If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 75
Overview
Autumn endures several anxious days without Finny, fearing she has ruined their renewed closeness. Finny finally calls, admits he plans to end things with Sylvie, and invites Autumn over. They spend quiet time together without discussing Sylvie, signaling a cautious step toward confronting their feelings.
Summary
Several days pass with Autumn isolated, reading and writing while watching for signs of Finny. Finny skips family dinners, and Autumn learns he is out with Jack. When Finny returns one day, Autumn notes his hesitation in the driveway until Aunt Angelina greets him, after which he masks himself with a smile.
Autumn’s mother probes whether she and Finny have fought, which Autumn deflects defensively, revealing her anxiety and confusion about the sudden distance. Sasha calls, but Autumn avoids the conversation, instead fixating on Finny’s dark window at dawn.
On the sixth day, Autumn breaks and calls Finny; he does not answer. Fearing she has ruined things, she curls up, then picks up when her phone rings. It is Finny.
During a quiet, tentative call, Finny tells Autumn he plans to break up with Sylvie when Sylvie returns, acknowledging it will be hard. Autumn holds back tears and agrees to see him when he invites her over to watch a movie.
They spend time together watching a film and then go out for pizza. They deliberately do not discuss Sylvie, choosing simple companionship over immediate confrontation, suggesting a fragile, hopeful recalibration of their relationship.
Who Appears
- AutumnAnxious and sleepless during Finny’s silence; calls him; spends the evening with him after he shares plans about Sylvie.
- FinnyDistant for days; returns home hesitant; calls Autumn, says he will break up with Sylvie; invites her to a movie and pizza.
- SylvieAbsent but central; Finny intends to end their relationship when she returns.
- Autumn’s motherQuestions Autumn about a possible fight with Finny, highlighting the noticeable distance.
- Aunt AngelinaGreets Finny on the porch, prompting him to drop his hesitation and smile.
- SashaCalls Autumn during the estrangement; Autumn ignores the call.