Valerie poured herself more water, keeping her eyes on her glass. “I don’t have any interest in those kinds of relationships. I’m not of that particular persuasion, I guess you could say.”
I didn’t know how to respond to that kind of revelation, one that couldn’t have come easily and showed a level of vulnerability I wasn’t prepared for. But Sana did.
She placed her hand on Valerie’s and said, “Thank you for sharing that with us. I appreciate that you trust us enough to share that side of you.”
I echoed Sana’s sentiments.
“Thank you. Not many people know. Most don’t understand. My parents always assumed I’d grow out of it, and they’d welcome me back when I did. Rob had his faults and I hated so much about him. But he was always accepting of who I was. And he took care of me. So I guess I loved him, too.”
There was so much more I wanted to ask. So much more I needed to know about Rob and what could’ve led to his death. But this wasn’t the time. So Sana and I just held Valerie’s hands and let her cry.
* * *
? ? ?
After Valerie broke down, Sana kept the sangria slushies flowing.
“After all that, I think we need a full-on girls’ night. You can either sleep over or call a ride, but nobody’s driving home. Now drink up.”
I sipped at my glass, noting the mixed berries, citrus, and heady red wine she’d used for the drinks. Tons of antioxidants and vitamin C. Practically a health tonic.
The thought made me smile. “You’ll have to give me your recipe, Sana. Adeena and Elena would love this.”
“I’ll have you all over soon. I would’ve invited them, but this wasn’t the right time.” She nodded her head toward Valerie, who had fallen asleep on Sana’s couch.
“I’m glad she had someone to talk to. I can’t imagine the shock the news must’ve given her. Didn’t realize you two were such good friends though.” I took another drink, a shiver from the icy beverage running up my spine, followed by a warmth from the alcohol radiating out from my stomach.
Sana, who was still sitting cross-legged on the floor with me, leaned her back against the couch, careful not to wake up Valerie. “I don’t know that I’d say we’re ‘good’ friends. We admire each other, run in some of the same circles. We have a professional relationship. That makes things difficult.”
At my questioning look, she explained, “She’s one of my coaching clients, remember? Due to the nature of the coach-client relationship, I try to keep a professional distance because the lines can get blurred very easily. But in a town this small, it’s hard to avoid.”
“Oh right, you said you were a life coach earlier.” I wrinkled my nose and spoke before I thought to watch my tone.
Sana laughed. “I know what you’re thinking. I hate the name, too. Really what I do is provide guidance to female entrepreneurs and business leaders, particularly women of color. I coach them through negotiations, and how to both understand and ask for their true worth. I help them learn how to lead without feeling like an impostor, build up their confidence and intuition, things like that.”
“Oh wow, that actually sounds really cool. No wonder Valerie wanted you to be a judge.” Though why would Valerie need Sana’s services? “Valerie isn’t involved with the Thompson Family Company though. What were you coaching her on?”
“Sorry, that’s client-coach confidentiality. Can’t talk about that.”
“Oh, of course. Sorry, I should’ve known.” I studied her, curious to learn more about her. “What made you decide to be a coach?”
Sana leaned her head back, eyes on the elegant wood-and-bronze ceiling fan that turned lazily above us. The sun was setting outside and golden light filtered through the large windows, casting a warm glow around her. She was quiet for so long, I thought she wasn’t going to answer me, so I also leaned back against the couch and closed my eyes to enjoy this peaceful moment. The light breeze conjured by the fans and the hazy feeling from the strong drinks left me feeling relaxed in a way that I hadn’t in a long time.
“I wanted to help people.” Sana’s voice, barely above a murmur, floated toward me. I kept my eyes closed but nodded to show I was listening. “I thought I could do that with my original career, but it didn’t work out. So I did some volunteer nonprofit work for a while and realized how many young women of color struggled with running their own businesses. I started unofficially coaching this Black-owned beauty business, though I didn’t know that’s what I was doing at the time. The owner couldn’t afford to pay me, but referred me to some friends who could, so I thought I’d do some research and see if I could turn it into a career.” I opened my eyes to take another drink and Sana turned to me and smiled, holding up her wineglass in a salute. “Turns out I could.”