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He stood at her arrival "Hello, Tallulah, thank you for co "

She missed a step but not her smile "Hello " She took the seat across froe sit between them

"I wont beat around the bush As you know, The Today Show is killing our s "

"Yes "

"At CBS, we think youre a big part of the shows success Ive particularly noticed your interviewing skills Amy Fisher and Joey Buttafuoco, the survivors of the Oklaho O J s defense teareat "

"Thank you "

"Wed like to offer you the cohost spot on our show, beginning with the first show in 98 Our market research indicates that viewers connect with you They like and trust you Thats exactly e need to get our ratings back What do you say?"

Tully felt as if she ht float out of her chair There was no way to contain her joy or e "Im stunned And honored "

Whats the offer?" George said

"One million dollars a year for five years "

"Two e said

"Done What do you say, Tully?"

Tully didnt look at her agent She didnt have to; theyd been drea about an offer like this for years "I say hell, yes And can I start tomorrow?"

In writing, Kate found her voice again She woke everyat six and went into the office shed set up in the spare bedrooently to craft and recraft her sentences, polishing each paragraph until it revealed all that she was trying to say At sooodbye, and then she was alone again until Marah woke and her real-life day began

She had so much confidence when she was in that pseudo-office of hers, with her fingers on the computers keyboard If only she felt so sure of herself now