Hey sandpoint,
Good question. I'll probably get slammed for saying this but I used to go a couple of minutes late. In Boston we have set meeting times and I'd hover around outside until the coast was clear and then slip in and sit in the back. Then I'd leave a few minutes early to avoid conversation with anyone.
Please know that this is not a highly recommended way to get sober - but it worked for me. Eventually I got comfortable and fit in - but it took some time. It is against everything you'll hear, but it is what I needed at the time.
I took books, magazines for the break times vecause I don't smoke. The only time I messed up was when I wore a Yankees t-shirt and that brought a lot of attention my way. Yankees t-shirts don't go over big in Boston.
Hang tough and I hope things work out. Keep posting here. It's a great palce.
Mike