Ricky didn't want to leave Big Red. He usually would never leave his friend at a party where he knew everyone. However, his dad was calling him. Mike rarely called Ricky this late.

"My dad is calling," Ricky said. "I'll be right back."

Ricky would realize Big Red didn't hear him. Ricky stepped out onto the frat house patio. Ricky shut the door to drown out the sound of the party. "Hey, dad," Ricky said. "How is everything?"

"Everything is going great," Mike announced. "I have some exciting news to share with you."

"What is it?" Ricky asked.

"Jennifer and I are getting married," Mike declared.

"Really?" Ricky asked. "That's great!"

"I was hoping you'd be my best man," Mike requested.

"Of course," Ricky responded. "When is the wedding?"

"Well, we're going to wait a year," Mike said. "That's the other thing; Jennifer is pregnant."

Ricky nearly dropped his phone. "I'm going to be a big brother," Ricky stuttered.

"You are," Mike responded. "I understand if this is a lot to process."

Understatement of the year. Ricky was ecstatic. He was excited about his new little half-sibling. However, Ricky needed time to process all of it. "Hey," Addison called. "You arrived with that ginger idiot, right?"

Ricky briefly forgot he didn't arrive alone. "I have to go, dad," Ricky said. "Goodnight. Love you."

Ricky hung up the phone. He turned to face his classmate. "Your plus one just threw up in the kitchen," Addison explained.

"I'll be right there," Ricky said. He entered the house. After much pushing and elbowing, Ricky made his way to the kitchen. Big Red was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking from a water bottle. "I'm sorry about the mess," Big Red apologized. Based on his voice, Ricky assumed his friend wasn't drunk.

"Dude, it's fine," a frat bro called. "People throw up in here every night."

"I'm taking him home," Ricky declared. He helped Big Red to his feet. I will be making up for this until I'm on my deathbed. Ricky led Big Red to his car. "I'm sorry for leaving you. I got a call from my dad."

That was Big Red's first and final college party.