Work outing but partner isn’t invited..?

My friend reached out to me about a work outing and I had invited my bf bc Ik if the roles were reversed I’d want him to do the same. So I go to this friend and I’m like can he come. She’s basically saying probably not since it’s only work people and it’s already a big group. And I’m not really upset it’s just like idk how to feel? It’s off putting for sure, this isn’t a strict work thing but just something outside of work that they’re doing.

But I feel bad bc I knew he’d feel some type of way if I went without him. He’s had breakfast with his coworkers before without me and even has had friend hangouts outside of me as well but we try to include the other mostly. So I’m unsure how to feel…