Hola Diane

In this question

El señor Ramírez la atendería, pero desafortunadamente tiene otra cita. 

Mr. Ramírez would see you, but unfortunately he's got another appointment.

The hint is mentioning a wish in the present because it is Mr Ramírez wish/intention to see her now but [unfortunately] he can't because he has another appointment.

A similar sentence expressing this kind of wish/intention of something happening at the moment of speaking would be for example:

Yo te prestaría el dinero, pero todavía no he cobrado este mes.

I'd lend you the money, but [the thing is] I haven't got my salary yet this month.

I hope this clarified it.

Saludos

Inma