After months of intense negotiations with Barstool and Dave Portnoy regarding the intellectual property of Call Her Daddy, the friction between Alex and me becomes increasingly palpable. The resentment we harbor toward one another over our stalled situation is beginning to seep into our interactions.
I feel physically and emotionally exhausted. Our relentless attempts to validate our opposing views are damaging both our friendship and our well-being. I’ve become estranged from the person I simultaneously battle against and care for—it all feels so twisted. With the microphones silent for weeks, we desperately need to revive the vibrancy of our collaboration.
I reach out to Alex via FaceTime, reminding myself to approach her with kindness. As I speak, I voice my frustration: “I can’t keep doing this. I don’t want to back down from my beliefs.”
Her response seems to ease the tension. “Absolutely, we’ll ensure we get what we need.”
Then, I receive a call from our attorney, Bruce. “Alex is seeking separate legal representation,” he informs me.
“Wait, what? Are you saying you need to represent us individually instead of as Call Her Daddy?”
Bruce explains that while he can still represent me, it might feel uncomfortable due to the split counsel.
“Wait, so Alex isn’t working with us anymore?” I clarify, shocked.
“Yes, that’s right, but you can choose to proceed with me.”
My mind spins in confusion, and a wave of fear washes over me. Perhaps separate counsel is the right choice; it would allow our lawyers to handle difficult conversations and let us concentrate on our partnership without the added stress. Just then, Bruce calls back.
“Hi, Sofia, I just reviewed Alex’s contract. You mentioned that yours were identical—what’s the reason for her higher pay?” he asks.
It feels as if the ground has fallen away from beneath me.
“Wait, she’s making more money than I am?”
“Yes, is that something you hadn’t discussed?”
“Not at all,” I reply, stunned into silence.
“Do you not think it’s strange that she lied?” I probe.
“Well, that’s something to consider,” Bruce responds, his neutrality unnerving.
My mind races. How could Alex have concealed this? Am I so naïve? I once believed in a close friendship—a bond where we shared everything, from work struggles to personal moments. But now doubts boil inside me.
How long has she been hiding this? Was I truly someone she saw as a friend? The weight of betrayal is heavy, and I’m left questioning every conversation, every laughter shared.
I can’t turn to Alex; she’s unreachable, and even if I could, could I trust her anymore? I think back to the years of our shared experiences and all that made us close. What happened to that connection?
My thoughts dart to Muji, Alex’s high school best friend. He may have insights but is also likely to refuse my call. Still, the urge to know is intolerable.
Hours later, I finally connect with him. His aloofness bothers me, especially as I ask about the situation with Alex. Yet, our conversation quickly reveals that he’s aware of her higher salary and her efforts to undermine me.
With each revelation, I feel my perception of the last two years shatter. I’m left feeling violated, questioning my memories and our friendship.
Did I miss all these signs? Was everything I believed in a façade? Or was it Bruce who was mistaken? Panic rises inside me as I struggle for clarity amidst the chaos of emotions.
I can’t shake the feeling that I need to confront these issues. But the more I delve, the more uncertain things become, leading me into deeper frustration and confusion.
As Muji concludes our call, I’m left in shock. I throw my phone against the wall in a moment of sheer disbelief.
Excerpted from Daddy Issues by Sofia Franklyn. Copyright 2026 © by Sofia Franklyn. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, LLC.
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