The Lexus nudged into a space between a Toyota and a Buick. Peter sprang out and forged across the tidy lawn, past the “Open House” sign. The crowd that went with the cars mostly milled around a tray of finger sandwiches in the living room.
The layout of the condo posed no surprises, as it mirrored Polly’s house. Peter concentrated on the wear of the tiles, the chip of the paint, the nap of the rug. He expected nothing would convince him to back away from his decision and he confirmed that belief. The management had assured that the place was well restored to a welcoming freshness throughout and where it still needed work the amount was small.
“Who came in the fancy car?” someone asked.
“Must be the development manager.”
“That’s not his car…well, it’s not! Whaddya mean how do I know?”
Peter poked around the pantry, one ear monitoring the chatter.
“I saw him come in. He’s handsome and obviously successful…no ring too, ladies.”
“Why would he want to live in the Court then? There’s much more upscale places a guy could go.”
A voice rumbling with authority cut over the top of the din. “We don’t talk down the Court.”
One of the women slid around the corner and approached Peter. She folded her arms and sidled up until she stood close enough to feel his breath.
“We haven’t met,” she said, using the same voice that had just admonished the crowd to be true to their neighborhood. “I’m Monique Sackett. I’m president of the association and I sit on the board.”
“I’ve heard of you,” Peter replied, sliding his hands into his pockets. “You’re the one who made everyone measure their grass.”
“Until we hired a guy to mow all the lawns the right way and got the residents to pay. I’m doing them a favor, keeping the value of the property up. I hope you aren’t scared by that.”
“No. Nothing scares me.” Even so, he almost dropped his eyes in the glare of her smoldering gaze.
“Good for you,” Monique said. “Don’t let the crowd fool you. Most of them come from elsewhere in the Court. They’re just hungry and curious and have far too much time on their hands. If you’re a serious applicant, I promise I will see you through.”
