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Nashville she had a steady job and some good friends like Mindy. And there was the reason she had told her parents she was moving to Nashville in the first place. She had told them it wasn’t completely because of Jeff. It was also because so many colleges were available. She could finish up her teaching credential. Perhaps that was the answer, as obvious as it seemed.
    Something Jeff said during their last meal at Giovanni’s loomed over her, something about his not wanting to hold her back from realizing her potential. Yet there seemed to be a twist to his words. The message she had read between the lines was that she was the one holding him back. And he had decided to go about his life without her.
    A stab of familiar pain accompanied the thought. Abandonment. Rejection. Failure. The hurt dug down so deep within her heart all she knew to do was to shut it out. And she knew how to do that quite well.
    Brad worked feverishly, making a few phone calls, tapping away at the keyboard, and plugging in the well-used printer. Lauren cleaned up the kitchen and thought about how useful this computer was going to be. She wouldn’t have to use her ancient word processor to type her papers if, or should she saywhen, she went back to school.
    “Voila!”
Brad suddenly announced. “Get ready to ride the info highway, Wren, baby! And be sure to fasten your seat belt, because this highway ain’t paved.”

Chapter Five

    O kay, Lauren, come here and let your little bro teach you a thing or two,” Brad said.
    Lauren stood behind him at the computer and watched the screen suddenly go blank.
    “You were saying?”
    “Okay, okay. So I don’t have all the bugs worked out yet. Give me a minute or two.” He turned and glared at her with mock annoyance. “Don’t you have anything better to do than stand over my shoulder all day nagging me? Go get a life, you pathetic woman!”
    For some reason, his teasing hit a nerve, and Lauren started to feel the room closing in on her. In a small voice she answered, “I don’t have a life.” The glass of milk in her hand began to quiver.
    “I was only kidding,” Brad said, trying to read her expression. “It’s not your fault that jerk dumped you.”
    A numb feeling began to invade Lauren’s brain.
    “You’re better off without him.”
    “Yeah,” Lauren said aimlessly. She imagined Jeff boarding the airplane right now, leaving her forever.
    “Hey, you don’t look so good,” Brad said.
    “No,” Lauren said, a haze of insecurity settling over her. “I don’t suppose I do.” A gurgle bubbled up in her throat. A swallowing of tears and an attempt at laughter combined into one indefinable sound.
    “I think you’re starting to lose it, Wren. Maybe you should go to bed. Take a little nap. Get your head clear.” Brad stood up and cautiously approached her. “Come on, lady,” he teased. “Put the glass of milk down nice and easy, and nobody gets hurt.”
    Lauren fell into a crazy laughter mixed with tears and put down her glass of milk.
    “That’s right,” Brad coaxed. “Come with me. Back to bed. A little nap is in store for you, missy.”
    “But I’m not tired,” Lauren protested as Brad led her to her room.
    “Right. You’ve barely eaten or slept for weeks, and you don’t think your body needs any refueling. You’re cruel, Wren; heartless and cruel to treat your frail flesh like that. Take a rest. Go ahead. Lie down.”
    Lauren complied.
    Brad pulled the covers over his sister, tucking her in nice and snug. “That’s it. Close your eyes.” His deep voice lowered to a whisper, “Go to sleep. Shhh.”
    Lauren’s spasming chest settled into a normal breathing pattern. She suddenly felt tired. Very tired. Brad’s strong hand rested on her cheek for a moment, and then she was asleep.
    When Lauren woke, it was dusk. The room seemed small. Forcing her eyes open all the way, an invisible weight pressed against her forehead. A moment later she remembered what dayit was.