The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Forty-Three
Overview
Belly tries to restore normalcy after nearly kissing Conrad, but tension lingers as friends gather. At a celebratory dinner, Jeremiah’s public kiss and Conrad’s quiet presence sharpen Belly’s conflicted feelings. Steven offers support, while Jeremiah overlooks Conrad until Belly thanks him. Later, Jeremiah corrects a shared childhood memory, shaking Belly’s confidence in her own past.
Summary
Belly decides everything is back to normal after nearly kissing Conrad, convincing herself nothing happened. While the boys head to the beach, Conrad, unable to get his bandaged leg wet, preps dinner. By the pool, Belly, Taylor, and Anika banter about the boys and Conrad’s attractiveness. Belly insists Conrad is no longer “her man,” trying to draw a boundary.
That evening, they share a grown-up meal of grilled steak and vegetables. Belly sits beside Jeremiah but is hyperaware of Conrad, whose nearness makes her heart race. When Conrad makes Anika laugh, Belly looks away, stung. Tom gives a crude toast, and Jeremiah kisses Belly in front of everyone; Belly pulls back, then regrets it when she sees Conrad’s reaction.
Steven stands to toast, telling Jeremiah to treat Belly right, which moves Belly to tears. When Jeremiah thanks the group, he neglects to mention Conrad until Belly publicly thanks Conrad for the meal, easing the slight with humor.
After dinner, Jeremiah readies to go out with the boys while the girls stay in. Belly brings up an old memory about a beach dog they called Rosie, insisting Jeremiah found and cried over the dog. Jeremiah corrects her—Conrad found Rosie and cried—and he is certain. Belly, who prides herself on remembering every detail, is shaken to realize her recollection may be wrong.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Narrator; strives for normalcy but is intensely aware of Conrad; embarrassed by Jeremiah’s public kiss; questions a cherished childhood memory.
- Jeremiah FisherFiancé; hosts friends, toasts, kisses Belly publicly, forgets to thank Conrad; corrects Belly about the Rosie dog memory.
- Conrad FisherInjured from surfing; prepares the meal; remains mostly quiet; his presence heightens Belly’s conflicted feelings.
- Steven ConklinBelly’s brother; gives a sincere toast urging Jeremiah to treat Belly right, briefly easing tensions.
- TaylorBelly’s friend; lounges by the pool, jokes about Conrad, decides not to go out with the boys.
- AnikaFriend; remarks on Conrad’s attractiveness, laughs with him at dinner, prompting Belly’s pang of jealousy.
- TomFriend; offers a crude, good-natured toast to Belly and Jeremiah.
- RedbirdJeremiah’s friend; subject of poolside teasing; turns Taylor off after eating steak with his hands.
- JoshFriend; present at dinner and acknowledged in Jeremiah’s thanks.