Portia, your xSO sounded just like my H a year ago, when he told me that he has a new “phase of his life after me”, but he still loved me (except was not in love with me) and didn’t want to lose me completely out of his life. Well, I guess it is not working for him like he imagined. I think it is the same for your xSO. I think that he has a different perception now. Also, who knows what he told the GF about you. I’m sure that she would NOT like you to be his friend. Would you in her situation? This was just a fantasy in his head.
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state