I hated the smell of nursing homes. As soon as the smell hit me, it made me feel depressed and lonely, but my hand was resting in Livy’s as we walked toward my grandfather’s room.

“Hey, Papa,” I called out as soon as we walked in the door.

It smelled different in his room. The scent of tobacco and leather filled the air, and it reminded me of all the time I had spent with this man.

“Well I’ll be damned if it isn’t my Livy.” He was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, and he looked happy.

“Hey, Papa.” She waved, but he wasn’t having any of that.

“Girl, get your ass over here and give me some love.”

She giggled as she made her way to him, and he pulled her into his arms. His grip was a lot weaker than it used to be, but I could see him cling to her with everything he had.

She sat down in the chair next to him, and he gripped her hand in his.

“How are you, Livy?”

“I’m really good.” She smiled at him. “How are you?”

“Oh, I’m living the dream.” He lifted his free hand in the air and motioned around the room. “I have all this, plus some good-looking nurses who take care of me, and I’m the reigning champion of bingo.”

She laughed at his antics, and he smiled at her, a broad smile that could never be faked. That was the thing about Papa. He was always genuine, and he always made everyone happier just by being around him.

“Ummm… Hi, Papa.” I waved at him from his bed, and Papa rolled his eyes.

“Oh, hi, Parker.” He rolled his eyes playfully. “I’m so glad you’re here. You’re my favorite grandson in the world.”

“He’s my only grandson,” Papa mock-whispered to Livy.

“Don’t get jealous, boy. You know I love you, but it’s not every day that I get to see my Livy. Plus, she’s much prettier than you to look at.” Papa winked at her, and I groaned. “Don’t groan at me. I saw you holding her hand when you walked in. What’s going on there?”

Livy started to pull her hand from Papa’s, but Papa’s grip held firm. I saw him give her hand a squeeze for reassurance as they waited for me to reply.

“Papa.” I ran my hand over my face. “We’re hanging out.” My eyes met hers.

“What the hell does that mean? You two always hang out.”

“Well now we’re hanging out without Mason around.” I looked at my grandfather trying to get him to read between the lines.

“Oh, so you like my Livy.” Papa wagged his eyebrows at me, and Livy snorted out a laugh.

“Yes, Papa. I like her.” My voice was soft, and Livy looked up at me with a soft smile on her face.

I more than liked her.

“It’s about damn time.” Papa stood from his chair pulling Livy with him. “Well come on, lovebirds. Bingo starts in five minutes.”

I followed them down the hall. He stopped every few feet to introduce Livy to anyone he saw, bragging on how beautiful she was, and she couldn’t stop smiling.

We spent the next few hours playing bingo with Papa, him winning every time, and laughter filling the air.

“I’m sorry I had to beat you Livy,” he whispered in her ear, “but I couldn’t let George think I was getting soft.”

“It’s okay, Papa. I wouldn’t want to ruin your reputation.”

He winked at her before turning back to his bingo board. It was so easy to see how much he loved Livy, and it made me wonder if everyone could see through me so easily.

I pulled her into me and kissed her softly against her lips.

“Thank you,” I said against her neck.

“For what?” she said breathlessly.

“For being you.”