“You have a funny way of showing your disinterest. Wasn’t Rachel the librarian your idea?”

Cecile sat up straight, her hand in the air. “No, I was the one who suggested Rachel! She was so sweet when I met her at the flower shop.” Her smile faded slightly. “But Zoey Hartford said you were off the market for now...?”

He still didn’t know why Zoey told them that. “First, tonight is just dinner with a former classmate. It’s not a date.”

“Is she single?” Vickie asked quickly.

“Well...yeah, but...”

“Then it’s a date.”

It was so not a date. Monica preferred dating women.

He shook his head emphatically. “Not a date. Just dinner. As for Zoey, I didn’t ask her to do that. I’m not ready to get serious with anyone, but I honestly don’t mind most of the evenings you set up. As long as you aren’t hoping to find me ‘the one.’” He raised a brow at Cecile. “And no more cat-lady librarians who live on boats, okay?” Cecile nodded quickly, her blond curls bouncing. Mike leaned to the side to give Evie Hudson room to deliver his burger. She knew he always had the special on Wednesdays. Evie patted him on the shoulder, then hurried back to the counter.

He picked up the sandwich, nodding to the ladies. “Pardon my eating, but I’m on a schedule. And this is the best stuffed burger in New York.”

“You know they got that recipe from Mark Hudson, right?” Iris asked.

“Mark and I have been friends since high school, so yes, I know. His burger recipe was his pride and joy, but he gave it up to Evie when he was trying to win her back. He’d have walked barefoot across broken glass if that’s what it took.”

Vickie chuckled. “If I remember correctly, she came close to making him do just that. She was a tough nut to crack after he broke her heart, but he got through to her.”

“And now,” Cecile said, “they’re married and having babies! Such a sweet couple. We want you to find someone like tha—”

Mike had to finish his bite of the burger before he answered. “If you think a woman and I might have something in common, I don’t mind having a nice dinner with her. Platonically. Like my classmate and I are doing tonight. No making babies. Okay?”