But now I am a man and I know that there's no time to waste

 Mercer had a few nights to get through the play's run-throughs. He felt he was living and breathing his character that Cowan created. Yes, a part of him left that other life behind. No thoughts of Cade bringing him down came to mind. He just let it be.

There was his support behind the scenes. Nicky, head of props always giving him the heads up about every tiny thing on stage. It was as if he had a personal assistant and didn't know it. She would always swing by a pick him from home. It was as if he was going on stage, no matter what.

He hated to tell her he wasn't helpless, but there she was with food and drink as if she was his biggest fan. Still, he knew he shouldn't count on her so much, but there she was, blue hair and all. She was like a pixie fluttering around.

"And why haven't you been in a play yet?" He'd asked a few weeks ago, while taking a break during rehearsals. After all, she knew everyone's lines.

"It's just not the part for me," she shrugged about the matter. "I'm not sure there is a character for me."

"But when you're an actor, you just-" Well, he hadn't finished that line. He'd left it alone. He certainly didn't want to nag. But maybe someday she'd shine on stage too. After all, she was so charming and a bit of a dynamo if she didn't get her way. Of course, it just left him with a laugh in his throat.

He knew who he was leaving with every night because she was his driver. 

But it was different that evening, all his friends showed up. It was quite a crowd. He was so happy to see them after the show. Maddie brought him roses and Harley was there with someone new. Well, he knew who everyone was. Even Rafe and Ruby. 

They wanted to take him out to dinner. He looked back to find Nicky, but she was nowhere in sight. It was as if she was just a part of his imagination. 

"What's wrong?" Harley asked.

"It's nothing," Mercer kept smiling. After all, they were taking him out for pizza.

"Are you sure?" Rafe was all smiles. Everyone kept smiling. Suddenly, he felt he was in a new play himself. Although, he wasn't certain if it was method acting or not. But he had to keep going. His friends were here. 

"Are you OK?" Izzy and Cowan were here for backup.

Mercer nodded. Still, he felt so alone. Everyone else was a couple, but him.