"Now I'm trying to recall if you are my shortest friend. I think you are. Even if I don't remember you that way." No, friend doesn't entirely fit, but he isn't going to dwell on it. It doesn't fit for Fran either. That's...kind of like what this is. Closeness that's hard to pinpoint or explain.

Perhaps he's misstepped in offering to cook for her, even if his grin at her inviting him to stay is quick and wide. "Alas, I'm a snob about food. Have I managed to hide this from you? Must be why you like me so much -- haven't found any of my flaws yet."