Caray, Caray!

In the hospital room in Morocco, the multiply broken but unbowed Lucas has just told Enrique that he doesn’t expect any trouble from Said. After all, he’d have come by to confront him by now. And in walks Said:
Lucas, tenemos que hablar.
Lucas, we have to talk.
Said tells him he got lucky, he could have died. Yeah, thanks, says Lucas. What did you want to talk about? Said is going to the US tomorrow and asks Lucas if he’d like him to bring something to Marisa. No thanks, answers Lucas. I’m going back myself. Yes, replies Said, but I’ll be there ahead of you.

After he leaves the room Lucas tells Enrique that he doesn’t understand why Said was so insistent about bringing something to Marisa. I don’t get it either, agrees Enrique. Perhaps it’s that he wants to keep me close to him so he can watch all my movements, speculates Lucas.
[Sidebar: This is a interesting scene. I think Said is trying to make Lucas feel humiliated at the idea of another man approaching his wife. Lucas honestly doesn’t care about that so the intended insult is lost on him, but the menacing tone is not.]

Dumbhead -- says the ever-maternal Hilda as she massages the sore back of Karla, recently injured in the studio brawl with her arch-rival, Diana. You ruined your chances at the audition. Well how did she even know I was going to be there? counters K. This fascinating colloquy is interrupted by a crash from outside. Peeping Tom Amin has just fallen from the ledge of the porch where he’d been spying on Ms K. This resourceful little liar tells H he came to tell her about new veils at dad’s store and how swell they’d look on a beautiful and elegant lady like H. Well, thinks H delusionally, maybe I should go over there for a dose of Mohammed magic – if Karla can’t get it done, maybe our meal ticket is across the street!

Said has just arrived in Miami. He phones Marisa and they arrange a rendezvous.

Said, now in Mohamed and Latifa’s place, is dressed to go out and carrying a red gift box. Tengo una cita, he explains. (“cita” doesn’t necessarily mean “date”; it can be just a business appointment) After he leaves, Latifa wants to know who the gift is for, but Mohamed says he doesn’t know. Must be for one of his Miami girlfriends, sniffs Latifa. Listen, says Mohamed, Jade and Said were unhappy, not blessed like us; that’s why he has a right to look for his happiness. Come, says Latifa, I have a surprise for you.

Meanwhile the Naz is asking Samira about this novio that Jadiya has found for her. His name is Enrique and he lives in Miami. The Naz is excited but she still wants to go out with her niece and look for Osvaldo in the street. Watch out for Amin, he’ll tell my dad, warns Samira. Yes, agrees the Naz, he has a long tongue, that brother of yours.

Ramoncito spots the Naz, runs to her with the latest: Osvaldo has moved in with his girlfriend. Then he asks for his earring as reward and instead receives a stream of curses – how dare you ask for a reward when you bring me bad news?

Latifa has clearly been practicing; she shows some impressive flexibility as she bellydances for the rapt Mohamed.

Marisa joins her new friend Said at a swanky restaurant and he gives her an expensive necklace which he puts around her scrawny neck. Then he runs his hands down her tattooed arms.[Sidebar: This gesture of man putting necklace on woman, in Said’s hands, reminds me of an owner putting a collar on a dog. It is tagging, possession.]
[Second point: I’m reminded of Marisa’s expensive gift to her escort, David, except in this scene she is the one for sale]

Nati is trying to persuade Alej to give her family another chance. He’s not so sure.
Tu mamá fue suficientemente clara esa noche. Si no me mató, fue porque no tenía una arma cerca.
Your mom was clear enough that night. If she didn’t kill me, it was because she didn’t have a weapon nearby.
No, no, come on, urges Nati, she was just upset because of the fight she had with my dad. When she knows you, she’ll love you. (le vas a encantar). Get ready and we’ll and see my grandfather.

Rosa mentions to Marisa that Lucas will be coming home soon.
Sí, muero de dicha
Yes, I’m so happy I could die.
Enter Nati, who wants to know if Mommy Dearest still feels the same way about Alej. MD lets forth her string of insults for this muerto de hambre (pauper, literally dead of hunger) and Rosa looks heavenward for guidance and alas finds none.

Marisa is at a café with her friend Lucia. How, wonders Lucia, are you going to explain that jewelry? I was just thinking about what underwear (ropa interior) I should wear with it answers Marisa. You’re going too far, warns Lucia.

Karla and Pablo are at the pool and he tells her that Alej is dating the Ferrer girl.
Están felices comiendo perdices, says Pablo.
They are happy eating partridges (literally); something like: they are happy as clams.
Pues rico por él. (well how rich for him) says K. [Nice sardonic echo of Marisa’s muero de dicha above]

Alej and Nati go to Empresas Ferrer; she introduces him to Clara and Carolina who are impressed with what a lovely couple they are.

Clara remembers she has forgotten to remind [!] Escobar about his grandmother’s birthday. When she phones him, he says no worries, that:
Alicia se encarga de todo.
Alicia is taking care of everything.
This makes her furious. Carolina urges her to calm down. Let’s go to dinner, she suggests.

And back in Fez…
When Jade finds out the coast is clear – Ali and Enrique are at the camel markets – in spite of Zoraida’s vocal protests, she puts on her black burqa and prepares to go to the hospital to say goodbye to Lucas.

While in Miami…
Said and Marisa are sealing the deal. They have so much in common: they have the hots for each other and they both want to get even.
Marisa: Siento mucho deseo, me atraes mucho, y siento deseos de vengarme.
I feel much desire, I’m very attracted to you, and I feel desire to get vengeance.

And Jade is saying to Lucas:
Tengo mucho miedo del destino, Lucas, miedo de perderte otra vez.
I’m afraid of fate, Lucas, afraid of losing you again.
All will be well, says Lucas. You’ll divorce Said, I’ll divorce Marisa and when I’m walking again, I’ll come back here for you. My worst error was leaving you but now life is giving me a second chance and I’m not going to waste it. But I’m so afraid, insists Jade, that your wife is going to do something to keep you trapped.
Lucas: Hace muchos años era joven, era muy inseguro, tenía muchos miedos pero ya no.
Years ago I was young, I was insecure, I had many fears, but not now.
Now, says Lucas, it’s different. I’m a man and I’ll do whatever it takes. Believe in me, Jade.

Clara and Carolina discuss strategies for dealing with the odious Alicia.

Okay, this is a sweet scene:
Leo meets with Nati and Alej. He interviews him: So Nati tells me you are boyfriend and girlfriend [he says novios but I can’t think of a one-word way to say this in English: you’re dating, you’re a couple, you’re seeing each other…?]
Tell me about yourself. What do you study? Have you always been a chauffeur? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Alej answers simply, tells him he lives with his mom, finished high school but couldn’t afford college, is a fighter (Lucha Vale todo), suffered an injury but is training and his goal is to be national champion.
[Lucha vale todo, according to Wikipedia, is a style of fighting where you can use the techniques of any martial art or contact sport; it is like on-the-ground combat]
Leo responds graciously:
El haber puesto la cara habla bien de ti.
The fact that you met me face to face speaks well of you.
I just love your daughter; I have no reason to hide, answer Alej. Then as long as you are a gentlemen with Nati, I’m not opposed to your relationship. But, he cautions:
Despacito. De la prisa sólo queda el cansancio.
Go slowly. The only thing haste gets you is fatigue./go too fast and you wear yourself out.
Leo shakes hands with Alej, hugs Nati.

In La Casa Escobar, the boys are bickering because Clara isn’t home and Fer and his dad don’t seem to know where the kitchen is. Clara comes in, says she was at her favorite restaurant and then went to the movies. Escobar starts in on his “I worked all day…” rant but she cuts him off at the knees. I don’t have an Alicia looking after my every need, she says. Who’s Alicia, asks Fernando.

Albieri is saying goodbye to his friend Ali who tells him he plans to go to Miami after Said’s wedding.

Jade is very nervous. She tells Zoraida she has a bad feeling. She knows Marisa is cozying up to Said just to make Lucas jealous. What if it works?
Zoraida says if Lucas is in your destiny, no one can take him from you.
Jade: Cuando sientes humillado el amor propio es fácil confundirlo con celos. A mí me pasó.
When you feel humiliated, when your pride is injured, it’s easy to confuse that feeling with jealousy. It happened to me.
Replies Zoraida: You’re afraid he doesn’t love you as much as you love him; you remember the times he left you, suitcase in hand…

In Miami, Rosa enters Marisa’s room and expresses surprise that she is up so early. You got home very late, didn’t you? When she sees the necklace Said gave her, Rosa says:
Debió costarte un ojo de la cara y parte del otro.
It must have cost you an eye of your face and part of the other eye /an arm and a leg.
Marisa says that yes, it cost a fortune, but it was a gift, and clearly I’m worth it.
Rosa says Lucas will need a special hospital bed and she’s having it set up in Diego’s room. No, says Marisa, Lucas will stay here.

Nati runs out of the house to the waiting Alej and Marisa is incredulous that he is back. Rosa explains that Leo has given him permission to visit. She tries to reason with Marisa, to consider that Alej might actually be good for Nati, but Marisa insists that Nati should be with someone like Fernando (ugh!), but who after all would look twice at her, dressed like a hippie from the 60’s [better than a hooker from the 90’s, Mommie Dearest!]
¡No, no quiero esa relación!
No, I don’t like/want this relationship.

And across town another mom is stamping her foot:
¡No, no acepto ese noviazgo de Alejandro!
No, I don’t accept this relationship of Alejandro’s.
Gloria is ranting to Pablo that she saw how hurt and humiliated her son was after the ‘cancelled’ dinner. Her son needs to find someone of their class:
Cada oveja con su pareja.
Every sheep with its partner. [This means you should find a partner similar to you , of your social class. Like with like? I couldn’t think of a comparable English dicho]

Warning: Nasty scene ahead
Mohamed tells the family that all is arranged, his cousin will watch the store while they are in Morocco for the wedding. The Naz asks if they are all happy to be going and Latifa says no, it makes her sad to think that a man is marrying a second wife. Samira agrees that it’s unfair. The Naz says it is proper and pious, and follows the prophet’s example, for a man to have several wives because it offers protection to the women. Mohamed nods in agreement. But the Naz isn’t finished. I always thought that Mohamed was the most religious of my brothers, she continues, but now I see that Said is following the teaching of the prophet more closely.

To the children she sneers: Your mother is selfish! [because she's unwilling to share her husband with other wives] It’s because of selfish women like that, that I’m still single. Well maybe your father will meet a woman he likes in Morocco and marry her.

The children are appalled. My father never wanted that, says Amin. Well maybe he has never met a woman who llenó sus ojos (filled his eyes/dazzled him).
[Every time I start feeling a little sorry for the Naz she does something so breathtakingly mean, that she goes right back in the bruja column]

Lucia is busy checking Roberto’s cellphone but quickly sets it down when he comes in looking for it. Lucas is coming home today, he says. They agree to go visit later, she to offer support to her friend Marisa. They are making out a little when Fernando – yes Fernando – wanders in, eating a snack. Lucia is embarrassed and apologizes to the little turd! He’s waiting for Andrea, he says. The subject of Nati’s new beau comes up. He takes the opportunity to stir up a little more trouble by saying that, oh yeah, he seems ok, Nati is thinking about marriage and everything… Andrea, who has now joined them, looks on with dismay. [I mean really, why is anyone still friends with this jerk Fernando?]

Credits roll.

Labels: clon

All- I must apologize but this evening my boss informed me she wouldn't be able to attend a meeting with the President of our organization that is happening first thing tomorrow morning, and asked me to attend in her place. I need to spend the evening prepping (with one eye on the show of course) but can't spend the time recapping. I am so sorry, and hope to never have to bail on you again. Please feel free to comment with any details you remember from tonight's show.

-Vivi

I couldn’t leave you with nothing. The quick and dirty:

Two main things happened tonight:

1) Our not so dumb Love Nurse Rubi suggests to Rosario, Jorge and Marco that they move to the hacienda temporarily while the city house is having work done on it. That’s the lie they told Jorge, instead of telling him the house has been embargoed. This makes Marco nervous as heck and he and Rosario tell her to butt out. They say it won’t work because 1) The hacienda is embargoed and the administrator won’t allow it; and 2) It would be a 2-3 hour drive for Ale to get to work each day. Our smart Rubi suggests that she has many clients..er, patients that are well connected lawyers and judges and can help them. And as for Ale, surely she can stay with Marco (a no no for proper Jorge) or with a single amiga during the week, and come to the hacienda on the weekends. She makes a call to one of these connected clients later and gets the ball rolling on figuring out this whole hacienda mess. Rosario lets it slip that the administrator’s name is Chavez and our Smart Rubi has figured out that it’s the same guy who is Marco’s strip club buddy, and she confronts him about it. He’ll make sure that she and Jorge get to go to the finca, or else! Marco confers with his better half, Chavez, and Chavez suggests that Marco seduce Rubi to get her on their side. He provides him with some special pills to help him with his recent bedroom problem. Rubi accepts his invitation to his apartment, but thought bubbles that there is an opportunity for a lot of money in this whole shady deal. (I really believe that Rubi cares for Jorge, but hey, a girl’s got to live. And she sees an opportunity to con some con men.)
2) Rafa makes a huge effort to get to the bottom of this Ale/Rafa/beach/romance rumor, reclaim Ale’s reputation amongst the staff, and clear his name with Ale. He has each of the staff confirm that they did not hear it from him. Claudia admits that it was Marino who got hold of the receipt from the hotel that lit fire to the rumor. Ale is mortified by the whole conversation and still doesn’t believe Rafa had nothing to do with it. Rafa doesn’t give up. He confronts Marino and speaks to Clara in accounting directly, who confirms she provided the receipt to Marino. Rafa assures her she won’t get fired if she writes a statement saying what happened. Rafa gives it to Beltran and gets his agreement that this is grounds for firing Marino. Beltran almost fires Marino…until Marino dangles a big multi-million possible sale in front of his greedy face. Marino stays, and poor Clara (much to Rafa’s dismay) gets the axe from Beltran (jerk!).

Other happenings: Rafa and Ale must go to a cocktail party together to celebrate Siglo’s anniversary (Marco is not happy and neither is Vicky); the construction work continues to give Rafa his own office- the problem is everyone has to walk through Ale’s office to get to it; Rafa gets a company credit card and is forced to take on a car loan to have a company car (he's not happy about having more debt); and Pepeto has his first day, and matches Claudia in flirting skills.

Labels: dinero

Chapter #105 Jorge takes a taxi ride

We start out with Jorge and Ruby. He wants to know if she has gotten his taxi. Ruby is not really certain about this. He tells her he is not asking for permission. Ruby is worried that Rosario will get mad at her. He tells her not to worry Rosario is out with Quintana and won’t find out. Ruby tells him she will go with him. He tells her to forget about that. It is something he has to do alone. She finally talks him into letting her accompany him at least until he gets to where he needs to go.

A very happy Susana tells Dandy she will wait for him in the car. He tells her he has talked to Marino and nobody will disclose details about their romance. Susana tells Dandy that Marino is the last person she would trust. Dandy agrees and warns her that they have to let Ale and Rafa know they have to be careful because Marino would do anything possible to get them fired. Susana tells him not to worry nothing will happen with them.

Rafa and Ale are in the conference room at Siglo working. Ale’s phone rings and it is Marco. He starts bugging her and wants to know if she is “with him”. He wants her to come home. We see Rafa listening in.
She asks Rafa if she can leave. She has an appointment with Marco. Rafa sarcastically wants to know if Marco is working on more embargos. Ale wants to know what he is talking about. He tells her about Marcos little visits. Ale assures him she had nothing to do with that, but Rafa tells her Marco said it was her idea. Ale looks quite surprised at this news and promises Rafa she will get to the bottom of it.

Ale insists she needs to go home. Rafa asks her what’s more important “your boyfriend or work?” Ale sits down and we get a flashback from the good ole days when Vicky would call and insist Rafa come home and Ale said the same thing to Rafa. Then she asks Rafa if this is revenge. Rafa asks her if she really thinks he is just trying to get even. He assures her it is about work. Ale says okay then lets get back to work.

We see Vicky getting ready to leave her house and the Brothers’ Grim are not having any of this. They want to be fed. She tells them to learn how to cook, calls them savages and leaves.

Jorge and Ruby have arrived at Rafas’ house in a taxi. Ruby is worried about leaving him alone in such an unsafe neighborhood. Jorge assures her he will be fine, he knows what he is doing. He gives her money for the ride back. Ruby is off to her “night job” and Jorge is off to have a man to man. He approaches the door and gets himself all ready to rumble with this ruffian if need be.

Lenora answers the door and sees a confused Jorge. He can’t quite seem to remember Rafas’ name and after a few attempts gets it right and asks if Rafa lives here. Lenora tells him yes but that he is still at work. Jorge decides to wait outside and Lenora insists he wait indoors. After all it is cold and she would not want him to get sick. Jorge coughing tells her “me get sick? No way.” She finally convinces him to come in.

Jorge introduces himself to Lenora. Lenora hearing his name wants to know if he has any connection to Ale. He tells her he is Ales’ father. Lenora is concerned that there is a problem and Jorge tells her that is why he needs to talk with Rafa.

Rafa and Ale are still hard at work when Ales’ phone rings again. She asks Rafa for permission to answer it. Rafa shoots her an Ale look and tells her to go ahead. (This was a cute role reversal scene). Marco now playing the part of Vicky is bugging Ale to get home. Ale is now playing the part of Rafa and trying to calm down an out of control jealous boyfriend. He tells her to get home now. He is not going to suffer a second betrayal. Ale hangs up and lays it on the line with Rafa. She tells him she is leaving now and that’s that. I think she says something about go ahead and fire me. Rafa stands and tells her he is not going to fire her. He tells her he needs her. Ale turns staring at him and Rafa stutters I need you for this work. Ale tells him they will talk in the morning.

Rafa tells her to drive carefully and of course Ale gets all snotty with him telling him she drives careful. It’s those who drink and drive you have to be careful of. (She will not give this a rest). She leaves Rafa with a very frustrated look on his face.

Lenora is worried about Jorge’s visit. She does not want any more problems with lawyers and police trying to seize her house. Jorge is surprised to hear this. He tells her he didn’t know anything about lawyers and such.

As Ale is about to get into her car we see Vicky pull up in a taxi. Vicky realizes this is the infamous Ale and walks over to Ale’s car and gets in. Ale looks like the devil has just got in her car. She asks her who she is. And Vicky tells her. Ale has to think about this for a second and says “ Vicky. Rafas’ girlfriend.?” Vicky answers “the same”.

An outraged Ale wants to know what she wants. Vicky tells her to quit messing with her life. Ale assures Vicky she has no intention of messing with her life. Vicky accuses Ale of trying to take her man and sleeping with him. Ale tells her wait a minute sister, is that what Rafa told you. Vicky tells her no, but wants to know what’s up with all the nice words and recites by heart the entire letter of recommendation Ale wrote for Rafa. Ale shoots her a look of disbelief and sarcastically tells her she has a great memory. Then she informs Vicky that it was just a professional letter of recommendation. She tells her she is wrong if she interpreted it any other way. Vicky tells her she has no right to say those things to someone who is engaged.

Ale tells Vicky she is tired of this and tells her to get out of her car. She starts to turn the ignition when Vicky reaches over to stop her and tells Ale she is tired of her. Ale tells her she is getting all worked up over a letter of recommendation. Vicky informs Ale that is not the only thing bugging her and whips out the ripped Ale photo and screams “This is what has me worried and you don‘t know what I am capable of.” (Run Ale run!!!) Ale looks terrified.

A now, more composed Ale asks Vicky what she’s doing with the picture and reaches out for it. Vicky snaps it away from her and says “why would you want it. As a memory of the time you had singing with my Rafa?” Ale continues looking at Vicky as if she was crazy. Then Vicky confirms Ale’s accusation of insanity and pulls out the picture of her and Rafa with his trophy and sticks it on Ale’s rear view mirror. She makes it very clear to Ale that she has a solid relationship with Rafa and to leave him alone. Ale tells her to get out of her car. Vicky continues screaming that they are going to get married and Ale isn’t going to take him away from her.

Ale rips into her and calls her a possessive, obsessive child. Vicky screams back telling her not to mess with her man and storms out of the car. Ale looks after her calling her crazy and muttering to herself this is all I need. Vicky rolls up her sleeves and goes over to Siglo and starts pounding on the glass screaming for Rafa to open the door. (It is a good thing she didn’t bring the bat).

Ale shows up at Marcos’ apartment. He is not happy about the late hour and they get into a big fight about Rafa. He is not happy that she is working with him again. Ale assures him it is only for a month. Marco tells Ale that Rafa is trying to mess up their life. He blames Rafa for all the changes between them. Ale assures him nothing will change. Marco tells her it already has. He tells her to look at today. She had to stay there all day with him. Ale tells him it is just work. Marco accuses her of making Siglo the center of her life. Then he says don’t tell me you were there all day just working. This sets Ale off and tells him they need to talk. Then she brings up the fact that he went to Rafa’s house and to his work place to seize his house. (Marco she knows!!)

Now Jorge is finding out as well from Lenora what Marco has been up to in his spare time. Jorge can’t believe his daughter would behave like that. No one told him anything about this.

Marco is offended that Ale is accusing him of doing wrong. Ale tells him what he did was wrong. He accuses her of being on Rafas’ side. He tells her he has been there for her and has done everything for her. Ale assures him she appreciates everything he has done for her. Marco feigning indigence tells her the only thing left to do is stop representing her case against Rafa.

Ramiro has an appointment with his sex therapist. This is not one of my favorite random scenes, so this is all I am going to say about that. You guys can use your imagination for the rest

Marco and Ale are still discussing the whole Rafa issue. Marco is still offended. Ale finally tells him all she wants is for him to talk to her first before he does anything else. He sarcasticly tells her she never consulted with him the fact she was going back to Siglo. He is on a roll and Ale, defeated, finally says to him “I have done what I could. I have tried to explain things to you and I can’t” and she goes to leave.

Marco screaming, wants to know where she is going. She tells him she is going home. He tells her they haven’t finished yet and she remarks that they have finished because he doesn’t want to listen. He doesn’t want to look for a solution. All he wants is for her to leave Siglo and she tells him she won’t do that. She won’t quit work so he can take care of her and walks out the door.

Marco goes after her and stops her. He tells her she doesn’t understand. He doesn’t know what to do, but he doesn’t want to loose her. He confesses his love and says all of this is making him crazy. He tells her Rafa is ruining his life. He is now down on his knees begging. Poor Ale distraught, stands there reluctantly allowing leachy Marco to cling to her.


Jorge tells Lenora that he will talk to Ale and Marco. He tells her that they have made an unjust mistake and needs to apologize for this. As they are talking Juliette bursts into the house and Lenora introduces her to Jorge. She seems a little surprised that he is there and wants to know what they are up to now. Jorge assures her it is not what she thinks. He just wants to talk to Rafa.

Lenora and Jorge continue to visit. They discuss the woes of raising daughters. Jorge tells Lenora his wife left. Lenora wants to know where. Jorge is no longer a part of this conversation and says huh? Returning to present time he tells her “she is no longer here” and points up. Lenora figures it out and confirms he is a widow (viuda). He wants to know about her husband and she tells him he left too. Jorge wants to know if he is dead and Lenora tells him he left the house along time ago and she has no idea where he is. She tells him Rafa now takes care of them. He tells him how hard Rafa works to make sure Juliette gets an education. He would never allow Lenora to work. She also reminds him of the huge amount of money he has to pay them every month. Jorge looks truly shocked and tells her he had no idea how much he was paying each month.

Ale tells Marco he can’t continue doing this to Rafa and his family. Marco sarcastically tells her “yea especially now that he is your boss.” She reminds Marco that it will be a long time before Rafa pays them off. They have to deal with this diplomatically. Marco is still fixated on the idea that Ale will be spending her days with Rafa. She tells him it is just for work and will be only for one month. She is pleading with him and asks him what she needs to do so he won’t be so anxious.


Rafa arrives home and is surprised to see Jorge in his living room chatting with Lenora. Jorge tells him he came to talk with him “Man to man”. Rafa takes Lenora aside and hands her money with instructions of what to do with it. Jorge is taking all of this in. Rafa asks Jorge how he got there and Jorge informs him he came in a taxi. He asks Jorge if his family knows where he is. Jorge lies and assures him they do.

Rosario has entered her house with Quintana. He tells her not worry about the taxes they owe on the house. Marco will take care of this. Rosario excuses herself to check on Jorge. Quintana advises her to not tell Jorge they were at his house. He doesn’t want Jorge to have another heart attack.

Jorge and Rafa get down to business. Jorge tells Rafa he wants him to leave Ale alone. Rafa is puzzled by this. He reminds Rafa that now that he is back at Siglo Ale will be working for him. He tells him this has caused big problems for Marco and Ale and he can’t allow that. Rafa confirms that Jorge is well aware of the entire situation and why Rafa was hired at Siglo in the first place. He tells Jorge he had no intentions of returning to Siglo but they made him a great offer. After all he has this huge debt he has to pay back to them.

Jorge tells Rafa that Lenora has told him all about Marcos’ shenanigans and promises this will not happen again. He tells Rafa that he didn’t come to talk about money or work. He came to talk about the relationship between him and Ale.

Rosario has now discovered that Jorge is not home. She is all worried. Quintana tells her to relax he is probably out and about with Ruby. Rosario doubts that he would be out this late at night.

Jorge tells Rafa he knows all about Puerto Vallarta and what went on there. Rafa looks surprised and asks if Ale told him. Jorge tells him he just found out and is indignant about it. He reminds Rafa that Ale is engaged. He tells Rafa that all of this business has really confused Ale and has caused much anguish with his family. It would be best if Rafa just left her alone. He pleads with Rafa to let her be.


Chapter #106 Ale gets a new wake up service

Back at casa Rafa, Rafa tries to explain to Jorge and Jorge cuts him off telling him he is not interested in what happened. He tells him he is not leaving until he promises to leave Ale alone. Rafa promises and they shake on it.

We flash to Marco and Ale where Marco is pleading with Ale to promise that what happened in Puerto Vallarta won’t happen again. He is all worried about her being alone with Rafa 24 hours a day. She promises him she will maintain the least amount of contact possible. She informs Marco that this isn’t going to be very pleasant for her neither. The look on her face tells us something different.

Rafa promises Jorge the same and tells him he will not insinuate himself in Ale’s intimate life. He will respect Jorge’s wishes. Jorge tells him he believes in his word.

Marco makes Ale promise him she won’t leave him. She promises. He goes in for a kiss and Ale is saved by the bell. Her phone rings. It is Rosario informing her that Jorge is missing. Ale tells her she will be right there.

Ale wants to know if he has the phone number of the nurse. Marco says no. Urdiales has that information. Ale is quite distraught and Marco tells her she cant leave like that and offers to go with her. She tells him to call Urdiales. We see Marco trying to think fast on how to resolve the Urdiales problem.

Jorge makes Rafa promise this will be between them. “Man to man“. Rafa tells him he can count on that. Rafa will not let him leave alone in a taxi. He asks Lenora to call for a taxi. Lenora thinks it is a little strange to call a taxi for him alone. Rafa tells her he is sure he escaped without telling anyone. He says he will accompany him.

Vicky returns home. The brothers have found some food. They tell her that papa has gone to bed with an empty stomach and there is no telling how he will be in the morning. Vicky tells them to not bug her now she‘s busy. They want to know what would be more important than their stomachs. She tells them that her boyfriend hasn‘t shown up and they know how sad that makes Vicky. (if not just a bit crazy as well) She gives them a very terrifying face.

Marco is lying to Ale and tells her that Urdiales’ cell phone is off. He doesn’t know the number to his house and that he is probably asleep. He promises her tomorrow first thing he will get all the information they need about Ruby. (Smooth). Ales phone rings and she takes a look and quickly turns it off. Marco is ticked thinking it is probably Rafa. Ale brushes this off and tells him it is the office.

Vicky now on the phone with Lenora wants to know if she knows anything about Rafa. He hasn’t called, he hasn’t shown up. Lenora tells her he is home but is busy. Vicky wants to know busy with what or who. At this moment Jorge starts talking to Lenora and nosey pants Vicky wants to know who is there. “Who is this Jorge guy?” Lenora tells her it is the Senor Jorge that has come to talk with Rafa. Vicky not as dumb as she looks, wants to know if he has any connection to Ale. Lenora very nervously says yes but she has to go. She says she will have Rafa call her later and hangs up.

Vicky wanders what he would be talking to Rafa for. The brothers are getting a little anxious as well. They tell her to spill the beans. She says Ale’s dad is arranging something with her Rafa. They want to know what woman is she talking about and what arrangement. She pulls out Ale’s picture to show them. The brothers start drooling over Ale’s picture. They are sure she is “worth her weight in meat.”

She screams at them snatching the picture back and tells them she is sure that Rafa is asking for Ale’s hand in marriage. Big brother tells her no way he saw her first. He corrects himself quickly and says this can’t be because he asked you to marry him first. Vicky screams at them and says “that’s what I am telling you idiot!!” She is not going to let this happen. The brothers agree and tell her they need to go check out what’s going on. They all storm off. Hopefully they are not packing any knifes.


Ale, Marco and Rosario are outside their house all worried about Jorge. They want Marco to call the police. Marco assures them that Jorge is fine and Ruby wouldn’t let anything happen to him. Ale and Rosario are not so sure about this. After all they don’t know anything about Ruby. Ale doesn’t understand why Marco is so calm about all of this. Her phone rings again. Marco wants to know who it is and Ale lies and says it is the office again. We see Rafa hanging up his phone. Jorge’s taxi has arrived and Rafa tells him he will accompany him. Jorge seems a little nervous about this and Rafa assures him he will leave him at his door and nothing more.

Vicky and the goon squad are just rounding the corner as Rafa and Jorge make a quick exit. Vicky is screaming and Lenora is left alone with them with a worried look on her face.

Ale is telling Marco to call the police as Rafa and Jorge pull up in a taxi. Marco is livid and goes off on Rafa. Jorge isn’t having any of this and tells him to calm down. He tells Marco Rafa has behaved very well. Ale wants to know where he has been. Jorge yells at Marco and Ale and says he doesn’t want to talk to them and walks past them into the house.

Ale asks Rafa what that was all about. Rafa tells her Jorge showed up at his house. He tried to call her but no one answered. Rafa tells them he couldn’t just let him come back on his own. Ale thanks him. Marco wants to know why they should thank him. He wants to know why Jorge would go see that jerk. Rafa excuses himself and leaves. Marco is ticked and says he is going to find out what’s going on and goes into the house. As Rafa leaves Rosario says “that’s Rafa?“ smiling. Ale smiling back says yes that’s Rafa. Marco comes back out screaming at them. As they go in the house he is alone outside yells “Rafa you are going to pay for this.“

Jorge is chewing them all out for treating Rafa and his family so badly. Marco can’t believe this. Jorge is defending the guy that caused all of their problems. Jorge continues scolding them and says they have no right to show up at his house at the end of every month like they have been. Ale agrees with him. Jorge tells Marco they need to give him at least one day of grace before they demand payment. Marco is indignant and accuses Jorge of being on Rafa’s side. Jorge says he is on the side of justice and bids them all good night.




Marco and Ale are now discussing the tax problems. Marco tells Ale that he has been working on it all day and hasn’t come up with a solution. He tells her they have to leave the house tomorrow. He will look for a place for them tomorrow.

Lenora is telling Vicky off. Her and Juliette tell her she is all wrong about why Jorge showed up. They assure her Rafa isn’t having an affair with Ale. Vicky isn’t buying this. What about the picture and the letter. Lenora is loosing patience and reminds them that Don Gaston told her the next time they showed up at her house pestering them to call the police. The brothers remember this as well and haul Vicky kicking and screaming, out of the house. After they leave Juliette says Rafa needs to leave Ale alone because these butchers are serious.

Ale is telling Marco to calm down. Marco says don’t tell me to calm down when your dad shows up at that Ruffians house. Ale tells him to quit messing with Rafa and his family. Ale wants to know if he is jealous. This doesn’t sit well with Marco. She tells him Rafa is not a bad man. Marco says he is trying to steal Jorge’s affections. She assures him he is not trying to take Marco’s place. Marco tells her “Rafa won’t take my place unless you let him“. Ale begs him to stop with all of this. Marco tells her to swear he won’t take his place. She does. He tells her he will see her tomorrow and they can figure out what to do about the house. After he leaves, Ale prays to God that they won’t loose the house.

Rafa has returned home and Lenora fills him in on the whole Vicky mess. She tells him Vicky thought Jorge was here to talk about marriage with Ale. Lenora warns Rafa about the problems he could get into with not only Vicky’s family but with Ale’s as well. Lenora wants to know what Jorge wanted to talk to him about. He tells her that he didn’t like the idea of Ale working with the guy that caused her accident. Lenora is worried that he will have problems working at Siglo. He tells her not to worry. He then says to himself it is only one month.

Cutest scene of the entire night, Ale is asleep and her phone rings. It is her new answering service. No not really. It is Rafa. Ale answers and wants to know why he is calling so early. We see Rafa all dressed and ready to leave. He tells her she needs to get moving they have work to do. This was so funny as Ale would do this to Rafa when he first started working at Siglo.

Rosario enters her room and wants to know who could be calling so early. Ale is rushing around getting ready. She tells her he is just paying her back for all the times she called him early in the morning. She swears it is only for a month. She promised Marco this.

We have a salon scene. Poor skinny guy has a migraine. He overdosed on chocolate. He ate a ton of it. (I do enjoy the salon scenes and I promise once these two hour marathons are over I will include more detail about them in the recaps, but sorry folks tonight this is all you get.)

Rafa has arrived at Siglo and is raring to go. Susan greets him. She informs him that Ale told her she will be his secretary. Rafa assures her he doesn’t need a secretary. He is use to doing things on his own. He tells her he has never had a secretary in his life. Susana smiles and tells him she could at least answer the phone for him.

I am sure when Susana said she would answer his phone she had no idea what she was getting into. The phone rings. It is Vicky. She gives poor Susana the third degree. Vicky wants details. She wants to know how old she is. Is she pretty? Does she have a boyfriend ? And on and on ….. Susana says look madam and Vicky corrects her “Miss” “Madam would be Ale.” She is Miss. Susana tired of all this but still polite says she will connect her with Rafa. Vicky informs her he is Mr. Medina. She tells Susana exactly how things are going to be. They will talk more letter and she will explain exactly what her functions will be with her finance. Poor Susana.

Susana goes to the conference room and addressees Rafa as “Licenciado Medina”. Rafa tells her she doesn’t have to address him like that. She smiles and tells him he has a call from Vicky. Rafa tells her to tell Vicky he is busy and will call back later. Susana begs him not to make her talk to her again and informs him about the Vicky inquisition. Rafa apologizes and tells her to pass the call to his cell.

Rafa answers. Vicky is on a roll. She tells him not to tell her he is busy. She accuses him of not having a heart. She is very dramatic. Rafa tells her not to exaggerate. He tells her he knows all about her visit to his house last night. She wants to know why Jorge was at his house. He tells her they were talking about the debt he owes Ale. Just like Lenora told her last night. Vicky hysterical now, says that better be all. And lets hope this new job doesn’t imply you need to be there 24 hours a day. You need time for yourself and for me. Rafa assures her they will have more time. A slightly calmer Vicky says okay, then what time will you be home today. He tells her when he leaves work he will go straight to her house. Vicky now all smiles says okay, and asks him for a little whistle. Rafa complies.

Vicky hangs up and goes ballistic. “This cant’ be this can’t be.” She is on one fine rant. There is no way she is going to permit that witch Ale to steal her Rafa. Be forewarned Ale!!!!

Labels: dinero

This episode was rather entertaining.

Abdul is less observant than we thought. He does not recognize Jade in her burqa and she hastily retreats. When he leaves, Jade comes into the room and she and Lucas kiss, tell each other how much they love each other and promise to be together someday. We do learn that Lucas is going to be laid up for some months and this doubtless will be a factor when the clone finally shows up.

Osvaldo tries to explain to Dora and Estela what the Naz said.

The Naz has her own delusional interpretation of Dora's reaction to her proposal. She tells Zamira that Dora was so moved by her humility that she couldn't speak. She tells Zamira that if she marries, it will be because of her determination and independence. If she had left it up to her brothers, she would die a spinster. Zamira asks if Nariza ever went to school and confesses to her aunt that she would like to be a doctor. Naturally, the Naz can't see the point of that. From her perspective, all a woman needs is a good husband - handsome and rich. She will find such a person for Zamira.

Latifa tells Zamira that they can't deceive Mohamed anymore about her getting her period. Zamira begs her not to do so. She doesn't want to have to wear a veil. She wants to wear a bikini and be like her friends.

Karla goes to a modeling call for some TV show. Hilda advises her to sleep with the presenter to gets the job. Unfortunately, during the audition, Karla sees a rival. They get in a fight and are both thrown out of the studio.

Dora tells Osvaldo that she has been thinking and has decided that she doesn't want an Arab or anyone else to rip him away from her side so he can move in with her right away. She warns him not to fool around or
te quiebro los pies para que nunca más puedas volver a bailar
I'll break your legs so that you can never dance again.

Andrea and Nati find Gloria's restaurant. Andrea gets Ramon to fetch Alej. Nati is ready to bail but Andrea won't let her. Andrea tell Alej that he has to talk to Nati. He hesitates and Andrea says,
De lo único puedes culparla es de amarte demasiado
The only thing she is guilty of is loving you too much.


Nati goes to him and they kiss and they are together again.

They go off to talk together just as Ramoncito drags Gloria out to see her 'nuera,' daughter in law. Gloria thinks Ramon was lying to her and scolds him.

When Nati says to Alej that he was never going to come looking for her, he replies,
Tu familia nunca aceptará nuestra relación y es mejor que no siga intentando porque ... ¿La verdad? Te estoy queriendo demasiado y cada día que pasa me enamoro más y sufro más.
Your family will never accept our relationship and it's better if I don't keep on trying because.. You want the truth? I love you too much and every day that passes I love you more and suffer more. Nati swears to him that she won't let her family or anyone separate them. He puts her hand on his heart.
Siente me corazón, siéntelo. ¿Lo sientes?
Sí.
Late por ti, Nati. Late por ti.
Feel my heart. Feel it. Do you feel it? asks Alej.
Yes.
It beats for you, Nati. It beats for you.

Jade demonstrates her stupidity: She returns to Ali's house giggling with happiness and Zoraida has to warn her to hide her feelings. Jade hears Said on the phone with Marisa. He tells her that Marisa has found him a house in Miami. She exhibits jealousy,

No sabía que eran tan íntimos.
I didn't know that you were that intimate, she says. Said replies that they are and says that Marisa is a beautiful and intelligent woman, who would make any man happy.
Te está haciendo muy feliz.
¿Tanto se me nota?
She is making you very happy, says Jade.
Can't you tell? replies Said and Jade walks off in a huff. [You can't have it both ways, Jade. Either you don't care about Said and who he is with or you do.]

As if we needed more proof, Marisa demonstrates what a nasty piece of work she is. Lucia is surprised that Marisa wasn't on her way to Morocco when she found out that Lucas had been injured. She replies she might have done that in the past but not now. Rosa comes in to report that Natalia hasn't come home for lunch or called. Marisa tells that Nati is just looking for attention and if they ignore her, everything will go back to normal.
Pero, Marisa, ¿no te interesa lo que pase con tu hija?
Rosa, por favor, estoy hablando con Lucía, ¿Sí?
But Marisa, aren't you interested in what is happening with your daughter? says Rosa.
Rosa, please, I'm talking to Lucia, Ok?
Marisa goes on to tell Lucia that she isn't going to give an inch and if Nati continues to be involved with that lowlife Alej (ese infeliz), she will have no option but to get rid of him.

Zamira wants Latifa to ask Mohamed if she can go over to a friend's house to do homework. Mohamed comes in and tells Latifa that he is concerned that Zamira hasn't gotten her period. He suggests that they take her to a doctor. Latifa talks him out of it saying that girls mature differently. Zamira asks him for permission to go to the friend's house. Mohamed refuses saying that he doesn't want her to go to the house of any Westerner. She has all she needs to do her homework in his house. The cry of youth:
¿Por qué mi mala suerte? ¿Por qué tengo que ser diferente a todo el mundo?
Why am I so unlucky? Why do I have to be different from everyone else?
She says that she won't let her parents separate her from her friends because of their outdated customs. Latifa asks Allah why she was given a rebellious daughter.

Alicia slithers up and asks Luisa about the relationship between Raul (Escobar) and Clara. She says that they seem to fight a lot and asks if Luisa believes they are happy. Luisa replies that she supposes that they have disputes like any couple. She says that Raul is very forgetful man (un hombre muy olvidadizo). [He seems to forget that his wife isn't his servant and that he has some responsibilities in the marriage.] Luisa says that Raul even forgets his own birthday.
Clara tiene que estar un paso delante de él en todo.

Labels: clon

Episode 64

Aimee cheerily enters the finca office, where's she's startled to find Leonarda weeping piteously. Aimee can't imagine what news Leonarda has for her, but is soon astounded to hear that Rodrigo is penniless! Aimee's in denial, dropping into a chair; her father's fortune is huge!

Leonarda must be mistaken. But she's telling the truth. When Aimee learns Rodrigo lost it all in lumber investments, she's completely incredulous. In lumber? That means I've lost everything, too!? No! No! Aimee's eyes run wild around the room, searching every corner of her brain to make sense of this.

Continuing the former scene on the patio, Juan graciously thanks Renato for his words of friendship; but he simply cannot remain at the finca. Renato is mystified, but Juan insists it's impossible, because of a hatred that separates them. A hatred that he cannot explain now. Please don't try to make Juan stay, or he won't be responsible for the consequences.

Back in the office, Aimee has divined the culprit: it's you! she shouts at Leonarda. You insisted I let my father invest my inheritance in lumber! Leonarda is slack-jawed and wide-eyed. Aimee continues, smacking her fan into her thigh and rolling her eyes wildly heavenward, that she did it despite Noel warning her against it!

Leonarda pleads she only thought to do the best for Aimee. Well, you've ruined me! Ruined me! Aimee shouts in Leonarda's face. You and my father have ruined me! Not only have you lost me my inheritance, she wails, but my hope of ever being happy!

Aimee is truly beside herself at this. Leonarda doesn't understand, but Aimee doesn't waste her time explaining. Leonarda wouldn't understand, because she has never -- ever -- known passion! Aimee storms out of the office; and Leonarda remains, nervously perplexed.

Next stop, Aimee bursts through Regina's bedroom door to drop the explosive news on her sister. Regina, alarmed, tries to calm Aimee and have her explain. When she does -- ending with shouting, We're POOR! POOR! without a penny! -- Regina reminds Aimee she has a rich husband, so no problem there.

Unmollified, Aimee exclaims she's doomed to live under Renato's thumb, staring at those four walls the rest of her life! Her red fan is taking a hell of a beating, flailing around the room. At this Regina realizes with a sour look towards Aimee just what is going on. What she sees is Aimee as usual concerned for herself.

What about their father? Every waking moment you think about yourself! Perhaps this is a little lesson in humility! Aimee, coldly furious, chuckles ruefully; Regina will never understand, she bites out as she exits. Remaining behind, Regina stares into the distance, worrying what a blow this will be to Rodrigo; while at that moment across town, he and Federico enter the casino.

At Juan's house, Gabriel admits to him that little by little he's falling in love with Jimena. Juan throws up his arms in astonished relief; about darn time! When asked about Estrella, Gabriel stammers with confusion. He thinks about Estrella, and then suddenly he's thinking about Jimena; it's like they were the same person! (!)

Juan laughs, and when asked about the gypsy situation, Gabriel concludes it doesn't matter at all. Except he's not sure how they will be happy with different expectations. People say whites and gypsies can't get along, Gabriel claims; but Juan sweeps that aside, declaring with true love nothing's impossible.

We hear the door bell clang as Juan rakes Gabriel over the coals about declaring his love to Jimena before Branko steps in and does it first. Just then a smiling Raúl de Marin is shown into the parlor, bowing deeply and greeting them as gentlemen. Juan gasps facetiously how Raúl used to lose no chance to insult them. Raúl sincerely apologizes for his treatment of them hitherto.

Raúl's come to pay grateful respects for the great service Juan Aldama did him, returning the incriminating documents and repaying his debt for him. Raúl would love to thank him personally when he arrives. But Raúl also came to earnestly thank Juan for saving him from the terrible financial crisis that Rodrigo is now in.

Raúl understands Juan may never view him as a friend, but he so hopes Juan will at least not view him as an enemy any more. His fond wish is to be Juan's loyal friend; and after a little teasing run-around, Juan finally shakes Raúl's hand, and they are made up. Before Raúl exits, he notes Gabriel's excellent administrative work and requests Gabriel do some for himself.

At the finca, Leonarda paces the office fretting over that bastard, Juan, when Renato enters to talk about Rodrigo. Leonarda tries to blame Rodrigo's disaster on Noel, but Renato will not have it. Renato heard personally several times when Noel warned Rodrigo about his bad investment. And puffing up and lampooning his father in law, Renato booms in a deep voice, but no! Nobody knows more about business than he does!

Leonarda objects to Renato kicking poor Rodrigo while he's down; rather they should help him. Renato admits he plans to go the next day to offer him help; but get this straight: this is nobody's fault but Rodrigo's own! He asked for it.

At the casino, Federico observes that no one is speaking to them and everyone is ignoring them, just when Fulgencio and Raúl appear and seat themselves at the table. Fulgencio feigns sympathy at Rodrigo's embarassing situation, but Rodrigo shamelessly lies that there's nothing amiss and everything's A-OK. He has other investments, plus those of his buddy here and future son-in-law, Federico.

Rodrigo gestures -- Right, Federico? Federico murmurs unenthusiastic agreement. Fulgencio feigns he's pleased, and they get to playing cards, just as Juan enters looking resplendent in evening clothes. Marlene greets him warmly at once, and Juan requests that if Rodrigo or Federico want to borrow any money from the house, to let them have whatever they want. Trust him; it will be fun!

On the landing at the finca, Rosenda overhears a conversation where Leonarda turns the screws of motherly guilt to Renato and unintentionally fills Rosenda in on details about Juan. Leonarda the martyr declares facetiously that a mother's advice is no good in light of her son's own; and if Renato wants to bring Juan to the house and invite him to dinner, just don't expect her to put up with him. Leonarda says pitifully she just hopes she's wrong and that Juan won't turn out to be as bad for the family as another guy did. Both Renato and Rosenda are mystified at this comment.

Meanwhile, upstairs Aimee gives her bedroom suite the rock-star hotel room tantrum treatment, and she's trashing the place a moment later when Rosenda enters. No, she's not spying on her, Rosenda says when asked. Renato requested Rosenda stay close in case Aimee needs her. And Aimee does need her, it turns out.

When Aimee asks her what Rosenda's heard about Juan, she repeats the story about Noel bringing Juan to the house as a boy; about Juan's fortune possibly including ill-gotten gains -- which Aimee suddenly finds very intriguing; and the part where Leonarda hopes Juan doesn't hurt the family like some other fellow did.

After that, Aimee promises Rosenda a silk dress, a pair of shoes and a necklace to do a secret errand for her, at which Rosenda looks greedily amenable. She can keep a secret, Rosenda says. If she told all she knew, the walls would fall in and bury them all.

Downstairs in the parlor, Regina who intends to go visit her father, encounters Renato alone; and he bids her sit with him. He's lonely, because Aimee always wants to be by herself lately. Regina reminds him she was capricious and volatile as a child, and Renato admits Aimee warned him before their marriage.

When Renato mentions Regina's the only one not mad at him for bringing Juan to the finca, Regina concedes she'd rather Juan not be there -- to which Renato wonders if that's the truth. He wonders if the two of them are an item, and Regina launches herself off the chair in indignation. If she and Juan were an item, then everybody would know it! How dare he. Juan means nothing to her! Renato begs her forgiveness, but Regina exits in a huff.

At the river, Jimena agonizes over being cast in a hunk sandwich when suddenly Gabriel emerges from the woods, startling her. It's late at night, but he had to tell her something important. She's just reminding him they shouldn't even be friends, as gypsy and white guy, when Branko breaks in.

Back at the finca, in her bedroom Regina exclaims to Clemencia that her reputation is in the balance! She has to tell the whole truth about Juan and Aimee. Renato never would ask about her and Juan unless Aimee put the notion into his head. But Clemencia is horrified at this idea and tearfully pleads. Aimee is the weak twin and married, as well. It will be hugely tragic! Clemencia promises to persuade Juan to avoid the finca, and Regina agrees to do whatever it takes to save Aimee's marriage.

At the casino, Marlene is just having Rodrigo sign a voucher for a house loan; he boasts he'll pay it back in no time. When Marlene whispers to Juan that Rodrigo is losing a lot of money, Juan asks that she continue to loan Rodrigo as much as he needs.

About then Noel enters and greets Juan, and Juan warns Noel that Mr. Montes de Oca won't like seeing them together. When Noel advises Juan to get used to the idea that Rodrigo won't accept him, Juan insists he doesn't give a whit about that. Noel can tell Rodrigo it's safe to come back to the farm, since Juan gave up his post there.

Noel notes things have changed; that Juan has money, and he wonders where it comes from. If some of it is perhaps not legitimate. Noel begs Juan, if so, to please accept his help in getting a new start in life. Juan recalls the new start he made so long ago as a boy on that long voyage.

A boy so abused, he was barely human. The boy was afraid, not knowing what would befall him. Nevertheless, someone gave this boy a hand -- and that someone was Noel. Choking up, Juan declares he will never forget that. Never. The two men embrace warmly. And across the room, Rodrigo stares daggers at the two of them.

Later, Juan stands alone when suddenly a figure in white appears beside him; a woman with a veiled face, handing Juan an envelope. When she speaks, we recognize Rosenda. Read it and ask no questions, she instructs cryptically, before turning away. Just before disappearing she places a finger to her covered lips and whispers: Sshh -- no questions. Juan opens the letter and cracks a little smile.

At the river, Jimena attempts to referee her two combatants. Just as Branko declares his love -- Gabriel blurts out that he loves Jimena, too, stunning the poor girl. What did he say? The truth, Gabriel insists; he was afraid to say it before, but that's through now. He loves her like he's never loved anyone, not even Estrella. And he's prepared to face the whole world to show her, he says as he takes Jimena's face in his hands.

Branko breaks in and orders Jimena to pay Gabriel no heed; Gabriel's not fooling Branko! She's mine! Branko lunges at Gabriel with a knife, when Jimena screams and intervenes, not wanting them to kill each other. She needs time to think! Leave her alone! she says as she stalks off. The two males nose up and growl you know where to find me.

Rodrigo enters his darkened townhouse to find faithful Leonarda there. He relates his horrid, humiliating visit to the casino, where he wanted to bust that bastard one. And then! If that wasn't enough! And then your husband comes up to him like great old friends, and they embrace there in front of everybody! He had to pretend he didn't care.

Leonarda pours the old fellow a drink and gives him the good news that Renato's going to help him out. The bastard is leaving the farm; Renato will forget all about that; Aimee doesn't even like Juan. Rodrigo drops his weary bones onto the sofa, dwelling upon thoughts of his poor, destitute Aimee.

Leonarda relates tearfully how Aimee reacted hysterically and that she told her some painful things: that she blames the two of them for ruining her chance at happiness -- and that I'd never understand, since I'd never experienced passion.

Rodrigo gazes at Leonarda intensely, rises again from the sofa and approaches her. Is it true? he asks. Leonarda startles like a rabbit, asking, what? Rodrigo continues, that you've never known passion? Leonarda admits it's true; she's never known passion in her life. Rodrigo moves to cradle her head in his hands and whispers her name -- Leonarda. Poor Leonarda. He caresses her face tenderly and brings his lips to hers.

At the caves, Aimee calls to Juan as he emerges there, holding up the note. She doesn't believe he hates her and wants to know how long she's going to have to endure his insults. She's all his, even if he doesn't accept that. There is some special bond between them, she insists. Something clicks with Juan, because he catches her up to him, damning passion. Aimee renames it blessed passion. She knows deep down he wants her beside him, that he desires her and loves her. Please kiss her and tell her and show her. Juan cannot resist. He does.

Labels: salvaje

I’ve come to the conclusion that nearly every plot development in this show (except perhaps Alej and Nati getting together) happens because someone does something incredibly stupid. We had a real bumper crop of stupidity tonight. Rather than me kvetching about it through the recap, I figured I’d stand back and let you compañeras (os?) de Caray find them. Gold star for whoever finds the most acts of idiocy.

When Marisa realizes that Alej is Nati’s novio, she glares at them and stomps out of the room. Alej tries to excuse himself but Nati insists that he stay, and then she follows Marisa to her room. Mommy Dearest utters my favorite line of the night - “That man is an opportunist. He has no interest in you. He’s interested in this family’s money.” Hmm. El burro hablando de orejas - the donkey is talking about ears. It’s a popular dicho similar to, “the pot calling the kettle black.” With her usual charm, she tells Nati that she must be awfully naïve to not realize it. Nati rejects the idea, but Marisa says that if she offered him a big payoff, he’d take the money and run. She tells Nati to kick them out or she will. Nati says, “If he goes, I do too.” Nati says it’s her first boyfriend! Marisa says she’ll find Nati the right sort of boy (e.g. rich). Yeah, like Fernando, right? Nati comes downstairs. Fernando suggests that they go eat somewhere on the beach - finally the boy has a good idea! But Alej insists on leaving.

Nariza goes to the bar (Haram!) to speak to Dora. She explains that she wanted to get to know her, and if they get along well, she’s willing to let Dora be the first wife and she’ll be the second wife! She yammers on, we can be like sisters, cook together, shop together, and take care of Ozzie together! And besides, if Dora is the first, she also gets to choose the other wives! Nariza says Ozzie knows all about this. Dora dashes off, and the Naz speculates that Dora must have been overwhelmed by her generosity.

Alej is moping at Gloria’s. She tries to pry out of him, why he’s not at Nati’s dinner. He’s not talking, and he tells mama not to interfere in his personal life.

At the clinic, Alicia slinks up to Escobar, an easy mark, and gives him a gift “con mucho cariño,” with much affection. It’s a key ring. She says it’s because she appreciates him.

Jade asks Said again, if he’ll give her a divorce. He tells her that he’ll give his answer after his wedding, and he wants her to dance at the wedding. She’s offended by the suggestion, which was exactly his intention. Ali insists that Enrique stay at the house until Lucas is able to travel. Said comes to Jade’s room to show her a gold bangle and ask her opinion of it. Then he says he’s giving it to his new wife, and a lot more gold too.

Clara calls Albi to tell him that Lucas is in the hospital in Morocco. Albi announces to Luisa that they have to postpone their vacation. Both Luisa and Alicia are muy molestada by the news. Albi finds Leo and tells him that Lucas fell off a roof and is in the hospital, and that Enrique had passed out. Of course Leo assumes that Enrique was drunk. Albi says that he’ll go to Morocco to bring Lucas back. (As opposed to Enrique, who is already there, bringing Lucas back.)

Andrea and Fernie are consoling Nati. Andrea with a shoulder to lean on, and Fernie by insisting that she take a shot of whiskey. Rosa comes in to tell them that dinner is ready. Ever notice, in novelas, the food is never recognizable, it’s just a mass of a certain color on the plate, as if all of Telenovelaland eats indistinct, overcooked casseroles. Well, Rosa says that dinner is very special “food.” Have you ever announced to your family or guests, “I made food”? Nati finishes off her whiskey without even flinching, and says, “My mother destroyed the only happiness I ever had.” Well, TN’s are supposed to be melodramas, right? At Gloria’s, Pablo tells Alej he should call Nati. Alej says no way. There’s no going back. Nati’s family wouldn’t let her see him anymore.

Ozzie goes to TODCIM. Dora comes up, slaps him, and leaves. Ozzie wonders, “What did I say this time?”

At the house, Albi is packing and Alicia suggests that he take Luisa along on the trip. He refuses. As he starts to pack his cloning diary, Alicia innocently asks whether his two godsons, Daniel and Diego, are brothers. He’s impactado. She claims that Luisa showed her their pictures and they look alike. Albi denies it.

Ali and Enrique go to see Lucas at the hospital. Ali steps out, and Lucas tells Ric, “Ellos me iban a hacer algo,” they were doing something to me. (Is that right?) He’s worried that Said will hurt Jade. Meanwhile, Jade tells Zoraida that if Said loves his new wife, maybe she’ll get her divorce. And what about her daughter? Jade is sure that Said will let Jadiyah go with Jade if that’s what Jadiyah wants. Jade also believes that in the middle of his upcoming wedding, Said will break into a rousing chorus of, “I’m a Lumberjack and I’m Okay.” Ali gets home and Jade runs to him, asking how Lucas is. He tries to talk sense into her again. And I try to teach my cat to fetch my slippers. Which of us has better odds of success?

Alej is at the gym, taking out his frustration on the punching bag. (Isn’t that kind of bag supposed to be more stable, not hanging by a long rope?) Nati decides to skip class because she’s not in the mood. Andrea has a good idea. They’ll go find Alejandro. They go to the other gym, and Andrea bats her eyes, flashes her pearlies, and bounces up and down a few times, and what do you know? The gym employee is eager to offer any help he can, with whatever she wants to know. That girl should work for the CIA! The trainer calls Alej and gives Nati the phone. There is a pregnant pause while he decides whether to answer her. He tells her he thinks it’s better if they don’t see each other any more. They hang up, and Andrea finds out where Alej lives.

At the big house, the women tell Leo about Nati’s novio. Leo says he wants to talk to both Alej and Nati about this. Marisa is appalled that Leo would even talk to that dirtball, but Leo stands firm. Leo leaves and Rosa urges Marisa to at least give the boy a chance because he makes Nati so happy. Marisa says, “Sobre mi cadavar,” over my dead body. Que bueno fuera (if only).

Said tells Jadiyah that he’s getting married again, and she asks whether he is leaving Jade. Said says he will NEVER separate from Jade. Next she asks mama whether she is upset by him taking a second wife. Jade says that if it makes him happy, she’s happy for him. Jadiyah is satisfied with that.

For the umpteenth time, Jade begs Zoraida to help her see Lucas, Zee says no, no, Jade says yes, yes, Zee caves but warns Jade that it’s dangerous, Jade couldn’t care less. Jade is fully veiled when she goes to the hospital, so no one will see her. She rushes into Lucas’s room, only to be met by Tio Abdul who of course recognizes her. Roll credits.

Labels: clon

Fed offers Rod his economic support…as soon as he has any to offer. Rod can't wait long, but Fed figures the family will support him, including Renato. But Rod won't accept any help from anyone but Leo, except that she doesn't actually have any money. Rod lays the future-son-in-law guilt trip on him. Fed suggests they do some betting at the casino, on credit. Them being a pair of refined gentlemen, Madame Marlene's sure to front them some cash. Dumb. Asses.

Juan tells Remi he's not going to work at the finca anymore. He's going to go out to the rock and live there. And he'll forget Aimee. He doesn't want to screw over Renato, who doesn't deserve it. Now, Rodrigo, on the other hand, better get used to living on the other side of the tracks.

Rod isn't so sure of his luck, but Fed is optimistic enough (read: stupid enough) for the both of them.

Gabe stews over Jimena and Branco together. He remembers them dancing at the party, then in town, getting into a fight with Branco. He's on the verge of being willing to admit he's in love with her. Then he remembers Estrella and kind feels a little bad for forgetting her. "Why is my life so complicated?" Anyone? Bueller?

Grizzy looks at a nice gold necklace and remembers the day she and Servando kidnapped Jimena. The medal on the necklace has "Angela" engraved in the back.

Jimena/Angela's grandpa is sure Raul will reply soon about hosting them in Veracruz. Mommy has a good feeling about Veracruz and is very excited. She asks Daddy, wherever he is, to take care of her little Angie.

Jimena digs Branco, but she's in love with Gabriel, oh, what's a girl to do. I say let's make a Jimena sandwich. Okay, it's late, I'm tired, sometimes these things just spill out.

Branco and Servando discuss the Gabe problem. Servando asks if he's thinking "kill" but Branco is just thinking "put in a reservation with Grizzy." He threatens to kidnap Jimena if Grizzy won't part with her in marriage to him. He leaves and Grizzy walks up just then. Servando gives her the news. Grizzy's displeased and without Jimena, she has no source of income. Servando's no longer interested in Jimena that way. Grizzy doesn't think Branco would be so hot for her if he knew Jimena wasn't really a full-blooded gypsy, but just a plain-ol run-of-the-mill white girl. Grizzy agrees to convince Jimena if Servando shares future profits. If he won't agree, she'll sell Jimena to Gabe.

Fed ponders Rod's folly in expecting him to shell out money to help him. He thought bubbles that if Rod loses tonight, he'll break off the engagement with Reggie. Luck, be a lady tonight!

Rod is quietly drowning his sorrows. Leo comes running in to console him in any way she can. But I'm sure, not in the way she wants. Rod thanks her for the offer of money, but it's going to take more than her hen money to get him out of the mess he's in. He'll have to sell the mansion and endure people pointing at him and laughing. Leo is sure some friend of his will give him a loan. Rod doesn't think so. The news about his wood has gotten around and people are already starting to talk about him. He says both he and Aimee are ruined (drink!). He can't forgive himself for losing Aimee's inheritance from her mother.

Fed breaks the news to Fully, who is pleased. How the mighty have fallen. He remembers Rod turning down his help before. He advises Fed not to lend him money. Let him tough it out. Eloisa, loaded down with shopping boxes, comes in just as Fully is asking Fed if he's still planning to marry Reggie. Fed says plans have a funny way of changing. Wink, wink. Fully says if he's learned anything in life, it's that nothing is forever. Aww, don't kill off Fully. He may be a rascal, but he's more likeable that some people (Rod, I'm looking at you).

At the Casa de Ho's, Marlene announces to the gals that Juan helped them out and she plans to pay him back ASAP. Phillipe thinks President Diaz would resign before they get that amount of money together. Given that I'm still not sure exactly what year this is taking place, I don't know yet in what way that statement is funny. But it is. Marlene says they'll all be happy and celebrating when they open that night, because they didn't have to leave and she didn't have to give up on her plan of getting her daughter back.

Arcadio wrecks the room looking for that darn letter. He even checks under a statue of the Virgen (hey, man, hands off!) and in a trunk that kicks up a frightful amount of dust.

MdR talks to her new baby doll. No one will separate her from her little Juanito. Especially now that she's read The Letter.

Clemencia runs into Juan at the Finca and gives him a big hug. Juan came to say goodbye. He needs some time to think, his feelings are confused, and he doesn't know what to do. He's going to Peñon del Diablo to live. He'll be back, especially to see Clem, who's like a mother to him. She gives him a blessing and tells him not to forget about her. More hugs. Clem leaves and Juan starts to leave, but is interrupted by Aimee's arrival. He formally addresses her. He says he no longer feels anything for her, but he won't look her in the eyes and say it. He takes off and Aimee starts shouting after him. Renato comes in and wonders what that's about. What are our chances of her not being able to weasel out of that question?

She complains that that Barbarian just walked off while she was trying to talk to him about the weather. Ren says he's a good guy. Aimee says he isn't called Juan del Diablo for nothing…and on top of that his ship is called "Luzbel"…and maybe he's the guy been doing the pirating… Ren is astounded at her for saying all this with no backup. He tells her that he will defend Juan because Juan is an old childhood friend and he promised to always look out for him. Aimee is shocked.

Juan runs into Reggie on the porch. She found out he was there when he was a kid from Clemencia. Juan wonders what else she said, but that was it. Reggie wants to hear the story, but from him. Juan says now's not the time for confessions, but one day he'll tell her his story, even if he doesn't think she'll like it. He says "we'll see" how she judges him when he tells her. Then he gets on his trusty steed and rides away. Reggie stares after him.

Ren asks how long since Aimee has been having private convos with Juan. He hasn't been spying, he's just noticed that she talks to Juan, but he doesn't talk back. Aimee tries to turn it around on him, but Ren won't hear it. "Why don't you trust me?" Aimee blames Renato for upsetting her and making her say things she doesn't mean. Renato says she's changed lately, despite his trying not to argue with her. He thought they'd share souls and know each other's thoughts just by looking in each other eyes. He really believed all those Hallmark commercials. Aimee mocks him. He reminds her she made promises when she married him. Aimee says if he's sick of her, she'll go live with her daddy! Ha, ha, ha. Sure, princess.

Maria del Rosario cries for her child. It drives Arcadio nuts. He's been hearing it for years. He rips off her veil and throws her around a bit. He says he's not going to punish her today, he's going to make her pretty and the more she yells, the prettier he'll make her. He starts cutting off locks of her hair. MdR keeps crying for Juan. Arcadio screams at her that JdD is just a figment of her imagination. MdR keeps crying and he just repeats everything she says and keeps cutting her hair.

Rod tells his troubles to Leo. Including that Juan Aldama is coming for a visit and he's going to look like a giant loser. Leo says this isn't the only bad thing that's going on…MdR's kid is back in their lives. "The Bastard has appeared!" Um, I thought the plan was to not kill Rod?

MdR's new crappy haircut is actually better than the old one. Arcadio tries to put the veil back on her, and she cries about it. He goes off laughing. MdR keeps crying to Juan de Dios to come back for her.

Rod asks who the bastard is and where. "At the finca. He's the administrator. And he calls himself Juan del Diablo." Leo calls him trash.

Juan lets Arcadio know that he's leaving. Arcadio figured he'd get sick of it and leave. Juan says it's not that he's sick of it, but he doesn't want to talk about it. He asks to see Arcadio's wife again, to say goodbye. Arcadio says she's a little sick right now and he can't afford treatment. Juan offers to give him money.

Rod asks how they know it's MdR's kid. Leo gives him another drink and tells him about the birthmark. Rod wonders if they can brush it off somehow, but Leo informs him that Noel and Clem both defend the guy. So far, all Renato knows is that this is the same Juan who showed up at the finca when he was a kid. Leo says Ren insists on having Juan as a friend, even if he's not the administrator. She's worried that Noel said he's not looking for money, but he's due half the finca. Rod says they'll never let that happen and they'll never recognize him as a member of the family. Rod is really concerned about Juan saying he doesn't want money. Leo doesn't think he's up to anything good, what with his name and his boat's name.

Juan talks to Arcadio about the weird special bond he has with his "wife." As if he's known her for a long time. He wants to help and protect her. Arcadio brings it back to money. He offers to go see if she's up to a visit.

Leo offers her help again, but Rod doesn't think she has much to offer him. Rod says she has his gratitude and admiration. Leo asks him to take care of himself. She leaves before she can throw herself at him for the umpteenth time. Rod thought bubbles that now he knows why he hated Juan from the moment he met him. He thinks the "del Diablo" is appropriate as he's sure Juan's parents are burning in hell.

MdR is all set up, cleaned up and in white. Juan says he'll just look for a little while and then leave. He asks Arcadio to take off the veil and Arcadio agrees. He leaves them alone together. Juan touches her face and wonders who she is and why he wants to help and protect her. He asks who she is. The drugs are keeping her under better than they did last time.

Grizzy catches Jimena daydreaming instead of earning some money. But instead of sending Jimena off to get some, she'd rather talk. Jimena's mom was so proud of being a gypsy, and she hopes Jimena is too. Gabe isn't the right guy for her. But Branco, on the other hand, is a gypsy like her. She hopes Branco and Jimena will get married soon.

Remi comes up to Juan with a little bundle. Juan tells him the casino won't close. Remi realizes he still has a shot with Malu. Juan asks him to give some of the money in the bundle to Arcadio. Juan says he's going to rip Aimee out of his chest, even if it hurts his heart. He goes into the house and runs into Leo. They stare at each other while the narrator blathers.

Reggie and Clem discuss Juan's departure. Aimee eavesdrops. Clem says one day Reggie will find out the story of Juan. In the meantime, Reggie is glad he's gone forever. Aimee narrowly avoids eating her fan.

Renato confronts Leo about her apparent hatred of Juan and asks what she's hiding. Leo says Juan has lied to them from the beginning, surely because he had bad intentions. And he probably uses that boat to go pirating. Renato suggests they give Juan a chance to prove himself by offering him a place to live at the finca, not as administrator, but as Renato's friend. Juan interrupts while Leo is trying to talk him out of it. Juan gives back the money he "owed" Renato from when they were kids. He starts to leave. Renato chases after him, saying it's not necessary. He asks if they can talk before Juan leaves and Juan grudgingly agrees. Juan begs Renato to let him leave, but Renato says he's the more stubborn of the two. He wants Juan around, he's not scared off by his attitude, and he feels like he understands him better than anyone else, almost as if they were family.

Aimee thought bubbles that she's about to lose Juan forever unless she does something. She figures she'll ask Daddy for her inheritance back and run away with Juan. Jajajajaja!

Renato says he doesn't know why he feels so close to Juan, but he didn't have friends as a kid. He didn't go to school, he just had tutors, and his mom wouldn't let him play with the peasant kids. Juan is surprised to hear it. He thought Renato was the happiest boy in the world, hardly having to lift a finger to get what he wanted. Renato asks him to be his collaborator, friend, and brother, the brother he never had. Awwwwwwwww. You guys!

Tomorrow: who knows.

Labels: salvaje

Folks, I am so tired I am falling asleep over my keyboard. I'm leaving tomorrow for twelve days. Be good while I'm gone. I'm afraid this recap is not even understandable. If I get a chance in the morning I'll fix it. sorry!

Vicki Vicki Vicki

Since Rafa won't answer his phone, she is ringing every extension at Auto Siglo, making enemies as she goes. She grabs her voodoo effigy of Ale. After several tries, she eventually gets through even to Ale. How menacing she is! She promises herself vengeance. "Nobody takes my pajarito!" What is a chimoltrufia?

Auto Siglo

Beltran announces the restructuring of sales department. "Considering Ale's many credentials and experience, we need her, but we also need a man well-known to all - RAFAEL MEDINA!"

General astonishment. Marino, who had been expecting the crown, snaps his toothpick in half. Rafa stands tall while praised by Beltran, who explains: "Medina is not replacing Ale. There is a new job created for him, a 'commercial sales presidency.' You all will continue to report to Ale; she will report to him. They will work as a marvellous team."

Marina yells: who would hire this disastrous clown? "I quit" "OK, go ahead" says Beltran. Marino runs out; Ramirez runs out after him (after congratulating Rafa, who then gets happy welcomes from the team.)

Ale to Beltran: "Why did you do this to me? I'd rather be fired than work with him." "What's your problem? He's a great salesman and it was your mistake with Refri, not his! You're here because we need you - Dona Arcadia, Medina and me. He only accepted the job with condition that you not be fired. It's his doing that you still have your job.!"

Marino hyperventilates at his desk, it's a fullblown panic attack. Ramirez fans him and then runs to the meeting hall seeking water for his convulsed comrade. He takes a moment to beam at Rafa and kvell: "You were my student, I'm very proud of you!"

Claudia wants the back story; Rafa says it's Beltran who must provide the details." Rafa tells his former co-workers: "I won't torture you, I want us to be friends, professionals, a team." Claudia: "Will you get her office? Her door was locked in preparation for you..."

Beltran tells Ale: "He refused to take your job, he said it was mistake to fire you and that he wants to work with you." She softens a bit but insists she can't accept: "Things are more complicated than they seem. I have personal issues..."

Rafa comes in; Beltran explains: "She thinks you will take vengeance on her." Rafa: "Even though you were offensive towards me, you are the best worker in the team. There's nobody like you." Ale softens more. Ale is mad at Beltran for concealing such a surprise. He barks: "I don't have to reveal my strategies to you! This is not a democracy." "But you can't make me stay." "Are you getting hysterical about your office? I'll get you another one." Rafa says he doesn't care at all about having an office.

Beltran reminds Ale her resignation promised a MONTH of help. She says the current odd situation was not covered. She wants her stuff, but if he won't unlock the office, "You can mail me my things - or just give them to Medina!"

Rafa to Ale, in her (his) office: "I don't know why you hate me, " "Because of your gossiping! You told the world we slept together!" "I NEVER." "Everyone said you did, and nobody else knew." Then he brings up the embargoes of his house. She denies this. "Now you have amnesia! Remember? The police? In front of my family and my busienss." "You are inventing."

Eventually, mostly because all of a sudden her family is more in debt that they were yesterday (back taxes unpaid on their house), she says she'll stay for one month. She gives Rafa the keys to the office but he doesn't want them; they are tossed back and forth angrily. Ale goes to tell Beltran she'll comply and stay for a month. He: "Then begin working immediately on new strategies. You will share your commissions with Medina. You will also share your secretary Susana." "She is not a secretary, she's my assistant." "OK, so she's your assistant and Medina's secretary."

Beltran continues: she'll share her commissions with Rafa. She tells Medina this in a fury, he points out: "You didn't have a job or a salary until I got here." they have a funny argument about who's losing - and who is working to pay whom.

They agree to intensify the search for institutional clients, but that takes time - meanwhile, they'll have to depend on the sales team. They agree they have to get Marino to stay, but neither wants to talk to him.

The salesfolk are in full mockery. "A moment of silence in memory of Marino, fallen in battle. Get a last look at him before he's buried, he'll be the first cadaver of the new administration." He says he quit, and he'll start his own business. It's suggested he could go to Cloautos - after all with Rafa coming over here, there's an opening there.

Susana tells him to go talk to Rafa and Ale, but he says he'll only talk directly to Beltran. He in fact doesn't talk to but yells at Beltran, two salient points being: "(1) the job should have been mine; (2) they had a beach blanket romance. Beltran is disturbed to hear he is the last to know about the affair and he starts to think the whole partnership is a mistake. He dangles the future management role in front of Merino and says: "You should stay, and sell as never before. You want to please them all by leaving like a rabbit?" Marino agrees to stay under conditions that include flex-time and that he will in future report directly to Beltran.

Rafa hears the sad end of his replacement Zetina and immeditely thinks of Pepeto as a replacement.

Next Rafa goes to clear up the gossip. He asks Nelson/Dandy and Jimenez (who warns Rafa that VVV called and was nuts that he hadn't answered the call) to meet him in the conference room and asks them who started the horrible gossip. Eventually I believe Dandy admits it came through his romance with Susana. Rafa asks them to help prove he didn't do it. Jimenez: tell Rosaura and she'll broadcast it. Susana to Ale: "Nelso said it wasn't Rafi who gossipped about Puerta Vallarta."

Rafa does ask Rosaura where the gossip came from. After hyperventilation and denials, she admits she passed the story on - but without embellishment! - and that she'd heard it from Claudia.

Marco venting (hyperventilating) with Chavez about the taxes and that worm Medina. Chavez says: (1) There aren't many cows left to sell to cover your expenses; (2) the embargo on the hacienda has been lifted so I don't have access any more. Marco: "I will tell her it's Rafa or me!" "An ultimatum is not a measured response. Remember, without the marriage, you'll have nothing. My contacts can't help you, you just have to pay. And we can't sell more cows, do you know how many it would take? We're done milking this golden goose. And cows, they can't reproduce from morning till night... I suppose you could tell the truth, and then they can pull the money out of the property themselves and pay the taxes." He then suggests (I think) that they find some down-and-out guy to buy the foreclosed house and then sell it back to Marco at a lower cost. I think.

Phone! It's Claudia, downstairs - remember, she wriggled and breathed all over Rafa to get the afternoon off to go see a "client." Chavez wants to see her. Marco throws him out. Pulls her in. She: "Don't commit suicide - I'm here for what you need."

Jorge on phone to Ale: I forbid you to stay there with that delinquent who destroyed your life and ours. Quit immediately. She says they'll talk that night. Jorge: "I can't let her do this to Marcario..."

... Who is that very moment making out with Claudia. They fall into bed, but he jumps right up at seeing again that hallucination of Rafa and Ale on his same bed, in a close embrace. He panics, Claudia ministers to him in the kitchen, though reproachfully: "I thought you were a gladiator of love. But now (peeking), there's nothing." "I'm distracted." "I have a trick to wake the dead." Ale calls and Marco throws Claudia out. He goes nuts hearing Rafa's voice in the background

Papeta will get Zetina's job. Some guy comes to build a wall down the middle of Ale's office so Rafa can have half.

Ale tells Rafa she's leaving for the day, but he says, "It's barely seven. We have to prepare for a meeting tomorrow." Ale calls Marco back to say she'll be later than she thought but she swears she won't see Medina. "He ordered me to stay! We have a report due tomorrow."

Finally VVV reaches the Generala who won't give Vicki his extension. "He is busy behind closed doors with Alejandra." The others think this may get Rafa killed, Isabel doesn't care: "It's his problem if he has a baby for a girlfriend."

At or about the hacienda - and the house, which is now also owing back taxes

Rubi: riding, walking, eating pink stuff with Georgie. She tells him not to worry about the taxes on the house, that's his daughter's problem. "Your health is what I care about." "You are a strange nurse. Young and beautiful." She kisses him each time he says it. "Are you going to take me to the hacienda?" He really wants to.

Now, it's time for exercises. She'll be teaching him to pole dance next! He needs an icecream because looking up her skirt he's worked up quite a sweat.

Marco tells Rosario the house is getting embargoed now, for the back taxes. "It's too late to do anything except pay. There are hefty fines, interest, ... it's lots and lots of money." Neither wants Jorge to know. Where to get the money?

Rosario calls Ale about the taxes. Marco offered to pay so she won't be upset. "You've done enough."

Claudia calls Marco with this unwelcome news: "Your girlfriend didn't tell you? Sit down. Rafael Medina is back - as her boss." Marco hyperventilates.

Marco yelling at the olds. "She'll stay with him! I can't take any more, I quit!" He clarifies: he would never quit being lawyer representing the hacienda (heh, if they only knew), but he will no longer represent Ale in her suit against Medina. He hands the papers to Jorge...

... who looks through them for Rafa's address. Rubi finds it for him (in the papers regarding the law suit). Jorge's going after Rafa!

Labels: dinero