I wonder if I can ask you a question.
Ask me a question? What do you want to know?
Well. . . er. . . it is just. . . just that I. . .
Just what? Stop beating around the bush. Tell me what you want to know.
I. . . er. . . I just want to know if you could lend me a few bucks.
Lend you a few bucks? No way! Still remember the money you borrowed me last time?