Cowboys Cry Too - A Tyler Owens Story

Chapter 13

Oklahoma
Four Years Ago

She's graduated! With a degree in Meteorology and minors in Literature. She's on her way to grad school if she so chooses and she's never felt so damn proud of herself. She only wonders, would her dad be proud too?

She takes a shot not wanting to ruin her mood.

She never really had friends in school. Sure, her freshmen roommate was alright, but once they moved out, they lost contact and in turn, lost whatever friendship they had. And Jackie was shy. Introverted. Sure, boys would try and throw themselves at her, but only for her looks never for her heart or brain.

And she is damn smart! And loveable. Atleast that's how she sees herself.

She takes another shot to drown out her thoughts. So what if her graduation celebration is by herself at a random bar in Oklahoma. She's happy.

She knows she must look like a mess, a little black dress on, her graduation cap, and cowgirl boots. She may stick out but right now she doesn't mind, the damn alcohol must be getting to her head.

"Here you go, ma'am." The bartender places a shot in front of her, a little umbrella in the glass.

It's so damn cute she wants five more of them just for the umbrella, even though she didn't even order this once.

'Oh, I didn't order this.'

'A nice gentleman bought it for you.' The bartender grins at her, before walking away going to help serve more drinks.

She eyes the glass, her finger tracing the rim before picking up the umbrella and spinning it with her fingers. She turns to see who could have possibly bought a drink for silly her. Besides, there's much prettier women here than her.

Her eyes land on a man sitting at a table, a buddy of his seemingly talking his ear off but his eyes lock on hers. He taps the top of his cowboy hat, signalling a small hello.

Fuck he's attractive.

She takes the shot he bought, locking eyes with him when she finishes and wiping her mouth with her arm. He seems to let out a laugh at that, giving his friend a pat on the shoulder before excusing himself and walking towards her.

Oh god, he's coming this way.

'Anyone sitting here?', he nods to the barstool beside her.

'Just you.' she says, immediately wanting to slam her face against the table.

The alcohol is making her confident, and a confident Jackie at a bar next to a very attractive man is never a good thing.

'Bold. I like it. I'm Tyler.' He introduces himself, ordering another drink for her, his eyes catching onto the tiny umbrella she plays with. 'And what's a pretty lady like yourself doing out here?'

Tyler, it's a pretty name for a pretty face. He even has a charming smile, damn near perfect. He's staring at her, not seeming fazed at all by the fact she is just staring at him as if he is a God.

'Jackie. I'm... Jackie.' She goes to shake his hand but then looks down, realizing she is holding onto the tiny umbrella still. 'Oh, and I graduated!'

She has a blush form on her face when she realizes she possibly spoke too loudly, but that smile is still on his face, like he is pleased to be talking with her. What a weird man. Most find her way too much, her personality like a freight train. This Tyler guy though, damn his smirk and his eyes and that damn outfit of his. She's never wanted to get laid this badly. She takes the shot he ordered her quickly, grabbing the other tiny umbrella, her eyes staring at them in wonder.