Reese Witherspoon and Britney Spears have a handful of things in common: They're both blond; they both have two kids; and, they're both relentlessly pursued by the paparazzi. But do they also share a weakness for the often-sour puss of Ryan Phillippe?

Tongues began a-wagging Tuesday night when Reese's scruffy ex was spied exiting Los Angeles hotspot Les Deux within a couple of minutes of Spears, who was kitted out in a typically classy ensemble of a see-through shirt, lace bra (small mercies, people, small mercies), pelvis-skimming jeans and unsightly platinum blond doll hair extensions (she accessorized with a pack of Marlboro Lights).

The London Sun claims Britney, who late last month was seen in the company of fellow Promises rehab grad Howie Day (Us reports the musician just checked back in for a refresher course), spent the evening "chasing" the actor around the nightspot, while "Extra" ponders whether they're mere proximity could mean they're an "undercover couple."

People, however, says the tabloid-courting, trainwreck-prone popster was simply enjoying a "fun girls' night out with her pals."

According to the mag, she partied into the wee small hours, "never even bothering to greet" Phillippe. (At least this keeps him from dropping even lower in our estimation than he did after he was photographed with teen actress Nikki Reed and was rumored to be hanging with Lindsay Lohan.)

"Britney was dancing like crazy and in a great mood," recounts a spywitness. "She seemed like she was on top of the world and wanted everyone to see her."

(Spears? Wanting to be the center of attention? We're shocked, we tell ya, shocked!)

Brit may have spent oodles of time boogeying down with her friends, but she apparently couldn't spare a few minutes to pop by and see her mother.

The New York Daily News says the Britster "refused" to visit mom Lynne Spears, who was reportedly hospitalized recently with pneumonia.

Maybe Lynne can take comfort in the latest Letter of Truth her deep-thought-sharing daughter posted on her Web site.

"The reason for this letter is to let everyone know that their prayers have truly helped me," the suddenly eloquent, former Mrs. Federline ostensibly writes. "I am so blessed that you care enough about me to be concerned and will continue to live in this brighter state with all of you by my side during this trying time."

The message, which appears over a picture of a topless and white-gloved Spears sporting a blonde bob (the text covers her all too familiar naughty bits), continues, "We are all lights of the world and we all need to continuously inspire others and look to the higher power. You are all in my prayers. Godspeed. Love, Britney."

Can we get an amen? Didn't think so.

Next: Splitsville for Jessica and John