Chapter 72

At night, Autumn eagerly joins Finny and his friend Jack for a movie. Jack cedes the front seat, and the trio banters uneasily as Finny admits he wants his two best friends to get along. They choose a horror film; Autumn scares easily, and during a tense scene her forehead brushes Finny’s shoulder.

Finny initially pulls away but then drapes an arm along the seat, his fingers lightly resting on Autumn’s shoulder. The small gesture comforts her and signals a growing, unspoken closeness. After the movie, Jack suggests drinking; leveraging his brother’s liquor-store job, they secure alcohol.

Parked behind their mothers’ houses, Jack and Finny share whiskey while Autumn sips a sweet drink Finny picked for her. Finny warns he won’t be able to drive her, so Autumn will stay at his place. When Finny steps inside for a moment, Jack bluntly asks about Jamie and then challenges Autumn’s intentions toward Finny.

Jack reveals that in middle school Finny obsessed over Autumn and cautions her not to mess with Finny’s head if she isn’t serious. The revelation stuns Autumn, confirming Finny’s long-standing feelings. Finny returns with pretzels, and Jack asks Autumn to keep the conversation private; she agrees, insisting it’s not like that, even as she is clearly shaken.