Eleanor saw her too.
The older woman's shoulders tightened.
She stepped backward.
"I should go."
I looked toward her.
"Eleanor."
She stopped.
"Would you be willing to show me the paperwork?"
She hesitated.
Then nodded.
"Maybe."
I took out a business card.
I handed it to her.
"My phone number is on there."
She examined the card.
Then looked at me.
For the first time that evening, a small smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you."
She walked toward her car.
I remained standing beside my truck.
Patricia crossed the parking lot a moment later.
She stopped several feet from me.
"What were you discussing with Mrs. Price?"
I looked toward her.
"Good evening to you too."
Her lips tightened.
"Homeowner matters should be addressed through the management office."
I studied her.
"Neighbors are allowed to speak to each other."
She lifted her chin.
"Be careful about spreading misinformation."
I almost laughed.
"Eleanor and I were having a private conversation."
Patricia stepped closer.
"This neighborhood has standards."
I looked directly into her eyes.
"So does the law."
For a moment, her expression changed.
Then she smiled coldly.
"You're going to be a difficult resident, aren't you?"
I opened my truck door.
"Only when somebody gives me a reason."
She stared.
I climbed inside.
And as I drove away, I saw her standing beneath the parking lot lights, watching my truck disappear.
That was the night she stopped treating me like an inconvenient homeowner.
And started treating me like an enemy.
Three days later, Eleanor called.
Her voice sounded nervous.
"Is this a bad time?"
I was sitting in my office reviewing electrical drawings for a commercial warehouse.
"No, ma'am."
She hesitated.
"I found the pool paperwork."
I set down my pen.
"All of it?"
"Most of it."
"Would you like me to stop by?"
She was quiet.
Then she said, "Yes."
That evening, I drove to her house.
Her property was beautifully maintained.
Yellow flowers bordered the front walkway.
A small ceramic bird sat beside the porch steps.
And a sign near the entrance read Welcome Friends.