Internet, I need your advice!

Ok, kids, I need some help.

Last year I worked for a sole practitioner. While it certainly wasn't the crappy experience of my most recent job, it had it's own special charms. After I deferred passing the bar the first time, I quit so I could study full time. And then I didn't go back to working for him, which I wasn't too broken up about.

I haven't spoken to him in over a year.

So, here's the situation: I just received an email from him inviting me to his Christmas Party this coming Friday night.

DO I GO?

One of my friends seems to think this is coming from a genuine, nice place and that I should go. However, thinking about going and what to wear, etc., makes me feel like I'm going to break out in hives. Part of that is probably just stress from thinking about being in a social situation where I'll have to talk about what I'm NOT doing with myself right now, career-wise. And part of it is just stress from having to leave the apartment.

Since I'm flying out on Saturday afternoon, I could just tell him I'd love to but unfortunately will be out of town. Or I could just suck it up and go.

Help.