Fonzie asks Richie to watch after his girl, Denise, while he's out of town at a demolition derby. Denise, upon hearing what Fonzie's asked Richie to do, decides to test Richie's trustworthiness. Richie succumbs to temptation and makes out with Denise at Inspiriation Point, but he later finds out that she has mononucleosis.
Howard secures a gig for Richie, Potsie, Ralph, and Bag to play at the Leopard Lodge dance. Fonzie is able to get the guys tuxedos, but, in return, he joins them as a member of the band. When Fonzie plays a loud bongo solo during a slow dance, Richie is chosen to give him the news that he's out of the band.