You’ll Understand When You’re Dead: Broken Heart Vampires Book 12 by Michele Bardsley Page A

everyone fast enough.”
    “You’d think you’d tell us first,” said Jess. “Have you had sex, yet?”
    “Oh, dear lord.” Natalie stared down at her plate.
    “No,” said Matt. “Look, it’s a long story.”
    “Oh, you’re telling us the story,” said Jessica. “But you’ll have to do it at the PPTA garage sale.”
    “PPTA?” asked Matt.
    “Paranormal Parent-Teacher Association,” explained Eva. “You’re still going, right?”
    Natalie had completely forgotten about the event, and that she was supposed to provide snacks and donate items. Shit.
    “Yes,” she said. “I’ll be there.”
    Jessica stabbed a finger into the air. “You both will be there.” She gave Matt a narrowed-eye look. “Don’t you dare break her heart, or I will chop you into little pieces.”
    Matt swallowed the bite of food that had caught in his throat. Natalie took in his expression. He’d probably never noticed before how scary Jessica could be. He nodded.
    “Good. Because no one would ever find your body.”
    “Noted,” said Matt faintly.

Chapter Seven
    “ H OW DID MY own mother get engaged and not tell anyone?” Kimmie lamented as she, Jenny, and Tilda spread vinyl tablecloths over card tables. The annual PPTA garage sale was held at the Three Sisters Bed & Breakfast at sundown. Tilda’s aunts had wasted no time putting the teens to work.
    “Yeah. Makes the whole ghost dating thing really awkward,” said Jenny.
    “Look, your mom will be here soon,” said Tilda. “We’ll stick the juju bag on her person, and the ghosts will be repelled. Later on, we’ll perform the binding ritual and get rid of the ghosts for good.”
    “I bet Patsy could get rid of them,” said Jenny.
    Tilda and Kimmie stared at her. “Are you trying to get us grounded?” asked Kimmie, horrified.
    “We’re going to be grounded anyway. Not one of us will walk away from this without parental fury being unleashed.”
    Tilda shook her head. “I got this. The ghosts disappear, your mom is safe, and hey, she has a man just liked you wanted for her.”
    Kimmie felt hot tears well up in her eyes. “I just wanted her to have someone good. She doesn’t know that I know, but my dad is the one who got her killed. It’s his fault she’s a vampire. He fed her to his stupid boss!”
    “Oh, Kimmie. I’m so sorry.” Jenny hugged her.
    Tilda patted her on the back.
    She sniffled, feeling somewhat better...until she saw who was sauntering up the driveway, and had a moment of panic.
    “Ohmigawd. It’s him,” said Kimmie.
    “Mr. Dennison?” asked Jenny, turning around. “Oh, you mean loverboy.”
    “Shush.”
    “Whose loverboy?” Tilda craned to get a good look. “It’s just Hayden Wickam. You like him? But he’s such a nerd.”
    “Okay,” said Jenny, pulling Tilda by the arm. “We’re leaving.” She dragged the girl all the way to the front porch and disappeared into the house.
    Kimmie’s heart pounded as the boy neared. He stopped, tucking his hands into his jean pockets. As he looked at her, a lock of brown hair fell across his forehead.
    “Hello, Kim.”
    His use of her formal name sent a delightful shiver through her. Kimmie leaned against the table, crossed her arms, and pretended to be bored. “Hi, Hayden. What are you doing here?”
    His mouth quirked. “Reporting for duty. Dad insisted.”
    Kimmie flushed then ducked her head to hide her embarrassment. Hayden’s dad was a local doctor for the human population in Broken Heart. “Oh, yeah. Help. Right.” She felt stupid and disappointed. But why had she thought he would come just to see her?
    “Yeah, help,” he said. He stepped closer and brushed her hair away from her cheek. Kimmie looked into his brown eyes and felt like she was going to melt into a big, goopy puddle.
    He leaned closer, and she could smell the peppermint on his breath. “Kim. I was wondering—”
    “Yes?”
    “The new theatre in town is playing Shaun of the Dead . And I know you’re so cool