Love in the Balance

Hey guys, here's Chapter 05! I hope you enjoy it. Chapter 54 of Birthday Pool Party just came out and I'm definitely still working on that story! This one? It was meant to be one long story and it kind of got out of hand. I listen to feedback and I know that people generally aren't too crazy about how long Jane and Steven are having their drama. I understand.

Birthday Pool Party chapters tend to be quite long. I was hoping to release this story in shorter, more frequent, chapters. It seems that makes the Steven and Jane situation drag a bit. I'm sorry about that! I'm working to make a few changes and I hope you like Chapter 05.

My intention is that the story is about the entirety of The Gang of Eight, not just Steven and Jane. The idea was for eight main characters, not just two. Although, Conner doesn't come up too often since he doesn't work at Sphinx! I actually have enough written to probably go through Chapter 09, but I'm going back through and cleaning things up a bit. I hope the story is fun and you'll like some of the changes I'm making. If not? Well, ah, sorry?

Comments and feedback are always appreciated! I read every single one. Also, please let me know if you spot any mistakes. Errors bug me, and I make sure to upload revised editions whenever I find any. Please note that this story is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to any real person is purely coincidental. As always, this is a world without STI's, and everyone involved in sexual activity is at least eighteen years old.

-Witty

~Friday March 28, 2025~

"How do you want your steak cooked?" Megan asked, poking her head into Steven's office.

"Medium, please," he answered. "With a baked potato and broccoli."

"You got it," she nodded. "I'll place the order now."

"Thanks!" Steven smiled.

He sent a few final emails before shutting down his computer for the weekend. Unplugging his laptop, he slipped it into his bag so he could work from home on Monday. Steven, Leslie, and Camilla were the only members of The Gang of Eight who came into the office that day. Camilla and Leslie had thankfully already left, although they knew Steven was going to Megan's. There had been quite a bit of teasing, even though Steven insisted they were just friends.

Fortunately, Jane didn't seem upset anymore. She knew that her earlier reaction to Steven and Megan being friends had been completely unreasonable. The last couple weeks had been fairly smooth, with Jane telling Steven that she was now talking to Camilla and Leslie about her past. It was definitely a huge improvement.

"Ready?" Megan questioned, once again at his doorway, but this time wearing a long black coat.

Megan was as gorgeous as ever, the coat hugging her slim frame and somehow making her look even taller. The braid of the day was a heart half-up braid that hung down her back. Steven just saw it as two elegant braids that met at the back of her head to form one big braid. He might not know what it was called, but he knew Megan looked great.

"Yeah, I'm ready," he nodded, zipping up his coat and grabbing his bag.

Steven was sometimes able to forget just how rich Megan was. She had supreme confidence and was sometimes brutally honest, but there were people like that who couldn't buy a small state. Megan was fine with walking along the Manhattan streets and even took the subway with him. However, she always returned to the parking garage near the office where she parked her red luxury sports car.

It was truly a gorgeous car; well taken care of and clearly worth a fortune. Steven politely held open the driver side door for Megan before getting into the passenger seat. The interior of the car was incredibly nice and every inch of the vehicle proclaimed her wealth.

"Remembering your hatred of the rich?" Megan asked with a smirk.

"I don't hate the rich," he rolled his eyes.

"Whatever you say," she responded in a sing-song voice.

"I don't!" Steven exclaimed, turning in his seat to face her. "I just believe too much wealth hoarding is bad for everyone, not just the poor."

"Hoarding?" Megan wondered with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, yeah," he shrugged. "I mean, I understand net worth, I know your dad doesn't actually have one hundred eighty-one billion dollars laying around. Still, his life would not be any worse if his net worth was a tenth of what it currently is."

"I can't argue with that," she acknowledged. "Eighteen billion is more than enough to live one hell of a life."

"I just think that everyone who works hard deserves the dignity of a thriving wage, not just a living wage," Steven explained. "It really is good for everyone. The average person having more money lets them spend more money, keeping the economy healthy. If most people are just barely scraping by? They aren't spending on luxuries."

"Very true," Megan smiled, seemingly enjoying his rant.

"It's just horrible how people blame others for being poor," he sighed. "They should be asking why they aren't being paid what they're worth. And not all rich people are guilty of it. You treat your employees right, we're good."

"I know, I just like teasing you," Megan giggled.

"Thanks, I think," Steven chuckled.

"Enough of your crazy rants, let's go get food," she gestured at him to accompany her.

Megan drove them to the restaurant to pick up the takeout. Steven found it strange to be getting takeout before heading to a billionaire's home. He and Megan talked about their day during the short drive to West Village, the very expensive and exclusive area of Manhattan.

Megan's apartment was actually a three-story brick townhouse with a basement and a rooftop terrace. The ground level had two arched doors, one on either side of the large central arch that served as the garage. Using the remote, Megan raised the garage door and pulled the sports car inside.

"Whoa," Steven mumbled.

"That's it? That's all you have to say? 'Whoa?'" Megan teased as she shut the car off. "How smooth and charming."

"Why would I need to be smooth or charming?" he wondered, giving her a bewildered look.

"Because you're having dinner with a beautiful woman?" she countered.

"I am? Where is she?" Steven looked around, pretending to eagerly search for someone.

"Steven!" Megan gasped, swatting him on the thigh.

"Oh, you meant you?" he asked, his eyes widening in fake realization. "I guess you're okay, but you are my employer. And the arrogance is a bit of a turn-off."

"How do you ever get laid?" she grumbled.

"By being ruggedly handsome, I assume," Steven offered with an evil grin. "We're just buddies, I'm not trying to get laid. I can enjoy being an ass."

"I guess it's cute in its own way," Megan admitted.

"I get a free dinner and I don't have to put out, works for me," he laughed.

"Why would you think you don't have to put out?" she frowned in confusion. "Don't you know anything about dating? I bought you dinner, you at least owe me oral."

Steven was amazed that Megan could be so flirty with him. He kept reminding himself she was just playing around. They were friends, which was shocking enough. He was aware that Megan wasn't close to a lot of people, and she likely appreciated that she could laugh and joke with him. It was not easy for him to keep himself from imagining how amazing it would be to go down on her.

"I'll keep that in mind," Steven rolled his eyes before opening his door. "Are you ready to show off this amazing home, miss rich girl?"

"Food first, tour later," Megan laughed, grabbing his hand. "I'm hungry!"

Leading him through a side door, Megan led Steven up to the first floor. The first floor held the dining room and kitchen, as well as the living room and one of the home's four bedrooms. They removed their coats and left them in the kitchen. Megan grabbed a bottle of wine from the wine fridge and two glasses while Steven heated up their dinner in the microwave.

"My entire apartment could fit in this living room," Steven admitted while Megan walked by the wood-burning fireplace.

"Do you know where you are right now?" she asked with a grin as she grabbed the remote.

"A home that costs more than I'll make in my entire life?" he suggested, sitting at one of the various couches while unpacking the food onto the coffee table.

"No! Well, maybe," Megan sighed and shook her head. "I meant what's special about this home in particular?"

"Uh, I have no idea," Steven admitted as he opened the takeout containers.

"Someone very famous used to rent this place," she explained. "It even inspired a song."

"A song?" he repeated, trying to figure out what she was talking about.

"Famous pop star, known for writing breakup songs," Megan continued. "Ringing any bells? Tall, blonde. And one of her songs was written about this house. Or, rather, this street."

"Oh! This is the place?" Steven asked, looking around with interest.

"Yup!" Megan giggled, scooping up some mashed potatoes with her fork. "She only stayed here a few months."

Megan Bauer was not a household name, not really. Her father, Theodore Bauer was someone everybody had heard of. The last time Steven checked, Theodore was the eighth richest person in the world. If asked, most people would remember hearing that Theodore had a kid, maybe they knew he had a daughter. That was about it. Unless you were involved in the finance world, of course.

Steven knew she was connected and had been intimidated by it. Still, it was just then hitting him to what extent. A date? Yeah, right. He decided right then that he was a fucking idiot for ever even considering she might be interested in him. Megan was so far out of his league it was amazing she even knew he existed.

After putting some music on, Megan and Steven started eating their steak dinner over a glass of wine. Steven kept looking around the room. The room had a high ceiling and a very open floor plan. There were even floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked West Village.

"That was good, thank you," Steven said when he finished his meal.

"You're welcome," she smiled. "Ready for the tour?"

"Yeah, let's do it," he nodded.

They disposed of the takeout containers before Megan showed him around. A white marble staircase led them upstairs to a floor with two bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. One of the bedrooms was clearly for her son, Carter. They briefly looked in and Steven saw various toys, as well as posters of super heroes on the walls.

Megan's bedroom had a walk-in closet and her private terrace looked over a very famous Manhattan street, one made even more famous by the song. Her marble bathroom had an enclosed glass shower with a skylight. There was expensive artwork on the walls and a television mounted on the wall that looked like a small movie theater screen.

It was still pretty cold out in New York, so they only did a brief tour of the rooftop terrace. The terrace had its own fireplace and a view of downtown Manhattan. It wasn't dark yet, but Steven imagined there would be an amazing view of the night sky.

Megan saved the basement for last. The large basement had a gas fireplace and access to the backyard. There was also a nice lounge area and a complete home gym. The most shocking feature, however, had Steven staring at it with wide eyes.

"You have a swimming pool," he stated calmly. "You have a swimming pool in your basement."

"There's also a hot tub in my bathroom," Megan giggled. "It's a great place to relax with a book and sip on a glass of wine."

"Is the pool also for relaxation?" Steven asked as he admired the stunning setup. "Or to show off for guests?"

A tiled walkway allowed people to walk the length of the rectangular pool. The opposite side basically went up to the wall of the room. A gorgeous chandelier hung from the ceiling and there was a nice painting hanging on one of the walls. The elegant display was only slightly spoiled by all the pool toys in the corner, likely for Megan's son.

"I'm gonna ignore the second question," she snorted before answering. "A relaxing dip after a stressful day is amazing. Carter loves it, we play pool games. It's great for exercise, too. I have the home gym, too, but nothing beats swimming laps."

"Having your own pool does sound nice," he admitted.

"Thinking you wanna try and get rich?" Megan teased.

"Nah, I'll just live vicariously through you," Steven shrugged.

"Fine, then live. Let's go for a swim," Megan offered with a smile.

"I don't have a swimsuit," Steven responded. He was both hopeful and terrified of what she'd suggest in response.

"My dad stays in the guest bedroom sometimes, he left a bunch of clothes here," she said. "You can borrow one of his."

"I was not expecting to go swimming tonight, but sure!" he laughed, trying not to be disappointed.

Steven was not disappointed. Megan Bauer in a bikini was a vision of beauty that could render even the most confident man a speechless, drooling mess. The bikini was a deep, royal purple that looked great against her light skin. Her raven hair was unbounded, falling in a wave down her back and to her butt.

Standing in the presence of the benevolent goddess was making Steven feel like he was playing the part of the unworthy mortal, undeserving of gazing upon such perfection. Steven actually was quite confident in his appearance. He was only wearing a pair of swim trunks, allowing Megan a good look at his bare chest. His arms were muscular and his figure trim. A thin coating of hair covered his chest and his beard was close-cropped and clearly well-maintained. Steven was a shorter guy, but he knew he was attractive. Yet, Megan was so, so much more than just attractive.

Megan's body was absolutely flawless. Long, long legs that were toned and shapely. Hips with an ideal flare and a flat stomach. Her boobs were, well, amazing. Not many women had breasts that could compete with Jane's. Megan could compete. They were large and the perfect combination of sphere and cone shape. Straining against her string bikini top, her boobs rose and fell slightly with her breathing. Steven struggled to look away from them and gaze into her blue-gray eyes.

"Shall we?" she asked with a twinkle in those ruthless eyes.

"We shall," Steven nodded.

The pool wasn't huge, only thirty feet by fifteen feet. It was also around five-and-a-half feet deep. Steven had to stand on his toes so that water didn't get in his mouth while Megan was easily able to rest her feet on the floor of the pool. She splashed him with water while laughing at his predicament.

"You okay there, shorty?" Megan teased.

"We can't all be six feet tall!" Steven grumbled.

"I'm only five feet ten inches," she countered, shocking him by blowing a raspberry at him. "So, there!"

"That was childish," he smirked, splashing some water at her.

"I'm a mature adult," Megan replied primly.

"Almost always, yes," Steven laughed, smiling at the tall, beautiful woman. "Lately I've noticed you've been much more relaxed around me."

"I'm glad you noticed," she smiled. "I told you I only have a couple friends. I have to be serious and always in control. All day, every day. It's fucking exhausting."

"I can see that," he responded. "I like playing games with friends and not worrying about being a responsible adult."

"Exactly!" Megan nodded rapidly. "That's why I sometimes get fast food and like to do silly things. I just really can only do that with my son and my friend, Nell. Maybe you now, too?"

"I'd like that," Steven smiled. "You can be so intimidating, it's nice to see this side of you."

"Aw, you scared of me, Steve?" she batted her eyelashes at him.

"Yes," he admitted shamelessly. "Yes, I am."

"Mm, good," Megan growled. "That means you'll let me win."

"Win...?" Steven trailed off, a confused frown on his face.

With an evil grin, Megan threw herself at Steven and tackled him into the water. He wrapped his arms around her, dragging the tall woman under the water with him. They sank a few feet down before slowly returning to the surface. Looking at each other, Megan and Steven both started laughing before resuming their playful swim.

To Steven's surprise, he grew more and more comfortable with Megan as they swam. Sure, he had been able to joke with her before, but he was always aware of her status. Until then. Steven forgot he was in the home of his employer; a billionaire heiress set to inherit a one hundred eighty-one billion dollar fortune. She was just Megan and he was just Steven.

Megan challenged him to a race and proceeded to kick his ass. In his defense, Megan was the one with her own private pool. She had a lot more practice. There was some more light flirting, but it still felt like the kind of innocent flirting between friends of the opposite sex. Steven was sure it wouldn't ever go anywhere. Mostly sure. Was he sure? Wait, was she touching him more than was normal?

They swam for another hour or so before deciding to get out. Megan changed into casual pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. She gave Steven a t-shirt and sweatpants belonging to her father so that he wouldn't have to put his slacks and button-down back on.

"Thanks for this," Steven said as they watched television on one of her many living room couches while a fire burned in the ornate fireplace. "I needed to relax."

"You're welcome," Megan smiled. "I'm having a nice time, too."

"My other friends are all close with Jane, too," he continued. "They don't take sides, not really. Still, hanging out with them makes me think about everything."

"I understand," she whispered, placing her hand on his thigh for support as she scooted closer to him. "I'm happy to be your friend. I know I definitely need a friend, too."

"You must have plenty of friends," Steven reasoned, turning his head to look at her.

"You might think so, but no, not really," Megan shook her head. "We've talked about this before. Rich society women, trophy wives, corporate executives who want to get in my pants. Money is great, it really is. But it can be hard to know who actually likes you and who just likes what you can offer them."

"I never thought I'd find myself feeling any empathy for someone rich," he laughed and inclined his head. "Well played, Miss Bauer."

"Thanks," she giggled. "Anyway, that's why I pursued a friendship with you. You're genuine. You don't just see me as rich. Or sexy. You just see me. And you remind me of someone."

"Is that so?" Steven wondered.

"Yeah," Megan nodded. "Same first name and everything. Made me inclined to like you. Then you were as sincere as he was, as insightful."

"I thought you didn't have friends?" he teased.

"I have one or two, but he's not a friend," she sighed. "Pretty much my only regret. We met when my dad opened a branch on the west coast. Dad made him show me around. He made an impression. I gave him my cherry then ditched him. By the time I realized I really did want him in my life I thought it would be weird to look him up."

"You could, you know," Steven said. "You could look him up. You said he's genuine. That means he doesn't play games. Just be honest and tell him you were thinking of him and want to reconnect."

"Maybe," Megan let out a breath. She looked at him, clearly conflicted. "I was in Europe days after we met, freshly free of my virginity. I fucked my way across Europe, but none of the guys were anything like him. I ended up with a leaked sex tape and a positive pregnancy test for my troubles."

"I still can't imagine you in those situations," he admitted. "You're so in control, so strong. And you just mentioned your disdain for the guys who just want to get in your pants."

"I mean, I don't give it up to just anyone," she replied.

"No, I didn't mean it like that!" Steven said quickly.

"It's okay, I know you didn't," Megan giggled. "Guys always tried to pick me up at society parties and I hated how they treated women. In Europe? I don't know, I just wanted to rebel. I am in control and confident, for the most part. I wanted to rebel against my father and against him molding me in his image. Didn't quite work out that way."