The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Six
Overview
Laurel orchestrates a decisive breakfast with Adam Fisher and fiercely argues against selling the beach house. Adam relents with conditions: if Conrad returns to school and passes his exams with at least Cs, the house goes to Conrad and Jeremiah. Conrad accepts, restoring hope and reaffirming Laurel’s pivotal influence.
Summary
After a restorative shower, Belly joins Laurel and Conrad as they prepare breakfast; Jeremiah returns with groceries. Laurel announces Adam Fisher is coming, and the group cooks together, signaling a united front.
At the table, Laurel quickly reveals her purpose: she is not backing Adam but defending Susannah’s sons and the house. Adam insists the sale is final and minimizes Laurel’s standing. Laurel dismisses the kids, then confronts Adam bluntly, invoking Susannah’s wishes and his failings while urging him to honor her memory.
Moved and worn down, Adam softens. Hearing this from the stairs, Conrad calls Laurel “amazing,” and Belly silently agrees. When the conversation ends, Adam summons the boys and proposes a deal: Conrad must return to school the next day, finish exams, and earn at least Cs; in return, the house will be Conrad’s and Jeremiah’s.
Jeremiah celebrates, but Conrad hesitates, reluctant to owe his father and claiming he might not pass. Adam holds firm, and with Belly and Laurel’s encouragement, Conrad accepts and shakes on it. Adam thanks Belly and departs for the city.
Belly and Laurel quietly clean up; Belly praises Laurel’s resolve. Outside, Laurel promises Conrad she will return before summer ends and to help close the house. Belly recalls stories of young Conrad’s attachment to Laurel, recognizing how deeply Laurel understands him.
Who Appears
- LaurelBelly’s mother; masterminds breakfast, confronts Adam, and secures a conditional deal to keep the house.
- Adam Fisher (Mr. Fisher)Initially set on selling the house; moved by Laurel and offers a deal tying the house to Conrad’s exams.
- Conrad FisherGuarded and conflicted; squeezes juice, resists owing his father, then accepts the deal to save the house.
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; hungover, assists with breakfast, supports Conrad, and admires Laurel’s decisive stand.
- Jeremiah FisherBuoyant and grateful; helps set up breakfast, urges Conrad to accept, celebrates the deal.