Page 40 of Holly Jolly July

It’s better than nothing.

James uses his arm to sweep the cookies out of the display and into a garbage bin, then shoves the bin at Annie.

JAMES

Take these out of here. I refuse

to serve anything but the best in my

store, which is what my customers deserve.

ANNIE

Your customers deserve more than

you doing the bare minimum at

Christmastime.

JAMES

I can’t believe you trespassed on my

property to continue your harassment.

I ought to call the police.

ANNIE

On what grounds? Someone giving

you a thoughtful Christmas gift and

helping to improve your business?

JAMES

This isn’t an improvement.

ANNIE

(gesturing widely)

Take a look around! This is the busiest

I’ve ever seen your café. In fact, I—

JAMES

I don’t care. I don’t need this.

James starts tearing down decorations and throwing them outside. The café patrons scatter.

James knocks over a tray and several coffee mugs crash to the ground, breaking at Annie’s feet, who jumps back to avoid them.

ANNIE

What is wrong with you?

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