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

“You need to cool it on the coke,” Jerry cautioned. “I heard some guys saying this is really strong stuff. I know they claim it’s not addictive, but the buzz can be, at least psychologically. A guy I knew back home—not a friend, but he was in my high school—died using coke. I guess he ODed or something. Right then, I decided I wouldn’t touch the shit. Grass won’t do that to you.”


Riki nodded slowly, reluctance yet a degree of acceptance in his expression. “Yeah, I know. It just makes you feel so fuckin’ good…”


“Yeah, I guess. Not for long, though, they say. Listen…I think it’s time we headed home. Can you drive? I’m not too stoned, so I will if you don’t feel like it.”


“Fuck you!” Riki grinned as he spoke, though. “You just want to get your hands on the wheel of that ‘Vette.”


“Nah, no way. I’m a bug man. It’s the German in me.”


Laughing now, the two of them got up and made their way through the group, stopped to thank Ivan for his hospitality and finally got out to the car.


Chapter 9