The father continued his tirade. "Last night, Lily asked me to pay for her friend's tuition because the girl's parents split, and the kid was going to have to leave school."
"And what did you say?" Bud asked.
"No, of course," his voice rose. "Let the kid's parents work for their money the same way I did." His hand flew in the air. "She got pissed because she didn't get her way and stomped off to her room. These triads Lily frequently pulls is my wife's fault," he pointed in her direction, "for spoiling the hell out of her. So much so, that when she doesn't get her way, she figures she'll make us pay for refusing her," he said sharply. "And, let me tell you that crap gets old, real fast. She knew today was an important day for our business."
Jessie intervened. "Don't say anything you'll regret later, Mr. Sloper. You're upset right now, and you don't mean what you're saying. Trust me; it's your nerves. How about I get you some ice water?"