We are a group of 4 friends and regularly meet up for days out where we usually meet in time for lunch, then shopping, then evening meal then home by 8/9pm. Let’s call them Rita, Sue and Bobby.
We couldn’t find a day when we were all free so 3 of us met up yesterday and Rita said no problem to go ahead without her. We know Rita via Sue and I messaged Sue a few days previous to say shall I ask Rita if she wants to meet us after work for tea. Good idea said Sue so I messaged Rita on our group chat to say join us when you can, Rita said great will do.
The 3 of us met up yesterday in my home town about 20 minutes away from where everyone else lives. On the day Bobby said she had to be back for 7 as she was meeting some other friends. Sue said she wanted to be home early too to help her daughter with some paperwork. I think they hoped Rita had forgotten about the evening/wouldn’t turn up. It went out of my mind for the rest of the day with shopping etc.
Rita then messaged me (not on the group chat) at 5:30 to say she was on her way and where shall we meet. By this time Sue and Bobby were arranging to get home so I felt obliged to stay and have a meal with her.
I now feel irritated given that we know Rita via Sue and she could have stayed and still been home by 8 to do whatever she needed to do. I have only spent time with Rita in a group situation and it was a bit awkward with just the 2 of us.
Do I say something to the others? Or should I have just said to Rita when she said she was on her way Sorry plans have changed we’re all on our way home which just seems rude?