It's Not Summer Without You

As Belly and Jeremiah drive into Cousins Beach, Belly finds herself wishing that time would slow. She begins primping in preparation for seeing Conrad, knowing Jeremiah is thinking “what a dumb girl” she is (115). They arrive, and Belly is surprised to find that the house still feels the same even though Susannah is gone.

Conrad soon comes back in from surfing, angry to see them there. He asks Jeremiah, “[W]hat’s she doing here?” (116) without looking at Belly. He demands to know why they came, especially considering Belly said she never wanted to see him again. “[Y]ou hate me, remember?” he reminds her (116). Hurt, Belly leaves the house and goes to the beach, where she knows she will feel better.

When Jeremiah joins her, Belly says she wishes she hadn’t come. He tells her not to let Conrad get to her. Finding only beer in the fridge, Jeremiah suggests that Belly go out and get food so he can talk to Conrad alone.

Belly takes Jeremiah’s car into town and stops at the general store, where she, Steven, Conrad, and Jeremiah would buy penny candy as children. She chooses one of each of their favorite candies. In line, she runs into the owner of the local hat shop, Maureen.