Page 39 of Ice Me Out

From the outside, it was like the classic Greek Row building with white columns by the entrance. It blends in pretty seamlessly with the rest of the stately mansions that house the sororities and fraternities on campus.

Once inside, however, it’s clear that this is a modern, state-of-the-art house of the future.

“Luke, Shane!” A tall, skinny brunette in a pink chiffon dress air kisses my brother and his boyfriend. “It’s so nice to see you. And who did you bring with you?” her eyes land on me, eyeing me with curiosity.

“A twin sister?” Candace squeals after Luke introduces me. “Where did you hide her? She’s even prettier than you, if possible.”

Candace seems very sweet and offers me a brief tour of the house.

Everything seems to be controlled by a central software that’s set up to know and recognize everyone who lives here.

“There are sensors that recognize which sister enters a room at any given time. The fridge is set up with all our dietary needs and preferences,” she says, entering a spacious kitchen that would be the envy of any professional chef. “Every week, it automatically orders our groceries, replenishing only what’s been consumed or has reached its expiration date. We have a virtual bartender who knows all our favorite drinks.”

A black and chrome appliance that looks like an oversized version of those coffee makers that use pods lights up as soon as Candace stops in front of it.

“Good evening Miss Candace, the usual for you tonight?” a sexy male voice asks.

“A lemon drop martini would be awesome. Thank you, Giovanni. But tonight I have a guest. What would you like, Bex?”

I think about it for a second. “I would love a margarita, if it’s possible.”

“Regular or spicy, Miss Bex?”

I must be looking like a fish out of water, because Candace giggles. “Tell Giovanni how you would like your margarita. He makes perfect drinks.”

“Regular, please. Thank you, Giovanni.”

The sexy voice sounds pleased. If a robot could be pleased, that is. “My pleasure, Miss Bex. Mixing both drinks now.”

I watch with rapt fascination as a margarita and a martini glass appear from a slot that opens inside the countertop the drink maker is resting on.

Each glass is filled with the requested drink from two small cylindrical spouts positioned just above the glasses.

“Enjoy your drinks, Miss Candace and Miss Bex.”

I thank Giovanni before trying a sip of my margarita. “This is delicious,” I gasp. “Giovanni even chilled the glass.”

Candace smiles proudly. “We owe all of this to our past president, Bay Woods. She built us this high-tech house after our old house burned down.”

Giovanni is only one of the many incredible amenities of the new Zeta house.

“Your house is awesome.” I gush once we conclude our mini tour back where we started it.

“Thank you, Bex. Even though it’s rare to have seniors rushing, it’s a shame you didn’t get here a couple of weeks ago. You would have definitely scored an invitation to pledge.”

I’m about to thank her, but Luke cuts in.

“She would have rushed Zeta Theta Beta without a doubt,” he says, wrapping one arm around my shoulders. “The thing is, Bex doesn’t exactly go to school here.”

That’s an interesting way to describe my situation.

“Oh?” Candace’s head is tilted to the side, her gaze evaluating me with renewed curiosity. “So you’re just visiting with Luke?”

Again, Luke speaks before I can put a word in edge-wise. “It’s complicated. Let’s just say that Bex is on an extended sabbatical from Bridgeport. She was engaged to someone,” he says someone as if the word left a bad taste in his mouth. “But once the wedding came around, things went south, so she’s trying to figure out what’s next for her.”

“That sounds intense. I hope you’re ok, Bex.” The Zeta president’s tone is sympathetic. “Do you have plans on how to move on?”

That must be the opening my brother was waiting for, because he literally pounces at the opportunity.