You're always there, so don't ovеrthink

 Mercer saw them together. He couldn't believe it. Maddie wasn't sad. 

It was like someone different. She was part of the group. There Rainy was stretching across the table just to give her an art pencil. Mercer couldn't help but smile.

Oh, he knew he wasn't supposed to be out here where the study rooms were at the library, but he needed a drink from the water fountain.

"What's going on?" Somehow Cade noticed too.

"Oh, well..it's something." Mercer nodded.

"Something?" Cade almost bumped into his bum just to take a look in the corner of the doorway. His sweater, fragranced with Kate Spade's Sparkle was so inviting. It left Mercer smiling. "Good for Maddie," Cade said.

"I know, but what will Rafe do?" Mercer looked up at Cade who would always tower over him just a little.

"Well, he knows this highway pretty well. He might not eat for a week and I'll have to live that stinky man odor of his. It should last two weeks, tops." They both took their exit and went back to the Circulation counter.

"It'll last longer, for sure." Mercer told him he really thought this would hit his brother hard. "I don't think he'll get over Maddie."

"Possibly, he was never that involved with anyone else," Cade shrugged about the matter. "I think I heard him sobbing the other night. I don't really like it, but there isn't anything I can do about it."

"Maddie had said she thought she was better alone, but-"

"It's good for her to try new things. You know, just finding her niche. I don't suppose she thought she had one until now," Cade said.

"You think Rainy will be OK?" Mercer knew Rainy had been through so much with his mother and her cancer. At least there was a reprieve. Things were better. He didn't seem depressed like he used to be. 

"I dunno, maybe you need to fill Maddie in, you know." Cade shrugged and went to check on some HOLDs at the counter.

Mercer nodded. He better get back to shelving. Still, he felt as if spring was stirring. And maybe there were some happy days ahead, but not for Rafe.