The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Two
Overview
Steven discovers Belly is in Cousins, but the real shock comes when a realtor arrives to prep Susannah’s house for sale. Conrad exposes their father’s plan, declares the house off the market, and asks Belly to keep it from Jeremiah. Belly realizes Conrad ran away to protect the house.
Summary
Back in her room, Belly gets a call from Steven, who has spotted Taylor at the mall and realizes Belly isn’t with her. Pressed, Belly admits she is at the Cousins beach house helping Jeremiah with Conrad, which makes Steven jealous and worried their mother will be angry.
After the call, a red Honda arrives. Conrad answers the door to Sandy Donatti, Adam Fisher’s real estate agent, who expects the house to be empty. Conrad reveals he sent the movers away and pointedly introduces Belly as his girlfriend, startling her and unsettling Sandy.
Conrad confronts Sandy about the sale, reminding her the house belonged to Susannah and that she is dead, forcing Sandy to retreat and say she’ll speak with his father. Conrad insists the house is off the market and shows her out.
Once Sandy leaves, Conrad asks Belly not to tell Jeremiah about their father’s actions yet, saying he will handle it. Belly bristles but agrees temporarily when Conrad pleads. Left alone, Belly processes the truth: Conrad didn’t run away to surf—he came to Cousins to stop the sale and save the house.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; fields Steven’s call, witnesses the realtor’s visit, agrees to keep Conrad’s secret, realizes Conrad aims to save the house.
- Conrad FisherBlocks the house sale, sends movers away, claims Belly is his girlfriend, and asks her to keep the situation from Jeremiah.
- Sandy DonattiAdam Fisher’s real estate agent; arrives expecting an empty house and retreats after Conrad’s confrontation.
- Steven ConklinCalls Belly, discovers she’s in Cousins, expresses concern about their mother and jealousy at being left out.