I have a few people I work with that I would probably describe differently than other people perceive them. I would venture to guess the same might be true of me. It's interesting how one interaction can earn you a reputation. I'm glad you were able to get away for a bit and enjoy the day even though some of it was dedicated to work.
Perception is a strange thing at times, quite often both a reality and fabrication depending on who's perception it is I guess. I tend to make my own mind up on people but of course there's external influences quite often.