This is a direct sequel to "Let's Hear It For The Brides-To-Be" where Taylor and Carol have a Bridal Shower in Albuquerque, so this story is set before they go back to Connecticut. If you don't know who Carol is I recommend you read "Advice" and go from there. She's one of my favorite OCs.
Carol had never had an ex-boyfriend, so she didn't quite know what to expect when she met Taylor's own ex, Chad Danforth. Carol had exes, of course, but never boyfriends. She hadn't transitioned until she was with Taylor, so in the past, she had been the ex-boyfriend.
She hadn't reached out to any of her exes, though surely all of them knew she was trans by now. It had surprised her how close Taylor was with Chad, but it quickly became clear that she had nothing to be jealous of.
After all, Chad and Taylor had broken up when Chad realized he was bisexual and wanted to pursue a relationship with another man. Ryan Evans seemed like exactly the type of guy Carol would have befriended in high school when she was trying hard to convince herself she was a straight man. People like them were just drawn to each other. Which is why Carol was actually excited about their double date.
"We really wanted to come to your bridal shower but your sister said it was ladies only," Chad said apologetically, pulling a slightly bent card out of his jacket.
"It's not much," Ryan added, "but since we couldn't come we wanted to get you something."
Not much, according to Ryan Evans, was a check for $250.
"It's way too much," Carol protested.
"Nonsense, it's my dad's money. There's nothing I enjoy more than using my dad's money to support other queer people."
"Is he not supportive of your relationship?" Carol guessed.
"Unfortunately."
"I know the feeling," Carol sighed. "My mom nearly ruined the bridal shower because she can't accept that I'm a woman. T's family is amazing, though."
"So are the Danforths. Chad's mom and dad have always supported us."
"They love him more than they love me," Chad joked.
"I think my sister likes Carol more than she likes me," Taylor said.
"That's just because I went shopping with her."
"Yeah, for wedding dresses. Erin and my parents have totally taken over the wedding prep. Erin's already picked out Carol's dress."
"I picked out the dress, Erin was just there for moral support."
"That must be exciting," Chad said encouragingly.
"It is, mostly. I just wish my family would remember that Carol and I have some say in our wedding."
"When is it? Assuming we're invited," Ryan asked.
"The ceremony is private, but you're definitely invited to the reception. We just have to nail down a date in September."
"Let us know when and where and we'll be there," Chad promised.
"What about you guys? Any wedding bells in your future?"
Chad and Ryan exchanged a look.
"One day," Ryan said, smirking secretively.
Taylor grinned at Cahd, "You can always come for me if you need any advice."
Chad laughed then, "One, I seem to remember that you weren't the one to propose to Carol, two, I don't plan on proposing. Ryan's got to put in the work for me."
Ryan patted Chad's chest. "You're worth the effort."
Carol slung her arm around Taylor. "So was she."
If anyone in the restaurant was judging them, they hadn't noticed. This trip had had itss ups and downs but thanks to Taylor's friends and family, Carol was really starting to feel like she belonged.
And she was getting very excited for September.