Summer, #1
The Summer I Turned Pretty
by Jenny Han
Contents
chapter twenty -three
Overview
Belly escalates things with Cam, inviting him over and agreeing to a party, but Jeremiah and Conrad crash it. Jeremiah publicly teases them, and a drunk Conrad nearly fights before Jeremiah defuses it. A brief, tender moment between Conrad and Belly in the car is broken, leaving Belly conflicted.
Summary
Cam calls nightly, and Belly enjoys long, easy conversations that make her feel seen. Taking initiative, she invites Cam over to swim; they race, and she keeps his hoodie after a close series. When Cam invites her to Kinsey’s party, she agrees.
At breakfast, Belly mentions the party and Conrad and Jeremiah decide to crash it, teasing her and Cam’s straight-edge label. Before leaving, Susannah warmly compliments Belly, while Laurel probes about the boys attending. Belly tries to slip out before introductions.
At the party, Cam introduces Belly around as “Flavia.” Belly chooses a Coke, enjoying how Cam listens. Jeremiah arrives, commandeers karaoke, and publicly mocks Cam’s name, embarrassing Belly; Conrad lounges with Nicole, detached. Belly and Cam retreat to the stairs, nearly sharing a first kiss before commotion outside interrupts.
On the deck, a very drunk Conrad squares off with a muscular stranger. Belly tries to intervene; Conrad shoves her aside. Jeremiah quietly talks Conrad down, and they decide to leave. Cam checks if Belly is safe to go with them; she reassures him and promises to call, frustrated that Conrad’s behavior ruined her first real date.
In Jeremiah’s car, the night turns quiet. From the backseat, Conrad gently plays with Belly’s hair and begins to say her name, hinting at something intimate, but Jeremiah returns and the fragile moment breaks. Driving home, Jeremiah warns Conrad not to let Susannah see him drunk. Belly realizes Conrad may not remember any of it and focuses on recalling the steadier comfort of Cam.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Protagonist; invites Cam over, goes to Kinsey’s party, tries to stop Conrad’s fight, experiences a fleeting intimate moment with Conrad.
- Conrad FisherBrooding and drunk at the party; nearly fights, brushes Belly off, later tenderly plays with her hair in the car.
- Jeremiah FisherProtective yet teasing; crashes the party, mocks Cam via karaoke, ultimately talks Conrad down and drives them home.
- Cam (Cameron)Straight edge crush; swims and races Belly, brings her to Kinsey’s party, is mocked but kind, worries for her safety.
- Susannah FisherWarm and encouraging; compliments Belly before the party, a quiet presence reflecting her importance.
- Laurel (Belly’s mother)Curious and cautious; questions whether Conrad and Jeremiah will attend the party.
- Greg “Kinsey”Party host; known around Cousins, offers drinks, not the rumored dealer.
- Nicole (Red Sox girl)Sits close to Conrad at the party, underscoring Belly’s jealousy and Conrad’s detachment.