Our dream home came with palm trees, ocean views… and the neighbor from hell. She threw a birthday bash on our lawn and told us to stay inside because it was “family-only.” She thought she had us beat. But patience is a powerhouse… and we made sure the last laugh echoed loud.
My name’s Evelyn and most folks call me Evie. I’m 30, married to a man who builds spreadsheets like they’re art, and after 15 years of double shifts and skipped vacations, we finally bought our dream home. Waterfront. Breezy palms. The kind of place that smells like salt and sunshine year-round.
And yet, the real drama didn’t come from storms or sea gulls… it came from next door.
A modern villa with a swimming pool and sunlit garden | Source: Pexels
Three days after moving in, I was unpacking boxes when a sharp knock rattled our front door. Standing there was a woman with bleached hair, wearing a chic dress and sunglasses.
“Hey there! I’m Tammy from next door,” she said, peering past me into our living room. “Just wanted to say hi and let you know about the barbecue we’re having this Saturday. Everyone uses the backyard, so we’ll be setting up around noon.”
I blinked. “I’m Evie. Nice to meet you, but… you mean your backyard, right?”
Tammy laughed like I’d just told the funniest joke. “No, honey. Both units have always shared the backyard and dock. It’s a tradition.”
A woman dramatically posing outdoors | Source: Pexels
“Oh, I’m sorry, there must be some confusion. We actually purchased this half, including the backyard space and most of the dock. It’s in our deed.”
“Well, that’s not how it’s worked for the past five years. The old owner never minded.”
“I understand, but we’re not renting. We bought this property,” I explained, trying to stay friendly. “We’d be happy to have you over sometime, though. And if you ever want to use our space? Just ask!”
She gave me a once-over. “Do you think I need permission? Whatever! We’ll talk later.”
As she walked away, I noticed a shirtless man watching from their porch, beer in hand, and a look that said we were already on his nerves.
A shirtless man standing near a window | Source: Pexels
“Who was that?” Nate asked, coming up behind me.
“Our neighbors. And I think we might have a problem.”
“Hey, it’ll be fine,” he said, pulling me close. “People just need clear boundaries sometimes.”
If only it had been that simple.
The following Saturday morning, I was sipping coffee on our patio when an enormous truck rumbled into our driveway.
