[Hugo] How is Julia not her mother?
Why do I still listen to these stories?
Shame on me.
[Paloma] He seemed to take that well.
Um.
Yes, yes.
Well, I probably should have clarified
that Julia wasn't your mom earlier.
But it wouldn't have been as good of a story.
He's really invested in you and Julia, huh?
He's not the only one. [chuckles]
Please come to the memorial.
If Julia doesn't show up I'll need the support.
If Julia does show up, I'll also need the support.
Just come...
Okay. I'll try.
- Okay, my love. - [Paloma chuckles]
[kisses]
Until next time.
Come here.
You're great!
Yes.
Let's see how it goes with Hugo.
Good luck Máximo.
- [older Máximo sighs] - [in English] Julia is not Paloma's mom?
How? She's your one true love.
[sighs] Excuse you.
I've had many loves.
Ava, Naomi, Carla, Monica, Erica, Rita--
Okay, now I'm going into "Mambo No. 5."
And the-the point is, uh,
Paloma's mom could potentially be a few people.
[sighs] What does that mean? And what happened to you and Julia?
- And why did you make me care so much? - Hugo, breathe.
- I admire your passion. - [exhales]
A-And I promise I'll tell you everything in due time.
That's code for "get comfortable."
Shouldn't you be driving already?
[stammers] Yeah. I'm just checking my mirrors.
[engine starts]
To understand what happened with Julia, you need to really know Julia.
But first, it was the beginning of summer, and Las Colinas was the spot.
[singing "Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode in Spanish]
[older Máximo] Memo had turned the Kids Klub into a well-oiled machine...
[Memo] Oh, my God. These necklaces are amazing, you guys.
Good job.
Great color combination right there.
Oh. [chuckles]
Oops. You did it again, Britney.
This is my magazine.
Uh, get back to work, okay? Okay.
How Compatible Are You With Your Partner?
[older Máximo] ...giving him more time to focus on his relationship with Lorena.
Alejandro, I can't make magic happen in a day.
[older Máximo] Alejandro Vera was breathing down Diane's neck...
Stop it.
...which was possibly making the air warmer?
At least that's how it looked to Héctor,
who was still having feelings for his old flame.
Damn it.
That is lustful fanning.
[older Máximo] Meanwhile, since Sara had come out,
she was trying some new looks...
[in Spanish] Ay, what happened to your sleeves? Were you attacked?!
Mom, it's... [in English] ...the look.
[in Spanish] Well... let's go clothes shopping this weekend
to get something with sleeves.
Mmm. No! I don't want you picking out my stuff!
Actually, why doesn't Esteban take me?
He knows when not to have opinions. Right?
I do!
Or don't.
[older Máximo, in English] ...which was leaving Nora feeling aimless and alone
all over again.
As for Julia, her big dress shop opening was fast approaching.
And the stress was murder on her.
Julia!
[sighs, speaks Spanish] I thought you were dead.
That's where you went?
Not "Julia must be doing sit-ups?"
Well, I certainly didn't guess that you'd be
sewing in this position.
What are you doing?
I tweaked my back from hunching over all day.
But I didn't want to stop working.
Being in this position just made sense.
How does this make sense?
You need to take a break.
Love, the shop is opening in three weeks!
I have a tight schedule:
I have to work, eat, work, work.
What about sleep?
Don't be silly.
I can't sleep here
this is my workspace.
Then maybe you should go home.
Then how would I work?
My love, trust me.
I have everything under control.
[bone clicks]
[groans]
Now I pulled my hip!
I'll try working on my side.
Yep! This works. [chuckles]
[attendees chattering]
Hello.
Can I please have-
Sorry, I was here first.
Oh, I'm sorry I didn't see--
- Nora? - Sonia?
- Is that you? - [chuckles] Yes! How are you?
This is unbelievable!
You look incredible!
Thank you.
You're sweet. [chuckles]
I probably just look better without puffy eyes
and mascara running down my face.
- [both laugh] - You're too much.
[older Máximo] My mom and Sonia met as widows
who used to cry at the graveyard together.
Sonia did not look like she was in mourning anymore.
[in Spanish] Tell me, what brings you here?
You must be having a "me" day. Hmm?
What's a "me" day?
[chuckles] Right? It's every mom's dilemma:
We spend all our time raising our kids,
teaching them,
working,
then suddenly they don't need you anymore
and we're like, what do I do now?
- Yes. - Am I wrong?
I feel exactly the same way.
I feel like I've tried everything.
Ay, don't be coy! Tell me your secret.
[chuckles] Well, I don't know if it's a secret but,
there's this place I've been going to
and it changed my life.
It could change yours, too.
Oh wow...
Take a look.
Good to see you.
[Memo groans]
- [in English] Hey, can you talk? - [sighs] Sure.
It's not like my kite is ever gonna get off the ground anyways,
just like my relationship.
But you go first, really.
Um, okay. [sighs]
It's about Julia.
She's so stressed about the shop opening, and I'm worried about her.
Mmm, that sounds like a problem.
Not nearly as big as mine.
Ever since Lupe gave me more time to propose to Lorena,
we've been getting to know each other.
- Right? - Mm-hmm.
So I saw this compatibility quiz in Que Fun magazine,
and I thought, "how fun."
- So fun! - No!
Not fun.
We took it and we only scored 13%.
We hardly agree on anything.
Music, movies, trickle-down economics.
She says that she likes it because it sounds like the rain.
Come on. Julia and I actually took the same quiz.
It's meaningless.
Really? A-And what did you score?
[groans] Ninety-seven percent.
[chuckling] Of course you did.
Máximo, you don't have a problem.
I just wish I could help Julia take her mind off work.
Relax a little.
Well, there is this new hidden gem in town.
- [Máximo] Mm-hmm? - La Puerta Secreta Cantina.
You should take her out for a fun time.
I heard that their guacamole is life-changing.
It'll be perfect.
Or at least 97% so.
We actually got a 98.
I reduced it a percent to make you feel better.
Ay, Memo. Cheer up.
You and Lorena must have something in common.
Cheese. [inhales]
We both like cheese.
That's the only question that we got right.
- Cheese is good. - [Memo chuckles]
[in Spanish] Mmm. I like this one.
It makes me look more manly.
[older Máximo, in English] Back across town,
Sara and Esteban's shopping trip was interrupted by three fresas.
[in Spanish] I'm sorry, señorita
but that's a fair price.
I made this bracelet by hand.
I have to be paid for my work.
[strawberry] I have a better idea.
How about I pay you what I think it's worth?
How about you pay him what he's asking for?
[in English] Hold up. She was talking to strawberries?
Strawberries?
Yeah. Isn't that what "fresas" means?
Dios mío.
It is also a slang term for "preppy girls."
Yeah, that makes way more sense. Okay, continue.
[in Spanish] Excuse me?
Sara, maybe we better go.
[teenager] Yeah, Sara.
You should listen to your boyfriend.
He's actually my stepfather.
But for a daddy's girl
I could see how he'd be your type.
[chuckles] Come on, girls
this one would never have a boyfriend.
Haven't you heard? She's a tortillera.
You do know that means
a woman who makes tortillas, right?
Kind of a weird insult.
No. I meant it like: a girl who likes girls.
[groans]
That's even more vague.
You like girls.
No, I don't.
Well, you heard her. Get out of here.
She doesn't like you.
Ay, no! Yes, I do!
You're twisting my words!
No. The words you're using are wrong.
And if you were looking to get under my skin
let me save you the trouble
and tell you that I'm a lesbian.
And you are three bullies with hair fit for a horse.
Have fun being generally awful.
And if you need a snack
they sell carrots around the corner.
Real good ones.
[in English] Meanwhile, Lupe was still getting over
the fact that Lorena had been promoted out of the laundry room,
and her replacement wasn't making life any easier.
So, I've been thinking.
When did you know that you had a passion for laundry?
I had to pay rent, so I got a job.
Fascinating.
You know, I just think it-- it's important
to get to know the people that you work with, you know.
Peel away at the onion of their soul.
- That's when we get to the good stuff. - [Lupe sighs]
That's when we cry.
[in Spanish] I am crying.
[in English] So, just walk me through your approach, Lupe.
How would you describe your overall philosophy on laundry?
One scoop per load.
Really? I would have thought it would've been ten times that.
[buzzer rings]
- [Chad inhales deeply] - [Lupe gasps]
[in Spanish] Dammit!
No, this doesn't bother me
but I need these shelves two centimeters lower
to make room for the mirror.
Thank you.
One more thing...
I'm hating this column.
Can we move it?
It's load bearing.
Is that a 'yes?'
[in English] Stop right there! Hands up! No more working. It's the fun police!
[imitating siren]
That's an ambulance.
The point is... [imitates radio static] ...it's an emergency.
You are way too stressed out right now, and I'm taking you out.
Now? I can't. I have so much work to do.
Please. It's one afternoon.
Don't make me turn on the sirens again.
[imitating siren]
- Fine. [chuckles] - [continues imitating siren]
[knocks on door]
Sara. [chuckles]
[in Spanish] You left so fast
I didn't have a chance to talk to you.
I know I went too far with those girls.
But they deserved it.
Oh, I'm not upset.
I'm actually in awe.
The way you articulated your points
and put your foes on their heels.
[Sara chuckles]
Yeah
that was fun.
No
that was debate.
There's a tournament coming up here in Acapulco.
You should think about entering.
The winner gets a scholarship for college.
Even college in the States.
How do you know all this?
Hmm.
Because I did it myself.
Look...
This is my favorite debate book.
Isn't she beautiful?
- You debated? - Mm-hmm.
But... you're so...
...you.
I've seen your mother change your mind
just by clearing her throat.
Well, I was unstoppable.
They called me
Esteban-ator.
Because I annihilated everyone.
Not literally. But you get it.
- Mmm. - Mmm.
Thanks.
Not interested.
Oh. Okay.
I'll leave this here.
In case you change your mind.
Chapter five
will blow your mind.
Again, not literally.
Hmm. [grunts]
Oh, and...
for what it's worth
you didn't deserve what those girls said to you.
[chuckles]
[older Máximo, in English] Sara didn't think she deserved it either.
And a scholarship did sound good.
For one, it could take her far away from the fresas of Acapulco.
Maybe even all the way to New York.
- [patrons chattering] - [salsa music playing]
[in Spanish] Okay, you were right.
This place is pretty cool.
See! I'm so glad you said yes to this.
Now you can leave all your worries behind
and enjoy this hidden gem.
Just you and me.
[Memo] Máximo!
Julia!
Memo?!
What a surprise!
[Lorena] Hey girl! [kisses]
Hi! Welcome to La Puerta Secreta.
Oh do you all want to sit together?
We don't want to trouble you.
It's no trouble at all.
- No, really, we-- - Consider it done!
- Oh, what great service! [laughs] - [Lorena laughs]
[Lorena sighs]
Okay. A little change of plans
but this is going to be great.
How often do we get to spend time
with our beloved friends?
[chuckles]
What the hell are you doing here?
You recommended this place to me!
Yeah. It's just
it was such a great idea so I took it!
I need to find something in common with Lorena!
[server] Alright who's ready for some appetizers?
[Memo] Ah, us!
Look, mi amor! They have queso fundido.
I love cheese. You love cheese.
Shall we split an order?
No thanks. I don't really like sharing.
- I'm getting the shrimp. - [server clicks tongue]
You don't like sharing?
[chuckles]
[in English] Nora couldn't stop thinking about that flyer.
ROOM 3
So she said ten Ave Marias
and went to see this place for herself.
[people chattering]
Somehow, she'd made it across town without anyone she knew spotting her.
Hola, chicas!
[older Máximo] Except Diane.
[in Spanish] The white woman!
[in English] Sorry I'm late,
but apparently you can't block an alley with your car. Who knew?
[Hugo] Wait. Diane? [chuckles]
As in, your boss? Why was she there?
Remember she sold those exercise videos for years?
Do I? Yeah, my favorite was Legs Misérables.
Well, apparently, teaching those classes was how she spent her "me" time.
Something my mom was not prepared for.
Doña Nora, is that you?
What are you doing here?
[chuckles]
[in Spanish] Dancing?
[in English] Not sure what that means, but get on up here! New dancers in front.
No worries. I-I'm okay here.
Oh, no!
I want you to feel welcome because you made it here.
And the sun's out...
[all] So get those buns out!
- [Diane whoops] - [dancers cheering]
[Nora] Yay.
[Julia] Aah! [chuckles]
[in Spanish] Must be so nice to share something with
a loved one.
My love, are you sure you don't want
some of my chapulines?
I can throw one into your mouth.
[gasps] Like hibachi!
Uch, I hate hibachi.
What?!
But... it's the best mix
of dining and martial arts!
All coming together to create--
totally average stir fry.
- [Lorena chuckles] - [gasps]
- Hey... - Hmm?
...what are you doing?
Remember my mannequin?
I realized it was the strap that was bothering me
so if I moved it to this side
the dress will fit better.
[chuckles] That's great.
But you're not supposed to be working.
You're supposed to be relaxing, remember?
Do you find this relaxing?
They make volcanos out of onions!
You're ruining my plan with Julia!
Can you stop worrying about that stupid quiz
and just get along!
Oh, sorry.
Memo received by Memo.
[sighs]
See? All good!
From now on
I promise it will be smooth sailing.
[Isabel] Máximo?
Isabel?
Wow.
This is a... surprise.
Yes.
That and other words come to mind too.
What are you doing here?
Just waiting for someone.
Killing time with a paloma.
[Hugo, in English] No way! Paloma! [chuckles]
Isabel is Paloma's mom.
Damn it!
You're good, Hugo.
Isabel is in fact Paloma's mom.
And a great mother at that.
Was that the night things ended with you and Julia?
Oh, my God. Was that the night you made Paloma?
It was 1985. Relax. The math doesn't work.
I don't even know what to believe anymore. I mean, are you even my uncle?
Hugo! You're forgetting to breathe.
- In, in. - [both inhale]
- Out. - [both exhale]
- [older Máximo] In. - [all inhale]
- And out. - [all exhale]
Okay. I'm getting to all of that. Just stay with me. Okay?
[in Spanish] Okay, good, well...
I'm gonna find my...
I'm sorry, señora, your table isn't ready.
You want to sit with your friends while you wait?
- I can get you a chair. - No!
No...
problem!
What fun! [chuckles]
[server speaks indistinctly]
[dance music playing]
[in English] Okay, mis queridas fabulosas!
[dancers cheering]
[Diane] Five, six, seven, and brazos, brazos.
Piernas, piernas.
Brazos, brazos.
Piernas, piernas.
This part.
[whoops]
Show me your power! And lean.
And three, and four.
Come on, Nora. You're a newlywed. Show us those moves.
Uno, dos, tres.
Ah! Ah! Ah!
And round.
Ah! Ah! Ah!
And round.
[sniffs, panting]
Nora, stop!
I mean, "estop"!
[pants] It's okay.
I understand English better than I eat it.
Okay, then come back inside. Please.
Uh.
No, I can't. I-I-I-- I'm not a good dancer.
Well, who cares? This place isn't about judgment.
It's about being yourself and stepping into your power.
It's why I started teaching here.
I needed a special place too
where I could tune out the outside world and other people's opinions
and just be free, you know?
No.
Nora.
Aquí, I don't have to be perfecto.
Aquí, I'm just a mujer.
A mujer with a tremendous pelvic thrust.
Ah! It's this. Uh!
And you can do it too!
[exhales]
There it is! [laughs]
- But the women. They are watching. - Forget about them.
You just close your eyes,
imagine you're the only person in the room, and you dance.
For you. No one else.
Okay. I'm-I'm gonna try.
- Fantástico! - [both chuckle]
But these clothes are no bueno. We'll find you something.
[in Spanish] Mmm. Oh, did someone have a change of heart?
You tricked me.
This is school!
[sighs] I know, I know. You hate school.
No, Esteban.
School hates me!
It's boring. And stupid. Like this book!
I just wasted two hours on it.
That's nothing. Give it more time.
What for?
[sighs]
I just don't get this stuff.
In class, there's only one way to do everything
and I always do it wrong.
What's the point?
Hmm.
[clicks tongue]
You know, you're right.
This is too hard for you.
You probably couldn't handle it.
Excuse me?
That's a very Ad Hominem thing to say.
Hmm. I don't know what you mean.
It's when you attack the person
and not their argument.
It's the worst way of debating.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
Ah. Everyone says it works.
That's Ad Populum!
Just because everyone says a thing
doesn't mean it's true.
This is all in your book.
Okay.
So you know a few terms.
That doesn't mean you can apply them in a match.
When arguments are flying at a thousand miles a minute.
Actually, when I feel backed into a corner
it's like I can see the argument.
When everyone is fumbling for their words
it's right there in front of me.
That is the gift you were talking about
and that is why I can "handle this!"
Congratulations.
You successfully argued why you should be a debater.
Esteban-ator.
[dryer buzzes]
[in English] Dryer's done!
I thought I'd be watching it for a minute, but it's so hypnotic.
I've been staring at these robes for hours.
Hours?
They need 20 minutes!
[gasps]
Aw, cute! I didn't know we had kids' robes.
We don't. This was an adult large.
[older Máximo] Chad was the worst launderer Lupe had ever seen.
But he was the boss's son,
so if she was going to get rid of him, she had to be creative.
[in Spanish] Congratulations, Chad!
[in English] You are promoted.
Really? Why?
There's nothing more I can teach you.
So now you can fly away.
Far from here.
- I don't know what to say. -"Goodbye" is good.
[Chad grunts]
[sighs] This has meant so much to me.
I mean, before, we barely even spoke.
But now I see you.
I mean, without you-you-- your spirit, your warmth--
the fabric of Las Colinas would unravel.
Literally.
It's just a job.
No. No, Lupe.
Lupita. May I?
- No. - Uh, Lupita. Um...
The way you glide from towel to sheet and then back again, it is-- it is a song.
And you are a songbird.
[exhales]
Isabel... [chuckles]
[in Spanish] Nice to see you.
- How long has it been? - Mmm. I'm not sure
but I think it was the day Máximo told me
he was in love with you instead of me.
So... like three months?
Give or take.
[laughs] Classic Isabel.
Hmm.
This is super awkward.
Hey, that's something we agree on!
Will you quit it?!
[older Máximo, in English] Sadly, I had only added to Julia's stress.
But thankfully, there was one thing left that could save the day.
La Puerta Secreta's world-famous guacamole.
[in Spanish] Okay! Who's ready to dig in?
Yes, please.
Anything's better than making more small talk.
Yeah. Let's just eat this and go.
Your wish is my command.
It's not even made yet?!
[server] Now first, the star of the show.
This little guy is from the jungles of Michoacán.
Both smooth and zesty
its flavor reflects the same duality
found in our proud culture.
And... as for this fella
it's a beautiful story
and it all starts on a farm run by a man
named Calixto Gutierrez
ex-player of the Red Sharks.
THAT'S ENOUGH!
I'LL MAKE IT MYSELF
Give me that.
[Máximo] Julia
Julia.
Julia! Julia
hand me the mortar.
Look, I know you're upset, but--
Of course I'm upset.
I didn't even want to come here.
I'm sorry. I just wanted you to relax.
That's just it, Máximo!
I didn't want to relax,
I wanted to work on my store.
But you wouldn't let me!
What was I supposed to do?
You were so stressed out!
It was a problem.
For who?
You or me?
Because I was doing fine.
[older Máximo] My mom took Diane's advice and ignored the outside world.
All right, ladies.
[older Máximo] I wasn't inside her head that day, but...
This is your time to shine.
[older Máximo] I imagine it looked something like this.
[exhales]
[dance music playing]
In reality, she was still a few steps behind.
But that was okay
because she was feeling it and dancing for herself.
- [Máximo, in Spanish] Where did they go? - [chuckles]
After Lorena asked for her own separate guacamole
Memo lost it and she took off.
[chuckles]
Julia's gone too.
I totally blew it with her.
I just wanted to help her take a break from work.
You mean "save" her from work?
She doesn't need that.
It's her work. She knows what she's doing.
I know, but everyone needs to slow down sometimes.
Says the guy who never slows down.
You and Julia are more alike than you know.
You're ambitious...
driven...
stubborn.
The intensity is part of what drew you to her.
I guess we are pretty alike.
Ninety-eight percent alike.
No wonder you work so well together.
It's annoying.
It was good running into you.
It was weird running into you.
[Isabel chuckles]
Well, I wanted to say...
I'm sorry about the way things ended with us.
I just don't want you to feel...
[person] Isabel?
[chuckles]
My date is here.
[Máximo] Nevermind.
Things seemed to have worked out just fine for you.
[Isabel, Máximo chuckle]
[Memo] Lorena!
Lorena, no!
Don't get on the bus!
It's ten minutes away.
[sighs, pants]
I wish I'd just walked briskly then.
But I'm sorry for being so crazy today. It's just...
We slowed down our engagement
so we could learn more about each other...
But now it's like we're learning too much.
Wait.
All of this was because of that stupid quiz?
That was just for fun.
It's in the name! "Que Fun."
But...
What if we don't have enough in common?
What if you decide I'm not the right match?
Thirteen percent is not a winning number.
Who cares?
You know what else had less than thirteen percent chance?
Hugo Sánchez going to Spain
and becoming their lead scorer this year.
- How do you know that? - [chuckles]
You hate soccer.
I did.
But once I realized how much it meant to you...
I started watching matches and...
I don't know. I found it kind of interesting. [chuckles]
- Ay, Lolo. - [chuckles]
I can't believe you would do that for me. [chuckles]
Well, that's what you do when you love someone.
You love me?
I love you too!
That's another thing we have in common.
[both chuckle]
Look...
Now that we both like soccer...
We're up to eighteen percent.
Ay, you...
[both chuckle]
You're so silly.
[older Máximo, in English] Every relationship has its challenges.
[in Spanish] I'm in.
I know.
Only thing is...
Here. I didn't understand this part.
[older Máximo] Sometimes it's about overcoming different expectations.
[exhales]
You're coming next week, sí?
- Yes! - [Diane chuckles]
[older Máximo] Sometimes it's about finding a common language.
So what is your philosophy on mulch?
[older Máximo] Sometimes it can feel like those challenges are insurmountable.
Yeah, who needs words?
But often, they surprise you.
That day, I stopped trying to fix Julia,
and instead, I met her where she was.
[in Spanish] I brought you some guacamole.
Worth every bit of the three years
it took to make.
What are you doing here?
I prefer to grovel in person.
I'm sorry, Julia.
I didn't mean to make you feel like your
work isn't important.
Because it is.
It's a reflection of you...
your passion.
Which I find amazing.
Even if it makes me sew on the floor?
On the floor, on the roof.
You sew wherever you want.
You have a process and I respect it.
You left this behind.
[chuckles]
Thank you.
Maybe I could
take a little break
after all.
No. You have work to do!
I brought some files, so don't try to distract me.
[Julia] Aah.
In fact from here on out, no eye contact is allowed!
[Julia chuckles]
I didn't see anything.
I see you looking at me.
[Julia chuckles]
[in English] Julia and I made it past that night
and many others in the future.
It wasn't until the '90s--
when I was rocking some awesome frosted tips--
that Isabel and I reconnected.
What happened?
It's a long story.
Well, that's kind of your thing.
But Isabel and I were never a great match.
By the time she found out she was pregnant,
we had fallen out of touch.
I didn't even know Paloma existed until she was 13 and tracked me down.
Why didn't Isabel tell you?
[grunts] I was so focused on building my business.
I wasn't exactly father-of-the-year material.
I think she was just trying to protect Paloma and herself.
And maybe even me.
That makes sense.
I mean, I do have some questions about those frosted tips.
Me too. Were you wearing it ironically or--
You are in no position to be making hair jokes.
But I still don't understand about Julia.
Why won't you tell me what finally happened with her?
Because maybe I'm hoping our story isn't over yet.
[Joe] Okay, boys! We're here.
[older Máximo] I can't believe it's been over 20 years. [sighs]
[breathes heavily]
But the magical thing about Las Colinas is that,
- no matter how much you change... - [sighs]
...it always feels the same?
[Hugo sighs]
[Hugo] Why did I picture this place pink?