She pushed her glasses up her nose yet again, one finger, right on the bridge, looking so nervous it made me smile. “The thing is, my mum is amazing, and I just wanted to tell you that she means it, about the dinner. She’d like to cook you a meal to show her thanks.”

Of course. Yes. Rosie was matchmaking.

My smile soon dropped.

“I appreciate that, and I’m sure it would be lovely, but unfortunately, I meant it, too. I have meals lined up already, and I’m always very busy with office paperwork.”

“I see,” she said, and she did. She could read the meaning behind my words.

“It’s...