Chapter Thirty-Three

Conrad lies awake replaying his history with Belly and decides he cannot keep alternately drawing her close and pushing her away. He recalls a motel morning when he told Jeremiah it was okay to be with Belly and, moments later, gave Belly a cold look that extinguished her hope. Conrad now understands he set their relationship in motion and must live with their apparent happiness.

On a Friday afternoon, Conrad happens to be home when Belly, stressed over wedding preparations, needs help because Jeremiah is delayed in traffic. Conrad offers to drive with her to Michaels, quietly pleased to be useful.

During the drive, Conrad notices Belly’s confidence behind the wheel and they trade light banter about how she’s changed—heels, driving—and how she still bites her nails. The easy familiarity resurfaces, and Conrad restrains himself from showing more than small gestures.

At the store, they debate vase sizes and gather supplies, with Conrad nudging toward larger hurricane vases and joking about fake flowers. The errand becomes a brief, companionable interlude in which Conrad handles the heavy lifting while Belly makes choices.

Back at the house, Jeremiah is already there, casually questioning why they didn’t wait for him. Belly is annoyed he was late but accepts his hug, and Conrad steps away to unload. When Belly suggests they all go to dinner, Conrad refuses, his curt tone ending the discussion as Belly and Jeremiah leave without him.

Conrad’s actions reaffirm his internal decision to keep distance, even as small moments with Belly reveal enduring feelings. His earlier sacrifice continues to shape the triangle, leaving him on the outside.