There’s something about Cousins Beach that stirs up old emotions and forces hearts to confront what they’ve buried deep. In Season 3, Episode 5 of The Summer I Turned Pretty, the emotional tide rolls high, pulling our favorite characters into a whirlwind of love, duty, longing, and unsaid truths. Belly finds herself caught between two brothers once again — but this time, the tension is heavier than ever.
A Quiet Poolside Call That Changed Everything
The episode opens with Conrad sitting quietly by the pool, his hands occupied fixing it, his mind elsewhere. Just as the calm sets in, a phone call from his father shatters it. The topic? The wedding. The words from his father are sharp and decisive Conrad should keep his distance from Belly, who is soon to become Jeremiah’s wife. The statement hits hard. A quiet moment becomes loaded with emotion. For Conrad, it's more than advice, it's a line drawn in the sand.
Taylor Cancels, Belly Feels Alone
While Belly is still dealing with her own nerves and the flurry of wedding preparations, Jeremiah crosses paths with Taylor, curious about how Belly is coping. Taylor reveals she won’t be making it to the bridal shower and calls Belly to inform her. Belly pretends to be okay, even asks if Taylor is comfortable with Steven attending in her place. But beneath the cheerful tone, you can tell she’s hurt, and the absence of her best friend on such a big day feels isolating.
Left On Her Own
Jeremiah, swamped with work, texts Belly that she should go ahead and prep for the shower without him. The message is polite, but it echoes a growing distance. Feeling overwhelmed, Belly turns to Conrad for help. Taylor’s out. Jeremiah’s busy. She’s alone, and it’s Conrad she reaches out to. For a moment, it seems like he’ll help. But just as they’re about to go, Conrad hesitates, steps back emotionally, and Belly quietly walks away, taking her bike and her disappointment with her.
Flashback to Innocence
As she rides away, we’re taken back to a simpler time, a younger Belly asking Conrad for help riding her bike. He had offered her his bike back then, an innocent gesture that spoke volumes about the protective bond they shared. The memory adds an emotion to the present scene; now, Conrad lets her go; then, he would’ve never allowed her to face the road alone.
A Message and A Vague Reply
Belly tries again to reach out to Jeremiah. She’s at the bakery, trying to decide on a cake. Something so simple, yet symbolic. It’s a moment that could’ve been shared, but once again, Jeremiah replies vaguely. He’s “handling some work.” And with that, another opportunity slips away.
An Unexpected Ride and Flower Shop Awkwardness
But before the loneliness sinks in too deep, Conrad shows up and picks Belly from the shop. He’s late but he’s there. They head to the flower shop together, and the mood shifts. As they explore floral arrangements, the florist casually assumes Conrad is the groom. The awkwardness in that moment is palpable a mix of surprise, denial, and a brief pause where neither of them corrects her.
Jeremiah Finds Validation
Meanwhile, Jeremiah is busy trying to impress someone who rarely gives praise his father. And it works. His father not only appreciates the effort but gives a nod of approval for his relationship with Belly. “You and Belly have my support. You both deserve happiness.” It's the kind of fatherly affirmation Jeremiah has probably longed for — but it also sets a quiet pressure to maintain the relationship, no matter the emotional toll.
A Day Spent Together, A Heartbreaking Silence
While Jeremiah is buried in work and validation, Belly and Conrad are wandering through town, sharing laughs, shopping for wedding stuff, picking out flowers, living in a space that feels heartbreakingly nostalgic. Every choice Belly makes is tinged with uncertainty, every smile from Conrad is filled with a secret he refuses to speak.
Despite his internal turmoil, Conrad stays by her side. He keeps his emotions buried, never allowing his true feelings to surface. Belly, unaware or maybe in denial, tells him she’s never had such a great experience and thanks him for it. It's not just gratitude it’s a glimpse into the deep comfort she still finds in him.
A Quiet Dinner and a Promise That Haunts
As the day fades, Conrad continues to show up for Belly. He cooks for her at home, offers presence, care, and quiet understanding. Meanwhile, Jeremiah remains stuck at work, committed to responsibility but absent where it counts.
And then we’re pulled into a memory that reveals everything about Conrad’s choices. A promise made to his dying mother, a commitment to look after Jeremiah, no matter what. The promise isn’t just a memory; it’s a burden - It’s the reason Conrad steps back when he wants to step forward, it’s the reason he lets go of Belly even though he still loves her deeply.
Final Thoughts
Season 3, Episode 5 of The Summer I Turned Pretty is a beautifully tangled mix of past and present, duty and desire, heartbreak and honesty. Belly’s emotional struggle is laid bare as she looks after the wedding preparations without the support she expected. Jeremiah finds success in the eyes of his father but loses connection with Belly. And Conrad — well, Conrad remains the silent guardian, hiding his heart behind the memory of a promise.
This episode is about the ache of choices made for love, the pain of growing apart, and the unbearable tension of unspoken words.
Read more: The Summer I Turned Pretty spoilers
