This Summer Will be Different

Lucy and Felix return to Summer Wind to find the house empty and a note from Bridget. In it, she explains that she is meeting Miles in Charlottetown to work things out in person. She promises to explain everything in the morning. She has booked tickets back to Toronto for Wednesday morning. The note ends with Bridget stating that Lucy is “the very best friend” and that she loves her (237).

Lucy and Felix spend the afternoon together. They discuss topics that they have previously avoided, including Felix’s breakup with Joy. Felix explains that they were teenagers when they got together, and though they loved one another, they eventually grew into incompatible adults. Lucy asks what Felix wants with her, and he replies that he wants more. He reassures Lucy that while they are “very good at [sex]” (245), their connection extends beyond the physical.

Lucy wakes to find Felix cooking breakfast. He’s picked flowers from Christine’s garden and left them with a vase on the table. He asks Lucy to create an arrangement because they will be having Bridget and Miles over for dinner, where they will tell them about their newfound relationship. Lucy is ready to let go of the secret that’s felt like “a heavy parcel” for the past five years (251).

After breakfast, Lucy and Felix discuss the future of their relationship. Felix proposes establishing a new set of rules. The first is that they will date exclusively. Later, they have sex on the beach. Afterward, Lucy asks Felix to tell her about his flaws because he seems too perfect. Felix says that he is not always good at handling his emotions and can be overly risk averse. Lucy proposes a second rule: that they take things slow. Felix offers to stay with her in Toronto after the wedding; she has spent a lot of time in his world, and now he wants to spend time in hers. Lucy agrees but stipulates that she always wants to spend Thanksgiving with the Clarks.

Felix asks about the relationship between Lucy’s mother and her aunt Stacy. Lucy replies that their relationship was rocky until Stacy’s cancer diagnosis. Their rift stemmed from Lucy’s parents’ wedding day. Stacy had never liked Lucy’s father but kept her doubts to herself for years. On Lucy’s parents’ wedding day, Stacy confessed all her thoughts to her sister, causing a massive fight. After Stacy got sick, Lucy’s mother visited her often, and they mended their relationship, but they had already wasted decades in anger.

Miles and Bridget arrive just as Lucy and Felix finish preparing dinner. Upon seeing Lucy’s bouquet, Bridget bursts into tears. Lucy walks her down to the beach, where Bridget finally comes clean. Miles has taken a job offer in Australia, and Bridget will be moving there in October. She called Lucy from PEI the same day she received the news, and she has been afraid to tell Lucy and her parents. Lucy reassures Bridget that she is making a brave decision and that their friendship is stronger than the distance between them.

The revelation that Bridget is moving makes Lucy even more afraid to confess her relationship with Felix, for fear that Bridget will cut her off forever. She pushes past her fear and tells Bridget that they are dating. To Lucy’s surprise, Bridget’s reaction is neutral. She says that she already knew the two of them were hooking up but didn’t know the extent of their relationship. Bridget reveals that the whole family knew about their flirtation, including her parents. She asks why Lucy didn’t tell her sooner, and Lucy admits that she was afraid of losing Bridget. Bridget promises to still love Lucy, even if she and Felix break up. She expresses her hope that the relationship will last.

As Bridget and Lucy walk back toward Summer Wind, Lucy starts to panic at the thought of Bridget leaving, but the sight of Felix comforts her. Felix lifts her into his arms, apologizing for not telling her about Bridget’s move earlier. Lucy replies that she is not angry, understanding that Bridget had to share the news in her own time. Felix reassures Lucy that they will navigate Bridget’s absence together.

On the day of Bridget’s wedding, Lucy wakes up next to Felix in her Toronto apartment, an experience she describes as “magical.” She arrives at the venue early to set up the floral arrangements and then takes her place as Bridget’s maid of honor. Bridget and Miles exchange vows, and Lucy gives a speech about their friendship, finishing with, “You are the love of my life, Bridget” (277). At the afterparty, Felix doesn’t leave Lucy’s side as they hold hands, dance together, and kiss in the stairwell. Being with Felix, surrounded by friends and family, feels so good that Lucy can briefly forget Felix’s impending return to PEI.

Lucy and Felix return to Lucy’s apartment, drunk and happy. They begin to kiss, but Lucy pulls back, suddenly panicking at the prospect of not seeing Felix for months. She has signed the Cena deal, locking her into staying in Toronto. Looking around her apartment, she dreads how empty it will feel when Bridget and Felix are gone. She blurts out, “I should move to PEI” (280). Felix reacts skeptically, telling her that it is too soon. He reminds her of their agreement to take things slow. Felix worries that Lucy’s desire to live with him stems from a need to take “an extended vacation” from her busy life (283). If they are going to date, he needs her to be sure about him because she could easily break his heart.

Lucy and Felix agree to take a short break from their relationship so that both can confirm that this is truly what they want. They part ways tearfully but amiably. Lucy notes that neither of them says the word “goodbye.”

Minutes after Felix leaves, Lucy feels like the whole thing is a dream. She thinks of Bridget’s impending move and Teacup Rock tumbling into the ocean. Thinking of all these changes makes her cry.

In the morning, Lucy texts Bridget, asking her to come over. Bridget arrives with Lucy’s favorite ice cream, and they discuss the night’s events. Bridget reassures her that Felix is just as upset as she is and encourages her to reach out to him whenever she’s ready.

The following day, Lucy meets with Farah at In Bloom. When Farah notices Lucy’s demeanor and asks what’s wrong, Lucy surprises herself and opens up.

On the day of Bridget’s flight, Lucy drives her to the airport. She carries Bridget’s suitcase for her because Bridget is six weeks pregnant. At the gate, Lucy hugs Bridget, telling her that she loves her “more than anyone” (292). Then, she “[lets] her go” (292).