If she looked his way, even once, he'd have to think of something clever to say. He'd have to smile, walk confidently across the room to their table, say hello and get friendly. He'd have to make them laugh and like him, because he couldn't let her get out of here without finding out where she lived. She might be visiting one of those women, which meant that after she left, she'd be totally gone again. He couldn't let that happen. He needed to see her, talk to her. Touch her. Hold her. Why
The character feels a strong urge to make a connection with a woman he is drawn to. He imagines how he would approach her, needing to impress her with cleverness and confidence. There’s a sense of urgency as he realizes that if he misses this opportunity, she might leave his life for good, possibly visiting other people and becoming unattainable.
This longing leads him to contemplate how important it is for him to engage with her, to break the barrier of strangers and move toward intimacy. His desire goes beyond mere conversation; he yearns for closeness, wishing to hold her and find out more about her life, revealing deep feelings of attraction and necessity.