Being picked-up...

I never thought it would happen to me.

Wait.... I still don't believe it happened to me.

I was picked up by a gay guy.

Now, I am not homophobic and I have nothing against 'alternative' lifestyles - but I never thought that it would happen to me. Best (or worst) of all, it did not happen in a pub, club or other social places, it casually happened in a shopping mall.

I was walking to Cineleisure from The Curve, using the overhead bridge. As I was walking on the bridge, I noticed that some people were filming a drama. So they blocked the way till the director yelled cut. Being in advertising, a film shoot is normal for me so I had to work my way thru all the 'spectators'. As I was approaching the Cineleisure entrance, there was another guy there guarding the traffic.

As I walk pass him, I thought he looked familiar and so did a double-take. I might have slipped a smile and I am sure he did. Then I realised he's not the person I knew. So, I carried on walking. I was heading for a photoshoot myself so I had my camera bag with me.

The I heard him shouting "Are you a photographer" from behind me. So I turned around and said yes.

"Photographer for who?"

"For a magazine"

"Oh really, which magazine?"

"Area Magazine. Oh, I have an issue in my bag. Let me give you one"
(While searching my bag) "So what shoot is this?"

"Oh it's a drama for mediaprima"

"I see. Here you go" (I pass the mag to him)

Then we shook hands and exchanged names. Now, I didn't notice this at the time but he was sliding my palms with his fingers. A universal 'Hi-I-am-gay' handshake? So anyway...

"Nice to meet you, but I gotta go. I have an appointment"

"Ok."
He was flipping the magazine.
"Hey, how do I contact you?"

At this time I thought he meant how to contact Area Magazine. So I showed him the first page and explained a bit on the magazine. Also did a little sales pitch and told him if ever they gonna have another shoot around the vicinity, do contact us - cos we may want to cover it... etc etc.

He was listening attentively and then I excused myself.

"So call us la!"

And I walked away.

"But how do I call you?"

"The number is in there and my colleague will attend to you"

Then he rolled his head sideways (and left it there like he broke his neck), smiled and crossed his legs.

"But I want to call you la, sayang" (OK, i am not sure if it's sayang, dear, baby or whatever - but there was some term of endearment)

At this time I was walking faster to my destination.

"Just call the number in the magazine"

"Aiyahh.. give me your number laaa..."
He was wiggling all over and started following me.

"I am sorry but I really got an appointment."

I picked up my pace to Scarlett (my appointment). Fortunately, my appointment was busy so this allowed me to order a beer to calm my nerves. I've heard people saying that if a gay picks up a guy, he should be flattered.

I was definitely not. It felt weird.

But anyway, I can add one more item to my list of "Been there, done that".