This Summer Will Be Different
by Carley Fortune
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Lucy lands in Charlottetown to support Bridget, who appears exhausted but insists she came home out of homesickness and surprise plans. Bridget’s parents are away, heightening Lucy’s suspicion that something is wrong. In the parking lot, Lucy encounters Felix, reigniting unresolved feelings and setting up renewed tension before the wedding.
Summary
Lucy arrives at Charlottetown Airport, noting the missing Cows Creamery cow statue and briefly chatting with an airport worker who confirms renovations. Bridget rushes in and hugs Lucy fiercely, looking tired but projecting cheerfulness. Lucy senses this trip is a rescue, not a social visit.
As they collect Lucy’s bag, Bridget offers an explanation: she felt homesick and flew to PEI to surprise her parents, but found they had left on a spontaneous road trip. Bridget’s annoyance with their unpredictability shows, yet Lucy doubts this fully explains yesterday’s distress.
Crossing the parking lot, Lucy presses for details, but the moment is interrupted when Lucy spots Felix leaning against a dusty black pickup, reading. The sight triggers a rush of memory—last summer’s intimacy and the fallout—sending Lucy’s heart racing and reestablishing unresolved emotional stakes just days before the wedding.
Who Appears
- Lucy AshbyNarrator; arrives in Charlottetown to help Bridget; senses a hidden crisis; is shaken upon seeing Felix.
- Bridget ClarkBest friend and bride-to-be; greets Lucy tearfully, claims homesickness; parents are away; appears exhausted but puts on a brave face.
- Felix ClarkBridget’s brother; waits by a pickup reading; his presence reignites Lucy’s intense memories and unresolved feelings.