A Different Approach

Valerie glanced at the entrance of the banquet hall, then turned to Sloane and reached out her hand.

"Want to come in with me?" she asked.

Sloane shook her head. "I'm not going in."

Valerie nodded, not pushing her. She said in a calm voice, "It's not much of a business event anyway. I'll be leaving in half an hour, so if you don't want to go in, that's fine."

"I'm heading in now," Valerie said.