Frankel's Real Housewives of New York City cast mate and The Millionaire Matchmker's Patti Stanger weigh in on the reported new romance

Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Patti Stanger Dish on Rumors That Bethenny Frankel Is Dating Eric Stonestreet

Could Bethenny Frankel and Eric Stonestreet be a match made in TV heaven? According to Frankel’s friends, don’t discount the possibility!

When chatter began last week that the Skinnygirl mogul and the Modern Family actor might be in a budding relationship, Frankel made light of the notion. “Wow, #somanyboyfriendssolittletime,” she Tweeted at Stonestreet, who responded with “Hey @Bethenny. I’m a big fan. Can I get a follow?”

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But just because they’re not an official item yet, doesn’t mean her friends haven’t considered the possibility.

“I went for a swim with her yesterday on the beach,” Frankel’s pal and Real Housewives of New York cast mate LuAnn de Lesseps told PEOPLE this weekend at former Housewife Jill Zarin‘s annual Luxury Ladies Luncheon to benefit the Eric Trump Foundation, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation and ITOG group.

“I didn’t even bring it up,” she says of Frankel’s rumored romance. “I don’t know if it’s true. I can’t picture her with that guy, but I’m sure he’s a wonderful, lovely man.”

RELATED VIDEO: Is Bethenny Frankel Dating Modern Family Star Eric Stonestreet?

Meanwhile, pal and Millionaire Matchmaker star Patti Stanger is a little more optimistic.

“They’re both strong, powerful, and both make money,” the relationship expert told PEOPLE at the event. “It’s an unusual pairing, but Eric is hysterical and funny [guys] can get the hot girls.”

A source recently told PEOPLE that the two are “hanging out, having fun, and [Bethenny] likes his company.”