Chapter 5

~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.”

“You turned out okay,” he smirked. “Better than okay.”

“Thanks,” she smiled. “I think we’ll both be just fine. We just need to figure out if you’re getting together with Jane or moving on with your life.”

“Easier said than done,” Steven laughed.

Megan looked at him in silence for about thirty seconds before nodding. She then stood up and pulled Steven to his feet. The two of them were standing barely a foot apart, facing each other. Steven had to look up slightly to meet her eyes. Gorgeous eyes. Gorgeous eyes and a flawless face. She was breathtaking.

“Close your eyes,” Megan was so close to him now; he was nervous, intimidated by her. “Just trust me.”

Steven closed his eyes. That part he could do. It was himself he didn’t trust. His judgment, his feelings. Did he love Jane? Truly love her? He still didn’t know what happened to her, and whatever it was, it wasn’t an excuse to treat him the way she had. Fuck, were Megan’s lips getting closer?

“Don’t think. Just feel,” Megan’s voice whispered softly as her fingernails brushed his biceps. “Imagine. Feel her fingertips running up your arms. Stroking the back of your neck. Feel your heart racing in your chest, the one you would choose over anyone else in the world standing in front of you. Her lips inches from yours. She’s holding the back of your head, her nails lightly scratching your scalp. You can feel her gripping your bulging bicep.”

Steven’s brain was short circuiting as Megan’s fingertips echoed her words. He couldn’t think. Couldn’t breathe.

“Quick. Who is it?” Megan asked, pulling on the hair at the back of his head.

“Jane. Kiss me!” Steven gasped, realizing what he said. “Shit, Megan!”

He opened his eyes, but it was not an angry woman looking back at him. It was a smug one.

“You’re still hung up on her,” Megan told him clearly. “You have some deep thinking to do about what you really want. But, maybe not now.”

“What?” he frowned.

“Maybe you’ll get together with her, maybe you won’t,” she explained. “Either way, it won’t be now. My advice? Let her go for now. If she comes back to you, it’s meant to be. If she doesn’t, she was never yours.”

“You’re right,” Steven nodded.

“I always am,” Megan nodded sagely. “Now! Enough of this depressing shit! Let’s make some popcorn and watch a movie.”

Steven and Megan polished off a bowl of popcorn while watching a movie. It was a horror comedy that had them both laughing at all the over-the-top gore. Megan drove Steven home in her flashy car. She gave him a hug goodbye, watching him as he disappeared into his apartment building.

That night, Steven lay in bed as his thoughts raced. Jane dominated his mind for quite awhile. He missed her and he felt like a lovesick puppy. It was just that they were great together and he didn’t understand why she couldn’t let him in. He had to move on. At least for the time being, but possibly forever. Steven was getting older and he knew he wanted to find someone to settle down with soon.

Steven soon started thinking about the heiress. He had such a fun time with Megan and was afraid he was developing a bit of a crush on her. She was a strong, intelligent woman who wasn’t afraid to be silly and joke around with him. Steven reminded himself that Megan would probably end up with some famous actor or the CEO to some other corporate empire. Maybe he should go to the bar and find a hook-up to really get over Jane? And Megan.

~Saturday April 12, 2025~

It was a Saturday evening and the bar was full of energy. People were drinking and laughing as soft music filled the air and dim lighting created a pleasing atmosphere. Theo and Noah were wearing jeans and t-shirts as they made their way over to the bar. Theo’s shirt was tucked in to try and make his gut look a little less pronounced.

The source of the music was actually from a live band who were playing on stage. They were apparently a local group, but the guys had never heard of them before. A handful of people were on the dance floor, but it was still early and the dance floor would likely fill up soon.

“Okay, do you remember my advice?” Noah asked as he and Theo walked into the bar.

“Never accept a joint from someone named ‘Chad?’” Theo replied.

“Not that part, dumbass,” Noah retorted with a sigh.

“Stop trying so hard to be funny, don’t get caught staring at her tits, and don’t make dirty jokes,” Theo listed off as they took seats at the bar.

“Very good,” Noah nodded. “And when in doubt, let me do the talking. You’re not ready to fly solo.”

“You’re right, dude. You’re right,” Theo agreed.

The bartender came over and the guys ordered beers. Noah sat back and relaxed, clearly at ease with everything. Theo was the exact opposite, unable to sit still in his stool as his eyes darted around the bar. Tables were occupied with people drinking and eating bar food.

“Relax,” Noah advised. “This isn’t your first time at a bar, we’ve done this plenty of times.”

“Yeah, I just want to be able to stop fucking things up,” Theo sighed.

“Well, we can start slow, right?” Noah asked. “We don’t need to find two girls to take home. Let’s just talk to people.”

“Okay,” Theo said before taking a sip of his beer.

A group of five from the nearby table got up and rushed over to the dance floor. They were all laughing as they shook their bodies. Theo sighed and looked down the bar, where he noticed a guy making out with a tall redhead. He noticed her red hair was definitely a dye job and not natural.

Theo started thinking about his female friends. The four girls from The Gang of Eight were the only female friends he had ever had. Sienna, the fiery redhead, such an amazing girl. Jane was a strong woman who was also a kind soul. Camilla was a gorgeous Latina with a free spirit. Leslie was the responsible one who loved music and was everybody’s friend.

Closing his eyes, Theo let out a breath as he remembered his disastrous high school experience. Girls refusing to go out with him, calling him a loser. Getting shoved into lockers by members of the football team. His mother got so worried about him she made him go to therapy.

“Damn, lucky bastard,” Noah commented, bringing Theo back to the present.

“Huh?” Theo frowned.

“Look,” Noah gestured with his beer.

On the other side of the dance floor, a guy in his late-thirties was leading a blonde with big boobs over to the individual restroom. The one for a single occupant that had a lock. The guy had his hands on the girl’s tits before they disappeared into the bathroom.

“That could never be my life,” Theo commented.

“Sure it could,” Noah countered, giving Theo a manly punch on the shoulder. “We just gotta work on your flirting skills and your overuse of the word ‘dude.’ Growing a beard might not hurt.”

“What if that’s not what I want?” Theo wondered.

“It’s just a beard,” Noah reasoned.

“Not that,” Theo snorted. “What if I don’t want to just nail a different girl every week?”

“Uh, then what do you want?” Noah frowned.

“I want what Conner and Leslie have,” Theo answered.

“I think Conner’s taken, man,” Noah smirked.

“Fuck you, dude,” Theo chuckled. “Just give me a nice girl who doesn’t think I’m a loser and who I can really connect with.”

“It’s a nice idea, but life isn’t that easy,” Noah replied. “I’m not against finding someone, in fact, I’d love to. But, people suck. Sometimes you just need to get your rocks off.”

“I guess...” Theo trailed off.

“What we’re doing now will help either way,” Noah insisted. “You need to learn how to talk to women if you want to meet one who’s truly special to you.”

“I can talk to the girls!” Theo exclaimed.

“Who tell you that you piss them off at least a dozen times a week,” Noah stated flatly. “Don’t worry about who you’re gonna marry and have babies with right now. Take things one step at a time.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Theo acquiesced.

“I usually am,” Noah smirked.

They people watched for a little while so Theo could relax. There were groups of friends dancing or sitting at tables to drink. Guys were out trolling for pussy with varying degrees of success. One couple was making out at the bar while several couples danced suggestively; one girl was grinding her ass back against her guy. Another pairing held each other close, the guy’s hands on the girl’s butt.

The restroom door eventually opens and the guys see the blonde and her guy emerge. Stumbling slightly on her heels, the blonde’s short dress was in disarray and she had obvious sex hair. The guy had a satisfied grin on his face as he led his partner over to the bar and ordered them a couple of shots.

Noah was looking around for someone they could talk to when two giggling young women rushed up to the bar. The petite brunettes had similar faces, making Noah think they were sisters. Their light brown hair tumbled freely over their shoulders. Both ladies were adorable; short and slim with large boobs. Their builds reminded Noah of Sienna.

One of them was wearing a short, pleated skirt that fell to mid-thigh. Her spaghetti strap top was tight and exposed her belly button and quite a bit of cleavage. The second woman appeared to the younger of the two, and she was dressed in blue jeans and a black t-shirt. Noah’s attention was drawn to the wording on the shirt; “I’m twenty-one: buy me a shot!”

A smirk crossed Noah’s face as thoughts of the birthday girl wanting to celebrate raced through his head. Elbowing Theo, Noah nodded toward the girls. Theo didn’t get it at first, so Noah mouthed a suggestion for Theo to offer to buy the young lady a shot. It took Theo a couple minutes to work up the courage and it was very lucky the bartender hadn’t made it over to them.

“Happy birthday!” Theo finally called out, drawing the attention of both girls. “I’ll buy you a shot!”

“Thanks!” the birthday girl smiled, showing off her cute dimples. “That’s so nice!”

“Is, ah, is today your actual birthday?” Theo asked while he and Noah moved their stools closer to the girls.

“Yes!” she giggled, bouncing slightly in her seat. “This is the third and last stop on my bar crawl.”

“Happy birthday,” Noah interjected, leaning forward to look around Theo so he could see the girls. “I’m Noah, this is Theo. Theo, don’t be rude, offer the other lovely lady a drink.”