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

When they hit a rest stop, Jerry and Riki could hear the Volkswagen emitting a noisy and off-key medley of “Groovin’,” “White Rabbit,” “Light My Fire,” “I’m a Believer,” “Ruby Tuesday,” and “Let It All Hang Out.” Who needed a working radio when you had a pair of lungs and friends to sing with? The ‘Vette did have a very good radio, one that picked up KOMA in Oklahoma City even in the middle of the day. Riki and Jerry sang along with that.


Jerry looked across at Riki, happy to see a smile on his buddy’s face again. A sour Riki was no fun at all. They hadn’t even done anything together in the privacy of their room the last couple of weeks. Jerry didn’t think Riki was seeing anyone else, but he wasn’t sure.


Chapter 17