The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirteen
Overview
Jeremiah recalls the night after Belly and Conrad’s prom. Susannah, thrilled for them, presses Conrad for details, but Conrad deflects and likely lies, revealing the night went badly. Jeremiah’s jealousy boils over into a tense exchange. Susannah’s sudden fatigue underscores her illness and the family’s fragility.
Summary
From Jeremiah’s perspective, Susannah is overjoyed that Conrad took Belly to prom, fussing over tuxes and details as if it were a milestone. Jeremiah admits mixed feelings—glad for Susannah’s happiness but jealous of Conrad—and distracts himself by attending another school’s prom.
The day after prom, Conrad unexpectedly returns home with laundry. That evening, over Chinese food, Susannah eagerly asks about the night. Conrad offers vague answers, claims they danced all night, and describes a theme that Jeremiah recognizes from a different prom, hinting Conrad is lying or covering up a bad night.
Susannah talks about photos and framing them, then tires quickly and goes to bed, her declining health evident. Once alone, Jeremiah confronts Conrad, needling him about possibly ruining Belly’s night. Conrad deflects, takes a jab at Jeremiah’s “Prom King” image, and ends the conversation, leaving Jeremiah’s jealousy and suspicion unresolved.
Who Appears
- Jeremiah FisherNarrator; jealous and suspicious of Conrad’s prom story; confronts him after dinner.
- Conrad FisherEvasive about prom details; likely lies to protect Susannah or hide a bad night.
- Susannah FisherDelighted about prom and Belly; questions Conrad, then tires quickly, reflecting her illness.
- Belly ConklinAbsent but central; subject of prom and photos that Susannah longs to see.
- Laurel DunneMentioned; Susannah plans to ask her for Belly’s prom photos.