As-Salaam Alaikum - Need Honest Advice: Rejection or Just Awkwardness? (Marriage / Istikhara)

As-Salaam Alaikum. I like a man who works in the same office as my father and brother. My family knows him through work, but we haven’t discussed marriage with him directly. Recently I asked someone to quietly find out if he might consider me for marriage. The person said he thought it would feel “weird” because my father and brother are his colleagues. He also said I’m a good girl. That was all I was told. Since then nothing has progressed. My parents aren’t willing to be the first to approach him, even if the workplace connection wasn’t an issue. He doesn’t know I like him personally. It’s been months, and I’ve started making Istikhara about this. I’m torn. Was that answer a polite rejection I’m having trouble accepting, or is he possibly interested but avoiding the situation because of potential awkwardness or complications at work and with family ties? Part of me thinks a man who really wants to marry would try to find a way despite discomfort. Another part thinks he might be cautious because of the family and workplace dynamics. Is there anything halal I can do to get clearer information that keeps everything within Islamic bounds, or should I accept this as a no and move on? Am I missing something obvious? Also, I want to mention I truly hope to marry soon. My mother is very ill and bedridden, and it means so much to me that she sees my marriage before Allah decides otherwise. Please remember her in your duas. Any sincere, kind advice would be deeply appreciated.