Caray, Caray!

We start with Yolanda telling all of Octavia's secrets to Detective Gomez. Isn't it funny how there just happened to be a cop on the street when she needed one? People have been attacked, shot, and raped on this show, but this is first time a cop was around when it happened! After Yolanda tells her tale, Gomez arrests her for not telling Octavia's crimes sooner.

Meanwhile, Octy is hiding out with Isabel and Iggy. Iggy wastes no time in trying to snuggle up to Octavia. You know she's not going for that! But she'd rather hide out with them than risk prison, and she knows that her sister the traitor is ratting her out to the police.

Marcela's still in the hospital after her miscarriage, and it looks like Marcela and Madrina will be leaving Miami, for siempre.

Max comes to see Yolanda, and she tells him everything. She's been like a mother to him, and he's not going to abandon her now. He'll hire Roddy to defend her.

Pobre de Roddy... the only party he's getting today is Fedora's pity party... she asks about Sharon and he says that she's still in the mental hospital. (I wonder why Sharon's in a "clinica mental" and Max was in a "manicomio.")

Speaking of the mental hospital, the Doc there shows Sharon a pic of her mama and wants to talk about how much she loved Sharon. He even mentions that he was there when she was baptized. Sharon goes off on a tangent about how her mom never loved her, if she did, she would have found her a father.

Down in Santo Domingo, Pancho's plan is working like a charm. Triple Fea tells her that she has no family, her daddy died and left her everything... well, she does have a prima, or primo -- he's a transvestite and she's invited him to come for a visit! Then she starts talking about marriage and babies, next thing you know she's proposing to Pancho.

The mariposas are all excited about going to Santo Domingo for a visit, and Silvia's coming along too! Jorge warns her not to be down there flirting with other men or he may be with someone else when she gets back! Silvia's not threatened. Somehow she's reminded of Pancho and starts talkin' trash about what she'd do if she ever saw him again...

Little Maxito is back on the show - he's been absent for weeks! He's hanging out with mama at psycho mansion when the doorbell rings and his daddy walks in. We see a few moments of happy family time as they play with prince Maxito. But that's not what Max has come for, he's there to talk to Gaviota, so they pass Maxito off to Miguelina, who comments about how his parents are dying of love for each other. Gag!

Speaking of gag, Gaby's in her room daydreaming about Larry again. I love the Larry and Gaby scenes, but enough of all of the daydreams! Geez.

Fedora's laying in bed when Diana announces that Max is here to talk to her. He comes in and tells her how sorry he is for what's happened, and lets her know that his mom was the one who brought the tarantula to the hospital. Fedora is impacatada!

After the big reveal, Max and Diana return to the living room and play with Maxito for a while, when she offers to let him take Maxito for the night. She packs up an overnight bag and is about to send them on their way when Dr. Leo arrives unannounced. He's come to invite Diana to his place for dinner tonight. Max quickly excuses himself while Diana stands there looking clueless. After Max leaves, she tells Leo that she can't go tonight because her mom needs her support.

Emilio's at Max's place, and Max is upset. Emilio assumes that it's because his mom is on the run so that she doesn't go to prison for multiple murders and other crimes, or maybe because Yolanda is in jail for being an accomplice, but no, that's not it. He's upset because Diana is having dinner with another man.

Speaking of obsessive guys, Paco arrives at psycho mansion and storms through the door insisting that he see Fedora. Roddy and he end up throwing some punches, and Paco gets the boot.

Max comes back with Maxito... I'm assuming it's the next day considering that he's talking about all of the things they did last night and this morning, but it's funny that both he and Diana are wearing the same clothes as last night. He tells Diana that Maxito is still in the car, and they should go get him together. Too bad Diego's at the doorway with a gun. If he can't have Diana, nobody can! And he SHOOTS MAX! Credits roll.

Labels: acorralada

[Hola amigos, I want to apologize for my three week hiatus. I am back to recapping Monday's JQ. Gracias for your patience:) ]

We begin with Paula calling Marely into her office to talk about her automobile predicament and her concern about Juan being left without a job. Marely suggests that she purchase one, but only use it on the weekends. Paula said that Cesar Luis suggested the same thing. Paula tells Marely about her plans to go to CL's with a friend (male acquaintance), however she does not have one in mind and is puzzled about who it will be.

CL's wife is telling her maid about Paula's plans to attend with an escort. She is concerned that she did not mention it to her, but did mention it to CL.

Senora Cachon is car shopping, but is more interested in the car sales guy. While he is going over the finer points of the automobiles, she is looking over his.

Juan and Fernando are discussing destiny and how it is Juan's to end up with Pastor... uhm, ok.

Paula and Marely are talking about her made up escort and how she can get out of it. Paula asks Marely if she knows someone. Marely thinks. Paula says that she does not know anybody she can ask.

Enrique and Julia exchange niceties. Enrique tells her that he has started studying and hopes to enter university soon. She is happy for him. She tells him she wants more of a commitment from him and was not making time with another fella. She only wanted to make him feel bad. They have an uncomfortable kiss. Well, not for them, but it was hard for me to watch... Just kidding. I kid, I kid. They make a cute pareja.

Juan and Paula are driving. Juan does some thought bubbling. He says he is the solution to her problems.

Julia tells Kike to call her when he gets out of class. Marely gives Kike his gift back and says she is tired of receiving gifts meant for other girls. She points out that it appears he is over his sister. He says he treated her like a queen, but he is over it. Marely says what if Yadira is having second thoughts?

Yadira is in her bedroom with the candles lit doing some type of meditation/channeling hoping to bring Enrique back. The phone rings and she hopes that it is Kike calling. It is a wrong number.

Alirio enters and says hello. Alirio is putting the moves on Ivonne. She snubs him. Alirio enters CL's office. They talk business. Alirio asks for a favor, he would like an assistant so he can focus on important matters. Alirio suggests Ivonne.

Paula asks Juan if he has plans for the evening, if he will accompany her to CL's. He agrees.

CL and Alirio are still talking about Ivonne being his assistant. CL says that he has to go and they will talk about it later.

Paula explains her predicament to Juan. He thought bubbles that she is just using him. She says that he is partly to blame because he is the one who invented the story of her imaginary romance.

Paula is telling her mom about her plans for the evening. Her mom says she hopes the guy she shows up with is handsome. Paula tells her mom that she is going with Juan.

CL and his wife are talking about who the mystery man is in Paula's life. CL is agitated and doesnt want to talk about it. He says that the guy is only a friend and that his wife overstepped her bounds by trying to set her up.

Paula's mother tells her that she is using Juan and that is not right.

Alirio is in some type of storage room. He spots a rat and proceeds to kill it.

Juan is getting ready for his night out with Paula and I might add, looking mighty cute. Marely wants to know where he is off to. He tells her that he is accompanying Paula to dinner with CL and his wife. She says she hopes it does not end badly.

Enrique is in his class. The professor is calling roll and gets to Juan and he is not there. Enrique tries to make up an excuse, says juan is a chaufeur and traffic has made him late. She says everyone else managed to make it on time.

Juan arrives at Paula's. Her mom compliments his appearance. Her mom tells them to come home at a decen hour.

He tries to open the door for her so she can sit in the back. She says that for the night, they are friends, and she will ride in the front.

Back in Alirio's musty, dirty office, his friend/associate arrives. He tells him that he is doing some important investigative work for CL. His associate is dubious. He wants to talk about Yadira. He wants to know if she liked the candy and if he has a chance at winning her affections. Alirio says that Yadira finds him repulsive and does not like or appreciate the candy and flowers and gifts. The guy is hurt.

Enrique calls for Juan, Yadira answers the phone. She says she wants a face to face. He doesn't really want to do it and asks what its regarding. He says he will drop by later that night.

Back at CL's, he and Monica are preparing for their guests. Paula and Juan arrive. CL looks smug and asks what happened to her "friend", was he unable to make it? She returns the smug look and Juan tells him that he is the friend.

Paula and Juan are looking cozy on the couch and CL is clearly bothered.

Alirio and that guy are still talking about Yadira. The guy reminds Alirio of his dirty dealings, making his wife wealthy so he can partake of her wealth.

Nidia and Yadira are talking about the cars she saw at the dealership. Yadira is excited about the car prospects. Nidia pumps Yadira for information about Marely. Yadira makes an exit to avoid the topic.

Back at CL's, the players are sitting down to dinner. CL is uncomfortable and is not making good conversation, only answering uh-huh.

Enrique arrives to see Yadira. He asks if Juan as come back. She says no and to forget about Juan. She wants to go upstairs to her bedroom. He says he would rather stay downstairs. She basically makes him go upstairs. she does a striptease and some breast hoisting like her mom.

Paula and Juan get back in the car after their evening is over.

Enrique tells her to stop and that he wants no part of it. He reminds her that it was she who ended things. He breaks teh news to her that he has a new girlfriend. She does not take the news well.

Juan drops her off, she thanks him for the evening. He tells her that she used him and is only trying to hurt CL by making him think that she traded him in for a simple chauffeur.

Labels: Juan

Missing Recap 9: Model behavior

Luigi and Irma and the models are talking in Luigi's office. Lola comes in and wants to talk to him and he gives her the usual garbage about not wanting such a fea in his office. Finally Lola tells him it's about the models and they're too expensive so Lety and Fernando won't let him contract with them. Luigi gives her even more fea crap and she snaps back at him and leaves. The models beg to keep their jobs while Irma rolls her eyes.

Lopez is in the office with Alicia, the kids, PM and Marta. PM tells him that Lety said it was ok and he snaps something like "we'll just see about that" and storms out. Alicia spews her usual verbal vomit, demands her check, and leaves giving us a good shot of her check still clinging to her derriere. The kids, PM, and Marta all laugh. Bleh! Personally, I think the little darlin's need some serious time-out time.

Tomas calls and tells Lety that his F.I. investments have been going really well. Lety is glad for the good news, but tells him that things are going bad with Conceptos. Tomas wonders if Fernando will want back the money he used to start F.I. Lety doubts it because it wouldn't be much help, the debt Conceptos has is much larger than that. Sara comes in and warns her that Luigi is giving Lola a bad time in the Executive lobby. They leave.

Out in the Executive lobby, Luigi is yelling at Lola and calling Lety a monster and calling Fernando Frankenstein. The models all laugh as Lety comes over and asks what's up? The models all want to know what's up with their contracts and she tells them it's Fernando's orders so they can't get hired. Luigi buts in and says that Fernando specifically told him he runs his own area and he wants the bellazas. Lety says sorry Charlie, it's against Fern's orders. Luigi says fine, get another director, because he quits (again). Lety is impactada.

The kids and Marta are back in Omar's office, but sorry everyone, I can't take it and I fast forward through the conversation. I'm sure she's just telling them what precious little angels they are and how funny the whole check thing is (yes, I'm being sarcastic).

Luigi is still quitting in the executive lobby, and after calling Lety a monster again he finally walks. The models want to know when Fern will be back, and while imitating their posture she tells them "tomorrow". They trade insults and the models walk out. The cuartel laugh until Alicia comes up and says something along the lines of "boy is Fern gonna be pissed at you!"

Down in Reception, Marta, Lola, PM, Saimon and the kids are all talking. Alicia comes down and asks for some documents, which PM gives her. As she walks away, the check falls off her lower globe and onto the floor. Saimon follows her out while Marta spots the check on the floor and screams (why???). They all laugh.

Unfortunately I don't get a lot of the next conversation, but I'll give you what I can and hopefully someone else can fill in... We're in Lety's room where she's talking to Tomas, I think he may be telling her about the money he made for F.I. Robopop and mom come in and there's talk. Then he asks where the money for F.I. came from and Lety tells him it's seed money from Fernando. I think she offers her dad an accounting job at F.I. and he leaves happy. Then mom does some talking and leaves as well. Lety continues to talk to Tomas and tells him how Conceptos lost money on the Benny Ibarra video.

Next day the three models are outside waiting for Fernando. They see Lety getting off the bus and laugh as it starts moving before she's off and she falls. Celso runs over and asks if she's ok and calls her Presidente and she says she's fine. She then gives a smarta**ed Buenos Dias to the models and they give a smarta** retort right back at her and want to know when Fern will get there. She tells them "later" and they say they'll wait inside. I think she says something along the lines of "think again sistahs!" I guess Celso didn't like them laughing when she fell, because he backs her up instead of the hot chicks, and when Lety thanks him he salutes her. The models all make rude faces as she walks away.

Upstairs, the manager of Banco Latino is in the office looking for Fernando and Alicia greets him and starts telling him how she's in charge because she's the assistant to the President, and all the usual garbage. She leads him toward the conference room and orders Marta or Sara to bring them coffee. Marta and Sara ask who, us? And Alicia replies yeah, you, and says something rude about the cuartel to the bank guy, and you can tell by his face he's thinking this woman has no class at all. Just then Lety comes in and the manager recognizes her and greets her by name. She tells Alicia to take him to the conference room where she'll join him in a minute and orders Alicia to bring them coffee, and of course Alicia says who me? And Lety replies yeah you! Alicia wants to know why her and Lety reminds her in front of the bank guy that it's because she's the President's secretary and that's part of her job. She then asks for some information from Lola and Sara, they show her Alicia's beat up check, and I think Lety tells them to issue a new one. They then ask her about the stuff she carried in (remember the bank guy is sitting in the conference room waiting for her) and she wastes time telling them it's stuff to welcome back Don Fernando. Honestly, at this point can no one really tell this woman has a serious jones for the guy? They tease her about the stuff, then Sara gives her the info she asked for (and I don't think it's good), then she FINALLY joins the bank guy in the conference room. She assures the bank manager that Conceptos is not in trouble and has many projects to work on, right now they're working on an especially important shampoo commercial, Fern's currently in Los Angeles drumming up business in the Latin community there. The banker leaves, placated.

Outside, the models see Fernando and spring on him as he and Omar come walking up. They say something derogatory about "Licenciada Monster". Fernando angrily repeats "Licenciada Monster?" They explain who they're talking about and he gives a fake laugh and basically blows them off, ignores them after that, and keeps walking while Omar grunts and snorts over them as only Omar can, flirting with them. They walk into Reception and Fernando says hi to PM. She says "hola Don Fernando", then says "hola Licenciado Carvajal". He says hola back and gives her a famous Omar snort for good measure. Fernando turns around and smacks him on the shoulder and practically drags him into the elevator. PM calls Lety and tells her that Fern's on his way. On the executive lobby, Alicia sees Fernando and squeals with delight that he's finally back. She starts to list all her troubles, but he doesn't want to hear it. She starts to rub his arm, but he escapes and shoves Omar at her and walks away. Alicia calls Omar mi amor and tries to kiss him, but he turns his head so she only gets his cheek, and then he shakes her hand. He tries to walk off but she pulls him back and says we need to talk, and he says no we don't and gets away. She thanks the heavens they're back.

Lety has been setting out on Fernando's desk the stuff she brought in to welcome him back. When PM calls, she starts trying several poses, but winds up just standing there waiting for him. He says Hola Lety as he walks in but isn't actually paying any attention, which is good because she actually reaches out like she's going to hug him, then pulls back. He brushes by her and she asks how his trip went. Unfortunately for her, the loss of projects has put Fern in a bad mood. He asks for a report and as she hands it to him he sees the flowers. He says "flores" at first, like "how nice", but then he wants to know what they're doing there and tells Lety to get rid of them because the water might spill. Lety calls Lola in and tells her to take them to her desk. He's upset by the report and the cancelled contracts and hands it to Omar and tells him to check it out. Lety mentions about the banks and creditors and he's really pissed.

Just then our clueless heroine decides that's a good time to slip an ugly plastic or porcelain cat onto his desk. He picks it up and asks who put it there. He hands it to her as she tells him it's for him, he tells her he doesn't want it, he's got big problems and she's giving him some kind of junk for kids? She makes a joke about it playing with his computer mouse but he doesn't laugh and tells her to get rid of it, so she calls Lola in and tells her to take it to her kids. Omar indicates the report and says it's a disaster, he's pretty sure the companies have all cancelled their contracts due to the Benny Ibarra video failure. Fernando mentions that they're going to have to get a loan from stave off the bank and creditors, which makes Lety impactada, and Omar agrees with her.

Just then Fern puts his hand on one of the candles Lety left on his desk and asks what it is. She tells him it's "for aromatherapy", but he tells her to get rid of them, so she calls Lola in and tells her to put the candles in the bathroom. Omar tells Fernando he's rushing things with the loan, that they only just got back from L.A. and that trip could generate them some business, but Fernando says they have to be sure the company is safe. While Omar is talking, he keeps waving the report around, almost hitting Lety several times which she doesn't care much for. Finally Fernando finds her card and reads it out loud in an irritated manner. She tries to take it from him but he says no, this I like. She takes it anyway and calls Lola in, but then tells her never mind, this he likes. Fernando asks Lety how much money F.I. has and she tells him. He then asks for a check, but she says it's at her house and goes to her office to call.

As Lety calls Tomas and tells him to bring her the F.I. checkbook, Alicia comes in to tattle to Fern about all the things Lety has done wrong, making her work and serve coffee and all. Lety starts to explain but Fern tells her she doesn't need to and tells Alicia that Lety is his assistant and she needs to respect that. Alicia says fine, but... and proceeds to tell him about the kids and her check. Again he isn't really upset about it and gives Alicia a bad time. She then drops her bomb, oh by the way, did your assistant happen to mention that she made Luigi Lombardi quit? Everyone looks impactada, except Alicia who's looking pretty pleased with herself. That man quits more times than Lety does!

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Missing Recap 10: Delicious sandwiches

Once again Alicia is whining and mentions that Luigi quit. Fernando looks pissed while Alicia looks like the cat who ate the canary. Fern and Omar hem Lety in (oh my god, a Fern/Omar sandwich! I want one, I want one!!!!) and glare at her. Lety explains to Fernando that Luigi quit because she wouldn't let him hire these really expensive models to use just for tests. Fern tells Lety she did the right thing and boots Alicia out of his office. Fernando says they'll call Luigi, but first he wants to know about the kids. Lety tells him, and Fern tells her it's ok this time, but it really is unprofessional and she shouldn't do it again (I SO agree!!!).

Alicia goes to the executive lobby and again demands her check, and again Lola tells her no. Alicia tells them she wants her check in one hour or there'll be hell to pay and the crap flies back and forth. Alicia says again, one hour you cuartel of witches and feas!

Luigi is out walking his dog when Lety calls and says Fernando wants to talk to him. Luigi tells her Luigi isn't available and hangs up on her. Fernando then calls and Luigi tells him he won't return to work while "that ugly thing" is in charge. Fernando tells him he's back now so Luigi can come on in (way to stick up for Lety there Fernie). Lety tries once again to explain but Fern tells her not to worry, she did fine. Alicia comes in and tells Fernando the models are waiting to talk to him, and whatever she says irritates him and he says something to Omar about his girlfriend and her six semesters of finance blah blah and she leaves. She starts to tell the models some garbage, but Lety goes out and basically tells them to piss off, Fern's too busy to see them. As they leave, she and Sara do a nasty imitation of them.

The models go outside and complain to each other, where they run into Tomas, who has arrived with the F.I. checkbook. He immediately starts to drool and says something about Lety, trying to brag but of course it doesn't go over well. He laughs/snorts as only Tomas can, then accidentally backs into Celso who asks him what he wants. He tells him and Celso goes to call Lety, leaving Tomas to talk to Sanson. Lety takes the call and tells Celso she'll be right there, and in the executive lobby walks by and tries to listen to Omar and Alicia's conversation. She wants him to take her to lunch, he says he can't leave because Fernando needs him. She wants to know if there's a problem and he says no, they're just working on a new idea. She whines and asks when they can talk and he tells her tonight. She then complains that he didn't stick up for her in Fernando's office and says something about the cuartel and cockroaches. He placates her.

Meanwhile, downstairs, PM tells the cuartel she can't have lunch with them because she's waiting for a friend. Saimon tells her instead of waiting she should go to lunch with them, and I guess she agrees. She kisses him, which makes him happy, just as Alicia walks in. You'd think she'd be happy to see PM kissing anyone besides Omar, but no... she tells them they should respect the business and calls them a horror and walks out. PM makes strangling motions and Lola says something about Alicia's check and the garbage and they all leave.

Lety goes downstairs and meets Tomas out front so her friends won't see him. Tomas spots Alicia leaving the building and Big Tomas' brain stops functioning as Little Tomas takes over. She's talking on the phone and Tomas starts to take off after her but Lety pulls him back. They do some talking but I don't find his stalker stuff funny so I don't pay a lot of attention. Lety hides Tomas as the cuartel come outside, still bitching about Alicia. They see her there on the phone and start talking smack, with Sara wanting to go full-on Roller Derby Chick (again!) but the others hold her back.

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Missing Recap 11: Omar takes another for the team... sort of

Back upstairs, Lety asks Fernando why he wants the F.I. checkbook. Fernando tells her F.I. is going to loan some money to Conceptos. She heads to her office to grab her purse and Omar asks Fern if he's going to tell Lety the real reason he formed F.I. Fern hushes him as Lety comes out and leaves for lunch. Fern asks Omar what his problem is, and Omar says his problem isn't with Lety, it's a problem that's very delicate for Fern and Conceptos. Fern asks Que Pasa and Omar says something about Alicia.

Meanwhile, at lunch, the cuartel are still discussing Alicia and laughing about her. Saimon sticks up for her about her check and tells them that Alicia is broke so they should have a little pity for her and give her her paycheck. Everyone basically says too bad so sad sucks to be her, except for Irma. Irma gets mad and yells at them to stop and to give Alicia her check, but Marta tells them all not to worry about Alicia because soon all her economic problems will be solved since she's convincing her fiancé to live with her. Juana wants to know who the fiancé is and Marta says it's Omar. Lety joins them as Marta tells about the conversation she and Fernando overhead when Fernando stole her apple. Lety, who's no better than the rest when it comes to gossip, pipes in that she heard Omar telling Alicia he'd see her tonight. PM, who up till that moment had been flirting with Saimon, gets P.O.'d big time.

Fern teases Omar about Alicia as Omar tells him that Alicia wants to live with him. Fernando thinks Alicia will be happy enough if he just gives her money (wow, did he just call her a whore?), but Omar says Alicia told him she didn't want to be a kept woman, she wanted a husband. Fernando finds it hard to believe that she'd turn down cash. Omar reminds Fern that he's only seeing her for Fern's sake, but Fern continues to tease him.

Paco comes by in his cab with his daughter and they're talking about something, I think they're discussing how he's been saving for two years to get Marta a car. She comes by and I don't know if he's just giving her something or if he wants her to watch the daughter, but either way Marta goes up alone to work and Paco and daughter leave. The cuartel enter reception still talking about Alicia. I think Marta says something about a way to get back at Alicia and Sara says it's a good idea. They get into the elevator and leave while Saimon is chatting with PM. Alicia comes in and says something rude to them. Saimon acts like he wants to kill her, but PM just calmly calls Sara and asks her to let PM know when Omar is back in his office. Saimon wants to know what her plan is, but she just says something about Oxygenada getting what's coming to her.

Fernando's on the phone talking about producing commercials for the Latino community in the U.S. and it looks like they ain't buying. He says something I'm not clear on, about it being complicated with them in L.A. and there being closer companies (like he's repeating out loud what he's hearing on the phone). He then says OK and slams down the phone. Lety walks in and heads to her office but Fern stops her and tells her to sit down and sign the F.I. check to Conceptos. She freaks when she sees it's for 300,000 pesos. The music is very loud and it's hard to hear, but I think he's explaining to her that he needs Conceptos to become indebted to Filmo Imagen. She starts to write on his desk, then he makes her sign on the check, which she then gives back to him. He and Omar say something I don't get as Fernando hands the check back to her along with a letter of instructions (is that like a letter of credit?). (I believe this is a promissory note - Julie)

She's very nervous about taking it, but he repeats that it's necessary for Conceptos to borrow from F.I. At the word "necessary" Lety sits up straight like she's at attention or something. Fernando gives Omar a look like "watch this" and repeats that it's necessary, making Lety sit at attention again while Omar watches. She sees Fernando look at Omar and turns to look at him too, so he stands at attention as well. Omar may be a jerk but Agustin Arana plays him well and this was pretty funny. Anyway, Lety is still nervous about borrowing so much money and her eye starts to twitch. Fern asks her what's wrong and she basically says she's worried about doing it. Fern says fine, and tries to take the papers back but she holds them up out of his reach, but Omar grabs them. She grabs them back and says she'll do it. Fern says good and tells her to go deposit the check into Conceptos' account. As Lety leaves to get her purse, Fern and Omar talk about the embargo and the future of Conceptos.

Alicia is again demanding her check from Lola when the phone rings. She answers and it's Ariel, who starts to make fun of her and tells her he wants to get horizontal tonight. Omar goes back to his office and Sarah calls PM to tell her he's there. Alicia tells Ariel she has a fiancé and asks him not to compromise her with Omar. He says that's not his problem and blackmails her by telling her he'll tell Marcia and Fernando that it was she that screwed up Lety's computer. She tells Ariel that she doesn't care what he does because Omar's going to take care of her so she's going to be resigning from Conceptos. He talks more smack about how she's basically marrying him for his money, and she denies it and says she loves Omar. Ariel says something rude I don't get and she slams the phone down on him. PM passes by her desk on her way to Omar's office and makes a rude face at her. She's unbuttoning her jacket and Sara is trying to call her back.

PM goes into Omar's office with her jacket open and he asks her what's up and she starts trying to seduce him. He tells her he's very busy but she lays on his desk and gives him a "come here" look. She says she wants him to come over tonight. He's still trying to make her go away and tells her tomorrow would be better, but she grabs his tie and pulls him in close and says tomorrow isn't good, she can't wait, and she starts to kiss him. For what's probably the first time in his life, he actually pulls away from a woman and gets out of his chair and heads toward the door, telling her to calm down. She tells him she is calm and says something he likes because he goes ahead and goes for it.

Of course just then Alicia comes in and yells "Omar!" He pulls away from PM and stumbles into a chair while PM laughs evilly and Alicia glares. Alicia asks what's going on and swings at Omar, who's heading back to his own chair. He manages to duck and tries to protect himself with something from his bookcase. Sara and Juana walk in just as Alicia and PM are trading insults. Alicia starts to go after PM but Sara and Juana hold her back while PM holds up her claws like she's going to scratch her but let's face it, it's not much of a threat. Those things are so long and fake they'd probably break trying to pass through soft butter. Omar tells them to calm down, he doesn't need a scandal in his office, while PM laughs some more. He tells Alicia they need to talk and she says she has nothing to say to him and insults him.

She walks out and PM starts to cry and plays innocent, but Omar is pissed and tells Sara and Juana to leave. He then wants to know why she didn't lock the door and asks her what she was doing, which she doesn't answer. He says "where are we?" and she replies "your office", and he yells "Conceptos!" He reminds her that he asked her to be discreet and instead she creates an incident. She grabs his tie and blows her nose on it (yeah, good way to calm a guy down Paula Maria). He tells her to get out and she's fired because this is all her fault. She keeps turning toward him crying, but he just keeps pointing toward the door. She leaves and he grunts with anger.

Fernando and Lety are actually discussing business when Alicia comes in and says she needs her check and she can't work here any more. Lety goes to her office and Alicia tells Fern what Omar did. Lety comes back and starts to hand the check to Alicia, but then gives it to Fern who gives it to Alicia. She says "I guess I'll go" and Lety and Fern both say adios. She leaves and Fern has Lety call Omar.

Out in the executive lobby the cuartel and Saimon are talking to a still-crying PM. I think they're asking her que the hell did she do that for? Sara answers the phone and says it's Lety saying that Fernando wants to see Omar in his office asap. They all freak, knowing it means PM's in trouble. Alicia comes crying into the Executive lobby, calling the cuartel Philistines or something like that, I can't really hear that part well. Alicia and Sara start to get into it but Lopez comes out and breaks them up and asks what's going on. Lopez asks why PM isn't in Reception and Alicia tells him it's because she was up here doing a strip tease in the Vice President's office. PM says something rude to her that really pisses Lopez off and he orders her into his office and everyone else to get back to work. Luigi comes in with his models and cracks a stupid joke but no one laughs. He finally notices Alicia crying and asks what's going on. She says she's going home and can't talk to him. PM cries loudly and he yells at her for god's sake, what drama, we're talkin' over here (read that with a Ratso Rizzo tone of voice from Midnight Cowboy). He tells Alicia to come back to his office for some girl talk and she agrees. PM cries and thinks she's going to be fired. Lola offers to go with her to Lopez's office but Lopez tells her no, just Paula Maria. NOW PM's worried about what will happen with her son. Saimon tells her if she gets fired he'll take care of her (Ok, does anyone else hear the sound of a whip cracking? Earth to Saimon, she just got busted for attempting to have sex at work with another man!). Omar and Sara come out of his office and pass by the cuartel as they head to Fern's office.

Fernando is reaming Omar a new orifice for allowing himself to be seduced by PM. Omar is trying to use the excuse that Little Omar and his two hairy friends took control of his body and he couldn't help himself.

In Lopez's office he's telling PM that what she did was a scandal for the whole office. She tells him she didn't mean to create a scandal, she didn't know Alicia was going to walk in. He wants to know why she wasn't working and she says she only came up for five minutes to talk to Omar and Saimon was coving reception for her. She starts playing the sympathy card and mentions her son and gosh what will they do? He is either starting to give in or trying to work the situation, but he says he can't guarantee anything and she says please and he tells her he has to talk to Fernando and Omar. He says he'll see what he can do and as she walks away he licks/squeaks his head as only Lopez can.

Fernando pretends he's at home having a drink and reading about the scandal in the paper. In other words, he's still working on that new one for Omar. He keeps poking Omar over and over, making him laugh, and I think it probably really did tickle the actor. Omar tells Fern he fired PM.

Alicia is telling Luigi what happened and the models tell her that Omar has a lot of women who think they're engaged to him. Luigi shuts them up and tells her she has a lot of options and not to let them bother her and she shouldn't quit and I think he convinces her.

PM is still talking about it to Irma and the rest of the cuartel and Lety says she'll say something to Fernando.

Ariel calls Lopez and asks if Alicia's resigned and Lopez tells him about the current scandal. Lopez tells him it's PM that's probably going to be fired.

Omar and Fern are still talking when Lety comes in asking to speak to him on PM's behalf and asks him not to let her go. She tells him PM has a son and really needs the job. She then turns on Omar and reminds him that he's just as guilty in the scandal as PM is. Fernando asks Lety to let him speak to Omar alone. He calls Omar a name and tells him he has no intention of letting PM go because she has a son and has a perfect track record until Omar came along. Omar whines about having to face PM in Reception and Alicia up here, but Fernando basically just tells him tough noogies, suck it up. Lopez comes in and wants to talk about PM and Omar, Fernando tells him to reprimand PM but that's it, she's not to be fired, and Lopez leaves.

The cuartel are all in their meeting room and Lopez calls PM out and tells everyone else to go back to work. He tells her he talked to Fernando and Omar and their decision was to leave it in his hands to resolve the situation. He tells her she has to meet with him that night to figure out how they will resolve the situation (and we all know what that means to him! Ew!!!). Sara and Juana are listening.

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Missing Recap 12: Setups

Once again we're back to Lety going off on Omar and I'm once again not feeling the love for PM here! (Let's look back, shall we? She knew he was seeing Alicia yet chose to get into a relationship with him, then pulls an incredibly stupid stunt, THEN expects everyone else to get her out of her jam. And now here's Lety all on a high horse like PM is so innocent and doesn't deserve punishment. Not to mention that prior to all this while they were at lunch PM was all over Saimon like white on rice. Omar's a pig, but she's no better! Sorry for the rant...) Ok, on with the story: Lopez goes into Fern's office again, cuartel are in the bathroom again, Lopez is blackmailing PM again (yuck!) and Sara and Juana are listening again. They ask PM what was said, she tells them, they sympathize.

Luigi goes into Fern's office and makes fun of Omar. He makes a rude joke about the cuartel of the feas and Fernando reminds him they are the secretaries of Conceptos. Luigi starts to say something about the Platypus but Fernando stops him, so he makes more fun of Omar. Omar tries to leave but Luigi grabs his tie and pulls him back, which Fern finds funny. He makes another joke and Omar leaves.

PM is discussing Lopez with Sara and Juana. They tell her she can't go, who knows what Lopez might do? PM worries.

Luigi sits down to talk to Fernando, who asks that the costs be kept down. Luigi gives more diva crap. Fern tries to explain his position but Luigi doesn't want to hear it. They talk about the bet and I think he says he's going to win because Conceptos doesn't have any work, so Fernando's going to have to be the Queen of the Night. Luigi finally agrees to keep his costs down, but Fernando's the one who's going to have to break the bad news to the three models. He brings them in and they start to fawn all over Fernando.

Saimon and PM are talking and Saimon says she has to keep working so she can take care of Jaimito. She says something I don't get, about his looks I think, and she starts to be nice to him but then turns mean (is she bipolar?). Just then El Cheque comes in and asks for Lola. Saimon is rude to him and makes him walk around him.

Fernando manages to escape the models' clutches and tries to explain to them, but then he caves in (way to stick up for Lety, pal). He tells Lety to have Lola draw up the contracts, and Luigi is smug and says something rude to her as she leaves.

Lopez calls PM to ask if she's ready to go out with him. She tries to get out of it by mentioning her dad or parents or something, I'm not sure, but Lopez isn't buying. PM tells Saimon what's going on and he freaks out as only Saimon can.

Lola is yelling at Cheque in front of the whole cuartel. I'm not sure what he replies, but it really freaks Lola out and she totally goes off on him. She keeps making weird faces and he says adios to everyone. Lety tells Lola to calm down. Luigi comes in with the models and he makes fun of the cuartel , tells the models the rude names he has for each of them., then they leave. Saimon comes up to ask them what they can do to save PM from Lopez's clutches and Lola starts to freak again.

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Labels: amar

Max, Diana, and Marcela are in Marcela's hospital room. Marcella tells Max to go with Diana, but he says he can't, they have to stay together, even if she doesn't want to, especially not know that she's going to have his kid. Marcela says he didn't do the same thing when Diana was pregnant with their kid. Max says things are different, she's got to take care of herself because it would be a shame if she lost the baby. Marcela and Diana exchange a look.

Marfil calls Pedro's lawyer and says the will isn't going to be changed after all. Pedro dozes away through all this as Marfil says she'll inherit every cent.

In Gaviota's room, everyone but Gaviota is feeling sorry for Gaviota for such a terrible thing happening to her. Lorenzo says Gaviota needs hope, not tears. Word to that. Doc Q is still running tests. Gaviota doesn't know if there's any hope.

Max asks if Marcela promises to take care of herself and she tells him to leave again. Diana keeps looking down, avoiding anyone's eyes. Marcela tells him to go have dinner with Diana, Godmom will be there to take care of her. Diana says there's nothing between her and Max anymore. OK, people, will someone start telling the truth here?! Godmom comes in complaining that Diana is in the room. She asks if Diana is there as part of her duties or to get with Marcela's husband. Diana excuses herself. Marcela kicks Max out of the room, yet again. This time, he leaves, but he says he'll be back first thing the next day. Godmom says this is just too much, pushing him into the arms of another woman. Marcela tells her she doesn't dare tell Max she lost the baby.

Out at the water cooler, Max tells Diana to ignore what Godmom said. Diana tells Max his wife needs him. He says he's obligated to be with her, but his heart wants to be with Diana. Diana says that's impossible.

Lorenzo says God will help Gaviota, she's been so good, he wouldn't send this cross. Gaviota says maybe it's her cross because she went for revenge against the Irazabals. Lorenzo doesn't believe it. Miguelina is going to go ask the V de G to help Gaviota. Gaby thinks if Diego can walk again, Gaviota can too. Interesting bit of logic there…does she also think if Diego ended up being a criminal, Gaviota can too? Miguelina asks about Paco, but Gaviota says she sent him away.

Diana finds Rodrigo in the waiting room and tells him Doc Q wants to talk to them.

At Bar Don Paco, Caramelo wants to go home and fix Paco dinner, but Paco's too bummed. He says nothing will lift his spirits. He says Gaviota is everything to him. Caramelo tells him he's going to pay for the mistake of marrying Octavia forever, since that's what pushed Gaviota into Rodrigo's arms.

Doc Q tells Diana and Rodrigo that the spider's venom is very strong and although they gave her the antidote, there are side effects. He doesn't know how long Gaviota will be like this. He says he doesn't know what will happen. Doc Q says there shouldn't be a problem with the pregnancy. Rodrigo says it's not fair, tomorrow's his birthday. What a lousy present. Doc Q says he does have good news, he's letting Gaviota go home tomorrow.

Caramelo says she knows how love hurts, but he's got to get over it, "ammararte los pantalones" (put on your big boy pants, figuratively speaking) and don't let it get you down. Paco says she's right, but it hurts. Caramelo says it hurts not to have the person you love by your side, but there are things you can't change.

Rodrigo and Diana come into Gaviota's room, but she's asleep. Diana tells Miguelina, Lorenzo, and Gaby that Gaviota can go home tomorrow. Gaby asks Rodrigo if he's going to stay with her mom. Rodrigo asks if she thinks he's such a bastard. Gaby says it was just a question. Rodrigo tells the girls he loves their mom, like, for realz, and he'll never leave her. Which in telenovela-speak means he's just tempted fate and it's only a matter of time now.

Ugh. Pancholon scene. I thought since he'd run off to Santo Domingo we wouldn't have to see him anymore. His new gal pal, the reincarnation of Veneno, took him shopping. He bs-es that he's a hardworking man who doesn't like to let women take care of him. Veneno 2.0 mopes about how ugly she is and how Pancho's her first male friend. Blah, blah, blah, Pancho's probably going to charm the millions out of her. Unless she turns out to be an undercover law enforcement agent who's just stringing him along until she can turn him in. I can only hope.

Looks like in addition to the show, Silvita and the trannies also clean up around the bar. Mariposa has mail, but we don't find out what it is yet.

More Pancholon time. Veneno 2.0 asks for a kiss. Pancho tells her he's a gentleman and he respects women. BS, BS, BS. He can't kiss her because he respects her so much. He has to get to know her better. His thought bubble isn't worth repeating.

Mariposa's letter is from her millionaire cousin…oh, it's Veneno 2.0! She fills in Colibrí, Lorenzo, and Silvita on how ugly her cousin is. Veneno 2.0 has invited Mariposa to vacation in Santo Domingo, all expenses paid, and Mariposa is inviting Colibrí and Silvita. Colibrí doesn't have the money to go, but Silvita says she'll go.

Gaviota's got the bandages off her head and is dressed to go home. Diana's not there and Gaviota wonders where she is.

Marfil is gloating that Pedro slept all night and will probably sleep all day. The doorbell rings and she calls for Lucy to answer it, but Lucy doesn't. Marfil ends up going to get it herself. It's Diana, come to yell at Marfil that she remembers everything about the kidnapping. She says she can turn her in now.

Isabel has come to visit Octavia. She wants more food, but Octavia won't give her any. She also wants to know if the spider left Gaviota's legs paralyzed or not. Yolanda is listening at the door. Octavia brags that it did work. Yolanda's shaking her head. Isabel says that's all the more reason to give her food. Octavia says Isabel can go to the kitchen and look for leftovers. Yolanda bursts into the room, asking how Octavia could possibly! Yolanda, dear, you've known about every rotten thing your sister's done for the last 20-something years--she even had you drugged and tied up in the basement--and "How could you?" is the best you can come up with?! How…refreshing, that Yolanda can still be surprised every time Octavia does some new evil deed.

Gaviota's home and she's depressed. Nancy made a chocolate cake, though…hey, that usually fixes things for me. Lala says they're all going to take care of her. Gaviota asks Rodrigo to take her up to her room.

Marfil says she doesn't know what Diana's talking about. Diana says she doesn't have a way to prove her accusations, but she couldn't keep herself from coming to yell at Marfil--she says Deborah was an angel compared to Marfil. Marfil kicks her out, but Diana says she's not leaving until she gives her a pair of "cachetadas" (slaps) like she deserves. Diana makes good on her statement and a catfight commences. They roll around on the floor a bit and Marfil ends up losing her shoes. There's a lot of choking and hair-pulling, and mid-fight we go to commercial.

When we get back, Yolanda's yelling at Octavia. She still wonders how Octavia was capable. Yolanda says she'll tell Max everything, she's tired of being Octavia's accomplice, she's ready to tell the police everything, she's not going to cover up anything for Octavia anymore. Octavia slaps Yolanda and Yolanda smacks her back. Octavia tries to choke Yolanda…Yolanda's not fighting back very well.

Back at Casa Pedro, Diana pushes Marfil over the back of a chair and Marfil goes rolling. Now Isabel is enjoying the fight between Yolanda and Octavia. There's so much switching back and forth between the two fights, it's hard to keep up. Hair is flying everywhere! We end with Octavia really seriously choking Yolanda and Isabel looking on.

Gaviota's in her room with Rodrigo, Miguelina, and Gaby. Gaviota wants some alone time, so everybody leaves. Gaviota thought bubbles that her life is over, blah, blah, blah, she doesn’t want to leave the house, she doesn't want to have people look at her and feel sorry for her. It sounds like a recycling of Diego's earlier rantings. Which, hey, I get that people go through those feelings, but it comes across as the writers pushing the idea that all people in wheelchairs are angry and bitter 24-7. Thoughts?

Diana finally tosses Marfil onto the couch and shouts that she can send her to jail whenever she wants to. Marfil's bleeding from her mouth. Diana says whenever Marfil wants revenge, she should give her a call. Meow! Diana leaves. Marfil looks like she's too tired to get up.

Octavia's still choking Yolanda, then she pulls one hand off her neck and punches Yolanda in the face. This lets Yolanda pull Octavia's other hand off her throat and punch Octavia twice. Isabel starts looking worried and leaves. Yolanda runs outside, by the pool, and shouts for help. Octavia stumbles out and pushes her into the pool. They both fall in. Then Octavia tries to drown Yolanda, but she's not very effective so far. Isabel takes this opportunity to go into the kitchen and steal all the fruit. Yolanda and Octavia trade punches in the pool and Yolanda fights her way out of the pool. She runs off and Isabel comes outside, urging Octavia to hurry and get out of the pool, as Yolanda's gone out to the street to get help. Yolanda runs toward the street screaming for help. Back inside the house, Isabel is wondering what's taking Octavia so long. Well, she took so long because she was packing. Just let that sink in for a moment. Octavia comes into the living room with a rolling suitcase. She says there will be no keeping Yolanda quiet now and she can't catch her, so she's going to have to escape. Isabel and I both give a hearty "Que the hell?" and Octavia calls us both stupid. Octavia tells Isabel to hide her wherever Isabel is hiding. Okay, so she doesn't have time to catch Yolanda, but she has time to pack. I wonder if she's got an industrial-strength hair dryer in there.

Yolanda manages to flag down a police car and she tells to cop to take her to Comisario Gomez, aka, the same Telemiami cop who's investigating every other baddie on this show. I guess since the show's winding down, his arrest rate is going to go up.

Marcela's godmom is asking if she's going to tell Max about the baby. Max comes in. Marcela starts bugging him about Diana and Godmom makes nasty remarks, all as per usual. Doc V told Max that Marcela can go home and Max wants Marcela to go home with him. Riiiiight, because Casa Irazabal v2.0 is such a restful place to be right now. Max would know that if he'd been home, but it looks like he's still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. Godmom tells Marcela to tell Max…tell me what? He asks. Godmom tells Max that Marcela lost the baby. The hamster on the wheel in Max's head almost dies trying to generate enough power for Max to process this.

Gaby, Miguelina, Lala, and Rodrigo talk about Gaviota. Rodrigo says they've got to cheer her up. Diana shows up, but she says she's fine. And other than a torn shirt she looks fine. She says she paid a "courtesy visit" to Marfil (*snort*) and gave her a beating she won't soon forget.

Marfil's holding an ice pack to her jaw when Pedro, aka Hef, finally wakes up and comes into the living room telling Marfil he feels "atontado" (stupid, although he probably means something more like groggy or doped-up). He asks what happened to her and she tells him she fell on the stairs. Hef points out that there are no stairs in that house. Marfil tells him to quit asking questions and not to dare leave the house and leave her alone. Marfil leaves the room and we see that both the sleeves on her blouse are torn and one is completely unattached.

Yolanda is wrapped in a blanket, telling Comisario Gomez what happened, or at least this incident. Gomez wants the whole story. Yolanda says Octavia's a monster and she stayed quiet out of fear, but after today it's all just too much for her. She doesn't want to keep quiet anymore. Yolanda says Octavia's been a killer for years. She planned Gaviota's first husband's murder and ordered her husband to carry it out; she had Gaviota's daughters taken away. Then we cut away from the scene. And here I was hoping for the full list of Octavia's evil deeds all at once.

Gaviota's talking to the baby, telling it she's not going to be able to run with it in the park, etc., etc., There's a knock on the door. It's Diana. She asks if she can come keep Gaviota company. Gaviota says that everybody being so nice just reminds her of her "desgracia" (misfortune) and makes her anxious. More self-pitying talk. She wants to be alone to think and accept. If anyone in that house remembers what happens to Gaviota every time things get too hard for her, they wouldn't let her be alone. I guess at least this time, the alcohol would have to be within arm's reach.

Octavia has arrived at Hotel Isabel. Octavia looks askance at Isabel for having taken some cookware out of the house. Isabel says she can't figure out why she took them, since she has no kitchen, but she thinks she may be able to sell them. Octavia asks about security. Isabel says the cops never come around there and Ignacio's been hiding there. Ignacio now makes an appearance. This could get interesting.

Comisario Gomez is still waiting for the whole story. Yolana continues: Octavia took everything that was Gaviota's; Octavia poisoned her husband…Comisario Gomez wants to know if she knew all this, why did she keep quiet and why did she testify against Gaviota. Yolanda says it was out of fear, that she's always been weak, a puppet in Octavia's hands. Yolanda tells CG that Octavia's dangerous: she killed Licenciado Reynosa. CG actually looks surprised, but I'm not sure if it's because of what she said or because she said it.

Isabel tells Ignacio that Octavia has come to hide out with them. Ignacio jokes with Isabel that Octavia is their luxury guest.

Max asks why Marcela had a miscarriage. Godmom blames it on Max. Marcela says the doctor told her she had to be careful, so she didn't tell him about the kid so it wouldn't weigh in his decision. She asks what he's going to do…or more to the point, who is he going to choose?

I guess we'll get that answer on Monday. Yay! 2 more weeks to go!

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Looks like the gran finale will be this Friday! Everyone should tune in for this one and see how they wrap it up. I can't wait to see how they are going to deal with some of these stories in just 5 days. And I'm really looking forward to the Larry/Gaby wedding. She looked so pretty when she was preparing for her church wedding. Maybe Sharon will recuperate enough to be a bridesmaid.

Diego, Marfil, Octy and Iggy should do the perp walk on the eleven o'clock news.

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Folks, there are likely to be misinterpretations here today. By all means, correct me if I’m wrong. ☺

We find Alirio revisiting his conversation with CL on the first day at the office. CL is livid that Alirio doesn’t have the good sense to knock. He tells Alirio to get to work, which Alirio says he’ll gladly do—and by the way, would you be so kind as to tell me just what IS my work? CL is disgusted impactado.

Paula reviews her to do list with Marely, and once they’ve got nothing later in the day, would Marely go to a car dealer with her? Marely reminds her of an appointment with an agent, and what’s the rush? Well, Paula has to have a car ASAP so she can solve the problem. What problem? Paula’s going to buy a car and won’t need Juan. She can’t make eye contact with Marely, who is impactada. Marely has noticed, though. Paula wants to know if Juan told her something. Marely is disgusted, she doubts this clueless man (ingenuous) has realized what’s happened. Paula thinks that’s better, but Marely disagrees. He’s going to be insistent, because as naïve as he is, he’s also stubborn (terco). Marely thinks it’s better Paula talks to him, because if it didn’t mean as much for her, she better let him down out of the clouds now—if he realizes on his own, it’s going to give him a direct hit (buen golpazo, a good hit)?. Paula agrees she’s totally right. She has to set him straight. She tells Marely to call him up. NOW? Marely reminds her about the calls, the pending business, and there are urgent things to do today. This thing with Juan is going to take more than five minutes. Shouldn’t it be over, I don’t know, a meal or something? Paula totally agrees; she doesn’t know what she is thinking. Her head is someplace else. Yep, she really thinks it would be better in the long run to eat with him and tell him the truth.

In the garage, Fernando is doing his eternal crosswords [Ed. Note: looks like my house]. Juan wants to ask a question. What’s up with the question? Well, Kike and I got involved with night school. We want to finish the prep, and that might interest you, right? Nope, compa. If I’m going to waste my time, I’d rather be at home in front of the tele. What? Why do you say that? Haven’t you heard you have to study to do something in this life? Nope. That was before. Now all you have to do is have an entrepreneurial vision, show creativity, brains. A degree? Nah. It’s worthless. Juan disagrees. “You’re nuts. I’m going to do the prep, go to the university, leave all this (salgo de perro?) “Look at me,” Fernando tells him. I’m a graduate trained for a career in business administration, Juan. I speak ENGLISH. Look at me.” Juan is impactado. Fernando will be glad to show him the degree if he wants. Nope, if you want to leave this behind, you need luck. Juan doesn’t buy it. Studying works, here and in China (everywhere). Well, Fern tells him, don’t bother. If you don’t have influence, you’ll only waste time. I thought I had it licked and look, here I am, chauffeuring. But, if I had half the spirit you have, I’d be richer than Don CL. Juan is impactado at the backhanded compliment. [I would be, too, coming from such a gloomy pessimist.]

CL is pacing Pastor’s floor. They have to find something for Alirio before he drives CL nuts. Put him in his place! Don’t let Nidia call on me again. Pastor thinks if Alirio goes to Nidia with the gossip, CL will get a doubly annoyed. Yeah, CL would expect so. He tells Pastor to look for something, DO something. He doesn’t want Alirio in his office all day long! [Ed. Note: I can relate. I’ve had some Alirio types in my office.] Pastor thinks this guy isn’t prepared to do anything! He’s gotta be a charlatan! Yeah, sure, but invent something! It could be whatever nonsense, but make it look important. Pastor has a thought, and he needs CL’s collaboration. CL’s ready for just about anything to get this albatross off his neck. Pastor proceeds to outline his plan.

……we find CL conveying this delicate task to Alirio in all sincerity. The future of the company depends on him, and his complete discretion. Pastor will give him the details, and CL trusts in him fully. Alirio pontificates that a Perafán de Rocha will never fail the confidence that’s bestowed on him. CL is sure of it, of course. He knew that Alirio would be understanding and put up with this annoyance for the time being. CL shares that he is so weighed down with the responsibilities of this company that he’s counting on Alirio. Alirio assures him that he needs say no more, “my commander friend, my leader.” He will faithfully follow the instructions, with no gossip. He “zips” his lip. They shake, and CL reminds him “much, much discretion.” Alirio begins his departure protocol, bowing out and stopping to reassure CL of his commitment with expansive gestures and lip-zipping. CL rolls his eyes as the final departure is imminent.

Fernando is still sharing his tale of woe. Yep, he sent his résumé to every company in the country, and they all told him they’d call, and he’s still waiting, just look at him. That’s the sad truth of the country where they live. [Ed. Note: a social statement?] You end up in this work even with a degree. The phone rings, and Juan goes for it. True entrepreneur with a creative spirit that he is, he answers: “…and a very good day to you, Center for Chauffeurs, at your orders!” It’s CL and he gulps—he’s being summoned upstairs. Fernando thinks that’s good; toadying up will get him farther than an attorney. Juan leans over and says he thinks that with an attitude like Fern’s, he won’t get anywhere. He’ll be of service, but not servile. They’re not the same. [Pretty wise for a guy who didn’t even finish high school. He leaves Fernando thinking about that.]

Juan’s elevator trip is a time of reflection and serious thought-bubbling. He has to leave off thinking about what that half-wit Fernando said and worry about CL. CL wants to know what he’s found out, and he’ll have to think of something fast. Yep, he was right. In CL’s office, that’s the first thing on CL’s agenda. He babbles that he’s making progress, spying (didn’t really catch all of it, as it was muy rápido, folks, but he said that the mamacita – Paula- brought something to the office). So, what did he see? Does she realize? Did she say something? No, fortunately not, but there’s something mysterious up. What an annoyance! (friega) But, CL asks him, you were at the building of Paula’s friend? Juan assures him that he was, but it was such a huge building with so many apartments and floors—he gestures wildly to show what an impossible task it would be to find the apartment they went to…..CL concludes that the only person who can identify the guy is Paula herself. Practically impossible to get the info. Wait! Juan has a plan! He’s going to fly under the radar and when it’s least expected, he’s going to zap the guy! It’ll take time, though. CL says he doesn’t have time. Paula makes radical quick decisions….and you are not any longer in her affections, Juan. Juan isn’t so sure about that. CL points out she’s buying a car, she doesn’t want him chauffeuring her any more….and she probably suspects. Juan is impactado! The reality sinks in. He won’t have a job.

Pastor explains the work to Alirio in stage whispers and with expansive gestures. [Ed. Note: he has Alirio’s number]. CL thinks someone is systematically embezzling from the company. It’s a profound and solid corruption. He needs Alirio to do the detail work to nail the person. Alirio is appalled. It can’t be allowed. Pastor continues that the hemorrhaging of money is of gigantic proportions, such that the fiscal solidarity of the company is in danger. [Ed. Note: and you’re putting Alirio in charge of finding embezzled funds? Uh-huh. He who fakes wills. Be careful what you ask for, CL.] Alirio wants to know what he needs to do. Well, his arrival is providential, because he can be in charge of the digging for the embezzler. No one really knows him, he’s an attorney so he can understand these things, and he can move unnoticed and not alert the miscreants that they’re on to the crime. Alirio is jubilant, but he points out he still doesn’t get how he’s involved. Pastor whacks his hand—before anything else, I have to make sure you’re ready to help us and will have the discretion. Of course! Is he brave enough? It could be dangerous, there are many interests in play here. Alirio stands to emphasize how offended his is. He’s a crusader for anti-corruption. He’d even give his life. In that case, please, come with me! Pastor punctuates with even more expansive gestures than Alirio ever dreamed of. He’s been outdone. You first, Alirio tells him, but Pastor waves him forward. Pastor makes like he’s closing the door after Alirio, but instead follows him out. [Ed. Note: this scene, especially that little door close, was played to perfection.]

CL tells Juan he expects Juan can see how serious this is. Juan babbles about the lovely limo. CL yells “Juan! Juan!” Forget the car, think about Paula. Juan thought bubbles that’s all he thinks about, 24 hours. CL says they need a solution. Juan says he could talk to her. CL keeps talking, Juan thought-bubbles, and goes to pour himself a good stout drink. CL is talking about Paula: she’s a woman of character, and still a woman of a great heart. Juan thought babbles “that you don’t deserve, and I DO!” He gives CL a stink eye, and it’s good CL isn’t looking. Okay, Juan, here’s how we’ll go at this (attack this). We’ll go for her delicate sensibilities (her good sentiments). He looks at the ceiling, paces, and thinks out loud. Juan thought bubbles—don’t count on me, dude. We’re going to make her feel…sure, remorseful, compassionate. Guilty for some sin. Juan is belting down the drink. He thought bubbles that the sin should be to treat a goddess in the flesh like this. Apparently, the whisky does the trick, and he’s way more mellow as he thought bubbles about how great in the flesh she is. His jaw is set. CL has it! Of course, we’ll tell her if she leaves the car with the company, she’ll leave you in the street, without work, Juan. He falls into the chair. Impactado! He didn’t expect this! He stutters at CL. CL tells him it depends on how moved she is by him talking to her. Juan thought bubbles, geez, Louise, it’s all up to me (okay, I paraphrased here). He thinks CL is shameless. He belts down a little more whisky.

Paula is getting a call. Marely comes to tell her it’s Monica. Paula wants Marely to make excuses, but Marely won’t. What, are you my conscience? Marely tells her everyone needs one. She’s rather unapologetic. Paula takes the call, and Monica wants to issue an invitation so she can present Paula to an acquaintance of hers. He’s a wonder. Monica isn’t taking excuses. Monica is sure she wont’ be sorry. Paula thinks a little too long, and Monica wonders if she should take it as a “no.” Ultimately, Paula agrees (but her face tells us “no!”) Is there Excedrin in Mexico? Paula has an Excedrin headache for sure.

Oooh, Pastor is leading Alirio into the catacombs, where there are large cardboard boxes and shelves in disarray. There are probably B-52 cockroaches, too, with all this old paper sitting around. Welcome to the company archives! Here is every record since the founding of the company. Okay, but what am I supposed to do here, Alirio wants to know. Well, here’s where you will reconstruct the legal history and discover the beginning of the corruption problem. Pastor looks at him earnestly. Alirio wants to know how he’s going to look for a needle in this haystack—the mountain of papers? Pastor assures him he’ll need to do this to find it, at any moment a clue will appear (okay, I paraphrased it a LOT). But, this is Titanic! Alirio wanders around, daunted. Pastor tells him he’ll come upon the fat fish that are bleeding them , and well, nobody said it’d be a rose garden (not an easy task/fácil tarea). Much less fast. That’s exactly why Don CL trusts you. He knows your temperament, commitment, discretion, and above all honesty. Okay, okay, but my office? Where is it? Well, for now this is your center of operations. Don CL doesn’t want anyone alerted to your presence. He doesn’t want those responsible to be scared away. But…..I will have an office, right? Pastor obfuscates a little and tells him knowing Don CL, Alirio will have many benefits [ Ed. Note: yeah, like a nifty title and salary for doing nothing, to begin with]. Pastor makes a little parting chitchat, backs out of the hole, wishes him luck, and tells him to go to it. He’s leaving it in Alirio’s hands. He closes the door and Alirio shudders as he gingerly picks up a dirty item on the table and drops it again…..looking around at the huge mess mournfully. [Ed. Note: Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. And, probably wouldn’t.]

In the lobby, Juan is leaving CL’s office, exhaling heavily and making his (what did Sylvia or someone call it? Okay Juan, whatcha gonna do now face?). He thought bubbles just exactly that to himself. Julia and Ivonne snoop behind him. Juan asks himself if he’s going to do what his conscience dictates, or his convenience? He tells himself he needs to talk with the Licenciada before this all comes to pass and he’s left without her and without work. He puts gum into his mouth, arming himself for close confrontation and strides over to Marely’s desk. He asks about Paula, and when Marely tries to tell him no, he ignores her and strides right into an impactada Paula’s office, declaring “Paula, I need to talk to you!” Outside, he’s drawing a mini-crowd of Marely, looking pained over her shoulder at the open door, Ivonne and Julia, craning their necks. Juan and Paula set their jaws and glare each other down into commercial.

Paula tells Juan to sit, she needs to talk to him, too. He closes the door [thank heaven] and thanks her. She stands, and he doesn’t sit, but tells her to listen to him. He tells her she’s been very odd with him, and she shouldn’t get that way. He is impassioned as he tells her what happened between them was a bit of an accident (half), a result of the circumstances. He’s not judging her, nor was he thinking strange things (about her). No! Things are still the same as they always were; he has no rude plan to pressure her. She still has all his respect, all his admiration! “You and I, more than merely chauffeur and boss, have been very good friends! And it would be a real shame if we were to end something that was….that was for me, Paula, beautiful. But this doesn’t change things between us. I understand perfectly what’s happening at this moment. How would I not understand? I have been the witness to all that’s happened. But please, don’t separate me from your side. I want to continue being your friend, right? What’s more, this head will erase what happened that night, Paula, and there will be a clean slate (borrón y cuenta nueva). Nobody saw, nobody knew, nobody talked, absolutely nothing happened! What do you say?” “What do I say? Well, it calms me a lot to hear what you have to say, Juan. I cannot deny that what happened has had me worried a lot. The truth is that I didn’t know how to bring up this topic with you.” “That’s why you’ve been avoiding me? (me has estado la vuelta – from sacarle la vuelta a alguien, avoid someone)” “Yes, Juan.” “For this you are buying a car?” “Well, not just that, but I want to have some things of my own.” She can’t make eye contact and Juan looks warily at her face. Paula comes toward him. “Juan, I want to be very, very clear with you. For all that we say what happened was an accident, that it shouldn’t affect our relationship, it’s AFFECTED. Juan, things are not the same.” Juan protests, but Paula asks him to let her talk. “Look….”

Outside, Ivonne runs from in front of her desk toward Paula’s door, with Julia trailing. [Ed. Note: What took them so long?] They pry Marely for info. What’s up with her boss? Marely has no idea, of course. [Good girl.] Ivonne says she’s sure Marely knows, and Julia tries to pry-“don’t tell me the wind has shifted?” Marely reminds them that gossip is counterproductive, and those were Ivonne’s own words. Ivonne calls her a gordita, and Julia tells her not to get angry while Ivonne sulks back to her own desk. Marely buries herself in work again.

Paula tells Juan she’s very confused. [Yep, that’d be the general consensus from all of us, too, honey.] She needs time to sort all that happened. She needs to examine her conscience about what happened, and make decisions. She walks behind him toward the door. Does he understand? Of course, I understand you, Paula. He turns around to face the door and her. She says that’s why they need to be apart for a while; he tries to interrupt. She continues that it’s for the good of both of them. He draws closer to her. She says that’ll help them make sure that things don’t change between them and they’ll be as good friends as always. She touches his chest as he looks at her in agony, earnestly. “Please, Juan. Try to understand me.” She starts to go around him back to her desk and he puts out an arm to stop her gently, but thinks better of it and lets her go. “At your orders, Licenciada,” he says with resignation as she goes behind him. She stares at his back sadly, and Juan leaves, equally sadly.

Ivonne and Julia still have eyes glued to the door, but at a distance. Juan walks around the desk and Marely asks him how it went. He tells her he has no idea, and then yells “Marely, you women, why do you make things so complicated?” “Well, because you men want everything to be so easy!” He stalks off and onto the elevator, thought bubbling to God that he didn’t know what to think. He had doubts, whether he did well or did badly. He scolds himself for not taking the opportunity to talk to her, face to face, and tell her the whole truth. To tell her that what happened between them was no accident. We see Paula sitting sadly at her desk while we hear Juan’s thoughts and see him again in the elevator….”instead, it was the most important moment of my life.” We see Paula again briefly and then Juan scolds himself for not having the guts (te faltaron los pantalones, I lack the pants) to tell her his feelings. Nope, something inside him told him it was not the moment to do it, that he’d have to wait. Great. Just Great! And her, how should I interpret what she said to me? (Paula is pacing her office, looking equally distressed with herself.) “For good, or for bad? What does it mean?" He hears Paula’s voice repeating that for all they say it was an accident….that it shouldn’t affect their relationship, it’s affected. We see Paula, probably thinking the same thing. He thinks about what she said next, needing distance to think and make decisions. “What decisions??” He asks himself. [Ed. Note: for all this is a powerful scene, it’s the longest darn ride down a couple of floors in the history of elevators.]

Marely has come into Paula’s office. She is beseeching Paula that this was the same as doing nothing (I think, help me here, folks). He still has illusions. “What illusions?” Paula can’t understand. He himself told me that it was an accident, and wouldn’t change things. Marely, who knows Juan way better because she actually spends time looking at him, tries to explain. What he says is one thing, and another entirely what he feels. At this moment, who knows what things Juan is thinking. Paula argues that Juan is intelligent, no fool, and he just showed her how much. Marely wants to know what makes her so sure. It’s pure logic, Paula tells her. If he had ever shown the least bit of interest in her [love is blind, Paula is just totally clueless], she’d have doubts about this reaction, but he never said a word, and what’s more, she’s been as a confidante. And, didn’t you tell me he was interested in you? He’s told me about a platonic love. What does that mean? That I was nothing more than a night of craziness. Marely tries to interrupt. “Your theory is….” “Correct!” Paula says she’s the only one who complicated her own life. Paula wants to stop talking about it already, they have more urgent things to do. She tells Marely about Monica’s invitation. Marely sits down and is impactada—it seems the Señora holds you in affection! Paula tells her that’s not all; Monica plans to present her to a guy friend who has just arrived in Mexico. Marely grins a little. Could it be that she is trying to find you a boyfriend? It looks like it. What will you do? Resolve it the only way I can—talk with the guy responsible for this situation. César Luis Farell. Marely says, “again?” “What else can I do?” Paula asks. “Well, you’ve given me the impression that the last thing you want to do is break it off completely with this guy.” Paula gets way defensive. How do you think of these things? Well, maybe because all you have done is talk and talk and talk about this guy. Paula is commercial irritada.

Julia is STILL up with Ivonne, who is sniping at her about her boyfriend not coming by much. Another gal is standing behind Julia, eager to catch any chisme that flies by. Julia retorts that Enrique is VERY busy hauling cargo around. Ivonne and the other gal look at each other and laugh….”if that’s what YOU want to think.” Julia wants to know what else she should think. Ivonne tells her he’s like all the men, his horns are always out…..Julia denies that Enrique is like that. The gal behind her scoffs. Ivonne is the queen of scoff. They’re all cut from the same cloth (from cortado por la misma tijera, cut with the same scissors). If they are sure how you feel, they’ll take advantage. I’m the voice of experience. Julia looks concerned and the other gal shakes her head at the perfidy of all men.

Juan is at the desk in the garage, drawing hearts with “Paula y Juan” on post-it notes. Enrique is bubbly as he brings a bag of school supplies to Juan. Fernando looks bored to tears. Notebooks, pens, compass, etc. All that was on the list. Fernando drawls that he forgot the lunchbox (lonchera). Kike tells him “make fun! Make fun.” He basically tells Fern to shut up. Fern picks on him about writing in the notebook margins, and Kike tells him not to get bothered. Juan fusses at them and Kike tries to tell him he just brought Juan what he needed. Juan’s not interested. Later. Excuse me. He walks off. Fern shows Kike the post-it note and tells him that Juan’s been touchy since yesterday.

Paula’s in CL’s office, telling him she doesn’t want to be rude or ungrateful to his wife, but she’s doggone uncomfortable. He points out she’s not the only one feeling that way. Well, in that case, we need to do something. He points out she’s accepted the invitation, she could have refused. She tells him Monica pressured her a lot, and he chuckles—“that’s her, all right.” He tells Paula that’s exactly the problem he has when he tries to persuade Monica of something. So, what’s the problem, Paula? Come, eat with us, get to know Stephen—at best, he could end up being the man of your life. [Ed. Note: if we didn’t know what a scumbag you are, CL, we almost might think your sincerity is touching.] He’s got it all: free, millionaire, nice, oh! Paula interrupts: “And you, what would you know about my tastes regarding who might be the man of my life?” “Anything is possible.” (Todo cabe dentro las posibilidades, anything fits inside the possibilities). “Let me inform you that at the moment I’m not interested in getting to know anyone else.” “Why not?” “Because there was already one man I knew (probably used figuratively here, in the carnal sense, as a barb), and I think you knew that.” She changes the subject and asks if Juan has told him all? No, CL says, he’s told me nothing. And you’re making sure from this moment on he’ll know nothing more. “Gee, what a shame for you,” she retorts. “I’d just like to know him, though,” CL tells her with a little smirk. “Well, why don’t you tell me when and I’ll present him.” Brave words, Paula. “I’m not one of those women who hides things.” CL has her number. “Mm, why don’t you bring your friend tonight to my apartment, and we’ll meet him? How does that sound?” Paula is busted-impactada.

Juan is in his office—the driver’s seat of the limo—reading. Kike knocks on the window and lets himself into the passenger seat. Juan sits, staring at his paper. “Anyway, these are your things.” Juan looks over at the bag Kike has brought him. “Many thanks, my Kike, and forgive me. It’s that I’m a little sad.” (tristón) Kike gently tells Juan he’s noticed. “Now what’s happened?” “She wants me out of her life.” “I told you,” Kike continues gently, “Or didn’t I tell you?” “Sure, and all that. She doesn’t need me any more.” Juan’s face is so dejected and maybe a little bitter. “And what, my brother, she’s doing you a favor.” [Ed. Note: I’m sure he means to be helpful.] “See, this way you aren’t going to keep torturing yourself, always looking at her through the rearview mirror, creating fantasies for yourself.” (historias mafufas, my best guess) Juan cries out “Don’t you understand that if this happens, everything, absolutely everything, is going to hell?”

CL’s voice cuts into Juan’s agony, and we find Paula still in CL’s office, with her back to him, heading toward the door. CL asks if she doesn’t like that idea, she can kill two birds with one stone. (matar dos pájaros de un tiro) You can do what Monica wants and she’ll feel more calm that you’re beginning a new relationship, and you’ll present the man to me who took my place in your heart. CL falters a little as he hits the “took my place in your heart” stuff. She turns back to him as he asks what she has to say about that. “Have you gone bonkers or what?” “No,” he replies. “What makes you think I want to put MY friend in the wolf’s mouth?” “What wolf’s mouth?” [Ed. Note: personally, I think it’s a perfect metaphor, Paula.] “You’re sick, César Luis.” He tells her that what’s happening here is something else. “Well, think what you want, Sr. Farell, but please excuse me to your wife and tell her I can’t come to dinner.” He accuses her—this friend doesn’t exist. It’s a fantasy to hide what’s happened from me.” “Definitely, there’s no doubt, you are nuts.” She leans across his desk to give him a maximum cleavage shot as she scoffs at him. [Ed. Note: Kind of blurs your message, Paula.] He tells her the crazy one is someone else, a female. He accuses her that her love is like a small child, she’s acting infantile. She scoffs that he can’t believe she’d actually “invent” a romance just to bother him. “Well, YEAH. Why not?” She scoffs again. [Ed. Note: give it up, Paula, he’s had more practice at this game.] She wants to know why it’s so important. He retorts and she tells him okay, if that’s what you want, I’ll bring my friend. But, there’s one condition. “What?” That you give up this plan of using Juan to spy on me. “Of course, I’ve left you without anything to say, right?” He tells her this is different, because she has another sentimental interest, what’s left for him to do? [Ed. Note: which we take to mean he’s telling her he doesn’t plan to stop spying.] She smiles and retorts that for the moment there’s nothing he can do, and since he wants concrete proof, she’ll bring her friend. She starts to leave and he calls her back, there’s one more thing they need to discuss--Juan. Paula is commercial impactada.

Juan and Kike are still in the car, discussing this awful fate that has befallen Juan. Kike tells Juan that this went to hell as soon as it began, and this is the end of the story. Juan tries to deny it. “It can’t be, Kike, it can’t be.” Kike insists it can be, and is. One never knows with women. He reminds Juan this is what happened with Yadira to him. He tells Juan that it’s a process, before moving toward love with seduction, there is romance, lovely little things, some one to one time—these are the things to help get to know each other, take off the masks, come with your heart in your hand—excuse me, but you never had this opportunity with the Licenciada. Juan collapses in tears on Kike’s shoulder, and Kike pats him and comforts him. Juan cries that he had that chance, he had it. That night, when I had her in my arms, and daylight was lighting up that angelic face of hers, when her scent filled the room, and I felt her lovely skin, she was mine, Enrique! Kike is impactado---“then, you and she…..” Yes, Juan confirms it. They did. Juan’s pulled out his bandanna to wipe tears. “Oh, my brother, that is much, much worse. If what happened, happened, the charm wore off. You’ve lost her for good. And forgive me for saying, but it began badly and ended badly.” Juan thought bubbles that Kike never ceases to amaze him. He’s definitely a total romantic. “You calculated wrong, Juan, and you have the consequences.” “What should I do?” Juan asks defensively. Juan thought bubbles—he doesn’t want this to be, but is totally on target here. But of course, I’m a guy and cannot accept that I was wrong. Kike tells him it’s better to get immersed in school. Juan says no, he has to resolve his issues in the company, because he can’t be left without the work, and he’ll be without school, without anything……he struggles but can’t speak more. Kike tells him “No, my Juan” and Juan again collapses on Kike’s shoulder in tears. Kike comforts him again. “Calm down, calm down.” They break apart and Juan rubs his nose a little more. He’s going up to talk to Don Pastor. Kike will go with him for moral support. Juan thanks him. They get out of the car, Kike telling Juan that he also has someone to see in the office. He’s hiding something behind his back and Juan wants to know what it is. Juan teases him lightly about it, “don’t’ do that.” He spins Kike for a look at what’s in his hand, but Kike keeps it hidden. We get to see it briefly---“it’s for Julia.” It’s a little box of chocolates. He puts it back behind him and has Juan grinning ear to ear. They give each other a half hug from the side and get on their way.

Paula has gone back to seat herself and hear what CL wants to say about Juan. She’s tells CL it doesn’t seem fair to affect Juan’s future this way. CL, ever the clever manipulator, tells her the decision is really hers. If she doesn’t need him, they’ll have to let him go. Can’t he be reassigned to another person? No, this is an expense the company can do without. But, he’s a good worker and a wonderful person. We’re not a charity foundation here, her condescending boss informs her. “What’s bothering you here? That you’ll be left without a specific spy?” He denies it. After tonight he supposes he won’t have any need for a spy. But of course, she could buy her car, use it on weekends and still use the company car for daily business. She accuses him of pressuring her. He starts to deny it but looks her in the eye and finally says, “I know. But I also know that you like Juan a lot. And you should know what could happen with him. I need an answer, pretty quickly.” Paula gets up, asking if there’s anything more. Nope. Not for now. CL shakes a finger at her once. “See you tonight.” She stalks out, with him drooling over the view from the rear.

Paula goes straight to Marely, telling her “I have problems.” “It’s more strange when you don’t.” Paula wants Marely to be a little serious here. “I need your help here!” Marely tells her one of the clients is waiting and she needs to deal with it personally first.

Kike and Juan come off the elevator, Kike still soothing Juan. Juan tells him thanks, and good luck with that—he points to the candy. Kike approaches Julia, who’s on the phone, while Juan goes off to see Pastor. Kike overhears Julia chatting with someone obviously close to her, since she’s using “tú” and excited about the person’s call. They’re making plans for the evening—Julia is thrilled that the person on the other end of the line is thinking of her and she didn’t have other plans. The green-eyed monster flares in Kike’s heart. The office gossip we encountered with Ivonne earlier is standing behind Kike, taking this all in. Julia is having just a little too much fun on this call to suite Kike. She laughs and asks where the person is thinking of taking her. Way cool! The candy begins to melt in Kike’s hot, clammy hand. He walks away haltingly, sill listening as Julia closes the call—we’ll see you tonight! The office gossip is getting an eyeful. She greets Kike, who breathes a quiet “Hola” at her and moves on in a daze. He goes hesitantly to Marely’s desk. She’s glad he showed up; she has an assignment for him. He takes it, and then turns back to her and offers her the candy. Marely is puzzled. What’s this for? Well, you’ve been so good to me, and I appreciate your support since I’ve come here—it’s just a little token. She thanks him with a question in her voice.

Pastor says ”how lovely” to Juan, who is seated across from Pastor in the office. Juan is desperate, he’s at the point of finding himself without a job (chamba). He points out to Pastor that Pastor more than anyone knows how difficult it was for him to find this job. Pastor chides him. Do you think I’ve given you a hand only to leave you thrown out on the street? Juan says well….uh,….I don’t know. Pastor is mildly incensed. “Then you don’t know me, Juanito.” He tells Juan he’s loyal with his affections. What’s more, he knew about this problem and already has a solution in the works (remojo-arranged, from remojar, one meaning is to arrange, other meanings include leave a tip or give a gift). Juan thanks him, he doesn’t know what to do with Pastor’s help (how to repay, implied). Pastor is glad he recognizes this . So, Juan asks, what is the solution? Pastor’s asked CL to assign Juan to him since Paula doesn’t need Juan. Can Juan imagine? You as my chauffeur? Juan begins to imagine “Sure! The cure will be worse than the illness!”…..Pastor compelling him to stay out late taking Pastor to one of those bars to party. In his nightmare fantasy, he tells Pastor he can’t stay up late, he has to get up early so he won’t be late. The fantasy Pastor reminds him it doesn’t matter since the one who would be scolding is Pastor himself…..Juan’s smile becomes a grimace. Pastor wonders where he went just now, it was like he was on another planet! Juan covers up, he is choked with emotion [Ed. Note: no doubt]. He doesn’t know how to thank Pastor [Ed. Note: again, no doubt]. Pastor is touched, and tells him to be calm, he’s not going to be left without work. Juan grits his teeth and agrees. “How lovely!” Pastor rhapsodizes. Juan nods, still gritting. He’s going to fracture a tooth that way.

Monica is impactada on the phone with CL. What? Paula is bringing WHO? Why didn’t she tell me when we spoke? Well, you had everything planned out. What will we do with Stephen? He was so enthusiastic. Well, that’s what happens when you try to arrange someone’s life, dear. I just called to let you know. I have lots to do, so I gotta go back to work. Well, she tells him, don’t be late. Okay. They exchange their love and hang up, CL pensive.

Paula is shaking the client’s hand, and telling him they’ll resolve the rest of it the next day. He thanks her and leaves with a guy who had been chatting with Marely; Paula asks Marely to come in. She asks Paula how it went. It went well with the client, but Paula still has problems. What problems? Well, according to CL, if I buy an auto, Juan will be left without work. I don’t want that to happen! Marely is impactada. “You would feel responsible?” “Of course,” Paula tells her. “It’s simple, buy a car and just use it on the weekends.” Paula tells her that’s exactly what CL said. Marely wants to know if she cleared up things with Juan. Paula says she has. Marely tells her not to choke on a glass of water. [Ed. Note: must be a dicho. Maricruz, can you help here?] Paula tells Marely to imagine this: she has to bring a friend to the Farells’ apartment. “What friend?” That’s precisely the problem., what friend? Paula and Marely look at each other with chagrin and we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidence.


Vocabulary

borrón y cuenta nueva – a clean slate
sacarle la vuelta a alguien- avoid someone
cortado por la misma tijera – cut from the same cloth (cut with the same scissors)
Todo cabe dentro las posibilidades- anything fits inside the possibilities, anything’s possible
matar dos pájaros de un tiro – kill two birds with one stone

Jeanne

Labels: Juan

P.S. addition from yesterday's episode. I forgot to post that Pancholon is trying to woo an unattractive older woman who is a millionaire. She has a big mustache and a lame foot.

Diana comes over to tell Max about Marcela. She clashes with Octavia.

Roddy is meeting with a psychiatrist about Sharon. She is a very disturbed girl and needs a long treatment, but there is hope (yeah, on what planet?).

They bring Sharon in for a last farewell. Roddy shows her some papers that say she is officially recognized as his daughter (I think I confused some of this with yesterday's recap, because I had watched this opening scene too). She has another mad scene before being carted away.

Nancy, Lala, Lorenzo and Granny M have another one of their rehash sessions.

Diana tells Max she must go back with his wife. What about his love for Dimwit? Marcela is the one he must go to. We must sacrifice.

Back at the Mansion, Silvia and Jorge come in. Silvia is greeted by affectionate eye-rolling. They are used to her crazy schemes. She's the Lucy Ricardo of this show! She has a great idea to help Sharon, but she needs a picture of Virginia.

Over at the bodega, Marcela collapses.

Diana tells Max that Marcela filed for divorce.

Gaviota begs Paco not to visit anymore. Why not? He loves her. She doesn't want to hurt him, but she loves her new husband. Pobre de Paco.

Octy comes over to the hospital to monitor her handiwork. She comes upon Gaby and Caramelo, who are discussing Fedora's paralysis. Good news, says Octy.
Based on how Octy seems to know too much, Caramelo suspects Octy knows something or did something. Octy says no, she knows nothing. But she is happy about the paralysis.

Jorge and Silvia take the picture over to the psychiatrist. Silvia starts to flatter him--she's a single girl and he's a handsome guy . . . Then they show him the picture. This is Sharon's mother, they say. Why, I know her, he says. That's Virginia. I didn't know she was Sharon's mother. I don't know what this is about. Are they hoping to prove someone else is Sharon's father to get Roddy out of having to deal with her?

Max calls Roddy on the cell phone. He tells him to forget about the divorce. Stop whatever proceedings you have started. Max turns to Diana. Satisfied? he asks.

Paco and Fedora continue to have a boring conversation.

Octy wants to see Fedora for herself, but Gaby forbids it. Over my dead body, she says. Octy is surprised how good the former servant is at throwing people out. Gaby says that Octy and Pilar were good teachers.

Caramelo points out that her father is in with Fedora, just to rub in it a bit. Octy is impactada. He loves her, Caramelo says. She says that Octy is a jealous witch.

In comes Roddy. Uh-oh. Wow, look who's here, says Octy. It's the cuckolded (cornudo, or horned) husband. Roddy asks what? Octy asks if she has to spell cornudo. Roddy storms into the room and tells Paco to leave. There's some back and forth, but eventually Fedora repeats that Paco should leave. He says he will leave only because Fedora asked him to.

Back at the shrink's office, the doctor is saying that he never would have imagined that Virginia was Sharon's mother. She was one of his best students. She studied law and medicine. She was very smart. (so how did she end up a lowly seamstress?). He was sorry she was missing.

Silvia says that Sharon never got over the death of her mother. (but she was nuts before that. She was already fencing jewels with Pancholon.) The doctor says that knowing this information will help very much in his treatment of Sharon. I don't really understand how Silvia got this idea, but it was genius!

Max is telling Diana that she is making a big mistake. Diana says they must sacrifice. So if Marcela were not pregnant, you would come back with me? Max asks. It doesn't matter, she says. He must find Marcela.

Fedora tells Roddy that he sounds like he is lying. I really didn't understand this conversation.

Octy waits in the hall for Paco. Caramelo taunts her with how she heard Octy was stood up by Iggy. Paco comes out and fights with Octy.

He leaves. Gaby and Caramelo laugh.

Dr. V tells godmother that Marcela lost the baby. How convenient.

Padro thought bubbles about Camila's warning about Marfil.

Diana brings a wheelchair for her mother.

Dr. V continues talking to godmom in front of an unconscious Marcela.

Pedro goes to find Camila on the beach. He asks her again whether Marfil really said she wanted to kill him. It can't be! Yes it is. Marfil is the worst. Open your eyes, old man. Get rid of her.

Gaby sees her mother in the wheelchair and becomes hysterical. Diana will take her home.
Fedora remembers that she was once a strong woman who destroyed the Irascibles. Look what has happened to her now. She asks for Rodrigo.

Octy goes home and exults in how well her plan is working. If she can't have Paco, well, neither can Fedora. And at least Octy is not in a wheelchair. No, au contraire, she is healthy, and beautiful and full of life. Any moment now, she will have a new love too. Yolanda walks in and asks her why she's smiling. Octy giggles goofily.

Godmom tells Marcela she lost the baby. Oh, no.

Pedro recalls his conversation with Camila. Marfil comes in. What about dinner? She leaves the room, and he dials his lawyer to make an appointment to change the will back. Dummy, right in earshot of Marfil, who hears all.

A very long, boring scene ensues where Roddy and Fedora tearfully discuss how he should leave her because she is a burden and he says never. This really goes on way too long.

Godmom scolds Marcela for not having listened to her and taken care of herself. Then she realizes she was too harsh. Marcela says GM should not tell Max. Max should be with Diana.

Marfil dopes up Pedro so he will sleep all day and not get to change his will. Is she just planning to do that every day for the next several years? It's amazing, though, how these characters always have such interesting specific-actng potions and poisons available to them.

Paco tells Caramelo that he can't stand Roddy. Caramelo tells him that he must give up on this useless love for Fedora. He screwed up, and it's too late.

Dr. V calls Max to come to the hospital, as there is an emergency with Marcela.

Camila, Emilio and Silvia review the news about Marfil. They are disgusted. Silvia hs to leave for work (she is already in her flamenco costume).

Pedro is passed out on the couch. Marfil regrets that he has more lives than a cat, but whatever . . . as long as he doesn't change his will.

Emilio wants Camila to look for her baby with Iggy. This is the first we've heard about this baby since maybe episode 4? No way, she says. The only thing she's looking for is a rich husband.

Then she talks to the camera. Her plan is working. Thanks to her, Marfil will not be an heiress.

Diana visits Marcela. Marcela accepts the will of God.

Max comes in Marcela tells him to get out. Go with Diana, she says. Max says that they must stay together, now that she is having a child. Ooops! Credits roll.

Labels: acorralada