The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirty-One
Overview
Belly finalizes and mails her wedding invitations, marking a point of no return for the rushed August wedding. A shared errand with Conrad rekindles familiarity as they recall their painful prom breakup and his old stamp hobby. Their easy laughter contrasts Belly’s guardedness, and Conrad reveals he has no girlfriend.
Summary
Belly prepares her wedding invitations at the beach house when Conrad returns from a run and offers to drive her to the post office. Riding in his car revives memories, including their prom-night breakup, creating an awkward silence.
At the post office, Belly chooses “love” stamps and, uncertain about the clerk’s offer to hand-cancel, declines. Outside, she stamps and mails all the invitations, including one to Laurel, feeling the commitment solidify.
On the drive back, Belly asks about hand-canceling, and Conrad explains from experience—he used to collect stamps. They reminisce about his childhood stamp book and Jeremiah once using a rare Abraham Lincoln stamp, which leads them both to laugh easily.
The warmth triggers Belly’s reflection on how she once believed everything Conrad said, including contradictory claims about his feelings. Guarded again, she changes the subject to his plans after graduation; Conrad says it depends on med school. When Belly asks if he has a girlfriend, Conrad hesitates, then says no.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Prepares and mails wedding invitations; shares a nostalgic errand with Conrad; probes his future and relationship status.
- Conrad FisherDrives Belly to the post office; reminisces about stamp collecting and prom; says med school dictates plans and he has no girlfriend.
- Postal clerkSells Belly love stamps and offers hand-canceling, prompting Belly’s brief confusion.