Dispute Resolution

Chapter Three

"It will be alright," Kat said. "In fact, it will be fantastic. You and I are going to be working together."

Quinn looked at her friend. She was happy for Kat, she had just been appointed a promotion as the editor for the fashion section, a role she had been working toward for some time and under Gray Holloway's reshuffle, she had been fast-tracked into the job. Apparently, he had wanted someone young and savvy as the fashion editor and Kat fit that role to a tee, not to mention she had a wealth of experience as a fashion columnist.

"You're just excited because you have your own office now."

"I know, isn't it great," Kat said clapping her hands together like an excited child. "There are of course benefits to being besties with the newly appointed fashion editor, you know. You can come and work in here anytime you need a bit of peace and quiet."

"That will come in handy," Quinn said. "Ollie keeps looking at me funny."

"Sweetheart, Ollie's gay, he's probably just admiring your Eva Franco dress and Steve Madden shoes."

"Wow, you're good," Quinn breathed.

"It's true, I am good, but I was also with you when you bought them."

"Oh, right," Quinn muttered.

"See you already have the makings of a fashion reporter, you have impeccable style," Kat encouraged.

"Please, all of my knowledge on fashion comes from you and Summer. I'm a social justice commentator. I'd rather be getting around in my Converse All-Stars and velveteen pants."

"Think of it like this, you won't just be writing about fashion, you will be writing about lifestyle as well, it's all a rich tapestry. Look at this," Kat said reaching into her messenger bag and pulling out a folder. "This is what I want you to write about for your first article. I think you will be able to put your social commentary skills to good use for this piece."

Quinn scanned the contents of the folder. It was all about a fashion school in Sydney. They were about to have a major fashion parade showcasing all of the student's works.

"Johannes, our fashion photographer is going there tomorrow to photograph their work as they set it all up. You could interview a few of the students, ask them about their inspiration for their work, their aspirations for the future, that sort of thing."

As Kat was speaking, several ideas came into her mind. "I could ask them how they survive as students living below the poverty line, how they feel about the threat of closure of tertiary institutes like theirs," Quinn said, suddenly seeing how she could work this in her favour.

"Yes," Kat said cautiously. "But remember, the focus has to be fashion."

"I know, I know," Quinn assured her.

"See, it won't be as bad as you think. All your loyal readers will love to see your opinions on another topic."

"I can make this work."

"And Gray Holloway won't be able to find any fault in your work," Kat said. Quinn pulled a face at the mention of his name. "Come on. You have to admit Gray is smoking hot?"

"I don't have to admit to anything. He is an arrogant tyrant who cries like a baby if anyone dares to tell the truth about his family. Gah, he makes me so mad."

"He's not that bad."

"Of course you would say that, he gave you a promotion. Me, I just got a dressing down." Kat raised an eyebrow. "And when I say dressing down there was no actual undressing going on, believe me, the man would rather see me dead than naked. You should've seen the way he looked at me." Quinn shuddered involuntarily.