Page 56 of Holly Jolly July
Ext. Downtown Hemlock Grove Sidewalk - Evening
James and Annie are walking slowly down the sidewalk, arm in arm. It’s a chilly night, with fresh snow piled next to businesses.
The stores are closed, everything is dark save for the twinkling lights in their displays and the lamp posts lining the street.
JAMES
Oh, I almost forgot the cookies.
Come inside.
Int. Brewed Awakening Café - Evening
James unlocks the door and lets Annie step into the café, following close behind.
Annie stays out front while James disappears into the back room.
Moments later, Kate enters from the back room with a broom in her hand.
KATE
Wow, you look breathtaking!
ANNIE
Are you still at work?
KATE
I’m always here. I can’t believe you
convinced him to go to the Christmas
party! Well, actually, looking at you,
I can.
ANNIE
We’re just going as friends.
KATE
That’s how it always starts, doesn’t it?
Have a fabulous time!
Kate winks and exits into the back room.
James returns a moment later with the cookies.
JAMES
Ready to go?
Ext. Downtown Hemlock Grove Courtyard - Evening
Annie and James arrive at a large courtyard. Instrumental Christmas music plays in the background. Pole heaters are placed
in different sections, warming the space so the small crowd does not have to wear winter coats, showing off beautiful dresses
and crisp suits.
A large Christmas tree highlights one side of the courtyard and a long table laden with delicious food is on the other. Lights
and garland are strung back and forth across the space.
Annie and James approach the table, where James places the cookies with other desserts.
ANNIE
Ooh, they have a chocolate fountain!
JAMES
What’s your preferred dippable fruit?
ANNIE
Strawberries, of course.
JAMES
So predictable. So plain.
ANNIE
Okay, I’ll bite, what’s yours?
JAMES
Pineapple.
ANNIE
Gross. Next you’ll be saying
pineapple goes on pizza.
JAMES
I wouldn’t quite stoop that low.
Here. Try it.
James dips pineapple in chocolate and feeds it to Annie, getting some chocolate on her lips. She moans as she licks it off.
James’s eyes darken as he watches Annie.
Annie smiles at James and he clears his throat, looking away.
ANNIE
I didn’t think I’d say these two words
to you ever again, but... you’re right.
JAMES
I love hearing it as much this time as
I did the first time.
“All I Want for Christmas Is You” begins to play and Annie sways to the music.
ANNIE
Oh, this is my favourite song. I haven’t
heard it in forever.
JAMES
When’s the last time you danced to it?
ANNIE
Danced? I don’t think I ever have.
JAMES
You don’t like dancing?
ANNIE
I like dancing as long as my
partner is skilled.
JAMES
(smirking at euphemism)
Lucky for you, I am.
James holds out a hand to Annie.
Annie takes his hand and James pulls her in for a dance. They twirl and laugh together. The next song is slower paced, “Last Christmas.”
They keep dancing, getting closer and closer, their lips almost touching.