The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Sixteen
Overview
In a winter flashback, Conrad drives overnight to take Belly to Cousins, and they share an intimate but careful first night together. They spend the next day on the beach, build fires, and talk about Susannah’s hopeful treatment. Laurel’s call grounds Belly, but the memory becomes a cherished milestone in Belly and Conrad’s relationship.
Summary
Woken by a late call, Belly learns Conrad has driven through the night to see her and wants to take her to Cousins, even though it is winter. She sneaks out, meets him on the corner, and rides with him, thrilled by his warmth and surprising lightness.
On the drive, Conrad reveals he wants to be a doctor, inspired by Susannah’s response to new treatment, which fills Belly with hope. At the beach house they light a fire, nervously close the distance, and spend the night kissing tenderly, with Conrad moving carefully and checking that Belly is okay.
In the morning, Laurel calls furious that Belly snuck out, then softens upon learning she’s with Conrad, insisting she return that night and warning she’ll be grounded. Relieved, Belly and Conrad decide to make the most of the day.
They run the cold beach in borrowed boots, share cocoa, and grow bolder with affection. When passion escalates, Conrad slows things down, mindful that Belly is inexperienced and wanting her to feel safe; Belly reassures him she’s more than okay.
As evening falls, they delay parting with quiet intimacy—Conrad admiring Belly’s hair, both swept up in want—before he takes her home. They stop for diner food, return after midnight, and though Laurel is angry, Belly treasures the memory as one of the best nights of her life.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; sneaks out to Cousins with Conrad, shares first intense, careful intimacy, and returns home grounded.
- Conrad FisherDrives overnight to see Belly; hopeful about Susannah; tender, cautious in escalating intimacy; takes Belly home late.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Calls furious, then relieved Belly is with Conrad; insists she return that night and grounds her.
- Susannah FisherAbsent but central; her apparent improvement inspires Conrad’s hope and shapes the day’s mood.