The "lie"/"lay" argument only holds good in the US. No one in my part of the world (either of them) would ever say "I'm going to lay down". Just ain't natcharule.
Anyway, back to Helen's original question. The problem is that "Can I ask you a question?" is a closed question in itself. There are only three possible answers (staying away from facetious responses): "Yes", "No" and ... silence.
The one I like, because it plays straight into my hands (rub, rub, evil leer), is "Are you free?".
What kind of a question is that? Still, it's asked all the time. I have a set of responses which I trot out depending on circumstances:
"No." That one is a real show-stopper and when used leads to consternation on the part of the questioner, because s/he generally doesn't know what to say next.
"Of course. Slavery was abolished long before I was born." This one generally results in nervous titters. If I think it's appropriate
, I then add "But I sold out and became a wage slave anyway." At this point the interlocutor quite often gives up. This is generally my intention.
"No, of course not. D'you think I don't get paid for this crap?" Accompanied by holding your hand out, of course. I've actually had one woman reach into her purse at that point ...
"No, it cost me too much to get my body into this shape not to want some payback." Those of you who have met me will understand the confusion this engenders.
And lots of variations. Try it, especially in a work situation. My boss once asked me if I was free, and I asked him if that meant there was no paycheck at the end of the month.
You gotta find your fun where you can, don't you?
