Like every only child who occasionally pretends to also be the eldest child in a fucked up family dynamic that has been going on for way too long, Richie is fully prepared to share the blame. For a few moments it's as if Mikey is right there with them, right behind his shoulder. He can almost feel him, all big solid heat and ready to laugh or smack his shoulder.

"Grace gave me a drink, okay, I couldn't turn it down without being fucking rude. She's a fucking guest, okay!"

So are they, technically, but that doesn't matter. Richie rolls his eyes right back at Carmy, waves his hands like he's begging heaven for strength.

"Forgive me for trying to do a good fucking deed! For looking out for you and the first good thing you've had since you fucked things up with Claire --"