‘In the words of John McEnroe, you cannot be serious.’
‘You’re showing your age there, Maddison. The man retired in 1992, unless of course you’re counting the ATP champions tour, then I…’
‘Shut up, Rosedale. What is it with you, huh? When I want a lecture about the history of Grand Slams, I’ll know who to come to.’
‘I was just saying.’
‘Well don’t. Don’t say anything else. All I want is to know why, Tom, you didn’t listen to me when I told you we should’ve driven east towards the border, where we could’ve easily found a decent place to sleep. But you didn’t, and now the rains have begun, and we’re stuck here. Go figure. Seriously.’
Rosedale was not put off by Maddie’s hostility. ‘Oh I think he’s serious alright, Maddison, see that twitch over his right eye? It always pulsates when he’s saying something he means.’
Cooper snapped. ‘Shut up, Rosedale,’–whilst at the same time trying to discreetly touch the point above his right eye to see if it was actually throbbing. ‘Look, Maddie, I know you’re right but now I’ve messed up I reckon this is the safest place to stay.’
Maddie gestured to where Cooper was standing. ‘Okay fine, let’s do it, but we need to keep watch. We can rotate so at least we’ll all get a couple of hours sleep.’
‘You sleep first and Rosedale and I will do the first couple of hours then Rosedale can swap with you.’
‘You sure?’
‘I am.’
Trying to make peace, he offered her a piece of several-times-melted chocolate. She shook her head, which he had to admit was probably a wise decision.