It's the first real day of summer: the day Belly, her brother Steven, and her mother Laurel head to Cousins beach to stay with Susannah Fisher, who's like Belly's second mother, and her boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. Belly's been going to Cousins since she before was born, but something about this summer feels different for Belly. And if the first night is any indication, she's right.

It's Belly's 16th birthday and her best friend, Taylor, arrives in Cousins to help celebrate. Belly's birthday is always her favorite day of the year, but this year she's blindsided by a secret Taylor has been keeping from her. The debs ask Belly who she's bringing to the debutante ball. Laurel and Susannah's secret finally comes to light.