You know I was really hoping someone else would respond to this because I am in a similar situation as you. I have told myself that I shouldn’t stop going to events due to the possibility of him being there. I have also realized that I need to give myself some time as well and not attend the meetups just yet. I have accepted that there will be some awkwardness at first, and that hopefully this will pass in due time.
Best of luck to you! I know this is hard and not a comfortable feeling.