"He keeps saying it's not for sale. He won't even let me drive it for an afternoon."
Pamela frowned.
"Perhaps he doesn't trust you."
Dylan stared at her.
"Seriously?"
She softened immediately.
"I'm just saying you might need a different approach."
He leaned against the counter.
"Mom, I've got people expecting that Mustang."
Pamela looked toward him.
"What people?"
For a moment, Dylan hesitated.
Then admitted that he'd signed promotional agreements connected to the car.
Pamela's expression changed.
"You signed what?"
He explained.
Not everything.
But enough for her to understand that money was involved.
She stared.
"Does the owner know?"
Dylan looked away.
"No."
Pamela closed her eyes.
For several seconds, she seemed furious.
Then asked how much money he needed to return.
Dylan told her.
The amount was more than she expected.
She sank into a chair.
For a moment, she looked toward the expensive kitchen surrounding them.
Then she asked whether the company could simply use another car.
Dylan shook his head.
"They advertised the yellow Mustang."
Pamela frowned.
"Without his permission?"
The young man snapped.
"I thought he'd agree!"
She stared.
For a brief moment, she seemed ready to tell him he'd created a problem he needed to solve himself.
But then he said something that changed her reaction.
"If this falls apart, everybody's going to think I'm a fraud."
Pamela looked toward her son.
And her instinct to protect him overwhelmed her judgment.
The HOA's heritage event had originally been an ordinary neighborhood proposal.
A few residents suggested displaying classic cars during the annual summer gathering. The community had several enthusiasts, and a display might raise money for playground improvements.
The board hadn't finalized the budget.
No one had authorized the association to take possession of residents' vehicles.
And nothing in the governing documents allowed the HOA president to compel participation.
Pamela knew those limitations.
She had reviewed the event proposal with the board secretary.
But after learning about Dylan's financial problem, she began describing the heritage show as though it were an official program with powers beyond ordinary community event planning.
She told Dylan that association rules could potentially require residents to cooperate with approved neighborhood activities.
He liked that explanation.
He repeated it to his promotional partners.
Then Pamela began searching through the governing documents for language concerning vehicle storage, exterior appearance, and nuisance complaints.
She found general provisions requiring homeowners to maintain their properties.
She found procedures for addressing certain parking violations in common areas.