Two young men from very different backgrounds end up roommates at a state college in west Texas in the latter part of the turbulent sixties. Riki is the black sheep of a wealthy family, on his third and final chance to avoid the draft or disinheritance. His big dream is to be a hot guitarist with a rock band, and he has a weakness for recreational drugs that make him feel better about himself. Jerry is a true son of Bible Belt America, happy to be able to go to college and perhaps rise above the lower middle class level of his family. The two form an unlikely friendship that develops into a deeper bond as they experience drugs, sex, and rock n' roll in their heyday.

Midnight Cowboys

Finally, the other man’s hand released him. Jerry rocked back on his heels. Although he nearly gagged, wanting badly to spit, there was nowhere to do it except on the carpet. He didn’t dare.


Fifty dollars. Remember it’s for fifty dollars. You can do this, and you fucking well won’t puke.


D.R. nodded and smiled. “Get the boy a glash, Bobby. He needs a shot of Jack about now.”


Bobby obeyed. The whiskey washed the gummy feel and the ugly taste out of Jerry’s mouth. He drank the whole two fingers in the glass. Even though it burned all the way to his stomach, the alcohol really did make him feel better.


Chapter 4