Well feeling loss is understandable.

You lost hope, opportunity, a dream / fantasy.


And while it may not seem like a "relevant" loss, it is. It's actually why I grieved my last relationship.


He was an abusive ahole, but all my hopes and dreams for our future were shattered and that had me feeling lost and hopeless.


FTR, I didn't mean you were to confess your feelings, just an email to invite him for a friendly convo over coffee and then from there work relationship status into the convos whether via email or in person. Didn't have to be a direct question, all the way from left field.


FWIW I think you're handling this like a champ!