If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 69
Overview
Autumn and Finny spend an easy afternoon together, settling into a new rhythm of late-night drives and unstructured days. Autumn guards her writing while Finny playfully pushes to read it, exposing boundaries and trust. Their banter turns affectionate, confirming their renewed closeness and quiet commitment to simply being together.
Summary
Autumn and Finny lounge on his bed at midday, reflecting their new habit of staying out late and sleeping past breakfast. Autumn finishes a chapter on her laptop while Finny defeats a video game boss. Recent nights have been spent driving with windows down, visiting drive-thrus and 24-hour stores, and sharing candy on the hood of Finny’s red car under streetlights too bright for stars.
When Finny asks to read what Autumn wrote, Autumn refuses, calling it private and unfinished. Finny presses gently, offering to read without analysis. Autumn explains her worry that he will map real people and events onto her characters, which would distort her intent.
Finny jokes about swearing not to analyze, and their exchange turns playful as Autumn half-yields with a noncommittal “maybe.” They tease about what “maybe” means, she punches his shoulder, and they laugh, signaling comfort and trust.
As Finny asks what to do next, Autumn chooses to remain in the moment—“This”—affirming their contentment and the quiet solidity of their renewed bond.
Who Appears
- AutumnWrites privately, resists letting Finny read her work; enjoys late-night drives; affirms contentment simply being with him.
- FinnyPlays video games, gently pushes to read Autumn’s writing; teases playfully; shares nocturnal adventures, deepening their reconnection.