If He Had Been with Me
by Laura Nowlin
Contents
Chapter 49
Overview
Angie reveals she had unplanned sex with Preppy Dave in his car and got sick afterward, prompting her friends’ concern about contraception. Autumn questions the experience and contrasts it with her own boundaries. Later, Jamie proposes a thoughtful plan for their first time, reinforcing mutual care and intention.
Summary
At lunch, Angie tells Autumn, Sasha, and Brooke she had sex with Preppy Dave in his car, saying it just happened. She describes vomiting immediately afterward but remains euphoric, insisting she’s in love. Sasha and Brooke press about contraception, warning it only takes once, while Angie resists having her happiness dampened.
Autumn, unsettled, struggles to understand how sex can be accidental and contrasts Angie’s story with her own careful stopping points with Jamie. She inwardly recoils at the setting and lack of preparation and wonders why Dave didn’t stop without birth control.
On the drive home, Autumn recounts the story to Jamie. Jamie listens quietly and, instead of judging, says he’d take care of Autumn if she got sick, signaling support and tenderness.
They agree their first time won’t be in a car. Jamie proposes a planned, romantic hotel night with a nice dinner beforehand. Autumn anticipates he’ll give her a subtle bracelet charm to mark the moment and tries to forget the expectation so it can remain a surprise.
Who Appears
- AutumnNarrator; reacts skeptically to Angie’s unplanned sex, reflects on boundaries, and discusses a thoughtful first time with Jamie.
- AngieReveals she had unplanned sex with Preppy Dave in his car, vomited afterward, yet feels blissfully in love.
- JamieListens to Angie’s story from Autumn, responds supportively, and proposes a planned, romantic first time together.
- SashaQuestions Angie about contraception and urges a discussion on birth control before a next time.
- BrookeSympathetic but cautious; comforts Angie while warning that pregnancy can happen from a single time.
- Preppy DaveAngie’s boyfriend; has unplanned car sex with her, after which she vomits. Appears only through Angie’s account.