To cut a long story as short as possible, my dear friend (DF) split from her husband a while ago. A mutual friend and work colleague who had split from his wife took her out for a drink and they had a FAB time (actually very well suited). All happy so far! They both decided that they wanted nothing serious; just dates as and when they could fit them in (both have kids), some good sex and a lot of fun. My DF made sure that although they weren't going to be in each pockets they were definitely in the early stages of a relationship - the words 'mutually exclusive' were used and agreed upon.
Not long after my DF2 came round to see me (doesn't know DF1 OR the guy) and she was full of the joys of spring, having had a full weekend of sex with a man she'd met in a club. Yes, you've guessed it. She was convinced it wasn't a one-night - or two night! - stand because of the things he'd said and how affectionate he was, all the things that DF1 had told me about. I told DF2 I knew the guy and he was in the early stages of a r/ship with DF2...DF1 cried, was mortified etc. even though of course she had no reason to be, she thought he was single.
I am a bit ashamed to say I rang the guy and said something along the lines of 'what are you playing at? I know you and DF1 are not serious but she is under the impression you are not seeing anyone else' - his reply was 'I'm not technically seeing any one else!'
I told DF1 about DF2 (awful conversation, lots of tears) and probably I'll get slated for doing that, but I hated to think of DF2 knowing, Guy knowing and ME knowing with her sat all loved up being treated like an idiot. Anyway she had nothing more to do with him from that day on. She has been incredibly strong - when he wanted to come round and apologise/explain she said that he'd made her no promises and owed her nothing at all and there was no reason to talk about anything. She has not backed down. When she's seen him at work she has been civil and polite but not let him talk about anything other than work.
The problem is we have a works night out next Saturday and he is invited. He knows nobody out of the big crowd that is going except DF1 and me. I think (and so does DF!) that he is going to try and wiggle around her all night/try to sit with us at the meal etc and it is all going to end in tears. I am seriously considering not going because I am dreading it. Part of me wants to leave them to it. Part of me wants to look out for DF as she is particularly vulnerable at the moment. Part of me wants to smack him in the chops. If I don't go I'll look petty, if I do go I'll end up in the middle or refereeing. Help!!