Instead, she appeared at his front door the following afternoon.
She wore a cream-colored blouse, expensive sandals, and a large pair of sunglasses.
The engineer opened the door.
For several seconds, they stared at each other.
Then she smiled.
"Can we talk like adults?"
He remained cautious.
"About what?"
"The pool."
He nodded.
"Go ahead."
She glanced toward the camera above the entrance.
Then asked.
"Can we speak somewhere private?"
The engineer considered.
They could speak on the porch without entering the house.
He stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
The president looked toward the backyard.
Then lowered her voice.
"I understand you're upset."
He stared.
"You entered my property without permission."
She sighed.
"That wasn't the intention."
He waited.
She continued.
"The community needs recreational options."
He looked toward her.
"Then repair the community pool."
Her expression tightened.
"We're working on that."
He nodded.
"Good."
She stepped closer.
"But these things take time."
He waited.
She continued.
"Your pool sits unused much of the week."
His expression changed.
"How would you know?"
The president hesitated.
Then smiled.
"People notice things."
He stared.
She continued.
"What if we created a formal arrangement?"
He did not answer.
The woman leaned forward.
"The association could compensate you."
His eyes narrowed.
"For what?"
"Occasional controlled access."
He stared.
She continued.
"Selected members. Very small groups. Proper scheduling."
The engineer felt his stomach tighten.
"You're asking me to rent my backyard to the HOA?"
The woman smiled.
"Something like that."
He took a slow breath.
"No."
Her smile vanished.
"What?"
"No."
She folded her arms.
"Don't be unreasonable."
The engineer remained calm.
"This is my private home. My daughter uses the pool. I'm not interested in operating it as an HOA amenity."
The president stared.
Then her expression changed.
She lowered her voice.
"We could make this financially worthwhile."
He shook his head.
"No."