INT. LAINEY'S APARTMENT - LOS ANGELES - DAY
Lainey's packing her bags for a trip. A travel itinerary for the Olympics sits next to her with a list of what she should pack. A network news commentator jacket lies on the bed.
She walks to her closet and goes through her winter coats. She comes across her Team USA jacket. She pulls it out and stands in front of the full-length mirror. She puts on the jacket.
She slips her hand into her jacket and feels something. She pulls out the envelope that Cory had left for her on the door during the last Olympics. She opens it. A short note falls out with a longer one.
Lainey reads the short message: I wrote this note for you the day of your first competition but for obvious reasons, it never made it to you. The sentiment still holds true.
Lainey opens the longer note.
CORY (V.O.)
Dear Lainey, You did it. You made it to the Olympics. If you're anything like me, you dreamt of being the best in your sport ever since you put on your first pair of skates. I can feel that you're nervous but you shouldn't be. You've trained for this moment. Trust in that and have fun. The crowd will be screaming for you no matter the results. And you were right that I shouldn't have come to this Olympics. My head isn't in the right place but if I hadn't come, I wouldn't have met you. I finally can't wait to see what the future holds. Together, I hope. Good luck tonight. Don't worry about falling. I'll catch you every time. Love, Cory
Cory's voice is OVER:
EXT. OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN AREA - START POINT - LATER
Cory's turn finally comes and the conditions are terrible. A fog enshrouds the mountain. Cory anxiously waits for the final call. And that's when there is a small lift in the fog. The officials give the thumbs up for him to do his run. Everyone races into position. Cory steps up into the starting gate. Cory's Coaches and Teammates cheer him on.
The starting bell goes off and Cory bursts out of the gate. The first third of the course is extremely steep and it's rough from all the previous skiers. Cory settles into his tuck and he enters a wall of fog. He's blanketed by the misty air, which envelops him in eerie silence. All he can hear are his skis cutting through the snow.
A tight corner appears before Cory's ready. He does his best to hold on to his tuck but the g-forces are taking him wider than he wants to go. He slips sideways a bit and rights himself as quickly as he can. He tucks down as tight as he can go and focuses on following the straightest line down the mountain. His speed picks up. It has started to snow at this point and he can't see a thing.
He tucks down in perfect timing to tackle the hill at the bottom. He takes it perfectly and he flies. He comes down fast and smooth and tucks in for the finish line.
Cory crosses the line. He can now see and hear the crowd. They're screaming at the top of their lungs. Cory's Mom Michelle waves with tears of joy.
Cory comes to a stop and sees his time. He's the fastest skier by an entire second. That's an eternity in downhill skiing. He smiles and looks around as if missing someone.
JOHN
Congrats Cory! Looks like you're back!
John gives Cory a big hug.
CORY
Thanks John. Sorry I took the gold from you.
JOHN
I can't always win. It wouldn't be fair to you.
They both laugh and put their arms up in victory. They head to the media line.
EXT. OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN AREA - MEDIA LINE - MOMENTS LATER
The media pummel Cory with questions. Michelle stands with the crowd watching, her face full of pride and happiness.
Michelle turns to the COUPLE next to her.
MICHELLE
That's my son.
The Couple cheers louder as does Michelle.
MEDIA LINE REPORTER
Cory! Cory! How does it feel to come back and win gold in the downhill?
Cory catches his breath. He suddenly looks emotional. He tries to regain his composure.
CORY
Hi Pat, it felt really good. Really good. The mountain was just perfect.
His voice cracks.
MEDIA LINE REPORTER
Do you know what's next for you after this Olympics?
CORY
I've been asked to join the U.S. Ski Team coaching staff.
MEDIA LINE REPORTER
You've come a long way in the last four years. Do you think your brother would be proud?
That does it. Cory fucking loses it. He can't even speak. Years of pent up emotion appear on his face. He has to fight hard to keep from sobbing. He grabs onto the rope separating him from the Media Line Reporter for support. He can see the surprise in the reporter's eyes. She's even tearing up. He manages a soft yes and turns away. He tears off one of his gloves to wipe his eyes.
And that's when Cory sees Lainey standing in front of him, waiting for him. He stands in shock, wondering if he's dreaming. She's crying too. He motions to let her through. She runs up to him. All of the journalists crowd around them.
LAINEY
Cory...
Before she can say another word, Cory takes her in his arms.
He starts to uncontrollably sob. His body spasms as all of the emotions of missing Lainey, losing his brother and winning the downhill gold converge.
The reporters are swarming them now--pushing in to try to record anything they say.
Cory pulls away and looks into Lainey's eyes. He can see her love for him.
CORY
I've always been here, waiting for you.
LAINEY
I needed time to find myself. Thank you for giving me that time. I think we've waited long enough, don't you?
They both smile in agreement and kiss, finally realizing the longing they've had for each other.
In the crowd, Michelle beams.
EXT. CABIN - FROZEN LAKE - DAY
Cory's POV: Lainey moves her body soulfully to Maggie Rogers' "Light On". She ice dances, spins and jumps, looking at peace and in love with what she's doing. Time is unencumbered.
Lainey does a back flip and then perfectly executes a sit spin and lays on the ice, out of breath and very happy. Cory appears on camera, lying down next to her, both in frame, smiling.
He looks at her. She looks at him. Lainey smiles wide and goes in for a kiss.
THE END
Thanks for going on this journey with Lainey and Cory and me! Love, Jane
YOU ARE READING
Olympic Conquest
Romance"You already are the person I want you to be. I see so much more in you that you won't allow yourself to see." Lainey is on her way to her first and probably only Olympics. At twenty-two, she has finally made the U.S. Figure Skating Team after yea...
