City Girl
Barty Crouch Jr., the farmhand, and Evan Rosier, the stable boy, stood side by side, tossing hay into the back of the tractor. They worked in their usual quiet, each in their own little world—Barty with his fake-airpods cranked up to some country playlist that probably made him think he was the star of a western, and Evan just listening to the farm noises around him: the horses’ hooves, the wind, the rustling leaves, the occasional moo from the cows.
Everything was peaceful... until the gravel driveway suddenly got real noisy. The sound of tires that definitely weren’t made for the rough, bumpy farm road cut through the quiet, followed by the sight of a car so bright and shiny red, it looked like it had no business being anywhere near Texas.
Barty stopped mid-forkful, head tilting slightly as he squinted at the car like it was some kind of alien spacecraft. "That car's too fancy for this place," he muttered, pulling one of his fake-airpods out and tapping it like he was checking for reception.
Evan glanced over at the car, then back at Barty, a smirk creeping onto his face. "Yeah, I don’t think that thing’s ever seen gravel before."
The car, clearly not meant for country roads, skidded a little as it crawled its way up, tires grinding against the rocks like they were about to give out. But the car didn’t care—it was just as slick and polished as the person who got out of it. She was all high-end clothes, perfect hair, and looked like he stepped out of a magazine, which was funny, considering she was standing in the middle of a farm where the most exciting thing happening was a cow chewing cud.
Barty and Evan exchanged a glance. Neither of them had any idea who that was or what she was doing here. "You think she's lost?" Evan asked, trying not to laugh.
Barty shook his head, still watching the person like she might do something wild. "Lost or just... really out of place," he said, going back to his hay with a little chuckle.
To their surprise, the girl stepped out of the car and started walking toward them, taking slow, careful steps as if the gravel might bite. She was trying her best not to get her heels dirty, but it wasn’t working—every time she lifted one foot, the other sunk a little deeper into the loose gravel. She might as well have been walking on a tightrope.
“Hey, boys,” she called out, a cheerful tone that made it clear she wasn’t about to let the dirt or the country life ruin her mood. She flicked a long auburn braid over her shoulder and flashed them a smile that could probably make even the most hardened rancher stop and think twice.
Barty blinked, slightly taken aback. He’d been expecting someone a little more... farm-friendly, not someone who looked like they belonged on a city street corner. Still, he tried to look casual, leaning on his pitchfork like it was no big deal. “Hey, uh… Can I help you?” he asked, his voice a little more gravelly than he meant.
She tilted her head and raised an eyebrow, clearly sizing him up. “Yeah,” she said, her smile staying intact but her emerald eyes dancing with a hint of amusement. “I’m looking for Miss Rosemary Evans. Do you know where I can find her? She's my meemaw, I'm here to stay for the summer.”
Barty, who had been silent up until that point, couldn’t help himself. He glanced over at Evan and then back at the girl, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Miss Rosemary Evans? Your grandma?”
The girl rolled her eyes, but there was a playful glint in her gaze. “Yes,” she replied with a shrug, then looked at Barty, who had been eyeing her up and down. “Is that a problem?”
Barty straightened, tossing a handful of hay into the tractor, his expression matching her challenge. “Problem? Nah. Just didn’t expect someone with—" he gestured vaguely at her clothes "—all that, to be asking about an old farm lady like Rosemary Evans.”
The girl—who Barty now realized had to be Lily Evans, judging by the way she looked like she was about to lecture him—raised her chin. “Well, Barty, I’m not exactly here to ride horses in heels,” she said, her tone sweet but laced with just enough sarcasm to make Barty stifle a laugh. "So if you could just point me in the right direction before I melt into this gravel, that would be great."
Evan, who had been watching the exchange with growing amusement, couldn't hold it back anymore. "Well, well, if it isn't the city girl herself." He leaned on the fence, clearly enjoying the show. "We’ll have you in boots before the summer's out, don’t worry."
Lily shot him a look, then turned back to Barty, her smile still in place, though it was clear she wasn’t taking any of his sass lying down. "You’ve got a lot to say for someone who looks like he spends his weekends hanging out with cows."
Barty’s jaw dropped slightly, then he gave her a half-grin. “Guess I’ve got to start somewhere,” he said, taking a step back to let her finally get through the gravel without toppling over.
“Come on,” Evan said, pushing himself off the fence, “I’ll show you where Miss Rosemary is. And just so you know,” he added, turning to Barty, “you might want to stop eyeing her like she’s a piece of meat.”
Lily, who had been watching the exchange with a mix of curiosity and amusement, turned her attention back to Evan. “I’d appreciate that,” she said, keeping her cool despite the teasing.
Barty just muttered something under his breath and went back to the hay, but Evan shot him a quick look, one that said they were definitely going to have a lot of fun this summer.
Lily Evans wasn’t here for just a peaceful visit to her grandmother’s farm—she was here to stir things up. And, judging by the way Barty had already gotten under her skin, it was going to be an interesting few months.
Lily waved Barty and Evan away haughtily as they reached the front door, a clear dismissal in her gesture. "You can leave now," she said, with that same sweet yet slightly condescending smile, like they were inconveniencing her.
Barty scoffed, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow. "Guess someone’s got a stick up their—"
Evan quickly placed a large, warm hand on Barty’s chest, stopping him before the comment could go any further. “Let her see her grandma alone, Bats,” he said quietly, though the corner of his mouth twitched with amusement.
Barty shot him a side-eye, clearly not thrilled with the idea of backing down. “She’s got enough attitude for the whole farm,” he muttered, but he didn’t push the matter. Instead, he shot Lily one last look before he gave a half-hearted shrug.
"Fine, fine," Barty grumbled, his voice tinged with sarcasm. "But don’t come crying to us when the cows start judging you."
Evan chuckled under his breath and gave Barty a gentle nudge as they turned to leave. “You’ve got a weird way of making friends,” he teased, but there was no malice in his tone.
Lily, still standing at the door, didn’t respond, though she was clearly enjoying the slight tension between them. With one last glance at Barty, she stepped inside, the door closing with a soft click behind her.
The two boys stood there for a moment, exchanging glances before Evan clapped Barty on the shoulder. "Come on, let’s get back to work. We’ll have all summer to watch her figure out how to not trip over her own heels."
Barty grumbled but followed Evan back toward the barn, still trying to shake the feeling that they were about to have a lot more interactions with Lily Evans than he was comfortable with. And somehow, he got the feeling they weren’t going to be boring.
Inside the farmhouse, Lily Evans took a deep breath, letting the familiar, comforting scent of lavender and old wood fill her lungs. This was her grandmother’s house, a place that felt like the heart of everything—warm, lived-in, and full of memories. She shook off the discomfort from the awkward encounter with Barty and Evan outside and pushed open the creaky door that led into the cozy living room.
And there, sitting in her favorite armchair, was Miss Rosemary Evans—her grandma. The old woman’s silver hair was neatly pinned up, her eyes sparkling with that sharp, knowing gleam that Lily had always admired. The minute her grandmother saw her, a soft, welcoming smile spread across her face, and Lily felt the last of the tension melt away.
"Well, look who finally decided to show up," Rosemary said, her voice warm and teasing, though there was a hint of exhaustion in it too. "You’re looking all grown up, Lily. The last time you were here, you were just a little slip of a thing."
Lily grinned, walking toward her with open arms. "It’s been too long, Meemaw." She leaned down to kiss her cheek, then pulled back, giving her a scrutinizing look. "You’re looking... healthier than I expected for someone who’s been here all alone."
Her grandma laughed softly. "Well, don’t get too comfortable. I may be spry, but I’m not immune to the aches and pains of this farm life. Just don’t ask me to muck out the stalls. I know my limits, that's why I've got my boys."
Lily smiled, but her mind wandered to the two boys still outside, probably still snickering about her arrival. The last thing she wanted to do was acknowledge how awkward she’d felt with them, but there was no way she could avoid it. She wasn’t here to deal with farmhands and stable boys, especially ones with... attitudes.
“So, what’s the plan, then? I’m stuck here all summer. Are you going to put me to work?” Lily asked, trying to steer the conversation away from her earlier discomfort.
Rosemary winked. “Work? Oh, honey, no. I’m planning on spoiling you rotten this summer. But, if you want to help with the garden, I won’t stop you.”
Lily chuckled. “I’ll take it easy for now. I’ve got enough stress back home to last a lifetime.”
Rosemary smiled knowingly, her eyes softening. "I know, darling. The world’s a mess right now. It’s good to have a little escape every now and then." She paused, studying Lily carefully, as if weighing something important. "But don’t let these two farm boys get to you. I hired them myself. They’re rough around the edges, but they mean no harm. You’ll be just fine."
Lily bit her lip, feeling a little heat rise in her cheeks. "They were just... a little much, to be honest. Nothing I can't deal with, Meemaw."
Miss Rosemary let out a quiet, knowing laugh. “You’ve got your hands full, then, my dear. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to them.”
Lily crossed her arms, looking out the window toward the barn. "I don’t know if I want to get used to them," she muttered under her breath.
Her grandmother raised an eyebrow. "Give it time, Lily. The world doesn’t work by your schedule. You might just find you have more in common with them than you think."
Lily shot her grandmother a skeptical look, but the old woman was already chuckling to herself, clearly enjoying her granddaughter's discomfort.
"Alright, alright," Lily said, sighing and shaking her head. "I’ll survive. Just don’t expect me to become best friends with them."
Miss Rosemary winked. "Who knows? Maybe you’ll surprise yourself." She stood with a grunt, making her way over to a nearby cabinet. "Now, how about a cup of tea before you get all hot and bothered about farm life?"
Lily smiled, finally feeling like she could relax. "Tea sounds perfect."
Midway through tea, just as Lily and her grandmother had really begun to catch up, the front door slammed open.
Evan walked in, all 3 of Lily's suitcases stacked in his arms, cowboy hat slightly tilted on his head. "Sorry, princess," he said, his voice light and easy. He dropped the bags down just inside the doorway with a soft thud. "Your car was unlocked, and I figured I’d better bring your stuff in before someone else did." His eyes twinkled with amusement. "Care to show me to your room?"
Lily froze for a second, blinking in surprise at how easily he’d barged into her space. She hadn’t expected him to be so... polite. Most guys would’ve just left her bags in the car and called it a day. She glanced at her grandmother, who was still sipping her tea with a quiet smile, completely unfazed by the whole thing.
Lily's lips curled into a small smile despite herself. "Well, I didn’t exactly ask for that, but thanks," she said, trying to play it cool even though she felt a little flattered.
Her grandmother, with that same sly smile, glanced up at her from behind her teacup. "He’s just being a gentleman, Lily."
Lily shook her head but couldn’t help the amused smile tugging at her lips. She felt a bit of warmth spread through her chest at the gesture—no one had gone out of their way to help her like that in a while.
"I really didn’t expect you to carry all this up here," Lily admitted, her voice soft but with a playful edge. "But, I appreciate it."
Evan just shrugged casually, the grin still in place as he tilted his head back slightly, like the weight of her suitcases didn’t bother him in the slightest. "No big deal, princess. Just didn’t want your spancy fancy stuff sitting out in the dirt." He gave a mock sigh, as though the whole thing was a real hardship for him. "Can’t let that happen."
Lily bit her lip to keep from laughing. His cocky, laid-back attitude was a little over the top, but it was hard to stay annoyed when he was clearly just being... nice in his own way. "You didn’t have to make such a big deal of it," she teased, but her tone was softer, more amused than anything else.
Evan glanced back at her as he started toward the stairs, his boots creaking on the wooden floor. "What can I say? I’m just tryin’ to be helpful." His voice was light, but there was something genuine in it, like he wasn’t just trying to show off. "Now, where do I drop these off?"
Lily gestured toward the stairs. "First door on the left."
He nodded, looking over his shoulder with a wink. "Alright, doll. I’ll make sure your room’s all set." He walked up the stairs with an easy, unhurried pace, clearly comfortable in his own skin, as though he had done this a thousand times.
Lily shook her head, feeling a warm flush spread across her cheeks despite herself. She couldn’t deny that there was something oddly charming about his confidence. As much as she tried to keep her distance, she couldn’t help but feel the pull of his attention.
She sat back down with a sigh, glancing over at her grandmother, who was watching her with a knowing look, the corners of her mouth twitching.
"Don’t you dare," Lily warned, though she was smiling.
Her grandmother just chuckled softly, taking another sip of her tea. "Oh, I wasn’t going to say anything, darling. I just know that you’ve got a lot more in common with that boy than you think."
Lily rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face didn’t fade. She wasn’t sure what to make of Evan yet, but something told her that she was going to like him. A lot.