If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 66
Overview
Autumn and Finny share breakfast, revealing Autumn’s fragility and Finny’s steady support. A call from Sylvie underscores Finny’s ongoing relationship, even as he sides with Autumn against Jamie’s request for friendship. When Autumn fears calling Jamie, Finny offers refuge in his room, committing to help her resist.
Summary
Autumn comes downstairs composed, thanks her mother for not commenting, and confirms plans to have breakfast with Finny. A text from Finny had motivated her to get up. They leave together, with both mothers evidently relaxing curfews.
At the diner, Autumn orders a hamburger while Finny orders a traditional breakfast. Sylvie calls Finny from her trip; Autumn distracts herself by doodling as Finny listens and ends the call with “love you.” They briefly discuss Angie’s impending baby. When Autumn says Jamie wants them all to remain friends, Finny calls the idea crazy but reassures Autumn he is on her side.
Driving home with windows down at Autumn’s request, the day feels empty to her. Parked in the driveway, Autumn admits she fears calling Jamie just to yell and that she is used to leaning on him to process feelings. Finny counters that she doesn’t need Jamie and notices her fighting tears.
To help her through the urge, Finny invites Autumn to hang out in his room while he plays a video game, promising not to let her call Jamie. Autumn agrees, accepting Finny’s protective companionship as she begins navigating the breakup.
Who Appears
- AutumnHeartbroken after Jamie’s breakup; breakfasts with Finny, struggles with urges to call Jamie, accepts Finny’s protective company.
- FinnyPicks Autumn up for breakfast; takes a call from Sylvie; reassures Autumn and invites her to his room to prevent calling Jamie.
- MomAutumn’s mother; quietly supportive, notes relaxed curfew, says little but approves breakfast with Finny.
- SylvieFinny’s girlfriend; calls from her trip, exchanges affection, highlighting Finny’s ongoing relationship.
- JamieAutumn’s ex; wants to remain friends, which Finny rejects; Autumn fights the urge to call him.