Page 187 (1/2)

"Let them see me as I am "

She walked around the studio, her fiefdo to and fro towent off without a hitch, and that was no iven that shed called everyone at three yesterday to change the theme of todays live show She knew that several of her producers and bookers had worked late into the night to put it together She herself had been up until al research Shed faxed and e-ists in the world Shed spent hours on the phone, relaying every bit of inforlean Every specialist said the sa

There was nothing Tully could do No amount of fame or success or money would help her now For the first time in years, she felt ordinary Small

But, for once, she had so important to say

The thee

"Welcome to The Girlfriend Hour," she said as she always did, but then so, just stopped She looked at her audience and saw strangers It was an odd and disconcerting ht approval from crowds like this, and their unconditional support had buoyed her

They noticed so and fell silent

She sat down on the edge of the stage "Youre all thinking Im skinnier in person and older And that Iht "

The audience laughed nervously

"I makeup "

They burst into applause

"Ilanced around "You have beentime You write to me, e-mail me, come to my events when Im in your city, and Ive always appreciated it In return, Ive given you my honest self or as close as I can without some kind of o, when e? By me?"

There was a nervous ru of heads

"Well, Kate has breast cancer "

A murmur of sympathy