Chapter Seventeen

Belly and Jeremiah arrive at the Cousins beach house, passing familiar landmarks that sharpen Belly’s longing and dread. Inside, they find Conrad just back from surfing. He meets them with irritation, refusing Jeremiah’s plan to return for midterms and dismissing Belly so bluntly that Belly flees outside, gasping for space on the beach.

On the sand, Belly grapples with regret over coming and the sting of Conrad’s contempt. Returning to the kitchen, she and Jeremiah regroup. With the fridge stocked only with beer, Jeremiah proposes they stay the night so he can keep working on Conrad. Belly volunteers to get dinner and welcomes the excuse to leave the house’s memories.

In town, Belly drifts through old haunts and fills a bag with candy chosen for each of them, a private tribute to their childhood summers. Maureen O’Riley recognizes her and, unaware, asks after Susannah; Belly tells her Susannah died in May. The exchange underscores how raw the loss remains, and Belly hurries on.

Back at the house, Belly finds Jeremiah and Conrad drinking on the deck. She brings clam rolls and joins them with a beer, hoping to belong. Conrad eats without thanks until prompted, and when Jeremiah’s phone buzzes—likely their father—Conrad pointedly says he isn’t leaving the house. Jeremiah steps inside to take the call, leaving Belly and Conrad alone in charged silence.

As the sun burns pink and gold, Belly resists forcing a conversation. She tries to memorize the moment, sensing the fragility of places and people. The chapter closes with the unresolved stalemate: Jeremiah intends to keep pressing, but Conrad is dug in, and Belly is left balancing hope against hurt.