Welcome El_Guapo! I just saw this thread and wanted to jump in and say hello. Sounds like you handled the stepping aside thing really well. Just remmeber the advice you've been given. I remember the lightened load offer as well. And the 2 elder grill session. I made it through without raising suspicions and just slowly faded into the night.
Best of luck El_Guapo! Remember there are a plethora of things to do with your time once you're out.