If He Had Been with Me, #2
If Only I Had Told Her
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Finn — Fifteen
Overview
Finn fields a supportive call from his mother, confirming plans that give him space with Autumn. He updates Jack that he and Autumn are together, while Jack admits a casual reunion with Alexis. Finn then buys candy and condoms, confronts a leering clerk, and drives on to end things with Sylvie.
Summary
Driving away from Autumn’s house, Finn answers his mother’s call. She happily claims credit for urging him to talk to Autumn and tactfully arranges that she and Claire will give the teens privacy. Finn, flustered but grateful, confirms and ends the call.
Planning to bring Autumn her favorite candy and prepare for intimacy, Finn stops at the gas station. Because of the rain, he calls Jack first, giddily revealing that Autumn loves him and they are finally together. Jack reacts skeptically but supportive, then admits he is casually hooking up with Alexis again, warning that Alexis might be upset after Finn breaks up with Sylvie.
Inside the store, Finn gathers candy and approaches the counter for condoms, only to face the same clerk who previously ogled Autumn. Despite feeling intimidated, Finn asks for a twelve-pack. When the clerk makes a suggestive comment, Finn snaps back, calling out the man’s behavior toward teen girls and telling him to meet someone his own age.
Finn throws down cash, ignores the clerk’s shouted response, and rushes back to his car in the rain. He drives off, focused on reaching Sylvie to end their relationship so he can return to Autumn as promised.
Who Appears
- FinnNarrator; coordinates privacy with his mom, tells Jack he’s with Autumn, buys candy and condoms, confronts a leering clerk, heads to break up with Sylvie.
- MomCalls to celebrate Finn’s progress and subtly arranges space for him and Autumn.
- JackFinn’s friend; hears the news about Autumn, admits hooking up with Alexis, warns about fallout.
- Gas station clerkLeering cashier; provokes Finn, who reprimands him for ogling teen girls.
- AutumnFinn’s newly acknowledged love; motivates his errands and plan to return after breaking up with Sylvie.