A.H.
I let her scream for a little bit (10 mins) if she is like this. She had a few nights of this when she stopped taking naps. Start a routine. Even brushing her teeth, tucking her in, and reading a book or kissing good night is a routine. Does she not wear a diaper at night? If she is 2 she should have a night time diaper. Consistency is key, it seems like it isn't there. Give her a hefty snack before you put her to bed, 15 mins before the routine or however long it takes her to eat. You don't need school to start a routine. Do bath, snack, story, and bed now. She's not trying to manipulate you per-se, she just knows she doesn't want to sleep and will try ways to not sleep. She would do it with anyone and because you have given in it will increase until the giving in stops (letting her fall asleep in the living room). I would put her to bed at 815. My 2 1/2 yr old doesn't nap and at 9 she would be way overtired which is like being wired and tired at the same time. It's hard to fall asleep that way.
Laeh has a point too. My daughter yells because she's mad b/c she doesn't want to go to bed. With their dad being gone she may be scared, only you can tell that. If she is scared, lay with her for a few minutes and calm her down. Maybe try some sleepy time tea with the bear on it. It has no caffeine and nothing that will hurt kids in it.