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"I'randfather said

"My mother never mentions him It's like I never had a father" Shannie asked hi off

"How does a thirteen year old girl know World War II battles?" Appreciation laced Grandfather's voice

"My mother is a Twentieth Century history professor I think its how she stays in touch with e We were in for a long night of war stories I slipped back into the kitchen He was a good storyteller and these were great stories I wouldn't randfather called it a night

"Punk," Grandfather said "You're not going to let the young lady walk ho deal"

"Do I have to teach youlady home"

Grandfather kissed Shannie's cheek and thanked her for an enjoyable evening What a role model, too bad I was uncomfortable with the role

Outside Shannie thanked reat ti you"

"Really," she s "Why's that?"

"He's heard a lot about you" I wanted to hold her hand

"How so?"

"Shannie," I said ignoring her question

"That's the naht," We were standing outside her front door "I'm sorry I acted like a kid"

"Yes?" she bit her lower lip

"I really, well, I really like you"

"And…"

"Well, I like you"

Her smile waned "I like you to" She slarandfather is a trip," Count infor "Jesus, can he tell stories" Count had dark circles under his eyes but voice was full of vigor "The codger kept us up ht and we still didn't want hi anyone in the house What a life I hope I can live one half as interesting What he has done and seen"

"Yeah he has"

"He won a Silver Star in the war He shook Kennedy's hand He was at Woodstock, which is pretty cool since he y to the hippies He wrote a book He even had an end zone seat when Dwight Clarke made the catch"