But the most dazzling part was the smile that spread across her face when she saw me. She was pleased to see me, perhaps pleased that our outfits matc...hed as well. It was almost surreal, and completely unexpected from the Ice Queen image I'd built up in my mind around her.Kaia had been chatting with another sorority sister, a raven-haired, elegant girl I vaguely remembered from the previous night. I stepped up immediately and said hello to Kaia, exchanged a few pleasantries, then turned to her. " Mary smiled. "Come on ya old horn-ball. Get an eye full of hot nookie, an' go hang out with the other maniacs." They went on up the stairs, Jerry smacking Mary on her ass with the palm of his hand.Ben and Mike went into Billy's office, and were introduced to Luke, and Francis. Mike asked from where they hailed. Francis told him St. Louis by way of Wichita, then here. Luke told them he was from Newark, and had traveled through Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas, mostly doing farm work, but some. "I don't care, but we'd better get moving. I don't think it'll stay firm much longer." You're right," Ally said with a giggle. "It's already starting to get a little soft." She couldn't resist making the comment. Ben didn't make her feel the least bit uncomfortable. It was great feeling totally at ease around a guy for once. Too bad they were merely two nerdy kids discussing the consistency of the ice cream in their banana split!Ally could imagine so much more thanks to witnessing Kaija's. Let's make it fun. Mark, close your eyes. We're going to get you ready just by voice alone."My mood had been so shattered that I would've doubted it was possible, but I've learned not to doubt Julia when she says she'll do something. I was very curious about how she'd do it, so I closed my eyes without further comment.Julia started her attempt, "Carol, I keep imagining how wonderful it is going to be for you to be living in the same house as our Lord. I wish I could do that, but never mind me.