It's also very possible they had been working on it already and wanted to compare notes, I certainly would if I were working on something internal and found a similar project, but I agree, ask them for a consultation fee. I don't see why they wouldn't pay it.
Both projects also share in license, so I have less of an issue with it personally. They're both MIT licensed.
Both projects also share in license, so I have less of an issue with it personally. They're both MIT licensed.