[OKSooner]

Honestly I think the dude got mixed up in that deal because there's nothing he wanted MORE than a girlfriend - a real one.

He did believe it, and he believed it because it (she) was the object of his desire (imagination).

Other than that I wouldn't speculate.

[oh8eleven]

I think the dude got mixed up in that deal because there's nothing he wanted MORE than a girlfriend - a real one.
You're a star football player at Notre Dame and you don't have at least ONE girlfriend?
C'mon, there's something seriously wrong here.

[9YearLurker]

I think you’re being naive.