I see. You're still better off just not mentioning it. When you go for the meet arrange to meet in public or at her place. If she asks why not your place just make something up (mess, roommates, etc.)
You might lose some this way but you'll lose more by telling them the truth

Dude don't tell her you're just passing through town, especially if she doesn't ask.

Start here for how to respond:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tBF2HmbZLyE

Went with this, gonna follow up with a little comfort building a la Joe's comment.