How do I handle this? I'm fine with the situation...as it is?

I was seeing a guy casually for about a year. He was instrumental in me getting my new, much better job which in turn provided other opportunties for me to improve on myself. A few weeks ago he told me he was now off the market and was going back to his g/f (she's 23 he's 43 no bearing i know). I told him i'd miss him is response was "why? i'm not dead, i'm still around"....i asked well, what now...........he told me i could call, and if i needed any help with anything he would try to help me. Well............what does all that mean? Is it a line to make himself feel better? I like him, he's awesome and i have no objections being his friend. i don't the physical and all that........haven't called yet..letting dust settle, but i have run into him at work.........and it's honestly been pleasant.........great conversation and stuff. I did send him an email a few days ago...to which i got no response (didn't expect one though).....so how do i proceed from here.............he lives close to me so i'm thinking at some point i will run into....do i call? I just figured friendship is a 2 way street.....