Free Say You Need Me by Kayla Perrin Page B

disowned him.
    Since then, Darrell had officially taken over as father, and had tried to get Cecil out of each of his messes, all the while hoping Cecil would one day smarten up. He never had.
    “Darrell?”
    Serena’s voice startled him. “Huh?”
    “Which building?”
    “Oh.” Darrell looked outside the slow-moving car and pointed to the tall multi-colored condo at the end of the strip. “That one.”
    Serena gave a low whistle. “Wow.”
    “Yeah.” Darrell paused. “Wait a minute. You’ve never been here?”
    “No.” Serena slowed the car to a crawl.
    Why had she never been to Cecil’s condo? Darrell wondered.
    “Where should I park?” Serena asked, interrupting his thoughts.
    “There’s got to be…” Serena turned right, goingaround another side of the building. “Ah, there’s valet parking. Let’s pull in there.”
    Serena did as instructed. A gentleman wearing black pants, a white shirt with black bow tie, and a red vest stepped in front of the car as she stopped.
    The man was at her driver’s side door before she put the car into park. He opened it for her. “Morning, ma’am.” His eyes went past her to Darrell. “Ah, good morning, Mr. Montford,” he said brightly. “Haven’t seen you here for a little while.”
    Darrell had never seen this man in his life before, but he didn’t know that. And right now, Darrell wasn’t about to clue him in to the fact that he was Cecil’s twin before he had a chance to go upstairs and look for clues.
    “Uh,” Darrell began, glancing beyond Serena at the man’s nametag. “Hello, Miguel. I know, I haven’t been around much. I’ve been busy.”
    “I see.” Miguel raised a suggestive eyebrow and looked at Serena, as if to say he understood what had been keeping Cecil away. “Well, glad to have you back, sir.” Then, he extended a hand to Serena, helping her out of the car.
    Darrell gripped the handle and started to open his door.
    “Please, Mr. Montford,” Miguel said, rushing around to that side of the car before Darrell had the door completely open. “Allow me.” Miguel took the door handle and opened it.
    “Thank you,” Darrell said, feeling somewhat awkward. He was used to opening his own doors, but could imagine his brother lapping up attention like this.
    Miguel gave Darrell a brief once-over, his slightly wide eyes the only indication that he was surprised at Cecil’sattire. Then he turned to Serena, who had strolled toward Darrell. “I’ll take your keys, ma’am.”
    Serena was about to ask how much the valet service would cost, then thought better of it. Anyone who lived here or visited friends here wouldn’t be concerned with such petty things as the cost of parking.
    She passed him the keys.
    “Great.” Miguel smiled. But he didn’t move. Instead, he looked from Serena to Darrell, an easy grin playing on his lips.
    “Oh,” Darrell quickly said. He dug into his back pocket and withdrew his wallet. He took out a ten and passed it to Miguel.
    “Thank you, sir.” His grin widened. “I’ll make sure to take good care of this car. Hold a second for your ticket, ma’am.”
    Miguel returned with Serena’s half of the valet ticket, then opened the front door of the condo for her and Darrell.
    “Morning, Mr. Montford,” the concierge greeted Darrell once they were inside.
    Darrell gave the elderly man a nod. “Morning.”
    Serena felt weird in this opulent place, as if she expected the Rich and Famous police to come running from the back rooms screaming, “Imposter!” and kick her butt out of here before she could say Robin Leach. But she flashed the concierge a confident smile and held her head high, then walked with Darrell to the elevators. They stood behind an older woman who carried what at first seemed to be a gigantic fur ball. On closer examination, Serena saw that it was actually an enormously fluffy white poodle.
    The giant fluff ball let out a low growl as it stared at Darrell and Serena.
    “There,