Throughout this series, the thread tying the stories together has been present day Maximo and his nephew, Hugo. The pair finally arrive at the family apartment as Maximo tells Hugo the final chapter in the stories of 1985.
Young Maximo and Sara decide to throw Nora and Esteban a surprise wedding reception, despite Nora not wanting any fuss. Don Pablo returns to Las Colinas in fine form. Hector begs Diane to be demoted to pool boy, and his wish is granted. Maximo takes a chance and asks to speak to Don Pablo, hoping his old friend would be able to help him get his job back. Don Pablo tells him it’s possible Diane could give him a second chance: IF Maximo can ensure he would never speak to the reporter again.
The pair return to Las Colinas to pitch Diane Maximo’s idea: Instead of fighting with the reporter, Diane should work with him. I have to say, this sounds terrible. But Maximo tells Diane that by working with the reporter, they can control what is released to him instead of unwanted stories finding their way into the media. Diane seems to buy the idea, but I’m sure the reporter will double cross them in an instant.
Memo finds himself missing Lorena after not receiving a letter from her for a week. It quickly dawns on him that Lupe may be stealing his letters, and chases her from the reception to the laundry where she admits to it. Lupe reaffirms her thoughts that Lorena is far too good for Memo, so she wants to break them up.
After Memo finally gets the letter from Lupe’s infamous lost and found cupboard, Lorena’s letter informs him she will not be returning to Las Colinas this summer as her family cannot afford it. As they will not see each other again, she breaks up with him. I’m so sad for Memo, but at least Lupe is happy… or is she? Memo realizes she was hiding the letter to protect him, and the two share a sweet moment. Growth for Lupe!
Sara makes it her mission to get Maximo and Julia together. She happily informs Julia that Maximo and Isabel broke up, but Julia is not in a happy mood as it’s Chad’s last day at the resort. She’s worried it’ll be too awkward and Diane might fire her, so she’s avoiding the whole thing and calling in sick. Sara wisely informs her that hiding from her problems will not make them go away. Such a sweet scene.
Chad says his farewells in front of the resort. Memo asks him to write (as he has no one else to write to, now) and Lupe looks devastated at how sad Memo is. For all the times she was mean to Memo, deep down she really does like him. Diane gets emotional saying goodbye to her son, but this is definitely the right move for Chad. He needs to figure out who he is without his mom. Just before he leaves, Julia shows up and wishes him well – it seems Sara’s advice worked, and it’s great these two are parting on good terms.
Julia and Diane continue to work together, despite Julia fearing Diane would fire her once Chad left. In fact, some shops in town even want to carry Julia’s designs! I’m so happy for her. With things settled with Chad and Diane, it seems she only has one person left to sort things out with..
Meanwhile, Maximo’s deal with Diane and the journalist pays off and Maximo gets his job back! Don Pablo tells Diane he’s done a lot for the people who work at Las Colinas, and perhaps it’s time they should do something for Maximo.. like a beautiful wedding reception for Nora and Esteban!
The whole of Las Colinas (except Julia and Lupe) shows up to the apartment courtyard to decorate and celebrate, and it’s a beautiful scene. Things like this are what sets this show apart from others. The spirit, heart, found family and vibrant characters. A tear falls from Maximo’s eye as Don Pablo tells him to head along to Nora and Esteban’s wedding, the Las Colinas crew will organize the courtyard for when they get back.
Nora and Esteban’s wedding is a quiet, simple church affair. While it happens, Julia gets the courage to go to Isabel’s restaurant to apologize to her for not being truthful about her relationship with Maximo. I think Julia expected a quick “I forgive you!” But it’s not quite the reception she receives. Isabel is correct when she tells Julia she shouldn’t always worry about what others think of her, and it’s how she ended up engaged to a man she didn’t want to marry.
The family returns from church to a stunning wedding reception setup in the courtyard. Nora and Esteban are thrilled, and I love seeing Maximo’s Las Colinas family meet his home family. Everyone dances, sings and looks happy – except Memo, who misses Lorena. After Hector tells Maximo he has been happily demoted, Maximo immediately seeks out Don Pablo and Diane for another shot as his dream promotion. She quickly shoots him down, but instead informs him he will be Don-Pablo-in-training, taking over for Don Pablo when he is away visiting family. Maximo is more than happy with this, and ensures the promotion goes to Memo instead. So that only leaves one thing left to sort… Young Maximo and present day Maximo come face to face in a neat scene, where present day tells young Maximo they’re doing well in the future, but he must remember family is important and to never lose sight of that. If he fails, they will hurt some of the people they love most.
Lupe finally joins the party with a surprise: Lorena! Memo is thrilled to see his love once again, and I’m so happy Lupe did this for them despite being constantly annoyed by their relationship. She really does have a heart, after all. Lupe stops short of allowing Memo a hug, but gives him a firm handshake instead. I love this so much! But she didn’t do all this for nothing: Lupe informs Memo he has a month to propose to Lorena. We don’t hear the “or else” but we sure do feel it.
Finally, it’s time for speeches. Nora thanks Sara for bringing Esteban into their lives, and Maximo for working so hard to keep them together. “Never let fear get in the way of love,” Nora says, and we can see it hit home for Maximo that he has one more conversation to have tonight.
Maximo and Julia once again find themselves on a rooftop. Julia has newfound confidence, and tells Maximo in no uncertain terms that she knows what she wants, and it’s a relationship with him. FINALLY! Maximo presents Julia with the silver bracelet properly this time, telling her “I knew we were meant to be together, and that’s proved itself more and more each day.” This is what romcom dreams are made of. The two share a kiss under the moonlight, and all is right in Acapulco again.
In the final scene, present day Maximo and Hugo go to visit Julia. However, a shock awaits him when he opens the door. It turns out Julia may have kept a secret from him about 20 years ago… and I can’t wait to see where our Las Colinas family ends up in season 3.
