Good, you know." He nods as if to convince himself. "Solid. Dr. Ellison's are really good."
You smile. "She was one of my favorite teachers when I went here."
Gabriel's eyebrows go up. "You went here, too? What was it like? Were the classes hard then, too? Did you have an advisor who, like, actually advised you?" He blushes. "Sorry."
This is the first time you've seen Gabriel string together that many words, and it's to hint at a not-very-good relationship with Dr. Blankenship. He probably expects the same kind of treatment from you.
You offer Gabriel the folding chair in front of your desk. "I understand it's hard to do, but I'll best be able to help you if you tell me the truth about how Dr. Blankenship advised you. Or didn't, as the case may be."
Gabriel ignores the chair. "It's not appropriate for me to talk about Dr. Blankenship…"
"It is. You need to tell me how he dealt with you."
Gabriel scuffs his heel against his ankle. "Thanks, Dr. ., but Dr. Blankenship was fine." He looks at your desk. "You're busy. Sorry I bothered you."
He fades out of your office. You're going to have a challenge getting him to help you.
Oh, well. You've got work to do. Gabriel is a problem for another day.