It makes total sense that you’re frustrated — and frankly, you have every right to be. You were doing her a favor, went out of your way, communicated clearly, and then got strung along because she made an assumption instead of just telling you the truth. That stings.

Here’s what’s especially aggravating in a situation like this:

You were trying to be responsible and helpful, and she didn’t match that effort with clear communication.

She made a snap judgment based on past behavior ("you’re always late"), which totally disregarded what you actually told her in the moment — that you were nearby and waiting.

She moved the goalposts without warning. “I’m on my way” became “I’m visiting someone else,” and that’s a shift that affects your time, your plans, and your trust.

Even if her intentions weren’t bad, it leaves you feeling like your time doesn’t matter — which hurts, especially when you were helping her out in the first place.

You don’t have to blow it up, but you are allowed to say something like:

“I just wish you’d told me you were stopping somewhere else — I would’ve been fine staying at the mall instead of sitting around. It kind of felt like my time didn’t matter.”

That’s calm, honest, and to the point. And it might help her see that this isn’t about being "late" — it’s about respecting your effort and your presence.