NAMES & FACES

The Ex-Prez & His Prime-Time Pal

The new odd couple?

Eyebrows hit the roof earlier this week when Teri Hatcher ,42, and George H.W. Bush ,82, were spotted lunching together in Beverly Hills. Shots of the twosome chatting and kissing goodbye -- on the cheek, folks -- in the Los Angeles Country Club's parking lot have surfaced all over the Web.

Turns out that's not the only time they've met up. The "Desperate Housewives" actress, with daughter Emerson, visited the Bush compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, last year, Bush spokeswoman Jean Becker told us yesterday. "They spent two, maybe three nights at Walker's Point this summer," she said, and added that a return visit is likely.

So, what gives? The former president and the prime-time TV star have been friends since they met in Vegas a few years ago, Becker said. Um, Vegas?! Bush was seated next to Hatcher at the grand opening gala for one of Steve Wynn's new hotels in Sin City and, apparently, they hit it off.

"They enjoy each other's company. It's sort of one of those random things," Becker said. "It's not about politics -- they have a very personal and friendly relationship." The pals keep in touch mostly through e-mail but occasionally meet up in person.

This time around, Bush was in Los Angeles to receive the Ronald Reagan Freedom Award and invited Hatcher to lunch before the ceremony. Becker pointed out that the two weren't dining alone: Bush family pal Brad Freeman (and a few Secret Service agents) joined them.

We're told Bush wanted us to know that wife Barbara" loves Teri," said Becker. "We all love Teri."

Wrapping Up a Trying Day

A grand jury investigation can't keep him down.

A very friendly Scooter Libby and 10 of his pals -- including attorney Ted Wells-- took over a table Thursday night at Brasserie Les Halles. Our source says the veep's former chief of staff happily chatted up well-wishers who approached the group while he sipped multiple Grey Goose vodkas on the rocks.

Libby -- in a well-tailored black topcoat and dark suit -- and his crew had a "legal air" about them as they downed drinks but passed on food. Came straight from the courthouse, eh guys?

Also spotted . . .