Caray, Caray!

Ahoy all, Gancho de Dedos (aka Fuego) and I are swapping nights tonight. (And regarding the title, I don't wish to make light of the real hurricane Jimena but I couldn't resist.) Also, You will note that everyone and everything gets interrupted tonight.

Redux, thank you Judy:
Estre and Pau are trying to get Ximena to fill her empty brain with something besides romantic mush. Like maybe work? Heavens no! Well, anyway, think of yourself. Forget Rolu. They tell her not to be such an airhead (cerebro hueco = hollow brain).

Moni arrives in her robe. Xime is entranced with the new hotel "look" but then backtracks. Nope, gonna rise above mere fashion sense. Take a good look at me, she adds. This is the last time you'll see the old Xime. From now on I'm gonna change. She's slightly tipsy and asks if there was an earthquake, grabs the booze and besitos!

Beto sees Moni in her "hotel look" and asks why is she dressed like that in the streets? He looks really pissed.

Mau gets home, what's up? Nada sez Coni and she blames the gotta-come-home drama on Gabi. Besides, his cellular wasn't working and what's up with that? Dani interrupts this pleasant conversation by asking Mau why is he mad? Coni asks why is he wet? She wants to celebrate Aldo's success that's all, harrumph. Aldo is awesome; he tells Coni he doesn't want to celebrate because she's just using him to get his dad. Everybody glares and Coni looks the other way and pats Dani on the head.

Moni's first lie of the night is she was taking swimming lessons and someone stole her clothes. Beto is mollified and thinks she looks quite fetching in her bata (dressing gown). Enough bickering, he has a surprise for her it's his ID card (and no he's not wearing his luchador mask). "We can get married now!"

Mau scolds Aldo, what's wrong with him? Aldo sez nada wrong with him and I can't believe he didn't spill the beans about Coni's little therapy session with her cell phone. Maybe he wants more evidence.

Over at work Oscar is still working on Gabi's sympathies. Something tells me he's not used to female rejection. He asks is she jealous of what's her name the new employee? Gabi sez let's get back to work. He tries sweet ear kisses and romantic words and ick, she lets him kiss her. Sal watches them through the window and fumes.

Hah, I knew it. Our spies Aldo and Ivan are stalking Coni with a camera, but who should sneak up behind them but Beto. Today his shirt says Simple and Charismatic. The boys admit they are spying on Coni because she's putting the horns on Mau and what's Beto doing there? He sez he came to inspect the plumbing (heh, good one horn dog), didn't they know el Fantasma Vengador is also a plumber? Meanwhile he sees Coni and makes eye and body contact telling her to beat it. She escapes by stealing some poor woman's taxi while Beto takes his pic with the boys. Ivan cleverly notes Beto didn't go to his plumbing job, could he be Coni's lover? Aldo can't fathom it, Beto is stupid and smells rotten.

Moni tels Mau not to ask her anything. He sez he doesn't need to ask anything, he knows what she's hiding. She's invented a novio to protect herself. He knows the promise she made to herself, that she'll remain a virgin until matrimony. He tells her he'll wait until the last day of his life if necessary. Moni wisely zips it up and gives him a kiss. Our handsome schmuck is entranced.

Moni and Pau giggle over Mau's innocence and Pau notes that Moni is an expert liar. Moni points out she didn't lie about the virginity, Mau is the one who said it. Pau warns Moni if she keeps up the lies she'll lose Mau forever.

Gabi answers the phone for Sal and is told that La Loca Lorenza has escaped from the manicomio. Cut to Anastasia caressing and kissing Sal with Localocks spying on them from behind a tree. Sal steps away and Loca sneaks up behind Ana and starts strangling her. And...cut to commercial.

Back in the barrio Beto calls Coni to remind her they have a dinner date. Coni snottily tells him she can't make it, she has therapy, click. She bites her lip at the thought of Beto's masculinity and Beto, well, I'm sure Beto is not discouraged.

Sal assists a sobbing Ana out of the Sermeño Group elevator while Gabi keeps trying to tell him something. Sal yells call the clinic to make sure Lorenza is still there and hasn't escaped. "Your wife has escaped," Gabi informs him. Sal is impactado and Ana whimpers. Gabi gets her digs in and Mau tells her to call the cops. Instead she gloats over Ana's bruised throat.

Ana busts in on the odd couple (Oscar and Jeri) and tells them she quits!

Well well well, remember the cute but tortured and homicidal Chalo from QE? He is reincarnated here as police officer Christian Bermudez and he seems to have the hots for Paula. He has invaded Pau's space to request a glass of water for Gabi. Pau gushes over his uniform, physique and bullet proof vest. She even gives him a hug under Gabi's approving gaze. That's our Pau, man hungry as always; and that's our Gabi, always titillated by amor.

Enter the new and improved Ximena looking a bit like Audrey Hepburn in glasses. She loves the office and plays at answering the phone. Sal is surprised to see her and even more surprised to hear that she has abandoned the old, superficial Xime and has become the new, "reloaded" version. She is ready to be an executive. Sal asks what can she do? Well, she can more or less count to a hundred, approximately. Sal escorts her to his office (to wait for Mau I guess) while our local Loca skulks around the hallway spying, twitching and looking extremely suspicious.

The full moon rises. Wake up all ye werewolves.

Coni complains to Dr. Meño about Aldo constantly persecuting her but he is more interested in exploring her deep feelings about getting that Aborigine out of her life. Let the writhing begin. Coni describes Beto, he is gross, awkward, rustic, he is a macho lout, and dirty (sigh). She doesn't care if he bathes or not she likes him. Enter the obsession that is Beto and poor Coni looks about to burst. Beto kisses her forehead and suggests couples therapy. The glass is always half full with this guy.

Moni goes to Mau's office to clarify things and ends up clarifying nothing. She needs two days to figure out how to tell him the truth. (Is that weird or what?) Anyway, yet another conversation is interrupted tonight as Gabi runs in to tell Mau that La Loca has entered the building. The lights go out and everyone screams.

Lots of scrambling, confusion and scared hugging ensues. Of course Moni accidentally punches someone out, turns out it's Sal. Christian shows up blinding himself with his flashlight and informs them the subject is trapped on their very floor.

Cut to the headshrinkers couch which is now fully occupied by a horizontal Beto and Coni. "See how he follows me and puts his hands all over me?" she, er, well not exactly complains and not exactly brags. Beto's had enough yackety yack and leaps onto Coni, "This is the only therapy she needs!" Dr. Meño pulls Beto off as Coni gasps and sighs, le pant le heave.

Back at the psycho horror film of Sermeño Group, Oscar and Jeri quiver and quake by the lights of their cell phones. The new and improved Ximena frightens them and giddily introduces her new self to them, she's looking for a job. Oscar, thinking she's too loud tells her to shut it. Jeri sugests Oscar strangle the old Xime and he'll strangle the new.

It looks like Coni has managed to break free from Beto's charms. He's following her out of the office and telling her if it's one thing he learned from the doc it's to extract the desires (sacar las ganas) that they are holding deep within. She feebly resists and he says fine, if she wants him to leave he'll go forever. He walks and Coni runs after him and sez OK. OK what? OK, let's extract our desires. That's all our odiferous caveman needs to hear and he drags Coni down the street.

Can you believe it? He's brought Coni to Moni's room! He throws her onto the bed and assumes the position. Before she takes her clothes off she has to remove her necklace which, naturally, falls to the floor becoming future evidence. They roll and pant, yes, no, yes, no, yes, call me Constancia!

"Basura!! And in Moni's own bed!" yells Estrella who has inconveniently arrived to interrupt the gymnastics. Coni hides behind a curtain while Beto makes excuses, he's doing his abdominals.

The unwilling participants of the Sermeño Witch Project don't seem too reassured by our hunky policeman's presence. For our, the viewer's benefit, Mau shines the flashlight in the face of whoever is talking. In real life somebody would tell him this is very rude. Suddenly his phone rings and the mystery caller is La Loca. She wants Mau to tell Sal he can rest in peace, but she's just calling to say goodbye. "You taking a trip?" Mau hopefully asks. Nope, they are all taking a one way trip to hell, one by one.

Mau is impactada as he reveals the content of the call to the others. He asks Christian to gather the others in the building. Affirmative! responds our man in uniform.

Estrella demands to know who Beto's friend is but Beto refuses to let Estrella "meet" the mujerzuela. While Estrella shouts at the top of her lungs Coni makes her escape unseen. Except by Nieves, that is, who urges her to run. Estrella consoles herself by taking a bite out of Beto's arm.

Estrella chases Beto outside and rips him a new one and Nieves too for protecting her son! Oooh, somebody's mama looks guilty.

Christian announces that reinforcements will arrive in a half hour. Mau tries to get the cavalry there sooner but no dice. Sal tries to reassure Gabi who scolds him because it's his amorous flings (deslices amorosos) that got them in this mess. While the others whine Paula gets to work. "Are you single?" she asks the cop. Affirmativo! She presses close and says she doesn't want La Loca to kill him or her either. "What would you like to do before going to the other world," he asks. Paula doesn't know but Chris certainly does and he lays a big kiss on her.

Jeri tells Mau he doesn't want to be an alarmist but the only person missing is Ximena. Everyone is in a panic as they wonder about la Loca's first victim. Wait a minute, what about Mau's office?!? They try the door and it's locked, surely Xime is a captive or worse. Sal yells for Loca to open the door and thankfully they hear Ximena respond: One, she mistook me for Anastasia and said horrible things to me while she tried to hang me. Two, I told her I was also crazy in love with Rolu. Three, I told her my sad story of love and she ended up crying. Now the poor dear is inconsolable. Whew! The crowd enters and sees that all is well, except for Lorenza who sits weeping on the floor. I just love how this show resolves its disasters in one night.

Wow, Estrella is still giving Beto and Nieves a major dressing down. Who is worse? Beto for putting the horns on Moni or Nieves for supporting him? Nieves tries to give that bull story about "it's OK for guys" crap but our Estre won't fall for it. What's good for the gander is good for the goose. Estre sez when Moni finds out she'll eat Beto alive. He begs her not to tell and she agrees. Thank God! She agrees only because it is Beto who will tell her the truth. His other choice is to abandon the wedding. Nieves scurries into Moni's room to straighten up.

Lorenza gets escorted back to the funny farm and all is well. Sal feels guilty and Mau consoles him with a man hug. Enough of the boring stuff.

Officer Bermudez and Paula are in a clinch in the darkened coffee closet thankful that they didn't die before experiencing true love, and he's still got that damn light on. Yet ANOTHER interruption and this time by Moni and Gabi. Moni scolds and Gabi jumps in saying that's no way for a woman to act who's going to get married. NOooooooo. Christian jumps back like he's been burned. This is too much for his proper and official ethics. He escapes and Gabi our incurable romantic sez she'll try to explain the inexplainable to him. Pau lets Moni have it, once again her lies her lies her lies have screwed things up! Mau overhears this last bit.

Coni runs home and Xime tells her she's acting weirder than Sal's wife. What's up? Xime sniffs the air and announces that Coni was with Robi. Don't lie, Coni's libido is in the air and her skin shines like a brilliant medal. Suddenly Coni remembers the incriminating necklace she left behind. Quelle surprise as they say in France.

Mau wants Moni to explain why Pau was calling her a liar. She evades his glance and reminds him she needs two days to arrange things before she tells him the truth. Puhleeeze! He agrees to this ridiculous arrangement and insists on driving her home. "OK but no questions," she commands. Meowwww...whip whip!

They are in her room safe and sound and now he can go home to his kids. Not so fast he sez. They get close and romantic and are guess what? INTERRUPTED by Beto and Estrella. Estre tells Mau to stay put while Beto tells Moni a little something in private. Mau looks confounded.

Beto tells Moni he's been thinking a lot. He's been thinking about their wedding. He wants to see if they can take a little time to think about it. In fact, maybe they need to wait a bit.

Tomorrow. Mau catches Coni leaving Moni's house after retrieving her necklace. Mau vehemently tells Moni that she is the love of his life, he loves her like he never thought he could love anyone.

Labels: gancho

Déjà vu : Padre JuanCris hems and haws around the front gate of Misery Manor until Paloma comes along. She introduces herself, and the editors have enough restraint to let the moment carry its own import rather than adding Music Of Meaning or twinkly sparkles. He notices she looks sad and asks if there’s something he can do. When she says no one can help, he gently suggests divine solace but doesn’t nose into her affairs. She goes into the house to find Carlota, oddly not inviting him even as far as the foyer to wait, which leaves him outside to notice the black mourning ribbon over the door.

Today’s news: Paloma queries Rufina as to Carlota’s dondeabouts. “How would I know?” asks Rufi. “She has to know every little thing the rest of us do, but she never says where she’s going.” They kibbutz a bit about what the new priest is like (Paloma has a favorable impression, and says he seems like someone you can talk to and it will make you feel calm) before Paloma heads back.

Padre JC is pacing and praying for fortitude at the front gate. Carlota comes walking up the sidewalk, but is detained by Inés.

Upstairs, Macarena finishes mooning over her memory box and curls up for a nap. Paloma comes in, assesses the situation, and quietly leaves. Downstairs, Rufi answers the phone and apparently someone named Rosa thinks something is urgent. Paloma goes back to Cris and asks whether he can come back another time, because Carlota is out. She starts to say her other aunt is sleeping, but of course he cuts her off and says just give them my apologies for missing the dinner. If people ever managed to finish their sentences telenovelas would be like two weeks long. Anyway, Paloma is totally gracious about the situation, a skill she surely didn’t learn from Fine Upstanding Perfect and Proper Carlota. Padre tells her he’s available to listen if she ever wants to talk about her sadness. They share a little moment that has a total daddy-and-little-girl vibe, and he leaves.

Rufi rushes out of the house and is bummed to have missed seeing the Padre. Turns out Rosa’s emergency was that she wanted to know how to make chiles en nogadas. Rosa, dear, the way to get chiles en nogadas is to invite Chef Hawt from Querida Enemiga over to make them for you. Duh. Paloma has to report to Rufi that the priest seems nice.

All this time, Carlota is griping and moaning to Inés about how rude the padre is, not to have called or anything, whine whine whine. Inés tells her this is a totally disproportionate response.

Romina wears a dress that looks like a figure skating costume and tears up pictures of Paloma, swearing she’ll never steal Emiliano.

Emiliano is still oversharing to Orlando, saying Romina was always hot to trot, but he doesn’t love her and didn’t want this to happen and he doesn’t remember a thing. Orly astutely says that whether or not he loves her, there could be consequences. Romina calls and wants to see Emiliano; they agree to meet.

Back over at Misery Manor, Carlota is putting Paloma and Macarena to sleep at the dinner table with her continued kvetching over being stood up by the priest, no belladonna necessary. Then she yells at them for not joining in the dinner conversation, then she yells at Mac for leaving the table without being excused. Then she gripes to Paloma that Mac’s not feeling well is no excuse for her bad attitude. What’s Carlota’s excuse? Carlota storms out as well, and Paloma starts crying. I bet they have antacids for dessert every night.

Emiliano is doing his dim best to piece together what happened the night before. He doesn’t get very far.

Paloma is miserable, thinking it must be horrible for Romina to be in love with a man who loves another girl. She doesn’t want them to end up like Mac and Carlota, so she thinks she has no other option than to renounce the grand love of Emiliano, even though when they kissed it was like she was in heaven (did she get to say hi to Iñaki?), because now she feels like she’s in hell. At some point in this conversation Paloma also told Rufi she knows the whole story of Carlota and Mac’s past, not suspecting that she doesn’t know the half of it.

Rafael drops by Camila’s shop. She’s busy with some customers, so he has a moment for Meche to tell us all yet again how wonderful Emiliano is. When Cami’s free, he asks her how things are going with Romina and holds her hands as their love tune plays, only to be drowned out by the sounds of menace and tension when Orlando walks in.

Rafael invites Camila to come over and see if the new ceramics line looks like she intended in her design, and leaves. Orlando pretends he came to confirm their dinner date, but finally asks whether something is going on between Rafa and Camila. The lady doth protest too much, and he looks suspicious.

Diana accosts Rafael outside the shop and tries to get him to join her for a spell, but he says he’s busy and he’ll see her later for dinner as they had arranged. She says she’s going to go to the salon and get fixed up all purdy for him, but he says don’t bother. She makes her usual cara de guácala.

Diana sticks her snout into Camila’s shop and is delighted and relieved to see Camila looking friendly with Orlando.

Liliana visits Paloma, spewing guilt and apologies over the tempest she’s stirred up. Then she says she doesn’t know what’s going on between Paloma and Emiliano, but she certainly knows that Romina is a tramp (golfa), and she’s going to tell Paloma everything she knows.

Diana meets Romina in the café and wants to know ALL the details of her son’s sex life, ugh, gross, pitooey.

Emiliano has now summoned Germán to his little personal tribunal. I hope there isn’t any pressing silver business today. He wants any details on how things may have gone down with Romina. “Did you sleep with her?!” Germy chokes out.

Romina is actually dishing, ick, and then Diana shares the hard-to-believe fact that Rafael wasn’t her first congressional term. Romina says Emiliano will be her first and last (!) and Diana agrees.

Germy is flabbergasted and asks how it could have happened; Emiliano was so drunk. Yet doesn’t seem at all hungover today, I notice. Emiliano says he doesn’t know, he just woke up and there she was, all nekkid and happy and saying it was her first time. Germy’s jaw drops, but he covers by saying he just doesn’t believe Emiliano could have made like a senator in his condition. Emiliano says he can’t doubt her word (why can’t you? Why? We know you’re no gentleman; you’ve already talked about it to like half the town). Emiliano flails and Germy fumes.

Padre Mateo is suggesting to Padre JuanCris that he should try again to find Carlota and apologize, but Cris thinks everyone is making way too big a deal out of the whole thing. “But Carlota is very important,” protests PadreM. “No more important than anyone else,” says Cris. He thinks they have much more important things to do, and PadreM finally agrees.

The phone rings, and Carlota picks it up at the same time as Mac, allowing her to eavesdrop as Mac and Dr. Rodolfo make plans to meet. Then she oh-so-casually walks into the room where Mac is and demands that she accompany her to the church to meet Padre Juan. Mac says no way, she has plans. Carlota throws another completely disproportionate fit and stomps back to her office, and Mac rolls her eyes at the mad cow act. Carlota snipes to herself that she will have to tame (domar) Mac again.

Paloma wonders whether Emiliano was only flirting with her to get even, since he knew about Romina kissing Germy. No, she decides, the kiss was for real. She looks out her window and sees Emiliano arrive at Romina’s house to a VERY warm and conniving greeting.

Paloma is very confused. She thinks back over Romina’s sneaking around with Germy and decides there must be some truth to what Liliana said, but could Romina be so bad? She doesn’t know what to think.

Emiliano is furious at Romina and says he doesn’t remember what happened, but she shouldn’t have let anything happen knowing he was blotto. She continues to spin her lies and says she doesn’t regret it at all. He says he does, then stands like a stone while she kisses him.

Rodolfo gives Mac some sugar-free chocolates. Mac is still all upset about her miserable life, but he piles on the compliments, saying she is beautiful, even when she cries. He hugs her, and Carlota sees and is Horrified.

Romina tells Emiliano she loves him. Not back at ya, toots; we’re through, he says. She yells at him for taking advantage of her.

Paloma calls Inés’s house to speak to Angélica. Aaron answers the phone and carpes diem by asking her out for coffee before looking for Ange.

Rodolfo asks Mac out for dinner but she is difficult as usual. After he leaves she yells at Carlota for acting like such a meddling brat when she had a visitor. Paloma runs through saying she has to go see Angélica and is not slowed down by Carlota’s attempts at imprisonment, but nearly tramples Camila when she opens the door. “Camila! Let’s go out!” says Mac, and they all flee, leaving Carlota looking furious.

Emiliano interrupts Orlando’s attempts at actual work and reports on the showdown with Romina. Orlando says she’s not a victim; it was her fault too, but don’t get back together with her if you don’t want to, and maybe be a little more careful what you do in the future.

Romina’s cell phone rings. She looks at the caller and flings the phone á la Sendel, but without the masterful style. The house phone starts to ring, and she completely wigs out. Germy is outside, leaving her yelly messages and giving his chest some fresh air.

Camila thinks Mac should accept Rodolfo’s invitation. She’s a little fed up with Mac’s wishy-washiness, so she pulls out her phone and insists that Mac call him immediately and arrange a double-date with Cami and Orlando.

Germán has gotten into the house, and is yelling at Romina for being a lying jerk. She tells him to stay out of it. He threatens to tell Emiliano a few choice stories. She says to go ahead, and she doesn’t know what she was thinking ever getting involved (enredarse = to get entangled) with him. That takes the wind out of his sails.

Paloma asks Angélica for advice about her latest drama. Ange feeds her some lines about doing what’s right for her, Romina is very confused, etc. Then Ange asks what it was like when Emiliano kissed her. Get your own love life, lady. Paloma indulges her, however, and says for a moment she forgot about everything. Angélica tells her she’s totally in love with Emiliano, no doubt.

Camila tells Macarena that Paloma saved Romina from expulsion at the cost of her own scholarship, so she wants to pay for Paloma to go to university. Macarena tries to protest that it’s too generous, and Camila remarks that Mac treats Paloma like she is her own daughter.

Orlando interrupts Emiliano’s personal call to try to give him some work. Orly asks why his parents are divorcing; is there a third party involved? No, just irreconcilable differences, says Emiliano. Why? Noooo reason, says Orlando, way casual-like.

Camila confides to Mac that she thinks there’s a bit of a spark between her and Rafael and she suspects that Orlando senses it; what does Mac think? Mac offers to pass a note in homeroom to ask Rodolfo whether Orly knows if Rafael likes Cami. Or, she says he probably knows because Camila definitely lights up when she talks about Rafael. Camila says she’s happy when she’s with him and that scares her.

Romina sees Aaron walking Paloma home. She storms down to the street to yell at Paloma for being a deceiving slut. Paloma and Aaron are impactados.

Avances: Emiliano wants to kiss Paloma again. Romina rages and plots.

Labels: amor

Well, that's news to me.

We have a brief review of Jacobo and Damian hatching their nefarious plans and Fer and Franco drinking coffee and chatting about the Barbinator and her nefarious plans.

Fer thinks it's completely ridiculous to convince Daddy to hand everything over to Evil Barbie. Franco breaks it to her that her options are to keep the money away from Barbie and lose Lili or give Barbie everything and get Lili back. Franco thinks Evil Barbie has some unknown motives and he's going to try to figure them out. He wants to know what her Achilles heel is. "No hay otro salida"--literally, there is no other exit; i.e., we have no other options.

A blonde, a brunette, and a redhead walk into the restaurant…ba dum, pum.

Franco wants to know what to do--carry on or quit? "No hay otro solución"-there is no other solution.

The redhead notices Fernanda sitting with Franco. The brunette remembers he's marrying their "friend" Erika. The redhead thinks the worst, but the blonde thinks she's being mean. "A mí se me hace que aquí hay un romance oculto."--I say we've got a hidden romance here. "Chelsie" the redhead, takes out her cell phone, to the brunette's delight. Mr. 5ft can tell the redhead's being bitchy even without knowing what she's talking about.

Erika asks Ruthie for her opinion on some flowers that Erika is looking at online. "Yo lo veo medio simplosito"--I think it looks kinda simple (halfway a little simple). And we can't have that for our spoiled little rich girl, now can we? Erika corrects her that it's "simploncito". Her phone rings and it's Chelsie. Erika semi-complains about how tough it is to organize a wedding. Chelsie wants Erika to ask Franco if he'll talk to her about buying a vacation plan, but Erika doesn't know where he is. Chelsie suggests Erika call him and find out. What are we, in 7th grade? Next thing she'll suggest is that they get Franco on 3-way so Chelsie can ask him how he really feels about Erika without telling him Erika's on the line. So, now it's dinner theater as the trio wait to see where Franco tells Erika he is.

As Franco and Fer talk about whether Fer needs to go back to Lactos, Franco's phone rings. Erika goes along with Chelsie's plan, unwittingly, and Franco says he can't talk to Chelsie right now because he's "in a meeting." "With Fer, at Lactos?" Erika asks. Numbnuts tells her he's just arriving at "la embajada de estados unidos" to talk to the "agregado comercial"--the US Embassy to talk to the attaché of commerce. Erika says they'll leave it for another time, then. She sends him more magical kisses. He hangs up and Fer knows exactly who he was talking to.

Chelsie jokingly tells her phone "maquinita de la verdad, revélanos el chisme"--little machine of truth, reveal the gossip. Now the blonde's into it. Erika (who Chelsie refers to as Princess) reports Franco's BS location. Chelsie puts her on speaker so the other harpies can listen in.

Fer wonders what Franco loses if everything tanks. He says he'd lose her friendship, but Fer doesn't believe they're friends. He thinks they will be when they get Lili back. And why is he so interested in friendship? Because it's all he can ever have with her. Fer says she'll talk to Daddy and get him to go ahead with the transfer, but "lo demás queda en tus manos"-- the rest is in Franco's big sexy manly hands. Which she's holding as Chelsie takes a picture. I dunno, I think it's kind of far away and fuzzy. She doesn't have zoom on that iPhone? Fer and Franco unknowingly continue to stare intently at each other.

Evil Barbie reminds Camilo that she's doing everything for his own good. She called him to the office to tell him the party's all ready. Camiiiiiii looks like he's going to be sick.

Venus still won't tell Martina what she's planning so that Martina won't go running to Esteve. Martina's convinced it's nothing good. Venus promises her "nos vamos a divertir pues un montón"--we're going to have, like, a ton of fun! And Esteve will be left with his mouth open. Martina whines and tries to convince Venus not to screw with that sweet, sweet, gringo. Venus tries to distract her by saying they've got to pick out a hot little number for Martina to wear, too. I admit that if someone insisted on buying me a pretty frock it would definitely distract me from wondering what havoc they were planning.

The ladies who lunch giggle over the face they expect Erika to make when she sees the picture. The brunette goes to the loo, but she wants updates when she gets back. Chelsie confirms that she's absolutely planning to show that picture to Erika…"A ver, si entre nosotras no somos solidarias y nos cuidamos las espaldas, entonces para que somos las amigas?"--Let's see, if between ourselves we aren't supportive and we don't watch each other's backs, then what are we friends for? Bee. Yatch.

Franco gives Fer her grandpa Jeronimo's pen. Fer muses that it must be the most expensive gift Ana Gregoria ever received. She wants that diary so she can air all the family's dirty laundry. She says it's the only way that the Elizaldes can quit being so unfair and such liars and cheaters. She says she's indebted to someone--Soledad Cruz. She thinks she owes it to Soledad to reveal all the secrets, especially so they can see how unfair they were to her. She knows it won't be much of a comfort to her, but she wants the family to realize how ungrateful they were toward Soledad. Franco is moved and has to run off to the bathroom and fix his eye makeup. What? That's what chicks do. He goes over to a window near the bathroom and cries. The brunette notices on her way out, but walks back to her table. Franco struggles to get it together.

Evil Barbie tells Camilo they need to start prepping for his divorce now, before he's married. She tells him he'd better not get Lovely pregnant. Camilo laughs, "Estas frente a un profesional en la materia"--you're facing an expert on the subject. Way to remind her you raped her daughter, dumbass. Or is your secret that you never actually sleep with women, therefore there's no way to get any of them pregnant? Or perhaps you've already done your homework and found out Santi's the only male of your generation not shooting blanks? Cami says if he hadn't been careful with all his hos Barbie and Gonzo would have grandbabies coming out of their ears. Barbie casually asks if he was also "careful" with Aurora and he says he was "extra careful". He wonders where she and Santi are, that neither of them are around anymore. Barbie says Aurora ran away and Santi went to Florence. Camilo wants Santi back for the party to show him that he's the only one who knows how to get a woman. Yes, please do bring him back to witness Cami's humiliation at the hands of Venus!

Martina is trying on a hot pink and black tie-dyed maxi dress with a smocked bodice all in black. It looks good, but I'm thinking too casual for the big party. Venus loves it, though. Martina declares she won't go to the party if Venus doesn't tell her what she's planning and escapes back into the dressing room. Venus says she'll tell Martina if she swears not to tell. She whispers the plan in Martina's ear, but Martina seems horrified. Venus says that jerk "Me la paga porque me la paga"--He'll pay [me] because he'll pay; i.e., I'll have my revenge, he'll pay for what he's done just because I say so, etc. Venus says she'll disappear afterward, even from Esteve because she really wants to forget him, even if it hurts down to her "cachas" (core, marrow, or very slangily--sex organ…depending on who you ask). Esteve is just an illusion, like a TV galán, that's all.

The brunette reports that Franco was crying. Chelsie also notices that Fer doesn't look too happy. But those three are ecstatic, anticipating how upset Erika will be when she sees the picture. What a bunch of, how you say, harpies? Arpías!

Dam, Jacobo, and unnamed Accomplice drive down a dusty lane in Pueblo Purificación. They're just around the corner from the convent. Jacobo wants the rundown on security, but it's essentially nil. Damian reminds him to be really, really careful with the girl.

Out in the parking lot, Fer says she'll get to work right away. Franco wonders what her plans are when all this is over and Lili's back. She was originally thinking of running off with Lili, but she doesn't want to run from her responsibilities. She thinks she'll stick around, get Lili proper treatment, and make sure Evil Barbie pays for all her crimes. And she wants to get the oft-mentioned community center up and running to honor the memories of Eduardo and Soledad.

Nameless Nun tells Aurora that "Bruno Manfredi" with an Italian accent is there to speak to her on Santiago's behalf, with a letter from Santiago, but he has to give it to her personally. Jacobo tries to hurry the process up, but the Mother Superior is not a woman to be rushed. Jacobo is saying that Santi is a student of his and is currently working on some restoration work back in Italia.

Fer goes to Gonzo's office and begs forgiveness. He can't shove her into a chair fast enough. He kind of laughs that she was a little impulsive, but says he's not angry at her, just worried about her and worried that the trust they used to have has deteriorated lately. Fer says she doesn't want to be a worry for him and does everything thinking of his well being. Gonzo feels guilty for not giving her all the support she needs because he's so busy with his own worries. Fer says she wants to talk about his worries with regard to Barbie. She tells him he's right, she agrees he has every right to protect his wife in any way he sees fit. Gonzo is surprised, but too stupid to question it. So far, though, she's only saying she approves of giving Barbie the 60%. Fer says not to thank her, she's just doing what's best for the family. Gonzo is so proud of her. As we go to commercials, they show a clip of Gonzo as I imagine he'll look when he finally realizes what an idiot he's been for the last fifteen years.

Damian waits in his car for Jacobo, stressing out. "Por que el repentino interés de Barbara por Aurora si antes no la tragaba?"--Why is Barbie suddenly interested in Aurora when before she couldn't stand her (couldn't swallow, couldn't stomach). Vlad calls him, but Damian's not in the mood and ignores it. Damian says soon Vlad will cease to be a bother.

Anibal takes a call from Vlad. Vlad stresses that Damian's not answering his calls. Anibal says to forget Damian, he's not interested anymore. Unlike Gonzo, Vlad puzzles over this sudden change of attitude. He opens a folder and says "no puede ser!"--It can't be.

Aurora comes into the Mother Superior's office.

Gonzo gives Fer a glass of water. Fer says that Gonzo shouldn't wait to give Barbie all the goods, just do it now and get it over with. Fer says it's not fair to make Barbie wait until Anibal's kid is born. He looks slightly confused, now.

Jacobo talks in some bad, fake Spitalian. He says Santi sent him to talk to Aurora about some, er, kind of private things. The Mother Superior and the other nun leave so Aurora and Jacobo can talk privately. Jacobo says Santi talks about nothing but Aurora and is crazy in love with her, but he didn't say when he's coming back to Mexico. He did give a letter for her, though, which is mysteriously missing from every pocket in his jacket.

Fer says it seems humiliating to make Barbie wait for the birth of the grandchild before she gets what she deserves. Barbie comes in and tries to leave, but Gonzo makes her stay. He happily announces that Fer is back and has a brand new attitude. Gonzo wants Barbie to hear it from Fer's own lips.

Jacobo says he remembers that he left the letter in the car. He asks her to come with him to get it. You just know she's going to fall for it. Sucker.

After some prodding from Gonzo, Fer says she agrees with Gonzo wanting to put 60% in Barbie's name, but she asked him not to wait for the baby to be born. Barbie squeezes out a fake tear. Fer says it seems only fair to her. Barbie asks Fer how she can repay such generosity, but hugs Gonzo instead. I think it bought her time to have a reaction without looking Fer in the eye. And poor Fer. Talk about taking one for the team. Barbie cries and thanks them both, but says she's worried now about Camilo because he doesn't know what's going on and he might feel offended, now that he's getting married. Gonzo says all his kids have a home and college degrees, so they've got nothing to complain about. He calls his lawyer. Fer tries not to look hatefully at Barbie while Barbie tries not to look at Fer pityingly.

Jacobo is having a little trouble convincing Aurora and now throws in an embellishment about some photos as well. Now she's convinced, but luckily, the other nun whose name I can never remember was just about to knock on the door and ask if they wanted drinks. Aurora says not now, but would the Sister come with her to this nice man's car to collect the letter and photos? I sense a nunnapping on the way. Is that good for a go straight to hell card? Jacobo curses as he follows them out.

Silvestre, in the doctor's office, grouses about not wanting an operation. He thinks it's a waste and he's used to his glasses anyway. Come one, man, get the operation, lose the glasses, get a makeover and find yourself a nice viejita to spend the rest of your days with. They do a PSA about the procedure, which I don't listen to because "operation" and "eyes" in the same sentence kind of freaks me out. Speaking of "eyes," Martina and the Doc make some at each other as he leaves the office to get something I wasn't paying attention to. Martina talks to Silvestre about heading for the beach after the operation. Silvestre is so happy to have such a great daughter (and this without even seeing her kick ass at mud wrestling) "Nomas me pida vida para verte bien casada"--All I ask is enough life left to see you well married. Ditto to that. Martina say it's going to be cool walking into the church together with Carlos waiting at the altar. Silvestre promises her dead mommy will also be there sharing in their happiness on that day.

Jacobo, Aurora, and the nun walk out of the convent. Now Jacobo claims his car broke down, but it's just around the corner, just a few steps away. Aurora again asks the nun to go with her and the nun agrees. Jacobo takes Aurora's arm and starts leading her to the car.

Fer walks into her office and states a bunch of obvious things to herself about Barbie, the money, etc. Barbie comes in, but Fer isn't so nice to her now. Barbie wants Fer to explain the situation to Camilo. Both ladies have the gloves off now. Barbie doesn't care if Fer likes it or not, agrees with it or not, just is she going to do it or not. Fer snits that when they have Lili back, she expects Barbie to go far, far away, where they never hear anything from her again. Barbie notes the claws are out now and wonders where sweet little Fernandita has gone to. "Desapareció en el momento que descubrió a la verdadera Barbara Greco, una mujer perversa que ha abusado del amor ciego que le profesa un anciano mientras que ella le ha sido infiel con el marido de su hijastra!"--She disappeared in the moment that she discovered the true Barbara Greco, a perverse woman who has taken advantage of the blind love professed to her by an old man while she cheats on him with her stepdaughter's husband! Well, sure, when you put it that way….

Tomorrow: The incriminating photo gets blown up, including the date/time stamp, and presumably we get fallout from Fer calling Barbie on her shit.

Labels: manana

Wow. Where to start? This was one hot episode. Lots of action and near action and promise of things to come. Good stuff.

First, the obligatory rehash: Monita and Paula chase off bosomy Anastacia. Only Monita brings Mau his coffee, thank you very much! And in Mau's office, a proud Aldo tells him he passed the entrance exam, while a wily Connie horns in on the hug and the celebration....just in time for Moni to enter and have her romantic hopes dashed again. Both Mau and Moni look stricken but Connie doesn't release her death grip on his arm.

Now the new: Fetching codependant Estrella is trying to save Moni by searching out the incriminating letter from Mau. Nieves, lurking in the shadows says "Looking for this?" Whoops.

Connie, playing her trump card, says she'll arrange a celebration dinner at the house for Aldo. Mau has that "close your eyes and think of England" grimace on his face à la MEPS and Fernando. And Connie, like her counterpart Errika, either doesn't notice or doesn't care.

A distraught Moni runs into the new Italian client, Señor Vichy, with the coffee and spills it all over his well-filled jacket. She's apologetic and wants to get some stain remover. He's intrigued and is hardly giving her enough room to breathe, much less do any dry cleaning. Mau meanwhile is fuming with jealousy. Great! let's ratchet up the testosterone right here right now. Food fight!

And speaking of food, Connie is lamenting that Moni is like badly medicated salmonella poisoning...she leaves, she comes back, she leaves, she reappears. Cozying up to those kids is driving her crazy. Crazzzzeeeeee! she adds when Jeri remonstrates that she shouldn't let her neurosis interfere with long-term strategy. Poor Connie.

Our lovable Beto (can't help it) wanders in to work late, after sleeping off his drunk. Grumbles a bit about the task Gabi assigns him till she reminds him that's why they pay him a salary. And you, Moni...run off 80 copies both sides of this, Gabi adds.

Alright. A still prickly Mauricio, with Sal's help, is attempting to hold a civilized meeting with hunkalicious Vichy. But our sexy Italian excuses himself right in the middle of the meeting to "make a phone call". Mau isn't fooled. Sure 'nough, the hound heads straight for the coffee room and is trying to ask Moni out for dinner and who knows what else! Mau knows. And he doesn't like it. There's some bickering back and forth and Moni pulls another flounce out. Mau just shakes his head and wonders why she didn't come with an instruction manual...'cause he sure doesn't understand her. Beto, who just came in the room, thinks this is a stitch.

A brief scene in Jeri's office where we learn, yet again, that Anastacia has Sal eating out of her hand and is ready to move in for the kill, per Oscar's oily instructions. Jeri barges in with Vichy, who appears to momentarily stumble over Anastacia's projectiles, and then the three men sit down to discuss business.

And Estrella...whew, she's all business too. In fact she's been haggling with Nieves for three hours to get the letter back. We hear her final arguments. Yes, Moni is fond of Beto. That's why she's having such a hard time breaking up with him. BUT SHE DOESN'T LOVE HIM! You can't make somebody love another person. And do you want Beto to be unhappy the rest of his life, married to someone who's not in love with him? The argument hits home. Slowly, Nieves tears up the letter. (Actually, anyone else wondering whether or not Beto can actually read said letter? ..... I'm figuring him for a happy illiterate.)

After the ads, Oscar has come up with a ploy to get Moni involved with Vichy and leave the Mau field open to Connie. Vichy has left but now Gaby needs to send Moni to his hotel with the contract for him to sign. Dum de dum dum. Oscar figures while he's there, he might as well hit on Gaby, but she's not having any. Good girl.

A morose Mau arrives home, none too happy to find Connie there once again. He's had a short but tough day at the office. Well, don't forget, I'm organizing a celebration dinner for Aldo, she shrieks. Just then, our favorite device...phone call from Gaby. She's sent Moni to Vichy's hotel with the contract. Mau's outta there. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

But we DO have to wait. Because now we see Beto on the phone with Conni, insisting they get together. She resists, then folds, promising to meet him tomorrow at the boutique. He's so inspired by the thought he's slurping his tongue all over the phone. She's so inspired, she's rubbing her scarlet cellphone sensuously all over her body. Quite a scene. And Aldo was listening in to it all.

Things are equally hot at the office. Anastacia is all ears and all bosom, listening to Sal's tale of woe. She plants a big kiss on his lips just as Gabi enters in the room. Busted.

Quick. Back to home base. Aldo's telling Ivan that Connie has a lover. Then Connie finds out that Mau has left and is pitching a hissy fit. Aldo doesn't care but clearly our frustrated vamp does.

Now back to the interesting action at the pool. Moni has asked Vichy for his "poderosa" (signature) on the contract but he's more interested in getting her up to his room. Mau arrives in high dudgeon. There's some nice antler-bashing and in the midst of all this Moni falls in the pool and manages to drown in record time. Our galanes battle for who will save her and Mau wins, executing a very nice, fully clothed dive in, frantic rescue, really bad CPR...too many mouth to mouths..(.in fact Red Cross says you can't skip that part completely) and then he pressed on her throat instead of her sternum for God's sake...lucky he didn't kill her...Vichy watches all this shaking his head and so do we. But clearly, he sees how things are. Moni and Mau are crazy for each other. And all wet and shivery to boot. Hmmm...where will this lead?

Back at the office, female equivalent of antler bashing. Gaby's warning Anastacia to quit circling around Sal like a cat in heat (gata en celo) 'cause you don' wanna see Gabi's bad side! And you will if you keep this up. A somewhat penitent Sal arrives (It was JUST a kiss!) and wants to know if Gaby's still seeing Oscar. No...but after all, Oscar offered marriage. What are you offering me? Love. Yeah, love shared with your wife, your lover and.....me. Don't want to be no. 2 much less no. 3.

This endless wrangle is interrupted by Constanza wanting to know where Mau is. Not here. Try his cell. It's off (turns out the water ruined it). If you're lying to me, there'll be trouble threatens Conni. His kids are in trouble and he has to be informed. Gabi's unimpressed but she and Sal head out for the hotel, figuring that's where Mau went. And they're right.

Moni and Mau have gone to a room to warm up, dry off and who knows what else.... Moni's charmed with the little fridge, the chocolates, the bed big enough for 10 and next thing you know she's invited Mau into a jumping contest and all-out pillow fight. Foreplay for sure. Whoops, she's too rough and has bounced him off the bed. That's it. Take off your clothes. What!? I'm not a sexual object!!!! Noo...not what I meant. We have to get rid of these wet chilled clothes and warm up in the shower. More double entendres. He tells her to wait for him in bed while he showers. Oh yeah? All warm and naked, you mean? DID I SAY THAT!? Okay, towel wrapped around his waist, he finally limps to the shower. Not sure if it was the injury of falling off the bed or just general amorous enthusiasm. But it was a nice, realistic touch. She smiles. I think she knows what brought on that limp.

Of course all this is interrupted by more ads. But I'm not going anywhere! And neither is Connie. She's lamenting all the time spent helping Aldo study and Jeri's doing his darnedest to capitalize on the situation, listening and groping and leading the spying Ivan and Aldo to think that Jeronimo is the secret lover.

Back at the hotel room. Hubba hubba...Mauricio has tiptoed near the shower to listen to Moni singing away. Then the sweet, poignant piano version of the Gancho theme song plays in the background. Music to melt by. When she comes out, he lifts her into his arms (alright, I admit I was waiting for his towel to drop while he carried her. The dang thing must be stapled on!) and together they fall onto the bed, wrapped in each other's arms, enraptured by each other's kisses and tender embraces and....and....where was I.?..blast and double blast! Moni remembers Beto's sweet proposal and whimpers...no I can't, I can't. And she doesn't.

Pooh. She dashes out in her robe and takes the elevator down. Mauricio then dashes out in his towel and runs into a shocked Gabi and Sal in the elevator. Gaby's so impressed with Mau's manly chest she stammers and feels obligated to "tutearlo" seeing as how he's half-naked and all. But here's the message. Connie says you need to get home to your kids. There's a problem.

Our final scene is pretty anticlimactic, even though it involves our adorable Xime. She's hanging with Pau and Estrella, still lamenting her breakup with Rolu. The girls are trying to get her to fill that empty brain with something besides romantic mush. Like maybe work? Heavens no! Well, anyway, think of yourself. Forget Rolu.

Moni arrives in her robe. Xime is entranced with the new "look" but then backtracks. Nope, gonna rise above mere fashion sense. Take a good look at me, she adds. This is the last time you'll see the old Xime. From now on I'm gonna change. (Please Xime, not too much. We love you just the way you are.)

And now, the smokin' hot previews:

Mauricio's figured out why Moni can't....Her promise was the promise to arrive at the altar a virgin.
Estrella busts into Moni's room and finds Beto and Constanza going at it hot and heavy....and in Moni's bed! How dare you!
And crazy Lorenza's on the phone, appearing to be threatening to "off" people one by one while a horrified Mauricio listens.

Vocabulary:

"sipi" = "si" (yes), Xime's valley girl talk
maldita chancluda = damned wretch (chancludo, chancluda adj. meaning wretched, sloppy)
no me chupo el dedo - I wasn't born yesterday (Gabi's line)
desplantes = rudeness...Conni complaining about Mauricio's behavior
la poderosa = signature
le clavo las garras = I'll get my claws into him...Anastacia bragging that she has Sal spellbound
eché un buche = I tied one on, got drunk (Beto)
no repeles= don't resist (Gabi, remonstrating with Beto who didn't want to do his assigned chores) from "repeler" resist, repulse, repel. una tela que repele el agua....a waterproof fabric
cuando le pintamos la rayita al zorrillito? (lit. when are we going to paint the stripes on the little skunk (thanks Carlos).....or, as we would say When are we going to get it on!!!??? or...when are we going to tear off a strip?

Dicho of the Day:

El burro hablando de orejas. The pot calling the kettle black. Gabi's critique of Salvador. We've had this dicho before (and will again, no doubt) but it never hurts to "review and learn new". Right?

Labels: gancho

Wait, that’s not right. I’m looking on the wrong page of my Telenovela Cliché Handbook.

Flip. Flip. Here it is: Girl who gets pregnant by the wrong guy cuddles up naked in bed with drunk/drugged nice guy and the next morning tells him how wonderful it was.

Okay, so Amor Monday, August 31, 2009: Romina (stop me if you’ve heard this one)…

Enough of that. On with our story.

But first we back up a few feet into Friday’s story: Paloma meets up with Camila and Mac and is thrilled that Mac’s necklace brought such a good price. Paloma announces that she wants to study out of town. She’ll take a part-time job to make ends meet.

Grind those gears and it’s full speed ahead into Monday: Emilano at the office is getting ready for a meeting with Orlando, but Orlando is hanging with his old pal Chris and calls and says he’ll meet with Emiliano tomorrow, and that Emiliano should take the rest of the day off.

Orlando ribs Chris about hanging out with the Catholic Ladies’ League group and Chris says he usually likes those things, but this time… there are some things in life he wishes he could get out of.

Orlando jokes that he’s glad Chris isn’t competition any more. Used to be when they went out together, all the pretty women went for Chris. Isn’t it odd to have to be chaste now? he asks. Chris says he made a decision, and God provides him with whatever he needs.

Chris lets him know he goes by Padre Juan, not Padre Chris. Orlando slaps him on the shoulder and says he’s going to go buy the uniforms for the church soccer team. Good luck with the Ladies’ League.

Orlando heads off down the street and Chris looks up at the church and wryly tells God that of all the places, he had to land up here, having to go to the home of the Espinoza de los Monteros. Thy will be done.

Carlota is setting an elaborate table and crankily wondering why Mac had to head off to the pharmacy right when there is so much to do.

Mac and Paloma come in and Mac is telling Paloma she shouldn’t make such a rash decision. Paloma says I’ve been thinking about it for some time now. There are many memories here. Haven’t you ever wanted to get out of here, Tia? Mac says is this about Emiliano in some way?

Carlota comes up to them and upbraids Mac for not helping. Mac reminds her she did the cooking. Carlota says she doesn’t want any more events at their house after this. You’re the boss says Mac sarcastically.

Paloma tells Carlota that she has enough money to pay her tuition now because Mac sold her necklace. Carlota says great, give it to me. Paloma says that’s okay, I’ll take it in tomorrow and pay the sisters. And when you sell my ring, I’ll have enough for the first couple of semesters at college. Carlota says even though you lost the scholarship? Paloma says that’s right. I’m going to go help Mac now. Carlota is left with her eyes bugging out.

Romina is in the bathroom, looking through drawers while her mother is in her room sorting through clothes. Camila says Angelica asked her to come in. Romina says Angelica’s full of hot air. Romina finds a dark bottle with a rubber stopper and slips it into her jeans. She fake flushes the toilet and comes into her mother’s room.

Romina holds up different outfits to go out in and Camila says I don’t like you going out on school nights. Camila says but I’ve been so miserable – this’ll be a chance to cheer up a little. Camila says okay, just come back early. She leaves the room and Romina puts a few drops from the bottle in Camila’s bedside water pitcher.

Emiliano goes into a bar and starts slamming back tequilas. He calls German who’s about to leave work and asks him to join him.

The Ladies League is filing into the house. Inez twitters to Carlota about how hospitable she is. Carlota says she really liked Padre Jacinto. Inez says wait’ll you see the dishy new priest!

Chris is just about to leave for the dreaded lunch when an altar boy runs in and tells him to come quick. One of the flock is dying and needs last rites. Chris says I was just waiting for Padre Mateo so we could go to this luncheon. Tell him when he gets here that I had to go. He smiles. Whew!

The ladies are waiting for Chris. Inez tells Mac there’s something familiar about him, but she’s not sure what. Apparently he lived here at one time. Mac says what’s his last name? Inez doesn’t know, but she thinks he’s way too handsome to have become a priest.

Paloma is fretting in her room. Rufi brings her a giant sunflower from Aron and hands her the phone because he’s called. He apologies to her for messing things up with Emiliano. He was trying to help her, but it looks like he’s made her mad. She says I just don’t want you telling him untruths about us being in love. Aron says it’s not a lie to say I like you a lot.

Thank you for the flower, she dodges. She figures out he’s outside on the street and tells him she can’t invite him in because his aunts are having a do. They hang up and she wonders why she couldn’t have fallen in love with him. Her aunt even approves.

Emiliano is really drunk and the actor (Sebastian Zurita) indulges in some extravagant overacting. Where’s his acting coach? Probably off having a smoke and checking out the girl actresses in their Catholic school uniforms that are supposed to be chaste but actually are short and conform to every curve and have kind of a French maid vibe. Emiliano’s with German and says he knows that Paloma loves him. German asks if it he can’t have Paloma, will he go back with Romina? Emiliano slurs No way.

So this is what Romina is doing tonight! She’s arrived at Diana’s in the cute dress she picked out. It’s a setup apparently. Diana is going to go play cards with her friends and leave Romina alone with Emiliano. Here’s the plan. Diana will tell Emiliano she forgot to tell him that she had planned an evening with Romina. Romina can’t wait to see his face when he sees her.

Camila is at home remembering the touch of Rafa’s hands and That Moment. She’s also taking her nightly meds with the spiked water. The Rafa song starts up. In his apartment, apparently he’s thinking of her too. He picks up the phone then chickens out and puts it back down again.

Chris hasn’t shown up yet and everyone is waiting. Carlota is asking Padre Mateo when he’s coming. Padre M says he has to confess someone who’s drawing his last breaths. Carlota says well that’s not very polite, considering he knew this party is in his honor. Padre M says I hope nothing terrible has happened to him or to the dying man. He crosses himself. I hope that’s it says Carlota, because I’ve never known a priest to behave like this.

That comment really puts the eeeee in egregious. Fill in your own diatribe.

The ladies says let’s wait, it’s no trouble. Carlota says for me it is, let’s serve dinner. Why are all the ladies bundled up in heavy coats and scarves? Didn’t they put the heat on for the poor guests? Or is it just that arctic blast coming from Carlota?

Sure enough, the poor man is dying. His family weeps in the background while Chris looks appropriately compassionate.

German half carries rubber-legged Emiliano home and schleps him into the dark house. Anybody home? Romina hides under the dining room table and thinks drat.

Carlota is in the kitchen nagging Rufi and having a temper fit. Mac comes in and says don’t be that way, it’s nothing personal. Carlota says of course it’s personal! She starts grabbing platters to take to the dining room.

German leaves Emiliano’s house. Romina goes up and finds Emiliano passed out on top of the bed. She sneaks his cell out of his pocket and calls her own cell. She gets on the bed with him and starts kissing him. It’s me, she says, and I love you. He doesn’t seem to notice.

Looks like Chris never showed. The ladies all leave and Padre Mateo thanks Mac for being so understanding. Carlota stands around looking petulant. After everyone has left, Mac says you could have at least pretended to understand. Carlota says and be a hypocrite? Mac says she was a little disappointed, and Carlota says you are such a weakling.

Mac says it must have been something important that kept him away. And she adds a bit tentatively We’re not all put on the planet just to make you happy, you know. They go in.

Chris walks up just then. He notices the house is quiet, and then sees the lights being turned off.

And thus ends another fun-filled day at Casa de las Espinoza de los Monteros.

Emiliano and Romina are asleep in bed, under the covers, and naked. Whoo hoo! Emiliano wakes up and looks at Romina’s sleeping form, startled. And (true, I swear!) he says ¿Qué haces aquí?

She wakes up and says what do you mean? Last night you begged me to come to you and you told me you loved me and we spent the night together.

He looks at her, taken aback, and says (I’m not making this up) No puede ser! My first time, she lies. Don’t you remember? Emiliano says did I call you? Romina says if you don’t believe me, check your cell. He does. She says you’ve made me happiest woman on earth. It was amazing. Oops, look at the time, she says. If my mother finds out I’ve stayed out, she’ll kill me. Gotta run!

Chris tells Padre M about the dying man, and coming too late to the house. Padre M says you did the right thing, but Carlota is very unhappy. You should apologize. Chris says please explain to her, but Padre M says it would be best if you went to her house and apologized in person.

At breakfast, Rufi tells Paloma, who apparently wasn’t invited yesterday, what happened and didn’t happen at the welcome party. Rufi says Carlota way overdid the preparations, like she was expecting the King of Spain.

Romina is at home in her school uniform, loading up her backpack when Camila comes down and demands to know where she was. Her bed is untouched. Romina says I came home around midnight and you were sound asleep. I made my bed this morning as a thanks for you letting me go out tonight.

Camila falls for it. She says she wants to go with Romina because she has to talk to Angelica.

From his bedroom, Emiliano calls German who tells him boy, did you tie one on. Emiliano mentions Romina’s name and German says you must’ve had a nightmare. Ha ha ha! I’ll call you later.

The ad chopped off the very start of the next scene. We’re in front of the school with Romina and Camila and Paloma. Romina is talking about a birthday party and Camila assumes Paloma was there, but Paloma says she had no idea. Romina says nobody invites Paloma because her aunt won’t let her out. Camila says the aunt is much better. Romina says nobody wastes time asking Paloma. Paloma looks stunned.

Mac gets a call, probably from Padre M. Chris is going to come by to apologize in person. Mac asks Carlota to receive him cordially and not to throw a scene. Carlota says she’ll receive him, but he better show respect.

Angelica tells Camila that Romina has to pull 8s in order to pass and this is her last chance. Camila says I’ll hire a tutor. Angelica says I have to tell you something else. That scholarship that Paloma lost? She lost it because of Romina. Angelica says she asked the girls who witnessed it and they told her what really came down. Paloma did it to keep Romina from being expelled. Angelica says and the thing that really concerns me is that Romina couldn’t be bothered to lift a pinky to set things right.

Camila has tears standing in her eyes. Angelica says you haven’t set that example, so there must be something making Romina act like that. She really needs counseling, or she’s going to keep up with the lying.

Orlando bounces into Emiliano’s office, bags of uniforms in hand. He says he’s helping Chris too. Emiliano says Chris? Orlando says Chris, Juan, whatever. We were friends in college!

And how are you, partner? Orlando gets up from his desk and looks all darkly troubled and Hamlety and says lousy. I got drunk last night and woke up with Romina beside me. Orlando says that’s very bad. Emiliano says yes. Romina lost her virginity in my bed last night and I don’t remember a thing.

Jeez, Emiliano. Gentlemen protect women’s reputations. To his credit, Orlando doesn’t look like lucky you. Instead he looks stricken.

Camila is standing outside the school gate, crying. Rafa happens to drive by and sees her. He leaps out and wants to find out what’s wrong. He talks her into going for coffee. Nothing like coffee to settle the nerves.

Romina leaves a voice message on Diana’s phone thanking her and telling her it went perfectly. I hope she left that message on Diana’s cell –what if Emiliano checks home messages later?

Paloma tells the Mother Superior that she’s paid up her tuition. The MS asks if she’d like to talk about that incident – it was too bad to lose the scholarship. Paloma says no, that’s the consequence of my actions and I accept that. The MS says you have such strong values. You probably got them from your aunts. Angelica had stuck up for you and I was about to relent, but your aunt Carlota said you should face the consequences.

Paloma is stunned.

Carlota writes her lawyer a check. He can cash it for cash in Mexico City. Maybe she’s doing something fishy with the money, I couldn’t tell. She tells him where to find her in Mexico City.

At a picturesque outdoor café, Camila wonders to Rafa where she went wrong with Romina. Rafa says you try to raise ‘em up right and then good luck what happens after that. Camila can’t believe Romina’s values are so wonky. Rafa figures Romina was afraid of getting in trouble but Camila says the bad part is letting Paloma take the fall. And her aunt sold her pearls to pay her tuition. I can’t stand that Romina has gotten off scot free. What would you do?

I’d make my son responsible for his actions, says Rafa. Too late, says Camila. Rafa says take some money you were going to give to her and give it to Romina for her studies. Thank you says Camila, and she lays her hands on his. There goes their song again!

Romina comes into the girls’ bathroom and tough luck, runs into Liliana who says I saw Emiliano kissing a girl in the rain. I didn’t see who it was, but she had art supplies and probably takes classes from Olga.

Mac is staring at the big photo she has in her box of memories. She says it kills me to let go of you. It was hard to give up the necklace, but a part of me feels freed. Maybe I’ll feel the same way about the photo. She slowly rips it up. Why do I still miss you so much? Of course this scene involves plenty of tears and dramatic music.

Romina comes up to Paloma who says I was waiting for you to walk together. Romina demands Are you taking art classes again? Yes, why? says Paloma and Romina slaps her hard. Paloma holds her cheek and looks at her in astonishment. Why did you hit me?

Romina says you’re the worst friend in the world. I don’t want to see you again – ever! She stomps off leaving Paloma calling after her What did I do? Liliana shows up. Paloma says Romina wanted to know if I was taking art classes and then she slapped me. Liliana says you mean it was you? We see a black and white flashback of Liliana seeing the kiss from a distance, but she just sees Emiliano’s back. How she sees the art supplies is a mystery best left uncontemplated.

I never would have said a word! I saw Emiliano kissing somebody who was carrying art supplies. Paloma says he kissed me by force! I’m not going with him! I would never do that to Romina! Liliana hugs her.

Chris is praying. He has to see Carlota and maybe God planned it so they could meet without others around. He hopes he can deal with it.

Romina slams into her house. Camila confronts her right away. Romina bawls that Paloma is the traitor, she’s taken Emiliano. Camila says you broke up and he has a right to be with whomever he wants. No he doesn’t says Romina. He’s my joy. Nobody can have him but me. Camila says Paloma lost her scholarship because she didn’t want you expelled. And now you’re going to give her money to help her pay for her studies.

Not a chance, says Romina. Yes, you are, says Camila. I’m taking some of your inheritance money and giving it to her for her studies. I hate you! says Romina and runs up the stairs, all her bridges in flames.

Tearful Paloma arrives home just as Chris is about to knock. She introduces herself and he says why so sad? Can I help? She says nobody can. Chris says God can. Can you tell Carlota that Padre Juan is here to see her?

Avances: Chris is waiting at the door, but here comes Carlota down the street under full sail. Romina gives Emiliano a big kiss in front of her door and checks to make sure Paloma sees her from the window.

Labels: amor

I have to say again, young Fer and young Eduardo were the cutest thing ever. I wish there'd been more of them, and I hope to see them in future shows...

• Previouslies: Barb is planning to get Aurora, hide her away, and then finish off Artemio.
  
  Daffy Duddy grabs Fer and shakes her shouting, "Barbara gave everything, her youth, she gave her all for our family, she took care of you! You're just proving I'm doing right by protecting her interests!"
  
  Fer almost has an infarct from holding back all the secrets she knows. Duddy has a little heart problem but doesn't die. I sure hope he lives to see who Barb really is.
  
  Fer quits her job at Lactos.
  
  Esteve gets Fr/Ed a fake birth certificate. Fr/Ed rehashes his conversation with Barb: to prove he's her ally, he must convince Fer to convince Duddy to sign over all that money to Barb immediatemente. And it's torture to be around Fer, to smell her aroma, yadda yadda.
  
  
• Fer tells gloomy Gus, formerly known as Santi, via telephone, how great Fr/Ed is and she'd marry him in a heartbeat if he'd quit this plan to marry Errika, and how she trusts him as if she'd known him forever, yadda yadda. Santi is supportive, then hesitantly asks if she's heard anything about Aurora? No, but she's at the nunnery, maybe she wants to be a nun? "Maybe."
  
  
• Now while Esteve and Fr/Ed are chatting, Errika bursts in, uninvited and without knocking, in a very hyper state of giggling and spouting off about thousands of flowers in the church for the wedding, and she's being interviewed as a vunder-bride by Glamour Magazine, etc...
  
  ... and she doesn't notice Fr/Ed has a long face like somebody just ran over his favorite pet turtle. She gets more manic, blabbing about mariachis dressed in white and gold, and some tenor singing Ave Maria. "Tenor?" Fr/Ed repeats weakly, I guess to prove he's listening.
  
  "Err, I was thinking of something small and intimate..." "Hah, that's a laugh, the guest list is 1,200, and speaking of which, where's your list?" "I dunno: Esteve, Margarita, Jacinto, maybe ten." "Family? Friends from the U.S.?" "Uh, no, they can't come." She asks for the birth certificate, she snatches it with a huge grin. Don't you love the way they shoot her with big, big vases in the foreground?
  
  Then she asks for one more paper: a baptismal certificate. "Surely you didn't forget?" "Uh, when my parents died everything was lost." She sez no matter, she knows a great priest, he'll help: it's father Bosco!
  
  Fr/Ed remembers Bosco begging him: "Let this be the last time we ever see each other." Oh well, no sacred promise to a priest can stand before Errika's inexorable demands. Fr/Ed says ok. "Then we'll go see Father Bosco tomorrow."
  
  Esteve goes out to get more coffee. Err gets close to Fr/Ed and says, "I swear you'll fall in love with me - and I'll be the most passionate wife ever. Do you like me?" "Yeah, I guess so." She kisses his reluctant closed lips. He thinks of England. She leaves. Esteve: "Just get married, my friend, move far away with Err, and try to forget this nightmare."
  
  Fr/Ed sez he can't - he has to take care of Fer and Lili. "Do you really think you can free Lili?"
  
  Fr/Ed says Barb has been different lately, tense. It's odd that she's in such a tearing hurry for the money when she's been patient so many years. He thinks she has a new plan, a new agenda, not about the money, not related to Artemio...
  
  
• Damian hasn't buttoned his shirt for weeks. I guess since he's unemployed he can dress like a gigolo if he wants. He meets Anibal in a parking lot, they trade insults, Anibal takes him off to some wall somewhere saying: "In future if you have to contact me, we'll meet here."
  
  To get straight to it, Anibal wants Damian to find a "specialist" to knock off Vladimir, who endangers Anibal's future cash - after all, mini-Vlad will inherit a big wad of Duddy's cash but only if he's an Elizalde.
  
  Damian, think! After Vlad is gone, who would be next, I wonder?
  
  Oh well, Dam accepts the future wad of cash (for eliminating Vlad) as surely as my donkey grabs a banana peel I dangle in front of his nose. Anibal: "Take care of this matter. I know nothing about it."
  
  
• Duddy tells Barb about his unpleasant meeting with Fer. As usual he says: "I didn't want to destroy the family this way, but I didn't want you out on the street."
  
  
• Ripoff! That whole by-the-ocean preview, it was just a dream! Fer dreams of being in Fr/Ed's arms by the water. For about fifteen minutes - then cut to commercial.
  
  It was odd seeing them trying to look happy and carefree when they've been so tense and irritable through the whole run of the novela so far.
  
  
• Fr/Ed tells Martina she should have her Doctor Boyfriend look at her dad - Fr/Ed thinks Silvestre needs a heart operation and is happy to pay for it, "I owe him so much." Oops, update: It was lazy of me not to go back and watch this part again when I couldn't read my scribbled notes. Novelera corrected me: it was an opthalmologist and cataract operation Silvestre needs. Thanks, Novelera.
  
  Martina and Loafly are about to go shopping for the big engagement party.
  
  
• Barb meets Damian at his hotel. He doesn't think it's a very nice hotel. She waves money at him and gives him his marching orders: snatch Aurora from the nunnery, don't touch a hair on her head or say one wrong word, take her to the Elizalde country place.
  
  "Then?" "Then, promise I'll never see you again," she says, "I used you, but I don't need you now. For the first time, I have a reason to live."
  
  
• Priscila cancels her escape to Toronto and throws her torn-up ticket in the trash, so of course we know Anibal will come along and find it and he does. They have a cold little exchange whereupon it's clear to each of them that the only prudent, wealth-increasing course is to stay together. Pris asks, "but what about Vladimir?" "Don't ask me about that again! Convince yourself he never existed ..."
  
  
• Dam meets with his cousin Jacobo; they review the Aurora-snatching plan. Then Damian asks if Jacobo knows any "specialists" - that would be, I wager, cement overcoat specialists.
  
  
• Fer calls Fr/Ed and asks him if they can meet at an obscure restaurant - she needs to talk about having quit her job at Lactos.
  
  They meet. He tells her he thinks Barb has some new scheme of her own and that for some reason he, Fr/Ed, is indispensable in its execution. He reveals: "There's no limit to her evil - now, my job is to convince you to get Duddy to give over all the loot right this minute!"

Tomorrow: in that out-of-the-way little restaurant where Fer and Fr/Ed are having their cozy tete-a-tete, three gossipy friends of Errikas see them - and take cellphone pictures. Oh frabjous day!

Labels: manana

Labels: gancho

about how she TOTALLY kissed him back, whatever she may say to the contrary? Because she totally did; we all saw it.

Or whatever else happened?

Labels: amor