The Never Pals by Rocky Kuznik

Frenchy Mandril, considered Frank Bingham as his best salesman and top producer. Many times throughout their many years together, Frenchy would still be held spellbound and amazed by Frank's natural ability to close deals when certain customers were just in shopping and not prepared to buy anything. On many occasions he would step out to the curb of his lot and yell across the busy boulevard to his competitors... "I wish I had a hundred and twenty Frankie's working for me! I'd sell out every hour...!"

Frank Bingham being in his early forties, held contrary views and opinions of his boss. This was evidenced by most of their senseless conversations, where his ending thoughts would be something similar in effect to- "Why did his parents choose to drop that perfected moron and afford him breathing space on this planet?"..!"

January Thornton, also single for years and about Frank's age, lived next door. This however did very little to develop any facet of their relationship for more than twelve years. In plain talk, they had nothing in common except a hedge line dividing the properties and the like kind of people they individually worked for or others they held in short term friendships. In addition, there was this wayward thinking on their part that kept both of them mired in their individual and dysfunctional circumstances.

Jan was and has been employed by a national hotel chain for a number of years, at one of it's northern Ohio locations. Here he was it's head chef and restaurant manager. His director was a W.Wenchman, for whom Jan had less then a finger tip of respect. This was brought about by most of their so called business conversations, which were of the off the wall variety and applicable to very little. Whenever W.W. summoned him to his office it always was verbal launch time, directed toward Jan. -After knocking lightly and slowly opening the door, he said. "I'm here boss, is it okay for me to come in?"-"Now what the hell do you think Thornton? Like maybe I should come out there? Another thing! I was getting tired of holding my breath waiting for your appearance!"("Dam! I should have waited another five minutes and then no more Wenchman.") Thought Jan.

Will a two week vacation to Florida bring about change to their stale lifestyles and personal relationships? Some reading of their exploits may find them a bit humorous or even hilarious. But the main characters seem to accept them as a matter of fact occurrences.

This book was enjoyable and fun to read. The pals trip goes from Ohio to Florida and makes an interesting read. I am looking forward to read more by this author.


Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Outskirts Press (February 13, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 143270303X