Upfront is the new incognito.

We met up at a nearby bookstore. As I entered, a random male employee gave me a knowing look. I ignored him and walked on inside. He, lets call him Shark, Shark was deep into one of the shelves. I didn't care if he was legitimately looking for a book. But I was late and the mere thought of how we were gonna go about our hook-up thrilled the lights out of me nervous. But I was horny.

As I turned to the narrow space between shelves where he stood, his gaze met my smile. "Hey." I said. "Shall we?" he asked. I nodded. As we headed out of the bookstore, same random male employee gave me a knowing look. This time with a smile. I looked away and threw a random smile. Let it be known that random male employee from nearby bookstore was kinda cute. But this was about me and Shark.

"Want anything?" Shark asked me as we stepped out. "No, I'm fine." I said. "You sure?" he insisted. "I'm nervous." I replied. He put his arm around my shoulder and said "Don't be."

We made our way out of the mall and into the backstreets of a third world highway. It dark, dingy, dangerous, and it was in broad daylight. And amidst the small talk and pollution, I was able to find a little corner in my head made of calm. As we approached our destination. And just as we were about to set foot inside, I was struck with an epiphany. Every self-respecting discreet/semi-discreet/all-out sexually active gay man's bucket list: to check-in a motel by walking in through the front door in broad daylight. No caps. No shades. Just a calm demeanor as incognito.

And that we did. We walked straight into the front desk. We had no other business but ours and the establishment made us feel that. Even the couple waiting by the corner had that. And so did the couple who had just stepped out as we walked in. Everyone minded their business. And boy was business booming.

We picked a room. Paid the premium. Got the key. Doorman clicked the electronic lock open. A small elevator was waiting for us. Up we went. It was only at the fourth floor. But we got so high just because I was top.

Then we came.

"So how was it?" Shark asked me on our way out. "Not bad." I said.

"We should do it again." he went as he lay bear on my chest, sticky and sweet.

I looked at myself from the mirror on the ceiling. "We will."

Then we let the noise from the porn playing on the TV take over.