Love Triangle

“	When I used to picture forever, it was always with the same boy. In my dreams, my future was set. A sure thing. This isn't the way I pictured it. The future is unclear, but it's still mine.	”
	— Belly Conklin

Love Triangle is the eighth and final episode of the second season of The Summer I Turned Pretty. It premiered on August 18, 2023 on Prime Video.

Synopsis[]

After a painful revelation, Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad are trapped in close quarters for the night. Emotions run high as Belly must reckon with past and present to decide her future.

Plot[]

Conrad takes his chemistry exam and leaves feeling confident, immediately calling Steven to tell him that Stanford is still on. Steven asks whether he'll finally confess his real feelings to Belly. Conrad eagerly anticipates talking to Belly, only to find her kissing Jeremiah. Conrad coughs to alert them of his presence. He rushes away, hurt and confused. Belly pursues him to try and talk but Conrad pushes her away. He even asks her if she was just trying to make him jealous. Returning to his dorm, Conrad packs his belongings. Jeremiah and Belly linger, awaiting his return for the lengthy journey home.

Eventually, Conrad reappears. Initially, he feigns normalcy but then starts to be passive-aggressive, directing hurtful comments towards Jeremiah and Belly. Caught in traffic amid a big storm, they pause for snacks. The store clerk tells them that there is an imminent highway closure due to a flood warning. They book the last room available at a nearby motel. There is only one bed so the boys give it to Belly and they sleep on the floor.

Jeremiah tells Belly Conrad's feelings are still there for her. He urges her to talk to him.

Meanwhile, Steven shows up with roses to see Taylor, who is with her friends. She feels embarrassed by his sudden display of affection. Taylor’s friends let Steven know that Taylor's ex, Milo, releasing a diss album about Steven.

Laurel decides to go to a writer's meetup, where she befriends a woman who claims to be a big fan of her writing. Laurel reads an excerpt from her book to the group.

At the motel, Belly wakes up and looks for Jeremiah who is gone. She assumed he just left but she finds him outside with a bag full of food for their breakfast. Belly signals to Jeremiah that she’s chosen him. They share a passionate kiss. Belly plans to tell her decision to Conrad, but he's already anticipated it. He suggests they remain friends. They all commit to reuniting at the beach house for Fourth of July festivities. Conrad catches a bus to go back to Cousins Beach. Jeremiah and Belly take the car.

Back in Cousins, Conrad paints the walls and puts everything back how it was. He sees the stuffed animal Belly got with him at the boardwalk and he looks at it, his feelings for her still there.

Steven shows up at Taylor’s house. She is there prepping for volleyball camp. He confronts her about ignoring his texts. Taylor confesses her apprehension about their relationship, fearing potential hurt from Steven due to her intense feelings for him. He promises that things are different now and if anything -he is the one who will get hurt. They kiss and make up.

The two new couples meet up outside the volleyball camp. Jeremiah and Belly show up with their hands intertwined. Taylor is thrilled to see "Jellyfish" together. Taylor and Steven exhibit a similar connection, though less overtly affectionate.

Belly apologizes to her coach and teammates, who welcome her back with open arms. Jeremiah supports her from the sidelines.