Read Avoiding Commitment for Free Online

Something about Jack seemed to just fit. The
flirting, the desirous looks, the uncomplicated conversation was
all so easy between them.
    Lexi’s eyes widened as they turned onto a
stretch of university property that until now had been empty
fields. Instead, a bright twirling Ferris wheel had been erected in
the center of the field with an array of carnival rides and booths
displayed around the centerpiece. “I didn’t know a carnival was
coming through town!”
    “One night only,” he said wiggling his
eyebrows up and down. “The university sets up celebrations like
this throughout the year. Since you’re new, I thought I’d take you
to the first one of the year.”
    A plump older man in an orange vest holding a
light stick directed them into a makeshift parking spot on the
lawn.
    The couple trekked across the muddy terrain
towards the vinyl ticket booth. Handing over their student
identification cards, the student association representative slid
the cards through a reader. The machine dinged each time
authorizing their authenticity. “Have a good time and don’t forget
to grab a complimentary t-shirt on your way out,” the woman said
handing them back their cards with one hand and gesturing to a
display of boxes containing hundreds of bright green tees.
    “Thanks,” Jack said grabbing Lexi’s arm and
racing through the entrance.
    They made it only a dozen feet before
unexpectedly running into Jack’s roommates, Seth, Luke, and
Michael, who were with two of their other friends, Clark and
Hunter. Each looked more excited than the next. Between them they
were counting out what looked like several hundred orange paper
tickets like little kids in Chuck E. Cheese.
    Seth snatched up a handful out of Clark’s
palm and deposited them in his pocket. “Hey, what the fuck are you
doing?” Clark cried launching himself onto Seth.
    Seth chuckled as he sidestepped Clark’s
advances. “You don’t need all of those,” he said tauntingly.
    “You took all of my goddamn tickets,
jackass,” Clark yelled grabbing at Seth’s pocket as the rest of the
guys burst out laughing.
    Seth threw his hands up. “Geez, Clark, you’re
very forward. I feel like we’ve just met. At least take me to
dinner first.”
    “Ha. Ha,” Clark said sarcastically, placing
his tickets firmly back into his own pocket.
    “Hey guys,” Jack said laughing along with the
rest at their behavior. “Not sure if you’ve met already, but this
is Lexi.”
    The guys gave their names and nodded hellos.
That was all the introduction they afforded her before they were
ready to attack the rides. “Let’s hit the Bumper Cars before the
line wraps around the park,” Seth said edging towards the far side
of the field.
    “Bumper Cars? No way. I’m never riding Bumper
Cars with you assholes again. Ya’ll gang up on me every time,” Luke
complained. “Can we just do something like the Scrambler?”
    Seth rolled his eyes. “Don’t be such a fag,
Luke. We would never pick on you. How old do you think we are?”
This coming from the guy who just snagged someone else’s
tickets.
    After finally convincing Luke to join them,
the group moved over to get into line for the Bumper Cars. Jack
sidled up to Lexi. “We actually do gang up on Luke,” he whispered
in her ear, laughing. “Better make sure you join in on the fun. His
reaction will be well worth it.”
    Of course, he was right. Luke instantly began
pummeling anything he could get his hands on, even knocking over a
tiny blonde in his angst. His friends’ laughter only egged him on
further.
    Jack slung his arm across Lexi’s shoulders as
they doubled over in a fit of giggles. “I cannot believe him,” she
said wiping away tears of laughter.
    “He is a riot,” Jack confirmed watching Luke
try to take a swing at Seth who ducked under his half-hearted blow
easily. “Why don’t we get you something to rot your teeth,” Jack
suggested pulling her away from his friends who had begun to brawl
outside