Episode 4 of The Summer I Turned Pretty commences with the festivities of the 4th of July in full swing. Belly's intention to invite Cam to the Ball hangs in the balance, yet a series of unexpected challenges loom. With the party on the verge of erupting into life, Laurel's suspicious application of makeup hints at a deeper mystery. Their father, John, and his new flame, Victoria, arrive, intending to spend the night. Tragically, Adam, Jeremiah and Conrad's father, fails to materialize.
Victoria's entrance is nothing short of breathtaking, leaving Laurel feeling even more insecure. Thankfully, Susannah steps in to alleviate her doubts. However, Laurel's focus shifts to Shayla, relentlessly probing her with questions, only to trip over her tongue when she makes a disparaging remark about the Debutante Ball. Belly, who happens to overhear, is left with a sour taste in her mouth.
Inside, Victoria captivates the crowd with her signature cocktails. As they exit with margaritas in hand, Adam's unexpected arrival casts a shadow of awkwardness over the festivities. As the kitchen empties, Susannah confronts Adam, revealing that Laurel had orchestrated his appearance by sending him a message that morning.
Despite this revelation, the youthful spirits refuse to be dampened. They head to the beach, accompanied by Cam, and embark on a series of drinking games (with Cam abstaining, of course). After a spirited session on the sands, the party migrates to the shoreline.
However, Belly's gaze remains transfixed on Conrad, much to Cam's notice. In a drunken haze, Belly reveals to Shayla that Steven kissed Taylor, a revelation that leads to a hasty exodus. Cam, concerned for his girlfriend, urges her to regain her composure.
It's undeniable that Adam possesses a tendency to be overly assertive, particularly when discussing football with Conrad and Jeremiah. However, his transgressions extend far beyond this, as evidenced by the fact that even Susannah avoids any conversation with him. As the story unfolds, we learn that Adam betrayed Susannah three years ago by cheating on her with his secretary, during her chemotherapy treatments. Laurel, upon discovering this, is left in a state of shock.
Outside, in the hustle and bustle of the parking lot, Steven hurriedly pursues Shayla. However, her mention of the kiss shatters him, leaving him devastated. Shayla dismisses it casually, arguing that they weren't exclusive, and soon walks away. Steven, distraught, seeks solace from Jeremiah. Encouraged by Jeremiah, Steven decides to confront Shayla and express his true feelings. He sits beside her, confessing his sorrow and admitting that she fills him with an unparalleled nervousness.
Meanwhile, Laurel finds herself in a compromising situation with Cleveland, resulting in a passionate encounter in the car. Sneaking back into the house, she finds Belly sitting in the kitchen, munching on dried cereal. Belly confesses her confusion about her feelings for the boys in her life. She particularly expresses her lack of passion for Cam, to which Laurel offers sage advice, emphasizing that "it just feels right" when you're with the right person.
That evening, Belly finds her way to the dock, where Conrad stands, lost in the spectacle of the fireworks. Their conversation turns to the Infinity necklace, and Belly reveals that she found it in a drawer. Conrad confesses that he didn't give it to her due to embarrassment, acknowledging that Belly has a profound "effect on people." With Jeremiah watching from a distance, the two seem on the verge of a kiss... until a jealous Jeremiah sends a firework skyrocketing into the air, leaving him heartbroken as it seems Belly is now being pulled in three different directions.
