Page 7 of Holly Jolly July

Int. Brewed Awakening Café (Cont’d)

Annie approaches James sitting in the back of the café.

James does not look up from his computer.

Annie waits a moment, then clears her throat.

James looks at her from over his screen, face neutral bordering on annoyed.

ANNIE

Hello there, and Merry Christmas!

James sighs, closes his laptop.

JAMES

Can I help you?

ANNIE

Yes, actually. I came all the way from

Seattle to Hemlock Grove to help my sister

with Christmas, but how can I bring her

the Christmas Spirit when I can’t get her

a peppermint or pumpkin spice latte?

James stands, walks to the counter.

Annie follows.

JAMES

Then I guess you should go back to the big

city and leave us small-town folk to the

simple things in life.

ANNIE

You’re actively losing customers by refusing to decorate for Christmas and by not having the Christmas staples everyone relies

on.

James makes drinks while talking, not making eye contact with Annie.

JAMES

Useless frivolities cost more than they’re

worth. If you need pumpkin spice and

peppermint to feel Christmas, then I think

you’ve forgotten what Christmas is actually

about. Feel free to take your business

elsewhere, where they have those fake,

disgusting flavours. I refuse to sully

my good coffee with them. You can

take these regular lattes or nothing.

James sets paper cups down with more force than necessary.

JAMES (CONT’D)

Have a nice day.

Annie throws a twenty-dollar bill onto the counter, then turns on her heel and leaves without another word, letting the door

slam as she exits.

James watches her walk away through the large windows, his expression shifting from neutral to a hint of longing and sadness

in his eyes.