Invidious

He dialed the number with anticipation. He knew Daddy would be happy, but he was still nervous. He was always nervous calling Daddy. The phone rang amidst an electric air of excitement and expectation. He picked up.

"Hi, Daddy!" said the Supreme Court Justice, exhaling with relief.

"Hi, sweetheart," said Daddy, grinning. "Hi," repeated the Justice before giggling self-consciously, cheeks turning red. "Did you see the news?" asked the Justice, giddy.

"I did, baby," said Daddy. "You did a very good job today."

The Justice squealed with joy. "Oh, thank you, Daddy! It was all for you! It's always been for you."

"And that's why you're my favorite," Daddy replied, chuckling.

"Did you like how we ruled on a hypothetical situation in favor of someone who can't stop fantasizing about participating in gay marriage?"

"Baby, that was beautiful," said Daddy.

"And did you see how even though states have no legal case against student debt relief and aren't harmed by it, we decided to take it up anyway and prevent the Department of Education from doing what is clearly within its power given the circumstances of the last three years?"

"That was one of my favorite parts, sweetie."

"And I used the word 'invidious' this week!"

"You're so good with those big words, baby."

The Justice squealed again with excitement. "I wanna go on vacation, Daddy!"

Daddy laughed heartily. "Where would you like to go this time?"

"Tahiti, please!"

"I've got an island in Tahiti. You're gonna love it," said Daddy.

"Yay!" The Justice shouted, clapping and jumping up and down.

"I love being a Supreme Court Justice."

Daddy laughed. "And I love being your friend."