Free Almost Crimson by Dasha Kelly Page A

short stacks of papers neatly lined along the counter.
    â€œThe deed has already been transferred to your name,” Doris said, motioning CeCe to the counter. “A trust has been set up for you through Brian’s law firm—you know how those work—to cover routine repairs and maintenance for a while. My estate will pay the property taxes for two years.”
    â€œThree,” Brian corrected.
    â€œThree, really?” Doris said to Brian. She turned back to face CeCe. “I must really like you.”
    The women looked at each other silently. As was their way, CeCe and Doris held a two-hour conversation of soul-honest epiphanies and heartfelt thank-yous inside that flash of quiet. When the silence burst, CeCe lunged at Doris, wrapping arms around her friend’s wide shoulders and sobbing into Doris’ hair.
    Doris rubbed CeCe’s heaving back. “OK, honey,” Doris said once CeCe had collected herself. “The bad news is Mr. Smarty Pants has lots of papers for you to sign.”
    CeCe separated herself, her laugh garbled with tears.
    â€œI can’t even begin to find enough words to thank you, Doris,” CeCe managed to say, wiping her face with her fingers.

    â€œLive your own life, and live it well, kiddo,” Doris said. “That’s how you thank me.”
    Doris touched CeCe’s chin and left her to sign and clip forms with Brian. When CeCe emerged from the kitchen, she had a thick, white envelope filled with signed papers and a label on the front with her name already typed on it. CeCe gawked at the envelope between her fingers.
    â€œThe deal doesn’t work without keys,” Doris said. She stood in the center of the empty dining room dangling a ring with three shiny keys.
    â€œWhen—” CeCe began.
    â€œRight now,” Doris said.
    CeCe walked over with an outstretched palm and let Doris drop the keys into her hand. She clenched and unclenched her fists, savoring the bite of metal against her palm.
    â€œWell, my work here is done,” Doris said in a loud stage voice, fanning the air with a faux regal wave. “Brian, call my driver.”
    Brian said, “I am your driver.”
    â€œOh, that’s right.” Doris tossed a wink at CeCe.
    â€œYou two made me love my job all over again. CeCe, congratulations again. My business card is inside your packet and I left another one on the counter. Doris, I’ll be in the car. Please take your time.”
    â€œYou really outdid yourself this time,” CeCe said to Doris once Brian was outside.
    â€œThat’s the idea, kiddo. Outdo yourself every chance you get.”
    â€œWhat happened to the tenants you had, though?”
    â€œSerendipity, honey,” Doris replied, her voice distant. “The husband secured a better-paying job and the wife found out they had twins on the way. When they called to let me know they were going to be house hunting soon, I knew it was time.”
    â€œTime?” CeCe said, grinning as she folded her arms over her chest. Doris was always into something. “Time for what?”
    â€œTime to pull the trigger on these projects before I go,” Doris said.
    â€œWhere are you going now?” CeCe asked, still opening and closing her hand around the keys. Knowing Doris, there would be a passport and a long journey involved.
    Doris did not return CeCe’s giddy grin. She blinked before locking eyes with CeCe, transcribing another silent volume.
    â€œEverywhere,” Doris said. More softly, she added, “I’m dying, honey. Ovarian cancer. Too far gone to try and fix at it anymore. I’m taking the boys and their families away for a few weeks. Then I’m traveling to all the places I’ve never been—which is a lot of places, I tell ya.”
    Breath trapped in CeCe’s lungs. The euphoria she felt ten seconds ago seemed perverse and dirty now.
    â€œI know, it’s nuts, right?” Doris said,