If you decide to wait perhaps you could be called out of town at the last minute when he is nearby?
Thank you Thankyou Thankyou!!!! That's exactly the kind of thing I need. Some sort of excuse out of this that is perfectly believable. I can get the date and then say ohhhhhh so sorry but I have to (whatever) and he only has my email as I haven't parted with my phone number. Thanks again now I have something to work with.