I think your needs came first. She asked you twice. First in session, and you said no. Actually you said maybe, but that was the same as a no to her, in terms of someone BEING there. Then she asked you again, and you said no. Actually, my t would have been a little mad at you for wanting to skip in the first place, for not presenting the budget issue as a problem for the TEAM to solve.

I know its scary and hard to say yes. But look at it from her point of view - she just wanted a body in the chair at that time next week. You were willing to let her twist in the wind - thats not very nice. Did she complain? No. She asked you again. Now YOU are complaining. And kind of wallowing in it. But from another point of view, maybe you bear some responsibility? I want you to buck up, buttercup!