Page 25 of Holly Jolly July

Matt cuts me off, bridging the gap between us and pressinghis lips against mine in a chaste kiss. He pulls away, a naughty smirk on his face and a fire in his eyes. He walks back to his truck, leaving me flushed with heat and wanting more. My lips burn from where he touched them, a wildfire of tingles running down my body from the quick moment of contact.

After watching him drive away in his truck, giving me one last shy wave before backing away, I shut the door and lean against it. I feel dazed, almost lightheaded from the interaction.

I can’t believe after all this time, after so many years of watching love stories unfold around me, it’s actually happening. I’ve met the perfect guy, and he’s going to fall madly in love with me and whisk me away from the big city, like in every modern-day fairy-tale romance.

This issomain character energy of me.

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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.

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