To (1) - Companies usually don't specifically ask a reference from previous boss based on my recent experience. They only asked references. Some companies might though.
To (2) - get your offer first. if one or two months or so, it is not bad. Or, just tell the truth that you got laid off which is not bad under current economy.
It actually doesn't make much sense to ask a reference from your previous boss. That is probably why many companies don't do it any more. Just think about how much percentage of people who change their job because they can not get along with their bosses.
Good luck.