Manny Rayner's book reviews

- Say, I just had a thought.

- Like, why not get another round?

- No, dumbass, a thought thought.

- Out with it, buddy.

- So all of us here are science-fiction writers.

- That's your thought?

- Quit interrupting. We write all these stories. And the hero's always, you know, some scientist or astronaut or warlock or galactic emperor or something...

- What's your point?

- Why not some more ordinary profession?

- I dunno. 'Cause it'd be boring? Anyway, what profession?

- Hm... well... say... highway patrolman?

- You're seriously telling us science-fiction novels should be about highway patrolmen? WAITRESS! Same again. Thanks. Sorry Rick. I--

- Yeah, why not? Why not write an SF novel about some future-world highway patrolman?

- Because it wouldn't work. Duh.

- I bet you I can do it.

- Oh, oh, oh! Rick says he can do it. Or is that the bourbon talking?

- A hundred bucks says I can do it. Fred, Bob, Harlan, you're all my witnesses. I'll have it published inside six months.

- My God, the man's serious.

- Too damn right, Piers. Now are you on, or are you backing down? And a side bet of fifty that I can include a moving love story.

- I'm on. Both of them. Easy money.

- Done!

___________________________________

SIX MONTHS LATER

- Okay guys, what'd I say?

- Gotta admit it Rick, you did good.

- Yeah.

- Hey, the love story's pretty cheesy!

- Shut up Piers. I liked it.

- Me too.

- Yeah Piers, pay up. You lost, man.

- Look, look, look, how about... double or quits?

- What do you mean?

- You pick the profession. I write it.

- I can pick any profession I want?

- Yeah.

- Okay... prosthodontist.

- WHAT?!

- You backing down?

- You drive a hard bargain, man. You're on.