Page 35 of Rescuing Rosie
Jono nodded over at Dale. ‘That’s our spot,’ he said to Rosie. He gave a chef’s kiss. ‘Perfectamundo.’
You’re not wrong there. Solid ten.
Rosie went over to join Dale. He helped her up, and didn’t release her hand as she stood by his side. She took in the spectacular view of Grasmere below, and ridge upon ridge of high mountains beyond.
‘Wow,’ she breathed. Now that the pain was subsiding, and with her hand in his, she experienced a burst of pure happiness. ‘This is perfect!’
Jono joined them, assessing light, angles, distances.
‘This is actually a brilliant Instagram spot,’ said Dale, ‘for those of us in the know. If you get the angle right, it looks like you’re standing on a rock with a sheer drop below it.’
‘Does it have a name?’ asked Jono.
‘I like to call it Dale’s Knob.’
Jono grinned and shook his head. ‘Can you show me a pic?’ he asked.
‘There’s no reception up here,’ said Dale, ‘but I know how to get the shot.’
‘Okay, but we’ll do the fashion pics first,’ said Jono.
They made their way back to Madison, and for the next half-hour everything went smoothly. Rosie took some photos on her phone for uploading later, and held the reflector for Jono. Few walkers passed them, and those who did just smiled and said hello.
Fell people seem nice, thought Rosie.
As Veronica had predicted, Madison was a true professional, parking her bruised ego as she and Dale played the part of a happy outdoorsy couple to perfection.
‘I don’t think we need to carry on to the top,’ said Jono, as they took a break, tucking into delicious mini baguettes. ‘I know Veronica wanted you on the summit, Madison, but I think Dale’s Knob is more than up to the job.’
Rosie snorted.Here’s hoping!
‘We’ll launch the drone, get some overhead shots too. It should be quite spectacular.’
Madison made a small noise in the back of her throat. ‘Dale’s Knob?’ she said. ‘That’s unfair on a large rock.’
Dale’s expression darkened, his gaze moving between Madison and Rosie. ‘How about Madison’s Butt? Or Madison’s Overhang?’ he said.
‘Fuck off,’ said Madison.
‘Shall we–’ began Jono.
‘Just get on with it,’ she snapped, and headed over to the crag.
‘Chrissakes,’ said Dale. ‘What a fucken diva.’
‘Steady on,’ said Jono, looking uncomfortable. ‘Let’s keep the talent happy, shall we?’ He glanced over to where Madison was standing on the crag, before his eyes panned west. ‘Damn, looks like there’s a bank of cloud coming in,’ he said. ‘And the wind’s picking up. Best get the drone up quick.’
‘Yes, it’s turned cooler,’ said Rosie, rubbing her arms.
‘Madison looks great, standing there,’ said Jono, lifting his camera to his eye. ‘The bright yellow against the blue sky.’ He focused his zoom lens on her. ‘Before we put up the drone, I’ll take her like that, from behind.’
Dale gave a naughty chuckle, and as Rosie went to retrieve her puffer from her backpack, his low-voiced reply reached her on the wind: ‘Would recommend, mate. Shame you’re gay.’
Her toe caught on a rock, and she stumbled.
Oh my god.
Rosie steadied herself and stood still for a moment as the penny dropped, and a graphic image of Madison and Dale, his hands gripping that famous behind, pushed its way in. A bitter taste rose up her gullet.
