Hopes Dashed

So I just found out (through unofficial channels, but it's official enough) that the job that I really really wanted went to someone else.

I don't understand - it seemed to be a perfect fit. I had impeccable references for this organization, I completely hit it off with the manager, I had a great meeting with the CEO last week, and my experience lined up perfectly with the job description. I had even heard through the grapevine that I was the only candidate that they brought back to meet the CEO.

I guess that turned out to be false, huh?

The bottom line is, I'm worried. I'm concerned that my former boss is trashing me to potential employers. I emailed him a while ago to ask him to provide references when requested, and he never responded. I have to wonder: if this is the case, how am I ever going to find something new? I work in a very small professional community, and I'm terrified that someone is ruining my reputation, phone call by phone call.

I have one more ball in the air - I have a second phone interview next week, but I truly feel like this job is a long shot.

So, today is a bad day. I'm incredibly disappointed, and really really sad.

ETA: Suspicions confirmed. My old boss is out there slamming me. The job was mine, they were prepared to make an offer until they talked to him. I'm horrified, absolutely horrified.