Episode 2 of The Summer I Turned Pretty kicks off with Belly hurrying down to the seashore, eager to embark on the whaling adventure with Cam. Alas, destiny seemed to have other plans. The ship had already sailed, leaving Belly gazing helplessly at the horizon.
Meanwhile, Conrad was nursing a hangover, his face adorned with bruises similar to Belly's. But this was soon overshadowed by the arrival of Susannah, affectionately known as Beck, who chattered excitedly about the Debutante Ball. She was thrilled to accompany Belly on a shopping spree to select the perfect ensemble for the momentous occasion.
The montage begins as Susannah and Laurel accompany Belly on a dress-hunt. After numerous trials, Belly settles on a pristine white dress that captivates both her companions. Equipped with her new attire, she's deposited at the country club, where Laurel warns her to reach out if she feels overwhelmed or desires a swift escape. These fleeting exchanges mark the transition of Laurel's little girl into a young woman, adding a touch of warmth to the narrative.
When Belly enters the club, Jeremiah's eyes widen in astonishment at her radiance. He escorts her inside, where the hush of the girls is palpable as they behold the newcomer. She's introduced to the group as Isabelle and finds herself seated beside Nicole, the girl Conrad had been kissing. Shayla is also in attendance, adding to the awkwardness. Queries about Jeremiah and Steven hover in the air, but are abruptly cut short by their teacher, ready to initiate a lesson on etiquette history. Fortunately, the girls are prepared with a stash of alcohol, passed around the table to soothe their jitters.
Amidst the chatter, Belly spots Cam strolling past and quickly rushes outside. After their failed whale-boat adventure, they arrange a second rendezvous, this time for a drive-thru movie. They exchange numbers, and Belly returns to the club, her face beaming with anticipation.
As the date progresses, a tender moment unfolds where the two hold hands, their fingertips intertwined as they immerse themselves in the film's world. Meanwhile, Conrad finds himself drowning his sorrows at Laurel's book signing. Unexpectedly, Laurel encounters Cleveland, the author she had scorned in a previous encounter. Cleveland reveals his intention to pen a tome on sailing, though his ignorance in the subject is apparent. Laurel, seeing an opportunity, proposes that Conrad assist in educating him. However, Susannah's earlier urging for Conrad to find a job clouds his judgment, and he mistakenly assumes Laurel's offer is a mere ruse by his mother.
Rejecting the offer, Conrad opts to join Steven and Jeremiah at the Drive-Thru. Unfortunately, their mischievous antics mar Belly's special night, leaving her disheartened. Just when it seems her evening is doomed, a spark ignites between her and Cam, their kiss igniting fireworks in the night. Elsewhere, Steven finds Shayla on the beach, and their encounter leads to a promise to attend the Debutante Ball together.
As the night draws to a close, Belly returns home, her temper flaring as she confronts Conrad. She accuses him of knowing exactly what he was doing, deliberately sabotaging her evening. She calls out his jealousy and lambasts him for ruining her Saturday night for the sheer joy of it. Their exchange is heated, yet it ultimately ends with Belly reflecting on how her infatuation with him has fizzled out, leaving her with a whimper rather than a bang.
