How do I ask a guy to hang out in a roundabout way?

So I like this guy who I saw last Thursday. I spent the night with him, and he tried to get me to stay, but I had obligations to attend to. We did exchange numbers though, and on Tuesday, I sent him a message, letting him know that I’d be getting drinks tonight with two friends at the bar where he works, asking if he’d be around. Turns out that he’s not working tonight, and has a birthday party to attend. He did say, however, that he’d try to stop by the bar when he left the party. Now, the two girls have things to do tonight, so I have no reason to be all the way up at his bar. I want to text him to let him know that I’d still like to see him, but in a casual kind of manner. What would be the best way to phrase that? All I have thus far is “So it turns out that Sophie and Shelby have things to do tonight…”

Suggestions? I really like this guy, but I’m not sure if he likes me or was just using his bartender personality to his advantage. Thanks in advance!