The Weekend Proposition - Ella Jade Page 0,12
and nudged her closer to his mom. “Coda, this is my mother.”
“It’s very nice to meet you,” Coda said.
“My son didn’t mention he was bringing a date.” She looked at Spencer, obviously expecting an answer.
“It was a last minute thing,” he explained. “I was lucky Coda said yes.”
“Coda...such an unusual name,” Jenna said.
“It’s short for Dakota. My father was a musician and my mother a groupie.” A nervous laugh escaped her mouth. “They were a little out there.”
“Spencer’s father was a musician too. A pianist for the New York Philharmonic. Did he tell you that?”
“No, he didn’t.” That would explain the significance of his tattoo. “Is Mr. Cannon here too?”
“No,” Spencer said as he looked at his mother. “He passed away several years ago.”
“I’m sorry.” Coda fidgeted with her hands. “You never mentioned that.”
When would he have had the time to mention it? In the two days they knew one another?
“It’s okay.” He took her hand in his. “I don’t talk about it often.”
“Where are you from, Coda?” Jenna asked.
“Brooklyn.” She hoped that was okay to tell her. Spencer never said she should hide where she came from.
“My seamstress is from there.”
“Mom, Coda doesn’t know everyone who lives in Brooklyn,” Spencer said. “Are you ready to go into the dining room?”
“Maybe she knows Maria.” His mother thought for a moment. “I can’t think of her last name. She’s a brilliant woman. She can do anything with a sewing machine.”
“Maria Bruno?” Coda asked, knowing her neighbor had picked up many upscale clients from the city because of the work she could do with a pin and needle.
“Yes, you do know her.” She smirked at Spencer. “See.”
“I grew up with her daughter.” Coda remembered what good people they were.
“Such a small world. Has she done any work for you? The dresses she makes are gorgeous.”
“No, not yet,” Coda said. “I haven’t required her services.”
“Make sure you go to her for alterations too.” Jenna looked Coda over. “This dress is adorable. Classic yet sultry. You have impeccable taste.”
“Thanks.” Coda acknowledged Spencer. “I had some help.”
“Spencer, have you told this beautiful girl how spectacular she looks this evening?”
“No, I haven’t.”
“Why not?” Jenna scolded. “You want to keep her, don’t you?”
“Yes, well, I mean...”
Coda had never seen Spencer so flustered. It was cute.
“Look, Coda, my son is tongue-tied. That never happens to him. He must really like you.”
“Mom, that’s quite enough,” Spencer said. “Let’s go into the dining room. I’m sure they’re waiting for us.”
“I’ll ease up on you.” Jenna hugged her son. “I’ll talk about you behind your back at the spa tomorrow.”
“Spa?” Spencer asked.
“Yes, while you’re out golfing with the boys all of the women are doing a spa day. Coda, you’ll join us.”
“I’m not sure.” Coda had never been to a spa before. She’d seen plenty of them while walking the streets of Manhattan but she’d never had the money to indulge. “We didn’t plan for that.” She looked at Spencer. “I didn’t know you were golfing.”
“Nonsense,” Jenna said. “I’ll go to the front desk and make sure they get you an appointment. They’ll bring extra staff in if they have to. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it right now.”
“You don’t have to do that,” Coda said. “I don’t want to cause a problem.”
“It wouldn’t be any trouble,” Spencer told her.
“I insist,” Jenna said. “All the women are going, including the bridal party.”
“You don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” Spencer stared into her eyes. “Don’t feel pressured.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Spencer, love,” his mother said. “Why wouldn’t she want to spend a relaxing day at the spa getting pampered? She’ll look even more beautiful for you tomorrow afternoon.”
“I’d like to go.” Coda smiled at Jenna. For whatever reason, his mother made her feel good. Coda wanted to spend time with her and learn more about Spencer.
“Of course. You should go.” Spencer nodded. “Mom, please make the arrangements. Have them charge the services to my account. If you have a problem due to the late notice let me know and I’ll get it done.”
“My dear boy, where do you think you inherited those persuasive skills from?” Jenna laughed. “I’ll take care of everything. I can’t wait to spend some time with you, Coda. I want to hear all about how you met my son.”
“It’s quite a story,” Coda said as Spencer took her hand. “Thanks, Mrs. Cannon.”
“You can call me Jenna. I’ll see you in the dining room.” She made her way to the front desk.
“I hope you know what