Spousal Delegation

Phone conversation with a neighbour Dad

Me: The kids are welcome to come over for a swim
Him: Uhh, I think we may be going out.
Me: You can drop them off if you want.
Him: I'll check with 'The Boss'
Me: My Boss is out, so I have the authority you so emasculatingly lack.
Him: Authority, but delegated.
Me: And, admittedly, short-lived.
Him: Subject to audit as well.