Something Unspoken

My orthodontist suggested we visited Rustan's Makati one afternoon after my checkup. Apparently, he has dated a number of the sales staff there - those accommodating, ambisexual, vaguely handsome types who are not averse to making a little money on the side.

My friend told me he has taken some of them drinking and, at that point when inhibitions and some clothing are shed, groped them. This is not my scene at all - I thought doing salesmen, or anyone who can't say no, is opportunistic - but I was curious what he was up to.

We did the rounds and, lo and behold!, a number of the more attractive ones actually lined up to greet him.

"Sir, your new friend," some of them asked as we passed.

"Yes, he's just visiting."

There were about twelve of them in different parts of the store, from perfumery to men's section and all the way to Filipiniana.

"Hey, I hope you don't know anyone from the children's section. I would just die." I teased him.

"Well, I do know some. Let's go."

And he was off before I could decline.

The one in the men's apparel was particularly agressive. And, in fairness, the most attractive too. He's tall, dark, handsome and blessed with banging body. I checked out his butt and I was embarrassed by what I saw. It just seemed wrong to be staring at such perfection.

"Sir," he cheerfully called out to my ortho, "haven't since you since the last time." There was something illicit in his tone, his phrasing. "Were you travelling?'

"Hindi naman. Sa tabi-tabi lang..." my ortho replied with equal suggestive tang.

"Friend mo sir?"

"Oo, si John." Damn, he didn't even think of an alias for me.

"Chinese sya, sir? Ang cute ng eyes nya."

In most other places, such observation would be comsidered bold, forward, fresh. But in Manila, it's normal. We're a flirtatious people. We cross and re-cross the lines of tasteful banter and openly suggestive remark. And we're not even aware sometimes.

Still, I was thrown off a bit.

"Nag-blush si sir!" The sales staff said with a hint of triumph, as if he had found me out, that he discovered my weakness, that he caught me staring at his round butt. That he could, in a few loaded statements, convince me to take him out too.

"Sir John, balik ka." He said as we were walking away.