Hi Din,
There are some tough moments in early recovery.
I could not, without question, be around people who were drinking alcohol when I was in early recovery.
And, the question of 'why aren't you drinking?' really, really, really irritates me! I don't want to lie, I don't have any desire to tell my 'story', so I say nothing. It's nobody's business and I don't owe anyone an explanation.
I hope your next business meeting goes better for you!