As-Salaam Alaikum - Need sincere 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’ve never had a direct conversation about marriage. I asked someone else to quietly find out if he would consider me for marriage. They told me he said it would feel “weird” because my father and brother work with him. He also reportedly said that I’m a good girl. That’s all I was told. Since then nothing has progressed. My parents aren’t willing to be the first to approach him formally, even if the workplace connection wasn’t an issue. He doesn’t know I like him. Months have passed and I’ve started praying Istikhara. I’m uncertain how to read his response. Was that a polite way of rejecting me that I don’t want to accept, or might he actually be interested but avoiding the situation because it would be awkward or complicated? Part of me thinks a man who truly wants to marry would find a way even if it’s uncomfortable. Another part thinks he might be hesitant because of family and work ties. Is there anything halal I can do to get clarity, or should I accept this as a no and move on? Am I missing something obvious? I also want to share that I’d like to marry soon. My mother is very ill and bedridden, and it means a lot to me that she sees my marriage if Allah wills. Please keep her in your duas. Any sincere, respectful advice would be appreciated. Jazakum Allah khair.