Yeah, you know how that went, don’t you? Well, it could have been a lot worse. She truly did have a horrible time, and that’s what I needed to happen. She is more than willing to apologize to my friend and ask nicely if she can please have the privilege of going to his house after school, rather than coming to my work.
In the morning she did okay. She colored and attempted to sweet-talk my co-workers into talking/playing with her, and generally acted like it was all a lark. She didn’t have as much fun in the afternoon. Especially considering that it was Wednesday, so she got out of school an hour early and I didn’t get off work early. And I stayed an hour late, because as I explained to her, I needed to make up the work I didn’t get done, leaving twice to transport her.
All in all, a lesson learned, I think. I hope.