Emma waited at the curb beneath an umbrella.
The wind blew rain underneath it, soaking the bottom of her jeans.
One sneaker splashed into a shallow puddle.
Vanessa lowered the passenger-side window.
“Thank you so much!” I called.
Her expression changed the moment she looked down at Emma’s shoes.
“Oh.”
She stared at the wet sneakers.
“No.”
Her eyes shifted toward the cream-colored seats behind her.
“She’s soaked. I just bought this car. I can’t have mud all over the interior.”
Emma quietly moved one foot behind the other.
I walked closer.
“Vanessa, I’ve driven Sophie to school every morning for two years. I’m asking you for one ride.”
She sighed.
“Sarah, don’t turn this into something huge. I didn’t spend this much money on a car so somebody else’s kid could ruin it.”
From the back seat, Sophie immediately protested.
“Mom—”
