Here are some options depending on what you're looking for:
Similar Meaning (Delay/Lateness):
* "Lardy" (while not a real word, it sounds like "tardy" and could be humorous)
Sound Rhyme (Near Rhyme):
* "Garden trend" (not the same meaning, but rhymes phonetically)
* "Hardened friend" (meaning is different, but sounds similar)
Other Options:
* "Unkind friend" (plays on the idea of being a bad friend by being late)
* "Absent friend" (refers to a friend not being present)
Ultimately, the best rhyme depends on the context and the message you want to convey.