Steven Conklin

This article is about the TV character. You may be looking for the book character.

Steven Conklin
Biographical Information
Born	2005 (Age 19)
Nicknames	Bro, steve-o (by Conrad) Dude, dummy, man (by Jeremiah) Stevie, idiot, dirtbag, hypocrite, cretin (by Belly) My hard-working man, dumbass (by Shayla) Our miracle baby (by his parents)
Occupation	Princeton University Student Snack bar worker/Waiter at the Country Club Valedictorian
Status	Alive
Relationships
Family	John Conklin (Father) Laurel Park (Mother) Belly Conklin (Younger Sister)
Friends	Conrad Fisher (Best Friend) Jeremiah Fisher (Best Friend) Spike
Romances	Taylor Jewel (Girlfriend) Shayla Wang (Ex-Girlfriend)
Series Information
Portrayed By	Sean Kaufman Parker Weathersbee (Young)
First Seen	Summer House
Last Seen	Love Triangle

Steven Conklin is one of the main characters in the Prime Video original series, The Summer I Turned Pretty. He is portrayed by Sean Kaufman

He is handsome, a little vain, and a high achiever. Steven is Belly's snarky older brother who, last season, was becoming his own man.

Now, Steven is a hustler with big dreams for his future, ready to leave high school and his hometown behind. He’s looking forward to making the most of his last carefree summer before he leaves for college come fall.

Biography

Steven is the firstborn child of Laurel Park and John Conklin. He is the older brother of Belly Conklin. From the time he was a child, he and his family would spend their Summers at Cousins Beach with the Fisher family.

On Belly's fifteenth summer, a drunk Jeremiah and Conrad dared an also drunk Steven to pee in the fireplace which stunk up the house for days. Laurel blamed the neighbours' cat for the incident.

Throughout The Summer I Turned Pretty

Season 1

The Conklin family prepares for their latest trip to Cousins Beach. Belly, Laurel, and Steven drive to the beach while Laurel asks them to help out more this summer. Doing the dishes even if it's not theirs and be good houseguests. Steven brings up Susannah having people that do that, earning a smack in the back of the head from Laurel. She wants them to be considerate. She gives Steven a curfew but tells Belly they'll worry about hers when it comes up. Steven digs that she doesn't need one as she doesn't go anywhere. Belly also has driving plans with Steven; he's less judgy than Laurel.

The family arrives at the beach house and Jeremiah Fisher embraces Steven. Belly's appearance surprises him but he scoops her up and spins her around anyway. Conrad likes her better with glasses, but she likes herself better without them. Jeremiah and Steven declare it's time for a belly flop. The boys chase Belly until the grab her, carry her to the pool, and throw her in. She feigns a sprained ankle to trick Conrad into helping her. She pulls him into the pool.

The families sit for dinner. Laurel critiques Steven for being on his phone as she wants a screen-free zone. The boys joke about their physiques until Steven asks Conrad when he leaves for training camp. Jeremiah reveals that Conrad quit football, shocking the Conklin-Park family. Conrad isn't phased as he was just going to sit on the bench all season and isn't changing his mind about quitting, either. He doesn't have any other plans for the summer, refusing Steven's suggestion to work at the country club with him and Jere. Susannah gives Belly a surprise; an invitation to the debutante ball. It's when a girl comes of age and is presented to society, an event that's more fun that it sounds. Girls come from all over and it's a good place for Belly to meet new friends. Laurel balks at the archaic dream, but it's more about networking, getting leadership skills, and benefitting charity. Steven laughs at the idea of Belly being mature - citing a cat funeral for reference of her immaturity. Laurel doesn't think she would like it, though Belly agrees to think about it.

After dinner, Steven and Jeremiah find Conrad outside talking to Belly. The interrupt as they're ready to leave for the bonfire party. Belly wants to come with but Steven refuses to let her come. Jere tells her the moms are setting up for their annual movie night. The boys head out and are having fun on the beach when Belly arrives. She greets Steven who is with a girl. He lashes out at her for coming and wearing the dress. He criticizes the boy she's with as Belly is 15, though she protests that she's almost 16. Steven grabs her arm to take her away but she refuses to leave. He calls her embarrassing so she yanks her arm away, ultimately falling to the ground. Conrad looks up from making out with a girl wearing a Red Sox cap. Belly thought he hated the Red Sox. The girl is Nicole, the girl Conrad took to the deb ball last Summer. Belly counters that Conrad told her deb balls are bullshit and debs are sheep. He calls her a brat so she calls him an asshole. Jere jogs over, happy to see Belly as they can all hang out together. Steven plans to take her home until Jere tells him to chill out and hang with Shayla. Steven complies and leaves.

They meet again when the cops bust the party. Jere has to go back to the party to find Steven. A cop finds his car with Belly and Conrad inside. The kids are dropped off at home by a police officer. Steven argues that it's not a big deal but she disagrees; getting arrested for underage drinking is a big deal. Steven asks if the moms have been smoking, but Laurel lies that they haven't. Laurel warns to keep their voices down as Susannah is asleep. Jere reveals that he was the DD tonight. Laurel scolds Conrad for being the oldest but not having responsibility. She turns to Belly, wondering when she left the house and what she's wearing. She walked to the beach which Laurel dislikes, prompting Belly to lash out that she's not a kid anymore. If they want to be treated like adults they should act like one. Tonight could have ended differently if the Fisher's weren't the Fisher's.

The following morning, Jeremiah makes a hangover smoothie for Conrad while Steven watches him like a hawk, ultimately getting kicked out for it. Susannah reminds the kids that she wants to paint them all again this year for portraits. Jere isn't sure about it. Laurel thinks it'll be nice for them to have the portraits when they're older, but Jeremiah isn't convinced. Steven rushes Jere as they can't be late for their first day, leading them to joke with one another.

Steven and Jeremiah start their first day of work at the Country Club. Jeremiah life guards at the pool as Gigi calls to him. He scolds two boys for choking one another. She wants Jeremiah to save her. Steven works as a bartender for the juice bar until he's on break. He joins Jeremiah who heckles him for the hairnet - no one will want to hook up with him after they see him in the uniform. He should have been a lifeguard as hardly anyone drowns. Steven will take the hairnet if it means not having to live with his mom freshman year. Jeremiah concedes then shows Steven the lavish pool area full of hot girls and boys, which is all theirs.

Jeremiah points out the people he's hooked up with to Steven, who calls him a slut. He never kissed Shayla though, so Steven tells him to keep it that way. Jeremiah warns him not to get sucked into "all that". While girls in sundresses are Steven's kryptonite, he would never let one talk him into being an escort. It would blow up his whole summer. Steven is called away to help with the deb tea as it pays extra.

That night at the Beck House, Belly leaves for her first date with the boy she met at the bonfire party, Cam. Steven, Conrad, and Jeremiah play video games while Belly waves goodbye to them. Jeremiah instantly stands up as she looks hot. Steven snips to stop flirting with his sister. She isn't going to the book party but to the drive-in, but doesn't tell them with whom.

The boys are dragged to Laurel's book signing at Whale of a Tale which bores them all. Conrad finds the boys and wants to go somewhere else. Their weed dealer was arrested last year, so Conrad suggests going to the drive-in to crash Belly's date. The trio decides it's a good idea. The crash the date and Belly sends an unsuspecting Cam off to get her a drink so she can confront the crashers.

They have no right and need to leave. He tells her to relax as they were just joking around. She threatens to tell everyone about his Dramione fanfic. The Fisher boys laugh at the idea, with Jeremiah teasing that he shouldn't be embarrassed, Draco's hot. Belly again asks them to please leave. Conrad decides it's time to go which annoys Steven, as Conrad is the one who wanted to come. The car speeds off as Conrad watches Belly's look of betrayal and anger.

That evening, Steven makes out with Shayla on the beach and she asks him to be her escort for the deb ball. She thinks they would have fun together. She removes her top as he agrees to be her escort.

Steven readies himself for Belly's birthday, which is always a big deal at the house. Belly comes down to her traditional breakfast, everyone wishing her a happy birthday, and complimenting her. She refuses the pancakes as she isn't hungry, so Laurel suggests they open presents instead. Laurel gives her a first edition book of poems, with her favorite bookmarked; everyone recites it from heart. Susannah gifts her a pearl necklace that once belonged to her mother. Jeremiah gives her a good luck charm for her keys, so she'll pass her driving test. Steven gives her a Princeton sweatshirt so she won't steal his next years, though Laurel didn't know he was still considering Princeton. He's looking to scholarships and financial aid. Conrad starts to remove a box from his pocket but decides against it. He tells Belly her forgot her birthday, and she feigns as though she isn't expecting something. He leaves for a lesson with Cleveland. Jeremiah offers to take Belly for a driving lesson to pick up Taylor from the bus station.

In a café, Shayla shows Steven her dress for the deb ball, gushing over going to New York for fittings with an elite designer. She shows him the menswear that would go nicely with her dress, but it's wildly expensive for him. He's flustered but the price which she picks up on. He assures her that he wants to match with her as she's the best-dressed girl in Cousins. He just wants to look good next to her. She assures him that he will.

Back at the beach house, Steven and Jeremiah talk in the pool about his relationship with Shayla. Taylor and Belly tease them for their gossiping before Taylor suggests playing chicken. Taylor calls dibs on Jeremiah, though Steven's complaining over having to shoulder Belly prompts a switch. As the game unfolds, Jeremiah and Belly are in the lead, with the foursome having a fun time. Conrad arrives with Nicole, who greets Belly with a happy birthday. Belly introduces Taylor to Nicole, noting that playing chicken was her idea. Belly asks if they want to play a real game.

They face-off against one another in boys-against-girls pool volleyball. They have fun together until Taylor volleys the ball into Nicole's forehead. Taylor remarks that it was an accident but Belly makes sure Taylor is okay. She says she fine but her and Conrad go inside to get some ice. Taylor stops Belly from helping, as Conrad can take care of her. They should go inside and look at themselves in the mirror some more. He pauses then tells them to have fun with that.

The family sits for dinner, including their guests, Cam and Taylor. Jeremiah decides to call him Cam-Cameron as it's funny. Susannah's glad he's here as she knows his mom from the club. He thanks her for having him, passing on his mom's hello. Laurel asks if he's ever had miyeok-guk before, which he hasn't, though it's a Korean birthday tradition. She made it vegetarian since he doesn't eat meat. He's grateful for that. Jeremiah asks why he doesn't eat meat. Cam explains that it's the number one contributor to global warming. As the teasing commences on Belly for eating meat, Cam intervenes that he doesn't judge people for eating meat. It's a personal choice. Steven jabs that Cam must not mind Belly's lips touching a dead animal, then those dead animal lips touching his. Cam doesn't mind at all and kisses Belly to prove that. The siblings go back and forth with embarrassing childhood stories, something Belly seemingly wins as Jeremiah helps with the stories. After things settle, Belly decides they should go to Nicole's party, a sentiment that excites Taylor.

At Nicole's party, Taylor finds Steven in the line for the bathroom. She remarks on his endless scrolling of women in fancy deb gowns. She thinks Belly is full on board with the fancy girls, but he thinks she's just trying it out. She's never going to feel comfortable around them, as she'll always need Taylor. She's her number one. Taylor offers to take him upstairs to find other bathrooms, so he agrees to follow her.

They end up making out in an upstairs bedroom, only to be caught by Belly. Steven runs out of the room in embarrassment, leaving the girls to argue. The next day, after Taylor leaves to go back home, Belly confronts Steven for making out with Taylor as she's her best friend. Not to mention the event traumatized her. Steven tells her to stop being so immature. Belly counters that Taylor really likes him, which Steven knows. He asks her not to tell anyone, specifically Shayla. She points out that, while he doesn't deserve to know it right now, Shayla likes him. He knows that too but like she's used to being with the kind of guys at Nicole's party, or guys that treat her like a queen. Belly doesn't understand, asking if him feeling insecure made him hook up with her best friend and, in a way, it did.

The Fourth of July weekend arrives, and Susannah prepares to host her annual party at the beach house. Conrad prepares to wash the clams, Jeremiah finishes his milk, and Steven finishes his portrait with Susannah. Laurel suggests that Steven should take Belly to the ball if she doesn't ask Cam, but he balks at the idea. He's also taking Shayla who will be coming over today with Nicole and Gigi. Belly plans to ask Cam to the ball, anyway. Belly and Susannah tease Laurel over wearing makeup, attributing the rarity to John attending. Belly doesn't understand why she invited John's girlfriend. Laurel tells her to make the guest bed which is next to Belly's. Susannah tells the boys that their father can't come, as he's closing a deal. Jeremiah is disappointed at he has fireworks to show him, but Susannah promises to take a video.

Their first round of visitors arrive - John and his girlfriend Victoria. The moms greet them first, while Jeremiah, Belly, Steven, and Conrad watch the ordeal from inside the house. Conrad comments that Victoria is hot, and Belly wonders why he'd say that. Conrad notes that she could be Belly and Steven's future stepmom, but Steven isn't happy with the remark. They begin to playfully fight moments before the new couple enters. Belly and Steven hug their father, meet Victoria, then quietly comment on her being 27 and in grad school. John then reveals that he and Victoria are staying in town instead of at the house, with Laurel agreeing with whatever he thinks is best. Victoria takes out pomegranates as she plans to make margaritas later. The doorbell rings so Steven rushes off to greet Shayla, as the debs have arrived.

As everyone begins hanging out together outside, Laurel and John talk to Shayla, getting to know her by asking about what her parents do. Belly walks over to be part of the conversation. Steven snaps at Laurel to stop interrogating Shayla, though Shayla says it's fine. Gigi interrupts as Shayla needs to read a text. She excuses herself but mentions that it was lovely meeting them, as they raised a respectful son. Laurel can't believe a girl like her would want to be a deb. John asks about renting a tux for Steven, but the boy claims he has it covered. Steven heads off to be with Shayla.

Belly brings a pitcher of margaritas to the beach where Gigi, Shayla, Conrad, Nicole, and Steven have gathered. Jeremiah arrives with Cam, who takes a seat next to Belly. Nicole jokingly tells Conrad to slow down as it's not a race. Belly suggests making it a race since it's the Fourth of July, after all. The group plays, drinks, then dances, adding new liquor to the margaritas. The boys play cornhole while the girls dance. Belly continues to drink, now heavily intoxicated. Cam and Steven win against Conrad and Jeremiah.

The group heads back to the house and sits at the pier. The girls talk about celebrities, with Shayla getting Steven to side with her, though the girls tease him about not knowing who they're talking about.

The boy eventually heads inside where he talk to Adam Fisher, who arrived late and unexpectedly. They talk as they wash dishes. Steven tells him that he's working this summer to pay for Princeton. Adam tells him about the card room at the club. It's off the men's locker room and most days, there's a high-stakes poker game with big tips the size of Benjamins. He promises to put in a call and see what he can do.

Steven finds Shayla who is leaving with Gigi and Nicole in an Uber. He asks to come with but she pulls him aside in private. They don't have to do everything together since they aren't a "thing" yet. She was busy in New York last weekend while he hung out with Taylor at Nicole's party. He tries to deny the hookup then presses that it didn't mean anything. He can relax as they aren't exclusive, plus debs aren't supposed to date their escorts. They agree that they're just having fun.

Once darkness falls, Jeremiah and Steven set off the fireworks, the former enjoying them much more. Steven admits that Shayla knows about Taylor, but is upset that Shayla doesn't even seem mad. She doesn't seem to care as they weren't anything serious, anyway. Jere chuckles over Steven buying into that exclusive, calling him a dummy as she was wanting him to say he wanted to be exclusive. He knows how these things work. Steven's never felt this way about anyone else. Jere tells him to stop moping and go tell her that. He requests a fist bump before Steven runs off.

Steven goes to Shayla's house, finding her sitting on the porch bench. He admits he messed up twice - once with Taylor and again when he agreed about them not being serious. He didn't mean it but just choked earlier, as she makes him nervous because of who she is. He doesn't want to be with anyone else, and neither does she. She then kisses him happily.

With the deb ball growing closer, Steven begins attending practice with Shayla as her escort. Belly struggles in her dancing, having a temporary partner in Nicole, as she still hasn't asked anyone to be her escort. Jeremiah arrives and asks Nicole if he can have the dance, so Nicole gives Belly over. He takes over but she points out his see-through shirt, which can get them in trouble. Steven, seeing the scene, gives Jere his jacket. The two proceed to quickly waltz about the room as the other deb's gossip about him not taking anything seriously, and how one of the girls had asked him to be her escort twice, but to no avail. Jeremiah asks Alexa to play "So Pretty", which changes the mood of the practice to fun, upbeat, and playful. Jeremiah dances with Belly and she pushes him playfully until he captivates the entire group. He tosses the jacket to Steven and proceeds to dance with Belly as the rest of the group picks up the pace. He spins her and they dance happily. Their instructor, Paige ultimately returns and chases Jere off so the group can continue to practice.

Once practice is over, Steven gives Jeremiah the food that he went to the kitchen to get. Gigi and Dara walk over to ask for slushies. Gigi thanks him for the "most fun waltz" rehearsal in the "history of waltz rehearsals". Dara adds that he came just in time as his girl Belly is a disaster in heels. Jeremiah thinks Belly's a good dancer and the waltz is just dumb. Steven gives the drinks to the girls and they leave while muttering to themselves about Jere's response. He asks Jeremiah about the ordeal, so he explains that Gigi wants a boyfriend while Dara bit him once. Jere wants to get out of the club to have fun, but Steven can't as he has to work; not all of them have a trust fund. Jere knows he would drop everything for Shayla, which Steven concedes. Alex tells Steven he's been promoted to the card room.

He delivers food to the card room and one of the clients asks his advice on pocket twos. Steven generally plays them, so the man goes all-in, telling Steven he better be right. Sure enough, he wins the hand so he gives Steven one of the chips.

As the night continues, Steven gives a patron a glass of liquor, quelling the man's comment about Steven being old enough to serve by remarking it's a private club. The guy becomes distracted as his daughter's SAT tutor is late. Steven remarks his SAT tutor was a monster. The patron is sure he got perfect scores. One of the partners at his firm, a Chinese guy, and all of his kids got into the Ivy's. He crassly remarks that "those people" are born with textbooks. Steven is uncomfortable with the racist remarks but stays quiet. The patrons ask for an ashtray so he obliges.

Once his shift is over, Alex comes up to him, urging him to come back to work. Steven asks if they always talk like that, so he suggests letting it roll off his back. They are invisible in a place like this, but the $ 300 morning tips should help with that. He'll get another envelope for the afternoon game. He shouldn't waste his time trying to earn their respect because he never will. Just take their money and not give them a second thought while reaping the benefits.

The next morning at a diner, Shayla and Steven eat as they discuss their next plans. He pays using the money from his daily tips. Two boys, Trevor and Liam, walk over to ask if she's going to Marissa's. She isn't sure and introduces them to Steven, who the boys recognize as working at the snack bar. Shayla adds that he's also working at a fancy poker game in the clubhouse. Trevor's dad is in that game and was talking about some busboy being a poker expert, which must be Steven. He and his boys have a regular game that is totally chill if he ever wants to jump in. He looks to Shayla who gives him the go-ahead, so he agrees to go some time.

The Fisher's and Conklin's prepare for the annual charity volleyball tournament. The morning of the tournament, Steven rushes towards the bathroom with a cup of coffee, breezing past Belly and Jeremiah who are conversing in the hall. Suddenly, Steven shouts her name and emerges with a club of Belly's hair. He chastises her for leaving her hair on the bathroom wall as its gross. If she does it again, he's leaving it on her pillow. He tosses it at her and ducks into the bathroom as she shouts after him.

At the tournament, the team's warm-up for the big events yet to come. Conrad sets up the umbrellas as Taylor walks over to Steven and Shayla, complimenting their florescent green visors. Shayla happily thanks her - Steven picked them out as they make their eyes pop. Steven nervously asks how long she's in town for, but she's only playing it by ear. Shayla is happy to finally meet her and put a face to the name. She kisses Steven before going to get sunscreen. After a moment of awkward silence, Taylor tells Steven that they look cute together, and she'll see him on the court.

Steven and Shayla advance to face Conrad and Belly, who have ended up partners in the tournament. Both teams are good, exchanging scores and shots, constantly neck-and-neck. However, Belly scores the winning point and wins for her charity.

Back at Beck's, Steven and Jeremiah play videos games. Steven tries to convince Jere to come with him and Shayla to the party tonight. Jere is distant and doesn't feel like going out tonight. Steven needs him there as it's not going to be any fun without him. Jere reassures him that Shayla will be there and everyone's scared shitless of her. He looks over at the trophy on the end table, which Steven uses to win the game. Conrad comes into the room so Jeremiah leaves, claiming he has stuff to do. Conrad asks Steven what's going on with Jere, and Steven doesn't know, so it's just going to be them tonight. Conrad is contemplating bailing too, but Steven will be mad if he doesn't, which makes Conrad cave. Steven admits that Conrad's really neglected him that summer. He wins his match and shares a high five with Conrad.

Steven and Conrad arrive at the house as the former gushes over the grand displays of wealth. Conrad admits it is pretty crazy, with Steven brushing him off as being rich too. Conrad isn't rich like this, though. These kids grew up going to boarding schools and seeing their families once a year, which is why they're all such assholes. Steven calls him a buzzkill then sees Jeremiah over by a fountain drinking, which makes Steven cheer that his buddy rallied. Even Conrad cracks a smile at the scene. Conrad asks Steven who Jeremiah's hooking up with these days, though Steven says no one. He shares Shayla's crazy theory that Jeremiah is hooking up with his sister, which surprises Conrad. It sickens Steven, too, but Shayla has a lot of crazy theories and Jere knows he'd kill him if he ever touched his little sister. Jeremiah calls over to Steven to try the ice luge, so Steven walks off.

Shayla joins Liam and another boy to talk until Steven joins them. Liam invites him to a game downstairs, so Steven clears it with Shayla before joining them. She tells him to have fun and they kiss goodbye. They play downstairs and the boys reveal they have been playing much longer and more professionally than Steven. Though he won at first, he begins to lose all his money. The boys remark that everyone hits a wall at some point. They agree to a break but will return by upping the ante to another 200. Steven sits alone at the table. He takes a drink.

The day of the deb ball finally arrives, with everyone taking steps to ensure they're ready. Steven heads to Shayla's to tell her the truth. He admits to screwing up big time. His lost every hand in his poker match against Liam. All the money he's been saving up all summer is gone. He can't afford to rent a tux or attend the deb ball with her. She can't believe what she's hearing. He thought he could win it back but every hand he got, things just got worse and worse. She scoffs that he couldn't just get up and leave because he wanted Liam and the other guys to think he was a baller. He didn't think about how it would make her feel. He apologizes but it's not good enough, as the ball is tonight. She wants to give him the money but he refuses to take from her. She suggests his mom but he can't, as she would kill him. Shayla is about to kill him right now. She asks for honesty, if he even wants to go to the ball with her. He does more than anything. She concedes that she thinks her dad has an old tux upstairs he can wear. He worries it will fit but the glare she gives turns his reluctance into acceptance as he stammers out that he's right and he's sorry. It's super nice of her to offer. He doesn't want to miss this. She calls him a dumbass, to which he agrees, and lets him inside the house.

Steven returns to the beach house later that morning and witnesses Jeremiah kissing Belly in the driveway. Once Jere goes inside, Steven gets out of the car and confronts Belly about her and Jeremiah. It just happened, like a week ago, and he thinks she's kidding at first. He feels sick to his stomach. He wonders if they have been sneaking around keeping it a secret from his those whole time, but this has nothing to do with Steven. Steven asks if they're a couple now, but she doesn't know. They've just kissed a few times. He asks about Conrad, who she's been "goo-goo gaga" over since age ten. She strongly states that she isn't ten anymore. He scoffs that she's not far from it. Now annoyed, she reminds him that Shayla's her age, which makes her a kid too, and him a dirtbag. Taylor is also her age, calling him a hypocrite. He concedes to her point as he gets it. He just doesn't want things to get all screwed up. They're like family and it affects way more than just Belly. She knows that, but Steven doesn't get a say in who she dates. She gets to pick, and she picks Jeremiah, so he's just gonna have to trust her.

He storms inside to confront Jere in the living room about not telling him that he's hooking up with Belly. Jeremiah wonders if he's going to beat him up. Steven is really think about it. Jeremiah admits that he really likes Belly. Steven counters that Jeremiah really likes a lot of people. Jere asks if he's seen him hook up with any guy or girl this summer, other than the guy at Nicole's party a month ago. He would never do anything to ever hurt Belly, he swears to him, and reiterates that it's Belly. Steven still thinks Jere should have told him, and he concedes that he should have, apologizing for that. Steven scoffs at him and walks off, calling back not to do stuff in front of him.

That evening, the Fisher's arrive at the bell. Susannah gives a coat bag to Steven, thanking him, before turning to Conrad who is her handsome date. They meet with Jeremiah and Laurel by the door. Susannah remarks that they're perfect, the moment is perfect. She tears up and Jeremiah asks if she's going to cry. She refuses as it would ruin her makeup. It's just that things are going to be different next year with Conrad going off to college. It might be the last summer they're all together. Jeremiah reminds her that he gets a dance from her tonight. He takes her hands and they rock back forth. He dips her happily while Conrad watches whilst smiling. When Jere pulls Susannah up she loses her balance and becomes woozy. He makes sure she's okay, and she blames it on being out of practice. She and Conrad head inside while Jeremiah looks pensive. Laurel and Steven head inside.

As the evening begins, Steven finds Laurel talking to John and another man. Steven greets John and asks if he brought the cufflinks. John gives him the cufflinks. Cleveland introduces himself to Steven, as they haven't officially met yet. They shake hands which is a bit awkward for the teen. Cleveland brings up Steven going to Princeton, though the boy remarks that his parents want him to stay in state. Laurel gives a soft smile and admits that if he gets into Princeton, they'll find a way to make it work. Steven happily thanks him mom who remarks that he looks so handsome. He concedes that it's all about Shayla tonight, as he's just the arm candy.

Conrad, Jeremiah, and Steven meet-up in the boys green room. Conrad asks if they're ready for the escort dance. Steven still can't believe that Jeremiah roped him into this, but Jere knows the girls are gonna love it. Conrad wishes they were doing it all together. Steven incredulously asks if Conrad wants to be doing a dance routine. Conrad quickly denies that, as he didn't mean the sentiment literally. They haven't hung out much this summer, accepting Jeremiah's remark that he's been pretty M.I.A. Conrad was thinking about it and they have a week or so left of summer, so her offers going on an overnight fishing trip. The boys happily accept which makes the nervous Conrad relax. He knows the guys are gonna kill this. He and Steven have a "bro hug", which Jeremiah refuses as he opts for a regular hug. He thanks Connie who lets out a long breath before beginning to leave. He turns back to tell them they look good and to kill it. The impending escorts exchange a look.

The debs are introduced by Paige as the boys wait patiently. Paige proceeds to introduce Shayla Wang, listing her parents, education, accomplishments, and charitable feats. Shayla joins Steven as she crosses the stage. They emerge as the camera takes their photograph. They join the others on the floor. She hands her bouquet to her mom and rejoins Steven. After a few more debs, Paige proclaims that it is her honor to introduce this year's Cousins Beach Country Club debutantes, earning applause from the audience.

The lights dim over the dance floor as the spotlights turn on. It's time for the escorts dance. The boys file out onto the dance floor as the girls hoot from the tables. On their way onto the dance floor, Jere asks Steven if his mom seems okay to him. She's been a sleeping a lot and smoking a lot more pot. Steven thinks she seems fine to him, but Jere heard his parents talking about it and Laurel seemed really upset. Steven begins to respond when the music begins to play, forcing the boys into their positions for the routine. The dance starts with Jere and Steven taking center positions, enjoying the moment. Belly shouts from the table in joy. Steven performs a slide and grinds, earning noises from the crowd and cheers from Shayla. Steven high-fives Jere as he rejoins the troupe. The boys continue their routine before collapsing in a group pose on the floor. Belly stands and claps happily for Jere who smiles at her. He looks past her to his mom, his smile slowly fading.

Shayla praises Steven as she runs over to the floor to pull him aside and kiss him. She remarks that it was incredible and he was incredible. Liam and his friend Trevor walk over to remark that the guys killed it out there. Steven awkwardly thanks him for the hollow compliment. Liam loves Shayla in white as it reminds him of the dress she wore to prom. Liam takes in Steven's ill-fitted suit, remarking sarcastically on it being a nice fit. He's surprised Shayla didn't make him wear a matching tux. That was the plan, but Steven admits he couldn't afford it after their last game. The boys laugh as they didn't know it would put him out. Steven curtly asks how he would now, cutting the hubris mocking. Liam nervously offers to give him back the money, but Steven insists that he won it so he should keep it. Steven walks off as Shayla huffs at the boys.

As the debs waltz is about to begin, Steven asks Shayla why she didn't tell him that she and Liam were a thing. She brushes it off as being nothing - he took her to prom then got all clingy, and she wasn't down. She's annoyed and asks why he's being all weird and insecure. She wasn't like that about the whole Taylor thing. Steven doesn't know but goes on to say that, in case she hasn't noticed, he doesn't fit in here. He grew up in the suburbs of Philly, and not even that nice of suburb. He drives a Honda Civic, doesn't go to benefits or balls, or whatever this is. He's nothing like Liam. She assures him that's a good thing. She's here with him, not Liam, because she chooses Steven. He realizes she did and stammers out that he thinks he loves her. She chuckles and merely responds, "well, duh". His kisses her gloved knuckles.

Belly, however, is panicking as she can't find Jeremiah. She asks Shayla and Steven if they've seen Jeremiah and they haven't. Conrad ultimately steps-up and takes his place for the absent escort. The dance begins as the deb take their escorts hands, moving in a beautiful waltz. After the dance, Jeremiah urgently tries to get Conrad to leave so they can talk about something important regarding Susannah. Conrad already knows which angers Jeremiah, who punches his older brother and they fight on the dance floor. Susannah intervenes and demands to know what's happening. The brothers tearfully admit that they know. Belly is confused as to what they know. Ultimately, everyone in the family learns that Susannah has cancer once again, and it's terminal.

At Beck's, Laurel comforts Belly in her room as she sobs. Steven opens the door and asks emotional if Susannah isn't going to get better. Laurel shakes her head, no, earning sobs all around. He joins them in the bed as Laurel holds her children. Conrad and Jeremiah convince Susannah to try the cancer trials, and they all sit together for dinner. They laugh and converse, reflecting on their antics of the summer while looking forward to the journey ahead.

Season 2

In school, the bell rings to start summer break. Belly heads to her locker. Taylor and the volleyball team walk over. Steven barrels through the halls cheering over high school finally being over. Steven and Taylor banter until Spike walks over to ask what time the grad party starts. Taylor knows because she's dating the singer in the band. She ignores Steven's comments and asks Belly to the party, but she's not sure.

Laurel searches for the graduation tickets when she finds a picture of her and Susannah. Belly answers the door as her mom stresses over forgetting to make the lunch reservation. Belly did it for her. Steven tells Laurel to relax as they can't start without him. Belly brings in a gift basket left on the porch and, after reading the card, realizes it's from Susannah. She must've planned it before she died. Steven wishes Susannah could be there, Jeremiah and Conrad too. Laurel insists they were busy, but Steven gives a pointed glare to Belly. Steven thinks Laurel should read the letter from Susannah, but she brushes it off.

Once at graduation, Steven gives his valedictorian speech about how everything happens for a reason. while it feels like things are happening to you, you are also happening to the world. So be sure to live today. Everyone claps and he blows a kiss. After the ceremony, Taylor waits with Belly as they talk about Steven's speech. Belly asks for help in getting ready for the party tonight, which makes Taylor ecstatic. Steven teases Taylor about Milo playing and his body odor. Steven and Belly walk away as she praises his speech. He's glad they're coming to the party today. He thinks going is better than moping around at home. She tosses her the keys to drive so he can read the DMs from his speech.

Once at the restaurant, Steven celebrates going live on TikTok which he explains to John is a good thing. He forwards it to Con and Jere. They read their fortune cookies, though Belly's is rather bleak. The siblings tease over the fortunes. John asks Laurel about her book. Her publisher asked her to do a meet and greet with booksellers but she said no, as it's not necessary. The kids head home to get ready for the party.

In a flashback to September, Steven goes into Belly's room looking for his kettlebell. She tells him to leave as she's on the phone. He tells her to hang up on Taylor, and is shocked when Conrad greets him. Steven leaves the room after a few moments.

In the present, Taylor, Steven, and Belly go downstairs where Laurel is on her computer. Belly is the sober driver that night and ordered a pizza for Laurel. She tells Belly to have fun.

They arrive at the party and Taylor embraces Milo, and he picks her up. Spike greets Steven and asks about the hot ladies he promised. Taylor gestures between her and Belly, but Spike says he I s into older women. Milo walks off to perform and Steven leaves to make the rounds.

Steven, Taylor, and Belly listen to Milo play and talk about the song he's playing. Belly's conversation with Cory took so much effort. She compares it to Taylor and Milo's effortlessness, though Taylor believes they're soulmates. Steven watches Taylor's reaction to Milo ripping his shirt. Steve stands on the stage steps and takes off his shirt to crowd surf. He jumps off the steps but no one catches him, and he crashes into Belly. She decides to get a drink.

Belly finds Steven, Taylor, and Milo. Her brother punches a hole in the beer can and sprays Belly with it. She's leaving and suggests Steven get a ride with Spike but he can't. They start arguing as she's ruining his party. She's sad because Susannah just died. She doesn't believe he's sad about her death. He accuses her of screwing up which is why Jeremiah and Conrad won't text him back. They wouldn't even come because she made things messy by being selfish. She just had to have Conrad. She screams that she was in love, out of her mind in love and storms inside the house.

Milo and Taylor drive Steven home but make out at every red light. He complains about Belly leaving him at his own party. Taylor corrects him as he yelled at his sister for being sad and suggests he should be more compassionate. She thought people were supposed to come together in grief. Milo quotes that life can never be separated from death, earning a sarcastic thanks from Steven. Milo tells Taylor that a record label, Cancel Culture Records, is interested in signing him. Taylor looks them up and frustrated says that they only have one post on social media which Milo thinks makes them “punk”.

In the morning, Steven and Laurel decide to go out for breakfast after realizing that there is no food at home. Laurel tells Steven she has decided to go to this booksellers' meet and greet. She asks him if he wants to help her find an outfit for the event and Steven passes. The two of them discuss Belly's struggles in school. Steven suggests that Laurel should give Belly some space.

At a bookstore, Steven runs into Taylor, who covers for Belly (who told Steven she was with Taylor after her break up with Milo). However, Steven's intuition tells him that something is wrong as Taylor's dishonesty becomes apparent. Eventually, Taylor admits that Belly has gone to Cousins Beach with Jeremiah to find Conrad and asks Steven to refrain from getting involved, believing that Belly needs to do this on her own. Steven is confused because he didn't think they were in contact anymore.

Steven decides to go to Cousins to help and Taylor insists on going with him. They drive up together and join Belly and the others in trying to prevent the house from being sold. They have a fun day out on the boardwalk, reliving old memories, but come home to find out that Laurel sold the house.

With no where to sleep, they break into a country club to sleep and have a fun night out. Steven and Taylor have an intimate moment where they almost kiss.

The next day, to bid farewell to the Cousins house, they decide to throw a party. At the party, Steven convinces Taylor to do a coordinated dance to Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A.". They laugh and have a great time until Milo, Taylor's boyfriend, interrupts. Taylor pushes him away claiming he doesn't know her well enough to even know her middle name. Steven is quick to assure her he does know her middle name.

Eventually, Steven tells her that he has feelings for her and it's her move. Taylor pushes Steven away and he's confused. Eventually, he goes to her house to find her packing for volleyball camp. She admits she's scared of getting hurt and he promises her that won't happen. They kiss and Steven goes with her to volleyball camp to say goodbye.

Personality

Steven is snarky, sarcastic, always in search of a good time, and a bit immature for his age. He often lobs childish insults, remarks, and pranks at his younger sister Belly. His antics are usually entwined or amplified by the presence of Jeremiah or Conrad. Steven is remarkably intelligent as far as book smarts, aiming high as to attend Princeton when he graduates from high school. He is impulsive and finds it difficult to walk away from situations that could result in lucrative earnings, such as playing poker with rich kids.

Many of Steven's character flaws can be isolated to one emotion - insecurity. He is crippling insecure about his financial background, having come from a "not very nice suburb" in Philadelphia. He grew up around the wealthy Fisher family, and is painfully aware of his shortcomings. He works hard to earn his money, though his insecurities are heightened when he begins dating Shayla Wang, a wealthy inspiring fashion designer and influencer. He wants to impress her and fit-in with her world, believing that he has to prove himself to be a worthy partner. He does this by trying to keep up with her financially, working several shifts at the Country Club with racist clients. His insecurity and feelings of inadequacy led him to hook up with Belly's best friend Taylor, despite having feelings for Shayla. She forgives him as it's early in their relationship. However, when faced with Shayla's ex-boyfriend, Steven becomes weird and insecure, quickly turning to defensive tactics instead of not making a deal out of the situation

Relationships

Jeremiah Fisher

Jeremiah and Steven are childhood best friends, having known each other forever. They have a brotherly relationship and often get into mischief and random antics together. Despite their light-heartedness, there's a deep appreciation for one another beneath the surface. Though was hurt when the Fisher's didn't attend his graduation, he still drove to Cousins to help them with the house situation.

Conrad Fisher

"Steven: The first time you guys brought me here to surf, man, I was so freaked out. You and Jere had just come back from some fancy surfing camp and you knew all these cool tricks. I felt like such a little kid. But you stayed and paddled with me till we caught a wave together. I thought you were the coolest person in the world. [..] You're still the coolest."

— Steven to Conrad in Love Game

Jeremiah and Steven are childhood best friends, having known each other forever. They have a brotherly relationship, though Steven looked up to Conrad as a big brother and idol. He often envied Conrad for the glamourous lifestyle he and his family led. They were always a bit more serious in their friendship compared to Steven and Jeremiah. Steven was mad at Conrad for breaking Belly's heart, and hurt when the Fisher's didn't attend his graduation. However, Steven still drove to Cousins to help them with the house situation. He then noticed something was wrong with Conrad and found him on the beach having a panic attack. He supported Conrad the best he could.

Shayla Wang

Main article: Steven and Shayla

Steven dated Shayla over the course of one summer at Cousins Beach. It was Steven's first real relationship, and one he valued deeply. While he struggled with inferiority complexes and shame around his financial status, Shayla helped him overcome them, as she cared about him and not money. They had sex, he escorted her to the deb ball, and were committed to one another by summer's end. However, their relationship ended at some point after summer and before Steven's graduation, leaving him heartbroken.

Taylor Jewel

Main article: Steven and Taylor

Taylor is the best friend of Steven's sister Belly. Taylor had a crush on Steven since she was a kid, but Steven never noticed her until they were much older. They hooked up over the summer while Steven was in a non-committed relationship with Shayla. This angered Belly, as she viewed Taylor and Steven hooking up as a betrayal. Belly later gave them their blessing when Taylor admitted that Steven was her first love. A year later, they finally decided to have a relationship.

Appearances

• 15 Total Appearances = (7/7 in Season 1) + (8/8 in Season 2)

Season 1 Summer House Summer Dress Summer Nights Summer Heat Summer Catch Summer Tides Summer Love

Season 2 Love Lost Love Scene Love Sick Love Game Love Fool Love Fest Love Affair Love Triangle

Trivia

• Steven's role in the TV series is drastically larger than his role in the books. He is given a job, a love interest, and made into a main character as opposed to a supporting one.
• Steven is an author who writes Dramionie (Draco and Hermione) from Harry Potter as fanfiction. The couple is controversial but notorious for their chemistry, despite being portrayed as enemies in the books and films.
• He was Valedictorian for the Class of 2023 at Chesterbrooke High School.

Quotes

Hey, hey, hey, stop flirting with my sister. [..] Well, you look good though.

What the freak?!

Gallery

Steven Conklin has a photo gallery.