We settle into our rooms. I am bunking with Holly. Our room is spacious with a mammoth hand carved wood bed. It is dressed in crisp celery colored sheets adorned with tiny hand sewn pastel flowers. The floors seem to be the original hardwoods and there is even an old fireplace with a massive hand hewn mantle. The intricate Italian tiles are colorful filled with burnt oranges and deep navy blues. In the center is a large tile with a full moon. I stare at its image and long to see Bruce.
We step out the double french doors to a breath taking view of the Tyrannian Sea. The water melts near the shore into lighter shades of baby blues. I place my claws on the dark metal rail and close my eyes listening to the ocean. I wait for some voice to whisper in my ear what I need to do . I picture the nefarious Joker laughing, mocking me . I then hear a whisper. "Let's unpack Selina!" I jump. We start to unpack. I hid my catsuit and whip in a inner lining of my suitcase. I rub my hand across the fabric feeling the knots of my bullwhip. A surge of adrenaline courses through my veins.I long to get suited up and ready for battle against the Joker. He will soon feel my wrath, he will soon taste the burning sting of my whip!
We place our clothes in a spacious wardrobe and sit on the bed overlooking the coast.
"I am starving!" Holly pleads.
I nod taking my hand out of my suitcase and rolling it under the massive bed."
"We can ask downstairs what place they recommend."
I tap on Ivy and Harley's wall. I could have texted but this is our old-school way as roomies to say time to go. I finish the the two swift taps . The girls stand in the hall waiting for Ted. Ted appears holding a tumbler of something strong and amber colored. In his other hand a plump pungent cigar.
He chuckles and hands me a pamplet he said he grabbed at the entrance. It reads Lido Del Faro Restaurante and boasted four stars. I enjoy finer foods . I mew in swift approval.
We grab a taxi and head to Napoli. We stop at a huge rock mass that engulfs a restaraunt as if it is half inside its mouth. There is a note in the entrance of the family owned business and how they tried to perserve the natural integrity of its surroundings. We are escorted to a table with a spectacular view. I ordered the prawn and rocket salad. I am saving my appetite for most savored and delectable dish! I claw at the old wood table anticipating seeing him again. After our meal everyone votes to go to a nearby lighthouse. I agree but secretly my mind was already at the Villa Mallaparte.
*****Back at Hotel Luna****
I wait until everyone is asleep then slip silently into a dark purple satin gown. It hugs me in all the right spots and its low cut v neck was scandalous but the back v cut was pure unadulterated me. I grab my black heels and skamper off the terrace and land in the courtyard. I look around for my path. The full moon lights my way. I stroll admiring the breeze. The aroma is better than any expensive perfume I own. A bat emerges suddenly and flutters in my face. He is too quick for me to grab and soars off toward the sea. My acute cat ears make out a tiny high pitch chirp. I wonder if it was a secret message sent by my Batman and giggle.
I had told the taxi to pick me up a half mile down the road. It sits idling with probably the meter running. I dive in and we hurry through town. The entire village seems asleep until we enter the pilazzo. Huge paper lanterns flutter in the breeze casting a warm glow on the people eating at the tables outside.
We take a right turn and pass a clock tower. I must have missed it on the ride up. It chimes eight times as we turn into a narrow street and start our descent down into the marina. I can see the docks filled with bobbing boats.
The Catalina catches my eyes immediatly. She is adorned like a Christmas tree with bright sparkling lights. An older man wearing an old captains hat greets me with a "Buon giorno Ms. Kyle."