Si, Per Favore

6. Internship Fair

"Hey guys, I hope you didn't have to wait too long for me." I smiled at Elisa and Matteo as we met outside the Bocconi building designated for the internship fair. The courtyard buzzed with students, all impeccably dressed in shades of black that exuded a touch of class, a reflection of Milan's fashion-forward culture.

"Don't worry, we just got here too," Matteo replied, casting a playful glance at Elisa. "She wanted to sign up for some choral singing classes starting next week, and, as usual, she almost missed the deadline until she bumped into another friend who reminded her."

"At least I managed to enrol," Elisa retorted with a grin, nudging Matteo gently. He chuckled and nudged her back.

"Damn, I wanted to enrol for that too! I'll do it right after this fair," I exclaimed, feeling a pang of regret.

"I can see why you two get along," Matteo remarked with mock seriousness. "It's obvious."

"Oh Vafunculo!" Elisa smacks his arm and I burst out laughing. That was an Italian swear word Elisa had taught me last week. It meant fuck off. Learning the curse words in another language is hilarious. I taught her a few Hindi ones. It cracked me up.

As I glanced past Matteo, my eyes caught sight of Marco. He stood a short distance away behind his stall labelled "Atelier Verde" in elegant green and white lettering. Dressed in a navy blue suit that fit him like an LBD fits Sofia Vergara—perfectly—Marco engaged a small group of students with animated gestures, speaking fluently in Italian while maintaining a formal yet approachable demeanour.

"That was quite the impassioned speech, Mr. Marco," I teased as the crowd dispersed, leaving him alone at the stall.

"Oh, please don't address me like that. Just Marco is fine," he replied with a disarming smile.

"Sure." I nodded. "I actually did a deep dive on Google and read up on Atelier Verde. It's making a significant impact, especially as a luxury brand that prioritizes sustainability. I'm impressed."

"I'm glad to hear that," Marco replied warmly. "But just because we met casually and I like you, doesn't mean you won't need to submit your CV on the Bocconi job portal and go through the interview process like everyone else."

My cheeks flushed slightly at his serious tone. "Oh, of course, Marco. I understand. These processes need to be fair and merit-based."

"I didn't mean to sound so serious," Marco chuckled, his smile returning. "But seriously, do check out our website. See if any roles catch your interest."

"Sure, I'll do that." I paused as Marco's colleague called him to meet the event's organizers.

"Okay, I've got to go," Marco said, handing me his business card. "Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Ciao."

"Ciao," I replied, watching him briskly join his colleagues.

Turning to my phone to call Elisa and Matteo, I noticed two new messages from Carlo. We'd been texting nonstop since our date almost a week ago. He kept me updated with him working from home this week from Biella. I got to know he went home to take care of his father who injured his back badly as he slipped on the street the week before. It was cute and it was nice to get updates from him. And I kept him updated too. When I went out clubbing, how I met Marco, how I might get an internship here, about the test that happening later this week. There was a sense of excitement that came with every text and interaction. Last night he sent me a selfie with his dog and it just... kind of melted my heart. It was a nice yet weird feeling.

"Keya! Finally, there you are," Elisa exclaimed, interrupting my thoughts. "I just spoke with HR reps from Nespresso, UniCredit, and Enel. I connected with the Nespresso rep, another Elisa. I'm going to apply as soon as I get home and add her on LinkedIn."