Behind The Counter/ Chace Crawford

Friend

The rest of the afternoon at Bean Here went smoothly after Tisch's awkward but endearing interaction with Chace. As the café hummed with the soft chatter of customers and the comforting aroma of coffee, Tisch focused on her tasks, feeling lighter after the earlier encounter. She moved around the café, refilling supplies and making sure everything was running smoothly.

A few hours later, as Tisch was tidying up the counter and chatting with Shane and Mike, she noticed Chace still sitting at his usual spot, working intently on his laptop. He seemed to be in no hurry to leave, and Tisch found herself glancing over occasionally. Despite the earlier encounter, she had managed to push her anxiety to the back of her mind.

Then, as the café began to quiet down in the late afternoon, Chace looked up from his laptop and caught Tisch's eye. He hesitated for a moment, gathering his thoughts, before calling out to her.

"Hey, Tisch," Chace said, his tone casual but inviting. "I know it's a bit late in the day, but would you mind joining me for a bit? I'm here alone and could use some company."

Tisch's eyes widened in shock. Her first instinct was to think that Chace might be hitting on her, just like he did with other girls who frequented the café. The idea of Chace, with his ever-changing lineup of companions, asking her to join him made her heart race, and her mind went into overdrive. *Is he serious? Does he actually want to get to know me?*

She mentally slapped herself for the sudden rush of panic. *Calm down, Tisch. He probably just wants some company. It's not like he's interested in you. You're overthinking this.*

Chace noticed Tisch's shocked reaction and quickly realized that his offer might have been misinterpreted. He leaned forward slightly, a look of understanding on his face. "Oh, I didn't mean it in a weird way," he said, his tone reassuring. "I'm just looking for a bit of friendly company. If you're busy, I totally get it. But if you're free and up for a chat, I'd really appreciate it."

Tisch let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. She gave Chace a small, genuine smile, her anxiety fading. "Oh, I see. Sorry for the confusion. I'm not too busy right now, so I'd be happy to join you for a bit."

She walked over to Chace's table, her mind calming as she approached him. "What's on your mind?" she asked, pulling out a chair and sitting down across from him. The café was quieter now, the afternoon light casting a warm glow over the room.

Chace smiled appreciatively. "Thanks for joining me. I've just been working on some stuff for my portfolio, but it's been a bit lonely here. It's nice to have someone to talk to for a change."

As they chatted, Tisch found herself relaxing. Chace had his portfolio spread out in front of him, a mix of headshots, full-body photos, and some casual shots. He was flipping through the pages with a thoughtful expression.

"I'm really excited about these modeling gigs," Chace started, glancing up at Tisch. "But I feel like there's something missing in my portfolio. I'm not sure what it is."

Tisch looked at the photos, then back at Chace. "Your photos are great, Chace. But maybe you need a bit more variety. Have you thought about doing some themed shoots?"

Chace tilted his head, intrigued. "Themed shoots? Like what?"

"Well," Tisch began, leaning in to look at the portfolio more closely, "you've got a lot of standard shots, which are important. But what about showing a bit more range? Maybe some high-fashion editorial styles, or even some lifestyle shots that show you in different environments and scenarios."

Chace's eyes widened. "That's actually a great idea. I never thought of that. What kind of themes do you think would work?"

Tisch tapped her chin thoughtfully. "How about a vintage look? Something with old-school charm and elegance. Or a rugged outdoor shoot to showcase a more adventurous side. And definitely some shots that highlight your personality—something candid and natural."

Chace was surprised by the depth of Tisch's suggestions. "Wow, Tisch. You really know a lot about this. Have you been hiding a modeling background?"

Tisch laughed, shaking her head. "Not exactly. I've just always been interested in fashion and photography. I guess I've picked up a few things along the way."

Chace nodded, impressed. "It makes sense now. I guess having a keen eye for detail really helps."

"Definitely," Tisch agreed. "But it's also about understanding what makes a portfolio stand out. You want to show versatility and the ability to adapt to different styles and concepts."

Chace looked at his portfolio again, seeing it in a new light. "I never thought about it that way. You've given me a lot to think about. I'll definitely talk to the photographer about doing some themed shoots."

Tisch smiled, glad to help. "And don't forget to let your personality shine through. That's what will make you memorable."

Chace reached across the table, giving her hand a grateful squeeze. "Thanks, Tisch. I really appreciate it. I'll keep you updated on how it goes."

"Anytime," Tisch replied. The conversation about his flowed easily, and she realized that Chace was fun to talk to but maybe not in the romantic aspect. They talked about a variety of topics, from their favorite coffee blends to random tidbits about their lives. Chace's earlier flirtatious demeanor was nowhere to be seen; instead, he was engaging in a genuine, friendly conversation.

For Tisch, it was a refreshing change. The earlier tension had dissipated, replaced by an easy camaraderie. They laughed over shared jokes and swapped stories, and Tisch felt a sense of warmth and connection that was both unexpected and pleasant.

By the time the café started to close for the evening, Tisch and Chace had shared a conversation that left both of them in good spirits. Chace thanked Tisch for her company, and Tisch felt a genuine smile spread across her face.

"No problem at all," Tisch said as she stood up to head back to her duties. "I enjoyed our chat."

Chace gathered his things and stood up as well. "Same here. Maybe we can do this again sometime, just as friends."

Tisch nodded, feeling a sense of ease about their interaction. "Sure, that sounds nice."

As Chace left the café, Tisch watched him go, her earlier worries replaced by a newfound sense of understanding. The unexpected invitation had turned into an enjoyable conversation, and Tisch felt content as she resumed her closing tasks, ready to wrap up another day at Bean Here.