"You're finally here!"
I stared at her.
"Why are there thirty people in my backyard?"
Her smile barely changed.
"Oh, don't be dramatic. They're neighborhood guests."
"Neighborhood guests?"
"Yes. I thought it would be nice for everyone to have somewhere to cool off."
I looked around.
Someone was sitting in my outdoor furniture.
A child was throwing a pool toy against my fence.
Two strangers were opening drinks beside my patio.
I turned back toward Karen.
"Who gave you permission to use my pool?"
She blinked.
"The HOA."
I actually laughed.
"The HOA doesn't own my house."
Karen folded her arms.
"We're all part of the same community."
"That doesn't give you permission to enter private property."
Her expression hardened.
"We're trying to build a stronger neighborhood."
"Then build it somewhere else."
A few people nearby went silent.
Karen lowered her voice.