Page 13 of Holly Jolly July

Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Day

Annie enters the café to order lattes.

James is running the till and there’s a lineup of people getting their drinks. James doesn’t greet anyone, doesn’t wish Merry

Christmas, and is very abrupt and rude.

Barista is sweeping the floor in the background, pausing to wave to Annie.

Annie waves back.

Annie’s turn arrives and she steps up to the counter.

ANNIE

Good morning and Merry Christmas!

JAMES

What can I get you.

ANNIE

Wow, great customer service. Five stars.

JAMES

You want coffee or not?

ANNIE

I want a bit of hospitality with my drink.

JAMES

Order your drink and leave, or just

leave. I won’t stand for harassment.

ANNIE

Is asking for the bare minimum of social

interaction from a local business at

Christmastime harassment?

JAMES

I don’t have time for this.

ANNIE

If anything, you’re the one harassing all

these nice people by not greeting them

with kindness and wishing them well

for supporting your business.

JAMES

No one else has a problem with the way

I run my business.

ANNIE

That’s because they’re all scared of you.

I’m sure everyone here would love

a bit of Christmas cheer, some red and

green sprinkles on their lattes,

the smell of pumpkin spice. Heck

I bet they’d even settle for a

smile at this point!

Annie gestures to the other guests, who eye her uncertainly.

JAMES

You’re disturbing my customers. Please

see yourself out. You can get your coffee

elsewhere.

Annie gasps.

ANNIE

You’re refusing to serve me?

JAMES

Don’t make me ask you twice.

Annie looks around at other guests in the café, but they avoid her gaze.

The barista cringes and mouths the word “Sorry.”

ANNIE

Fine. I’ll go somewhere else, somewhere

with some decency. You’re not the only café

in this town, you know.

JAMES

Good luck with that. Next!

ANNIE

(walking away)

You lost a customer today. I hope

you’re happy.

JAMES

Good riddance.