Was I a gentleman?

The cell phone rings in my pocket. It was my distant cousin calling me. We chatted for few minutes when he finally dropped the bomb on me. Last weekend he happened to meet my ex-girlfriend at her work place. She works at a public place, which I will not mention here for privacy protection. I have never visited her work place. I hate the idea of meeting people at their work place. Some may view it as a sexy thing to do, but I don’t. My cousin wanted to know if this girl has still a place in my heart. He took a liking on the girl. To avoid a headlock with me he wanted to know if I could give him the blessing to pursue the girl as if I am her dad or next of kin. Even though I respected his feelings the conversation was a little awkward on my side. It felt like my blood was roaring on my ears. Once I confessed to him that there was nothing between me and that woman, he asked for opinion about her character .He told me all the nice things he heard about her. I could tell he was not faking it because I knew what a respectful woman she was. His lighthearted inquiry was so disarming that I gave him my honest description of her, but with a heavy heart. I explained it to him were it not of my situation at the moment I would have tied the knot with her long time. I am looking into a graduate school and a destitute life of living on a stipend. It takes a great and understanding woman to sacrifice her life for a broke student. He understood my situation. Was I wrong for telling another man to go and talk to a woman that has stolen my heart? I felt guilty for “ selling” her good personality to him. I was only honest. I could not lie to him or destruct his plans. He is a man on mission but on the wrong trek. He even justified his mission by claiming a close tribal affiliation she has with his mom. I am not related to this woman. I cannot even claim any clan affiliation.Isn't it funny how people can claim a close relation when they want to be close? Whenever I thought of the idea of him strolling in the park with her I consoled myself with a Somali adage that says, “Hundred men will try to talk to a woman, but only one will marry”. What if he becomes the man that will walk her down the Isle? Will I ever be wilting with guilt for letting this woman slip off my hands? I am still a good friend of her. She calls me anytime she wants.She trusts me. I am not sure if she adores me as I do. I wanted to ask her few weeks ago when she hosted a birthday treat for me at an upscale restaurant, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. For how long will I wait for her to notice me? Oh God, don't let this woman get away!