Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter sixteen
Overview
In a flashback to age fourteen, Belly brings her best friend Taylor to Cousins, hoping to boost her own standing with the boys. Taylor sets her sights on Conrad, stirring Belly’s jealousy. During pool games, Belly and Conrad win, and Conrad’s rare smile toward Belly hints at shifting dynamics.
Summary
At fourteen, Belly invites her best friend Taylor to Cousins despite foreseeing trouble. Taylor arrives flaunting new looks and divorce-fueled indulgences, instantly drawing the boys’ attention, especially toward Conrad. Belly, who hoped Taylor’s presence would validate her, quickly feels overshadowed and protective of her own ties to the house and the boys.
In private, Taylor declares she will pursue Conrad, dismissing Belly’s warnings that Conrad is intense and aloof. Belly downplays her own feelings and suggests Jeremiah, but Taylor insists on the challenge of Conrad. Their differing aims set up quiet competition and insecurity for Belly.
By the pool, the group proposes chicken fights. After initial teams pair Belly with Jeremiah against Steven and Taylor, Belly and Jeremiah win, buoying Belly’s confidence and camaraderie with Jeremiah. Taylor grows competitive, switches partners to Jeremiah, and tensions sharpen.
When Conrad reluctantly partners with Belly, she feels both self-conscious and steadied by him. Belly and Conrad defeat Taylor and Jeremiah, and Taylor quits in frustration. Conrad lowers Belly into the water, offers a rare smile, and praises her win—subtly validating Belly and signaling a small but meaningful shift in their connection.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel)Narrator at age fourteen; brings Taylor to Cousins, feels jealous, wins pool chicken with Conrad, earns his rare smile.
- Taylor JewelBelly’s best friend; arrives glamorous, targets Conrad, competes in pool games, grows frustrated after losing.
- Conrad FisherAloof and intense; largely indifferent to Taylor, partners with Belly in chicken fight, smiles and praises her.
- Jeremiah FisherFriendly and flirty; teams with Belly first to win, then with Taylor, enjoys playful competition.
- StevenBelly’s brother; grumpy and sarcastic, partners with Taylor then bows out, moderates pool games.