If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 60
Overview
Autumn learns Finny and Sylvie are running for Prom King and Queen, highlighting Finny’s distance and Sylvie’s influence. Sasha reveals Jamie told her about Autumn’s plan to have sex soon, unsettling Autumn. Later, Autumn and her mother share a rare, joyful moment choosing a striking prom dress, briefly easing family strain.
Summary
At Goodwill, Autumn shops with Sasha for prom attire while Angie searches for something workable during pregnancy. Sasha asks if Autumn will vote for Finny, revealing that Finny and Sylvie are running together for Prom King and Queen. Autumn is surprised and notes Finny hates attention, assuming Sylvie pushed the idea.
The conversation turns when Sasha mentions she will be the last virgin among their friends. She admits Jamie told her about Autumn’s plan to have sex in about two months, which Autumn hadn’t shared herself. The disclosure feels unreal to Autumn and underscores Jamie’s openness versus her own hesitation.
Autumn reflects on how Finny avoids mentioning Sylvie when they talk, keeping their conversations superficial since Christmas. The distance emphasizes their changed relationship and Finny’s separate path with Sylvie.
On a warm spring day, Autumn goes prom dress shopping with her mother. They banter about acceptable shades of pink, then Autumn tries on many styles that feel like versions of girls she is not. She finally finds a beige satin dress with a single layer of black tulle and a corset top. Her mother enthusiastically approves, and they share a light, affirming moment despite the ongoing family strain.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; learns of Finny and Sylvie’s prom run, hears Jamie told Sasha about her sex plans, and chooses a beige-and-black prom dress with her mother.
- SashaProm-dress hunting at Goodwill; tells Autumn about Finny and Sylvie’s candidacy and that Jamie shared Autumn’s plan to have sex soon.
- MomTired but excited; shares a warm outing with Autumn, helping choose a flattering beige-and-black prom dress.
- FinnyRevealed to be running for Prom King with Sylvie; keeps conversations with Autumn surface-level, avoiding talk of Sylvie.
- SylvieRunning with Finny for Prom Queen; implied driving force behind the campaign.
- JamieTold Sasha about Autumn’s plan to have sex soon, creating discomfort for Autumn.
- AngiePregnant and struggling with clothes; jokes about a Victorian dress while shopping at Goodwill.
- BrookeAlso buying a department-store prom dress; offers style reassurance about finding something cool.
- AlexAngie’s date; mentioned as someone a modest dress would fend off.