“Wow, sweetheart! That’s very creative!” I forced a smile and hugged her. She had no idea she’d done anything wrong.
When Lily ran back toward the house, I quietly pulled Amanda aside.
“Listen, removing that paint could cost a lot. Could we split the bill?”
She stared at me. “Are you seriously asking me for money?”
“Well, your daughter painted my car.”
“She’s a child, Jessica! What is wrong with you? Don’t you love your niece?”
“Of course I love her! But that doesn’t mean my car should be ruined!”
Amanda’s face turned red.
“If you hate my daughter so much, don’t ever come to my house again! And stay away from Lily!”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
Dad, who had attended the party, tried to calm Amanda down, but she told him to stay out of it.
I left in tears.
That car wasn’t expensive, but I’d worked weekends for months to afford the down payment. I needed it for work and college, and I couldn’t afford an unexpected repair.
