Friend came from Scotland today for a weekend course, staying in city centre hotel for two nights with partner. Only told me about it on Tuesday or Wednesday and asked to meet for dinner Saturday. Partner said "can't do it" (on text) because of a prior arrangement with a friend, they always go out on Saturday without fail. He wouldn't break it for anything. I'm a writer and have a book launch in a few weeks which is also on a Saturday. The friend comes first.
I'm meeting them by myself. He's told me to make an excuse that he's unwell. I'm not, I'm telling them the truth.