It was certainly wasnât due to whim when Peter brought up the fundraiser to Bailey. One, Bailey was a brilliant doctor, and two, a superb human being. Although, yes, Peter might have forgotten the socially-awkward bit that was also Bailey. In his defense, theyâll be in the same room, and he can keep Bailey close to him. Except almost half an hour has passed, and Bailey hasnât arrived. (Or hiding?) For the meantime, Peterâs socializing with his teammates, Walter Eliasâ Greywolvesâthe varsity hockey team. âYeahh, better late than never,â he chatted, finishing a glass of champagne and putting It aside. He was about to make another comment when he heard a familiar voice and turned to the side. âAh! McDreamy! There you are!â Of course, all eyes turned on Bailey. âNot to worry, believe it or notâthe majority of these people know you.â He praised, smiling warmly at Bailey, giving the small of his back a gentle pat with his hand. âYeah, these are my teammates. Boys, this is Dr. Bailey Mercado.â Peter started, then gesturing at each of his teammates. Each either nodded or shook Baileyâs hand while Peter observed, eyes full of pride for his close friend. âOh, you have months to prepare for when hockey season starts.â He assured Bailey afterward, adding, âAh, itâs the fundraiser for the All-In for Brain Research.â When a waiter approached them, he took two glasses of bubbly and handed one to Bailey. âSupport local concussion awareness and education programs.â He took a sip of his drink, gesturing around them with his free hand. âAs well as research initiative. You ready to socialize or warm-upâŚ?â He offered, grinning.
Blushing at the name given he chuckled, nodding. âIâm not too well versed on these things, but got it.â He turned to Peter, beaming when the team mates introduced themselves. He was so happy to meet Peterâs friends, the young man talked about them all the time. Gently taking the glass from his friend, he nodded. âOh! So thatâs why Iâm here.â he giggled, âYou guys do sure take a lot of hits out there on the ice, so Iâve heard.â He was flattered, honestly. He considered himself not too much of an expert on anything but knowing what he did about concussion protocols in most sports related activities, he finally understood why he was brought to the event. âIâm okay to just make some rounds, maybe? Are people going to want to talk to me? Do I donate?â taking a couple deeper breaths, he smiled. âI got this.â he muttered to himself. The hospital director began walking up, and Bailey waved. âDr. Eppestein! Hello!â Nodding, the other man shook his hand. âAnd who might this young man be?â Putting his hand on Peterâs shoulder,âThis is Peter.â Bailey remarked. âOh, Dr.Mercado you didnât tell us you had a son.â Instant panic filled Bailey as he turned to Peter, then the other doctor, then Peter again. âNo no no no. I donât have a son, Peterâs a friend.â he corrected the man, rubbing the back of his neck. âPeter doesnât have any parents, thereâs no way I can be his dad.â A palm flew to his mouth as he realized what heâd said, gasping. âI mean..uh..oh dear. Peter thatâs not what I meant.â