I looked toward the display.
The HOA president stood outside.
All white.
Blazer.
Trousers.
Heels.
Gold jewelry.
Her blonde hair neatly styled.
Beside her stood an older white man in a pale-green polo shirt, navy shorts, sandals, and a blue-and-white striped towel around his neck.
Behind them were several residents.
Some carried small tote bags.
Others wore sunglasses and summer clothing.
I frowned.
Why were so many people standing outside my gate?
I pressed the intercom.
“Can I help you?”
The president looked toward the camera.
“Open the gate.”
I stared.
“Why?”
She sighed.
“Because we have residents here for the private amenity preview.”
For a moment, I thought I'd misunderstood.
“The what?”
“The preview.”
She gestured toward the people behind her.
“Don't waste everyone's time.”
I stepped closer to the gate.
The older man looked uncomfortable.
Several residents glanced toward the pool.
One woman smiled politely.
“Is this where we're supposed to check in?”
I looked at her.
“Check in for what?”
She frowned.
“The temporary pool program.”
My stomach tightened.
I looked toward the HOA president.
“What did you tell these people?”
Her face hardened.
“Open the gate, please.”
I shook my head.
“No.”
The older man stepped forward slightly.
“Ma'am, perhaps there's been a misunderstanding.”
She turned toward him.
“Let me handle it.”
He fell silent.
I looked toward the residents.
“I'm sorry, but this is my family's private pool. There is no community swimming event here.”
A woman near the back stared.
“But we paid.”
The words struck me.
I turned toward her.
“You paid?”
She nodded.
“Yes. For the summer-access package.”
I felt cold.
Another resident spoke.
“The association told us the private pool partnership was available to premium members.”
I stared toward the president.
She looked furious.
“Stop discussing confidential association business at the gate.”
I raised a hand.
“No. I think we need to discuss exactly what you've been telling people.”
She leaned closer.
“You are creating a scene.”
I almost laughed.
“You brought a group of strangers to my house expecting them to use my swimming pool.”
She pointed toward the keypad.
“Open it.”
“No.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“I'm warning you.”
I shook my head.
“This conversation is over. Any further request goes through my attorney.”
I turned toward the house.
Then I heard her shout.
“Don't you walk away from me!”
I stopped.
Looked back.
And saw her reach toward a landscaping stone beside the outer wall.
The older man moved immediately.
“Wait!”
She pulled her arm away.
I stared.
“What are you doing?”
Her face twisted with anger.