**Chapter 2: Family Ties**

Donovan stretched out on Lando and Max's couch, his long silk press cascading down his back like a waterfall of night. He was still in the same outfit from earlier, a flowy yet figure-hugging tube top olive green dress that accentuated his curves. Max's hand rested on his stomach, his fingers gently stroking the slight bump that was growing. Prince, Lewis, and Nico sat across from them, sipping their drinks and engaged in conversation. Prince turned to Donovan, a curious expression on his face. "Hey, Donovan, can I ask you something?" Donovan looked up at Prince, his deep, feminine voice smooth as honey. "What's good, cuz?" Prince smiled. "I was just wondering, what's it like having a black Italian father?" Donovan laughed, a throaty sound that filled the room. "Man, it's a whole 'nother level of ridiculous, fam." He shook his head, a grin still plastered on his face. "My Papá, Giovanni, he's so extra about everything. Emotional, dramatic, you name it." Lando and Max exchanged a glance, both of them amused by Donovan's description. Donovan continued, "But, for real, my Papá is not like a regular Italian dad. He's got this...this vulnerability to him. He's super shy, introverted, but he's got this charm that just draws people in." Lewis, who was sitting next to Nico, nodded thoughtfully. "I can see that. I've met Giovanni a few times. He's a lovely guy." Donovan's eyes lit up. "Yeah, he's one of a kind, for sure. And he's so funny, witty, like he's always making jokes. But, at the same time, he's super smart, you feel me?" Nico, who was sipping on a glass of juice, smiled. "I'm sure he's a great father to you, Donovan." Donovan's face softened, and he looked down at his hands, which were clasped together in his lap. "Yeah, he is. I mean, we've got our moments, but I love him to death. And my mama, Diane, she's always talking shit about him, but, like, I know they're life partners, you know?" Max, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "I remember that video of you surprising your father at his concert." Donovan's face lit up, and he giggled. "Oh, man, that was a moment." Prince, who was sitting next to Lewis, pulled out his phone and searched for the video. "I think I can find it." The room fell silent as Prince played the video on the penthouse TV. Donovan's glamorous self appeared on screen, wearing a stunning black Versace gown and heels, his hair pulled back into a sleek middle part bun. As the video played, Donovan's voice filled the room, "I missed you so much, Papá! Don't be nervous, my biggest fan is here, and I'm so fucking excited!" The room erupted into laughter and awws as Giovanni, Donovan's father, was shown laughing and swaying Donovan back and forth, Eskimo kisses and all. Donovan blushed, his face turning a deep shade of brown. "Cuz, stop, that's so embarrassing." But everyone in the room just laughed and teased him, happy to be a part of this loving, quirky family.