The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirty
Overview
Belly and Taylor’s simmering tensions erupt over Belly’s decision to keep the last night in Cousins for herself, Jeremiah, and Conrad. After a vicious argument about loyalty and Conrad, Belly defiantly wears Taylor’s clothes and hides Conrad’s necklace, signaling divided loyalties and a hardening resolve before the party begins.
Summary
On the Fourth of July, Belly fields a call from Taylor while getting dressed for the last-night party Jeremiah has stocked with beer and tequila. Taylor’s boat outing is rained out, and she pushes to join Belly’s beach house party.
Belly resists, wanting the night to be about herself, Conrad, and Jeremiah before the house is gone. Taylor senses this and accuses Belly of selfishly hoarding her summer life. The argument escalates as Taylor claims Belly is a poor friend and obsessed with Conrad, while Belly snaps back that Taylor is acting childish.
When Taylor strikes at Belly’s feelings for Conrad—saying he doesn’t like her—Belly retaliates by exposing a private detail about Taylor’s boyfriend. They hang up furious, their friendship shaken. Belly channels her anger into dressing: she wears Taylor’s blouse and platforms to spite her and arranges her hair like Taylor’s.
Finally, Belly places Conrad’s necklace around her neck, tucking it under her shirt, and heads downstairs toward the gathering, torn between defiance, lingering grief, and her unresolved feelings for Conrad.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Determined to keep her last night for Conrad and Jeremiah; argues bitterly with Taylor; wears Taylor’s clothes; hides Conrad’s necklace.
- Taylor JewelBest friend who wants to join the party; accuses Belly of selfishness; attacks Belly’s Conrad fixation; ends the call angry.
- Jeremiah FisherOffstage host who bought alcohol for the party, setting the night’s stakes and context.
- Conrad FisherAbsent focus of conflict; Taylor doubts his feelings; Belly wears his necklace, revealing lingering attachment.