Dr. Thomas Elliot.

"Bruce!" a tall, handsome red-haired man exclaimed. By his side was a slender, beautiful blonde, with her hair stylishly covering the right side of her face, in a strapless red satin dress. A security guard blocked the couple from entering and causing any further disturbance to the gala.

Bruce stood up and asked a waiter to set up another table before approaching the couple at the door. "It's okay, he's a friend," he assured the guard.

"Thank you, Bruce," the man laughed and shook his friend's hand. "We're sorry to barge in without tickets."

"That's no problem, Tommy. I'm sorry to hear about your mother's health. How are you?" Bruce asked with genuine concern, leading his childhood friend to the table the waiters were setting up.

"I'm doing well, Bruce," Tommy answered but Bruce could sense the slight excitement in his voice. "I don't think I've introduced you to my fiancée, Peyton Riley." The blonde smiled graciously at Bruce and offered her hand to shake.

"Congratulations, you two!" Bruce cheered, slapping his friend's shoulder. "You found a great man, Peyton."

Selina slinked over to Bruce's side while the wait staff carried their drinks and plates over to the new table. "I didn't know you have male friends, Bruce."

"Who may this lovely woman be?" Tommy asked, eyeing the brunette's curvy figure.

"This my... date, Selina," Bruce introduced. "Selina, this is my friend, Dr. Thomas Elliot, whom I've known since we were seven."

"Six," Tommy corrected.

"And I'm Peyton," the blonde said in a sweet, silky-smooth voice. She offered her left hand to shake to show of the big diamond engagement ring. Selina eyed the gem impressively.

"Shall we?" Bruce offered, noticing that their table was ready. The men held the chairs for their dates before sitting down themselves.

While the two men caught up on old times, the women chit-chatted until their food arrived.