The Summer I Turned Pretty, #3
We'll Always Have Summer
by Jenny Han
Contents
Chapter Fifty
Overview
At a family dinner, Belly intentionally avoids Conrad while trying to focus on Jeremiah. Jeremiah is affectionate, but the group’s awkward dynamics underline unresolved tension. Conrad pointedly engages everyone but Belly, reinforcing her choice to keep distance as the wedding nears.
Summary
Belly and both families gather for dinner at a new restaurant. She notes small comforts—her father’s familiar dress shirt, her mother nearby—and tries to anchor herself in family normalcy.
Conrad sits with Jeremiah’s friends at the far end, speaking with everyone except Belly. Remembering that she told Conrad to leave her alone, Belly commits to avoiding him and focuses on Jeremiah beside her.
Jeremiah checks on Belly, jokes about dessert, and kisses her. Belly reciprocates, but she notices Jeremiah glance toward Conrad, hinting at the unresolved strain underlying the table’s careful politeness.
Who Appears
- BellyNarrator; deliberately avoids Conrad and focuses on Jeremiah during a tense family dinner.
- Jeremiah (Jere)Sits with Belly, checks on her, urges dessert, and kisses her; subtly glances toward Conrad.
- ConradKeeps his distance, talks to everyone but Belly, amplifying the emotional rift.
- Belly’s dadPays for dinner; chats about a lobster’s nervous system, offering steady parental presence.
- Belly’s momSits near Conrad’s end, part of group conversation; quiet anchor during the awkward meal.
- StevenBelly’s brother; interacts with Conrad and the group, rolls his eyes at dinner talk.
- TaylorPretends interest in Dad’s lobster facts; her presence underscores group awkwardness.
- AnikaGenuinely engaged by Dad’s lobster talk; sits beside Taylor and Steven.
- Mr. FisherAttends the dinner with both families; part of the formal, uneasy gathering.