Chapter 105

“Ashley, would you walk with me for a ways?” asked Steve as he led Ashley away from the group so no one could overhear what they were saying. “I know that you’ve heard that the guy you met wasn’t really Mark Neary. He was an imposter, and I was the one that told you he was an okay guy. I can’t tell you how much that bothers me. Maybe I’m not the one you should ask about men. You’re a beautiful, accomplished woman and hardly need me screwing things up for you.”

“I heard all about how he impersonated the real Mark Neary,” admitted Ashley. “He wasn’t who he told us he was, but it doesn’t mean that he can’t be a good guy. You liked him, Steve. I could tell. He was a gentleman with me and I think he really did like me. I’m reserving my opinion until we know the truth about the situation. He could have been misled, or tricked, just like we were. Don’t blame yourself and please don’t stop looking out for me. I like it. I don’t have a dad and it feels really good that a strong, capabl