She Wished Upon A Star

By Rebecca Winters

Was it Top Gun that got KATIE HOLMES' little tween heart pumping way back when? As a youngster, "I used to think I was going to marry TOM CRUISE," Holmes told Seventeen magazine last fall. Does Cruise read Seventeen? The action star, 42, is squiring the pert Dawson's Creek actress, 26, around Italy, with reps for both admitting they're "dating." Skeptics note the pair have summer films to promote--Batman Begins for her and War of the Worlds for him--making this a nice time to toss the paparazzi some A-list meat. Indeed, Cruise's exes--Oscar winner Nicole Kidman and Sahara star Penelope Cruz--have enjoyed boosts from being on his arm. So, Katie, dear, if the love affair doesn't last, the line on your resume will.