Isabelle
"Izzy, so glad you could join us!" Scarlett smiled as I entered the living room from the kitchen.
"It's good to see you all." I felt a little awkward but I wasn't letting it get to me.
"Who's this?" A confused young woman with dark red hair and brown eyes asked.
Scarlett rolled her eyes before looking back to the woman. "Elise, this is Isabelle. She's a family friend of ours, she also happens to be Sterling's assistant."
I could see a look of disgust cross her face before she stepped forward. She then had the fakest smile plastered onto her face as she stuck out her hand. "I'm surprised we haven't met before. I'm Sterling's girlfriend Elise. How long have you known the Tiptons?"
I shook her hand to be polite. "For quite some time actually."
"Yeah, she and Sterling practically grew up together." Scarlett had a mischievous look in her eyes as she spoke. "Isabelle is like the big sister I never had."
"Oh." It didn't take a rocket scientist to tell Elise was clearly irritated by my presence, especially after Scarlett's words.
"Come on Izzy, come catch up with the family! They've all missed you since Sterling drove you away." Scarlett grabbed my hand and led the way to the living room.
Over the years I did get close to this family. I had met all the members multiple times and they were all nothing but welcoming. Scarlett was definitely playing it up a little more though. It was clear she wanted to get a rise out of Elise.
While waiting for dinner I mingled with the family and caught up with them. They asked the basic questions of what I was up to and how things were. I noticed the entire time Elise's eyes were practically staring daggers at me. It probably didn't help that Sterling was paying her no attention as he kept staring at me periodically.
"Dinner's ready." Kaydence came into the living room with a smile on her face. "Let's head to the dining room."
We all got up and did as we had been told. Killian approached me to walk by my side. "I'm sure this has to be awkward. Are you doing okay?" He asked.
"Yes." I gave him a half reassuring smile.
It was a little awkward especially since Sterling and I had made out in his office. I wasn't going to let that get to me though. I wasn't here for him. I came because of Mrs. Tipton and Scarlett.
"Killian, she's a grown woman. " Scarlett piped up as she joined my side. "She can handle herself just fine. Isn't that right?"
"Yes." I let out a small chuckle as I responded.
Killian held his hands up as if he was surrendering to her. "Fine. I refuse to take on the mini boss of the Tipton household."
"That's what I thought." Scarlett let a satisfied smirk cross her lips as we entered the dining room.
She grabbed my arm again and led me to the seat right next to hers. This also happened to put me right across from Sterling. Scarlett smirked once again as she noticed how annoyed Elise looked.
"Sterling, let's switch spots." Elise spoke in an innocent tone. "So I can get to know this family friend a little better."
"No." His tone was slightly cold and I could tell by his demeanor he was agitated. "Sit down Elise."
"But-" She tried to push him further.
"Sit down Elise." His tone was a lot more stern than it was before. His eyes seemed slightly darker as he spoke to her.
Right now it was clear he wasn't one to be messed with. Elise seemed to be able to notice as she sat down without another word. The tension between them was noticeable to everyone.
Dinner proceeded to be served. Mrs. Tipton had really outdone herself. Everything looked amazing and tasted even better. I spent the time talking with everyone around me. The only ones who sat by silently were Sterling and Elise. Everyone was right, he really did look miserable next to her.
"We do have pie but Isabelle was kind enough to bring us some cupcakes that look too good to pass up." Mrs. Tipton smiled as she brought in the box.
The truth was I made all of these after the kiss with Sterling. I needed to get my mind off of everything and I ran to baking for my escape. I had to do something with these as Mrs. Strahm would kill me for making more when there were still some in the fridge. The best solution seemed to be to bring them to dinner.
"Oh I can't wait!" Scarlett excitedly smiled. "Isabelle's cupcakes are the best I've ever had."
Everyone grabbed one, even Sterling. His eyes met mine for a moment as he bit into it. This was the first time since I had arrived that he seemed to not be annoyed. However with the woman at his side that probably wasn't going to last very long.
Scarlett swallowed the bite she had taken. "These are better than the ones she used to make years ago, aren't they Sterling?"
He looked up and his icy blue eyes met my grey orbs. "They were the best cupcakes before but you managed to make them even better. You've really outdone yourself, good job Isabelle."
I couldn't help but feel myself begin to blush at his compliment. I knew how much he loved my baking. He told me when we first started dating that I'd probably end up making him fat from all the treats I gave him.
"They're all right." Elise scrunched her face as she looked at the cupcake in disgust. I knew her comment was just to take a dig at me. It was obvious that's the type of woman she is.
"Oh please." Scarlett scoffed. "You wouldn't know a better cupcake if it came and shoved itself down your throat Elise. Of course maybe it'll taste better to you when you go barf it up later, considering you're too afraid to gain a pound."
Almost everyone's jaws dropped at Scarlett's words. Everyone but Damon's. His face was hard to read but it's almost like he expected this comment from his daughter. He was one of the people that knew her best though and she was just like him but with more sass.
"How dare you!" Elise's voice raised as she stood up. "You little brat!"
Scarlett stood up with a sardonic smile as if she was ready to take her on.
"Get out." Sterling spoke coldly as he stood up and looked at Elise. "I will not have you disrespecting my family and friends. Leave Elise, now."
"Fine. Let's go." She began to head for the door. She turned back to see if he was following behind. "Sterling."
"I'm not going anywhere." I could tell in his tone he was holding back his anger. "Now get the fuck out!"
"Fine." She glared at him. "But we will be talking about this later."
"Rose." Sterling called out and waited for her to appear. "Please escort Ms. Tunt out of the house."