As long as he did. It would be unfortunate if this cute farmer threw out his back lifting Heaven’s coffin. It was already awkward enough, but it could get worse. It could always get worse.
Heaven must have passed out from spinning in her coffin, either that or the drop from the car. Fortunately, a little knock to the head was no biggie for a vampire. She’d be just fine.
On a normal day, I wouldn’t have powerlifted a casket in front of aguy, but he had me in a bind.
When we were done hoisting the casket into the back of the hearse, the man gave me an up-and-down look and said, “Wow. I could use your help around the farm.”
I fluffed my hair. “I’ve been doing a lot of dead lifts at the gym.”
He laughed at my accidental pun.
“Tiffenie.” I held my hand out.
He froze and gave me a closer look, searching my face in a way that made me squirm. I retracted the hand I’d offered and shoved it in a pocket.
“Tiffany Blair?” He looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “It’s me, Tyrone.”
I blinked back. “Sorry?”
“Tyrone Nicholas. I had some business with Jeff a long time ago.”
“Oh.” I smiled as if that meant something to me.
“We only met once or twice in passing a long time ago, so you might not remember me.”
Phew. But still, how small was this town anyway? Being recognized by the first person I saw was not ideal.
Standing at the back of the open hearse like we were tailgating at a homecoming game, Tyrone gave me a not-so-subtle inspection. I pulled my hat down around my ears. Tiffany had been blond.
I had been anonymous for so long; I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be known. It made me want to scuttle away sideways like a crab.
With a glance at the coffin, he said, “You know, I didn’t take you for the type to become a mortician.”
“What did you think I would be?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. The way Jeff talked about you, maybe a kindergarten teacher or a nurse.”
“Jeff clearly didn’t know me all that well.” Note to self: Find out who Jeff is, ASAP.
“So where are you staying?” he asked.
I pointed down the road. “The Valentine Bed-and-Breakfast.”
“Really?” he asked, his voice skeptical. “Have you seen a recent picture?”
I shrugged. “I’m going to fix it up.”
“Maybe it’s better on the inside than I thought.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t know if you knew, but I bought Jeff’s parents’ farm. I’m right across the road from you.”
“Looks like I won the neighbor lottery,” I said, and I meant it.
“Same,” he said, looking relieved, as if I wouldn’t be excited to see him. Who wouldn’t be excited to see a handsome Christmas tree farmer?
“Maybe I can take you out for a drink to thank you for the help,” I said with a burst of inspiration. Look at me, taking charge of my own destiny.
“Deal, but I’m buying. Now come on.” He walked back to his car and said over his shoulder, “Just follow me and you’ll end up at the house.”
I waved and got back into the hearse, all casual-like, but if my heart could beat, it would be racing. I needed to figure out who the hell Tiffany Amanda Blair was, and quick. The people in this town knew her as a person. I only knew her Social Security number.
