He called his friends to tell them he would be late.
Do you think he wants to be late?
I think he wants to be late because he doesn't want to come over
Well, at least he's still coming!  It was nice of him to give you a heads up about being late too.  That's pretty considerate.
That's not what eventually happened, he never made it.
It is sad he didn't make it. Do you think you could ask him to be honest next time if he doesn't feel like coming? I think that would be easier than making up stories don't you?