Job Interview With an Ex

I'm scheduled to interview a few applicants for the job of master carpenter, and among them is the name of my ex. hmmm... I can't wait to see the look on his face when he sees me. After 9 years, there's a lot I'd like to ask him. He walks in and stops when he sees me... Me: Hello, Ex. Ex: Lin? I had no idea you were working here. Me: (with a sly smile I say...) Why would you? We've not spoken to each other in years. Ex: Yeah, sorry about that. I guess we've both moved on. Me: (with a 'skeptical' look I reply...) I certainly have, but let's keep this professional, shall we? To begin, tell me your work experience over the last 5 years. Ex: It's been a bit slow, you know since the pandemic began. Me: Are you saying you've been unemployed some of those years or all of them? Ex: I tried to work as often as I could, but you know me. Me: No, I don't. I thought I did, but you stopped being open with me long ago. Can we just stick to the reason you're here? Ex: I don't know. Can we? You seem to have animosity for the way things ended with us. Me: (trying to control the twitch in my jaw...) I assure you that I'm capable of interviewing you for this job with a fair and open mind, based on your credentials, or lack thereof. Ex: (smirking...) Then fire away! Me: Our clients depend on our services being delivered in a timely manner. Do you have a propensity for good work ethics, or for procrastinating like you always.... Ex: And there it is! The animosity you are holding on to. Lin, I don't blame you. You have the right to question me, not just if I'm qualified for this job, but for everything that went wrong with us. Believe me or not, but I've changed. Me: I'm not here to judge your technical abilities, because I have first hand knowledge that you have the ability to do what this job demands of our employees, but I have the responsibility to question all applicants for their character. I'm not holding a grudge. That's not MY character. Do you have references from the last few jobs you've held? Ex: I've included them with my resume, if you'd look more closely. Me: (feeling heat rising as I give him one of the looks he knows so well...) Would you just answer instead of being snarky with me? Ex: Sure, if you stop treating me like I'm still doing everything wrong. Me: (raised eyebrows are all I needed in response to that) Ex: Okay, I admit I made mistakes when we were together, but if you can't forgive me for that, there's no use in you questioning me any further for this job. Me: I forgave you years ago. It's the only way I could move on. The hurt was intolerable, but maybe you're right about still holding on to anger. We had so many dreams that were left unfulfilled, and I always wondered, 'What if...' Ex: (sincerely, he said...) I really am sorry... Me: (sighing...) I guess there was no way I could've interviewed you without getting personal, and that's not professional of me, so I'm sorry. Actually, I'm glad we had the chance to get closure today. Are you still interested in answering my interview questions? Ex: (he smiles that charming smile that I'd missed so much. The one that makes his green eyes sparkle as he says...) "Yes, more than ever."