Caray, Caray!

Rodrigo makes reservations for a beach getaway. He tells the travel agent to reserve an extra place for one other person who might go with him.

Dr. Blondie hooks Elvis up with some coffee and asks what's up. Elvis says Dani's there to see Gavi - something happened. Dr. Blondie asks about Rodrigo. "Better not ask, Dr. Let's talk about something else, like the coffee." OH GOD PLEASE NO!!! Dr. B is intrigued, but Elvis says that Dani would cut his tongue out. He makes Dr. B lean in, and confides that the family's in mourning.

"Did someone die?" Dr. B asks hopefully. "No, but it's as if someone were dying. Isadora and Franciso... mm, nevermind." Dr. Blondie complains that it's a sign of poor breeding to tell someone only half the story. Elvis tells him the rest of the story about Frankie fathering Ricardo Jr. and breaking up Rodrigo's marriage, and Frankie and Isa taking off with the kid. Dr. B frowns as he weighs the implications.

Gavi is grilling Dani. Dani lies and says she hasn't heard from Rod since he left the apartment last night. So where'd he spend the night, Gavi asks. "Gavi, when I know something I'll tell you." Dani gets up to leave, but Gavi follows her and asks, if they haven't spoken to him yet, how do they know he's okay? Dani lies again and says he sent a message to the house.

(Gavi is now out from behind the desk, and I see she's having that dream again where she forgot to put on a skirt before going to work.)

"You know what I think?" Gavi asks. "Rodrigo doesn't want me to know anything because he's afraid that I'll blast on out of here chasing after him like a rabid goat now that he's separated." Dani says it's just that he doesn't want her to tell Gavi about his private life. Not because he hates her, but because he needs to start a new life, and for that he needs to forget her.

"He already forgot about me. I'm already just part of his backstory." She says she hopes that when this crisis is over, he finds the peace that he needs.

She starts asking questions about Rod's psychologist. Dani says she met her yesterday, in Rod's office. She was there to go look at some offices Rod was thinking of renting. (Most people would use a real estate agent for that sort of thing, but Erika's versatile.) Gavi questions this, and Dani dodges this by saying that he's leaving the corporativo to pursue his tequila business full-time. Gavi jerks the conversation back to the topic at hand: what is UP with the psychologist? Dani admits that their relationship isn't entirely doctor-and-patient. They're now friends.

Gavi asks about the psychologist's appearance. Is she pretty? Yeah? What else? She tells Dani that she can't leave until she practically has an X-ray of her. She denies that she's asking all these questions because she's dying of jealousy. (Dani looks skeptical.) She thinks she has the right to know, after all that's happened.

Dani says fine, here's how it was. When she met the psychologist she was impactada, because she looked like a cover model. She'd drive any man crazy, plus she's very classy.

On seeing Gavi's dejected face, she tries to undo, and Gavi says it's okay... and then my cable (or is it just Univision) goes out for the next few seconds. I don't think I missed anything important, but if I did, hopefully someone will fill it in. Dani concludes by saying that she's considered one of the best psychologists in the country.

Gavi hopes this means she's frigid and calculating. Dani protests. Then Gavi angrily says oh, so I suppose she's very likable and nice. Dani says yes, she seems like a good person. Frustrated, Gavi gets up and says she's going to end the interrogation because the answer seems to be obvious.

Just as I'm getting my hopes up, though, she sits down and promises just one more question: Is she single, unattached?

Dani says yep.

And from a good family? Good salary? A great future? Dani says yep. Gavi angrily says in that case, he'd be crazy not to marry her and she must feel the same way, especially now that he's unattached. (Something like that.) Dani doesn't know about that, but admits it's possible that he likes her-likes her, but she really doesn't know what kind of relationship they have. She says she hopes Gavi's not mad at her for hooking her brother up with this psychologist. Deflated, Gavi says no, she's glad he met someone like her, rather that some quack, but naturally she's bummed that she had to be that great.

"Jeez, you're talking like they're already married!" Gavi says that's just how things happen. One of these days Rodrigo will surprise her with the news that she has a new cuñada. Dani points out that it looks the same way between Gavi and Dr. Blondie, even though they're "just friends." Gavi says they will always be "friends."

They talk about Gavi's new job offer. She says she's probably going to take it. She asks if Rodrigo knows about it. Dani says no, Rodrigo won't let her talk about Gaviota to him. He's convinced she's having a thing with Dr. Blondie. Gavi denies this. Dani says there must be a reason he thinks he doesn't want to hear about her. Gavi says yes, the reason is someone with two feet who looks like a magazine cover and has soft hair. They'll be very happy together and have lots of children.

Nancy calls to remind Gavi about a meeting. Dani gets up and asks Gavi that if she decides to go, to please call to say farewell. Gavi thanks her for everything and they say goodbye. Gavi weeps "mi Rodrigo, mi Rodrigo," but don't worry, I'm sure she'll recover in time for her meeting.

James runs out with the gang to look at a sick agave. It looks crushed, almost as if an anvil had fallen on it, and it's crawling with little bugs. He tells them to burn the infested plants and sanitize their implements.

Roman says it looks like the copper sulfate wasn't applied properly. The loyal field hand says that's just what Frankie said when he came out to look at the ones in the hills. (James is vexed and stymied!) Those had bugs AND fungus. Francisco said he'd take care of it - but he hasn't come back yet!

James sputters angrily... not in his native English, as you might expect, but in his phony-accented Spanish. He goes back and calls Rodrigo and asks how it's going. Rod says he's still a bit gobsmacked. Not because of Isa cheating on him with Frankie, but because she took off with the child, and he doesn't know how Sofia is going to get over this either. Life goes on and he's going to go to the beach.

James is like, well, sorry to add to your worries, but guess what, it looks like Frankie gave the agaves both crabs and herpes. (Maybe not in exactly those words.) Rodrigo does not take the news well, and Mr. James must be pretty glad he's approximately 360 miles away right now. Rod says he's going to cancel everything and come over right away. James says, "Do you see why I don't like to tell you anything? Calm down, relax. I'll make sure everything is under control. With luck, the outbreaks were detected in time." Rodrigo relents, and asks James to keep him informed.

Frankie is admiring two shirts in the mens' shop. The cashier tells him that his card has been refused. Frankie, ever the gentleman, turns and scolds Isa for forgetting to pay the bills, even though he gives her a ton of money every month! With great annoyance, he takes out one of his own cards and reluctantly hands it over.

(I just realized who Frankie reminds me of. Alicia Ferreira, from that telenovela we no longer mention by name! The only difference being that they haven't taken his credit card away yet.)

Isa pulls him aside for a talk. (He admires some suits and asks which one she likes.) She explains to him that Rodrigo has canceled her cards. (Frankie curses him for being so miserly.) All they have left is his card, so he can't blow it all on clothes. He whines "excuuuuuse-moi," but he is used to changing his clothes at least twice a day. She tells him to pick out just two changes of clothing, and hurry up so they can go back to Ricky. She doesn't like leaving him alone with the nanny for too long.

Frankie proudly says he can't give in. "Trees die standing," he insists (los arboles mueren de pie). Isa coolly says he can die on his feet, but he'd better buy just the two outfits.

Dani and Elvis are at home now, and Elvis is apologizing to Sofia for his bad joke. But as Mama Dolores used to say, there's no bad that isn't followed by good. He could introduce her to a cousin who's a little darker than Elvis, is single, and plays the bongos. Sofia says she'll think about it. (I can't tell if both, one, or neither of them is joking, but it'd be great to test whether Pilar has truly seen the error of her ways!) He heads towards the greenhouse, calling to Pilar that her chocolate honeybun has arrived. Dani and Sofia giggle.

Sofia says she hasn't heard from Rod, and asks how it went with Gaviota. Dani says she's still in love with Rod, but is too proud to tell him so. Dani describes Gavi's jumpy manner and all the questions about the psychologist. Gavi thinks she's lost him. She's probably going to take the job in London, and if so, she doesn't want Rod to know.

Sofia says she feels guilty because she participated in the schemes to break them up. Now she regrets that. She suggests to Dani that they go to Rodrigo and tell him there's nothing going on between Gavi and Dr. Blondie. Since she's considering going to London, it might be worth the trouble. Dani agrees, but says Gavi's also upset because she thinks Rod could be in love with someone else.

Dr. Blondie is telling some people he wants to do a campaign warning people of the health risks of consuming adulterated beverages, including hepatitis and death. Last year, 42,000 people died in Russia from drinking such things. (I think he is referring to this horrifying story.) He has to verbally nudge Gavi to get her attention. She says yeah, the point of their campaign will be to teach people how to tell "real" tequila from bootleg/counterfeit stuff. Dr. B says Gavi will give them the stuff they need to proceed... Gavi has already zoned out again. She says she's not feeling well and excuses herself to get the info. (Dr. B turns all the way around in his chair to watch as she walks away in her imaginary skirt.

Rodrigo is at Margarita's desk, on the phone with Dani. He says he's had a tough day and is fixing to leave. She asks if he spent the night at the psychologist's. He says yes, but they'll talk about it later. She asks if she has a new cuñada. He asks why she wants to know, and if it would bother her. Dani says no, Erika seems very nice, but is Gaviota totally out of his life now? Rod impatiently tells her to leave Gavi alone, and hangs up.

Dani tells Sofi it looks like Gavi has indeed lost Rodrigo. And maybe it'd be best if she did go to London.

Meanwhile, Gavi calls Margarita, who tells her Rod just left. Gavi asks if she's met the psychologist. She bitterly asks if she's pretty and looks like a model. Margarita confirms this, but isn't sure of their relationship. She knows they spend a lot of time on the phone and go places together. Gavi asks do they hold hands, kiss? Margarita says she's not sure if she should say. Gavi claims that she's not going to bother Rodrigo, it's just that she needs to make a decision, so she wants to know if they're acting like a couple.

I guess those were the magic words, because a few moments later: "Rodrigo kissed her?? Where?" "On the cheek," Margarita laughs. Gavi is not amused! She asks if Marg knows what's going on with that family. Marg says all she knows is that Rod is worried because Isa was going to go with the kid on vacation, then later his sisters came and there was a lot of yelling. And he's got lots more problems! Videgaray came over with a loan from his bank, and then came calls from the hacienda because some agaves have got the Crud. And now he's planning a vacation to get away.

She doesn't know where he spent the night, but it wasn't at the apartment because he had a chauffeur bring over some clothes. And it wasn't at Pilar's because she called looking for him. Right now he's at the travel agency, then he's got to sign off on his new offices, then a meeting about the bank loan at some restaurant.

"And is the doctor going with him?" "Yes." Gavi asks where. Marg balks, not wanting to get fired. Gavi points out that if it's in public, she could just meet him by "accident." She needs to settle her doubts. Marg caves and gives up the goods.

Nancy comes in with something for Gavi. Gavi tells her to ditch her evening's study plans to come hang out at a nice restaurant instead. (She neglects to explain why Nancy's skipping her homework. I really hope there's going to be a prize for Nancy eventually, because the nicest thing I can think of that anyone's ever done for this unselfish girl so far has been to give her an antacid.)

Bruno is calmly saying that when Aaron deposits the money, they'll sign the contracts to turn the company over to him. Aaron impatiently tells him to calm down, because it's practically a done deal. Bruno repeats that when he has the money in his account, he'll sign. Aaron protests again, saying he's got nothing to lose - if he doesn't pay, the contract's invalid anyway. Bruno asks what's the hurry. Aaron says he wants to surprise Minerva when she gets back from Houston, plus he's got a bunch of negotiations he'd like to begin as owner of the corporativo.

Bruno tells Videgaray to go ahead and update the contracts. They'll sign them TOMORROW. And also inform the CRT and all that stuff. They all stand, and Aaron and Bruno hug (Aaron lifting Bruno off the floor momentarily). Aaron has a question for Videgaray: with Isa and Rod split up, who's going to pay Ricardo Sr.'s debt? Videgaray says Rodrigo is getting a loan against the hacienda's future production.

This seems to delight Aaron. He waves merrily at his father and the lawyer as they leave. Next, Patricio shows up, curious about the deal. Aaron brags about getting his father to give in, and says next he wants Las Mirasoles. Patricio, and only Patricio, will have the privilege of helping him get it.

Patricio calls Gaviota from Aaron's desk. He says he's calling about a family matter because he knows she doesn't get along with Aaron. Gavi agrees that he gives her a rash. (Heh, I bet he's given LOTS of ladies a rash.) He says he's willing to act as a mediator between them, if she's really not interested in that property, because it has sentimental value to them. They could set up a time for her mother to meet with Videgaray and sign the property over to Aaron.

Aaron snatches the phone away from Patricio while Gavi is saying "I'll talk it over with my mother, but tell your cousin that if we give up the hacienda, it'll be to all the Montalvo heirs. Gotta go, I'm in a hurry, bye." And she hangs up, so unfortunately only Aaron knows of Gavi's wish.

Aaron carelessly tosses the phone towards a nearby table. The phone clatters noisily across its surface to an unknown fate. "That damn migrant worker is slyer than a zorra," he puns (zorra = female fox/hussy).

The Honeymooners are hanging out in their hotel room. Isa's on the phone, trying to get a meeting with her father's lawyer Montesinos; Frankie is watching TV. The baby starts crying. Isa asks Frankie to look in on him as she finishes the call (she makes an appointment for tomorrow). "Galáns don't cry," Frankie advises his child and soothes it hastily as he hands it over to Isa. As soon as the child is out of his hands, Frankie puts on his jacket. "I'm going to the bar for a drink. The kid's crying is bugging me." Isa points out that it's his child. "Sure he's my kid, but I can't stand the crying!" He walks out.

Nancy and Gavi scurry to leave, but Dr. B catches them when he comes out with some paperwork. "You're leaving?" he asks in disbelief (it's 7 o'clock). He asks if Gavi forgot they need to figure the budget for tomorrow. "No," she says, looking as if she definitely forgot! She promises to come in at 6 to get it done. He says he'll do it, but he does not look happy. Gavi follows him into his office and insists that she will get it done tomorrow. She'll come in at 5. He tells her no, just leave. She tells him again, she'll come in really early. He reminds her that tomorrow, she'll have to give him her answer about the job in London.

Rod and Erika meet at the restaurant and make small talk about his move to the new offices. He asks again if she'll join him on his trip, day after tomorrow. She's not sure, but they'll talk about it later.

The bank guys show up at the door, followed by Gavi and Nancy. Nancy sees Rodrigo and thinks they should leave. Gavi assures her that she's not going to make any trouble with Rodrigo - she's there strictly out of curiosity, to see with her own eyes whether they're a couple. Gavi sits with her back to Rodrigo's table, and Nancy faces toward it. Despite her earlier misgivings, Nancy is almost as excited as Gavi to be spying on them. Nancy remarks that the famous doctora is super-gorgeous. Gavi says she's dying of jealousy, and Rod better not have traded her in for that woman!

Nancy reminds Gavi that they're only there to look, not to start trouble. They're behaving very nicely, no kissing or anything, it's just a business meeting. Gavi agrees that she needs to keep her head together. Then the waiter comes and she orders TWO double tequilas. Nancy protests that she doesn't drink, especially during the week. Gavi says that's okay - they're both for her. All Nancy has to do is watch and tell Gavi what's happening. (Nancy keeps standing up for a better view.)

The bankers look at Rodrigo's financial reports on the hacienda and are impressed, though one of them expresses some worries about what the accelerated maturation (due to global warming) will do to agave prices. Rodrigo says he's not worried, because the demand for tequila has gone up all over the world. The bank man then mentions plagues and infestations. Rod nervously tells him not to even joke about that. At Montalveña they have a very strict program to protect against such things.

Nancy wonders why Rodrigo isn't with his wife. Gavi says she's gone, that's why he's going around with this one now.

At the Honeymooners Hotel, Frankie is back from the bar and Isa is ranting about how she's entitled to everything Rod has gained during their marriage. But until Montesinos can work that out, they need to cut their expenses. "You're not thinking of selling the car?" he asks in horror. Of course not! She'll sell some jewelry instead. That'll pay for the lawyer. He needs to get a job, and they can move to a cheaper place. "You're going to make me work?" Frankie asks in shock. (She glares at him.) He thought the whole idea was that if he were to live with her, he wouldn't have to worry about anything. She tells him things have changed and they need to find a way to survive until Rod gives her what she deserves. (HA!)

Frankie pours on the French 101. Kiss, hug. He says he's got contacts. He'll ask around for a job in his "category." (Please post your suggestions in the comments area. Try to limit them to the sorts of things that a person could actually put on a tax return.) He wants to give the best to her and their child. "Really? Are you serious?" "Absolutely, ma cherie!" Isa is persuaded. (I bet he's long gone by sunup!)

Rod is wrapping up his business dinner with the bank guys. The bank guy is saying that their experts will verify his facts, or something, and then he'll have the money. Rod is grateful. They all toast. Nancy tells Gavi that Erika is smiling and flirting. When Gavi looks to be going postal, Nancy says she was just joking. Gavi asks if the doctor truly is ultra-hot. Nancy sadly says yes, she is. Gavi takes another sip of her tequila, and Nancy nervously gulps her soda.

Nancy sees that the bank guys are leaving, and Rod and Erika are alone. Rod tells Erika of his concerns about the big debt and the sick agaves. She can tell there's something else. He says he's thinking his not-his-child. She puts her hand on his and says that's only natural.

Nancy sees this hand-touch and goes nuts. So does Gavi. She finishes her drink, and a moment later I wake up on the floor, having just had a debilitating flashback to endless hours of watching Popeye eating spinach before going into battle. Nancy worries when Gavi stands up. Gavi promises she's just going to the bathroom.

Rodrigo is telling Erika that he's tired, and asks again if she will go to the beach with him? She is just saying she's not sure that's a good idea, when Gavi comes over (still no pants) and greets them with a very pissy "buenas noches." Rod stands up and stammers bashfully. She makes small talk, toying with him, and tells him not to be nervous. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your little friend?" Gavi asks. "You are friends, right?" Still stunned, Rodrigo stutters an introduction.

Erika stands and turns to face Gavi. "Hello, Mariana." Now it is Gaviota's turn to be impactada. "Mariana Franco," she finally answers, regaining her confidence, "but they also call me Gaviota. Well, THIS one would call me Gaviota." (Rodrigo can't figure out whether to smile goofily or stare blankly, so he alternates between them.) "And you're the psychologist of Rodrigo Montalvo." Erika nods calmly.

Meanwhile, back at the hacienda, James is having dinner with Roman, Ofelia, and SanWanna. He and Roman plan to spend tomorrow inspecting all the agaves. The Ofelia asks when Sofia and Frankie are coming back. James gives them the good news that they've split up and Frankie's not coming back. (If he seems displeased, it's probably because he's feeling left out that he didn't get to kick the guy a few times himself.) Of course SanWanna claims she suspected it all along, and crudely remarks that James will now have another shot at Sofia. (Ofelia scolds her for her "Sanjuanadas.")

SanWanna insists that there's nothing wrong with that, considering they were together even before Rodrigo and Isa got married. At the mention of those two, James sighs, "I hate to tell you this, but you have to be aware of it so you don't commit an indiscretion..."

Gavi has sat down and made herself comfortable with Rodrigo and Erika. (I guess Nancy is left alone at her table. I hope she brought a book.) "Small world, huh doctor?" Gavi taunts. Erika claims that it's not what it looks like. Rodrigo has only ever referred to her as "Gaviota," never by her name. Gavi says it doesn't matter now, and she's glad she met her, so she could congratulate her on doing such a great job helping him forget about her. She asks Erika for her card so that she can recommend her to everyone for the great "techniques" she uses to cure her patients. Like taking off on weekends for "therapy" sessions, taking him out to look at offices, eating at fancy restaurants... she is filled with admiration for the great miracle she has performed. He used to say she was the love of his life, the only woman on the planet for him... that went down the drain when he got married. Then she says something about cats and sarcastically thanks Erika for saving her from this big mistake. She also tells Rodrigo he should put Erika up on an altar for curing him of Gavi. (I think this is a play on words meaning that he should put her on an altar with the saints, and that he should take her to the altar to get married.)

Gavi finds Nancy. (Rod is slightly delayed by a knocked-over chair.) Nancy says "I told you so." Gavi hurriedly explains that she unleashed her inner seagull. They take off. Gavi tells him to go back to his psychologist, and flees. Rod tells the waiter she's trying to get him to lose control, but he won't. Rod chases Gavi outside. (The poor waiter must be wondering if it's dine 'n' dash night.) "What are you trying to do?" Rod asks Gaviota.

---

Miércoles
Gavi accepts the London offer.
Aaron makes a snide remark about Clarita, so Gavi slaps him.

Labels: Destilando

We open with the detective agency of Corso & Toscano with girl Friday Ceci, speculating on why Leonarda would have gone on vacation without her clothes, makeup and perfume.

Next it’s over to the love shack (thanks Chris!) where Diego is telling Azul that she’s the only woman who ever clouded his reason. I guess that is supposed to sound romantic and not scary. He grabs her and tries to make her listen. She realizes just then that he was the one who staged the kidnapping on the road. She tells him he’s too late, she’s already married and he declares that she’ll always be his. He mentions the bombing at Cocoyoco (which I guess is Mo’s house’s name) and she’s impactada for half a second and then returns to disbelief. He shows her the wounds to back up his story. He tells her that Eva died in the explosion. She’s momentarily impactada again but then refuses to believe again. She tells him that Mo was at the wedding the whole time and before that they were at the other house together. “It proves he didn’t do anything.” Diego swears, on his mother, that Eva is dead. Azul then begins to taunt him that with Eva gone, he doesn’t have anyone to protect him and give him expensive gifts. She accuses him of only going after her because Eva was dead.

[I am sorry, but that’s really really low! Diego, you may be an idiot, stalker, whatever but even you don’t deserve that kind of comment.]

Diego gets mad and screams at her that he wishes he could have had a relationship with Eva because she DIED for him, because she loved him. Azul then launches into her poor poor me routine. “if you loved her so much then why did you kidnap me? The only thing I feel for you is hate. (desprecio).” Diego accuses her of lying. She insists she hates him. She was trying to forget him and rebuild her life and now he’s come back to destroy her. Diego is stricken and does some nose wrinkling. Azul walks away.

Silvana, Isela and Gloria are negotiating over the bathroom since they need to dunk the feverish Ivan in a tub of cold water. Gloria agrees to help them carry in, she lifts his feet with oven mitts for some reason.

Mo is with Andres seething over what Diego and Azul might be doing at this moment. Andres suggests that he tap Boris for his underworld connections to suss out where Diego might have taken Azul. Mo says he will, but first he wants to check on something. Turns out they were waiting near the Cocoyoco and Jacinto gives them a report that Eva’s body has been located and another one, which although unrecognizable he says must be Ivan. Mo asks him if he’s sure. He says there’s another guy’s body too, Exijilo (?) (Maybe the other guard that came out with Jacinto to fight with Diego?) Mo asks about Diego “You let him get away!” Jacinto says he doesn’t know, they left him in the room next to the lab right before the bomb went off, but he must have survived the explosion and left afterward. Mo is livid and huffs a bunch of stuff I couldn’t understand. Jacinto promises to locate Diego and Mo orders him to clean up Cocoyo so that nobody would know a bomb went off there and killed people. Lucky guards.

Ivan wakes up in the cold bath with the three women in bathrobes standing around him. It must have been quiet a shock. Maybe he thinks he’s dead. Is this hell? He’s not happy. He tells them to leave him alone. Gloria makes a sarcastic remark about his ingratitude. Finally Gloria and Isela leave and Silvana stays and explains that Diego left him there under her care. So he’d better treat her nicely.

Beach bums Azul and Diego slept outside under the stars. Before you think that’s too romantic, I should add that they seem to have slept about 100 feet away from each other. Azul in her now sandy white wedding dress. When she wakes up, Diego is absent mindedly poking holes in the sand with a twig or something. He’s hidden from her from behind a pile of sand. Since she doesn’t see him when she wakes up, she strips off her gown and goes for a swim in her wedding night lingerie. Diego watches with an pervy grin.

At Anibal’s office, Anibal is on the phone talking to Isela. She’s filling him in on the events of last night. Clemi comes in and Anibal finishes his conversation with Isela and hangs up. Clemi apologizes for arriving at work late because she couldn’t sleep last night for worrying about Diego. Anibal breaks the news to her that Diego kidnapped Azul after the wedding and nobody knows where they went. Clemi is impactada and clutches her chest.

Meanwhile at Casa Moran, the police have arrived, asking about Diego and Lidia answers the door. She’s impactada when they tell her he’s wanted for kidnapping.

At Mo’s new house, Chonita is with Caty who is refusing to eat. Mo comes in and Caty wants to know about Azul. Mo tells her not to worry. Azul will be coming….er…later. Caty wants to know WHEN. Mo tells her that the police will be bringing her home soon. He hugs her and thought bubbles his worry that Diego will fill Azul in on all his evil deeds and turn her against him.
At the Love Shack, Diego has Azul’s dress and Azul who has returned from her swim is fighting him for it in what looks like her bodice and panties. She makes him give it to her and slaps his hand away telling him not to touch her with his disgusting hands. He insultingly says that if Mo can touch her why can’t he? Way to go, guy! Call the woman a slut, that’s the ticket! She slaps him and says that Mo is the one who is going to be angry at him if he finds out that he touched her. “The hands of a criminal!” she ends. Diego shouts that Mo is the criminal. Teeth clenched in rage, He tells her that Mo murdered his Abuelo and Paco. “And you, knowing it, slept with me!” Azul is more incredulous than impactada. She says she doesn’t know what he is talking about. Diego continues on his tirade that she claimed to love him, but where was the love when Andres and Mo were doing their killing. Azul thinks that Diego brings up Andres because of Ceci’s story about killing Andres’ uncle. Suddenly Diego realizes that he was talking about the murder of Abuelo, while Ceci was talking about the old murder of the uncle (supposedly in self defense). Azul asks him for proof and Diego, the dunce, mentions Eva’s name (she had the proof) and Azul gets all bitchy and won’t let him finish. She charges that Eva probably killed them and blamed Mo and Andres. Azul goes on a tirade about how she’s tired of Diego’s lies. She finishes up by calling him crazy.

Ceci and Andres are in the sack at Andres’ place. He’s in his pjs under the covers and she’s on the outside, awake, so no hanky panky there. He wakes up and they begin talking. Ceci tells him that when she was rummaging around in the closet at Mo’s she noticed that all Leo’s stuff was still in there. She remarks on how odd that is and how Julio and Arnaldo thought so too. Andres claims he never noticed. He suggests that Mo gave her a bunch of money so that she could just leave on her trip and buy all new stuff. He turns around as if to go back to sleep but on his face is a look of worry that she might be on to him.

Anibal at the office has calmed down Clemi a bit. The phone rings, it’s Lidia. She’s freaked out because the police are there. Anibal tries to relate this calmly to Clemi, but it’s no use. Clemi faints from the shock.

Piero and Manuel are walking in field. Piero tells Manuel that the job he wants him to do is to contract some construction workers to build something. When Manuel asks what, Piero tells him that he doesn’t need to know. Manuel says, he just needs enough info to tell the workers what kind of job it is. Piero says, OK, then, it’s going to be a lab, but don’t tell anybody. Manuel responds that he’s an accountant, he’s never contracted labor before but he’s game. He’ll try to get some guys who are on their way to crossing the US border because they’ll want to make some fast cash and they won’t ask a lot of questions. Piero is pleased with this idea. His cell phone rings. It’s Mo. He tells him to use his connection with Diego’s family to find out where he took Azul. Mo hangs up abruptly.

Mo is knocking back brandy or something amber from a decanter in his office. He thinks about Diego and Azul getting it on and throws the glass at the wall.

Ceci’s on the bed in Andres’ room with Andres on the floor in his unsexy PJs doing pushups. Ceci complains that Mo’s shut up in his office and she wants to go ask him if the police have any leads. Between pushups, Andres says that they found the wedding car had been ditched and he figures that the police must have some other leads stemming from that.

Piero and Manuel are now driving and Piero asks Manuel if he has any idea where Diego is. Manuel says he doesn’t know and laments that Lidia had to deal with the police. Piero is surprised that he cares so little about his own son. Manuel points out that Piero is no saint but Piero says that he was unjustly accused but Diego has committed a real crime. Manuel says, whatever, Diego is on his own. He’s not going to stick his neck out for him. Piero makes a deal with Manuel that if either of them find out anything about Diego, he’ll bring it directly to Mo, because Mo will pay VERY well for any information leading to them recovering Azul. Manuel at first says no, he’s not going to turn in his own son. Piero says, no worries. The point is getting Azul back. If they do that, it could be settled quietly, without the police. Manuel agrees to that. [The next bit was too hard for me to understand with the car noise. ]

Anibal has called a doctor to the office. The doctor warns them both to be careful that she is not to have any more shocks with her heart history. He writes a prescription and hands it to Anibal and leaves.

Clemi wants to go home and Anibal offers to take her.

At the beach, Diego and Azul are now fighting on the beach. Azul is still wearing the boyshorts and camisole/dress bodice and carrying the dress. In front of a audience of sea birds, Azul says that she’s going to leave. Diego tells her that she’s not going anywhere and anyway why does she want to go back to that criminal. Azul says that Mo has fulfilled every promise he’s ever made to her, in contrast, Diego’s a liar and breaks his promises.

Mo’s collapsed on his desk with an empty bottle of something. Maybe golden Tequila since I see something that looks like agave leaves on the label. Burgay comes in and points out that Mo’s drunk and still in his wedding outfit. Mo tells him to get out and leave him alone. Mo wants to know what he wants. Burgay says that he’s talked to Boris and he’s come to kiss Mo’s ring. So to speak, to accept his authority. Mo asks if he accepts that Eva and Ivan are dead. Burgay says that Boris confirmed it. Mo’s happy that now he knows that he’s the head of Boris’ Latin American operations. Burgay congratulates him. Mo tells Burgay that he’s planning a meeting for all of the operatives and he’ll let him know when to call it. Now he wants him to get out. Burgay can’t resist handing him today’s paper which has the headline “Scandal at the Mauricio Duarte wedding: Ex-boyfriend kidnaps the new Mrs. Duarte.” Mo goes into another rage and hurls the paper at the wall. He curses Diego. I think that’s the gist of it, it’s a little hard to understand Mo when he’s both drunk and talking between clenched teeth.

Back to Azul and Diego. Diego tries the “your mouth says no but your eyes say yes” line. She actually starts falling for it. Then she lashes out that she’s not like Silvana or Eva. He seizes on this to pronounce her jealous. More proof that she still loves him. She points out that he’s keeping her prisoner. He says he will until she changes her mind. She pushes him away but he’s obviously made progress.

Over at Silvana’s it’s also morning. Silvana is talking to Ivan and trying to get him to eat. He notes that she watched over him all night and he thanks her saucily for the bath. Silvana smiles and says, well, yeah. She says that despite his tone, she thinks the bath did him much good. She tries to give him the food and he pushes it away. She tells him that she knows that he doesn’t want to be touched, she’s not doing it because she wants to, but he needs help. She walks out. Ivan has an orange flashback of himself offering to kill Silvana for Eva as she was another rival for Diego’s affections. Ivan tries to sit up painfully.

Piero and Manuel arrive at Casa moran and Piero immediately gets a slap from Lidia. She dumps on him the info that Clemi gave her about him and Lucia at the now infamous Toscano-Duarte Wedding. Manuel restrains her and tells Piero, it would probably be better if he left. They have enough problems with Diego. Piero leaves but not before once again protesting his innocence and telling her she’s wrong about what happened. Manuel tries to calm her down and asks her to tell him what the gossip was from the wedding. But first, they’ll have to find out what these gentlemen want. He turns to the two policemen who have witnessed this entire drama. They look at eachother as if to say, this is quite the drama house. Wait until Anibal shows up with Clemi.

Isela, Gloria and Silvana are eating. Silvana says that she’s taking care of Ivan only because Diego asked her to. Gloria makes fun of her devotion to Diego and says that they are the ones who have to put up with Ivan’s bad manners. She adds that if Ivan weren’t such a cutie (un bonbon) she’d be complaining. [yo habia cantado cuatro frescas—dicho anybody?] Actually she is complaining. And she finishes up by complaining that none of them has yet to try the bonbon. They realize that nobody has checked on him in awhile.

Back at Casa Moran, Manuel is telling the cops that they don’t know where Diego is. Anibal arrives, carrying Clemi, who appears to have fainted again.

Back at Silvana’s, the girls rush in to check on Ivan and find him on the floor. He’s alive, writhing in pain. They help him back into bed. Gloria goes into a tizzy about how he’s going to have to accept their help getting to the bathroom etc. etc. until Silvana tells her to shut up. Isela asks Ivan if that was what he was trying to do, go to the can, when Ivan interrupts her and says what he wants to do is leave. Gloria for once starts making sense. She tells him flat out that he could go to the cops, or the hospital, which is a little bit longer road to jail but it gets there all the same. Ivan grimaces in pain but clearly the words have struck home.

Anibal is juggling Clemi who has recovered from her faint. She says she can walk but Anibal says she’s too weak. Manuel complains and Anibal tries to get Manuel to carry her. Manuel ever the gentleman tells him to set her on the armchair. Lidia comes over to her her aid. Manuel blames Diego, for all the stress his mother is under. Anibal tells him to shut up but Manuel says it’s true. The police have never been in this house until now. [Actually, he’s wrong, they came to pick up Piero didn’t they?] Manuel rags on Diego some more. He tries to get Anibal to leave. Clemi thanks him and leaves. Manuel asks Clemi if she’s OK while she’s still half passed out. Smooth.
Back to a brooding Diego and Azul who is pacing the floor like a caged animal back at the “Love Shack.” Azul points out that kidnapping her was the only way that he could get her to be with him. Diego doesn’t respond and she calls him a patan, [help me out here—worse than jerk but not exactly evil. A bad guy?] Diego tries to argue that he did it for love but Azul isn’t buying it. She brings up how Diego has not only taken her from Mo, but from Katy, who needs her as much as Mo. At Mo’s name, Diego goes ballistic and throws her on the bed and gets on top of her. He hisses into her ear that Mo needs her because of his illness, right? Well, he says, that’s nothing more than blackmail. Azul says it’s not. Mo’s sick with a fatal illness. He’s going to die. Diego, impactado, finally gets off of her.

Azul lies on the bed a bit longer with her chest heaving. Diego asks her if it’s true, that Mo’s deathly ill. Azul says, yes he has a terminal, incurable illness. Diego is still unbelieving. He thinks it must be a trick of Mo’s to get Azul to marry him when she loves Diego. Azul is crying now. She says that every time, Diego deceives her worse than the last time. She can’t take anymore. Diego begs her to understand that Mo is just manipulating her but she won’t listen. Azul says that she has proof of Mo’s illness but he has no proof of what he’s trying to convince her.
At Casa Moran, the police are telling the family that the sooner they find Azul and Diego, the better it will be for them. Lidia says that they know nothing and Clemi says that they’ve said all they can say. Manuel walks them to the door. The lead cop warns them not to hide info if they get it or it could go badly for them.

At Silvana’s , Silvana is changing the bandages on Ivan’s wound. She sees that Ivan’s walkabout has reopened the wound. She tells him she’s going to call the doctor back. Ivan tells her not to call anybody. Silvana says she’s responsible for him and she’s the one at risk if he dies. Ivan accuses her of doing this for Diego. She says yes, but she’ll still be the one going to jail. She goes on a mini tirade about how she wishes Diego loved her with the same intensity that she loves him. Ivan sees that they’ve both been screwed (at least figuratively) by Diego. He grimaces some more.

Back to Casa Moran. Clemi frets about where Diego might be. Manuel says they can’t do anything. He jokes that they should make a public announcement “Diego—please come home.” Lidia complains that he shouldn’t be joking at a time like this. Lidia tells Manuel to take care of her mami, she heads out the door to talk to Diego’s friends to see if she can find anything out.
Ivan wants to know where Diego is too and asks Silvana. Silvana tells him about the kidnapping. She makes a face, but Ivan laughs. He’s loving this. Diego stole Mo’s bride. Good for him. Silvana tells him he stole her AFTER the wedding but Ivan could care less. The point is that he’s struck back at Mo. Silvana is still not happy and Ivan apologizes that he can see this isn’t good news for her and her hopes for a romance with Diego. Silvana says that she’s not just taking care of him because of Diego. She couldn’t let him die…”even if he were the worst person in the world.” Ivan looks nervous, since that’s a pretty good description of him.

Ceci has brought some clothes to Arnaldo who has just gotten out of the shower wearing only a towel and is showing off his manly, if gay chest. Ceci remarks on his hot bod. Julio comes in and agrees with her that he’s quite handsome. Ceci agrees and does a little wolf whistle. Down girl, down! He’s taken.

Azul and Diego are at an impasse. He’s facing away from her, she touches his back and pleads with him to let her go. She’s married now. Diego is now on pretty thin ice. Now is argument is that even if Mo really is sick, if he gets cured, she’ll be stuck for life with a guy she doesn’t love. Azul tells him to stop. He’s not helping. She cries some more. He starts talking about his Abuelo, who lovingly took care of his wife when she had cancer. He watched her die slowly and it took everything out of him. Diego says that he wouldn’t wish that on anyone. He tells Azul that she will need a lot of love to take care of Mo. “What will happen with you, if you don’t love him?” Azul says that’s exactly what she promised Mo. To make him happy for what is left of his life. Diego counters that she’s promised to be with him without actually being able to love him. “Isn’t that more cruel to him?” asks Diego. Azul says, that’s what I’ve decided to do. She wipes away her tears and argues back that it’s the height of selfishness that Diego can’t show a little pity when confronted with illness and death. Diego is done. He has a gulp of what looks like coconut water. Azul is hot in her polyester wedding dress. Diego offers her a drink, then, a fan. She wants to swim in the ocean again. Diego flops on the bed and tells her to go ahead. Azul demands privacy while she undresses. Diego says what’s the fuss, they’ve already done it. Diego suggests they swim together. He starts undressing. Azul fusses but then she smiles.

Emilia and GSD arrive at Mo’s. they learn from Chonita that Mo is still shut up in his office, drunk, hungover or whatever. Chonita goes to get them some coffee. GSD says he’s worried about the progress of Mo’s illness with all this going on. Emilia remarks that with what he has, he can’t let himself go like this.

Azul insists that she is going to build her own shelter on the beach for privacy. She brushes past Diego and goes outside.

Lidia arrives at Efrain’s and demands to know where Diego is and tells him that the police have been to her house. Efrain looks uncomfortable. Leave it to Lida to go right to the only guy who actually knows where they are.

Azul tries climbing a palm tree in her wedding dress. I guess she’s trying to get palm branches for her new shelter. Diego, now wearing a sleeveless shirt (I thought he was going swimming) comes upon her and starts laughing. She bitches that “what, is he going to watch her every movement now?” (fiscalizar) She isn’t getting very far.

-----tivo stops here--------------

Labels: amar

This is dedicated to Erika and the fine professional stance she has take not rendering this down to a cheap rating seeking Soap Opera..

A pretty face don't make no pretty heart
I learned that, buddy, from the start
You think I'm cute, a little bit shy
Momma, I ain't that kind of guy

Doctor, doctor, give me the news
I got a bad case of lovin' you
No pill's gonna cure my ill
I got a bad case of lovin' you
Whooaaa

I know you like it, you like it on top
Tell me, momma, are you gonna stop?

You had me down, 21 to zip
Smile of Judas on your lip
Shake my fist, knock on wood
I've got it bad, and I've got it good

(I do have to confess that for all these decades I thougth the lyrics were "you had me down in 21 positions." Who knew? Well I live for the day I can do “Blinded by the Light” and misunderstood lyrics.

First we start off with the usual rehash of the prior episodes... muy impacted moments, prior misunderstanding and the taunting glimpses of more stupidity to come.

Where oh where can Rod be? Why that is him driving down the streets of Mexico City mumbling to himself as he hits himself on the top of the head. Dani is calling all the cool chicks that Rod has in his “Class Planner”. No, no one knows where Rod is. Although as we will see this indeed gives Gavi a reason to stay up all night and Erika a reason to chill all night. What a wicked world…what a wicked world.

Frankie, Isa and NotRod’sBaby are checking into a pretty swank Hotel, Dude and Dudess, seriously you could have gone to the Capri in Mexico DF for like 190 pesos a night, right on the main drag... clean rooms, sealed garages... plus and just wait for this, a KFC within walking distance and a gas station where you could pick up chips, beer and so on, did I mention 100 channels of cable? Some people. Anyway, DumbAss de la Vega asks for the presidental suite, for a week. He inquires about the men’s spa. Isa is forced to drag out her soon to be cut off credit card. You can tell the hotel guy knows a ManWhore when he sees one.

Rod of course shows up a Erika’s... he spills the whole story. His heart is broken, not cause Isa was double dealing, cause in this case she was only single dealing as Rod never cast a card in her direction. Anyhow he is more than upset that BigHeadGiantNotRod’sBaby isn’t well, Rod’s baby. Even though the kid is not of his blood, it is his son. He loved the child so much. Yeah Rod we noticed, aren’t there any old pawnshops in Mexico DF, with trophies, surely he could get another. (Okay I know I seem a bit callus here, and he wasn’t a bad father, he just wasn’t much of a father. What with all the psycho breakdown, the month in Europe, when he had to run straight over to Erika’s, rather than go see his kid first, yes Rod I am totally feeling your pain. I actually felt the same way when I finally bought something to go with my lil beaded black sweater and then realized I think I gave it away like three years ago… alas they paved paradise and put up a parking lot)

Rod is crying yet again, Jeez I gotta say, get a frickin grip, this guy has cried more than first runner up at the Prom. Yeh, I felt sorry for him the first two thousand times, now he just gets a big STFU from me. Erika tears up, not enough to make her mascara run, but enough to let us know she is in full empathy mode. This leads to a hug, the normal back patting that transcends all cultures as a sign of comfort. Erika, pulls the old friendship thing... how she is there in his time of need... helping him through difficult times. Rod asks her to take a trip with him. He need help to “Remake his life”. Rod feels good when she is at his side. Erika doesn’t want to talk about it now. He is sorry for the difficult time, but she has helped him so much. Yes Rod cause you were one sick mental bastard, now basing a relationship on that foundation is not encouraged.

Next thing we know: Rod is eating her face and guess what he seems to have found a reason to live.

Now, then the three mujers of the star-crossed family Montalvo sit around concerned about Big Rod’s whereabouts. Pilar and Sofie prod Dani to call Erika again. Come to think of it... how is it that Dani has Erika’s home phone number? Does she have a special phonebook, labeled “Chicks my 45 year old brother might someday work up the courage to do?” Sofie & Pilar, don’t have the inside clue to the fact that Rod might be going all romantic with Erika & Dani defers for the time being.

Meanwhile, back at Erika’s Rod now has her under him on the “Couch of crushed Cushions”, note to self... the next time I go to Erika’s sit on a dining room chair, but check under the cushions if she leaves the room. Hey he could of lost a valuable out of his pockets over there, cause there was certainly enough horizontal movement. Think heavy breathing... panting... Erika straining her much scented neck towards the heavens. If this was ESPN, I would say he had rounded second and was well on his way to third, no one was guarding home plate and he had every intention of sliding in.

Ring…Ring…Ring…Damn don’t you just hate when the phone rings interrupting hawt couch sex? Erika jumps up and answers. It is Dani, “Hi is my brother there?” “Yes”, answers Erika,”Oh and don’t mind my panting... we were just working out to my new ZUMBA video... Zumba baby”. Okay Rod is fine, no he doesn’t want to talk... Blah, Blah, Blah. Erika hangs up. Rod is all okay... this close... this close. While in a vertical position he once again proceeds to eat her face. “Oh No big fella, you need time”, Erika breathlessly states. Yeah like two minutes and one and half of those would be involved in the clean up.

Rod, scared he has offended yet another girlfriend and it is getting close to Prom time, apologizes hoping he hasn’t offended Erika. As if she had somehow slipped, fell on the couch and he landed on her. Oh yes we don’t want to lose our friendship... Of course Rod doesn’t want to return to the departmento of “Sexual Misdeeds”, yeah the place he paid rent on and can’t claim a single one, nor does he want to go to Granny Pilars. Rod is going to stay at his new best friend’s apartment on the couch. Personally after watching a bizillion EDF commercials, I realize that in cases where the “arousal state last longer than four hours”, medical care should be sought. So I think it was quite prudent for Dr. Erika to suggest he spend the evening there. Erika says they must control their impulses; I take this to heart and defer from throwing the remote through the screen of the television.

Now over to Gavi. Cymbals of doom crash. Gavi is beside herself, where can Rod be? Is he all right? Gavi throws down another shooter of Tequila, this forces me to join her. Gavi looks out the window with the same expression as the people of Pompeii, each day as they gazed up at Mt. Vesuvius. Yeah it’s all smoke, no fire, no need to worry. Well I got news Gavi, the volcano is just ready to erupt. She is upset, crying, feeling the temors, yet doesn’t move. Clarita comes out and gives her the ol “Don’t worry, if it was bad news they’d call”. Yeah maybe to say Rod died in a fiery car crash, but not to say hey Rod is getting ready to erupt and Erika is going to be encased for posterity in the molten lava.

Over in the Presidental Suite... Isa is on the phone filling her Ma in on the details of she and her child’s “Lifetime Movie” story of fleeing her husband with the man she so loves. She tells Ma not to tell her father. Well, odds are he couldn’t hear the phone ring over the noise of the Casino, but whatever.

Isa is disgusted that Frankie is chowing down on a huge plate of filet mignon. How can he eat? Ah mon cherie, food is the best therapy for depression. He tries to get her to drink a glass of wine, but Isa is too upset. Frankie tries to turn on the charm but Isa blows him off and goes to bed…alone. Frankie has that look on his face... the anvil look. Nope fatherhood & supporting a family is not going to sit well with him.

Over at Pilars: Sofie is telling Dani that truthfully the dew was off the rose shortly after her marriage and while that hurt, the real hurt comes from the fact that Isa screwed her over. Oh Sofie I am in total agreement with you, however that does not excuse your bad fashion choices, the betrayal of Isa was far more painful than the betrayal of Frankie. Sofie realizes she will never be one of the A-Team girls and it was a bad choice as a goal. I guess there must be a shortage of Teen Angst movies in Mexico or Sofie would have been hip to this knowledge.

Finally the Next day…
Rod is on the phone with Dani (I think it was Dani... giving instructions about picking up some clothes for him and meeting him at the company headquarters)
Erika floats in. Yes Rod slept badly on the couch. But hey it is another day.

Erika asks Rod why he never told her that Gavi was AKA MariAnne Franco. Rod is all like hey it never occurred to me, damn we aren't even going steady and already she is all up in my prior business, Erika explains that Beni ItalianLovedGaviGuy had introduced them. Rod asks what was up with that and of course Erika; professional that she is can’t really tell. Rod the never curious, just goes with it. This guy is just such a total dumbass. Anyway Erika pulls the you and Gavi crap and of course Rod is all, well she is in my past... you hawt mama are my present. In other words, I done it under the tree, but the couch is as of yet an unplowed furrow.

Okay... now on to Pilars... Sofie and Dani are talking.. .Sofie is wearing a black dress from the “Donna Karen, Death to a Marriage, Collection”, Gavi calls. Dani really doesn’t want to talk to Gavi. Sofie says the longer she doesn’t know the truth (meaning her brother the volcano/tractor plowing fields) is out and about the more it is gonna hurt. Sofie leaves the room. Gavi wants details, ohhhhh is Rod okay did he go back to Isa? Dani says no, but she can’t go into it now. She will stop by later.

Sofie comes back in and asks if Dani told Gavi that Rod is getting his night terrors taken care of by Dr. Ericka? Dani says No, she didn’t tell. Sofie like everyone who has recently suffered heartbreak is very unemotional and straightforward. Tell her she says, the sooner she realizes Rod is “Gone Daddy Gone’ the better, she deserves to know and will suffer less in the end. Dani looks guilty over this.

Elvis comes in and he is unaware anything has happened. He greets Sofie and says Frankie must have fixed some awesome orange juice. Sofie starts crying and Dani hugs her and Dani and Elvis leave.

Meanwhile Blondie, crap and I thought I was gonna get through this without a DeadMan Walking sighting, is like all hello to Gavi and notices she isn’t herself, he thinks it is over her big decision she stay or should she go (shout out to the Clash here), oh and by the by does she have her decision yet? The should I just pick up and run off to London decision. Damn Gavi just gives him a look and tells him she thought she had 48 hours for this. Blondie just tries to play it off. (Readers, some of you maybe unaware of this, but I hate this guy... he is just so there, just there), maybe at this point Gavi no longer thinks the Marachi serenade was such a cute idea, seriously she gives him a STFU look.

Rod is over in his office all chipper and thinking everyone can tell he was this close to nailing it. He has that self-assured look. He tells Margarita that he has some meetings with the banker guy and someone else, he wants Dr Erika in on these. I guess he needs a clean mental health certification. See money really can buy anything.

Videgaray comes in to meet with Rod, of course he has all the details of the big shakedown from the night before. Rod say he is sure Bruno, Fedra, Aaron and everyone else in the world know the Isa/Frankie/Not Rod’sBaby details. Videgaray is working on the annulment. Rod says Isa will get Nada (the bitch), nothing from his Ardiente Passion Tequila, he wants to take care of NotRod’sBaby but that is it and he wants RicardoIsa’sDaddy in prison. Videgaray says, this will give Rod a chance for a future with Gavi.

Rod smirks a “As If”, Gavi is my past…I AM INVENTING MY FUTURE…Oh Rod it is hard for me to stiffle my hatred for you here.

Meanwhile during all this filler, Bruno the Good has been chatting it up with Aaron the Evil. Sidebar here... Aaron once again was wearing stripes, yes the jacket, the shirt and the tie, but for some reason... I thought he was totally hawt. Maybe I realized, while Aaron is an AssHat and would probably throw 200 pesos down as he was walking out... he would never try to take the moral high ground which is starting to really annoy me with these other people. Yeah Aaron, you are kinda hawt. Anyway Bruno and Aaron are discussing the NotRod’sBaby dilemma, actually Aaron is smirking through the whole conversation and I am right there with you. Aaron never one to mince words wants the family name taken off the little “Bastard”, Bruno does the can’t we all be friends thing.

Dani & Elvis go to see Gavi, Dani goes in Gavi’s office and Elvis is forced to babysit Blondie. Dani finally tells Gavi that Rod won’t even allow Gavi’s name to be mentioned. Dani then tells Gavi that Frankie is the father of the NotRod’sBaby, Gavi is el muy Impacted….

Elvis, dude you totally won me over, I so have a Mrs. Robinson/Benjamin crush on you. Elvis really seriously jerked the chain of Blondie, he let it slip, the big family secret that Rod and Isa split up. He was so playing Blondie... he’d let just a little slip out, the Blondie would beg for more. Yes, Rod’s wife ran off with the father of her child, Frankie…Blondie gets the semi muy impacted face... ewwww Rod is officially back on the market.

Meanwhile at Pilars, Sofie is on the phone with James of sturdy shoulder to cry on. She is telling him the story of woe. He will support her in everyway…(ooooopsss, what was that shadow I saw flit by? Could it be the soul of the never heard from again Acacia? Oh Acacia I still think of you.) James has to hang up as Roman comes to shout out the news the Agave plague is spreading like a STD in “Abstinence Only Convention”.

Pilar comes in and laments the pain she has brought upon her poor grandchildren. How she loved Frankie and his phoney ways and words, she laments how she pushed Rod to stay in his loveless marriage. This was pretty awesome to see; she did have actual physical contact with Sofie and they did a fairly decent job of fake tears. Give her credit here cause at no point did she blink.

Okay that is it… Discuss amongst yourselves, the question is Rod lusted in his heart. Had Erika not put up a front would Rod have given in? Therefore did he betray Gavi by default? Was it truly a betrayal as he thinks she has left him? Are these people too stupid to be allowed to live, much less gawd forbid breed?

Now tomorrow
Dani finally tells Gavi that Rod’s doctor is hawt and refined..damn the whole refined thing..Gavi you could take her.

Gavi in her rather not refined hot pink mini walks up to dumbass (Rod) and Erika in a restaurant. Rod looks smitten.

Frankie walks out on Isa, he is going to get a drink cause he doesn’t like the kid crying.

Rod gets the news that Agave is infected.

Labels: Destilando

From yesterday – Ivan sits down by a tree and dies.

Anibal gets Chucho and Efrain’s phone numbers from Silvana so he can see what happened with the botched attempt to stop the wedding. Silvana worries what Mo will do if he catches them. Isela joins them. Silvana and Anibal are going to run off to do whatever, Isela tells them what the hell, tell me what’s going on! Anibal and Silvana sit there like they have to tell her that her dog died or something. What’s the big deal? Just tell her that your dreamboat Diego went to try and claim the woman that he REALLY loves.

Diego tries to shake and nose wrinkle Ivan back to life. He finds Ivan’s cell phone. He nose wrinkles more in impotent fury.

Azul cries now that she realizes she is stuck with that loser Mo. Cecilia tries to make her feel better, but the best Azul can do is “well I’ll try my best, I used to love him way back when.” Wow what a beautiful wedding. Azul completely breaks down and bawls her eyes out. Where is Mo to see this, how ‘happy’ his bride is? Or Katy/Caty/Cathy/whatever the captions call her today? Shouldn’t she be throwing her wet blanket all over this?

New scenes finally - Efrain, Gaspar, and Chucho leave some police building that looks like it belongs in Baghdad. It is all torn up, looks like it survived a war. I guess they tried to turn somebody in for something but not enough time has passed. Missing persons, maybe, for Diego, but he hasn’t been gone long enough. They are all grumpy and snipe at each other. Efrain’s phone rings, it’s Diego, they all try and talk to him at the same time. These guys are the three stooges.

Arnaldo and Julio discuss Burgay and his intentions behind putting Diego into the boutique, what Eva had to do with it, etc. Arnaldo tries to reproach him and asks why he took the money, Julio says he needed for his collection and to help pay for Ines hospital bill, which shuts Arnaldo right up.

Mo tells some security guy to take care of something. Mo then tells Burgay that he saw him talking with Arnaldo and he knows Burgay isn’t gay, but he HAS turned to the other side. Burgay, since he is stupid, doesn’t get it. Mo goes on to explain how he knows Burgay has turned against him. Mo says that now HE (Mo) is the superior and Burgay takes orders from him.

Anibal tries to calm Clemencia. Anibal tells her something about people always getting a second chance to fall in love. Sappy music starts playing, to make sure we understand that something is happening with these two. OK WE GET IT.

Silvana shows up at Diego’s apartment and prays out loud for him. Chucho lets her in, they tell her he’s fine, she wants to know if he did something to try and stop the wedding.

Efrain is driving Diego and Ivan to a hospital. I guess Ivan isn’t completely dead after all. Diego and Efrain argue about why Diego just didn’t leave him to die. Diego is too noble, of course, is what it comes down to.

Clemencia tells Lidia and that ass Manuel what happened with Diego.

Amazingly, the wedding party is still going on. Mo tells Azul that they are now a family. Katy says “Now I have my mommy” Mo tells her to take a hike to be alone with Azul. Azul couldn’t look any less pleased to be dancing with her husband. She has a flashback of dancing with Diego. Back in the present, she tells Mo she needs help. He says for what, to forget Diego? He says that’s the most cruel thing a man can hear. Well duh you idiot, this is no surprise. Mo says if she stays with him, he’ll help her forget Diego. He kisses her and she pretends to kiss him back.

Diego shows up at his apartment with Ivan. I guess they weren’t going to a hospital at all. Silvana says they should take him to a hospital, but Diego says no way, a bullet wound would be public information (or something) and he doesn’t want Mo to know who is alive and who is dead. Diego says they need to hide Ivan while he recovers. WTF? He’s going to recover from a bullet in the stomach by resting at somebody’s house? Cripes. Silvana says to take him to her house since Diego’s house is the first place Mo will look. I guess Gloria came home just in time, now she’ll have two extra people living there to complain about. Diego says he has to talk to Silvana, she says she knows that he tried to take Azul away from her wedding. She looks all pissed off. Didn’t she know that was his plan all along?

Lidia is yelling at her mother in her bedroom, holding that same pillow with hearts all over it that she had before. Ah, turns out Clemencia told Lidia that she saw Piero and Lucia making out at the wedding. She wants Lidia to divorce him.

Diego finishes his story to Silvana. Silvana says she understands the love Eva had for Diego. Whatever. She is obsessed with Diego, I’m not sure love is the right word. Maybe ‘stalker’ is better. Diego wrinkles his nose some more and apologizes for hurting her. Some guy is in the apartment looking at Ivan’s wound.

Later that night, Diego and Efrain take a cab and get out next to a limo with flowers on the hood and a sleeping driver. I guess the wedding party is STILL going on. Efrain punches the driver out, they take him out of the car.

There is a toast inside the party, everyone takes a sip except for Azul, who drains her glass. Mo says it’s time for he and Azul to be alone, she’s freaking out about it. Azul looks like she is walking the Green Mile. They go outside to get in the limo, Diego is there in the drivers uniform with his back to them. He opens the door and lets Azul in, then turns and punches out Mo. I guess that boxing training has paid off. The other guests come outside and are surprised to see the car screaming off in a hurry. I guess Efrain is driving because Diego is in the back seat telling Azul that it is he, the one who you love and the one who has come for you. How poetic. Back at the reception hall, Andres goes to help Mo. GSD and Katy start freaking out. Inside the car, Azul isn’t very happy about what happened. Diego says he’s taking her where they can be alone, she slaps him in the face and says he has made a big mistake. She starts screaming for help, he puts his hand on her mouth, she bites him. He finally says he didn’t want to, but she leaves him no choice, and he ties up her hands. This qualifies as a full on kidnapping, I would say. He even gags her with a scarf.

Mo is awake and angry. He orders his flunkies to get after the car. I guess they are crappy flunkies, since they just sat there until he told them to go.

The doctor looking at Ivan says any more bleeding or an infection could be deadly, it was risky to move him to Silvana’s house. He leaves his number in case of emergency. He tells her that if Ivan needs a hospital, he washes his hands of the whole deal and won’t hide anything from the police.

Andres is driving Mo, who is screaming into his cell phone. I guess it’s his security guy Frick, he’s yelling about Eva and Ivan’s bodies at him, threatening to turn him over to Boris, something or other like that. Mo is freaking out, yelling at Andres to hurry up.

Back at the reception hall, GSD tells a cop what happened. The others work on calming down Katy. Another cop shows up with the original driver, who tells how he got knocked out. Arnaldo shows up and wants to know what’s going on. GSD tells him, while still managing to be patronizing.

Mo and Andres think they have spotted the car. How? Didn’t they have like a five minute head start and Efrain was driving like a bat out of hell? How can they just stumble upon them like that?

Gloria comes home, Silvana looks appropriately nervous. She lies and says everything is fine. Gloria knows she has something in her room, she finds Ivan. Gloria sees a man in her bed, ignoring anything else.

Diego tells Azul to stop crying and kisses her, while she still has the gag. Weird.

Mo and Andres follow. Azul makes to open her door, Diego stops her. Diego tells Efrain to go around a turn and kill the lights. I would think that with the inside of the car all lit up they’d be easy to see, but Mo and Andres can’t find them. Mo, of course, blames it all on Andres.

More calming of Katy. Arnaldo and GSD comfort each other, Julio sees it and smiles. They figure that Diego has something to do with it.

Elsewhere, Efrain and Diego carry Azul like a side of beef to another car. She is struggling and trying to cry out, Diego asks her ‘are you comfortable?’ Ha. Efrain is worried about taking part in this, Diego says not to worry, it’s all on him. Yeah right. Cops don’t see things that way. Diego gives Efrain money, Efrain gives Diego some map. They hug and Diego drives off with Azul. I guess this car is a piece of crap, because Efrain has to push it for Diego to start it.

Isela and Anibal return from a date and get kissy. Gloria comes out and yells at Isela that she’s taking great care of Silvana, now she’s an alcoholic and has strange men in her bed! Anibal looks muy confused, I don’t blame him.

Manuel sleeps while Clemencia paces. She wakes him up to complain that she can’t find Diego. Manuel says he’ll show up soon enough fresh as lettuce. I guess that’s some dicho.

Gloria continues to whine. Wow we have Duelo-level scene switching today, 10 second scenes. Isela calls Gloria out as a hypocrite, asking why she is so mad about a man in the house after all of her sex hotline work. Anibal says to call him if they need any help and he leaves. The phone rings and it’s Clemencia saying that Diego is fine.

GSD gets the news that Mo saw the car but lost it. The cops found the car that Diego abandoned too.

Arnaldo tells Mo that he’ll go to his house with him, Mo says he’s not going home, he’s going to go see someone who will know what Diego is up to. I’m guessing Silvana.

Emilia is looking in on Katy, who is talking in her sleep. Metiche Emilia listens, perhaps some truth from ‘the accident’ will come out.

Silvana takes care of Ivan and tells Isela what’s going on. Gloria comes in saying someone is here for her. It’s Mo. He demands to know where Diego is with his wife.

Arnaldo and Julio show up together where GSD, Cecilia, and Ines are. They all talk about where they will sleep, etc. Julio says something to Arny about GSD not saying hello to him, but he doesn’t care because he’ll be wherever Arny needs him.

Silvana makes excuses. She plays dumb. Wait, she really is dumb. She didn’t know what Diego did, she starts whimpering and crying about it. She says she feels the same way as Mo right now, the one she loves has run off with someone else. Mo looks surprised. She says she wishes that Diego was done with Azul forever too. Finally she tells Mo that she has a sick cousin in the house so uh sorry, later.

GS helps Ines get undressed for bed. Emilia enters and wants to know if they are leaving or staying. GSD says he was helping Ines get ready for bed, Emilia says she’ll do it. GS hangs around. Emilia says “uh, helloooo, get out.”

Silvana tells Mo again to go find Diego and Azul, she has a sick cousin. She opens the door for him to leave. He asks her to tell him if she finds out anything. He tells her about Katy being so upset, just to twist the knife. Silvana begs Mo to let her see Katy. He says fine, but only if she tells him everything she knows about Diego.

Diego brings Azul to some old shack, one wall is made of bamboo, maybe it’s the same place Hipolita was being held by the pirates back in Alborada. Diego keeps talking to her all nice, not like he kidnapped her. He lets her loose and she slaps him again. She tries to leave. He tells her she can’t escape. He calls her ‘mi amor’ and she says not to call her that. He says “esta bien, mi amor.” Slightly funny. He says they are far from the car, road, cell phone signal, etc. He says now she has to listen to him.

Julio, Arny, and Cecilia chit chat before bed.

Silvana sits on the bed next to Ivan and explains to Isela why Mo can’t know that Ivan is here. Silvana says Mo is handsome and charming, but not to be trusted. They decide to give Ivan a cold bath to bring down his temperature, but there’s one problem – Gloria is sleeping in the bathroom. She won’t sleep in the living room because there are too many night visitors.

Cecilia finds blankets for Arny and Julio. She gives Julio a horrible looking pink blanket that he calls ‘espantoso’ – horrible. Julio gets nosy and looks in the closet, I guess they are in Leo’s room, and Julio says the clothes look familiar. Ceci says no duh, she bought all that stuff at Julio’s boutique. Julio said “Didn’t you tell me she went on vacation?” Ceci says yes. Julio says it’s strange that she went on vacation but left all her nice new clothes at home. Dum dum DUMMMM. Arny says yeah, and she left all her makeup, perfume, etc.

Diego tells Azul that he told her before that he wouldn’t let her go with Mo. She tries again to leave, he picks her up to stop her. He rambles on about loving her and whatever. He says again that she needs to listen to him. She finally realizes that it was him that tried to get her on the way to the wedding. Wow she’s a smart one, what took her so long? She says he can’t do anything because now she is Mo’s woman. Diego yells no, she is and will always be his (Diego’s). Wow I have to tell you that while this is supposed to be romantic or whatever, in reality it is completely psycho. Completely. Usually this exact situation starts a movie where some poor woman has to find a way to escape from her crazed stalker, who has her hidden away in a shack by the ocean. Diego goes on about how she is his woman. He starts to tell her about the bomb. He starts showing her his scars, Lethal Weapon style.

Ceci wants to know what Julio and Arny are trying to say. They say nothing, but it would take a lot of money to replace all that on a trip.

Diego goes on about the explosion. He tells Azul that Eva died. She doesn’t react. I’m sure she really wants to say “GOOD.”

Monday – Mo continues to fret, Diego and Azul continue to argue, finally Diego says that Mo had Paco and Abuelo killed. There will also be walks on the beach in a wedding dress, and surely lots of alternating making out/arguing.

Labels: amar

Disclaimer: I take full responsibility for typos and translation errors. Help is always welcome! ;-)

We revisit CL, on his knees in his office, reassuring a seated Paula that things will calm down, they won’t be beaten by whatever setbacks (contratiempos) occur, and they have to accept whatever comes. Monica’s sarcasm, offensive (hiriente) comments, whatever fury (rabia) she’s feeling. He’s not guilty for what Monica is doing. Paula, who hates being inconvenienced and prefers to feel comfy all the time, whines at him in her best nasal whine. She doesn’t like that psychological warfare. Apparently, I was not the only one who thought Monica’s praise for her dress was a subtle commentary on appropriate office wear. Paula only wants peace. He tries to hug her and she pushes him away. She whines a little more and he kisses her hands.

In the garage, Juan is taking a stand with the boys on resigning. Kike asks what the Doña wanted. She wanted him not to resign, Juan retorts. The boys look at him in disbelief. Juan wonders what’s with the two of them, he’s always told them the truth. The looks get more intense. Fern tries to say something and Juan holds his hands out: at the moment, he’s not into games. Kike hands him the resignation letter. Juan signs it while Kike asks about Monica trying to get Juan not to resign. Juan blathers on rapidly and says he’s going because he’s going. He asserts that he’s good for his word. Excuuuuse me. He puts his jacket on, grasps The Letter in his right hand using his best pincer grip, and stalks off with the print facing any oncoming folks. The boys scoff and chuckle.

Juan walks through the lobby where all the world’s a stage, carrying his letter so anyone who walks by can see it clearly on the fly. His jaw is set, his shoulders back, his posture ramrod straight. He’s a man on a mission. He makes a 90 degree turn toward Pastor’s office. Reminds me of all those years in the marching band in high school. Paula has come out of CL’s office and speaks across the lobby to ensure that Juan and everyone else can hear her ask him to stop a second because they need to talk. He looks over his shoulder and hears Nidia’s voice echoing in her head, telling him to get tough (amarrárte los calzones - hitch up his trousers), never give up (because of) the pain love causes, and look his enemy in the eye. He makes a sharp military turn back to her, and asks her to excuse him but he’s on his way to give Pastor his resignation letter, after that, he’ll be pleased to talk to her. Paula tells him that’s exactly what she wants to discuss, that letter. She walks him a few steps across the lobby, like that’ll muffle the conversation. He tells her there is nothing to discuss. She stops him, with Ivonne looking on raptly from behind them. He wants to know what she wants. She wants him to listen before he talks to Pastor. They fuss a little and she tells him that she doesn’t want him to make a decision under such pressure. He tells her it’s better for everyone, especially her. She tells him no. Ivonne’s blurry face reminds us that she’s recording this conversation for posterity. Paula finally tells him she doesn’t want him to go, she needs him here. He asks her to please let him do what he has to do. Leave things where they stand (de este tamaño, of this size, “where they stand” is my best guess at interpretation). He excuses himself and the lobby potatoes all watch him move slowly toward Pastor’s office, no military precision involved. Paula’s extreme profile moves toward her office, almost in a trance, while Marely frowns at the scene. Ivonne smiles like the cat with the canary but catches herself and pastes on a judgmental glare toward Marely.

A knock at the door sends Pastor into a frenzy of putting his make-up kit away, cleverly disguised as a book. Juan comes in with his letter still gripped tightly in the first two fingers and thumb of his right hand. Pastor wants to know how he can help, and Juan shows his letter of resignation. Pastor sighs and tells him to quit with the jokes already. Juan tells him it’s no joke, it’s for real. “What does it mean?” “What it looks like! My resignation.” Juan tells Pastor he’s leaving Farell Industries, and it’s ire…..irre…. Pastor helps out – irrevocable. Yep, that’s it. That’s what it is. Juan sets his jaw and Pastor shakes his head, impactado and frustrated. [Ed. Note: oh, heck, Pastor, you’ve been frustrated since you first laid eyes on the boy.] Juan’s letter falls onto the desk so we can almost read it.

Marely brings Paula a bottle of water (green office not) from the cupboard and tells Paula she has to do something to calm herself because everyone has noticed and is talking. Paula says I don't care two hoots (me importa un pepino) about what they think. Marely says excuse me, but these scenes in front of all the employees are causing you to lose respect [Ed. Note: that could be a mild understatement]. Paula wants to know what she’s supposed to do? She’s desperate, feeling she’s mistaken all the time. Marely wants to know if this is about Juan. Paula tells her Juan’s taken his resignation letter to Pastor. Marely tells Paula she knows Paula doesn’t want Juan to go—is it a feeling of guilt? Yes, Paula affirms, and lots more. Marely is worried and wants to know what that means. She tries to convince Paula that she should let him go, because it would be better for him, for CL, for Paula herself. Paula turns, her hands on hips, with way more décolletage than the law allows at work, and retorts that it may be so for them, but definitely not good for her. She’s accustomed to his presence, seeing him every day, his conversation, his little gestures, that smile. Marely protest softly that Paula had promised her…..Paula retorts that she doesn’t want to have something with him, but she doesn’t want to see him go because he means something to her. (El es algo in mi vida – he is something in my life). A brother, a cousin, Paula doesn’t know. Marely looks muy worried about the doesn’t know part.

Pastor wants to know why this decision? Juan whirls around to face him at his desk and retorts that he has nothing more to do there. Pastor points out he can better himself, and study, etc. Juan says he’s going out to better himself and return when the time is right. Pastor gets to the point; does this have something to do with the Licenciada Paula and Don CL? Juan admits it does, he can’t lie. Pastor tells him it’s a bad idea, and he wants to give him some advice. Now is the time when he should least want to throw in the towel. Now is when Juan should fight. What? Fight? It was lost as soon as it started, Juan retorts. Pastor points out if he leaves, he’s leaving the woman he loves in the arms of someone who doesn’t suit her, who isn’t worthy of her. If he really wants to do something for her, the best thing he can do is stay. He can defend her from Don CL, who is going to give her pain! Juan thinks it’s out of his hands. Pastor says it’s not. Juan won’t know a moment of tranquility knowing that he could have saved her from the clutches (garras) of the wolf and he didn’t. Pastor tells Juan he’ll never forgive himself. He points out that even if the Licenciada isn’t for him, not to leave her with someone who doesn’t deserve her. Juan’s unhappiness will be his biggest setback. Juan is impactado and pensive.

Ivonne, always the bearer of glad tidings, is making sure that CL is fully informed of the office grapevine’s activity. She wants to make sure that CL knows how Paula begged Juan not to go in full view of all the lobby potatoes (Lobby lizards? Lobbyists?). She was d*** near on her knees. Everyone saw it. CL tells her “Ivonne, I’m not interested.” She tells him he should be, because this scene was beyond work-related. “You think?” “No, I don’t think, I KNOW.” She tells him his adored Paula is capable of wiping the floor to make sure that Juan stays, and CL hasn’t realized it. He chuckles but there’s no smile. He points out she’s lacking one small detail. The idea for Juan to stay in the company was CL’s, not Paula’s. It was CL who tried to convince Juan to stay. [Ed. Note: ¡MentirOso!] Ivonne scoffs. CL makes a cutting retort and tells her if she doesn’t have anything else to impart, he’d deeply appreciate her leaving him alone, because she gives him grief. She turns, disgusted. He keeps working on his papers.

Pastor isn’t accepting Juan’s letter. He hands it back. Juan yells that he can’t keep torturing himself. Pastor yells back that one only has to pay attention to what the heart says, and Juan’s heart is yelling at him to stay. Juan says he’s not paying any attention to that yell from his heart. Pastor tells him to pay attention to his feelings. He tells Juan to consult with his pillow (sleep on it) and delay the decision. Juan retorts through gritted teeth that he knows exactly what he will do tomorrow. Pastor tells him if that’s right, he won’t insist more, but give it just one more day. Juan takes The Letter back.

We find Marely in the ladies’ room, waiting until the others clear out (one apparently walked out of the stall and passed by the sinks, so her hands are still dirty. Blech.) Marely tells herself that “she loves him. Say what she will, Paula loves him.” She looks like she could hyperventilate, pobrecita.

Juan leaves Pastor’s office with The Letter still grasped in the pincer grip. Could it be that he thinks it’s poison and doesn’t want to hold it too tightly? He thought bubbles that Pastor is right. He thought bubbles on and I don’t understand, folks. But Ivonne interrupts his flow of thought, and lets him know that Don CL wants Juan in his office. Juan grits and grinds his teeth, this guy is so inconvenient! He greets Ivonne “bombon” and goes in….awkwardly opening the door with his left hand since his right still carries The Letter like a flag in front of him. At your orders, Patron, he tells CL. CL gives him the “hail fellow, well met” smile and greeting. CL wants to know if Juan wants a drink. Juan declines and sits. CL tells Juan he’s just found out that Juan wants to leave Farell. Is that right? CL grins ear to ear. Juan affirms it, and thrusts The Letter forward. CL puts it on the desk, he’s going to be direct. Juan tells him he’s listening. CL pastes on his biggest fake smile and tells Juan he doesn’t want Juan to leave. Better stated, CL isn’t going to accept The Letter. Juan looks up, muy confused. Then wary. Then commercial.

CL asks him what he thinks. He points out that Juan needs to think about how difficult it is to find work. Here he has a secure salary, and what’s more, if he stays, he’s going to move up. There’ll be a raise, and more favorable conditions. How does being the assistant to Licenciado Perafán sound? Juan is muy impactado. He thought bubbles about how strange this is. The big boss is begging him not to go? Juan tells himself he’s not such a blockhead. There’s definitely something fishy going on here (a cat trapped). It has to be Licenciada Paula intervened. But Juan wants to stay far from his “ex.” He hears Pastor’s voice exhorting him that Juan shouldn’t leave Paula in the wolf’s clutches. He’ll never forgive himself. He sees the scene in his head. He tells CL, okay, I’ll stay, but there is one condition. CL laughs and pastes on the fake smile again. Sure, whatever Juan wants, CL is here to serve. Juan thanks him, and tells CL the condition is that he remains the chauffeur for the Licenciada Paula. CL is muy, but muy, impactado.

Nidia is sitting on the desk, her phone at her ear. She asks Paula if she can see her at Paula’s house at 8:00 p.m.? Paula isn’t so sure. What’s it about? Nidia is coy; she doesn’t want to discuss it by phone. They’ll see each other in person. Paula tries to beg off; her Mami just got home and she doesn’t want….Nidia interrupts. They’ll just have a little cup of coffee….Yadi comes in behind Nidia, suspicious of this call. Nidia wants her to be on time; she doesn’t want to be kept waiting. They hang up, and Yadi, arms crossed, wants to know what she is doing with Paula Dávila. Nidia says it’s private. She tells Yadi not to be a busybody because that’s just ugly. Yadi is incensed. They face off with glares.

CL has recovered slightly from his impactado state. He stands and buttons his jacket, a sure sign of exerting power, In My Experience. CL’s surprised that Juan would want to remain a…..chauffeur, when he has the possibility of moving up in this company. He raises his eyebrows so Juan will know it’s a Bad Choice. Juan passionately tells CL that as much as he wants to accept this wonderful post that CL is offering, and move up in the company….CL asks “well?” Juan continues that he doesn’t yet feel capable of taking on such a great charge, he wants to keep studying, improving his skills and take it easy (pian)….CL interrupts and tells him it’s the main reason why he should be becoming familiar with all the activities of the business, get this experience. Juan gets up, and tells CL he doesn’t know how much Juan appreciates this opportunity, and he would never want to get on CL’s bad side, who believes so much in Juan……CL asks if that’s his final answer. Juan says it is. He asks CL to excuse his insolence, but he’s staying a chauffeur. If not, he’s leaving. CL is NOT a happy camper.

Kike is giving Delirio a lesson in pugilism. Apparently, Delirio has asked for help, and Kike’s just the man. He tells Delirio he’ll teach him. Kike batters at Delirio and exhorts him, explaining how it’s done: kicks and headbutts (cabezazos). Rocky-like music plays in the garage. Delirio is ecstatic. He tells Kike that he wants Kike to be his personal trainer. Both wave their arms around and talk about how it’s going to be. Delirio says in this life one has to learn everything, and if Kike is an expert, he’s going to put himself into Kike’s blessed hands. Delirio is so pleased he’s got someone to teach him, and Kike does a 180 and tells him “nope.” Delirio is impactado; he thought it was all sewn up. Kike tells Delirio he’s a peaceful guy (cuate). He doesn’t like rows (brawls) [Disclaimer: the next part is translated but not likely to be an accurate interpretation into English!!!] and when he has fought, they split his cheese up well. He’s a very bad (remalo) spinning top (Soy remalo para el trompo). Slang notwithstanding, the bottom line is he’s not teaching Delirio to box. Delirio wants to know who can help him learn; he has such an urgency (premura) to learn. Kike doesn’t know anyone, but he wants to know what’s up, why so much haste? Delirio tells him case closed and filed. Since you’re not the one who’s going to teach me, I’m out of here. He bids Kike farewell and takes off. Kike speculates on who might be the target. He’s got it figured out—it must be Juan.

Paula is asking Marely if she knows what Nidia wants. Marely has no idea and Paula thinks it’s pretty strange. They can’t figure it out, and CL bursts in with Juan, who is STILL hauling around his letter grasped in two fingers and thumb. CL explains that Juan is staying with them. Paula beams and stands. She tells Juan how happy that makes her. He scowls as CL describes how he offered a promotion, a raise, and Juan was insistent; he turned it all down. He wants to stay her chauffeur and there is no human power to convince change his mind. Paula bites her lip and smiles a little. “Ay, amor” plays in the background as we see The Letter.

Turns out, The Letter is actually with Juan in Pastor’s office. Since Juan’s right hand is full of The Letter, and Pastor is pumping Juan’s left hand with both of his own, congratulating Juan on this decision. Juan wonders if he really had another option. Pastor wonders if his words struck a chord. Juan tells him more than Pastor probably realized. He couldn’t leave the Licenciada Paula at this time, even if she never is his. Pastor is glad he did it in time to save her, and to save himself. Juan scoffs—save himself? He doubts it. But, he’ll see what he can do. Pastor tells Juan to count on him and Juan thanks him.

Juan goes down the stairs to the garage, and as he enters the area where Kike and Fern are hanging out (do they ever work?), Juan tears up The Letter. Kike, who probably spent forever typing the blessed thing, wonders qué the heck Juan is doing. Juan drops pieces into the waste can. Juan says he’s pitching The Letter of resignation. Kike asks if that means he’s not going, and Juan confirms it. The Patron begged him to stay. Oh, sure, Fern tells him. Juan says it’s true! CL told him he’s an indispensable part of this company! It they don’t’ believe him they only have to go upstairs and ask. It’s the gossip of the day! Fern and Kike look at each other. They think this must mean he got a raise at the very least. Juan explains that CL offered him and executive position, but Juan’s not an opportunist, and he’s going to be what he’s always been (at least since June), a chauffeur. That’s what it takes to make him happy, to be a chauffeur. Kike rubs his neck. Juan excuses himself and the boys stare after him dubiously. They look at each other and make that scoffing noise they do so well in harmony.

CL wants to know if Juan’s attitude doesn’t seem pretty weird to Paula. She says it doesn’t, it’s pretty normal. [Ed. Note: Right.] They argue about what’s going on with Juan. CL thinks it’s stupid, and Paula thinks Juan just wants to be more prepared for a promotion. CL tells her no one’s buying this. (Eso cuento no se lo come nadie, no one is eating this story). He tells her Juan just accepted this because he wants to stay close to her. She scoffs but smiles.

Kike tells Juan he should have accepted the raise and promotion that CL offered. Juan denies this. He didn’t stay for the money. He stayed to fight for Paula. Here we go again, Kike tells him. Juan says this is the final battle.

Paula and CL are still going to it; she wants to know what he’s always making these absurd conjectures. CL asserts that Juan wants revenge. He doesn’t want to lose. Paula points out that now CL is the paranoid one. She doesn’t think those are Juan’s intentions at all. CL wants to know why she thinks that. But of course, everything that Juan does, Paula will see as up front, transparent. Paula tells him to drop the jealousy. CL tells her he sees it, Juan is her hero. She retorts that’s not true. He says it sure is, and this cretin is still feeding his hopes and you’re helping. She tells CL that’s enough. He dives across her desk at her, and grabs her hand to kiss it. He begs her to marry him. Just about the time we think he could actually be sincere, he gets the wolf grin on his face. Paula looks at him warily, yet there’s a little triumph in her eyes.

Juan and Kike walk around the garage, Juan’s arm on Kike’s shoulder. Kike tells Juan he won’t be insistent because once Juan has an idea in his head, no one can convince Juan otherwise. Kike changes the subject to tell Juan about someone who came to see him. “He asked me to teach him to fight, to box….” “Who?” Juan’s inquiring mind wants to know. Kike tells him it was Licenciado Perafán. He wants to come after you. Juan is impactado. That’s what he told you? Kike denies it, the truth is he didn’t say exactly that. He indicates that’s what it must mean, though. Juan says that’s all he needed to make the picture of tragedies complete. Kike says it’s Juan’s brawl now, but suggests he talks with the Lic to avoid problems. Juan agrees he would have to do that. He makes a gunslinger move.

Paula wonders if CL is feeling all right. Doesn’t he realize what he’s proposing? He says he does. Paula tells him matrimony isn’t a game. It’s not something you just decide to do one day to the next. Why not? CL wants to know. Well, because those are heavy words, it’s a tremendous commitment. [Ed. Note: Well, we all knew that Paula hasn’t been paying much attention or she’d know that CL has never viewed marriage as a tremendous commitment.] She yells at him some more and tells him not to pressure her. He tries to persuade her, and she yells some more about him not pressuring her. He grabs her hands again, and tells her he only needs to be sure of one thing: love. The love he feels for her. She takes her hand back and turns away, muttering to herself. He follows her around the desk and puts his arms around her, trying to turn her head back toward him, telling Paula he adores her. He’s loved her since the first second he saw her. When he lost her, he almost died. He’s never been so sure of anything except that he loves her. Etc., Etc., Etc. Paula says she’s afraid; he’s so jealous. There not an adequate reason to marry him. Plus he’s STILL married to Monica. They argue more. He wants to know if they don’t deserve to be happy.

There’s a knock at Pastor’s door, and an unsmiling Moni is ushered in. Pastor tries his best to make her welcome, toady that he is when it suits him. Pastor wonders how he can help her, why did she come? Two things: to congratulate him on resolving everything with CL, and she appreciates his intentions to find out if everyone in the company knew except her. Her tone of voice suggests she doesn’t believe for a minute that he intended to find out for her. Moni says she’s referring to the “adventures” of the big boss. Pastor stops toadying and has the good grace to look guilty. However, he swears he knew nothing. Moni isn’t buying it. She points out that no one in the company moves a paper without him knowing it. She likes that. She relaxes a little and Pastor warily tells her he admires the maturity and dignity with which she’s handling things. Moni tells him she’s not going to fool him. She’s not so mature as he thinks. That’s all she had to say to him, and she excuses herself. Pastor is left looking after her warily.

Juan is taking Paula home. He thought bubbles that he wonders what his Licenciada is thinking about so seriously, because she hasn’t said a word since they left the office. He wonders if she’s thinking about him, and all the blunders (regadas) she’s made with him, and that’s why she’s feeling like a shoe (???). She wants to know why he didn’t accept the position CL offered. He thought bubbles that he didn’t want to tell her the truth, and then he tells her he wants to study, prepare himself, before he accepts a position of such responsibility. She wants to know if that’s it, or is there anything more. He tells her that’s it. Why? She fumbles around and tells him it might have been for her. Juan thought bubbles that if she wants him to say that he stayed because he adores her forever and forever, she’s very wrong. He basically tells her that was then and this is now, and he knows perfectly well the difference between the work relationship and a personal one. She protests she didn’t mean that. He tells her he learned his lesson very well. Moreover, he’s going to handle his emotions perfectly well. What’s more, she will have no kind of conflict with Juan Dominguez Coral. She smiles a little and tells him it’s very good to know that, and sighs deeply.

At Paula’s, Juan lets her out of the car and she says she’ll see him on Monday. He doesn’t make eye contact as she goes to her gate. She calls him as he walks around the car; she just wants him to know that having him near her calms her, and she thanks him for staying. He thought bubbles to his saint that these tests confuse him more.

CL has his customary drink as the dark overtakes the D. F. The bell rings and he welcomes Moni to the apartment. He thanks her for coming; she thinks she had no other option. CL acknowledges that. She’s dressed for a cocktail party; good thing, he’s got one ready. She tells him “what kindness.” He cheerily asks if she wants a drink. She says no and takes off her coat; we note that she has a little black dress in her wardrobe, and it suits her way better than the Mrs. Claus suit. He asks her to sit and Moni responds that she supposes this isn’t exactly a social visit, right? They chitchat, and she asks if this is the time when he’ll ask her to come back. No. CL says that since their lawyers have communicated, here’s the divorce paperwork for them to sign. She looks a little disgusted.

Nidia has arrived at Ana’s home, and is drinking a cup of coffee. She asks Paula if Paula is sure she wouldn’t like to go out to a café. Paula says no, her mother called to say she’d be late, and they really wants to see her. Nidia asks for Paula’s pardon for meddling in her life, but lamentably, she can’t keep her mouth shut. Juan is Nidia’s friend. No, he’s more like a son, really, and she can’t stand to see him suffer. He’s changed into a sad man, distressed (acongojado). He’s like a ghost, wandering about the house without rhyme or reason (sin ton ni son). Nidia’s soul aches because he’s carrying a very deep pain in his heart. Paula gives her a guilty look. The love this man feels for you, Nidia continues, is killing him. Ana is slipping in the door behind them, and overhears Nidia’s voice. Paula tries to interrupt, but Nidia continues that Paula says that CL is the man who interests her, but when a woman accepts sharing the bed with a man, it’s for something. Ana stops and listens a second, and decides to move back into the shadows and listen more. Nidia tells Paula she’s sure she’s one of those women who gives in on account of love. Nidia looks at her hopefully and Paula won’t make eye contact. Ana has her customary frown as she holds herself against the wall just inside the door.

Moni looks at the divorce papers and tells CL there are several things she wants her attorney to see. CL agrees, but as quickly as possible, please. Why such a rush, CL? CL can’t make eye contact and admits he wants to marry Paula as soon as possible. Moni bitterly tells him this marriage won’t work. CL tells her he’s going to run that risk. She reminds him that what begins badly, ends badly. If Paula was his lover, they were in agreement with their infidelity; it could happen again. He tells her perhaps, she’s right, but he’s only going to discover by living and fully committing. He’s not going to live with speculation and fear. He could be defeated, but he has to do it. Moni tells him that the ghost of his first marriage will always be there, and Paula will never live calmly, thinking that history could repeat itself (the same thing that you did to me, could happen again). He chuckles without humor; is she condemning before it even begins? She accuses him of playing the adolescent, looking for passion, love, ideals that don’t exist. He’s losing what he’s built—what they’ve built together –with such strength. Just to begin from square zero with a woman he barely knows. CL tells Moni “I love her. I love her. For me that’s more than enough.” Moni knows she’s lost the war. She slaps the papers down on the table, and stands to announce that everything in life ends. He agrees, and says unfortunately their relationship is at an end, which he regrets. The last thing he wants in this world is to give her pain. But, this is something he has to do. She says she supposes that he’s not going to recognize his mistakes until he crashes with the consequences. Moni tells CL if he’s worried she’s going to deny him the divorce, don’t worry. He can count on it from this moment. She wishes him much luck, because she knows he’s going to need it. She stalks to her coat, and he tries to call her back. She can’t go like this. She tells him to have his lawyer send her the papers; she’ll sign them, and be well. He tries to call her back again, half heartedly and sighing, while she stalks out.

Nidia asks Paula if that was it—love? Paula says she understands Nidia’s worry, but her feelings for Juan are very complicated. Why? Because at times it’s not easy to define how one feels. Nidia tells her “you care about him.” Paula admits she cares about him a lot, or better said, she admires him, esteems him. Ana shakes her head in dismay. Paula says she can’t see him as her boyfriend, the man for her life. Nidia says she’s going to tell Paula a story, so she’ll realize that at times we women are blockheads and don’t think clearly (think with our legs). Paula smiles. When she was young, (not a long time ago, of course) she had gobs of suitors…she describes the long list white, black, tall, short….. there was one insignificant fellow who was hopelessly in love with her. But she wasn’t so much in love with him. Ana is listening raptly back in her corner, too. Nidia loved to play hard to get (me chiqueaba), and he put up with her whims, gave her gifts, told her she was lovely. But, this man wasn’t worth her trouble because he was poor. Then, when she married Samuel (Ana looks startled), Nidia realized that a love like this man had for her, she would never have again in this life. And because she had aimed at something “more lofty” she let the happiness of love escape her. She chuckles a little sadly and asks Paula what she thinks, now Nidia is rich and powerful. Paula smiles gently and tells her it’s a shame, and wipes a tear away. Ana looks a bit sad, too. Nidia tells Paula the same might happen to her. True, most men aren’t worth the trouble, but she shouldn’t be turning her back on Nidia’s Juanito. He’s worth gold. Paula smiles and responds she knows full well he’s worth a lot, but she’s in love with César Luis Farell. Nidia fusses at her that with this man, she’s going to suffer the rest of her days. She tells Paula she knows what she’s talking about.

Juan comes into the dining room to find Alirio, and greets him warmly. Juan’s so glad to see him because they have to talk seriously. About what? How did it occur to you to ask Enrique to teach you to fight? Do you think that blows are going to resolve differences? You’re a learned man, a lawyer, don’t you feel ashamed? Alirio protests—“okay, but when I can’t see another way, blows!” Juan interrupts and they fuss at each other, with Juan demonstrating his muscle strength until Alirio finally realizes Juan thinks Alirio wants to fight with him. What? This matter has nothing to do with you, Juanito! No? No! The person Alirio wants to give a good lesson about strength is NOT Juan. But it is someone from the office. Alirio doesn’t want to be humiliated by those despicable people, that’s why he needs an instructor. Juan says, permit me. He runs to close the door. Alirio should have told him this before. Alirio is excited; here’s his help. He gets up from the table, and Juan shows him how it’s like a dance. They choreograph feet and hands. [Ed. Note: I hope Alirio isn’t considering Bailando por La Boda; he’s not ready.] Juan gives him a pep talk and coaches the moves. “That’s it!” Alirio asks “you would do this for me?” “Yes, because I don’t like injustices.” He chuckles about Alirio’s moves and tells him he’d just better sit and finish dinner. He’ll teach Alirio the theory tonight and tomorrow they’ll practice. Juan wants to know whose the subject in question. Alirio won’t tell, it’s not important, his lips are sealed. Juan says that’s not important, but he just needs to be ready for the world title…..in…..featherweight. (pescuezo pluma, feather neck, my best guess). He touches Alirio’s tummy and tells him to eat the chicken, it’s protein.

Nidia remarks that it should suit her that Paula’s ended up in CL’s arms. Paula asks why she’s saying this. Well, she dares to say it because she cares so much about Juan. And about Paula. A horn sounds, and Nidia says it’s her taxi. She picks up her purse and thanks Paula for the coffee, while Ana scrambles off through a door near the front. Nidia asks Paula to think about it; it’s easy for Nidia to give her advice that she forget Juan exists, but that boy loves you so well! Nidia minces away and turns back, wagging her finger at Paula. “And you, you’re not indifferent!” And there’s nothing you can do against it! Paula smiles uncomfortably and tells Nidia she’ll walk her out. Nidia asks her to give regards to Ana, and they exchange parting chitchat. Nidia tells her to think about it well. Paula smiles, sighs, and closes the door as Nidia goes to the taxi. Somehow, Ana zips out of her hiding place after Paula is out of sight, and catches Nidia. Nidia is impactada and Ana says she heard part of it. If Nidia doesn’t want her anxiety to mount, she needs to tell Ana qué the heck is going on. Nidia drags her into the cab and the viejas go off to a café for a chat.

Ana wants to know why Nidia didn’t call her to let her know about all this. Nidia says it was because she thought Ana knew about Juan’s and Paula’s “engagement.” Ana says the only thing she knew is that this girl promised to talk to Juan. And she ended up more involved with him. Nidia adds that she’s destroying his heart when it wasn’t necessary. Now that CL is getting a divorce, her Juanito is going to be the leftover (sobrando). Ana had no idea. She shakes her head sadly. Nidia wonders why Samuel left them both with such willful daughters, such obstinate ones. Well, yes, Ana agrees. She tells Nidia she knows CL won’t make Paula happy. She knows it, can just feel it. And there’s nothing she can do to prevent it from continuing. Nidia agrees, and trying to chase after the girls is much worse. Just look at Yadira, thanks be to God she’s going to get married. Ana’s frown deepens and they mournfully stir their coffee.

Paula sits on her bed, haunted by Nidia’s voice. With this man, you’ll suffer for the rest of your days. I know what I’m talking about. Paula bites her lip and thinks. She hears her mother saying that she’ll never believe in this man; anyone who lies once always lies.

In the morning Ana is getting ready to go out when Paula comes down from bed. Paula wants to go with her mother, but Ana prefers to go alone. They give each other a kiss and Paula goes off to the kitchen while Ana goes to the front door. She opens it and CL walks right in. Ana glares at him. CL greets her and apologizes for showing up without an invite. Paula turns at his voice—she’s got her fetching shorty robe on, so maybe Ana is going to stay home? CL tells Ana it’s necessary for him to speak with her. Ana purses her lips. Whatever. Paula looks distinctly nervous. CL tells Ana that above all, he loves her daughter. Paula looks irritated. CL continues that he’s not going to commit the errors of the past again. Ana asks if he’s sure. CL says he wants to marry Paula. Everyone faces off and we are reminded that any similarity to real life is purely coincidental.

Monday: Will Paula say yes? Will Juan haunt her? Will Marely’s heart be dashed to bits again?

Vocabulary

Contratiempo – setback
Hiriente – offensive, wounding
Amarrárte los calzones – hitch up your trousers, get tough
Me importa un pepino – I don’t care two hoots (also on our list that Sylvia posted on 11-3-7)
Garras – clutches, paw, bite
Consultar con la almohada – sleep on it (consult with the pillow)
Pian - take it easy
Cabezazos – headbutts
Entrenador – coach, trainer
Cuate – guy
Premura – urgency
Eso cuenta no se lo come nadie - no one is buying this story (no one is eating this story)
Regadas - blunders
Acongojado – distressed
Sin ton ni son - without rhyme or reason
Me chiqueaba - to play hard to get
Pescuezo pluma – featherweight boxer (feather neck, my best guess is featherweight)
Sobrando – leftover

Jeanne

Labels: Juan