* * * * * * * * * *
Undercover narcotics cops . . . Mafia wannabees . . . A tall, mysterious blond woman who wants to be tied up and spanked.
Mike
Fresh from a small town, a young man is thrown into a bartending nightlife at a city tavern in the early 1970s. With humor, grit, and the company of good people—including that provocative blonde met by chance—I struggle to find my way in the carnival-like atmosphere during an extraordinary and challenging time.
While still in my twenties, I step off a Greyhound bus and land a job at a popular city nightspot. But I’m not prepared for the crazy mix of customers lined down the bar. Each of them has a story.
Kate
Shameless deadbeats drink beside a scheming housewife while the manager pulls out a gun to settle a bar dispute. As everyone celebrates the weekend, a seventeen-year-old virgin walks in seeking advice. Meanwhile, the old-timers sit quietly, nursing their beers. They’ve been watching this sort of thing for years.
It’s a world of phone numbers on cocktail napkins and parties until dawn–but it’s also a rough introduction to the dark side of city nightlife. Violence and crooked cops are sometimes a part of daily business.
Fortunately, three women help me cope. The first is the tavern owner’s nineteen-year-old daughter. She’s a friend and a bartender with a smile that suggests experience beyond her years. Another of the bartenders, Kate, becomes my best friend. Despite struggling with the effects of a horrible childhood, she’s a brilliant and articulate companion.
Kristin
Then I meet that enigmatic blonde woman who, after several weeks, moves into my basement apartment with me. She lights up my world, free-spirited and full of life, although deep secrets eventually emerge.
All the while—as typical in the early 1970s—I’m just trying to be a good person and put one foot in front of the other.
Jackie Rabbit, one of the old-time regulars (photo by Kate)
Gail Maugere, the owner’s daughter
To find it on Amazon, search LIFE ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN under the category, “Books”
— OR use this link —
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=life+on+a+cocktail+napkin&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss
Three sample chapters below . . .
