The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Thirty-Six
Overview
Belly and Conrad lunch together as Denise, Adam Fisher’s secretary, assumes control of the wedding planning. The guest list doubles to about forty and expenses appear covered by Adam, signaling parental approval. Belly feels overwhelmed by the sudden escalation and longs for her mother’s guidance.
Summary
On Monday afternoon at Cousins, Belly and Conrad eat on the deck. Belly explains Jeremiah wants Conrad and Steven as best men in matching khaki shorts and white linen shirts. Conrad is indifferent but Belly insists he must serve because he is Jeremiah’s brother.
Belly receives a call from Denise Coletti, Adam Fisher’s secretary, who is now organizing the wedding. Denise announces a high-end caterer, requests headcount, mentions Adam estimated forty guests instead of Belly’s twenty, and schedules a tasting. She presses for quick decisions on seating and tables, which Belly cannot immediately provide.
After the call, Conrad interprets Denise’s involvement as Adam’s approval and financial backing. The sudden expansion—catering, rentals, larger guest list—leaves Belly nauseous and unable to eat. She postpones calling Jeremiah and realizes the guidance she wants is from her mother, not Adam, Denise, or even Susannah.
Who Appears
- Belly (Isabel Conklin)Fielding a planning call, learns the guest list doubles; feels overwhelmed and longs for her mother’s guidance.
- Conrad FisherGrills lunch, is told he’s Jeremiah’s best man; interprets Denise’s involvement as Adam’s approval and funding.
- Denise ColettiAdam Fisher’s secretary; takes charge of wedding logistics, caterer, tasting, seating, and expanded headcount.
- Adam FisherAbsent but influential; through Denise, approves and funds the wedding, pushes a larger guest list.
- Jeremiah FisherAbsent fiancé; his plans for best men and attire prompt discussion while he is at work.