Page 34 of Holly Jolly July

Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Day

Annie storms into the café, angry.

Kate is behind the till. There are no other customers.

ANNIE

Do you know where your boss is?

KATE

No, sorry, last I saw he was with you.

What’s wrong?

ANNIE

He left us! He abandoned my nephew and me at

the park. I’m not from here and it took me an

hour to find my way home.

KATE

Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry!

ANNIE

I didn’t have my phone on me and we wandered around for an hour. It was cold and the sun sets so early this time of year.

I was so scared, and I worried my sister sick!

KATE

I’m so glad you two are okay. You know,

I saw you walk by earlier and I should

have said something.

ANNIE

Said what?

KATE

He... Look, James avoids babies, okay? They’re a sensitive spot for him. When I saw

you two out with your nephew I thought it

would be okay, maybe it’s been enough time.

I was wrong.

ANNIE

Enough time from what?

KATE

There’s a reason why he hates Christmas,

why he doesn’t decorate, or bake, or

listen to Christmas music, or go to the

Small Business Association party.

ANNIE

What does that have to do with him

being uncomfortable around babies?

Christmas and babies are two of the most

magical things in the world, but he

hates them both.

KATE

They just remind him of how alone he is.

ANNIE

I don’t understand. He does well for

himself, he’s attractive, and under that grumpy exterior he’s actually kind of sweet. He smiled once.

KATE

You got him to smile?

ANNIE

Yeah. He has a really nice smile, actually.

He’s a catch... the total package.

KATE

(with apprehension)

I’ll tell you, but it didn’t come

from me, okay?

ANNIE

Tell me what?

KATE

His wife left him. Two days before

Christmas, three years ago. On the night

of the Small Business Association party.

One second they were planning their family,

and the next, she was gone. He hasn’t

been the same since.