Hello everyone,
I'm not exactly new, but not exactly super experienced here either.  I was hoping someone could help me with a pretty simple question.
I know you are never to talk about "rates" - but how do you handle the situation when the website advertises on rate, then there's a screen that says "special rate - call me"?  i don't want to be rude to the lady, and don't want to send the wrong message, but how do I make sure I'm not shorting her?  thanks a million for your help.

If she is saying "call me" then she is saying it's ok to ask over the phone. Not too bright but it happens all the time. In any event, asking a ladies rate for an hour of her time is really not the same thing as asking her what services she offers for that rate.

There is nothing wrong in calling up a provider and asking her, "I just wanted to make sure I know what your hourly rate is for your time". You have every right to know what your cost will be. You are not saying anything inappropriately if you phrase the question as I articulated.  

Now if the lady says her rates are available on her website, then dont press her further and check out her site. In the case you have cited, she is inviting you to call her (although I have never seen that statement on a site) to ask for her special rates. So do just that; say, "I noticed on your website you are offering a special rate and wanted to make sure I understood correctly your companionship cost for your time prior to our appointment". You should get the answer you seek.

Its all semantics. You know why you are seeing her. She knows why you are seeing her. You just have to go through the session without articulating why you are seeing each other. It's all quietly understood.

Her answer might be take $50 off my posted rates which, is not a direct answer.

When you meet, let her know you saw her ad on XYZ.  Make the donation match.  Be prepared that Special sometimes expire before your date...  but she should honor it if it does not say a expiration.  
skb