Daniel steps out of the
elevator, walks over to Patricia and asks if she has a
photograph of herself, a full view. He has a couple of
friends that he would like for them to view it. He
believes that this would be better than him describing
her. He states that after they see her picture there will
be no more words needed and she will be kept busy.
Immediately, Patricia rises from her chair and tells him
that she no longer has to put up with his humilitating
her, because her life has changed. He asks if she has won
the lottery. She says that it is something a lot better
than the lottery. Her cellular telephone rings.
Nicolas is calling and Patricia gets excited (for Daniel's
benefit) and starts calling Nicolas "My Love"
and "My Life". Nicolas, not believing that she
is speaking to him turns around (his at Betty's house) to
make sure that she is talking to him. Sandra and Mariana's
ears perk when they realize that she is speaking to
Nicolas. Daniel has the same look that he always has, but
it kind of reads as though he doesn't quite believe her.
Patricia makes plans with Nicolas for him to come to pick
up at her place, but first, they will have drinks. Nicolas
doesn't catch on that something could be occurring so he
is excited when Patricia is asking him out and readily
accepts her invitation. After she has finished speaking to
Nicolas, Daniel just shakes his head and walks off.
Patricia notices that Sandra and Mariana are staring at
her and she gives them one of her famous flinging of hair.
AT BETTY'S HOUSE
Nicolas is jumping up and down for joy. He gathers
Patricia's picture is his hand, kisses it and tells it
that he is driving her crazy. He calls himself a champ. He
then wonders where he is going to get the money for this
evenings date.
MARCELA'S OFFICE
Daniel enters and greets Marcela. He informs her that
Roberto called to see how the business was doing. He tells
him that he doesn't know and he will also have to wait
until the meeting. He goes on to tell Marcela that he will
be speaking to Roberto after selling his portion of the
company and he would like her to inform Armando of his
plans. Marcela is not happy about his decision. However,
Daniel goes on to tell her that this is what he wants, he
doesn't expect roses or fighting. He expects Armando to be
happy about the news.
He asks Marcela if she has information in regards to the
company where Betty's boyfriend works and she tells him
that the name is Terra Moda. He says the name as though he
has heard of it. Marcela informs him that Armando has told
her that it is a good company. He says that of course
Armando would make that statement. He tells her not to
worry that he will personally find out information about
Terra Moda.
As Daniel approches the elevator to leave he tells
Patricia to mail him her photograph. She walks over to him
and tells him to forget it. She tells him that she does
not need him or any of his friends. He makes a comment
stating that any guy that she will date is poor and that
she will have to sell herself in order to live. He tells
her to take advantage of the opportunity because in two
days she will be fired. She tells him that it will never
happen. He once again tells her to mail a picture of her
entire body wearing only undergarments.
Hugo and two of his models arrive at the same time as
Marcela. Hugo tells her that he needs her to come by his
office in order to do her last fitting. She tells that she
is too busy and cannot do it today. He tells her that he
is too busy with the new collection. He won't hear of her
not trying it on and people making comments about the
dress at the wedding. He tells her that he doesn't want
people to get confused and think that Armando is not
marrying Marcela, but instead someone that looks like
Betty.
While Sophia is on the look out, Bertha is calling the
restuarant to find out who was Patricia's date.
Unfortunately, Marcela walks by and Bertha has to hang up
before she can even ask her question.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE
Marcela enters and starts questionning about his night
out. After playing twenty questions she tells Armando that
she knows that he is lying and that the man that he claims
he was meeting was not even there. Armando asks who told
her and wants to know what else she was told. He tells him
how he was seen with Betty and that she was being very
affectionate. Armando tells her not to start. She tells
him not to tell her not to get jealous and she goes on to
say that she is not jealous of that fool. He tells her to
quite down because Betty is in her office. She tells him
that she could care less. He tells her that she was lied
to. He tells her that Betty acted respectful. Marcela
tells him that she does not have a problem for Betty to
accompany him to business events, but he doesn't have any
reason to take her to the places where they and their
friends frequent. She tells him to put her in her place.
Armando refuses to accept her claims and tells her why
don't they begin to fight like cats and dogs right when
they are getting to launch the new collection and with the
executive meeting a few days away. He tells her that his
parents are arriving the next day.
Marcela tells him that she knows that his parents are
arriving and admits that Daniel gave her the news. She
goes on to tell him that Daniel plans to sell his part of
the company. Armando becomes angry and says that he cannot
sell. He reminds of their agreement not to split the
company so that the two families will not lose control.
Marcela tells him that he can sell and that does not mean
that they will lose control of the company. Marcela tells
him that this would be best for him. There would be no
more fights and he could be president for as long as he
wants. Armando believes that Daniel is planning something,
but she assures him that he needs the money for a new
project that he is launching.
Marcela then goes into the discussion about the wedding.
She hands him an invitation, which he glances at quickly.
She tells him that she understands that he does not have
the time to worry about the wedding. She tells him that
she will handle everything but with the new collection
there will be a delay. She asks that he least accompany
her to sign the contract for the new apartment, which he
agrees to do so. She then tells him that she needs someone
to deliver the invitations for her. She looks at her as
though it's a bother. She says fine that she will get
someone else to do it for her. She gathers the invitations
and walks into Betty's office and ask that she hand them
over to Freddy. Armando tells Marcela to leave Betty alone
because she is busy working on the report for the meeting.
Betty tells him that it is no trouble. As Marcela is
leaving, Armando stops her and wants to know why Betty
when she has Mariana and many others who can help. Marcela
says that it's to refresh Betty's memory that her boss is
engaged and that she can't be affectionate with him in
public. After Marcela leaves, Armando tells Betty that she
doesn't have to do it. Betty tells him that it is no
bother. He tells her he knows what she must be thinking.
On her way out, Betty tells him that he has no idea as to
what she is thinking.
BETTY'S HOUSE
Patricia calls Nicolas and acts as though she is
embarrassed about her earlier call. He tells her that she
has no reason to feel that way. Betty passes her and
Patricia tells him that she is feeling guilty, again, he
tells her that he is not feeling builty so there is no
need for her to feel that way. Mario approaches and when
she sees him she begins to talk louder, sweeter and
confirms their plans for the evening. Mario passes her
without making a comment.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE
Mario walks in and is excited when he hears that news that
Betty is working on the report. Armando tells him that it
doesn't matter if she fixes the report because they have
alot more serious problems. He tells him about Daniel
wanting to sell his portion of the company. Mario states
that they don't have the money to buy him out. He tells
Armando to consult with Betty as to what they should do.
Armando tells him that a more serious problem is his
promise to Betty to cancel the wedding. Mario wants to
know if she believed him. Armando tells him the story of
Marcela turning over the invitations to Betty.
SECRETARIAL AREA
Betty is giving Freddy instructions on delivering the
invitations. Freddy notices that none of them have been
invited. Mariana says that it is the best thing since it
would be difficult to come up with the money for a gift.
They notice that Betty is not on the list. Betty says that
the only list she is on is Marcela's enemy list. As she
walks away, she tells them that they cannot count on her
being at that wedding.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE
Mario tells Armando that the most important thing is for
Betty to believe that he plans on canceling the wedding in
order for her to fix the report. Armando has a strange
look on his face and Mario wants to know what is wrong.
Armando admits that he can't come to terms that he is
getting married. Mario gets upset and tells him that he
can't cancel the wedding. Canceling the wedding would be
the biggest mistake that he could make.
Betty walks in and tells Armando that she has given the
invitations to Freddy. Armando apologizes and tells her
how bad he feels. Betty replys that it was a pleasure to
help him and walks into her office. Armando has a very
anguished look on his face. Mario invites him out to
lunch. Armando walks over to Betty's office and tells her
that he is going out to lunch. He tells her that he will
see her later in the afternoon. She answers yes. He gives
her a little smile and leaves. Betty says, with no one
listening, that she hopes that he is happy in his
marriage.
BY BERTHA'S DESK
Sandra, Mariana and Aura Maria come running around the
corner almost bumping into Mario and Armando. They ask if
Bertha has had an opportunity to call the restaurant to
find out who dined with Patricia. Bertha calls and finds
out that she did dine at the restaurant, but forgets to
ask the name of the guy.
Aura Maria takes the telephone away and tries to obtain
the information. The gentleman certainly remembers
Nicolas, but not his name. He goes to pull the check and
tells Aura Maria that it was Nicolas. Aura Maria is in
shock and cannot tell the rest of the Cuartel who it was.
As the Cuartel is screaming at her, Patricia yells at them
to tone it down. Aura Maria finally tells them that it was
Nicolas.
Inesita joins the group and they tell her what they have
discovered. Sandra is ready to kill Patricia. Inesita
wants to know if they have told Betty. Not one of them has
the heart to tell her. They would reather take care of
Patricia themselves. Mariana reminds them that Betty has
seemed depressed and she fears that this would kill her.
Inesita tells them that they have to tell her because this
is a matter between Betty and Nicolas.
The Cuartel decides that Sophia should be the one to give
Betty the news. When Sophia wants to know why her, Sandra
tells her that it is because she is the one that can say
the most cruel things.
BETTY'S OFFICE
The Cuartel enters and when Betty says hello they turn
around to leave. Sandra and Aura Maria stop them. Bertha
asks if she is busy. Betty says yes, again they turn
around to leave. Again, Sandra and Aura Maria stop them.
Betty asks Sophia what is happening. Sophia asks Betty if
she knows where boyfriend was last night. Betty says yes,
at home. Sophia asks if she is sure. The Cuartel shakes
their heads no. Betty answers yes. When she spoke to him
he was under the blankets. Aura Maria says yes under the
blankets, but with who. Bertha tells her to take what they
are about to tell her calmly. Sophia spurts out that he
was with Patricia. They explain to her how they know.
Betty gets very angry. Betty asks that they not say
anything to Patricia until she has an opportunity to speak
to him. Aura Maria asks that Betty not dump him, because
with him goes the money and the Mercedes. The Cuartel
worry that if they leave her alone she will commit
suicide. Betty tells them not to worry.
BETTY'S HOUSE
Don Hermes and Nicolas are discussing the money that
Nicolas has just made by investing the petty cash. Betty
calls to speak to Nicolas. Nicolas tells her to
congratulate him because of the money that he made. Betty
then says, "Tell me my boyfriend, where did you spend
the money from petty cash". Nicolas immediately
begins to give explanations that they were items for the
company. She wants to know if he is still carrying the
checkbook. Betty wants to know if he has a receipt from
the restuarant. Nicolas wants to know what is wrong with
her, has she drunk something. Betty tells him that she
knows that he went out with Patricia. (Armando and Mario
walk in. They hear her yelling at Nicolas.) Betty tells
him that she warned him to stay away from Patricia and now
the whole company knows. He tells her that he is still
being faithful to her that their date was something
insignificant. Betty tells him that she knows that he took
her in the Mercedes and that he paid with a check from
Terra Moda. She tells him that they are going to have a
serious talk that evening. The only thing that Nicolas
asks is that he not have a fight with Patricia. He tells
her that he will pay all the consequences. Betty tells him
not to tell her what to do and she hangs up the phone.
Dona Julia wants to know what is wrong. Don Hermes wants
to know if he lost money. He answers yes. Don Hermes says
that Nicolas just said that he had made alot of money.
Nicolas answers that what he did was last night and that
it was bad. He turns in his resignation as manager of
Terra Moda. Betty's parents, espcially Don Hermes, think
that it is a joke. Don Hermes says that at least the
rrefrigerator is saved. They realize that this is not a
joke.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE
Armando and Mario are discussing what they just heard.
Armando is upset because Betty had told him that there was
nothing between them. Betty walks out without realizing
that they had returned. Armando asks if something is wrong
and she answers no. After she leaves he gets upset because
she answered that nothing was wrong. Mario tells him that
he will need to speak to her. Mario tells him that he
needs to be nice to her until she finishes the report.
Betty
tells the cuartel that she spoke with Nícolas. She tells
them that he admitted going out with the Peliteñida.
Mario exits Armando’s office in a slinky fashion, seeing
the women gossiping and overhearing the tenor of the
conversation and tries to overhear even more. The women
advise Betty to punish Nícolas for his
transgression—Aura Maria’s advise is that she demand
the car and dump him. Betty and the others tell her to
forget that. They discuss her plans for the evening and
that the Peliteñida had made a date with him for tonight.
Armando too quietly emerges from his office and notes the
huddled women chattering away and gives them the evil eye.
He asks Betty to come into his office and she tells him
she’s coming. He continues to look at the other women
for a second, arms crossed, and they pretend to be
immediately very busy.
In his office, Armando tells Betty that, sorry, he
couldn’t help but overhear her conversation with Nícolas,
it wasn’t his intention. “It seemed like quite an
argument you were having.” Betty tries to minimize the
importance but he continues, telling her that it seemed
like she was quite angry. Betty apologizes, “I’m
sorry, I didn’t know you were back.” He notes that and
presses her further, “What was going on?” “We had a
disagreement, a misunderstanding, that’s all,” says
Betty. “You were furious, you were angry because he had
gone out with Terra Moda money, in the car, with a
woman…” “It was a misunderstanding, that’s all. If
you’re concerned about the car, I’ll have it fetched
here.” He tells her that it looked like more than that;
it looked like she was jealous of Nícolas Mora. “Oh, it
seemed so?” asked Betty pointedly. Her face is rigid
with anger and trying hard not to reveal it. “No, it was
just a matter of the money,” she tells him. “Now, I
have to go arrange a payment with Banco Montreal.” She
leaves and enters her office. She makes a face at him and
makes a call home. She discovers, after speaking with her
mother, that Nícolas has resigned. She asks if he has his
cell phone (he does, apparently) and she tells her mother
that she’ll try him later.
Nícolas is sadly wandering along a riverbank in a park.
He’s talking to a photo of Pat tucked inside his
overcoat. “Ah, mi amor, it was the most perfect night of
my life… The clothes, the Mercedes Benz, my watch… and
you by my side…” His cell phone rings and he hopes
that it’s Pat but no, it’s Bet. He tells her to relax,
that he’s left the car at her parents and he’ll repay
her for everything he spent. She doesn’t have time for
that now. She asks him how he could resign and he tells
her that he knows that she needs an ethical manager—she
can have his head if she wants it… She interrupts him
and proceeds with her plan. Knowing Armando is next door
listening in, she demands that Nícolas come pick her up
that evening at 6, and he can forget about his other date
that evening. “Tonight,” she says loudly, “We’ll
speak with our hearts in our hands about this.” We see
Armando looking grim in the next room, reading everything
into it that she’d hoped. She proposes that they go out
to dinner at Ile l’Noir, making sure that Armando hears
every word. He sure does!
Pat is on the phone once again whinging to her papa about
the money she needs to ransom her car. She’s oblivious
to Sandra and Mariana as they return to their desks; they
even walk behind her and mock-punch her. She hangs up and
notices them back at their desks looking disgustedly at
her. She snottily asks them what their problem is. Sandra
mocks her perfume and Pat responds in kind. The elevator
opens and Hugo and Cata and a bevy of models exit. Hugo is
expounding on his concerns for the show and Cata is
reassuring him that all will go well. Pat greets Hugo
effusively and asks to speak with him. He comes closer,
his forearms crossed (as if against a witch?). She starts,
“I know that you haven’t chosen the last model for the
show yet; how about me?” She touts herself as a model
and poses. We see her as Hugo would looking at her from
her feet up. He laughs wheezily. “Yes, me!” she
insists. He tells her to forget about it. She continues,
because, as she figures it, she’d be worth at least
5,000. “First,” he tells her, “I don’t discuss
money with my models. Second, I’ve hired a model who’s
classy and beautiful and best of all she’s only 20.”
Pat is offended and tries to persuade him that a woman of
a more mature beauty would credit the show. “Sure, If it
were a funeral show!” he laughs. He tells her too look
elsewhere for her accursed 5,000 and suggests she pray, if
she knows how. Maybe to the saint of money? “Hmmm…,”
she ponders, “Saint Nícolas… Mora?”
Sofia calls Efraín and pleasantly asks him if he
remembers her. He snappily tells her not to joke, of
course he does, and what does she want. “Why, the same
as always.” She’s looking for her child support
payment. He grumbles that she knows how the financial
situation is and until they have the situation resolved
about the house he’s not budging. She sweetly signs off
mentioning that she hopes he’s taken his blood pressure
medication. She tells Berta that she’d not going to
stand by and give up half her house and money belonging to
her children. She’s dialing her lawyer. “Hello?” She
tells him that her ex has denied her her support again and
she gives him permission to process the claim against him.
In his studio Hugo demands that all be ready for his
rehearsal and hounds Inez over and over. She walks away
telling him, “All will be ready Don Ego, er… I mean
Don Hugo!” Cata chides Hugo for being so hard on Inez
but he says that she can handle it; she’s like a truck,
a 4x4 — or considering her size, an 8x8. He notes Jenny
hanging around and suggests occupy herself. Jenny never
learns; she asks him if she’s right that he won’t put
her in this show. He sarcastically applauds her
astuteness. She begs and whines for another try, because
she’s taken classes on modeling and she doesn’t want
to be a size model forever. He laughingly tells her that
she should find a lawyer and have him sue the modeling
schools for her money back. She whines further about how
he’s taking away her dreams, that she wanted a career at
Ecomoda. He more harshly tells her that she can have a
career: she can replace Inez. He goes on about how no one
is entitled to a job; they have to earn it, etc., and
suggests she get onto el cheque for money. He leaves and
she pouts further. “I’m going to call mi pupi and tell
him how mean they are to me here!”
A short-skirted secretary enters Efraín’s office and he
looks her over flirtatiously and calls her his
“papachurritita”. She tells him that two men from the
fiscal department are looking for him. They enter his
office and one tells him that he’s 3 months behind in
his support payments in accordance with the decision in
family court. Efraín blusters and says he can work this
out, can he make a call? He starts dialing in a panic. He
calls Sofia and she sweetly asks what he wants. He’s
practically wetting his pants and he tells her that they
want to arrest him. “My hands are tied,” she tells
him. “The only option is to pay me the 3 months support
you owe us.” He whines that he doesn’t have the money
to hand. He adds that if they find out that he’s been
arrested they’ll fire him from his job and then he’ll
definitely have no way to pay her. Sofia blithely suggests
that it doesn’t matter whether he’s in jail or on the
job because she doesn’t see money from him either way.
How about calling that bandita? “Sofia! I’m the father
of your children!” She wishes him well and hangs up,
telling Berta that he has indeed been arrested. The two
officials want him to come with him. He stalls, brushing
off his coat and telling his secretary that it’s just a
little matter and he’ll be in tomorrow. (Humph! you can
hear her thinking…) As they’re heading out, the phone
rings and it’s Jenny. He grabs the phone and before he
can start his own sad tale of woe, Jenny starts her
crybaby act, telling him that she’s bored and she wants
to quit. He practically shrieks at her that she can’t do
this. He explains that Sofia has had him arrested and they
need her money. She starts to moan and wail and they’re
both a picture of whining complaints. She promises to be
by his side. The official pull him away before he can
finish saying goodbye and he asks his secretary to do so.
Humph! she just hangs up. Jenny, on the other end, is
being called by Hugo but she rushes off—she has a
problem to resolve.
Sofia is telling Mariana, Sandra, Berta and Aura Maria the
details of the arrest when a hysterical Jenny rushes up
and starts screaming at Sofia. She’s clad only in
slacks, a scarf and a taped on strapless, backless, shelf
bra. The women suggest that she leave Sofia alone but
there’s no stopping this tirade. Freddy wanders up and
asks what’s going on. Sandra says nothing and tries to
shoo him away. He asks Jenny if she’s well and she
screams full voice, “NOOO, I’m NOT!” Gutierrez exits
his office to see what the clamor is all about. He
immediately asks Sofia what she’s doing to Jenny but
Sofia tells him that he has it all wrong: it’s Jenny
who’s causing all the trouble. Jenny’s hysteria rises
as she rants on and on about Efraín’s arrest and Sofia
and in a moment of ultimate hysteria she whips of the
scarf and throws it at Gutierrez. He warns her that he may
have to caution her but she continues to say nasty things
to Sofia. Aura Maria rushes to Sofia’s defense and says
that for what Jenny is saying she should be sanctioned.
Jenny turns on Aura Maria; Freddy turns on Jenny to defend
Aura Maria. Gutierrez tells them all to calm down. Jenny
shrieks at Sofia that she’s a bitter old woman, “I
have my dignity!” With that Gutierrez has no choice but
to caution her. She rips off the bra in her fury and
continues her rant. “No, how could you? You’re going
to leave me in the street!” Freddy steps forward to hand
her her bra and scarf but Aura Maria tells him to forget
about it. Gutierrez steps forward to hand them to her. She
drapes the scarf over herself again, but she’s not
stopping, and certainly not repentant. Hugo calls for her
and asks if she’s going to continue her strip tease or
if she’s going to get back to work. “I have a
problem,” she tells him. “Just one?” he mockingly
comments. “You’ll have a bigger one if you’re not
here immediately.” She turns to whine to Gutierrez once
again, “Please, I’m all alone in the world… Do what
you can for me?” She throws off the scarf again and
stands naked to the world. She notes their expressions and
says she’s not stripping, she’s a professional model.
Gutierrez assures her he’ll revoke the caution and she
stalks off with a toss of her hair and boobs. “Very
pretty!” comments Sofia. “If we did a strip, would you
revoke our cautions?” “We have to be humble and
forgiving,” says the mealy-mouthed Gutierrez, ducking
back into his office. Aura Maria tells Freddy to close his
mouth and stop drooling. He dreamily heads in the
direction Jenny left in but Aura Maria pulls him back and
sends him on his way. “Men! Fresco!” the women
exchange shocked comments.
Its raining and Nícolas pulls up to pick up be. He calls
to Wilson; he ask how he can help. Nícolas asks him to
tell be that her novio is out front. “And hurry, it’s
raining!”
Armando is packing up for the night. Mario sidles into the
office and cautiously asks if he can pose a question.
“And how are the figures for the budget?” Armando
tells him that Betty is working on them now. “And what
about that argument with Nícolas Mora? Did you clear that
up?” Armando explains what Betty told him: that it was a
misunderstanding, but it’s clear by his face he
doesn’t believe it. “And imagine, they’re going to
go out tonight to dinner, to Ile l’Noir, to have a
heart-to-heart talk about their problems!” Mario
doesn’t want Armando to let this happend; invite her out
or something, he suggests. Armando tells him to forget it
and Mario eggs him on by implying all the bad things that
will happen if Armando spends the night with his arms
crossed in his apartment. Armando tells him forcefully
that he’s not going to stay with his arms crossed,
“I’m not going home to my apartment. I’m going to
finish this game. I’m tired of this and once and for all
I’m going to clear all of this up!” They hear the
phone ring in Betty’s office. She answers. It’s Wilson
telling her Nícolas is downstairs. She responds so that
the two men can overhear her. Mario broaches another
topic. He wants to know whether Betty is jealous of Nícolas
and the other woman. “And I heard her refer to her as
the Peliteñida… could it be our Peliteñida?” Armando
wonders if it could be too, but no, what are the odds that
their Peliteñida would have anything to do with a type
like Nícolas Mora?
Cata enters the office and Mario starts to flirt with her.
He kisses the back of her neck several times, much
affected by her perfume. “It’s not perfume,” she
tells him. “It’s an essential oil that I use when I
want to maintain good relations with an animal.” Mario
leaves and Cata wants to give some paperwork to Armando.
He doesn’t want to deal with it and wants to give it to
Marcela but she’s so busy with the wedding plans. Cata
acknowledges the truth of this: she’s handling so many
details she sympathizes with her. She pointedly mentions
that marriage is something entered into by two and with
all Marcela is doing by herself it doesn’t seem that
way. She enters Betty’s office and asks her to resolve a
few important issues by tomorrow. Betty promises that she
will tomorrow, but tonight she has a date with her novio.
She has a big smile on her face for Armando’s benefit
who’s entered the office doorway behind Cata. He wishes
Betty a good evening and leaves. Cata looks at Betty and
smiles. She notes, “I see that you’re using the white
candle for relaxing; it appears to be working. It seems
like you’re leaving on a luna de miel with your
novio!” Betty tells her that when she stares at the
flames she does indeed see things more clearly; after the
crisis come better things. Cata warns her that it’s only
looking at the white candle that brings relaxation: when
you focus on the flame, the anger persists. She wishes
Betty a good evening and leaves. Betty blows out the
candle. (See, our Betty is security conscious after all!
And, it appears that the candle is going down as well.)
Pat is on the phone with Marcela trying to beg for a ride
home but to no avail. Mario heads to the elevator but
steps back to ask Sandra a delicate question, “Who is
the Peliteñida?” Sandra points to Pat. Noting Mario by
the elevator, Pat sees a ride home on the hoof and dashes
up to him as sexily as she can. With a toss of her hair
she asks if he could give her a ride home to her
apartment. He coldly tells her he has an appointment that
will take her the opposite direction. She pleads that
she’ll have to go find a bank and get some money to take
a taxi and he wouldn’t want her to run into any danger,
would he? He’s not falling into this ploy. He pulls some
“emergency” money out of his wallet and hands it to
her. She pretends to be offended that he would give her
money, but he tells her that it’s not a gift, it’s a
loan so she shouldn’t be offended. She asks why he’s
so cold to her, “Can you forget what was between us?”
He laughs this off, “What was between us was so
perfect…” He doesn’t want to spoil the memory by
picking up where they left off. Armando calls out to him,
“Still here, Calderón?” They head to the elevator
together and Mario tells him that the Peliteñida is the
name for Patricia, but they still aren’t sure it’s one
and the same as was out with Nícolas. Aura Maria exits
the elevator and Mario looks after her admiringly. Pat
takes the money and calls Wilson and has him get her a
taxi.
Sofia is telling Betty about how Efraín was arrested. She
tells her and the others that it hurt her to have to do
it: he is after all the father of her children. They
remind Betty that Nícolas is waiting for her and Aura
Maria chides her for going out on a date looking the way
she does. Betty says, “Well, this is the way I am.”
However, the cuartel members aren’t having this. She’s
got to “arreglar” herself for her date so that he
won’t have eyes for any other beau-stealing woman. Pat
hears this last comment from Sandra and is alarmed to
think that Nícolas could be going out on a date with
Betty when he has a date with her for the same evening.
She wonders if he’s cheating on her.
In today’s episode
Nicolas is waiting for his girlfriend Betty to come down.
But at the same time Betty and Patty arrive Its the
funnniest thing Nicolas scrunges down into the seat hiding
from both of his ladies not wanting for them to see him.
He says to himself that if they see him they are going to
eat him alive. In the meantime Betty asks Wilson where her
boyfriend is at, because she sees the car but not the
driver and Wilson explains that he was there a minute ago
and at the same time gets close to the car and spots
nicolas and screams "Here he is!!" Nicolas is
like "oh hi betty hi patty!!" Patty is waiting
for a taxi and Wilson tells her that the taxi is waiting
for her in the corner and she scrreams " why in the
corner, go call him to come here!!" Poor wilson he
has to put up with so much :P
Betty and Nicolas are heading to Le Noir and are not aware
that they are being followed by Don Armando Mendoza. He
will stop at nothing. They arrive at Le Noir and Nicolas
opens the door for Betty and asks the valet guy to park
his car and that he will leave the tip with the waiter
inside. The valet guy says that he remembers him and that
last time he didn't leave him a tip. Nicolas is like the
waiter inside didn't give it to you? But I think the guy
knew better. Nicolas is talking to himself saying how it
could be that he was going to go in with Betty. That his
reputation would be ruined, one day going in to Le Noir
with Patty and the next with betty. :( Betty is telling
him to hurry up and he says go ahead I'll be right there
and she notices why he is hesitating and tells him off
that she can't beleave that he is ashamed to go in with
her to hurry up and stop acting silly. Nicolas is very
comical coming in and kind of slouching down as if trying
to hide in his own clothes( like if he were the catch of
the day!! to be acting that way around Betty!!) Anyways
when they finally arrive inside the waiter asks them if
they have a resevation and Nicolas is like, "we don't
need a reservation. Don't you know who I am? I am Nicolas
Mora, gerente de Terramoda" and whips out one of his
business cards and the waiter of course remembers him and
says that he already has a card from last time ( who can
remember the funny episode of Nicolas asking for los dos
huevitos :P ) Betty jumps in and tell the waiter that she
is the personal assistant of the president of Ecomoda and
then finally he gives them a table thanks to Betty.
Outisde Le Noir: Armando arrives and asks the valet guy to
park his car by the curve but somewhere where they can see
him because he doesn't want anyone to see that he is
there. He goes in and asks for a whiskey and sits by the
bar and the show begins. He also requested for no one to
know he was there.
Betty is talking to Nicolas trying to find out what has
happened, where he spent the money on and why he did it.
She tells Nicolas that he can not give his resignation
that if he leaves the company she will never forgive him,
because she needs him to help her and that is he leaves it
might be worse than what she felt when she found out the
truth about her love affair with Armando or the same.
Betty spots Don Armando across the bar but is not sure if
it is him. She excuses herself and walks out to the front
of the restaurant. Armando is trying to hide from her and
bends down trying to hide as she passes by where he was
sitting at, and reaches the waiter and she asks him if Don
Armando Mendoza was there that she thought she saw him.
Armando is sweating it, hoping the waiter won't give him
in and then the waiter says that no he is not there. But
Betty being as smart as she is she walks out and asks the
valet guy where Don Armando's car is and the valet guy is
like ah ah and Betty is like, "Don't worry. I know
that he is here. We are together but he assed me to get
some papers from the car." The valet guy tells her
that his car is by the curve and that he just didn't want
anybody to see him there. She is like "I know but the
car is too far away I will just tell him to come get them
himself". With that she goes back inside ready to
play her part in the romantic velada with her boyfriend
nicolas. HEHEHE
She goes inside and tells Nicolas that her boss is there
and Nicolas was just about to turn when she grabs his face
and kind of caresses it, telling him not to turn his head
because she didn't know specifically where Armando was.
Betty starts telling Nicolas that he must promise her that
he won't leave, that she needs him, that Terra Moda needs
him and with that she says whispering " deme sus
manos" Nicolas is like what?? que me
de las manos idiota!! ( give me your hands idiot!") He
does and she expresses to him how happy she is that he
won't leave her and then he catches on with the game the
make your boss jealous with your boyfriend game. Betty
asks Nico to give her a hug, he is like right here right
now, and she is give me a hug boyfriend of mine. Armando
in the meantime is spying on them and is dying of jealousy
from what he is witnessing. Betty and Nicolas toast and
interwhine their hands while they drink the wine. Betty
pretends to be a little tipsy and friendly with Nicolas
all for Armando's eyes to see. And she tells Nicolas that
they need to go.
Nico- where??
Betty- where couples go when they make up and they can be
alone.
With that they ask for the check and they get up Betty
asks Nicolas to walk with her together in a very couple
manner. They walk out and again Nicolas lies to the valet
guy and tells him that he left him the tip witht he waiter
inside. They are driving on and Betty wants to know what
is going on between him and Patty. Betty doesn't
understand why Nicolas is interested in a woman who is
only interesed for the material things that he seems to
have. Nicolas admits that he knows that Patty is only with
him because she thinks he has a money and that even then
he still enjoys being with a woman like her because she is
pretty and all. And to remember that when will he have
another chance to go out with some one like her NEVER! She
tells him that she doesn't want for him toget hurt and he
says that it is impossible because he knows the real
reasons that he is also using her. Betty understands him
and tells him to take her to her house so that he could go
out with Patsy Pat. Then Nicolas notices that Armando is
following them, Betty asks for Nicolas to open the door
and walk side by side when they arrive in front of her
house. She knows that Armando is watching closely. Betty
makes Nicolas promise that he will never keep anything
from her again. He promises and is happy that his
girlfriend is giving him permission to date the other
woman. Betty and Nico KISS but not in the mouth of course.
Armando who is watching from the corner can not tell where
the kisses are landing and he is furious...... Nicolas
leaves and then comes Armando screeching his tires and
screaming: "BEATRIZ PINZON SOLANO pare ahi asi la
queria agarrar!!!!!" Betty is like " Don Armando
que hace aqui????"
Armando
exits his car in front of Betty’s house ... he is
extremely angry.
Armando -- I came to see with my own eyes what I’ve
suspected for a long time, Beatriz!
Betty (playing dumb) -- What did you see, don Armando?
Armando (striding angrily up to where Betty is standing,
by her front door) -- Everything! I saw everything, damn
it!!! I saw you together at Le Noir, drinking wine
happily, holding hands, you were caressing each other,
damn it, you were even hugging!!!! How can you do this to
me?!?!?!?!? Why me?!?!?!?
Betty -- Please, calm down, doctor, you’re going to wake
up everyone.
Armando -- Of course, “calm down, doctor, please calm
down!” (hits the wall with the palm of his hand). Why
are you doing this to me, Beatriz? Can’t you see? I’ve
always told you that I suspected that there was something
between you, that something was happening between the two
of you, but you’ve always denied it! You’re driving me
crazy!!!!! I’m desperate, understand me, I’m
desperate!!!! Why are you still denying it if I saw
you?!?!?!?
Betty -- One moment, doctor, but what have I done?
Armando -- What do you mean? You and that guy were
hugging, you were holding hands, you were caressing, you
were ... (shakes the rails in front of the window) ...
kissing!!!!
Betty -- But not on the lips.
Armando -- Well, I don’t know where the kisses were, but
you kissed.
Betty -- Doctor, they were not on the lips, they were on
the cheek. And let me tell you something, Nicolás and I
know each other very well, we’re very good friends.
Armando (sarcastically) -- But of course you must be super
good friends!
Betty -- We’ve known each other since we were kids.
Armando (even more sarcastically) -- But what a
coincidence, how you know each other so well, right?
Betty -- Doctor, as you heard in the office today, we had
an argument.
Armando -- God, do you think I’m dumb or what???? Of
course I know you had an argument, but why? Tell me
why?!?!? Because of a woman, because of a “peliteñida”!
(Daring Betty) Deny it, deny it, Betty.
Betty -- No, no, no ... just a moment, doctor. I was
worried because I was under the impression that Terra
Moda’s money was involved but that was not the case,
it’s all been cleared up. Whenever you want, I can show
you the company’s books.
Armando -- No, I know perfectly well that the company’s
books are in excellent hands, in the hands of Nicolás
Mora. And of course you went to clear up everything today,
in the midst of hugs, of caresses and ... KISSES!!!!!!!
Betty -- Doctor, we reconciled. Our friendship was in
danger, and, yes, since we love and trust one another so
much, we held hands, we hugged, and kissed ... but on the
cheek.
Armando -- Yes, of course, Beatriz, what tender friends
... what tenderness. My heart broke at witnessing such
tenderness!!!!
Betty -- Listen, doctor, don’t you think that it’s not
your place to come and ask for explanations? To come here
to my house to see what I’m doing with my friend? When
you spend all day at the office kissing Doña Marcela?
When you spend almost every night at her apartment and not
precisely sleeping? So really, doctor, it’s not your
place to ask for explanations, good night.
Armando (pulling on the rails in front of the window
again) -- I haven’t touched Marcela again. Beatriz,
since you and I were together, I haven’t touched Marcela
nor any other woman. (In a defeated tone) And that is my
problem, that is my problem, that’s what’s eating me
up inside, (emphatically) I can only be with you.
Betty -- You don’t have to try to make me happy by
telling me that, doctor. I know the rules of this
relationship very well, don’t lie to me. And now if
you’ll let me, I must go in, I have to go to bed so I
can get up early tomorrow morning and finish the balance.
(Turns around to leave).
Armando (grabbing Betty and making her stay) -- No! I
swear to you by that which is most sacred to me, that
which is most sacred in my life ... and that is you ...
that what I’m telling you is true.
Betty -- Yes, of course, doctor. See you tomorrow. (Turns
around again).
Armando (grabbing Betty by both arms and hugging her
forcefully) -- BEATRIZ!!!!!! Just one kiss, please, I just
want one kiss ...
Betty (fighting Armando off) -- No, doctor, please calm
down.
Armando -- Just one kiss ...
Betty (turning her face away) -- No, doctor, no. You are
very drunk, no, no ...
Armando -- BEATRIZ!!!
Don Hermes apparently hears the ruckus and comes outside
to see what’s going on. Betty tells him that she was
talking to Don Armando but he is just leaving. Don Hermes
asks Armando if he was the one yelling and Armando tells
him he was ... singing! :o) Betty explains to Don Hermes
that they were fighting over something insignificant and
then says goodnight to Armando. Before Armando can leave,
Don Hermes tells him that he does not care for the way he
sings and Armando agrees that that he sings horribly ...
he starts to walk down the steps. When Hermes and Betty
are alone, he loudly reminds Betty that he doesn’t like
anyone yelling at her (hello???). Betty tells her father
that Armando wasn’t yelling at her, and tells Armando,
who is now standing by his car, goodnight again. Armando
responds in kind and he gets into his car as Betty and Don
Hermes enter the house. He says to himself, “Oh God,
what’s happening to me? I’m acting out of my wits. I
yelled at her too much. What’s happening to me????”.
And he drives off.
Nicolás arrives at Patty’s apartment building in the
Mercedes. He calls her from his cell phone and she invites
him up for a glass of wine. Nicolás accepts and he puts
talcum powder on his underarms (with his shirt on??) and
drinks some cologne (yuck!) to get ready. Patricia takes
out her last bottle of wine when Nicolás rings the
doorbell. She sprays perfume on and proceeds to open the
door and invite Nicolás in. Nicolás congratulates Patty
on the apartment and she in turn tells him that she used
to have a much bigger one when she was married, but she
let her husband keep it (yeah, right!). Patricia hands
Nicolás the bottle of wine and the corkscrew so that he
may open the bottle and excuses herself for a moment.
Nicolás tries unsuccessfully to open the bottle ... I
daresay he’s never used a corkscrew before! He finally
gives up and puts the bottle down and decides to look in
Patricia’s refrigerator for something to eat but he
finds ... nothing!!! It’s totally empty. In the
meantime, from her bathroom, Patricia dials her home phone
from her cell phone and when Nicolás tells her the phone
is ringing, she yells out that she’ll be right there.
When she picks up the phone in the living room, she holds
a mock telephone conversation with her attorneys making
believe that they will auction her car. Patricia
desperately asks for more time to pay off what she owes
and hangs up crying. Nicolás asks her what the matter is
and Patricia answers that she’s got to come up with 6
million pesos by this weekend or they will auction off her
car. Nicolás tells her he can help her out, that’s what
friends are for. Patricia feigns indignation at the offer
and tells Nicolás that she doesn’t like to muddle up
friendships and their friendship is more important to her
than any money or any car (geeez!!!) Patricia suggests
that maybe he can ask some of his rich friends to help her
out and Nicolás assures her that she can count on him and
hugs Nicolás ... who is surprised beyond belief at his
luck. Then Patricia kisses Nicolás on the lips and, just
like Jenny did a few weeks back with Freddy, acts like it
was an impulse that she fully regrets. While Nicolás
assures her that it’s not a problem, Patricia whines
that she’s ashamed of herself. Nicolás suggests that
she needs a night out, some fresh air. But Patricia tells
him she’s really not feeling well and her conscience is
bothering her (when did she develop a conscience?) ... and
tells Nicolás she will see him tomorrow. She goes over to
the bed and lies down in a very suggestive position and
asks Nicolás to call her tomorrow ... she won’t feel
well until her financial problems are resolved. Nicolás
tells her not to worry, he will call her tomorrow, and
leaves. As soon as he’s out, Patricia tells herself that
she’s successfully avoided another night out with Nicolás
and then hugs her wine bottle [for it successfully avoided
getting opened :o)].
When Nicolás makes it downstairs, he’s going bonkers
over the kiss -- he can’t believe it happened and is
jumping happily all over the place. We hear Betty’s
voiceover as she’s writing in her diary: “I understood
that Nicolás also has the right to dream, even if it’s
a temporary dream like the one I lived with Don Armando.
But with the difference that he full well knows what
he’s doing and I trust his word. Because I need to trust
someone. What’s coming in my life is not easy and I need
to have my closest ally at my side. Now more than ever
I’m sure that I must get away from Don Armando. He
doesn’t want to stop the game and I can’t keep it up
for much longer. His persistence weakens me, his kisses
put me at the edge of a precipice, and his words tonight
sounded so sincere.” With that, we go to Marcela’s
apartment, where she’s on the phone with María Beatriz
talking about the wedding. The bed is a mess ... full of
boxes. Armando walks in and dutifully lets himself be
kissed on the cheek by Marcela while, with a frown on his
forehead, he tries to take in the meaning of everything on
the bed. He really looks disconcerted. Marcela gets off
the phone and Armando asks her what all the boxes are.
Marcela hands him a thank-you card, at which he looks like
if it came from another planet. Then Armando notices some
airline tickets on the bed and he asks Marcela what those
are. She tells him they are for their honeymoon ... in the
Middle East. Armando just repeats dumbly, “The Middle
East?” and Marcela explains that she wants to take him
away for a long time. Then Armando notices that there are
also clothes on the bed and Marcela explains that that is
her trousseau and that she wants to make him happy when he
sees her wear it. Armando just says, “Marcela, pleaaase
...” And Marcela tells him, while he rubs his forehead
and then his neck as if a headache were killing him, that
all she wants is to give him time and that she knows that
after the collection and the board meeting, all of his
tensions will evaporate ... except that of the other
woman. As if trying to make himself believe this as well,
Armando repeats that after the collection and the board
meeting, a lot of his tensions will disappear. As Marcela
walks away with some of the boxes that were on the bed,
Armando picks up a thank-you note and stares at it, while
we hear Betty’s voiceover: “He seemed so sincere, so
honest, so tormented when he told me he had not made love
to Doña Marcela again. If I didn’t know him and if I
had not seen them in the office practically devouring each
other, I would have fallen in his arms again. (Armando at
this point lets go of the card, takes of his glasses and
just looks totally lost -- then we see Betty writing in
her diary). I just ask heaven to keep me strong, I seem to
be reaching the end of the tunnel where I can see the
light.”
Morning has descended on Bogotá and Betty’s parents are
having breakfast (well, actually Don Hermes is having
breakfast while Doña Julia looks on). Betty comes in and
tells Don Hermes that he needs too bring all of Terra
Moda’s books up to date. Don Hermes tells her that all
he’s got is one receipt for an exhorbitant amount from a
restaurant and Betty tells him to deal with Nicolás
regarding everything else. At that moment, Nicolás rings
the doorbell, greets everyone in his usual manner [by
asking to be fed, that is :o)], and Betty informs him that
she will need a trial balance of Terra Moda’s accounts.
She tells Nicolás that Don Armando may ask for that
balance at any time and she wants to be ready to show it
to him. Nicolás asks her if seeing them together last
night at LeNoir scared him, but Betty responds that he is
just worried about his company, though he’s pretending
otherwise ... he even put on a show of jealousy for her
benefit last night. Betty changes the subject and asks
Nicolás how everything went with Patricia last night and
asks how much his outing cost Terra Moda. But Nicolás
tells her that it didn’t cost a cent, Patricia asked him
up to her apartment for a glass of wine. This makes Betty
very suspicious and she reminds Nicolás that he promised
never to lie to her again ... did Patricia ask him for any
money? Nicolás tells her that she’s desperate but that
she didn’t ask him for any money (ooooh, Nicolás!!!)
and recounts the incident of Patricia’s attorney calling
about the car. This makes Betty even more suspicious and
she asks Nicolás what he promised Patricia and Nicolás
reiterates that she didn’t ask him for one single cent.
Betty asks him to swear it and he does. Then Betty asks
him what else happened and Nicolás tells her that she
kissed him and he’s very excited. Betty is now really
worried and tells Nicolás that the Peliteñida will do
anything to get Nicolás. Nicolás asks if maybe Patricia
has a sexual fantasy involving him, but Betty disavows him
of that notion and tells him that what she has is an
economic fantasy :o). She reminds Nicolás to keep his
feet on the ground and to be very careful with that witch.
Nicolás assures Betty that he knows what he’s in for
(I’m not so sure that he does). Then it’s Nicolás’
turn to change the subject and he asks Betty why she needs
the trial balance. Betty tells him that this is a time
bomb and it will explode at any moment.
Also plotting that morning is Daniel, who is in his office
talking on the phone to ... Olarte!!! Remember him? The
old vice-president of finance that got fired for messing
up Betty’s computer with Patricia’s help? Apparently
Daniel has asked him to research Terra Moda. Since Olarte
seems not to have heard of the company, Daniel asks him to
go to the Chamber of Commerce and ask for a certificate of
good standing ... he wants to know who its manager is and
who is the owner of the capital.
Betty arrives at Eco Moda and El Cuartel questions her on
the events of last night with Nicolás. Betty tries to get
away with the excuse of having to work on the balance, but
Mariana tells her that she need not worry because Doña
Marcela called and told her that she and Don Armando were
at the realtor’s this morning signing the contract for
purchase of their apartment. A look of determination comes
over Betty’s face as she hears and repeats this news.
Aura María gets Betty back on track and reminds her to
hurry up with the story before the bosses arrive or the
Peliteñida comes out of the bathroom. Betty tells El
Cuartel that she and Nicolás made up. El Cuartel is
extremely happy to hear this ... Nicolás confessed, adds
Betty, that it was a weak moment but it will never happen
again. Sofía advises Betty not to trust so blindly
because men lie very easily. Betty says that she will
believe him just as Patricia walks by and greets Betty
with a big smile ... which Betty returns with an ever
bigger smile (extremely fake, of course). Just then, the
elevator doors open and Armando and Marcela walk out --
Marcela looks happy, Armando looks perturbed. Patricia
walks right up to Marce and asks her how it went at the
realtor’s and Marce tells her that the apartment is just
divine ... right, mi amor? (looking at Armando). Armando
has become even more uncomfortable because he has noticed
Betty looking on and quickly agrees with Marcela to finish
that line of conversation. Marcela asks Patricia to come
into her office so she can give her all of the details and
Mario comes out of his office and asks Armando for a few
minutes of his time. Betty and the rest of the girls walk
away towards their respective desks.
Armando walks in dejectedly to Mario’s office:
Mario -- Let’s see, Mr. President, I notice you look
tired ... to what do we owe that tragic face? What
happened?
Armando -- Betty overheard Marcela talking about the
closing on the apartment.
Mario -- Aaaaaaah ...
Armando -- We just came from the realtor’s.
Mario -- But you had explained to Betty that you would
follow all of the steps that lead to the wedding. She
already knows all about it, so what’s bothering you? The
strange thing is that you would invest money in something
that won’t happen, but then you’ll come up with
something, won’t you?
Armando -- Come up with something?
Mario -- Of course.
Armando -- Calderón, it was absurd to sign that contract.
Mario -- Let’s see ... it was absurd because you
didn’t like the apartment or because it doesn’t seem
like a good deal?
Armando -- It’s not that, it’s not that. I’m
re-thinking whether I should marry Marcela. Yes, I want to
stop my marriage, really, I don’t want to marry her,
Calderón.
Mario (totally surprised) -- Excuse me? Is it April
Fool’s Day or where is the hidden camera? What am I
hearing, by God?
Armando -- Don’t be stupid, I’m serious.
Mario -- Let’s see. Are you telling me you will cancel
the wedding, which would unleash a storm, so you won’t
look bad in the eyes of Betty?
Armando -- It’s not because of Betty, it’s because of
me.
Mario -- Just a moment. Mr. President, let’s have a
seat. What in the hell are you talking about?
Betty walks angrily into her office, closes the door and
heads to her desk crying. She tells herself over and over
that she knew it (that Armando would go through with the
wedding) and calls herself a fool for holding out a
glimmer of hope. She reaches in her desk drawer for
matches and lights the white candle. At that exact moment,
Cata walks in and reminds Betty that she needs the checks
for the invoices she brought in yesterday. Betty asks her
to give her 10 minutes and she will take care of
everything. Cata tells her to take her time and, noticing
the look on Betty’s face, remarks that the candle must
not be working as well as in the beginning. Betty tells
her that the crisis with her boyfriend still continues.
Cata responds that she never takes any time for herself
... she’s got the balance, the collection and the board
meeting to worry about, but where is the time to think
about herself? Betty explains to Cata that she has no time
and that she can’t leave Don Armando alone. Cata
suggests that she ask for vacation time right after the
board meeting, but then she remembers that the wedding is
this weekend and then Armando will be away on his
honeymoon, so Betty can’t leave Eco Moda alone then.
Shutters come over Betty’s face and she tells Cata that
she doesn’t want to be here this weekend and much less
during Don Armando’s honeymoon. When Cata questions the
reasoning behind this, Betty tells her that her
boyfriend’s birthday is this weekend and then their
anniversary is coming up and that’s why she doesn’t
want to be here ... if she ever has to be away, it is this
weekend (phew! close call!). Cata tells her that Armando
won’t permit it, but Betty answers that if he doesn’t,
she’ll take the time off anyway. After all, she’s sure
that will be the happiest day of his life. Cata offers to
ask on Betty’s behalf, but Betty tells her that she
doesn’t want Don Armando to know that they’ve been
talking about him and she makes it clear that it’s a
work problem strictly between Don Armando and her. Cata
tells her she’ll be back later for the checks. When
she’s left alone, Betty starts to cry again, telling
herself that she needs to get out of there. :o(
And in Mario’s office:
Mario -- Tell me what this change is all about, what
happened, what happened yesterday? What happened with
Marcela? What happened with Betty? Did you explain things
to her, did you clear everything up?
Armando -- No, I didn’t have the chance, Calderón. I
really don’t know what is going on between them.
Yesterday I saw them at LeNoir.
Mario -- At LeNoir?
Armando -- Yes, they were drinking wine, holding hands,
hugging ...
Mario -- Were they kissing?
Armando -- I couldn’t tell, I couldn’t see well. But
of course when he took her home, then I got the impression
that they kissed.
Mario -- Then you followed them home? That’s good, Mr.
President, I thought you were going to catch them in the
act at LeNoir and you were going to make a public scandal.
Armando -- Of course I followed them home. And you know
what, Calderón? They were so affectionate, so effusive,
that I thought that guy was going to take her to
heavens-knows-what-place, but no, Calderón, he took her
home.
Mario -- And there you attacked?
Armando -- Of course I attacked, of course I did. I
recriminated her actions. But she told me that there was
nothing between them, that they were simply very good
friends, that they had known each other since they were
kids, and that’s why they were so affectionate and what
was happening between them was a simple reconciliation.
Mario -- Aaaaah, a reconciliation ... so they had a fight?
Armando -- Of course they had a fight. There had been a
misunderstanding regarding Terra Moda's money but it was
now all cleared up and that’s why there were so happy,
euphoric and content. In any case, that good-for-nothing
is still driving my Mercedes Benz and he probably
paid the restaurant bill with my money.
Mario -- And he took your Betty. To sum it all up,
Doctor Mendoza, that good-for-nothing is seducing your
Betty with your money in your car ... why
don’t you lend them your apartment?
Armando (getting up and gesticulating angrily) -- Stop it,
stop it, Calderón, no more!!! Stop saying, my
Betty, my Betty ... no more!!!
Mario -- And why? Isn’t she your Betty in any case? Did
you lose her?
Armando -- I don’t know ... don’t torment me!!!
Mario -- You’re tormenting your own self, don’t blame
me. I haven’t done anything. And please, answer my
question, did you lose her?
Armando (in despair) -- I don’t know, I just don’t
know. Last night, last night she didn’t even want to ...
kiss me.
Mario -- Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, Doctor Mendoza, I don’t
know. If I were you, I would start making reservations in
a monastery. Let's review the state of things: you start
chasing a ‘fea’, making her fall in love with you,
then you seduce her, then you stop making love to your
fiancée, then the ‘fea’ cuts off her services, and
our man stops going out with women, he disappears off the
face of the earth, it is rumored that he is totally
celibate, 0 kisses, 0 sex. The monastery, Doctor Mendoza,
the monastery, or if not, then total confinement because
you are going to become very dangerous. When we least
expect it, you will jump on top of any model, yes sir.
Armando (menacingly) -- Stop it, Calderón.
Mario -- And that’s not the worst part. The story gets
even more complicated. Our hero will be left without his
bread or his cheese. The ‘fea’ turns him away and
betrays him with the dunce of the neighborhood, with his
money, and what does our genius do in retaliation? He is
going to re-think his wedding with the owner of company
and all of that because of the ‘fea’!!
Armando -- I am not re-thinking it because of her.
Mario -- Yes, you are re-thinking it because of her. For
her you would give your life. You follow her everywhere
and even put on public scandals. The only thing you
don’t know is if she has anything with Nicolás Mora or
not, but because of her you are re-thinking your wedding
to Marcela ... (now singing) because of her, because of
her.
Armando -- No, Calderón!! You don’t understand what
I’m trying to say. Last night when I arrived at
Marcela’s apartment she had all of the preparations for
the wedding to show me. And you know what? I felt alien to
all of it, I wasn’t excited. Calderón, look, you have
to understand something. Marcela thinks of the wedding as
a countdown, and when we get married, everything will be
as it was before, we will be the same people we were, we
will love each other like we did, but that is a lie!! You
know why? Because I can’t marry a woman that I don’t
desire and it’s been a long time since I’ve desired
Marcela Valencia.
Mario -- Correction. You stopped desiring her after you
went to bed with the little monster.
Armando -- Don’t confuse me. Do anything you want,
Calderón, but don’t confuse me because I won’t let
you.
Mario -- No. You are confused because you won’t accept
that Betty is changing your life. Please react! It’s
incredible, she has changed your intimacy! Look at
yourself in the mirror, you are skinny, with bags under
your eyes, on the edge of a nervous breakdown ...
In response, Armando pounds on Mario’s office door...
Mario
and Armando are arguing in Armando’s office. Mario is
telling Armando to get the situation under control, and
Armando says that “he can’t”, he’s too stressed
about everything that is going on. Armando says that of
course he is at loose ends: everything is about to come to
a head with the company, the board meetings is looming,
he’s about to get married (and doesn’t want to), his
parents will be here any minute and the company is in the
hands of a crazy woman. Mario points out that on top of
everything, he hasn’t had sex lately, Armando says, of
course not, he has no desire for it because he is so
stressed out!! Armando is standing, then sitting, turning
this way and that while Mario watches all of his movement.
Mario then offers ‘one final question’ If la fea would
have made love to you when you offered, would you have
been able to? Armando replies that Mario has
“awakened” him - -no, he wouldn’t.
Mario then asks if Armando has determined whether Patty is
“la Peletenida” and armando asks, throwing his hands
up, when, when would I have had time to find that out!!
Mario asks if Armando has done the card of the day, and
Armando says no, not yet. Mario holds up a card, and says
for the poet to get to work. Mario continues to talk about
how Armando must stay on track, and Armando becomes
frustrated by Mario’s interruptions, telling him to be
quiet, he can’t think. Mario keeps asking if he is
finished, and finally he is. Mario asks to read it, and
Armando says no, since Mario isn’t writing anymore, he
doesn’t get to read it, it’s private. Just after
Armando leaves with the card in his hand, Mario says to
himself -- President, don’t let la fea turn you around
...
Flash to Marcy and Patty sitting in Marcy’s office,
chattintg. Patty is telling Marcy that she thought Betty
would be upset, that Betty would be all over her for going
out with her boyfriend, but not a word. Patty then “lets
it slip” that she kissed Nicholas. When Marcy freaks,
Patty said it only happened once and it was an accident.
Marcy replies that she must have provoked it. Marcy then
asks what Patty is doing about her car, and Patty responds
that she still hasn’t come up with the money. She then
begins to beg and wheedle Marcy for the money, saying that
it isn’t that much, Marcy can afford it. Marcy informs
her that that is not the case at all, that all of her
money went for the apartment, and all of the recent
purchases, and who pays for the wedding? The family of the
bride, but her sister is in south america, her brother
disapproves, and her parents are (she points to the
heavens), so who is paying for everything? Marcy is. Marcy
is paying for everything. Marcy has no extra money at all.
She doesn’t have an extra cent to give to Patsy-Pat.
Marcy then says she has to go, and gets up and walks
toward the door, on her way out she asks when Patsy’s
next meeting with Nicholas is, and Patsy says she
doesn’t know, why? Marcy suggests that there “be no
more accidental kisses.”
Yenny is in the hall talking to her pupuchurri - -saying
how she misses him and everything, but she has been too
too busy to visit, but she would be by soon. The baby talk
continues for a moment, until Hugo calls for her and she
has to hang up.
Armando comes in to Betty’s office, and they exchange
pleasantries. He then offers Betty the card of the day.
(this is a rough sketch, because my VCR was not working
last night, so I couldn’t replay it). All of this
distance between us; all of these nights when you
cancelled our plans; missed kisses, missed lovemaking,
etc., but soon we will be together, soon I will be with
the woman who is the love of my life, who awakens me, it
is only a few days more before we can be together.
She reads while he watches and waits, on pins and needles.
He asks after she finishes if she is calmed by the letter,
she says yes. As he begins to speak again, Marge shows up
at the door of the office with a “look who’s here”
and Margarita walks in! Armando jumps guiltily, gets up to
kiss her on the cheek, and asks, why she didn’t let them
know she was coming. Marcy and Margarita exit to let
Armando wrap up, and Armando is begging Betty under his
breath to help him out, to save him, his parents are here,
the board meeting is just around the corner, please,
please could she take care of the numbers (fix them). He
leaves to go with Marcela and Margarita, and she thinks to
herself, of course, pretty cards, pretty words, pretty
illusions/dreams, all in exchange for the marked numbers.
She then said “PIG” out loud.
Armando, Margarita and Marcy all walk and talk together to
Hugo’s arena. Margarita answered that “your father was
busy and Marcy has so much to do, so I came here. So how
is it going” Bien, responded Armando.
While they are in the lobby, Patsy runs up to say hello to
Margarita. Armando is picking on her, nastier than ever,
mocking her financial status, the lack of car, etc.,
insulting in the extreme, especially for him. Patsy
defends herself to Margarita, but Armando continues to
mock her, talking abou t the things that everyone says
about her, including the nickname, and when she doesn’t
deny it, he knows he has found “Nico’s friend, la
Peletenida”!!
Nico and Hermes are talking about money, and an extra $25
thousand floating around. Nico tells Hermes to pile it in
with the rest except to set aside $3,000. Hermes says,
what for - -Nico dances around about having lots of
expenses. Hermes says – what expenses and Nico is
evasive. Clearly he is thinking about Pasty Pat.
Hugo is practicing with the models on the runway, and
Yenny is up there, until another model shows up who was
away working another gig. Yenny gets booted off the stage
and back to her role as a size model by a very happy Hugo.
Margarita and Marge run into Gutierrez and Berta, who are
arguing about where Sofia is and how long she has been
gone. Gutierrez says that Sofia has been gone much more
than her hour, and that something must be done. When
questioned by all, Berta insists that Sofia has gone to
the drugstore.
Efrian is sitting alone in a dark jail cell that looks
pretty gloomy and cold, but not as seedy as the ones you
usually see on American TV. The guard says that he has a
visitor, and he arises, anxiously, saying out loud how
pleased he is that his girlfriend has finally managed to
visit him. The guard opens the cell door and in walks
Sofia with her hands full of packages. The guard says that
they have 10 minutes, and leaves, locking the door behind
her. She tells him that she has brought a pillow, an extra
blanket, and some food, including some sandwiches. He
mostly just looks at her, he can’t quite believe she is
here. When he asks why she came, she mentions again all
that she has brought. Then she turns to leave. He says
that they have several minutes more, she could stay. She
asks what they have to talk about, besides the lawyers,
the money, and ½ of her house. He asks how are the
children, and she says that they are fine, and they have
no idea he is here, they only think that he is busy with
work, as always. He asks how she is, and she says fine. He
asks again why she came, and she says that she supposes
the good memories overcame the bitterness and anger. It
comes up that Yenny has not visited, and Sofia says that
she must be very busy and it is difficult to get away from
EcoModa right now with so much going on. She agrees. He
says that she must be very busy too, did they give her
special time off to come see him? She says no, she had to
work around it. He quietly takes all of this in. She turns
again to leave, and he invites her to sit down and eat a
sandwich with him, and makes a place on the narrow bed.
She agrees.
As they are sitting, he looks at the sandwich and says
that it is his favorite. She says that she remembered.
They continue to eat and she quiets, and he asks what she
is thinking about. She says that the cell reminds her of
their honeymoon. Our honeymoon, he replies, Sofia, you
always were a strange one. She repeats, their honeymoon,
because their bed was narrow and hard like this one. They
visited a little village, and they had very no money, but
it didn’t matter, because all they cared about was
making each other happy. She talked about how much they
had loved each other, and how it all came to end in this
jail cell. Would he ever have guessed it? No, he replied,
he never would have thought they would end like this. The
guard comes to take her away, and she hands him most of
the sandwich back, saying that he should save it for
later. He says that things are as always, him finishing
her sandwiches for her. She says that she hopes that the
good memories will overcome all of the bad. He agrees, and
she leaves.
Back at ecomoda, Armando, Marcy and Margarita are talking
to Hugo about the wedding dress. He says it is ready and
she should come for a fitting NOW. Marcy and Margarita
walk away with him, but as Armando comes to go with them,
Hugo says no way is he seeing the dress before the
wedding. Armando stays to talk to the models as always,
but following the customary kisses on the cheek, stands a
reasonable distance and doesn’t have anyone on his arm.
Betty gets a call from Armando’s father, puts him on
hold and goes to tell Armando, and walks in on him
encircled by models. When he offers to explain that he
wasn’t doing anything, she says he owes her no
explanations, only that his father is on the phone, and he
should take the call. He asks her to let his mother know
where he is and goes to take the call.
Betty goes back and stares an Marcy in a beautiful wedding
dress and veil (it really was stunning). Hugo asks what
she is doing here and Marcy sneers as well, and she says
she is only there to deliver the message to Margarita, but
she can’t stop staring, or seem to move her feet to
leave. Marcy says that of course she is not coming to the
wedding, and betty says, no, she has an important
engagement. Hugo is equally rude, and Betty flees.
Margarita asks Hugo and Marcy why they were so rude - -
Hugo replies that he cannot be nice to anyone who leaves
their house without checking the mirror. Marcy says that
Betty hates her and wants Armando to marry any one but
her. Margarita says, aghast, that betty can’t be in love
with him. Marcy replies no, she has a rich boyfriend that
she is constantly bragging about, but she helped Armando
hide his mistress. Margarita says “Armando has a
mistress?” !!
HUGO'S
WORKROOM
Marcela (staring at Margarita and in a weepy voice),
"I don't know if he still has her, but he did have
one. She was very important to him. Beatrice helped him
with that romance and that is why I detest her! I detest
her!” Hugo appears and orders Marcela to take that look
off of her face because she will ruin his dress. He yells
at Inesita for the hangers that he had requested and the
clothes for Maria Fernanda. Inesita tells him that he has
not given her enough time. Margarita steps in and tells
Inesita that she needs to rest because she looks pale. She
asks if she's been to the doctor. Inesita says that there
is much work to be done and that she has not been allowed
any time off. She mentions that she was promised a
vacation (she stares at Hugo). Margarita inquiries as to
where she plans on going. Inesita says no where. Dona
Margarita wants to know about her family. Inesita replies
that her children live far way. Dona Margarita, "Then
you are all alone". Inesita, "Yes, I have always
lived alone and that is how I will die". Hugo (with a
grin) immediately stops Inesita and reminds her that he
had introduced her to the porter of his building who is a
divine old man and that she stood him up. Inesita tells
that she has known love, enjoyed it and suffered it and
that she too old for it and she asks him to stop talking
about it. He tells then to bring the hangers. Dona
Margarita stops him from speaking to her in that manner.
With a grin, Hugo says that she is efficient, that
“Quasimota”.
ARMANDO'S OFFICE
Armando is on the telephone speaking to his father. He
tells him not to worry about the meeting that Catalina was
at the airport coordinating the arrival of the
international visitors. (Betty walks in, stops in front of
his, and stares. Armando slows down his conversation and
stares back. Betty hurriedly leaves for her office.)
Armando tells him that he will go the apartment that
evening and that they will speak then. (Betty is listening
to his conversation with his friend.) Armando sends him a
kiss and says that he is glad that he is here. (Armando
hangs up and throws his head back showing that he is
worried.)
Upon his ending his conversation with his father, Dona
Margarita and Marcela enter. Margarita, "The wedding
dress is spectacular. What do you plan on wearing, tails
or smoking?" (Armando doesn’t know what to say. He
puts his right hand against his temple as though he is
thinking.) "I hadn't thought about it. I don’t
know". Marcela steps in and says that she is in
charge and says that he will be wearing "tails".
Marcela excuses herself saying that she has work to do.
Margarita tells him that Marcela has informed her that
almost everyone has confirmed that they will be attending.
Marcela says that basically everything is the same between
the showing of the new collection and the wedding, the
guests, dinner, etc. The only difference is that they will
be the center of attention. Margarita says that the best
thing will be the honeymoon. It would allow him to rest
and dedicate some time to Marcela. (During this
conversation, Armando leans towards his desk with his
hands entwined, a fake grin, shrugging his shoulders as if
in agreement. Since he knows that Betty is listening he
keeps looking in the direction of her office.) Marcela
states that she has things to do and leaves.
Margarita sits down and says that the grand day is
approaching. Armando wants to know what she is referring
to, the new collection or the executive meeting. Margarita
goes to say his marriage. She tells him that this is the
most important event that she has been waiting for. She
says that this is a desire that is becoming a reality for
her and his father. She says that his marriage will show a
significant change in his life. It will show that he is
the president of a stable company that he has managed
well. (Armando is shaking his head in a agreement with a
worried look on his face.) She goes on to say that his
marriage will signify that he is leading a normal life, he
is an adult and is responsible. She continues to say that
he is marrying a marvelous woman that loves him. (Betty is
listening to the conversation. Armando continually looks
in the direction of her office. Betty’s telephone
rings.)
Betty answers her telephone, it's Nicolas. "Hello
Nicolas!" says Betty in her loud sweet voice for
Armando's benefit. (Armando rolls his head to the side.
Troubled that it is Nicolas) “Very good thank you. How
are you?”, she continues. Nicolas wants to know what is
wrong, what has she been drinking. Betty ignores him.
Nicolas tells her that she is making him nervous. Betty
asks what time he plans on picking her up. Nicolas is
shocked by her request.
Dona Margarita notices that something is wrong with
Armando. He tells her that he is tense. Everything is
happening at once, the collection, the meeting and the
wedding. (He continually looks towards Betty’s office
and noticeably disturbed that Nicolas will be picking her
up. His wringing his hands and he is tense.)
She tells him that she has noticed that he is not
interested in the conversation of the wedding. “Are you
not sure about getting married”, she asks. Betty
continues talking to Nicolas as though they are boyfriend
and girlfriend. Dona Margarita asks that Armando close
Betty’s door. Armando is glad to do so since he is very
anguished over listening to Betty's conversation with
Nicolas. When Armando approaches Betty's door she asks him
to close her door. (Betty won’t make eye contact with
him. His face shows anger.) He says, "But, of
course".
BETTY’S OFFICE AND HER HOME
After the door is closed, Betty becomes teary-eyed and
Nicolas asks her what is happening. He says that she is
worrying him and he wants to know if she is going crazy.
Nicolas is telling Don Hermes that Betty has gone crazy
over him and that he may become his son-in-law. Don Hermes
tells Nicolas that he is not going to the father-in-law of
a bread maker. (Don Hermes laughs.) Nicolas tells him not
to dismiss him so fast. He states that Betty would be
lucky to get a guy like him.
Nicolas tells her that her father wants to know what to do
with the money that they have invested in the United
States. Betty tells him that she needs the balance
tomorrow. Nicolas notices that she is not fine. He wants
to know what is going on. Is she ill, he asks. Betty tells
him to come pick her up after work and to hurry. She tells
him that she is going crazy and that life is going out of
her hands.
ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Armando tells his mother that he prefers not to discuss
the wedding. It is not because he is not interested, but
he rather talk about it at home. He has too many problems
that he needs to solve at work. Margarita, "I hope
that it is something else and not someone else". She
gets up and walks out.
SOPHIA'S AND BERTHA'S AREA
Sophia is telling her story about her visit to Efrain to
Bertha. She tells her that she thought that she hated him,
but after seeing him she felt pity for him. Bertha can’t
stand still and Sophia asks her what is wrong. Bertha
apologizes, but she says that she needs to go to the
bathroom, again. She says that the pregnancy makes her
spends quite a bit of time in the bathroom. She says,
"We can act as though this is a telenovela and we are
taking a commercial break". Sophia frustrated,
comments that it is hard to have a conversation with her
because her bathroom breaks are always interrupting.
After Bertha takes off for the bathroom, Hugo and Jenny
come walking down the hall. Jenny with her whiny voice
tells Hugo that she cannot stay to rehearse because she
needs to go and visit her puppochurro. Hugo tells her that
she needs to stay and help “Inesita Quasimota”. Jenny
begs. Sophia chimes in and tells Jenny not to worry
because she has already been to the jail to take him food,
blankets, a pillow and a change of clothing. (Hugo is
standing behind Jenny smiling.) "You!" , says
Jenny. Sophia answers yes. “Why did you do that?”,
Jenny asks. Sophia answers since it corresponded to Jenny
to go and she didn’t she decided to go. Jenny says that
all this has been a plan on Sophia's part to win Efrain
back. Sophia stops her and tells her that he is no longer
her husband and he is Jenny’s lover and the father of
Sophia’s children. (Hugo has moved to a spot behind
Sophia and is grinning.) She goes on to tell Jenny that
the day will come when she will leave Efrain for another,
but will always be the father of her children. (Hugo is
behind Sophia and puts his hands on her shoulders as if
though a show of support.)
HUGO'S WORKROOM
Hugo has returned to his workroom and is barking orders.
He tells Inesita that Jenny has left them and that it will
be up to them to complete the work. Inesita tells him that
what Jenny has to do is very important. Hugo is inspecting
the dress that Maria Fernanda is wearing and gets upset
with Inesita because it is too big. Hugo, "Didn't I
tell you to fix this". Inesita replies that he did,
but he had her working on Marcela's wedding dress and
other projects that she has not had time. Hugo sends her
for his measuring tape and blue thread. Hugo asks Maria
Fernanda if she has had a fight with her boyfriend. He
slaps her butt and tells her that the reason he asks is
that she is thin.
Hugo is yelling at Inesita to hurry with the measuring
tape and thread. Inesita is on her way with the items when
she begins to complain that she is not feeling well. She
puts her hand on her forehead. Hugo immediately rushes to
her side and asks what is wrong. Inesita faints. Hugo gets
scarred and yells to the models, who are already around
Inesita, to do something and not be useless.
SOPHIA’S AND BERTHA’S AREA
Sophia is telling Bertha what happened between her and
Jenny. All of a sudden they hear Hugo yell Inesita’s
name. Sophia and Bertha raise hurriedly to go to see what
is happening. At the moment that Bertha gets up, she’s
overcome with pain. Sophia tells her to sit down, Bertha
refuses she wants to check on Inesita. Sophia promises to
go check on her if she promises to sit back down.
HUGO’S WORKROOM
Sophia rushes in and sees Inesita laying down and passed
out. Hugo is a nervous wreck. Sophia asks what happened
and Hugo tells her that he doesn’t know. He asks for
them to bring water, call a doctor, get first-aid, or to
call an ambulance.
SOPHIA’S AND BERTHA’S WORKAREA
Sophia comes and tells Bertha that Inesita has suffered
from a minor fainting spell. Bertha becomes anxious and is
still suffering with pains. Sophia tells her to calm down
Bertha asks if they shouldn’t take Inesita to a clinic.
Sophia tells her to go home and that she will take care of
Inesita. Bertha gets up to leave and is having trouble
walking.
Hugo is yelling for Inesita’s water.
HUGO’S WORKROOM
He is talking to Inesita and apologizes for calling her
Quasimota, making her work so many hours, and being a
tyrant. (When he says the word tyrant he looks up at the
models as asking them to tell him that he is not a tyrant,
which they do.) He asks if she can imagine what his life
would be without her. He says if she dies now she won’t
be able to enjoy her retirement. Sophia enters with the
water. Hugo takes it away and tells her to leave. He asks
if she can imagine how scarred Inesita would be if she
were to wake up and see her standing there. Sophia ignores
him. Hugo tells Sophia to go get some water and asks the
models what happened to the doctor. The models tell him to
calm down.
ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Mario enters and wants to know how the budget is going.
Armando (with a drink in his hand) says for him to go in
and ask Betty. He says that he is not up to going in and
asking her. He says that he is going to sit down and wait
for that damned budget. Mario asks if there has been
another couple’s fight, more domestic problems. Armando
says that no, Nicolas has called again and invited her
out. He tells him that Betty is dying of emotion. Mario
asks if he plans on following her. He says no that he
can’t. Since his parents are in town he can’t go and
he doesn’t want to leave his mother with the spies,
Marcela and Patricia. Armando is just wanting the budget.
BETTY’S OFFICE
Mario goes in and asks if the budget ready. Betty tells
him that the real budget will be ready tonight and she
will make the changes tomorrow. Mario tells her that they
only have 36 hours until the meeting.
ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Mario tells Armando that it is not ready. He says that
Betty is acting differently and expresses his concern.
Mario tells Armando that he needs to calm down and that he
can’t leave nor let Betty leave until the budget is
ready. Mario leaves. Betty’s telephone rings and Armando
hears Betty asks Wilson to tell Nicolas that she will
right down.
BETTY’S OFFICE
Armando walks into Betty’s office and asks if she has
finished the budget. Betty tells him that it will have to
be tomorrow. Armando says no, that it will she will have
to stay that evening and finish it. Betty says that her
ride has arrived and she needs to leave. Armando asks if
she prefers to go home with that man instead of staying at
work and finish the budget. Betty says that she is tried
and would like to leave. Armando says no that all she
wants to do is torment and drive him crazy. Betty tells
him that he is mistaken. As she tries to leave Armando
tells her no. He says that he is tired of this situation
and that it is making him sick. He tells her that she is
going to stay and finish the budget with him and then make
the changes. (Armando’s voice is getting louder.) Betty
tells him that it won’t be possible and asks him to calm
down that someone will notice. He asks why would it matter
to him if someone found out. He tells her that she has
created this situation and she wants something grave to
happen. (He is getting angrier and he roughly grabs her by
the chin.) He tells her that it is already beginning He
says that she wants him to go crazy. He tells her that
this is the new Armando, the one that she has created,
“The one that can yell at her if he chooses. The one
that can kiss her. The one that can do with her what he
likes.” He roughly grabs her begins to kiss her. Betty
tries to push him off. Betty notices that Cata is standing
at the door and witnessing the kiss. Cata hurriedly backs
out and closes the door. Betty tells Armando that someone
has opened the door. Armando wants to know who. Betty says
that she does not know. Betty walks out of her office with
Armando right at her heels. As she is approaching the door
from Armando’s office to the hallway, Marcela, Patricia
and Margarita enter. Betty says goodnight to them and they
all reply, however, Marcela and Patricia block her way.
IN THE HALLWAY
Aura Maria and Freddy are coming around the corner. Betty
runs into them and asks if the have seen Dona Catalina.
They answer no and Betty asks them what is wrong and they
tell her the news regarding Inesita.
ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Margarita wants to know when he will be home. He says that
he has work to finish. Margarita says that she will leave
with Marcela. (Marcela notices the liquor.) Margarita asks
Patricia if she will be joining them. Patricia answers
that she cannot since she has a very important engagement.
Margarita asks if it is with a boyfriend. Patricia answers
that she is dating a young businessman, with many
projects, with a solid company and has a lot of money.
Margarita congratulates her and tells her that she hopes
that he is the man of her life. Armando hopes so too so
that he will take her away from there forever. Marcela
asks Armando if he is drinking. He says that yes he is and
that she knows that he is tense. They agree to see each
other at the apartment. Armando asks if Daniel will be
there to which she says no. She tells him that they will
see him in the morning since he has asked Roberto to meet
him at Eco Moda. Armando thinks to himself that at least
it was not them who saw he and Betty kissing.
HUGO’S WORKROOM
The doctor has finished checking on Inesita. Hugo asks if
she should go to a hospital. The answer is no, but that
she needs bed rest. Inesita has come to and says that
there is much work to be done. Hugo tells her that if it
has to be there will be no collection. Freddy volunteers
to Inesita home on his motorcycle. Hugo gets angry and
says no. Betty offers to take home in the Mercedes. Cata
immediately turns to look at her. Hugo tells everyone that
he is going to take her home. Aura Maria says that she is
going to take care of Inesita. Hugo says that he will be
the one taking her home and she will be going to his
house. Inesita protests and he agrees to take her to her
home with the condition that he is going to stay and take
care of her. After Inesita is taken, Cata says good-bye to
everyone. Betty stops her.
Betty tells Dona Catalina that she knows that she saw
them. Catalina tells her that she did not see anything. As
Betty tries to explain Cata interrupts and says that she
did not see anything. Cata tells her that her problem is
very serious. Betty asks if she understands why she wants
to leave Eco Moda. Cata nods her head yes and tells her
that she will have to leave. She tells her that she does
not know what is happening, but she does know that she
would not want to be in her place. Betty says that she
doesn’t want to be in her own shoes. Cata asks if she
would like to talk, but Betty tells her that her friend is
downstairs waiting for her. Cata asks if it is her
boyfriend or her friend. Betty tells her that she does not
have a boyfriend and that they will speak tomorrow.
ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Mario is now in Armando’s office who has explained what
happened between he and Betty. Mario tells him that he
needs to calm down with Betty or there will be a great
tragedy. Mario asks if he is crazy. What if he had been
caught by his mother, Patricia or Marcela. Armando says
that he knows that it wasn’t his mother, Marcela or
Patricia. Armando tells him that they will have a bigger
problem if Betty doesn’t fix the budget. Mario tells him
to quit lying to him. Mario says that what is tormenting
him more is what Betty is doing with Nicolas. He tells him
that he doesn’t need a president who is full of
jealousy. He says that he wants to see him tomorrow with
his feet planted on the ground.
DANIEL’S OFFICE
Olarte arrives to give Daniel information as to Terra
Moda. He tells him that Betty is the owner, Nicolas the
manager and the initial capital. When he tells him the
office address Daniel notices that it is a home address.
Daniel orders him to leave the information. As Olarte is
leaving he extends his hand which Daniel ignores.
OUTSIDE ECO MODA
Nicolas is waiting for Betty. Betty tells him that this
game has ended. She says that she is the one losing. She
tells him about Cata seeing them kiss. She says that she
is killing Armando and herself. She says that it is not
just to make someone jealous who does not love her. She
says that she is looking ridiculous. She has lost the
cause. She says that she is not the same Betty. Everything
that they are doing with the car, restaurants and money is
not them. She says that she is playing with the family,
the company and Armando. Nicolas tells her that she is
trying to freeze his relationship with Patricia. She tells
him no, but that he needs to end his relationship with
her. She doesn’t want to be around when the wedding
occurs. This will all end this weekend.
BETTY’S OFFICE
Armando walks in and acts as though he is speaking to
Betty. He wants to know why she is doing this to him.,
where does she want to take him and why does she want to
turn his life. He says that he doesn’t actually know
what he feels for her. He says that she doesn’t answer
him anymore. Talking to her is like talking to the empty
chair that is in front of him. (Armando is still
drinking.) As he leaves her office he tells the empty
chair thank you.
OUTSIDE ARMANDO’S OFFICE
Armando is leaving when he sees Cata passing by with
clothing in her hands. He asks her what she is doing. She
replies that she is helping Hugo with the collection. He
tells her to leave it for Hugo and Inesita. She asks him
if he has not heard that Inesita became ill. Immediately,
Armando becomes concerned for Inesita. She assures him
that she is fine.
Cata
asks Armando if he has any serious problems, if there’s
anything she can help him with. He tells her that
presidents of large companies have problems besides those
of the business and that those problems don’t always
have a solution.
Nico takes Betty to see Inesita. She tells him she’ll
hurry so that he has time to visit Patsy-Pat.
The cuartel is at Inesita’s house and Mariana and Sandra
are taking turns doing Hugo’s bidding who is like a
mother hen over Inesita.
Betty goes upstairs and everyone is near Inesita, very
worried about her. Inesita wants Hugo to go home but he
says that he will not leave her with the cuartel. He tells
her that her husband may have left her, but that this new
self-appointed husband will never abandon her!
Betty enters Inesita’s room and Hugo warns her not to
kiss her as she may give her an “ugliness” virus. Hugo
is mothering Inesita and caring for her. Armando calls
Hugo on his cell phone and Hugo answers it sweetly
thinking it I his boyfriend. He and Armando go into their
usual funny exchange. Armando asks to speak to Inesita and
asks her how she is doing. Inesita says that the cuartel
is there caring for her. Armando asks then if Betty is
also there. She tells him yes and he asks if she brought
her boyfriend. Inesita tells him that Nico is in the car
downstairs waiting for Betty. He wishes Inesita well and
hangs up. Inesita tells Betty to invite Nico in but she
says that he is too timid.
Nico is in his car talking to a photo of Patsy-Pat telling
it that he will soon have to say goodbye to her.
Patsy-Pat is in her apartment talking to her dad telling
him that she’s seeing the friend who will lend her the
money to rescue her Mercedes Benz. She tells him she’ll
get the money today. Patty sits down to eat and her
stomach gurgles and she tells it to stop complaining that
they are on a forced diet.
Nico continues talking to the photo of Patty telling it
that he can’t give her the money because Betty is his
best friend and that she’d kill him. But that if he had
it his way, he’d gladly give it to her.
Freddy arrives with Inesita’s medicines and asks Dona
Hugo how Inesita is doing? Hugo wants to make sure they
have the right medications and goes off to get them ready
for Inesita. Freddy asks Hugo if everyone is upstairs and
Hugo tells him that no, that they are in the basement.
The cuartel are talking about Berta and how she got sick
when she found out that Inesita fainted. They also mention
that Berta’s husband is taking her to see a doctor.
Freddy greets everyone and tells Inesita that he has
brought her medications and hands her an apple. Inesita
tells the cuartel to stop standing around as if they were
at her funeral and they get in bed with her. Hugo wants to
know what everyone is doing in bed with Inesita, that
they’ll suffocate her. Ines is happy to have company
since no one has been in her house since her family left.
Hugo sees the apple and confiscates it, asking Freddy if
he’s a doctor now and knows what’s good for Inesita.
Freddy eats the apple. The cuartel invite Hugo to get into
the bed with them and Inesita. He says he never dreamt of
being in bed with so many women, especially ugly ones! He
gets in the bed! It’s very sweet. The girls tease Hugo
by touching him.
Armando arrives at Inesita’s house. He’s on the phone
with Marcela telling her he is going to visit Inesita and
that he will be at his parents’ house afterward. She
must have made a comment about his drinking because he
asks her if she is going to prohibit his drinking. Armando
rings the doorbell and Freddy answers. Armando asks where
Betty is and Freddy asks if he wants Betty or Inesita.
Armando says either and heads up the stairs, stumbling on
his way up. When he enters Inesita’s room, the cuartel
gets up to greet him. Inesita wants to know if she can
offer him something to drink and he asks for a whiskey.
Hugo asks him if he thinks he’s at an English pub or at
Marge’s apartment and goes into one of his
dissertations. Betty excuses herself and says goodnight.
Armando also excuses himself and runs out after Betty.
Betty is trying to get into the car and Armando slams the
door shut and asks if she’s in a hurry. Betty tells him
that he’s drunk and that his family is waiting for him.
He grabs her and tells her that she is leaving with him.
Betty says, “Where to?” and Armando tells her that
they’re going somewhere where they’ll be alone and
they can talk. Betty tells him she’s not going anywhere
with him. Armando wants to know if she prefers to leave
with the “muelon” instead of with him. He is tugging
on Betty and she is trying to get out of his grasp.
Armando asks Betty to stop playing. He asks Betty if she
loves him the same way that he loves her. He asks her to
leave with him and leave Nico there. Betty tells Armando
to leave her alone. Armando says that he won’t leave her
alone, and if she wants to know why. He says that he
adores and loves her. Nicolas gets out of the car and
yells at Armando to let go of Betty. Armando calls Nicolas
a dummy and tells him to be quiet that this is between he
and Betty. Nicolas tells him that whatever involves Betty
also involves him. Armando says, “Fine, come and get
me.” Betty attempts to leave again. Armando screams that
Betty is staying there with him.
Betty tries to leave one more time and Nico tells her to
wait. He wants to know what Armando’s problem is with
him. Armando screams that his problem with him is due to
the fact that Nicolas is abusive, and that he’s fresh,
because he’s driving a car that’s not his and that
he’s spending a fortune that is also not his. That he,
Armando, put the money into Terra Moda. He tells Nico to
stop exploiting Betty. Betty asks Armando what he means.
Armando states that he knows everything. Nicolas says that
the car came from the sweat of his brow and Betty’s.
That he and Betty worked hard. Nico says that Armando
didn’t put anything in. Armando is indignant and says
that he put in $80,000. Nico says that because of that
Armando thinks he has earned his way to heaven. Nico asks
Armando if he has forgotten where the money for Terra Moda
came from (RagTela).
Armando tells Nico that it’s fine, to keep the money but
to leave Betty alone. Betty tells Armando that he
doesn’t know what he’s talking about and that he’s
drunk. Armando says that he does know. He knows that
Nicolas is after her because of Terra Moda and the
luxuries she affords him. Nicolas calls Armando a
delinquent and tells him that he’s the one that is
exploiting Betty. Nico continues yelling at Armando,
making him angrier and angrier. Betty asks Nicolas to
stop. Nicolas tells Armando that he won’t leave Betty
there with him because she has someone to defend her.
Armando says, “Oh we have a hero, you’re the hero with
the black Mercedes, the general manager of Terra Moda.”
“I’m terrified, what are you going to do to me?”
Nicolas tells him that he’s going to tear him to pieces
and takes his coat off. Armando snorts (?) and tells Betty
to watch Nicolas tear him apart. He tells him to go ahead
, to start, to tear him apart. Nicolas takes his glasses
off and Armando calls him a blind man, and asks if Nico
can see him. Nico gets in a sucker punch and hits Armando
in the jaw. Betty screams. “No more, please, no more!”
Armando hits Nicolas really hard over and over again.
Betty continues to scream, asking them to help. The
cuartel, Hugo, and Inesita hear the ruckus and Hugo runs
downstairs to investigate. Hugo runs back and informs
everyone that Armando is beating up Betty’s boyfriend.
They all run downstairs to help and Hugo crawls into the
waiting arms of Inesita. She comforts Hugo.
Armando is savagely beating Nicolas and Betty asks Freddy
to help. Armando tells Freddy that if he intervenes, that
he’ll kill him too. The girls are trying to get Freddy
to go help and he says that if Don Armando doesn’t kill
him, he’ll surely fire him. Freddy grabs Armando from
behind and momentarily stops him. This gives Betty enough
time to run in front of Nicolas to protect him. Armando
tells Freddy to let go of him or he’ll fire him. Betty
screams out “No More!” Armando screams at Nicolas to
come, and tells Betty to move out of the way or he’ll
move her himself. Betty slaps Armando’s face hard.
Armando looks as though he is in total disbelief. Hugo has
run downstairs and yells for them to tie up the beasts. He
gives Armando a lecture about being the president of Eco
Moda and starting a brawl. The cuartel goes back inside
and Betty drives Nicolas home.
Armando looks terribly shaken and upset. He runs his
fingers through his hair in desperation. He looks terribly
distraught. His cell phone rings and it is Marcela. He
informs her that he is not in the mood to see his parents.
He is rude and belligerent with her. He screams at her and
then asks her to make his excuses to his parents for him.
He tells her that he knows he’s been drinking. He yells
at her that he knows that he’s upset and excitable. He
tells her to call him in 15 minutes if she wants to check
up on him to make sure he’s going to his apartment. He
then tells her to call the doorman if she doesn’t
believe he’s going home alone. He hangs up.
He walks toward Inesita’s door as though he’s about to
ring the bell and covers his face with his hands, visibly
shaken. He looks as though he may cry. He whispers,
“What have I done?” Then he speaks louder, almost
yelling, “Damn it, what have I done?” He paces back
and forth, agitated and in desperation repeats,
“Jealousy, jealousy. “It’s jealousy!” He hides his
face in his hands once more.
Betty is in the car with Nico. She tells him that Armando
had an attack of jealousy, but that the truth came out.
His concern was financial. He was concerned for Terra Moda
and the money he thinks they’re spending. Betty says
that since she hasn’t prepared the financial report for
Armando, and hasn’t doctored it up, he gets drunk and
follows her around. She wants to make sure that every
penny in Terra Moda is accounted for. Nicolas tells Betty
that Armando made a spectacle of himself with the fight.
Betty says that she was the one who made a spectacle of
herself. She slapped him! Betty tells Nicolas that she
will never forgive Armando for this. Nicolas says that
things won’t stay the way they are and that he’ll go
to Eco Moda tomorrow to take care of Armando. Betty says
he’s not to do anything. Betty says it’s over.
The cuartel wonders what could have happened to Armando to
behave the way he did. They wonder if Nicolas provoked
him. They talk about Nico and decide he’s not as great
as Betty made him out to be. Inesita warns the cuartel not
talk about this at work tomorrow. They are disappointed.
Betty asks Nicolas to have a detailed financial report of
Terra Moda ready for her. She wants all monies accounted
for. She asks him what he did with the $3000 he was going
to invest. Nico coughs nervously and tells her that he
hadn’t done anything yet. She says everything must be
accounted for. Nico’s cell phone rings and it’s
Patsy-Pat. Nico lies and tells her that he got into a
fight with a group of guys who were envious of him.
Patsy-Pat invites him to her apartment so that she can
give him first aid.
Betty tells him to be careful with the story he told Patty
because everyone at Eco Moda will know what happened
between he and Armando Mendoza by morning.
Inesita talks to the cuartel about her family and how they
have all left her. Hugo tells the cuartel that it is time
for the company to leave. They bicker about who will care
for Inesita that evening and Hugo wins. He doesn’t let
the girls kiss him goodnight, but tries to kiss Freddy on
his way out!! (funny).
Nicolas arrives at Patsy-Pats apartment……….to be
continued!!
At
Inesita's room
Inesita asks "And where are you going to sleep,Don
Hugo?" Don Hugo answers "What are you scared of
me???? , I am the one who is supposed to be scared , maybe
you could take advantage of me." They both laugh and
go to sleep.
Outside Patty's Apartment in the Hall
Nicolas is talking to himself and saying how he is going
to be with Patty and all . He hides the Terramoda
checkbook under a plant that is ouside Patty's apartment.
He gargles some cologne or Scope whatever it is and knocks
or rings (not sure). Patty lets him in and starts talking
about what happened to him . Patty tells him to lay on the
bed and Nicolas tells her surpised"in the
bed?""Yes."answers Patty.He sits down and
she pushes him down and now he is laying there , she comes
near him and tells him that she is going for some
bandages,alchol and band aids to cure him. (there is a
commercial so we see imeadtialy Patty coming back with
everything) She comes in and asks him who hit him and he
answers that he will tell her the truth since she is going
to find out anyway. He tells her that he fought someone
she knows, ARMANDO MENDOZA. Patty answers overly surprised
(imagine tipical Patty)"That savage !!!!!look waht he
did." She starts curing him and Nicolas starts saying
in how he beat him up and Patty answers but look at you.
Patty says" You must be really hurt, does it hurt a
lot."Nicolas says well yeah it hurts." Patty
kisses him in the cheek and asks "does it still
hurt."Nicolas is al happy and tells her that he is
feeling better. Patty asks how what his day , Nicolas
answers "well in the stock market you know how it is
." Patty answers "Oh yes and me with this
problem of my car." She hugs him and pretends to cry
he gets al guilty and tells her that he will make a loan
to her . Patty hets really exited and aks him if he could
give her the check today. He remembers what Netty told
him. He answers he will but he does not have the check
book right now. She answers "Don't lie you always
carry it." She starts checking him everywhre, she
does not find it she stands up and acts all embarased then
she lays at the other side of the bed and says that she si
so embarased for what she did that this night was not
supposed be like that . She tells him to better leave. He
promised he will help her . He leaves. Patty is laying in
the bed and says "What? How could he not bring the
checkbook, is it that he wants be to sleep with him, like
I wass that easy."
Next day at the secretrial hall
Armando comes in with Mario . Mario asks "what you
want me to come so early.What happened to you."
Armando answers "I got in to a fight and I think I
stuck a dagger in myself."He is about to explain what
happened when the elevator doors oen and Sodfia is talking
about Armando . Armando notices and he turns around and
says" goooood morning Sofia."She turn around
embarrased and starts pretending he was talking about a
novela. Armando tells Mario that they should go in his
office. Sofia starts hitting herself in the head she can't
believe he heard that. SHe asks Mariana and Sandra if they
think he bought it . THey answer joking that oyeah. THEy
talk about how they fear for Bettys job and they say they
have to tell everyone that they will have a meeting about
that.
At Mario's office
Mario asks about what happened. Armando makes excuses
about why he fought and Mario asks him if Betty would have
gome with him will he sleep with her. Armando answers that
if he had to he would. Mario knows he was there because of
Betty and not the report as Armando says. Armando tells
Mario how he felt good hitting "el muelon"
Nicolas. And how he could not stop.Mario asks how did he
stop and he answers taht Betty slapped him. Mario is
totally surprised and says that that was to much , that he
will prefer to lose the company than that, that he will
kill her. Armando answers " Oh yeah and the Pinzón
family will inherit the company , THat is wonderful."
Mari says "well ok not that , but now you are going
to have to say sorry , ho ahead write her a letter."
He gives him a paper. Do you know how Inesita is. No he
answers.
At Inesita's room
Inesita and Hugo are sleeping and Inesita wakes up and
stands up. Hugo does not feel who he was holding and
starts asking about "his chesito" He starts
screaming and he wakes up and he asks about who he sleeped
with and he remembers Inesita and he starts Screaming for
Inesita . Inesita comes in syas here I am . Hugo asks and
where do you think you are going and she answers I am
taking a shower. Hugo says "no, no you go back to
sleep." Inesita answers"I have to take a shower
to feel better." hugo says "okay but why don't
you take a shower with me ." Inesita says "Don
hugo I never took a shower with my husband and now you
want me to take it with my boss." she laughs and Hugo
tells her to take a shower but if she is going to pass out
to scream.
At secreterial hall
Betty comes in and is atacked by el cuartel with questons.
Betty says she does not want rumors and that they better
sont say anything. Ek cuartek tells her taht they will
have a meeting later.
Sofia is in the hone talking to Berta (you cant hear
Berta). It appears that because of Inesita sickness Bert
got sick to and she had to stay for the sake of her baby.
Armando comes out of Mario's office and he sees Patty and
tells her the usual of her being late.Patty asks with a
smile what happened to him. He answers something I did not
get sorry.
Marce comes in complaining about how Amando and Daniel did
not attend a dinner where they were the guests of honor
because he was drunk. Patty tells her that the real reason
is that he got in a fight with Nicolás Mora. Marce
answers "Bettys boyfriend."Patty says "and
mine."
Betty's office
Armando comes in with the letter of the day. He excuses
himself for his behaviour the night before and tells her
that what happened was because he was jealous of Nicolás. |