"Read me his file," Myla asked as she navigated us through the urban jungle.

"23-year-old male, Keith Kirby. He works as a business analyst at a local company and graduated college with a bachelor's degree in business. He has few close friends and no experience in dating. According to the data collected over the course of his two-week observation period, he was found to be partially introverted and quiet; despite this, he submitted an unanticipated match-make request one month ago." I read, my gaze focused on the man's photo.

I feel like a bounty hunter.

I thought as we made our way through the city. We had informed Amanda and Keith of each other. As well as today's meeting. From what I could gather, this was to introduce them to each other, sort of like a guided date, if you will,

You can't be a third wheel if there are four of us, huh,

"Are you perhaps nervous?" My dear partner said, her gaze not leaving the road.

"Well, not exactly, but I'm a bit worried."

"Why so?"

"Surprisingly considerate today, are we?"

"Please, spare me. The last time we had Amanda as our client, you were an anxious wreck. I'm just making sure you don't make the same mistake." She stated with a sharp and cold tone, throwing an irritated glance at me.

It was my first day, dammit.

We were to meet them at a local café bar. Apparently, this was decided by Amanda as Keith had simply left his desired location as None, either out of kindness or his personality being that of an introvert.

"Hope you can hold your alcohol," I casually said as I closed the folder and placed it back into the glovebox.

"We aren't there to drink. Please wait until the end of our shift to intoxicate yourself."

"Can't be helped. I guess you practice holding your beer by socializing after all." I said with a quiet snicker when I heard her release a sigh.

"Perhaps I will get a drink since I am the one driving for the both of us." She said casually, but I knew that meant she'd be more than happy to get us killed.

Don't threaten my life so casually. That's my joke.

While it seemed she was still annoyed, at the very least, our conflicts remained verbal. The goal of today seemed to be to introduce the pairing together and allow the surveyors assigned to them to get a grasp of the dynamic that they'd be creating. As I pondered on that, I noticed the icon on the GPS screen reach its destination, which I took as my cue to steel myself. The car halted quickly as the GPS announced our arrival, however, this time, I did not so much as flinch.

I see through your tricks, witch.

I thought as I faced Myla with a proud smirk.

"It seems you have hit your head too many times," She commented as she exited the vehicle.

"Hey, let me have my moment, dammit." I tried to shout to her as I too got out of the car, but she promptly ignored me and began walking to the establishment's entrance. The place looked fairly new, more than likely remodeled along with the city. Its walls are of large glass panes that reveal the relaxing atmosphere within. Groups of chairs dotted the outside and were provided shade by the building's unique architecture, while a bar by night served more as a cafe during the day. That being said, it was already drawing customers as it was around the time for most people to begin their work. There were those busily typing away on their laptops with coffee by their side, interns tasked with procuring caffeine for the higher-ups, and those simply looking to relax. It was a very ordinary yet comforting scene, and I had to commend Amanda for choosing it.

Plus - if the date fails, you can just wait until night and get blackout drunk. Not that I'm hoping that happens, I swear.

"So, where are they? They said they'd meet at 10 o'clock, right?" I asked, checking my phone for the time.

"If you'd look forward for once, perhaps the answer would be clearer," Myla said as I heard a pair of footsteps approach us. A cheerful young woman ran up to us, her brown hair swaying as a single braid tied it together. Her smile was as radiant as the sun that made its arrival as noon came closer. And her eyes gleamed with excitement for the upcoming introduction.

"Hey, guys! Sorry about that. I didn't realize the place had so much traffic." Amanda said as she swept away a drop of sweat from her forehead. Neither of us had a driver's license, and it seems that fact remained the same.

"You were a lot earlier back on our first date," I said with a chuckle.

"Oh, to be young is such bliss," She replied with the same jovial tone. I felt my partner nudge me with her shoulder, more than likely telling me to not bring up the past.

It's hard not to when that's really all we have to talk about,

I thought as I observed Amanda. She wore a baby blue-colored sleeveless button-up perfect for the summer weather with a pair of black wide-legged trousers. Her brown sandals made a click-clack noise as she made her way closer and hung her sunglasses onto her top.

Ah, she's cute.

I swallowed that thought as my partner questioned her.

"Has Mister Kirby contacted you?"

"Yep, apparently he's already in the café. You guys should've just gone in without me, y'know?"

We can't tell her we just got here as well, can we?

We made our way into the building, the glass door hanging open and hitting us with the cool air. It had a very contemporary aesthetic, blending solid blacks with ebony wood panels. Decorating the ceiling were many pendant lights currently turned off as natural light allowed the place to be filled with soothing air. Seating at the bar was currently occupied by those taking a break, and the more conventional seating accommodated groups of friends and solitary workers. In the midst of all this, we saw our client. He wore a dark-blue jacket with only the first bottom button in use with a light gray blazer to contrast the hues. His trousers complimented the color of his suit, and his dark brown hair, while short, had been slicked to the side to give him a formal air.

Hey, this isn't a job interview; it's a date. We already did that scenario a while ago.

I pondered as Amanda excitedly made her way toward him.

"Hey, Keith! Sorry, we had to make you wait,"

"Ah, no, it's fine. Please, have a seat." He replied with a tinge of anxiousness in his voice.

"Righty-o, this place serves as a café in the mornings and afternoons, so you guys can get your daily fix of caffeine,"

Amanda explained as she sat down in front of the young man and picked up one of the menus.

"Well, there goes your plan of getting a cocktail." I teasingly said towards Myla, who also took her seat next to Amanda.

It's like a double date now. This is some weird cosmic punishment.

"We'll just have a latte," Myla said, her annoyance slightly hidden from the newcomer.

What do you mean we? At least let me choose what I want to drink.

"Good to see you decided before coming here," Amanda said with an approving look.

No, seriously, when did we decide on that. I wanted choccy milk.

I gave up on my hopes as their conversation continued.

"Keith, what'll you be having?"

Amanda seemed to be in a good mood. She was energetic and had a certain skip in her beat that surprised me. It made sense; you wanted to leave a good first impression with your partner, but this felt less wanting to look good and more just being genuinely happy.

"I'll have...you." He said in a nervous tone, looking away from all of us.

...

Are you an idiot?

I thought as his eyes widened and he faced all of us with an anxious expression.

"No, I meant to say I'll have what you'll order as well," He stated apologetically as the relaxed mood returned.

Good, this isn't the time for cheesy one-liners.

"Phew, you got me there. But, it's not that I mind an assertive approach," Amanda replied, her cheeks slightly reddened from the head-on attack.

Hey, don't approve of that behavior. I thought I got married to a better woman.

I thought as I, and Myla, gave her judging looks.

"I'm kidding. I'm kidding." She said with a snicker as she called over a waitress to take our order. Still, it seemed the description was spot-on. Keith was one hell of an awkward mess. While his attire and air gave off a mature and formal vibe - as of right now, he acted more like a lost teenager.

Some people are into that. I like more outwardly cheery types. A friend in high school used to say he preferred thighs, though, so at this point, I'm not sure what good preferences are.

I recalled as - after a few minutes, the waitress had returned with our drinks. I took a sip of the rich yet bitter beverage as I pulled out my phone below the table and sent my partner a message.

"What exactly are we supposed to do here? Also, the latte is actually quite good."

"For now, we observe. If a conversation does not start, we will intervene by providing the pair with topics and questions."

"So, how's the latte?"

"Please focus on the task at hand."

"Okidoki"

I let out a sigh as I put away my phone and observed the pair in question. Sensing the silence, Amanda had decided to break it with her own questions.

"So, do you know any good jokes, Keith?" Amanda asked with a bright smile aimed at the introvert.

A classic question, how will he respond?

"Um, not one I made myself. I had a friend back in high school that would always make our group laugh, though,"

He said with a nostalgic look in his eyes. We all leaned in closer, awaiting the quip.

"He'd just say, "My parent's marriage." and everyone would burst out into laughter." He said with a hint of worry in his tone.

It's not very effective.

I thought, but I was actually holding in my laughter as I let out a quick snort.

"That's, well..." Amanda said with her eyes closed, awkwardly scratching the back of her head.

"Of course, someone like you would laugh at it," My dear partner said, taking a sip of her coffee to hide her irritation.

I'm not laughing at the joke. The timing was just too funny. It's like hearing your younger cousin ask if they can get McDonald's once your grandfather's funeral is over.

I let out a few coughs to compose myself when Amanda's phone rang.

"Huh? What could that be?" She asked as she pulled out her device and opened it, a surprised expression appearing on her face.

"Eh?! That was today?"

"What was?" I asked as she stood up from her seat.

"I have a job interview today. I didn't notice it overlapped with our meeting. I'm all over the place, sorry." She said as she picked up her bag and began making her way to the exit.

"I really am sorry, let's reschedule, okay?" Her apologetic face said it all. She did seem really excited about this.

She did mainly manage the house when we were together. Guess I wasn't the only one who had to get a job sooner or later.

I pondered as Myla stood up as well, finishing her drink.

"It still surprises me that you managed to find work faster than her,"

"Yeah, yeah. you'll get the car ready, right?" I asked as I began taking the last sips of my beverage as well,

"Yes, I'll leave the payment to you then,"

"Hey, wait-" I tried to call out to her, but she had already made it outside.

Now you're just being mean.

I thought as an anxious voice reached my ears.

"Excuse me, but what did she mean by that?" Keith asked, his face still looking away from me.

"Oh, you mean about finding work? Well, funny story, kind of, I actually used to be married to her, Amanda, I mean." I said with a nervous tone, lightly brushing my nose.

Now it's twice as awkward, great.

I thought, but as I faced the young man, his eyes were now keenly locked onto mine,

"Perhaps, you might be the person I needed," He said vaguely as his expression turned to be a bit more hopeful.

Why do I always attract guys with random problems? Why?