Page 26 of Holly Jolly July

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

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