If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 77
Overview
After a routine police stop in Finny’s red sports car, Autumn and Finny share playful banter that shifts into a vulnerable moment as Finny teaches Autumn to drive. Guiding her hands onto the wheel and shifter, Finny pushes her onto the highway, reinforcing their growing intimacy, trust, and dependence.
Summary
Past one a.m., a police officer pulls over Finny’s red sports car for the second time that week. After the search, Autumn teases Finny about the car, and their playful back-and-forth reveals comfort and closeness. Finny suggests teaching Autumn to drive; Autumn resists, but Finny persists.
When Finny says Autumn’s name, Autumn relents and takes the wheel. The car swerves, and Autumn panics, but Finny covers her hands with his and corrects their course. He talks her through making small adjustments, promising to catch her if she goes too far, and they circle neighborhood blocks together.
Despite Autumn’s refusal, Finny steers her toward the highway on-ramp. He places Autumn’s hand on the gearshift and, with his hands guiding hers, helps her change gears. The nearly empty highway opens ahead as Autumn, anxious but supported, drives under Finny’s steady guidance.
By the end, the lesson becomes a shared act of trust and intimacy: Finny’s confidence and physical guidance calm Autumn’s fear, signaling a deepening bond as they navigate literal and emotional roads together.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; nervous about driving but yields to Finny’s guidance, experiencing trust and growing intimacy.
- FinnyDrives the red sports car; after a police stop, teaches Autumn to drive, guiding her hands onto the highway.