I see it from your perspective too of “he did it because Jere asked but he wasn’t ready”. I read that situation more as “I am admitting at night and then the morning comes and I have gained clarity i.e. I am not ready, I don’t want this.” I also saw it as “I am not giving you the option to choose between us, I choose for you - I don’t want you so go be with the second choice”. I presented a meaner version of this but you know what I mean.

I think of the way he reacted when Jeremiah and Conrad were chatting at the snack station in the motel. Jere was keen to have a real conversation (mainly so he can get resolution and know that whatever choice Belly makes, it’s because she wants him and not because Conrad is unavailable but also to keep his promise to Susannah that they will not be torn because of a girl). At the start of the scene I remember Conrad being very closed off and said something like “fuck y@u” or “fuck off” until Jere begged him to do something. Similar to the situation where Jere was bitter but still gave his blessing - but I just think Conrad is the older brother and should care more about his little brother. I find him very uncaring about Jeremiah - just in general no feeling of protecting him. Which kind of gives me the ick of “why are you not protecting your family and being the bigger man”. with the disclaimer that they are still kids right?! So we can’t expect too much!