The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Nineteen
Overview
Belly dresses carefully for Susannah’s women’s center dedication, certain Conrad will come. With Laurel, Steven, Mr. Fisher, and Jeremiah, she waits, but Conrad never appears. Jeremiah accepts a commemorative plaque for Susannah. Conrad’s absence deflates Belly’s hopes and underscores unresolved tensions before the families’ planned conversations.
Summary
Belly wakes early and dresses in a special lavender dress for Susannah’s women’s center dedication, taking extra care with her appearance. Although she downplays it to Laurel, Belly believes Conrad will attend, a hope that guides her preparations.
At the parking lot, Belly, Laurel, Steven, Mr. Fisher, and Jeremiah gather as guests file inside. Mr. Fisher checks repeatedly, but Conrad is not there. Jeremiah heads in to accept a commemorative plaque for Susannah, while the others linger, uncertain.
Laurel suggests they go inside, and Belly volunteers to wait a little longer. After ten more minutes on the curb, feet aching in her heels, Belly accepts that Conrad will not come and heads in, her confidence and anticipation deflated.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Prepares carefully for Susannah’s dedication, waits for Conrad, and is disappointed when he doesn’t show.
- Jeremiah FisherAttends the dedication and accepts a commemorative plaque on Susannah’s behalf.
- Laurel ConklinOptimistic Conrad will attend; encourages moving inside when he doesn’t appear.
- Mr. Fisher (Adam Fisher)Worried about Conrad’s absence; checks inside and looks defeated.
- Steven ConklinAccompanies the family, largely passive and sleepy during the arrival.
- Conrad FisherAbsent from the dedication despite expectations, deepening Belly’s disappointment.