Interstitial
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.