Riding to Win

Chapter 1: Big Brakes (Tyler)

Getting off the bull tonight I feel the same as I always do. I have gone nowhere with this and I feel like I'm never going to go anywhere. I know it's a dangerous sport to be in, but I love the adrenaline rush I get when I hear the crowd cheering and the cage rattling. It gets worse when the gate is opened and the bull immediately bucks with all he has. When I heard that buzzer go off, it's like music to my ears.

As I'm walking to my bag, I get high-fives from my buddies and pats on the back with the occasional nice ride bud or can anything stop you. What's different this time is when I am about to get in my truck, the owner of the circuit calls my name. I haven't gotten into any fights in months so I know it's nothing to do with that so I am very confused at this point.

"Tyler, hold up a minute there. I got someone I think you might want to meet," he calls.

"'Ight, who on God's green Earth is it then," I ask trying not to let curiosity get the better of me.

"This is my long time buddy Dale, he runs one of the best rodeo circuits in all the country."

"Ya don't say. Why, it's an honor to meet you mister," I respond holding my hand out for a shake. He takes the gesture and I get right to the chase. "So, what are you doing here in Fredericksburg, Texas?"

"Well," he begins. "I'm on the lookout for new talent and I was in the area so I stopped by to watch the show. I got a few laughs and met some nice people, but nothing too noteworthy."

"Is that so? Sorry that there wasn't anything that caught your eye."

"Hold up, I wasn't done. I didn't see anything noteworthy until the best damn rider on the circuit was announced. The crowd got real excited, so I asked around and heard some pretty great things. That rider happens to be you, so I watched you ride and I was impressed by how much style you were able to put into those eight seconds. After the show, I went up to your boss here and asked him about having on my circuit traveling. He told me I would have to take it up with you. So, what do you say? Would you like to ride all around the country?"

I feel a bit surprised because I made some mistakes in the ring that any moron could pick up on. Why, out of all the guys and gals here, would he want me. I kinda stare at him them I look from him to my boss, then back to him again looking for any hint of a joke. "Are you sure you have the right cowboy?"

"You are Tyler Thompson correct?"

"Yes sir."

"And you are the only Tyler Thompson on the entire circuit right."

"Right."

"Then I do have the right cowboy, so I will ask you one more time. Would you like to join a traveling circuit?"

"Of course I would. I'm just a bit surprised."

"Well when your feet hit the ground, call me. I'll give you where to find me," he says handing me a business card. They shake my hand without another word and walk away. Who knew that me, out of all the riders in the word, would be able to do what I wanted to do since I watched my daddy watching riding growing up.

------------

"Hey Mom, I'm home," I yell through the house.

"So, how was tonight? Did you make it?"

"Yeah, something else happened too."

"What happened?"

I hand her the business card as my explanation and she immediately knows. She gets teary eyed and hugs me real tight.

"I'm so proud of you Ty."

"Thanks ma. Don't tell the neighbors though. They have been on me to quit for years."

"Got it. Just please, try not to get too hurt out there."

"I will do my best."

"Tyler, swear to me that you will do everything in your power to avoid any life and career threatening injury while in that ring."

"Mom, I swear I will do anything I can to avoid any career or life threatening injury while in the ring. As long as you remember that there is always going to be a high risk of injury."

"Right. You keep your promise and I'll keep mine. Deal?"

"Deal. I'm going to turn in for the night mom. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight Tyler."

With that, I get the business card from my mom and head up to my room. I basically turned the attic into a small apartment. I have my own little kitchen and bathroom. The bathroom in like a little closet. There is a small platform that rises two inches off the rest of the floor that my king sized bed sits on. I have a desk with a laptop in the far corner next to my dresser. I quickly get dressed in some pajamas and climb into bed. One thing is for damn sure, it's been one hell of a night...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Okay, so this is my second story ever. I'm excited about this one because it shares more of my interests. Those would be anything involving the rodeo. I would love some feed back whether it's negative or not. I just want to hear it. So if you have time do that, if there is only a little time please vote and share. I appreciate it and thank you so much :-)