Billy Boy: A Novel [Paperback]

There are tough times ahead for sixteen-year-old Billy.After his mother dies, he goes to Fort Worth with his father, whose drinking and gambling leave them all but penniless. Desperate to make a life for himself, Billy heads over to Colonial Country Club, where he hopes to get work as a caddie. He finds much more than he bargained for.
Before long, Billy makes a place for himself behind the privileged walls of Colonial. His attitude draws the approval of an eccentric millionaire club member, while his looks draw the attention of the millionaire's beautiful granddaughter--much to the displeasure of her boyfriend, the club champion. But Billy's run of luck is short-lived, as he confronts the hard realities of the world and of human nature both on and off the golf course. Now, Billy must face down his fears and doubts about where he comes from, where he wants to go, and who he really is. Bud Shrake'sBilly Boyis an unforgettable coming-of-age tale of life, love, and beating the odds, set against the far-reaching horizons of the American West.Bud Shrakeis the coauthor ofHarvey Penick's Little Red Bookand the author of many novels and screenplays. He lives in Austin, Texas. Chapter One

The boy awoke to the snuffles of a woman softly sobbing in the bed across the room near the open window. For a moment he thought he was dreaming of his dead mother. Then he heard snoring and saw his father's undershirted back turned toward the woman, who was whimpering, Where am I? Oh God, what has happened to me?

She looked at the boy, surprised to see him. He rolled off his foldaway cot already dressed in Levi's and a white cotton polo shirt and white socks. He kept his eyes away from her as he tied the laces of his black tennis shoes and combed his hair with his fingers. The room stunk of whiskey and cigarettes.

Who are you? she said. Where am I?

You came here with him, the boy said. He's my daddy.

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