The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Overview
Belly and Jeremiah search for an off-campus apartment, clashing over priorities and environment. They apply for a nicer complex, but Jeremiah’s weak credit raises doubts, and the application is ultimately rejected. The setback exposes practical strains and incompatible expectations as their rushed engagement meets real-world logistics.
Summary
Belly and Jeremiah tour apartments near campus. Belly rejects a damp, smoky, party-heavy unit despite Jeremiah’s enthusiasm for its carpet and proximity. The landlord with a ponytail smokes as they leave, and the couple bickers over lifestyle fit and noise, revealing differing priorities.
They return to the first complex Belly preferred and meet building manager Carolyn. Jeremiah declares they are engaged, prompting an awkward pregnancy assumption that frustrates Belly. During the application, Jeremiah reveals late payments on a personal credit card, worrying Carolyn and startling Belly.
Outside, Belly worries about approval while Jeremiah minimizes the risk and praises the earlier landlord. Their exchange turns snippy, each withholding a harsher point about control and responsibility.
Days later, Belly receives the call: their application is denied. Whether due to Jeremiah’s bad credit or Belly’s lack of credit, the result underscores real-world obstacles and strains beneath their engagement.
Who Appears
- Isabel "Belly" ConklinEvaluates apartments, prioritizes comfort and stability; frustrated by assumptions about pregnancy and Jeremiah’s credit issues.
- Jeremiah FisherPrefers party-friendly proximity; reveals poor credit; minimizes concerns, causing tension; application ultimately fails.
- CarolynApartment manager who processes their application and notes credit concerns after learning they are engaged.
- GaryLandlord of the fratty apartment; smokes, seems lax; Jeremiah deems him ‘cool,’ Belly distrusts the place.