The Summer I Turned Pretty, #2
It's Not Summer Without You
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Two
Overview
Belly recalls the long tradition of summers in Cousins and how, after last summer’s kiss, she waited for Conrad to reach out. He finally called, and their late-night talks grew into an undefined relationship, punctuated by his visits and Steven’s interference. A perfect December night in Cousins briefly fulfilled her hopes, but by May the relationship ended, foreshadowing grief and disillusionment.
Summary
Belly remembers the ritual of leaving for Cousins each June, the Costco runs, and the cereal that defined their summers with Susannah, Jeremiah, Conrad, and Steven. Those memories underscore how much has changed since the last summer, when Belly finally felt included and they all promised to return.
After returning home, Belly waits through August and into September for some sign from Conrad. She doubts their connection yet clings to the way Conrad looked at her on their last night, believing there is hope. News from her mother filters in—Conrad is at college, settled but distant—until he finally calls in the second week of September.
Their first call electrifies Belly, validating her patience. Conrad calls again and again; they talk for hours, joke, and share the unique weight of loving Susannah. They become something real but undefined, sustained by phone calls and the sense that they understand each other’s grief.
Conrad begins visiting Belly, staying overnight once in the guest room. Steven repeatedly intrudes, undercutting private moments and potential intimacy. Still, the connection holds, and Belly savors even the awkward, chaperoned outings as proof they are moving forward.
In December, Belly and Conrad return to Cousins alone and share a perfect night that justifies all her waiting. However, the promise of that moment doesn’t last. By May, whatever they had has ended, leaving Belly with the memory of what briefly felt possible.
Who Appears
- BellyNarrator; recalls Cousins traditions, waits for Conrad’s call, builds an undefined relationship, experiences a perfect December night, then its end.
- ConradCalls Belly from college; shares nightly talks and visits; shows affection; spends a perfect December night in Cousins before things end by May.
- StevenBelly’s brother; doubts Conrad’s interest and routinely intrudes on visits, complicating Belly and Conrad’s chances for privacy.
- Belly's motherRelays news about Conrad and Susannah; facilitates calls; once hosts Conrad overnight in the guest room.
- Susannah (Beck)Beloved family friend; her memory and shared grief bond Belly and Conrad as they navigate their undefined relationship.