Curiosity spiked everyone’s mind. Nick for one, was curious if Joe was actually going to like this girl, if she wasn’t necessarily ‘funny’. Joe too, he was probably wondering who the heck his new date was going to be and then of course, I; April Ryan was curious if Joe was going to blow this girl off on the first date or not. 

“Well are you gonna tell me who it is by the end of the century?” Joe, my client asked in a whining tone. “I got all cleaned up.” He added with an innocent smile curling up on his lips. I chuckled quietly. “Her name’s Olivia. She’s beautiful, sweet and caring. She loves animals, and is a big fan of the Yankees.” I told Joe, proud of how compatible their interests were. Joe seemed even more curious, what I told him seemed to intrigue him greatly. Nick however didn’t seem very convinced, just staring at me blankly. Was he even listening? 

“Great, when do I get to meet her?” Joe asked anxiously, rocking back and forth on his feet with his hands tucked away in his pockets. He reminded me of a five year old, who really needed to use the bathroom. I giggled to myself, looking up to meet a set of honey colored eyes belonging to my client. “Today, if that’s alright with you? Olivia volunteers at the zoo in the morning from nine to twelve by the grizzly bears. Why don’t we swing by?” I suggested, Joe grinned playfully as he nodded his head like a chicken. Cheesy much?

“I’ll come with, if you guys don’t mind.” Nick piped up, getting up from the couch as he fetched a grey colored t-shirt hanging over a chair, pulling it over his head, covering up his well toned stomach. Slightly disappointing that he had covered it up, but more appropriate nonetheless “I mean, to keep Cupid here in line and all. That she doesn’t get too nosey.” He added quickly, Joe just shrugged walking back into his room to fetch his coat; Nick then looked straight at me and winked. Nosey? Me?! C’mon, he’s the one meddling in his brother’s love life. It’s my job to be nosey, sheesh. 

“Time for the zoo Cupid.” Nick said with a grin as he poked out his arm, I rolled my eyes looping arms with him as Joe came back out of the bedroom. “Don’t get all too cozy now, or I’ll have to gag.” Joe joked as he snatched the keys from the kitchen counter and made a slight bow. “After the happy couple.” He teased with a silly; I slightly glared at him, while being pulled through the doorway by Nick. Off to the Manhattan Zoo. 

The walk over to the zoo was full of brotherly fooling around, teasing and joking around. Finally we had reached the zoo’s entrance, enough with the chit chat, time for action. I flashed the man behind the cash register a grin. “Hi, I’m here to see Olivia Bennett.” I spoke up, catching his attention as he sluggishly focused his eyes on me. It took him a while to comprehend what I said, but when he did he slowly straightened up. “Who’s asking?” He questioned curiously eying me. “April Ryan, Olivia’s friend. She’s expecting me with some friends.” I stated firmly, from the corner of my eye I could see Joe and Nick curiously observe how I handled the situation, they seemed impressed. Well, as I always say; never underestimate a girl. Slanting my head to the side confidently, I held eye contact with the guy, named “Hans”, at least that’s what the name tag pinned on his side said. 

“Oh yeah, go right through Miss Ryan and uh… your buddies.” The man said opening up the gate, allowing us to pass through. “Thanks.” I thanked sternly and motioned Nick and Joe to follow me. “Thanks … buddy.” Joe said, putting emphasis on ‘buddy’ as he challengingly glared at the man whilst trailing behind Nick and I, how bold of him.

“Grizzly bears.” I read off of a sign, in a murmuring tone. “That way.” I said, quickly walking along before Nick caught up to me. Joe trailed all the way behind, really taking a good look at all the exotic animals we past by. Well, might as well enjoy it while you’re here right? “Wow, slow down Coop.” Nick said smoothly as he popped up by my side. “Why the rush?” I shrugged, feeling the temptation of kicking up the pace. “Rush? What rush?” I countered avoiding his question. 

Finally, I spotted the exhibits of the Grizzly Bears, seeing my friend Olivia busy locking up the cage, stepping out. Her blonde hair was put up in a loose and messy ponytail, yet that gave her character. With a few stray locks hanging in her face she slid the keys in her pocket. “Liv!” I called, cutting Nick short as I jogged up to Olivia giving her a hug. “Hey! April!” Liv sounded slightly surprised, she always managed to get herself caught up in her work, losing track of pretty much everything. Shooting a glance back at Joe who seemed to be very interested, seeing the scattered Olivia run her hand through her blonde locks with a bright smile. “Oh yeah, Liv this is Joe.” I said subtly, giving her a slight shove in the right direction. She stumbled forward and chuckled, regaining her balance. “I’m Olivia.” She introduced extending her hand towards him. Joe smiled, he obliged shaking her hand suavely. “Joe.” 

And there it was, the connection. I looked over at Nick, as I walked over leaving the two acquaintances be. “Joe likes her, I can tell.” Nick whispered in my ear, I didn’t understand why he was whispering. We were well out of earshot; there was no relevant reason for the closeness of our faces. “Well duh, I picked her out.” I said lightly smacking him on the chest as I looked at them talking from afar. “Yeah, uhm speaking of… well you, I wanted to ask you something, before Joe interrupted us earlier.” Nick started, I noticed a tension in his voice. “What is it?” I asked turning towards him, curiously.