Page 86 of Delayed Intention
“Yes, I know sweetie.”
“What I didn’t tell you is that right afterwards, I texted Jenny Park and told her she should take Josh out because I couldn’t be less interested in him.”
Roselyn sighs at me.
“I thought I wanted to never give him another chance and that the cleanest break was to tell him so. In that moment, I felt the urge to put a nail in the coffin and so I pushed Jenny to contact him about getting together as a plus one for the wedding. But now… I wish I hadn’t done that.” I go on to tell her about the card Josh had sent and what I think it means.
“First of all, Lily, don’t assume that just because you suggested it to Jenny, that she was going to go for it, especially after what Mom did. Besides, you don’t know if Josh would go out with her either. I’m just saying, you are doing a fair amount of assuming.”
“I guess, but what else could he want to speak to me about?”
“Well, that’s the whole point isn’t it? He wants to speak to you, in person, and I guess you won’t know what it’s about until you meet with him.”
“I don’t feel like being this grown up.”
“Honey, no one does. We just do it.”
“I’ll think about it—and I’ll message an answer in the morning.”
“That’s a start.”
We talk about what we’re both wearing to the wedding and what Emunah will wear as well.
“I’m looking forward to you all coming out; you’ll stay the week after?”
“Emmy and I will but David has to get back to work. If you’re up for it, I was hoping for a few extra days in Estes and then head back up to Nona’s. I have our hotel room, and you can stay with us—but if you want to leave for Nebraska sooner…” As in, if I don’t want to hang around Estes where Josh is.
“No, it’s fine. It’ll be great to spend time together there. That’s a great plan.”
“Sweet. I’ll keep the room three extra days.”
“Okay. I can be an adult.”
She chuckles at me. “Good to know.”
“I’ll just text him—I’ll go out a day early and meet him for coffee. Then, I get to hear all about how great he and Jenny are together before I get to see it in person.”
“You don’t know that’s what he’s going to say.”
“Roselyn… Do think there is a match for me somewhere?”
She doesn’t even hesitate.
“I have no doubt.”
Of course, I know she’s saying this because she’s religious, and that is what they all believe.
“Well, that makes one of us.” I say, because I honestly don’t share Roselyn’s confidence. Or her faith.
We said our goodbyes and I put the card in a drawer next to the picture of Josh that I still have there.
All Together Now
Josh, Estes Park, June 8, 2025
She’s not coming.
Lily was due to meet at Kind Coffee over an hour ago, and she’s a no-show. I head back to the counter and return my mug. After two and a half cups of coffee and nothing to eat, I feel bitter—not in an angry way, just dried out. I head back up the riverwalk to grab some breakfast on my way to the clinic. I choose a crepe place and order a raspberry crepe before grabbing a table by the window, and looking out at the Fall River. Readying myself for disappointment, I recheck for any text messages.
