she was by here a bit ago with a good-looking guy but they left. It's their boss, he's not disturbed. She hangs up and looks heavenward, "Beto, what am I going to do with you?"

Jerry and Oscar have a plan. Well, Oscar does at least. He has aquired a tiny high-tech listening device and some knockout-drops. They are going to drug Beto and bug Mao. Uh oh.

Arriving home, Moni bumps into Ximena. She loves Moni's place. "Fight with Connie?" She queries. "Nope, Mauricio," is Moni's response. Ximena is somewhat sympathetic with Moni's infatuation with Mao. "You fight with the one you love,"she advises as she outlines a heart with her fingers. Also it just so happens that she knows the whereabouts of Aldo. She saw him go into Estrella's place earlier. Moni marches directly to Estrella's and drags Aldo out by his ear. and sends him home with a few choice words. "¡Sopenco (not a complement)!" She shouts as Estrella steps out and gives Aldo his jacket and an encouraging smile as she says that Moni's right. Ximena catches up and invites the two to a party as she returns Moni's key. She must hurry off to buy some birthday candles. "twenty or thirty?" After Ximena leaves, Moni turns to her friend and is surprisingly understanding of the situation between Estrella and Aldo, but cautions Estrella that risks are involved. You think? But after all they are best buds, especially now that Ximena has taken over as Paula's BFF. Hugs!

Back at the office, Beto has settled comfortably into his new job and has two of the pretty office workers bent over the reception desk, frisking them thoroughly if not to say lasciviously. When challenged by Gabi and Paula, he has Paula assume the position as well, bent over the desk. "Spread your legs," he demands. Dang, for the moment at least, I'm impressed. He confiscates something that looks like keys and as Gabi steps up to complain he has her go through the same. She objects. "¡Silencio!" He orders. Why is this man still alive at this point?

Connie arrives at Ximy's. Why didn't Ximy answer the phone? Is she hiding from Connie? "Because I'm not the same frivolous girl as before...Ay, I forgot to set the recorder for my novela." announces the new Ximena. She has new friends who work and has changed. (Let's hope not. ) "You're a pain," complains Connie. "I'd rather be a pain than be alone without friends like a dog." "I have thousands of friends,"Connie spits back. "Name three." (Good one Ximena.) "Where are you going?" She asks, ignoring the question. One of the new friends is Paula and they are going to a club for her birthday party that she organized. Connie inquires when and where. Doesn't matter, because, "ouch," Connie's not invited. Maybe a liter of ice cream for Connie. "Could you hand me my purse? Porfis." Connie is impactada.

Aldo has found his way back home. Mao and the judge's rep is there. He'll report back to the judge, it's his decision. He leaves. Aldo asks forgiveness. Moni set him straight. Mao is not pleased and sends the wayward lad to his room. Teresa asks if he fought with Moni because he's marrying the mummy, Oops, sorry. "Go fix dinner," Mao says Mao, a bit put upon by now.

All righty then, we've moved the action to the Mexican version of le Bare (a male strip club here in Houston). On stage is a policeman shedding his uniform to a tune with an insistent primal beat. Sitting at a front row table are Paula with a tiara, the birthday girl, Ximy, the organizer, Gabi, Moni , and Estrella. Conspicuous by her absence is Connie. Well boohoo. The girls are toasting as Gabi wants one of the dancers/waiters to get his pretty butt out of her face, "a little decorum," she requests. Moni looks troubled.

At the office with Sal, Mau muses, "Have you noticed that each time there's trouble with the kids, someone from the judge's office shows up?" Hmm. Strange. Too much of a coincidence. He calls Moni but no answer. "She's at a birthday party for Paula,"Sal informs. "Do you know where?"

Outside the club, Sal points out that it's for women only. They aren't allowed in but Mau must talk with Monita. Mau overhears the security guard asking for Daniel Renteria, a dancer. He's been delayed. Mao walks up to the guy at the door. "I'm Daniel Renteria." "And who's this?"Asks the guard. "My partner (pareja)." They go inside.

Inside the club the girls are living it up. Ximena (Looking babelicious) is sitting in a chair onstage. This clearly might not be her first visit. She is surrounded by hunks. All but Moni are having the time of their lives. Mau and Sal search. Hey fellows, they're down front.

Back at the office, Jerry distracts agent Beto with hamburgers and beer while oily Oscar wires Mau's office while the club Gabi who is somewhat tomada (remember that word from last week?) spots Sal and moves in for the kill. "Don't tell me that you're the director at Seremano by day and strip by night." She is definitely titillated and in the mood . He resists, but I don't give him much of a chance.

Jerry finds Oscar at work bugging Mao's office. Oscar asks if he took care of Beto. "Yes, he should be half dead from the knockout drops." Well, not quite. An intense Beto appears with nightstick ready. Busted.

Once more at the club, even Monita has loosened up. On stage guys in fatigues are doing an ensemble dance to an instrumental version of Macho Man. The girls are down front in a frenzy. The dancers separate making way for a solitary dancer in fatigues and SWAT helmet with goggles completely obscuring his face. Gee I wonder who this masked man might be. He strips. The estrogenic crowd, intoxicated by the heavy fog of testosterone and pheromones, goes wild. Moni likes. Suddenly he reaches out to invite her onstage. She seems scandalized but is pushed forward by helpful amigas. Well the mystery dancer pulls her close and reveals his familiar visage. Shock! It's Mauricio. "Perdoname,"he pleads.

Labels: gancho