There's a provider I've been wanting to see for a long time. Last year I had a date scheduled with her, but I had to cancel because I got really sick several days before our date.

She announced two weeks ago that she was going to be in my city next week (she's in the area a couple times a year). I quickly booked with her.

Yesterday I had a major expense fall on me that's going to force me to rein in all spending for awhile. That really should include my date with her, but I'm afraid if I cancel a second time she won't agree to see me again.

It's the rock and hard place.

What would you do?

If you are indeed in that position now...cancel.

If she comes around in a year or two hit her up.  Maybe she'll see you...maybe not.

Either way there's always another bus just around the corner.

Just don't pay with borrowed (or obligated) dollars.  It's not that important.

If the fiscal situation is that dyer, then tell her so.  She probably won't see you if you try again, but if you are cutting back anyways, then what's the difference?

On the other hand, if you go and spend foolishly, you'll probably not even enjoy yourself, so why bother?

Sorry to hear of your fiscal downturn.

I just need to cut back on spending for a bit while I cover the cost of a major, major car repair.  

I don't take hobby funds out of savings or general funds. My ex spent more than she made, so with the divorce I have extra money, usually enough for a $1500 date each month. That $1500 would come in handy right now, or at least would make paying the mechanic less painful.

I know she won't see me again if I cancel. That's why I lean against that idea. She looks really, really good and has really good reviews. If she's as good as advertised, she'd probably be someone I'd like to see again and again

Why not throw a small deposit down out of goodwill? That way cancel, you still have money left for car repairs, and if she's reputable, she'll be more inclined to allow a cancellation / future date?

I know none of your choices are good ones, but thought I'd throw that one out there.

...shortage, it sounds like you know that you can make it up by living frugally until you're back in the black.  

You can also look at it this way - you're using your savings/general to pay for the mechanic, not the hobby.  Robbing Peter to pay Paul isn't always a bad thing.

Don't pass up the chance to see her.

for real expenses but...  if you'd already had the date & money was gone, what would you do?  You'd pay all you could up front & put the rest on the Credit Card...  which you'd make the maximum payment you could afford until it's paid off.  And you'd put off future play dates until then.  
I don't know your details, but if it was ME, I'd have my play date & do as I said with the balance on the CC.   No one likes major bills but we all cope with them when we must.

I've always found when ever I HAD TO BE WITH A GIRL the fantasy far exceeded reality. Jerk off then decide how important it really really is.

Thanks for the additional  replies, everybody.

There was a provider I saw several times last year who was just fantastic. She did some things I thought were wrong, though, so I'm not seeing her, although I'd love to. The providers I've seen since have been disappointing, and not just in comparison. I'd like to find another who can be at least nearly as good. This one has the body, the style and, according to the reviews, the face and performance. If she's as good as the reviews, or even close, I'll repeat.

So, I'd really rather not shut her out if possible, as it seems to take a long time to find someone I like.

The car money isn't coming out of my primary savings. It's coming out of a rainy day fund, which what the car is. Still, I hate to tap that.

If the car repair is under $4000, I'll keep my date. If it goes north of $5000, I'll have to break it. (The date, not the car. I already did that)

spend my money on providers that I can see when I want to see them, not only once or twice a year when they visit.

I am totally sure she will appreciate that you let her know right away instead of waiting till last minute.. We understand things do happen and sometimes under unexpected circumstances, we have to cancel also..

Now that you've fully explained your situation, I suggest going for the date. You're not skipping meals/rent/mortgage/debt payment to cover your expense, so go ahead an dip into that rainy day fund and practice some self-restraint afterwards to replenish the fund. You mentioned your difficulty in meeting satisfying providers, so weighing the pros/cons, you can always work and earn a few grand, but that experience with her just might be priceless!