Olympic Conquest

Lainey - Lessons in Love

"Vail is so beautiful. It sparkles," I say as we look out over the mountain town and watch the sun's rays bounce off the fresh snow that fell overnight. "Do you remember the first time you skied?"

Cory puts his arms around me. I feel his warmth and snuggle in close to him. I could sit like this forever, wrapped in his arms. We look out at the mountain that holds both good and bad memories for him. "I don't remember ever not skiing. My parents worked ski patrol and they would carry us both on their backs as they skied. We had our own skis as soon as we could walk. My dad had them specially made because we were so small."

"That sounds ridiculously cute. I wish I could have known you as a kid and watched you become the best skier in the world."

"Nah, you probably wouldn't have liked me very much. All I cared about was going fast."

"I would have had a mad crush on you, I'm sure – the hot guy racing down the mountain."

"And I would have been clueless. I understood the mountain. Girls on the other hand ..."

"That's okay. I would have never admitted that I liked you."

We both laugh. "Two lost souls ..." Cory whispers.

"How does anyone find each other?" I ask.

"By some miracle, I suppose."

Cory squeezes me tighter. We hold each other and take in the beauty of the snow-capped mountain and the skiers racing down it.

"I've always been afraid of skiing. Every time I try to ski, I always feel so out of control. Do you ever feel out of control?" I ask.

"Always. I want to constantly be pushing the limits of my skis and my body and my mind. The faster the better."

"I want absolute control with my skating. I can't stand it when I feel out of control. I want everything precise. Absolutely perfect."

"We're not that different. We're both seeking control in different ways."

"Maybe because the rest of our lives are out of control?"

"Maybe ..."

"Do you want to ski again?" I know this is a sensitive topic but Cory needs to figure out how to move ahead. The more he pushes it away, the longer it will take for him to get his life back on track. "The one thing I've learned is that I can't run from my problems."

"That's funny. Because aren't you running now?"

I turn to face Cory. "What do you mean?"

"You have the world at your feet at the moment. You're an Olympic champion. Yet, you're running from all of the opportunities it can bring to you."

"I'm not running. I want to be with the person I love. I don't consider that running. Can't I do both? Be with the man I love and have the career I want?"

"Being at the top doesn't last forever. This is your moment Lainey. You need to grasp it while it's here. You should take everything that is being offered to you and enjoy it. You've worked so hard. Part of winning is celebrating your accomplishments."

"I know but I've never felt this way about anyone my entire life. I don't want to lose you. I'm afraid that if we aren't together that what we have won't last."

"If we're meant to be, we'll be together. Don't try to control us like you do your skating. I know you try to achieve perfection in your sport but not everything in life is perfect. I don't want you to use our relationship as an excuse to not put yourself out there and take your dreams as far as they can go."

"Why can't we tackle it all together?"

"Don't you have events you want to do and more competitions? You have your own injury you need to take care of."

"It doesn't feel right to just leave you knowing you're in pain."

Cory loosens his grip on me. I can feel him growing distant. He takes his time to answer. "It's not your responsibility to fix me Lainey. I need to fix myself. Right now, I can't imagine ever going down that mountain – any mountain, but it's up to me to figure out how to ski those slopes again. I love that you want to be here for me. And I know that love won't go away just because we're apart. I will feel it every day, no matter where you are. Will you do something for me?"

"Anything."

"Go and be a success. Take every reward you're given and enjoy it. Give everyone that beautiful smile I can't stop thinking about. Have fun. It may be the only time you will ever have this opportunity. Don't miss it. I'll be waiting for you. I promise."

I reach out and take Cory's hand. I appreciate his patience and confidence that we will make it despite the distance. An idea occurs to me. "Okay. On one condition."

"Anything."

"Ha! Anything? Now I may need to change my answer." We both laugh. I entwine my fingers with his. "When we're both recovered from our surgeries and you're back on that mountain, which I know you will be someday, will you teach me to ski?"

He laughs even harder. "I would love to teach you to ski."

"Why is that funny? I bet I'll kick your ass."

"Just like my brother. I have no doubt."

"It's a date then. Mark your calendar. I need to warn you that I'm a terrible skier."

"I figured."

"Wow, and this is how you seduce a woman? You may need some lessons in love."

He pulls me hard against him.

"How about I teach you what I know?"

My body trembles in anticipation at the thought.

"As your coach, I think we need to start your training with a full body massage. Your muscles feel a little tight."

"They do, do they?" I smile, looking forward to feeling his hands massaging my body.

"Very tight. I know just the place where we can loosen them up."

"Why don't you take me somewhere we can really relax. I'd like to feel every bit of this massage."

Cory turns on the engine and I settle in behind him. He whisks us off to a place where we can create memories that will carry us through the next few months.